“Why are you looking outside?” I asked, my confusion real.
“I found out from the guards that someone tried to enter the pack house this morning under false pretenses. We’ve been on high alert ever since,” he explained, now making his way toward my wardrobe.
Panic surged through me. If he opened the closet, he’d find Damien. I darted to block him.
“Dad, why are you checking my room?” I tried to sound casual but was clearly anxious, grabbing his wrist to lead him away from the closet.
“I need to make sure you’re safe. The person they saw earlier is dangerous, Kimberly. He’s not from our area,” Dad said, his voice serious.
“I’m fine, Dad. No one can get into my room without going through the guards first, right?” I gave him a small smile, trying to ease his worries.
He hesitated but nodded. “You’re right. I just wanted to be sure.”
“You’ve done your part, Dad. Now go get some rest. I’ll see you in the morning,” I urged him toward the door.
“Alright, alright. Goodnight, sweetheart,” he said, giving me a quick hug before heading out.
I breathed a sigh of relief as he left, but just as I was about to relax, a noise came from the closet. My heart skipped a beat.
“What was that?” Dad asked, freezing in his tracks and turning toward the sound.
“Uh, it’s nothing!” I said quickly, trying to sound calm.
“I definitely heard something,” he said, taking a few steps toward the closet.
“It’s probably just one of my shirts falling off the hanger,” I said, thinking on my feet.
“That didn’t sound like fabric, Kimberly. Let me check for you,” he said, moving toward the closet.
“No, Dad! You don’t need to. There’s nothing in there,” I protested, but he was already reaching for the door.
“Dad, you’re invading my privacy!” I snapped, my voice rising with genuine frustration. “There are personal things in there that I don’t want anyone to see!”
He paused, looking taken aback. “I’m sorry, honey. I didn’t mean to invade your privacy. I just want to keep you safe.”
“I know, Dad. But trust me, I’m fine. Let’s talk about this tomorrow, okay?” I softened my tone.
“Okay, darling. I’m sorry again. Goodnight,” he said, finally backing away from the closet and leaving the room.
Once I was sure he was gone, I locked the door and hurried to the closet. “You can come out now,” I whispered.
Damien emerged, wiping sweat from his brow. “That was too close,” he said with a relieved chuckle.
“You almost got caught!” I laughed nervously, shaking my head. “If I hadn’t stopped him, he definitely would’ve seen you.”
“I owe you one for that,” Damien said, his eyes twinkling as he smiled at me. Even in the dim light, he looked effortlessly charming.
“They’re still looking for you outside, aren’t they?” I asked, concerned. “Why don’t you stay here for a little while longer?”
“No,” I said firmly before I could stop myself.
His face fell, his smile fading. “No?” he repeated, disappointment clear in his voice.
I wanted to take it back, but the word had already escaped. “You need to go,” I murmured, guilt gnawing at me.
“Alright, I understand,” he said softly, his smile returning, though it didn’t reach his eyes. “I’ll see you around.” He made his way to the window.
“Wait, Damien,” I called, but it was too late. He had already swung his legs over the windowsill.
“Bye for now!” he said, flashing me one last smile before disappearing out the window.
I rushed to the window, looking down, but there was no sign of him. “Where did he go so fast?” I muttered, bewildered. He was nowhere in sight, and it felt almost like a dream.
I pulled the curtains closed, my mind racing. He had stayed here because he was hiding from the guards, but I hadn’t put the pieces together in time. I hoped we’d meet again soon. Despite everything, a part of me already missed him.
****************
The next morning, sunlight streamed through my window. It was one of those days that felt light, like the start of something new. I sat up and stretched, feeling an odd sense of happiness I couldn’t quite explain.
After a long, hot shower, I got dressed in blue jeans and a white turtleneck. My hair was twisted into a neat bun, and I put on just a touch of makeup. I slipped into black ankle boots, grabbed my black coat, and slung my purse over my shoulder.
As I stepped out of my room, my phone buzzed. I glanced at the messages Hannah had sent the night before, noting where we’d meet up that morning.
Just as I was about to leave, I bumped into Luna Catherine in the hallway. She frowned, eyeing me up and down.
“Watch where you’re going,” she snapped.
“I’m sorry, ma’am,” I replied quickly, not wanting to start anything.
“Where are you off to in such a hurry?” she asked, her tone sharp.
“I’m going to meet up with Hannah and Louis,” I muttered, hoping to avoid further conversation.
“Hmph. Three idiots together like sheep,” she hissed before stalking off.
I took a deep breath, reminding myself not to let her ruin my good mood. Today would be a good day, and I wouldn’t let anyone take that from me.
As I reached the front door, another voice stopped me in my tracks.
“Heading somewhere important this morning?” Mona asked, appearing behind me. She looked like she had just rolled out of bed, her hair a mess.
I ignored her, opening the door. I wasn’t going to let her or her mother’s snide comments get to me anymore.
“Go ahead and ignore me,” she called after me, laughing. “But when your precious friends get in trouble, don’t come running to me for help.”
Her words made me freeze. I turned slowly, feeling a strange tension in the air.
“What did you say?” I asked, my heart pounding.
Mona just grinned mischievously, and I felt my legs go weak.