Stuck with the enemy

"He's the son of the Rogue King. My sworn enemy. And if he's truly dead, it means his pack will seek revenge. That's why they are attacking us..."

I blinked, my heart pounding so hard it felt like it would break through my ribs. "What?" My voice broke as panic surged through me, fresh tears spilling down my cheeks. "I'm so sorry. I—I didn't mean—"

"No," I gasped, shaking my head. The weight of his words crushed me, and tears began to blur my vision. "No, I didn't mean for this to happen. I didn't—"

"Stop." Derek crossed the room in a flash, crouching in front of me as his hands rested firmly on my shoulders. "Look at me."

I couldn't. My head was spinning, and the guilt in my chest threatened to swallow me whole.

"Deniz," he said again, his tone soft but commanding, forcing my gaze to meet his. "This isn't your fault. Do you understand me? You did what you had to do to survive. You defended yourself. You saved your own life."

I shook my head, the weight of guilt and fear overwhelming me. "But this is my fault. If I hadn't—"

"You defended yourself," Derek cut in again, his voice rising just enough to silence my protests. " That's nothing to apologize for." He paused, his thumb brushing away a tear that had slipped down my cheek.

"But now they'll attack the city," I whispered, my voice breaking.

"That's my burden to carry," Derek replied, his jaw tightening. "Not yours. It's my job to protect this pack, and that includes you. This isn't their first attack, and it won't be the last. But you have my word, Deniz. They won't succeed."

I stared at him, his words settling over me like a fragile shield. His confidence was unshakable, his presence steadying.

"I promise you, we'll handle whatever comes next. Everyone is safe here." he added, his voice softer now.

"Do you believe me?" he asked.

I nodded slowly, unable to form words.
For a moment, the weight lifted, and I allowed myself to believe him.

I took a deep breath, steadying myself as the storm of emotions inside me settled. Derek's steady presence helped, but there was something else gnawing at the edge of my thoughts—a question I couldn't push away.

"I need to ask you something," I said softly, testing the waters.

Derek tilted his head, his sharp blue eyes locking onto mine. "Go ahead," he replied, his tone encouraging but cautious.

I hesitated, but I couldn't let this go. "Does Leo have a brother?" I asked, my voice quiet but insistent. The memory of the rogue in the forest resurfaced, his face disturbingly familiar.

Derek's expression hardened, his brows drawing together. "No," he said after a pause. "He doesn't have a brother, but he does have a cousin. Heath. He left years ago, moved to another territory, and has been a thorn in another Alpha's side ever since. Why do you ask?"

My stomach churned as the pieces fell into place. "Then he must be back," I whispered, the words tasting bitter on my tongue. "Because the rogue in the forest—the one who recognized me—looked very much alike with Leo."

Derek's entire body tensed. His jaw tightened, and a dangerous glint appeared in his eyes. When he spoke, his voice was low, simmering with fury.

"So Heath has returned," he said, each word clipped, like he was struggling to keep his anger in check.

I swallowed hard, unsure how to respond. There was something chilling in the way Derek's demeanor shifted, the calm Alpha replaced by a man ready for war.