Mona’s voice rang out, her face twisted in surprise. “Mom, is that really what happened?” She looked at Luna Catherine, wide-eyed.
I stood next to Sir Jethro, watching them, feeling a sick churn in my stomach. They’re putting on an act. Mona knew exactly what her mother was capable of, so why the fake shock? Was it just to make her look good in front of everyone else?
“Kimberly’s talking nonsense!” Luna Catherine’s voice was sharp. “I just got an update on Alpha Darwin’s condition last night. I didn’t keep it a secret from anyone. That’s absurd.”
I scoffed, anger boiling up inside me. “If you weren’t keeping it a secret, why didn’t you tell anyone last night? Or this morning, when I asked you directly?” My voice rose, trembling with fury. “You didn’t even mention him to me once today!”
Luna Catherine’s expression hardened. “You need to calm down, Kimberly. I’m the Luna of this pack, and I won’t tolerate this disrespect! Do you realize I could bring charges against you for this?”
“Everyone, let’s just breathe for a moment,” Sir Jethro interrupted, stepping between us, his hand gently but firmly on my arm. “This isn’t helping. We need to focus on finding Alpha Darwin. Arguing will only slow us down.”
I forced myself to take a deep breath. Fighting with Luna Catherine wouldn’t help me find my father. I nodded slightly, signaling I understood.
Just then, the doctor entered the room, drawing our attention back to the moment. “I have new information,” he said. “There were two kidnappers. One stayed in the car, and the other posed as a hospital director to get to Alpha Darwin.”
My heart raced. “Do you know who they are? Can they be found?”
The doctor nodded. “We have their car’s license plate from the parking lot cameras.” He pulled a piece of paper from his pocket and handed it to Sir Jethro.
Sir Jethro took it, scanning the numbers. “Thank you, doctor. We’ll take it from here.”
“I hope Alpha Darwin returns soon for his surgery. Take care.” The doctor gave us a brief nod before walking out.
Mona turned to Sir Jethro. “What’s next?”
“We’ll put out a search for the car. Our team will track it down,” Sir Jethro replied, already pulling out his phone. He stepped aside and made a call, his voice low but firm as he gave the details and set a three-day deadline before involving the police.
I couldn’t help but notice how quiet Alpha Derrick had been this whole time. He hadn’t said a word, just standing off to the side, watching. I wondered why he wasn’t contributing anything.
“I need to go check on the investigation’s progress,” Sir Jethro said to me, his voice gentle.
“Alright, Sir Jethro. We’ll catch up later,” I replied, trying to mask the dread building in my chest.
“You should head home and rest,” he added, concern in his eyes. “We have a long road ahead to find Alpha Darwin. Don’t wear yourself out.”
“Okay,” I said softly, but inside, I knew rest wasn’t going to help. Images of my father’s abduction flashed in my mind, and I couldn’t shake the overwhelming weight of it all.
Sir Jethro gave his goodbyes to the others and left. Luna Catherine followed closely behind him, her usual regal air still intact. Not long after, Alpha Derrick and Mona also departed, leaving me alone in the hospital’s reception area.
I slumped into a chair in the hallway, my legs feeling weak. What was I supposed to do now? My home didn’t feel like a refuge anymore. With everyone gone, the emptiness gnawed at me, dragging me deeper into despair.
“Why are you sitting here all by yourself?”
The voice was soft, calming. I turned my head slowly, blinking as my eyes met Damien’s. My heart skipped a beat. “Damien?” I couldn’t hide my surprise.
He smiled, that familiar half-grin spreading across his face. “Yeah, it’s me.” He sat down next to me. “Why haven’t you gone home?”
I glanced away, trying to collect myself. “I just… I don’t feel like going home. There’s nothing for me there right now.” My voice cracked slightly. “And what about you? Why are you here? I thought you didn’t want to see me anymore. What changed?”
Damien’s smile softened. “I couldn’t stay away from you, Kimberly. I tried to forget you, but it was impossible. Your face is always in my mind, wherever I go.”
His words caught me off guard, making me smile despite myself. “You always know how to make me laugh,” I said, shaking my head. “But I’m not in the mood for jokes today.”
“Because of your father, right?” His tone grew serious, his eyes searching mine.
I froze, startled that he knew. “How did you…?”
“I’ve been around since you got here this morning,” he admitted. “I heard you talking to the nurses about him.”
“Oh.” I sighed, the weight of the day pressing down on me again. “Why do you always hide yourself, Damien? You have to reveal yourself eventually.”
He chuckled, but there was a hint of sadness in it. “There’s someone who can’t know I’m here. That’s why I stay hidden.”
I frowned. “Who? Is it someone from the pack?”
He hesitated for a moment before nodding. “Yes. You’ll figure it out soon enough.”
I wanted to press him further but decided to drop it. “Alright, but what now? Are you going to keep sneaking around?”
He flashed me a playful smile. “How about you come to my apartment today? We can spend the day there, just us.”
I blinked in surprise, caught off guard by the offer. “Your place?” I repeated, unsure.
“Yeah. You don’t have to stay here alone, and you definitely shouldn’t go home if you don’t want to.”
I hesitated for a moment, remembering the stranger’s warning about enemies among friends. But I couldn’t see Damien as a threat. He was the only one offering me comfort right now.
“Okay,” I said, finally nodding. “I’ll go with you.”
“Great!” Damien stood up, offering me his hand. I took it, pulling myself to my feet.
Before we left the hospital, he made sure everything was in order, guiding me out with a reassuring smile.