Chapter 18. How Dare You?!

Derek's POV.

"Look into Elena Gandlido's family. I want to know everything about the Alpha of the Shadowfang pack." My voice was firm, but my inner wolf was growling with a mix of anxiety and protectiveness.

"What's going on, Alpha?" my beta asked, sensing my tension.

"Just gather the information, now," I replied curtly, my eyes fixed on the screen as I stared Elena's next message.

"Okay sir," My beta responded, and I ended the call.

My eyes landed on Elena's message; it was simply 'Thank you.' I smiled wryly, realizing Elena was already expressing gratitude even though I hadn't done anything yet.

I felt a strong urge to reassure her, to tell her not to worry and that I was there for her, but our complicated relationship held me back. I didn't trust myself to keep my emotions in check.

With a sigh, I pushed aside my desires and focused on maintaining my dist