The Alpha's forbidden omega mate - Chapter 34: Chapter 34

Derek POV:
My head was a mess. So much had happened in the last few days that I could barely keep up. Rowan had become the alpha of our pack like we always knew he would.
But then everything went wrong so quickly. Rowan lost his temper and Marcus took back control, just like that.
Now Rowan was locked in the jail cells below the hotel, and Marcus was in charge again. I hated seeing my little brother locked up like a criminal.
Rowan didn't mean any trouble, he just cared way too much about Catrina and their pup on the way. We all knew how much being with his true mate meant to him.
I couldn't stop walking around my room, messing up my hair with my hands. Ever since Marcus took me in after my parents died, things had been rough.
He wasn't exactly Mr. Sunshine and always seemed to favor Rowan.
I tried not to care, but sometimes it was hard not to feel jealous.
Rowan was locked up like a criminal, and I had to help him. With a big sigh, I left my room and headed downstairs to the jail cells.
Two giant guards stood guard at the door, looking at me like I was in trouble the moment I got close.
"Let me see Rowan," I demanded. "I'm his brother, and I'm next in line to be the beta. I gotta talk to the new alpha."
The guards looked at each other, unsure. "But Alpha Marcus said..." one mumbled.
I narrowed my eyes. "Are you saying no to the future beta? I don't think Marcus would be happy about that."
They grumbled some more, but finally unlocked the door.
"You got five minutes," one warned as I walked in.
The jail was dark and gross. It smelled like dirty socks and something worse. In the last cell, I saw Rowan all slumped over in the corner. His head was in his hands.
"Hey," I said quietly.
Rowan's head popped up like someone surprised him.
"Derek?" he croaked, his voice all scratchy. "How long has it been?"
I pretended to smile. "Just a few days. You're lucky wolves heal fast, or you'd be a goner by now."
Rowan tried to laugh, but it sounded more like a cough. He came closer to the bars. He looked tired and scruffy, not like his usual handsome self.
"Have you heard anything about Catrina?" he asked worriedly.
I shook my head, my fake smile disappearing. "Nobody's telling me anything. Maybe Isabelle sent her away, but that's just a guess."
Rowan gripped the bars tightly, his fingers turning white. "I have to get out of here, Derek. I have to find Catrina before something bad happens to her."
I scuffed my shoe on the ground, not sure what to say. "Marcus is being super strict ever since you flipped out. Breaking you out wouldn't be easy..."
"Please, bro," Rowan pleaded, his eyes begging.
"You're all I got. Help me escape so I can find my mate and pup."
His words hurt, reminding me how Dad always favored him. But seeing Rowan so desperate, how could I say no?
I sighed. "Okay, fine. But promise you won't do anything crazy once you're free, alright?"
Rowan practically squeezed the bars in his relief. "You're the best! I promise I'll be careful, I just gotta find Catrina."
"Alright, listen up," I said quickly.
"Tomorrow night, when the moon is super high, the guards change shifts. That's your chance to run. I’ll hide some stuff in the woods - food, water, clothes. Head far away and stay hidden until things cool down."
Rowan nodded soaking up every word. I felt a pang of guilt for helping him escape, knowing what might happen if we got caught.
But I had to hope it was the right thing to do. Maybe Rowan could find Catrina and convince her to stay in Magnus.
Our pack needed a good leader, and Rowan was the rightful alpha.
"I promise I'll be careful," Rowan vowed. "And I'll make this up to you, I swear it."
I pushed down my worries and forced a smile.
"You better get some sleep, big guy. Big night tomorrow." Then I left the cell, trying to act brave even though I was nervous.
The next night, I couldn't stay still in my room. I kept walking back and forth, watching the clock tick closer and closer to Rowan's escape time.
Part of me hoped he'd back out, so we wouldn't be in trouble if they caught us.
But I knew Rowan - once he decided on something, there was no stopping him.
Finally, it was time. I snuck out of my room when it was super dark and headed to the jail cells, wearing a long coat to hide my face.
The guard change happened just like I planned. The new guards were busy arguing over a game, and the old ones just grumbled and left when their shift ended.
I tiptoed to Rowan's cell and tapped the bars softly.
"Hey," I whispered. "It's time to go."
Rowan stepped out of the darkness. He looked skinny and tired, but his eyes were determined.
I took out a special tool I had hidden and quickly unlocked the cell door.
"Go, now! Before anyone notices you're missing," I whispered.
Rowan grabbed my shoulder and squeezed it tight. "Thanks for helping me, Derek. I'll let you know as soon as I find Catrina."
Then he disappeared into the night, moving silently like he always did when hunting.
I let out a big breath, hoping this was the best thing to do. Our pack had been fighting too much lately.
Nobody noticed Rowan was gone until the next morning. I took a deep breath, glad there wasn't a panic yet. But I knew I couldn't relax for long - they'd find out eventually.
Right at noon, Marcus burst into my room, looking like he might explode. "Where is he?" he yelled.
"Who?" I asked slowly, playing dumb.
Marcus' face turned as dark as a storm cloud. "You rotten little traitor! You'll be sorry for this, I promise. As for Rowan and that pathetic omega whore, they'll both face severe punishment once they're found."