The Alpha's forbidden omega mate - Chapter 72: Chapter 72

Derek's POV:
I took a deep breath, trying to calm my nerves as I went to my father's office.
The air felt heavy, and my heart was pounding in my chest. But I had to do this – for the pack, and for the truth.
I knocked on the big wooden door. “Father? It’s me, Derek. We need to talk.”
After a second, a gruff voice said, “Come in.”
I opened the door and stepped inside.
My Father, the Alpha, was sitting at his desk, frowning as he looked over some papers.
“Derek,” he said, without looking up. “What is it?”
I took another deep breath. “Father, we need to talk about Rowan. And… about the Kezrach Larva.”
Father’s head snapped up, his eyes narrowing.
“What about them?” he asked sharply.
I swallowed hard but stood my ground. “I know the truth, Father. About Rowan’s mission and what the Kezrach Larva really is.”
His face darkened, and he stood up, his movements tense.
“What are you talking about, Derek?” he growled, his voice low and dangerous.
I looked him straight in the eye.
“Rowan is on a secret mission, Father. He’s working with the Drakhor Clan to find out the truth about the Kezrach Larva. He’s trying to find a way to break the curse that’s hurting our pack. He’s doing this to help you.”
Father’s eyes widened for a second, and I thought I saw a flicker of fear.
“Curse?” he spat. “Don’t be ridiculous!”
I straightened my shoulders.
“It’s not ridiculous, Father. The Kezrach Larva… it’s not just a sickness. It’s a curse, a spiritual curse that’s been passed down through our family for generations. Rowan is trying to help.”
Father’s face twisted with anger, and he slammed his fist on the desk. It made me flinch.
“Lies!” he roared. “I won’t have you spreading these rumors about our pack!”
I held my ground, refusing to back down. This is for Rowan. I thought.
“It’s not a rumor, Father. It’s the truth. Rowan… he’s the one who has to fight this. He’s the one who has to break the curse and save the pack.”
Father’s face turned red, and I saw a vein throbbing on his forehead.
“Rowan?” he spat, his voice full of venom. “That traitor? He’s behind this, isn’t he? Trying to take my place!”
I shook my head, my heart pounding. “No, Father, you’re wrong! Rowan is doing this for the good of the pack! He’s the next Alpha; he has to be the one to break the curse.”
Father let out a cold laugh that sent chills down my spine. “Next Alpha? Ha! He’s weak! He’s a disgrace to our family! I’ll make him pay for this!”
Before I could say anything else, the door burst open. It was my uncle Jarrett, the pack’s Beta. He looked serious, his eyes full of concern.
“Marcus, what’s going on?” he demanded, looking around the room. “I heard yelling.”
Father spun around, his eyes wild.
“Jarrett, thank goodness you’re here! This traitor,” he spat, pointing at me, “is spreading lies about some Larva! We have to stop him before he hurts the pack!”
Uncle Jarrett frowned and turned to me, his expression questioning. “Derek, what’s this about?”
I took a deep breath, looking at him calmly.
“It’s the truth, Uncle Jarrett. Rowan’s on a mission, working with the Drakhor Clan to figure out what the Kezrach Larva curse really is.”
Uncle Jarrett’s eyes widened, and I saw a flash of understanding in them.
“A curse?” he whispered.
Father snarled at me. “Lies! This is treachery, Derek, and I won’t tolerate it! You and Rowan are both traitors!”
Before I could react, Uncle Jarrett stepped forward. “Stop it, Marcus. Derek’s telling the truth.”
Father spun around, his face contorted with fury. “You too, Jarrett? Have you all turned against me?”
Jarrett held up a hand, his voice firm but calm. “No one’s turning against you, Marcus. But we need to face the truth, for the good of the pack.”
Father let out a mean laugh, his eyes narrowed. "The truth? The only truth I see is my own family turning against me!"
Jarrett’s face hardened, and I saw a flash of pity in his eyes. "Marcus, you need to listen. The Kezrach Larva… it’s not just a sickness. It’s hurting your soul, brother! Your kids are just trying to help you!"
Father growled, his eyes wild.
"I won’t listen to this garbage! The Kezrach Larva is nonsense. Whoever started that rumor will pay! And I’ll start with that traitor, Rowan!”
Jarrett stepped forward, his voice strong.
“Marcus, listen to reason! Rowan is the rightful Alpha. You took his place because of that sickness! You were convinced he was a threat!”
Father snarled, his claws coming out as he moved toward Jarrett.
“I won’t hear another word! Rowan’s a disgrace to our family, and I won’t let him challenge me! He’ll pay for betraying me, and so will you, Jarrett!”
My heart was pounding as I watched them. I had to do something before things got out of control.
“Father, please,” I begged, stepping forward.
“You have to understand. Rowan is doing this for the pack, to save us!”
Father whirled around, his eyes blazing with anger.
“Save us? The only one who needs saving is you, Derek! How dare you defy me!”
He lunged, his claws slashing at me.
I braced myself, Uncle Jarrett jumped in front of me, his own claws extended to block Father’s attack.
“Enough, Marcus!” he growled, his voice deep and dangerous.
“This has to stop! Listen to reason! Think about the pack!”
Father roared in frustration, his eyes narrowing with hate. “Reason? I don’t care about reason! I just want to get rid of the weakness and betrayal in this pack. And that starts with you two!”
I felt a chill run down my spine. I was ready to fight to protect myself and Uncle Jarrett.
But the Beta held up a hand, his face serious.
“Marcus, listen to me. You’re the Alpha, our leader. But you’re also family. We can’t turn against each other, not when we’re facing such a huge danger.”
Father laughed bitterly, his eyes full of malice.
“Family? You think that matters to me? All that matters is the strength of the Magnus pack! And Rowan, that weakling, is a danger to everything I’ve worked for!”
Jarrett’s expression hardened. I saw pity in his eyes.
“You’re wrong, Marcus. Rowan isn’t the danger—it’s the Kezrach Larva, the curse that’s been hurting our pack for generations.”
Father snarled, his claws flexing. “Curse? There’s no curse! There’s only my will! And I won’t let anyone stand in my way, not even my own son.”
He sighed, waving us away. “Both of you, dismissed.”