**Kimberly’s POV**
Following the announcent by Alpha Kelly, the two security officers moved closer and picked up off the ground. They dragged out of the house, and everyone followed to watch as I was about to receive 200 strokes of the cane.
I thought about having Sir Jethro step in, but I stopped myself. If he got involved, things would only get worse.
Both Luna Catherine and Ma’am Jade looked pleased, and their delight made sick. I knew, one day, I’d have my revenge on them both.
Once we reached the pack house patio, the guards forced onto my hands and knees. The sun was setting, and everyone who worked at the pack house ca outside to witness my punishnt.
I could hear people murmuring about how terrible I’d beco since being rejected by an Alpha. But by now, none of their hurtful words affected anymore.
I had prepared myself for this—ntally, emotionally. I knew people would talk about , even when they didn’t know the truth. Ever since I was shunned by the pack, everyone blad for all the misfortune in my family. No one saw as a good person anymore, and honestly, I didn’t care.
I was ready for the flogging when suddenly, Alpha Derrick and Mona entered the scene. The crowd fell silent at their arrival. Since Alpha Derrick chose Mona over , everyone respected her imnsely.
Alpha Derrick’s presence was always intimidating, even with his engaging eyes and striking figure. Mona, always by his side, had hit the jackpot, no doubt. When she saw on my knees, her eyes widened in surprise, but she pretended not to care. She walked over to her mother, who was standing nearby.
"Mama, what’s going on? Why is Kimberly kneeling like that?" Mona asked, but there was no real concern in her voice.
"Don’t pay attention to that miserable girl! She was disrespectful to Luna Jade, and now, she must face the consequences!" Luna Catherine spat with disgust, glaring at .
"Oh, I see. Well, she deserves it, anyway," Mona agreed casually, and I couldn’t help but raise my head to glare at both of them. I wasn’t even aware I was doing it.
Their cruelty shouldn’t have surprised , but hearing Mona agree with her mother so easily stirred sothing inside .
"Let’s get this started!" one of the guards barked, signaling three others to approach . They were going to take turns flogging until all 200 strokes were done.
I closed my eyes, bracing myself for the first blow. I didn’t want to see it coming. I kept still, refusing to give them the satisfaction of seeing flinch.
Just as one of the guards raised the cane, a voice called out, "Stop it!"
A gasp ran through the crowd, and I froze. The voice was familiar. Slowly, I opened my eyes and turned to see the person who had spoken.
"Sir Jethro?" I gasped, seeing him standing there. I wasn’t expecting him to get involved.
"Sir Jethro, what are you doing?" I whispered, my voice trembling with shock.
"According to the agreent I made with Alpha Kelly, Kimberly will not have to undergo this punishnt!" Sir Jethro announced firmly.
I looked over at Alpha Kelly, wondering if this was true. To my astonishnt, Alpha Kelly gestured for the guards to release . I could barely believe what was happening.
What kind of deal had Sir Jethro made with Alpha Kelly that made him change his mind so quickly? It must’ve been sothing significant.
The disappointed looks on Luna Catherine and Mona’s faces were almost worth the ordeal. Ma’am Jade looked furious, barely able to hide her rage.
"Kimberly, you’re free!" Sir Jethro said warmly as he helped to my feet.
"What did you do, Sir Jethro? What deal did you make with Alpha Kelly?" I asked, bewildered.
"You don’t need to worry about that, my dear. I only care about your safety," he said with a kind smile that lted my heart.
"Thank you so much, Sir Jethro. Since my father went missing, you’ve done more for than anyone else. I don’t know how to repay you," I said, feeling deeply grateful.
"Kimberly, I’ve told you before—stop thanking . You don’t need to repay . I’m doing what any father would do. You’re like a daughter to ," he replied gently.
Hearing him call his daughter made my heart swell with emotion. Before I could respond, Luna Catherine and Mona stepped forward.
"Well, Kimberly, it seems you’ve dodged this punishnt today," Luna Catherine sneered, glaring at .
I said nothing, refusing to engage with her.
"Luna Catherine, you need to stop," Sir Jethro said firmly. "Everyone is watching, and it won’t look good for you if they hear what you’re saying to Kimberly."
Mona looked around and quickly tugged at her mother’s arm. "Mama, let’s go. People are watching."
Luna Catherine’s face burned with anger, but she composed herself. As the Luna, she couldn’t afford to lose her temper in front of everyone.
"Let’s go then," she said through gritted teeth. But before leaving, she turned to with a sly smile. "You may have avoided this punishnt, Kimberly, but you won’t escape what’s coming next."
Her cryptic words made my heart race. I knew she was referring to Alpha Derrick and Mona’s engagent, which ant I’d soon be sold into slavery.
"Kimberly, don’t let her words get to you," Sir Jethro said, placing a comforting hand on my shoulder. "Go back to your room and rest. I’ll check on you tomorrow."
"Thank you, Sir Jethro," I said, and with that, I made my way back to my room, my mind racing with everything that had just happened.
---
"It seems you went ahead and did exactly what I told you not to do," a voice greeted as soon as I entered my room, sweet but sharp, coming from the bed.
"Damien!" I exclaid, shutting the door behind . "What are you doing here?" I asked as I joined him on the bed, curious and surprised to see him.
"Of course, I ca to check on you, to see how you’re doing. I’ve been calling, but you didn’t pick up. Why didn’t you answer?" Damien’s voice was tense, his eyes locked on with frustration.
"Oh... I didn’t see your calls," I quickly checked my phone. Sure enough, there were several missed calls from him. "I’m sorry, Damien. I wasn’t near my phone."
"Hmm, so where were you? The pack house patio?" he asked, his tone sharp.
My heart skipped a beat. How did he know I was there? I didn’t see him around. "Yes, I was there. How did you know that?"
"I was watching you, Kimberly. I saw you kneeling, about to be flogged... until that guy stepped in and saved you," he replied, his voice growing colder. There was anger beneath his words.
I turned away, feeling uneasy. "You were really there?" I muttered softly, trying to avoid his gaze.
Damien stood up and ca over to as I stood by the closet, trying to busy myself. "Why are you so stubborn, Kimberly? I’ve told you before, you’re risking your life, and for what? Can’t you see you’re putting yourself in danger?" His voice rose with frustration, his words scolding .
I spun around, eting his angry stare. "This is my life, Damien! I can make my own choices. You don’t get to decide for , just like I don’t ddle in your life. So, stop ddling in mine!" I shot back, my voice equally sharp.
Damien’s anger seed to subside slightly, but his face remained serious. He stepped closer, grabbing my wrists gently and pulling into his chest. His voice softened, almost pleading. "Kimberly, you an so much to . I care about you more than you know. Why do you keep pushing away? I just want to protect you."
His warmth enveloped , and I found myself leaning into him, my head resting on his chest. My heart was racing, beating faster with every second I stayed in his arms. I didn’t understand why I felt this way, but it was impossible to deny. His scent was intoxicating, and for a mont, I didn’t want to leave his embrace.
But then reality hit , and I quickly pulled away from him. "Damien, stay away from ! We can’t be together!" I shouted, trying to put so distance between us.
His eyes widened in shock. "Why not? Give one good reason why we can’t be together, Kimberly!" he demanded, his voice laced with anger and hurt.
"Because... because in two days, I’m going to be sold as a slave!" My voice broke, and I couldn’t stop the tears from spilling down my cheeks.
Damien stared at in disbelief, his anger fading. He looked at with sadness and determination. "Kimberly, I’m not going to let that happen. If you trust , I can fix this. You’ll never have to be a slave. I swear it."
I shook my head. "You don’t understand, Damien! This is Alpha Derrick we’re talking about. No one can stop him once he makes up his mind. You can’t change anything, so just stay out of it."
Damien’s expression darkened, but his voice remained calm. "Kimberly, I’m serious. I can get you out of here. Do you ever think about running away? About being free from all of this? If you do, I’m the way out. You don’t have to live like this."
His words echoed in my mind, and for a mont, I was tempted. Freedom? Could I really escape and live my life without fear of being sold? Could Damien really help ?
I sat down on the bed, my mind racing. Damien sat beside , waiting patiently for my answer.
"What do you say, Kimberly? Are you willing to run away with ? Or do you want to stay here and beco a slave?" His voice was gentle but firm as he looked directly into my eyes.
I thought about it, weighing my options. Running away ant I’d never see my father again. I’d lose everything I’d ever known. But staying ant becoming a slave, losing my freedom forever.
After a long pause, I finally made my decision. "I’m sorry, Damien, but I can’t go with you. My dad... my friends... I have to stay and wait for them." My voice trembled, but I stood by my choice.
Damien’s face fell, clearly hurt by my words. He had expected to say yes, to run away with him. "I see. If that’s your decision, then I have to respect it." His voice was quiet now, filled with disappointnt. "I guess this is goodbye for now, Kimberly. I hope we et again soday."
Without another word, Damien got up and walked to the window, just like he always did when he left. I watched him in silence, unable to speak. I wanted to stop him, but I knew I couldn’t.
I stood there, staring out the window as he disappeared into the night. A heavy ache settled in my chest, and I realized that this might be the last ti I ever saw him.
Now, all that’s left for is to prepare for the inevitable—whatever awaits in two days.
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