RALPH
I was in the middle of a conversation with Derrick and his Luna, discussing the ongoing tensions with Zac’s former allies and everything, when a sudden Keilah’s trembling voice echoed in my mind.
“Ralph, help! She’s here… Benita…”
“The urgency in her voice chilled me to the bone, sending a shiver of dread down my spine.”
“Keilah is in danger,” I blurted out, interrupting Derrick mid-sentence. Instincts surged through me as I whirled around, poised to race out of the guest room. What the hell is Benita doing here? I thought I made it clear when I told her and her brother to leave. I was sure they’d gone.”
But before I could move, a loud, sickening thud reverberated through the air, halting my steps. Derrick and his Luna exchanged a worried glance with me, their expressions mirroring the alarm in my own heart. My heart pounded violently, almost leaping out of my chest with the terrifying thought of Keilah being hurt.
I rushed through the hallway, my footsteps echoing in the halls as I raced toward the source of the sound. As I entered the foyer, the scene before me made my stomach churn. Benita’s form was sprawled on the floor, blood pooling around her lifeless body from her head. The sight was gruesome, and I could hear gasps from the other pack members as they rushed in, shock etched on their faces.
I tore my gaze from Benita and looked up, my heart in my throat. I sprinted up the stairs, my mind filled with only one thought: Keilah. When I reached the top, I found her sitting against the wall, her eyes wide with terror, her body trembling.
“I… I killed a person,” she whispered, her voice barely audible. “I killed a person.”
The sight of her, so scared and broken, twisted a knife in my heart. I rushed to her side, dropping to my knees. “Keilah, look at me,” I said urgently, cupping her face in my hands. “It’s okay. You’re safe now. I’m here.”
She shook her head, her tears falling freely. “What am I going to do, Ralph? I was just trying to get away from her. She was going to kill me. She came at me with a knife, and I felt this powerful energy surge through me. I didn’t know what was happening. It was like I was pushed by an invisible force, and then Benita was thrown through the air. And then… heard her body hit the ground.”
I wrapped my arms around her, pulling her close. “Shh, it’s okay,” I murmured, trying to soothe her. you didn’t kill her.
The pack members were already gathering downstairs, their murmurs growing louder as they processed what had happened. I knew there would be questions, but at that moment, all that mattered was Keilah and ensuring she felt safe.
I held my mate close, desperately trying to calm her. But suddenly, she pulled away from me, her eyes wide and wild with fear. Her trembling voice cracked as she shouted, “Why are you saying I didn’t kill her? I just told you I did!”
“The intensity of her outburst left me at a loss for words. She then lowered her voice, muttering one phrase repeatedly: ‘I killed a person!’-her words growing more frantic and disoriented with each repetition, as if she were losing her grip on reality.” Her body shook uncontrollably as she sobbed, tears streaming down her face. She then turned her eyes to me. “What am I going to do, Ralph? The police will be looking for me. I’m going to jail. What will my aunt think of me? What will my friend Cora think?”
I watched in utter despair as shock and terror overwhelmed her. My heart ached to see her in such a state. I looked down and exhaled in frustration when I noticed blood seeping from her. I realized it was because of her terror. Her fear was so palpable that it affected her physical state.
I grabbed her face firmly, my voice low and intense. “Keilah, stop. Look at me. Focus on me. You didn’t kill her.”
She stared at me, her eyes wide with terror. “But I-”
“No!” I interrupted, growling softly to cut through her hysteria. “There won’t be any police. You didn’t kill Benita, and even if you had, still you wouldn’t go to jail under my watch.”
She looked at me, bewildered. “But Dahlia said Damien died.”
I took a deep breath, trying to steady my voice. “I don’t know what happened to Damien, but his protective mark coming alive again means he’s not dead. He’s very much alive.”
Keilah stared at me in stunned silence, her eyes searching mine for a hint of truth. Her silence was heavy, making my heart pound harder. Her gaze was intense, as if she were trying to decipher my words.
Finally, she broke the silence with a hesitant, “Are you telling me the truth?”
I nodded firmly. “Yes, mate, I swear.
Her eyes searched mine for a long moment as she brought her hand to her neck on Damien’s mark and I could see the fear and confusion slowly ebbing away. I hoped my words were enough to anchor her in this chaotic storm of emotions.
Her breathing began to steady, but then her eyes filled with worry again. She clung to me, her voice trembling. “What about the pack? They saw everything. They’ll think I killed her.”
“I took a deep breath, my mind racing. ‘Don’t worry about it,’ I said, trying to sound reassuring. ‘I’ll take care of this. I’ll explain what happened, even if it means showing them the security footage.’ I gestured towards the cameras mounted in the corners of the hallway.”
Keilah looked up at the two cameras staring down at her, and I saw a slight breath of relief. “Now, get back in the room. I’ll get Dahlia to help you clean up,” I said, gesturing to the blood she was sitting in.
She looked down at herself and sniffled loudly before looking up at me. “That’s not necessary,” she said. “I will manage by myself.”
I helped her up and started walking towards the bedroom, following close behind. She turned towards me and placed a hand on my stomach. “Ralph, I need to be alone. I know you have a lot on your plate.”
“And the most important thing on my plate is you,” I replied.
“I know, Ralph, I know that. But please, I need to be alone for a while,” she said, sniffling again and walking away. I couldn’t argue with her anymore, but worry gnawed at my every nerve.
I quickly mindlinked Dahlia to get over and stay with her. After confirming that Dahlia went to the bedroom, I headed downstairs and found the pack already had removed Benita from the floor. She was their Luna after all; they couldn’t just leave her there. They were now cleaning up the blood, and I appreciated their efforts.
Once the pack had finished cleaning up, I called everyone together. As they assembled, I could almost feel the tension in the air. I cleared my throat and addressed them with a measured, authoritative tone. I understand that what you witnessed today was shocking, I began, but I want to clarify that my mate was not responsible for Benita’s death in the way you might think. She didn’t even lay a hand on Benita. Instead, Benita attacked her with a knife, attempting to kill her. In response, my mate unleashed a power she didn’t even know she possessed, which unfortunately led to Benita’s death.”
I paused, hoping my explanation made sense and not wanting to delve deeper into the mystery of Keilah’s unexpected shielding powers. To my surprise, the pack members showed little reaction to Benita’s death. There was no shock, no dismay-just quiet acceptance. It was as if they had anticipated something like this happening all along.
Once the pack had absorbed my words, I continued. “Since Benita was the Luna of the Moonrise Pack, we must perform a farewell ceremony for her. I’ll need some of you to prepare an altar and gather everything needed. I will join you shortly. And once the ceremony is over, I want everyone to get some rest, as tomorrow is going to be a long and hectic day for everyone.”
“We are more than ready for tomorrow, Alpha,” they said in unison. “We’re just worried about you, Alpha. If there is anything we can-”
“I appreciate you all, but I am ready myself, so you don’t need to worry about me,” I said, cutting them off mid-sentence. “Let’s just get through the ceremony, as it’s getting late, so you can rest.”
They all nodded in understanding, murmuring amongst themselves as they began discussing the preparations. I dismissed them, grateful for their cooperation and lack of judgment.
I headed to my office, the weight of the day settling heavily on my shoulders. As I sat down, I prepared to send Zac the footage of his sister’s death, just in case he tried to use her death as leverage to blackmail me. As soon as I pressed send, there was a knock on the door, and Derrick and Andrew entered together.
They exchanged a glance before Derrick spoke. “Alpha, we need to talk.”
I nodded, gesturing for them to take a seat. “I figured as much. What’s on your minds?”
Derrick and Andrew settled into their seats, and Derrick leaned forward, concern etched on his face.
“How are you holding up, Alpha?”
I sighed, running a hand through my hair. “Honestly, it’s been a rough day. But I’m managing. I have to.”
Andrew nodded sympathetically. “We understand. We’re worried about you. How prepared are you for the fight with Zac? And why did you suddenly agree to it?”
I took a deep breath, meeting their eyes. “I agreed to the fight because it’s the only way to end this once and for all. Zac has been a threat to my pack for too long. This is my chance to put an end to his schemes. And as for my preparation, I’m ready.”
Derrick frowned. “I’m a hundred percent sure it was Zac’s idea to plant this fight in the council’s heads. He must have a big and unsettling plan he wants to execute through this fight.”
I nodded. “I expect as much. I don’t know what he’s planning, but I’m ready for whatever he throws at me.”
Andrew leaned forward. “Is there anything we can do to help you through the fight? We know you’re more than capable, but we’re just worried about you.”
I appreciate that man, but no. “I agreed to this fight because I know I can manage it by myself. I need to end this, and I’ll do it on my own terms.”
They nodded in understanding, but Derrick’s concern lingered. “And your mate? How is she doing? Are you taking her with you?”
“Keilah is shaken, but she’ll get through this,” I said firmly. “I’ll take her with me. I want her where I can keep an eye on her-her safety is my top priority.”
They exchanged a glance and nodded, their support clear. “Whatever happens, we’ve got your back,” Derrick said, his voice resolute. Andrew nodded in agreement, his expression matching Derrick’s resolve.
“Thank you guys,” I said gruffly, feeling a surge of gratitude. “I truly mean it. Your support means everything.”
~~~
After the farewell ceremony for Benita, I headed upstairs, feeling the weight of the day settling even heavier on my shoulders. I entered the bedroom and found Keilah deeply asleep wrapped in one of my shirts, nestled in a freshly made bed. Dahlia was sitting quietly beside her, keeping a watchful eye.
Dahlia looked up as I entered. “She was able to rest, even though it wasn’t easy for her,” she said softly. “By tomorrow, she will wake up feeling so much better.”
I nodded, grateful for her help. “Thank you, Dahlia. I appreciate everything you’ve done.”
Dahlia gave me a reassuring smile. “It’s always my pleasure, Alpha. I’ll get some rest now. You should, too.”
Once she left, I headed to the bathroom for a quick shower, hoping the warm water would clear my mind. I washed away the day’s exhaustion, emerging from the steam feeling slightly refreshed.
I slipped under the covers, positioning myself close to Keilah. As I settled in, she stirred in her sleep and instinctively wrapped herself around me. I held her tightly, my heart aching with deep resolve.
I whispered softly, my breath warm against her hair. “After tomorrow, I promise a bright new beginning for us. I promise to make it up for all the pain I caused you.”