#Chapter 9: Alliance

MIA The look on Derek’s face was one of complete shock. I had never in my life seen an Alpha so utterly discombobulated. “But…Mia…” he said, the name I’d left behind coming out of his mouth on a breathy hitch. Despite the hammering of my heart and the vaguely nauseous feeling roiling in my gut, I looked at Derek with calculated, casual indifference. “That’s not who I am anymore.” Cassandra once again sidled up next to the Alpha, her body language possessive. “It’s…Elena now, is it?” she asked, her tone hinting at accusation. Like I’d duped them all with malicious intent. I nodded resolutely, not really trusting myself to speak. “Well…You’re alive!” Cassandra bleated, pressing her hands to her chest, her voice sickly sweet. “That’s wonderful!” Beneath the surface of her words, I heard the sharp edge of possession, a silent declaration of territory. She was reminding me—and everyone watching—that Derek was hers. Derek took a step forward, his gaze locked onto