Mohandia’s expression shifted to one of amazent and bewildernt as Kimberly revealed that she had truly seen Mohandia’s biological father... a man who had been killed a very long ti ago.
Mohandia stared at her, unable to believe what she had just heard.
"Why didn’t you tell this before?" Mohandia finally managed to ask, her voice trembling slightly.
Kimberly hesitated for a mont before replying. "Because I didn’t want people to think I was crazy or that I was seeing things that weren’t there. I’m not even sure if I imagined it. But I saw him, Mohandia. And I think it’s important for you to know."
Mohandia’s gaze remained fixed on Kimberly. "Kimberly, are you sure? Do you even know who you are?"
Kimberly blinked in confusion. "What do you an?"
"Do you know who you truly are?" Mohandia repeated, her voice intense.
Kimberly frowned, clearly puzzled. "I’m Kimberly. Isn’t that enough? What are you trying to say?"
Mohandia sighed deeply, leaning closer. "I’m asking because the last conversation I had with my father before he died was about sothing... profound. I was just a child, but I rember every word. And now, I’m wondering if there’s more to you than ets the eye."
Kimberly’s expression turned thoughtful. "I... I don’t know. Outside of being Kimberly, I’m not sure who I am. But I’ve had nightmares and strange things keep happening around . It’s like sothing is trying to tell sothing, but I don’t know what."
Mohandia nodded slowly. "That explains a lot. It’s because you are—"
Before Mohandia could finish her sentence, Liza and Kaitlyn burst into the room, their presence breaking the tension.
"What are you two doing in here without us?" Liza asked, her tone light but curious.
Kimberly quickly composed herself. "Nothing serious! I was just thanking Mohandia for everything she’s done for ."
Liza raised an eyebrow but said nothing. Kaitlyn grinned. "Well, whatever you two were whispering about, we’re here now, so no secrets!"
"Oh, co on," Kimberly said with a laugh, trying to steer the conversation away. "We weren’t plotting anything. Just reminiscing."
Kaitlyn’s grin widened. "Good. Because I don’t want to miss out on anything exciting!"
The four of them chatted and laughed, their light-hearted banter filling the room. It had been a long ti since they’d all been together like this, and the mood was infectious.
But their laughter was cut short when a familiar voice called out from the hallway.
"Kimberly!"
They all froze, the sound of Elena’s voice silencing them instantly. Heads lowered, they filed out of the room and into the hallway, where Elena stood waiting for them.
"What were you all doing in there?" Elena’s sharp gaze swept over them. "And what were you conspiring about?"
"Nothing, ma’am," Liza answered quickly. "We were just discussing how best to prepare for tonight’s feast."
Elena’s eyes narrowed slightly but she nodded. "Good. Follow ."
They obeyed without question, walking behind Elena as she led them through the corridors. As they walked, they whispered quietly among themselves.
"What do you think she wants?" Kaitlyn asked, glancing nervously at the others.
"No idea," Mohandia replied, her expression unreadable.
Eventually, they arrived at the banquet hall. Elena turned to face them. "Mohandia, Liza, Kaitlyn—reorganize the tables and switch out the table mats. Kimberly, co with ."
Kimberly hesitated but nodded. "Yes, ma’am."
Elena led Kimberly down another corridor and into a room. Kimberly recognized it imdiately; it was the sa room where she had been given the dress for the last feast.
Elena knelt down, pulling out a small box from the bottom of a larger chest. She began sorting through a collection of beautiful gowns, setting one aside. Kimberly watched in silence, unsure of what to say or do.
Finally, Elena held up a stunning golden dress adorned with intricate black stones that sparkled in the light. "This is for you," Elena said simply. "And these..." she gestured to the other gowns, "are for your friends. Deliver these to them and tell them to get ready. Then co back here."
Kimberly took the gowns carefully. "Yes, ma’am. Thank you."
Hurrying back to the others, Kimberly handed out the dresses and explained Elena’s instructions. The excitent among her friends was palpable as they admired the beautiful outfits.
Later that evening, as the feast began, the atmosphere was lively and filled with laughter. The Alpha and his senior advisors were in high spirits, their voices echoing through the grand hall.
When Kimberly and her friends entered, the room fell silent for a mont, all eyes turning to them.
Kimberly’s golden dress shimred under the light, and she carried herself with quiet confidence. Alpha Derrick’s gaze was fixed on her, his expression unreadable.
As Kimberly approached the high table to greet him, she noticed his eyes lingering on her. "Thank you for this wonderful feast," she said, bowing her head slightly. "And for treating us with kindness."
The Alpha smiled, his eyes never leaving her. "You’re welco. But you should never think of yourself as a slave. After the feast, co find . There’s sothing important I need to discuss with you."
Kimberly nodded, her heart pounding. "Of course, Alpha."
As she moved away, the Alpha watched her intently, a small smile playing on his lips.
"I’ll find out what she’s made of tonight," he murmured to himself, his eyes gleaming with curiosity.
***
After a ti, the majority of individuals started making their way back to their hos. So were already inebriated, and their friends helped them as they stumbled back to their rooms.
The banquet hall gradually emptied, leaving behind only a few lingering souls.
To the surprise of Kimberly’s friends, she remained seated at the table, showing no indication that she was ready to leave.
"Kimberly, what’s going on? Aren’t you coming with us?" Liza asked, rubbing her tired eyes. "It’s late, and we won’t be here much longer. Let’s go."
Kimberly shook her head, offering a polite smile. "Not yet. I’ve got so business to take care of before I can join you ladies. Don’t worry about . I’ll be fine."
Liza frowned. "What business? Can’t it wait until morning?"
"No, it can’t," Kimberly replied firmly. "I’ll only be a while, and Jefferson will escort ho when I’m done. Please, just go ahead. We’ll talk in the morning."
Kaitlyn, who had indulged in a little too much wine, leaned in unsteadily. "You’re acting weird. Don’t stay out too late, okay? Be careful."
Mohandia, yawning loudly, added, "She’s right. Don’t overdo it. We’ll see you tomorrow, Kimberly."
With that, the group reluctantly left, glancing back at her with concern as they disappeared into the night.
Kimberly sat quietly for a mont, watching the Alpha rise from his seat and head toward the back door that led to his chambers. Gathering her courage, she stood and followed him, her steps quick and determined. She needed answers.
When Alpha Derrick noticed soone trailing behind him, he turned sharply. His expression softened when he saw Kimberly.
"Oh, Kimberly. My apologies," he said smoothly. "I’d almost forgotten we had sothing to discuss. Co with ."
Kimberly hesitated for a mont but then nodded, deciding she would face whatever was coming. She followed him into his chambers, her heart pounding with a mix of apprehension and determination.
Once inside, a strange heaviness filled the air, and Kimberly couldn’t shake the feeling that sothing wasn’t right. She stood near the door, refusing to sit despite Derrick’s polite invitation.
"Would you like to sit?" he asked, gesturing to a chair.
"No, thank you," she replied, her tone steady. "I’d rather stand. What is it you wanted to talk about, Alpha?"
Derrick’s eyes narrowed slightly as he studied her. "You must think I’ve hated you all this ti, don’t you?"
Kimberly crossed her arms, her gaze unwavering. "Isn’t that obvious? You’ve never missed an opportunity to make my life miserable. Just cut to the chase. Why did you ask here?"
Derrick’s lips curled into a smirk. "Are you sure you’re ready to hear the truth?" His voice had a chilling edge, and his eyes glead with sothing dangerous.
"Whatever it is, just say it. I don’t have ti for gas," Kimberly snapped, her patience wearing thin.
Before she could turn to leave, Derrick moved faster than she could react. In an instant, he grabbed her arm, pulling her close. Kimberly’s eyes widened in shock and fear as he whispered, "You’re not going anywhere, Kimberly."
"Let go of !" she shouted, struggling against his grip. "What do you think you’re doing?"
Derrick’s smirk vanished, replaced by a predatory sneer. "You’re mine, Kimberly. You’ve always been mine, whether you realize it or not. And tonight, I’ll make sure you never forget it."
Kimberly’s blood ran cold as he forced her to the ground. She thrashed and scread, but Derrick was too strong. Tears stread down her face as she fought with everything she had, but it wasn’t enough.
"Stop! Please, stop!" she begged, her voice breaking. But Derrick’s only response was a cruel laugh.
"Scream all you want," he said mockingly. "No one can hear you."
Kimberly’s heart pounded in terror. She felt utterly powerless, her body trembling as Derrick continued his assault. Just when she thought all hope was lost, a loud crash shattered the oppressive silence.
The door burst open, and a figure in a mask stord into the room. Derrick barely had ti to react before the intruder attacked with blinding speed and ferocity. Within monts, the Alpha was on the ground, bloodied and gasping for air.
Kimberly lay on the floor, frozen in shock. The masked figure turned to her, their movents careful and deliberate. They gently lifted her into their arms, cradling her as though she were the most fragile thing in the world.
"You’re safe now," a deep voice murmured from behind the mask. "I’m taking you away from here."
Too dazed to respond, Kimberly let herself be carried out of the room. The cold night air stung her skin, but it was a welco contrast to the suffocating darkness she had just escaped.
Back in his chambers, Derrick struggled to his feet, his body aching and bruised. He stared at the shattered door, his mind racing.
"Who was that?" he muttered to himself, wiping blood from his face. "A werewolf from another pack... strong and fast. But who?"
He clenched his fists, his jaw tightening with rage. "I’ll find them. I’ll find both of them. This isn’t over."
Derrick limped to the window, his eyes scanning the darkness. His expression was a twisted mix of desperation and determination. "No one defies and gets away with it. No one."
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