Chapter 30 Alpha Darius found Alpha Efrein , Luna Beatrice , Michael , Kathy , Beta Richard , and Elaine's mother and brother gathered in the hallway outside Elaine's hospital room . They were speaking in low voices with the doctor , who looked tense and uncomfortable . Darius stopped just a few feet away , observing silently for a moment . He didn't miss the way Efrein's stance shifted , his aura pressing forward as though preparing to Alpha - command the doctor for information . The doctor's words echoed in the hall . " She ... she said she doesn't want any of you inside . I must respect her wishes . " Before Efrein could open his mouth and issue the order , Darius stepped forward , his presence instantly dominating the space. " Alpha Michael ," Darius said , his voice cutting through the air like a blade , " I need to speak with you about Elaine transferring to my pack . " Every head turned , shock rippling across their faces . The tension was palpable . " What ? " Kathy whispered , clutching Michael's arm . " Alpha Darius , we can talk about this in my office . " Efrein said stiffly , his jaw tightening . Darius's gaze snapped to him , hard and unyielding . " No. There is nothing for us to talk about . Elaine will be leaving with me in a couple of hours . I will not allow her to remain in this pack - a pack that abandoned her , betrayed her , and left her to suffer alone . " His words rang like a sentence of judgment , his glare fixed squarely on Michael and Kathy . Michael swallowed , struggling to hold his composure . " Alpha Darius , I don't know what Elaine told you , but I assure you , nothing like that happened here . We all love and care for her . She belongs here , with her family , with her pack . " " Loved and cared for ? " Darius's voice dripped with disdain . He stepped closer , his towering presence forcing Michael to take an involuntary step back . " Is this what you call love and care ? To spit on the Moon Goddess's gift ? To discard your true Luna as though she were nothing ? " Michael flinched . Kathy lowered her head , silent tears slipping down her cheeks . Even Beta Richard looked away , shame evident in his eyes . 1/3 Chapter 30 More Rewards > None could meet Darius's gaze . They all knew his reputation - calm , controlled , but when provoked , his wrath was something no wolf wished to face . The sheer force of his wolf pressed down on them , thickening the air until most felt the urge to bow . Only Alpha Efrein managed to resist , though his face was tight with the strain . Darius's voice cut through again , sharp and absolute . " Elaine will leave this pack today . My Beta is already preparing our departure . As soon as everything is ready , she goes with me . " " No ," Efrein growled , squaring his shoulders . " You cannot take her , Alpha Darius . Her family is here . This is her home . " Darius's face darkened , his eyes flashing with the dangerous edge of his wolf . His patience was thinning , and the hall seemed to hum with the raw energy of his power . " Try to stop me , Alpha . I dare you . Or perhaps you'd rather we take this matter before the Council ? Shall we tell them how your heir spat on the Goddess's blessing and rejected his true mate? Shall we tell them how his rightful Luna was cast aside and abandoned - not only just by her mate , but by her parents , her Alpha , her entire pack ? " Silence swallowed the hall . Even Efrein faltered at the threat . Darius's words were not empty . They all knew the Council would see rejection of a fated mate as a grave transgression , one that could strip Michael of his position as future Alpha . " We want to speak with her ," Elaine's mother , Lucille , said suddenly , her voice wavering but determined . She took a small step forward . " I am her mother . I deserve to see her , to know how she is . " Darius's gaze turned on her , and his words cut like knives . " Mother ? What kind of mother allows her pup to be torn apart like this ? What kind of mother turns a blind eye while her child is betrayed by her mate - by her own sister ? No. Elaine does not wish to see any of you , and as her new Alpha , I honor her choice . She will not be forced into your presence . " Lucille's lips trembled , her eyes filling with tears . His words struck deep , each one undeniable , each one tearing at the fragile excuses she had clung to . She lowered her gaze , unable to argue . Kathy finally spoke , her voice soft , broken . " Alpha Darius ... I'm not sure if Elaine told you everything . There were reasons - good reasons - for the choices we made . I never meant- " " Reasons ? " Darius's eyes flared , his wolf pushing forward again . His anger was palpable , radiating through the corridor . " The only reason that matters is the one the Moon Goddess herself decreed . And someone - whether through selfishness or weakness - interfered with Her will . There is no reason in this world , not even for a pup , that justifies spitting on a true mate bond . " 2/3 < Chapter 30 More Rewards > His voice thundered , echoing off the walls . " No reason . " The weight of his fury left everyone trembling , unable to respond . Just then , Beta Marcus stepped up beside Darius , bowing slightly . " Alpha , everything is in order . The cars are ready . We can leave at your command . " Darius gave a curt nod , his decision final . His eyes swept once more across the group , cold and unyielding . " I will take Elaine from this place . If you try to stop us , I will bring the full matter before the Council . And we all know what they will say - rejecting the Goddess's gift is a crime no pack can excuse . " Without another word , he turned on his heel , the Beta at his side , and strode toward Elaine's room . The others were left in silence , drowning in their shame and fear , as the strongest Alpha alive came to take away the one they had cast aside . 2