**Kimberly’s POV**
Following the announcement by Alpha Kelly, the two security officers moved closer and picked me up off the ground. They dragged me out of the house, and everyone followed to watch as I was about to receive 200 strokes of the cane.
I thought about having Sir Jethro step in, but I stopped myself. If he got involved, things would only get worse.
Both Luna Catherine and Ma’am Jade looked pleased, and their delight made me sick. I knew, one day, I’d have my revenge on them both.
Once we reached the pack house patio, the guards forced me onto my hands and knees. The sun was setting, and everyone who worked at the pack house came outside to witness my punishment.
I could hear people murmuring about how terrible I’d become since being rejected by an Alpha. But by now, none of their hurtful words affected me anymore.
I had prepared myself for this-mentally, emotionally. I knew people would talk about me, even when they didn’t know the truth. Ever since I was shunned by the pack, everyone blamed me for all the misfortune in my family. No one saw me as a good person anymore, and honestly, I didn’t care.
I was ready for the flogging when suddenly, Alpha Derrick and Mona entered the scene. The crowd fell silent at their arrival. Since Alpha Derrick chose Mona over me, everyone respected her immensely.
Alpha Derrick’s presence was always intimidating, even with his engaging eyes and striking figure. Mona, always by his side, had hit the jackpot, no doubt. When she saw me on my knees, her eyes widened in surprise, but she pretended not to care. She walked over to her mother, who was standing nearby.
“Mama, what’s going on? Why is Kimberly kneeling like that?” Mona asked, but there was no real concern in her voice.
“Don’t pay attention to that miserable girl! She was disrespectful to Luna Jade, and now, she must face the consequences!” Luna Catherine spat with disgust, glaring at me.
“Oh, I see. Well, she deserves it, anyway,” Mona agreed casually, and I couldn’t help but raise my head to glare at both of them. I wasn’t even aware I was doing it.
Their cruelty shouldn’t have surprised me, but hearing Mona agree with her mother so easily stirred something inside me.
“Let’s get this started!” one of the guards barked, signaling three others to approach me. They were going to take turns flogging me until all 200 strokes were done.
I closed my eyes, bracing myself for the first blow. I didn’t want to see it coming. I kept still, refusing to give them the satisfaction of seeing me flinch.
Just as one of the guards raised the cane, a voice called out, “Stop it!”
A gasp ran through the crowd, and I froze. The voice was familiar. Slowly, I opened my eyes and turned to see the person who had spoken.
“Sir Jethro?” I gasped, seeing him standing there. I wasn’t expecting him to get involved.
“Sir Jethro, what are you doing?” I whispered, my voice trembling with shock.
“According to the agreement I made with Alpha Kelly, Kimberly will not have to undergo this punishment!” Sir Jethro announced firmly.
I looked over at Alpha Kelly, wondering if this was true. To my astonishment, Alpha Kelly gestured for the guards to release me. I could barely believe what was happening.
What kind of deal had Sir Jethro made with Alpha Kelly that made him change his mind so quickly? It must’ve been something significant.
The disappointed looks on Luna Catherine and Mona’s faces were almost worth the ordeal. Ma’am Jade looked furious, barely able to hide her rage.
“Kimberly, you’re free!” Sir Jethro said warmly as he helped me to my feet.
“What did you do, Sir Jethro? What deal did you make with Alpha Kelly?” I asked, bewildered.
“You don’t need to worry about that, my dear. I only care about your safety,” he said with a kind smile that melted my heart.
“Thank you so much, Sir Jethro. Since my father went missing, you’ve done more for me than anyone else. I don’t know how to repay you,” I said, feeling deeply grateful.
“Kimberly, I’ve told you before-stop thanking me. You don’t need to repay me. I’m doing what any father would do. You’re like a daughter to me,” he replied gently.
Hearing him call me his daughter made my heart swell with emotion. Before I could respond, Luna Catherine and Mona stepped forward.
“Well, Kimberly, it seems you’ve dodged this punishment today,” Luna Catherine sneered, glaring at me.
I said nothing, refusing to engage with her.
“Luna Catherine, you need to stop,” Sir Jethro said firmly. “Everyone is watching, and it won’t look good for you if they hear what you’re saying to Kimberly.”
Mona looked around and quickly tugged at her mother’s arm. “Mama, let’s go. People are watching.”
Luna Catherine’s face burned with anger, but she composed herself. As the Luna, she couldn’t afford to lose her temper in front of everyone.
“Let’s go then,” she said through gritted teeth. But before leaving, she turned to me with a sly smile. “You may have avoided this punishment, Kimberly, but you won’t escape what’s coming next.”
Her cryptic words made my heart race. I knew she was referring to Alpha Derrick and Mona’s engagement, which meant I’d soon be sold into slavery.
“Kimberly, don’t let her words get to you,” Sir Jethro said, placing a comforting hand on my shoulder. “Go back to your room and rest. I’ll check on you tomorrow.”
“Thank you, Sir Jethro,” I said, and with that, I made my way back to my room, my mind racing with everything that had just happened.
—
“It seems you went ahead and did exactly what I told you not to do,” a voice greeted me as soon as I entered my room, sweet but sharp, coming from the bed.
“Damien!” I exclaimed, shutting the door behind me. “What are you doing here?” I asked as I joined him on the bed, curious and surprised to see him.
“Of course, I came to check on you, to see how you’re doing. I’ve been calling, but you didn’t pick up. Why didn’t you answer?” Damien’s voice was tense, his eyes locked on me with frustration.
“Oh… I didn’t see your calls,” I quickly checked my phone. Sure enough, there were several missed calls from him. “I’m sorry, Damien. I wasn’t near my phone.”
“Hmm, so where were you? The pack house patio?” he asked, his tone sharp.
My heart skipped a beat. How did he know I was there? I didn’t see him around. “Yes, I was there. How did you know that?”
“I was watching you, Kimberly. I saw you kneeling, about to be flogged… until that guy stepped in and saved you,” he replied, his voice growing colder. There was anger beneath his words.
I turned away, feeling uneasy. “You were really there?” I muttered softly, trying to avoid his gaze.
Damien stood up and came over to me as I stood by the closet, trying to busy myself. “Why are you so stubborn, Kimberly? I’ve told you before, you’re risking your life, and for what? Can’t you see you’re putting yourself in danger?” His voice rose with frustration, his words scolding me.
I spun around, meeting his angry stare. “This is my life, Damien! I can make my own choices. You don’t get to decide for me, just like I don’t meddle in your life. So, stop meddling in mine!” I shot back, my voice equally sharp.
Damien’s anger seemed to subside slightly, but his face remained serious. He stepped closer, grabbing my wrists gently and pulling me into his chest. His voice softened, almost pleading. “Kimberly, you mean so much to me. I care about you more than you know. Why do you keep pushing me away? I just want to protect you.”
His warmth enveloped me, and I found myself leaning into him, my head resting on his chest. My heart was racing, beating faster with every second I stayed in his arms. I didn’t understand why I felt this way, but it was impossible to deny. His scent was intoxicating, and for a moment, I didn’t want to leave his embrace.
But then reality hit me, and I quickly pulled away from him. “Damien, stay away from me! We can’t be together!” I shouted, trying to put some distance between us.
His eyes widened in shock. “Why not? Give me one good reason why we can’t be together, Kimberly!” he demanded, his voice laced with anger and hurt.
“Because… because in two days, I’m going to be sold as a slave!” My voice broke, and I couldn’t stop the tears from spilling down my cheeks.
Damien stared at me in disbelief, his anger fading. He looked at me with sadness and determination. “Kimberly, I’m not going to let that happen. If you trust me, I can fix this. You’ll never have to be a slave. I swear it.”
I shook my head. “You don’t understand, Damien! This is Alpha Derrick we’re talking about. No one can stop him once he makes up his mind. You can’t change anything, so just stay out of it.”
Damien’s expression darkened, but his voice remained calm. “Kimberly, I’m serious. I can get you out of here. Do you ever think about running away? About being free from all of this? If you do, I’m the way out. You don’t have to live like this.”
His words echoed in my mind, and for a moment, I was tempted. Freedom? Could I really escape and live my life without fear of being sold? Could Damien really help me?
I sat down on the bed, my mind racing. Damien sat beside me, waiting patiently for my answer.
“What do you say, Kimberly? Are you willing to run away with me? Or do you want to stay here and become a slave?” His voice was gentle but firm as he looked directly into my eyes.
I thought about it, weighing my options. Running away meant I’d never see my father again. I’d lose everything I’d ever known. But staying meant becoming a slave, losing my freedom forever.
After a long pause, I finally made my decision. “I’m sorry, Damien, but I can’t go with you. My dad… my friends… I have to stay and wait for them.” My voice trembled, but I stood by my choice.
Damien’s face fell, clearly hurt by my words. He had expected me to say yes, to run away with him. “I see. If that’s your decision, then I have to respect it.” His voice was quiet now, filled with disappointment. “I guess this is goodbye for now, Kimberly. I hope we meet again someday.”
Without another word, Damien got up and walked to the window, just like he always did when he left. I watched him in silence, unable to speak. I wanted to stop him, but I knew I couldn’t.
I stood there, staring out the window as he disappeared into the night. A heavy ache settled in my chest, and I realized that this might be the last time I ever saw him.
Now, all that’s left for me is to prepare for the inevitable-whatever awaits me in two days.