*EARLIER*

“My king,” Alpha Blake greeted as he dipped his head.

Derrick regarded him curiously as he advanced into the hall fully. As soon as he got the news that Alpha Blake was there to see him, he'd come right away. A part of him worried it was something about Lia.

“I should have done this a long time ago, forgive me for coming to you now,” Alpha Blake began sullenly.

“You may sit,” Derrick offered.

“I refuse to sit. I don't deserve to sit before you, my king.”

“Go on and sit. I will decide who is worth sitting before me.”

“I have been in a clique with Alpha...