“Why do you smell like booze, Kimberly?” My father’s voice cut through the silence like a knife.
His eyes were piercing, filled with anger and disappointment. I quickly looked away, avoiding his gaze and saying nothing.
“Answer me, Kimberly!” he shouted, his voice booming with frustration.
“I just had a little drink to clear my head. It’s not a big deal, dad,” I said, gently pulling his hand off my wrist.
“Not a big deal? What I see is far from nothing! Did you do something reckless last night? Tell me you didn’t!” His voice trembled as he covered his mouth in shock, looking me up and down.
“I didn’t do anything, dad…” I lied, guilt weighing heavily on my chest.
I couldn’t tell him the truth about last night with a stranger. It would only cause more conflict between us, and I couldn’t handle that now.
“Are you sure?” he pressed, searching my eyes for honesty.
“Yes, Dad,” I replied, forcing the words out.
He shook his head, disbelief clear in his eyes.
“No, I don’t believe you. We’re going to the pack doctor right now!” He grabbed my wrist again, pulling me toward him.
“Stop it, Dad!” I shouted, wrenching my hand free and stepping back, my anger flaring.
“What if I did something last night? Does it even matter? Or have you forgotten that in two days, I’ll become Alpha Derrick’s slave?”
My father’s face fell, sorrow replacing his anger. I could see the pain in his eyes, the hurt I felt mirrored in his expression.
“Kimberly, you shouldn’t have done that. What if you meet your mate one day? How will you explain what you’ve done behind his back?”
“Mate?” I scoffed, my voice bitter. “There’s no mate for me, not anymore. I don’t have that right since I’ll be Alpha Derrick’s slave!”
He sighed deeply, his eyes softening. “Even so, Kimberly… You should have waited. You are the Moon Go-”
He suddenly stopped, cutting himself off. I stared at him, stunned. He had never said anything like this to me before.
“I’m the Moon what?” My voice quivered with a mix of fear and curiosity.
“It’s nothing!” he said quickly, but I didn’t believe him. I could see it in his eyes; he was hiding something.
‘I can’t let Kimberly know who she is or who she might become. Especially now that she hasn’t manifested her powers! I guess this is the best way to protect her for now!’ Alpha Darwin thought.
“But I heard you say ‘Moon,’ Dad. What’s going on?” I pressed, trying to catch his eyes as he seemed deep in thoughts, but he looked away.
“Just forget it, honey. It doesn’t concern you,” he muttered, still avoiding my gaze.
I stared at him, feeling a knot of frustration tighten in my chest. But I nodded, deciding to let it go for now, just as he wanted.
“Fine, I’ve heard you… I’m sorry!” I turned and left, not wanting to be in his presence any longer.
Slamming my door shut behind me, I paced around in my room, anger boiling under my skin.
“Why is he giving me lectures now, knowing what I’m going through because of Mona and Alpha Derrick?”
I stomped my foot on the floor, staring at my reflection in the mirror. My whole life had been a mess since childhood, and nothing had changed.
In two days, I’d lose whatever freedom I had left, becoming nothing but a slave. The thought was unbearable, and I wondered if it would ever push me to a point of no return.
As I looked down at my clothes, memories of last night flashed in my mind. A small, involuntary smile tugged at my lips. Despite everything, last night was the best time I’d ever had… with a stranger.
He showed me what kindness felt like, even if it was only for a moment.
“You fool Kimberly! How could you not even get his name?” I muttered, rubbing my forehead as I buried my face in my hands.
Then, something strange caught my attention. My hands were glowing, a bright ocean-blue light emanating from my palms.
“What… What is this?” I whispered, staring at my hands in disbelief.
They shook as the light grew brighter, filling the room with a soft glow.
“What’s happening to me?” I murmured, frozen in place.
“What are you doing in there?” Mona’s voice startled me, snapping me out of my trance. She stood at the door, her eyes narrowing at me.
I wiped the sweat from my forehead and cheeks, glancing down at my hands. They were normal again, as if nothing had happened.
“You should be downstairs, helping with my engagement,” Mona said, her voice dripping with disdain.
“I-I was…” I stammered, still trying to process what had just happened.
“Always full of excuses!” Mona rolled her eyes. “Still upset that Alpha Derrick chose me over you, aren’t you?”
“Upset?” I laughed bitterly. “I’m already a rejected wolf. I don’t care anymore. And if you keep pushing me, I might forget you were ever my stepsister.”
Mona took a step back, her confidence faltering under my glare.
“I’ll leave you alone for now, but let’s see how long you can keep this up after my engagement!” She shot me one last hateful look before storming out, slamming the door behind her.
As soon as she left, my hands lit up again, the glow even brighter this time.
“Is my wolf trying to break free or what? No, that’s impossible! I’ve had control for two years now,” I whispered to myself, staring at the light that enveloped my palms.
A loud ring of the doorbell echoed through the house, snapping me back to reality. I turned toward the door, but my body suddenly felt heavy, as if my legs were made of mud.
I couldn’t move, everything spinning around me.
“This can’t be happening!” I gasped, my voice barely a whisper as my vision blurred.
The door clicked open from the outside. I heard my name being called… once, twice, three times-echoing through the haze that clouded my mind.
“Kimberly! Kimberly!” The voice grew louder, desperate.
My head felt heavy, like someone had filled it with rocks, and a sharp, throbbing pain pulsed at my temples.
I reached out to grab the edge of my dresser, but my fingers slipped, too numb to hold on. The room tilted, and I felt my knees buckle.
A cold sweat broke out on my skin, and I gasped for air, but it felt like I couldn’t get enough. Panic clawed at my throat, and my breaths came in short, ragged bursts.
I could hear my name being called continuously, a voice full of worry, but it sounded distant, muffled like I was underwater.
I looked up, struggling to focus on the figure in the doorway. But before I could make sense of anything, my legs gave out, and I collapsed to the ground, everything fading to black…