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AFTER DERRICK, AIDEN, and Olsen searched the park where Maria’s mother went missing, he picked up a wolf scent and a magical sent together. The wolf scent came from the north, one of the other alpha’s betas had been here. His wolf roared with anger at the fact that a wolf from another pack had entered his territory without permission. Keeping a tight border was harder than ever living in modern cities.
Walter demanded to come on the rescue trip and Derrick had convinced Olsen and Alia to tag along to help with the numbers. However, having Maria’s brother come made him a bit nervous. He didn’t know the male very well, but he put stock in Walter wanting to keep Maria safe. Derrick focused on the road while Maria rested her head on his shoulders, her brother sitting to her right. He liked having Maria close to him, his wolf liked it even more. Alia fidgeted in her seat without having Aura in the car and Derrick wondered what kind of father he would be.
Soon they would meet with Zane Montatello, the alpha of the pack north of them. Derrick’s wolf didn’t want another alpha near his mate.
Derrick had no clue what they were driving into, and having his mate in danger made him nervous. He had wanted a mate for so long, yet with Maria at his side, an odd sensation of feeling ill-equipped to protect her had taken hold. Being the alpha, he was called on mostly to show off his brute force and strength, but with Maria he had to be more in tune with his emotions.
Zane sat at the boarder of his territory with two males in their wolf form on either side of him. His dark brown eyes met Derrick’s gaze and he nodded once and mouthed something only his pack heard.
“Stay in the truck.” Derrick parked before the border line. He kissed Maria and then climbed out to face Zane.
“The backup wasn't necessary,” Derrick said as he motioned to the other wolves.
“Another alpha comes to town, I'm going to be smart.” Zane folded his arms in front of his chest, Zane would only meet with them on Derrick’s land and not on his. Something about the last time he trusted an alpha on his land he was challenged. Maria climbed out of the truck and stood next to Derrick, he had had a feeling his little mate wouldn’t listen to him.
“We aren't here for you.” Derrick grabbed his mate’s hand while Zane’s eyes roamed up and down Maria’s body. His wolf growled in response.
“I know.” Zane motioned something and a female climbed out of a sleek King Ranch pick up. The woman had long grey hair flowing in the wind. She held her head high as she strolled toward Derrick.
“Hello,” the woman said with a short nod. His wolf’s hair rose up when her scent met his nose.
“Do you have her here?” Derrick asked cutting to the chase. He didn't do small talk with strangers.
“We don't have Maria’s mother now. Although we were asked to collect her.”
“Where is she?” Derrick growled. Maria’s grip tightened on his hand.
“She is with her old coven to explain why she left. She isn't in any danger.” The woman cleared her throat making him nervous.
“Miss Alia Lyco needs to come out of the truck so that she, Miss Maria Lukrin and I can have a chat. And please don't make me use force.” Her eyes seemed to twinkle with delight.
“Come on out, Olsen,” Derrick clenched his first as he took in his surrounding before he motioned for his second in command to come out.
“Hello, my name is Kerine. I'm the local elder and you two have been using magic without permission.”
“I apologize. I had no idea your coven patrolled so far north.” Alia placed her hand over her heart.
“I had no clue about magic until recently.” Maria fidgeted next to Derrick.
“Interesting,” Kerine said like she was pondering what to do. Her grey hair flowed in the wind giving a crazy look to the older witch.
“Can you just tell where this coven is?” Maria’s strong voice made Derrick proud of her for being so brave.
“Her coven is near Kansas City.” Kerine narrowed her eyes toward Walter. “You, come here.”
“Why?” Walter stood tall and didn’t move.
“Because I said so. Don’t make me resort to other measures. I can assure you it will not be pleasant.” Kerine lifted her hand a little bit.
“He had nothing to do with this. He doesn’t use magic.” Maria’s voice rose in anger.
“Are you sure, Maria?” Kerine glanced at Maria with one eye brow raised. Maria let go of Derrick and marched toward her brother.
“Who is lying, Walter?” Maria growled. Walter didn’t meet her gaze. Instead he walked over toward Kerine and then strolled toward her truck. Maria watched in shock as he walked away. When the door closed, she shook her head and started to follow him. Derrick grabbed her before she crossed the border. If she stepped over the invisible line she’d be in a lot of danger and he’d kill to protect her. Killing on another’s land wasn’t something to be taken lightly.
“Get your ass out here and tell me what the hell is going on!” Maria yelled as she tried to get away from Derrick.
“My dear, when you thought he served in the Marines, he learned magic with me.” Kerine smirked and then it vanished. “I have one question for you ladies before I take my leave.”
“What?” Derrick growled. Her eyes snapped up to meet his gaze for a second. He didn’t like this woman one bit.
“Alia and Maria, will you be trying to form your own coven in your town or will you be joining another coven?”
“We would like to start our own but we will not contest your land. We just want the area surrounding our town.” Alia stood tall.
“No, my pack borders are the lines the coven needs.” Derrick didn’t want this woman on his land if he could help it. “The coven will be protected by my pack and will not be needing any seekers.”
“Does the mutt speak for you?” Kerine snapped. Zane narrowed his eyes on the old woman at the comment.
“I agree with his terms. Take it or I will go to the UCA.” Alia stood her ground. The United Coven Alliance or UCA were in charge of every coven residing in the States and some in Mexico and Canada.
“Deal.” Kerine nodded once then headed for the truck. Before she climbed in, she glanced back toward Maria. “Your mother is in Virginia. Also, someone will be coming from my coven to make sure you are obeying the rules until your coven is fully formed.” With that she climbed in to the King Ranch pick-up and everyone went quiet.
“Well now it’s settled, have fun on the east coast with the other coven.” Zane motioned for them to move along. The alpha returned to his truck and drove off leaving the two beta wolves at the border. Maria stopped fighting Derrick as her brother left with Zane and Kerine.
“I’m such a fool. How will I tell my father and brother about this?” Maria wiped at her eyes.
“We will figure it out.” Derrick pulled her against his body. “Let’s get out of here.”
Maria faced Derrick. “Everything is so messed up,” Maria choked out.
“I will fix what I can. I will make you happy, Maria.” Derrick kissed her. I have to find her mother. He leaned down and as he kissed her hair he caught something different about her scent. Derrick inhaled deeply, trying to figure out the difference. After a moment, it clicked. A surge of pride filled Derrick. I’m going to be a dad!