Chapter 9 Sudden Appearance

Serena

Derek's words made me stiffen in shock and chills ran down my spine.

"You can't do this, Derek," a lump formed in my throat and I tried hard to keep my voice level. "Father would kill you, the Crimson pack would never let this go," I added, hoping to pressure him enough to make him stop.

"Rubbish!" Derek scoffed, ignoring my words." "You belong to me now, Serena," he sneered, his eyes cold and calculating. "You're useful, but your value won't change after a brief spell of pleasure would it?" He burst into laughter.

"You..." I blinked rapidly, holding back tears. "I will never belong to you, Derek. I am not a possession to be claimed," I glared at him. "You're just a coward," I hissed, glaring at him with as much hate as I could muster.

Derek's eyes flashed with anger, I could see a tick in his jaw. "Watch your tongue, Serena," he held my jaw with a grip so strong I winced in pain. "You either become my mistress or I'll make you wish you were dead."

My stomach twisted into knots as I stared into his crazed eyes, he meant it I realized and a wave of dread enveloped me. I broke out in a cold sweat. I was in his grasp, tied, helpless and at his mercy.

"We are going to have some fun," Derek smiled lewdly at me, he threw the bottle away, his hands reaching for his belt.

"Derek," my composure cracked, revealing my panic.

Boom! A loud sound echoed in the room as the door was smashed in, my heart had already leapt to my throat. We all turned in the direction of the door, just in time. A body was thrown through the door at that moment, and it landed with a sickening thud on the floor.

I didn't know when I screamed, the sound tearing forth from my throat as I stared in shock at the unmoving body.

"What's happening?" Derek snapped, his face slick with sweat as he also stared in the direction of the door. The two other men flanked him with tense postures.

A cold voice pierced the air from the shadows. "I don't want to repeat this again. Let her go."

My heart thudded and my heart leapt to my throat, who was it? I wondered, a seed of hope sprouting in my chest.

Across from me, Derek's face turned ashen with shock. "Darius?" His lips trembled, he couldn't believe it.

"Darius," I couldn't believe my ears. How was he here? Wasn't he... thoughts and questions rapidly swirled in my head as I stared into the darkness, shock filling me.

Derek's reaction wasn't any better than mine.

He stood frozen on the spot; he looked like he had seen a ghost.

How was Darius here? Was he standing on his own two feet? I couldn't just wrap my head around it.

"You..." Derek looked as if he was going to burst into anger but he took a deep breath, his eyes held a trace of caution as he silently observed, glancing around.

From the shadows, Darius's deep and cold voice spoke again. "You have guts indeed." At that moment, a man appeared suddenly at the door-Darius's henchman-his cold gaze snaking between Derek and his men. There was no single trace of fear in his eyes.

"I'm not interested in your petty schemes, Derek," the henchman echoed, but I couldn't seem to place where he was. "I'm here for her, move aside or..." he paused. "Or die."

Proud! Arrogant! Domineering! Darius's words were all of that, conveyed through his henchman, and the man at the door locked gazes with Derek. His eyes bored into Derek and I watched, spellbound as Derek couldn't even lift his gaze to meet his intense stare.

I felt a lump form in my throat as I watched the scene unfold before me.

Strangely Derek didn't say a word, his eyes fixed on the henchman. My heart sank when I heard the sounds of approaching steps and judging by the sound, there were a lot of people coming. His expression didn't as much as flicker.

"You're surrounded," Derek finally managed to speak, he looked to have regained his composure. "And she..." he glanced in my direction. "She's mine."

"Child's play," the henchman scoffed, his eyes hard as he stared at Derek. "You know the smart thing to do," his words made Derek's eyes narrow. "I'm leaving here with her," his words were like a decree, and despite myself, I felt my heart settle at his words.

My heart pounded in my chest as I stared at them, their standoff seemed to have come to a tipping point.

The henchman glanced at me for a split second and I became mute. No words came out. I felt trapped in the middle of a power struggle between two men who both claimed ownership over me. I exhaled slowly, feeling uncomfortable being at the center of their dispute. The silence felt deafening.

"But why?" Derek finally spoke, he frowned as he stared at the henchman. A sigh of relief escaped my lips, Derek's words hinted at him taking a step back.

Darius's voice echoed that moment. "Ignorance is not an excuse, Derek. You should have done your homework before getting involved with someone who belongs to me."

I felt a knot tighten in my stomach as I realized the implications of Darius's words. He was fully aware. I thought his mother had made a deal with us and that he was unconscious and he would be unconscious throughout the time. So he knew about it all.

Derek's eyes narrowed but he didn't say a word, he nodded slightly and the guard walked behind me, freeing me from my restraints. I quickly walked behind the henchman, my only safety net at this point.

His eyes met mine, and he smiled a little. "Don't worry, no one will harm you," I nodded, a smile tugged at my lips uncontrollably. Derek's face was ugly as he watched us.

The henchman held my hands firmly as we walked outside. His hand reached for mine, clasping it in his grasp, his touch sent shivers down my spine.

I was saved, by Darius none The