h4Chapter 26: Chapter 26/h4

The Next Morning

After everything that happened yesterday, a new day begins. I barely slept, staying up all night watching over my father.

His condition still hasn’t changed, and the responsibility presses on my shoulders. Now, I need to go home and get some rest, but my mind won’t stop racing.

Luna Catherine left with a guardst night, but I can’t stop thinking about the way she winked at him.

What was that about? Was it just an innocent gesture, or is something else going on?

Before Alpha Derrick and Mona’s engagement, I need to be with my father. He’s vulnerable, and I can’t leave him alone.

No one else will take care of him the way I do. If I step away, he’ll be ignored—just like he has been for years.

Leaving the hospital, I hail a taxi. The security guards from yesterday are gone, so there’s no one to drive me home.

The ride is a long thirty minutes. I stare out the window, trying to piece everything together, but my thoughts keep circling back to the same things.

When I finally reach the pack house, I pay the driver and walk inside. The moment I step through the door, I stop,pletely shocked.

"A party?" I mutter under my breath.

The entire ce is buzzing withughter and excitement like nothing is wrong. Music ys in the background, and pack members, especially neers from nearby towns, are chatting happily.

It’s like they’re celebrating something. But what?

"What’s going on?" I whisper, stepping cautiously into the living room.

Then, I see them. Alpha Derrick sitsfortably on the couch with Mona, smiling as she chatters away, their hands intertwined.

My stomach twists in disgust. How can they be so rxed?

"What the heck is happening?" I march up to Mona, frustration boiling over.

Alpha Derrick barely acknowledges me. His eyes are puffy, and he looks exhausted, like he barely slept either.

"There’s a celebration! Are you blind?" Mona snaps, rolling her eyes.

"A celebration? For what?" I scan the room again, my head spinning. Where’s Luna Catherine? She should be here, but she’s nowhere in sight.

"Alpha Derrick woke up! It’s a miracle!" Mona exims as if I should be thrilled about this.

But I shake my head in disbelief.

"Do you even know what state your father is in? He’s in aa! The doctors don’t even know if he’ll wake up!" I yelled at her.

"Of course, I know," she shrugs,pletely unbothered. "I’ll visit himter."

I stare at her, stunned. "If you know how bad he is, why throw a party? How can you be so disrespectful?"

Mona scoffs. "Kimberly, stop being a downer. Life goes on. Look around—no one here is sad."

I clench my fists, barely able to contain my anger. How could she be so heartless? Our father was lying in a hospital bed, and they were celebrating like nothing was wrong.

And Alpha Derrick—his silence was just as bad as her indifference.

I storm out, heading straight to my room, mming the door behind me. Leaning against it, I take deep breaths, trying to calm my racing heart.

Part of me hopes to find Damien here, waiting. The thought makes me smile, but I shake it off. I can’t afford to get distracted.

"Focus, Kim!" I scold myself, giving my head a small knock.

I change intofortable clothes and step into the bathroom for a quick shower, letting the warm water soothe my nerves.

When I’m done, I pull on fresh clothes and leave my room, determined to avoid another confrontation.

Returning to the living room, I see Mona and Alpha Derrick surrounded by werewolves from the Nightwalker pack.

Their presence unsettles me, but I don’t stop to say anything. I step outside, inhaling the fresh air. I need to clear my mind.

I call another taxi. I need to check on thepany, make sure everything is in order despitest night’s events.

The ride is short, but as I step out, I freeze. The building is untouched, bustling with workers as if nothing happened.

My mind races, remembering the security guard’s words—he said thepany was burned down. My father copsed from the shock, and now he’s in aa.

"Is this real?" I whisper, rubbing my eyes. The building stands perfectly fine.

"What’s going on?" My pulse quickens as I hurry inside.

Employees bow their heads in respect. I nod back, though my mind is in turmoil. How is everything so normal?

As I near my father’s office, I spot Alpha Jethro approaching.

"Kimberly!" he greets with a smile.

"Good morning, sir," I say, forcing a smile. "How are you?"

"Well, thank you. Any news on Alpha Darwin?"

I sigh. "Still the same. The doctor says we just have to hope."

"Alpha Darwin is strong. He’ll pull through," he assures me. "If you need anything, let me know."

"Actually, sir, something strange happenedst night. A security guard told us thepany was burned down. My father copsed after hearing it."

Alpha Jethro’s eyes widen. "Burned down? But the building is fine. Who told you that?"

"A guard I recognized," I say. "He’s worked here a while."

"This is serious," he mutters. "I’ll look into it."

"Thank you," I say, relieved. "Do you know who’s in my dad’s office? I saw someone leave earlier."

"Luna Catherine," he says.

I blink. "Luna Catherine? What is she doing here?"

"She returned early this morning," he exins. "She’s taking over thepany while your father recovers."

I clench my jaw. "She has no right. My father is still alive. There are rules."

Alpha Jethro nods. "I understand, but let’s stay calm. She’s the highest-ranking family member right now. At least for the moment."

"She can’t just take over like that. There must be a board meeting. The directors should decide."

"You’re right," he says. "I can help arrange a meeting soon."

"Thank you," I say, anger simmering beneath my skin. "I won’t let her take what my father built."

"You’re strong, Kimberly," he says kindly. "You’ll handle this well."

As he leaves, I turn toward the office. My fists tighten. Luna Catherine sits in my father’s chair, acting like she owns the ce. I can’t stand it.

I march in. She looks up, surprised.

"What are you doing here?" she demands.

I cross my arms. "I could ask you the same thing."

She stands. "I’m handling business. Someone has to."

"My father is still Alpha. Thispany is his."

She scoffs. "Are you serious? You think you can walk in here and make demands?"

"I have every right," I say, voice steady. "You’re not in charge."

Her eyes sh. "You’re ying a dangerous game, Kimberly. Watch your mouth."

I don’t flinch. "The board will see the truth. You won’t get away with this."

"Get out," she hisses, pointing to the door.

"Enjoy that chair while you can. It won’tst." I smirked.

Turning on my heel, I walk out, heart pounding. This isn’t over. Not by a long shot...