Kamrynn's POV
My heart falls to my feet and my stomach twists with anxiety as I try to come up with an excuse.
"It's not like that… I was just…" But she quickly cuts me off with the raise of her hand. Her harsh gaze falling on her key still held tightly in my palm.
"It seems I underestimated you, you little parasite. Such a curious little thing, aren't you? Even after my warning, you still had the gall to cross me. You even went as far as stealing the key to my room. How bold of you." She said and leaned closer, her voice a sinister whisper in my ear.
"Unfortunately, I'm not the type to forgive. You dug your own grave so I hope you enjoy it because I'm about to bury you myself. I'm going to expose you right now and destroy you in the process. You're going right back to prison." She chuckled softly and her words went straight to my spine, making my feet suddenly feel my jelly.
She snatched the key from my hand before stepping back and clearing her throat softly, preparing to put on a grand show. She has me cornered and she knows it.
"Why did you steal my key?!" Eloane's voice cuts through the hallway, loud and piercing.
My heart jumps into my throat as her words echo. "Eloane," I say quietly, holding my hands up in a placating gesture, "please, keep your voice down. You don't have to do this please-"
"Misunderstanding?" Her voice rises even louder. " What do you mean this is a misunderstanding? You stole my key, Kamrynn! You're a thief! That's all you've ever been."
"Stop," I whisper, glancing around as faces begin to turn, eyes narrowing in judgment. My heart beats faster. "Please, Eloane-"
"No," she spits, her eyes blazing as she gestures to the gathering crowd. "Everyone needs to know the truth. She's a liar and a thief!"
My cheeks burn as whispers ripple through the crowd. I glance around, panic clawing at me, as familiar faces begin to whisper and point. And then, through the throng, I see Rmonica hurrying over with… him.
The Alpha.
My stomach churns as I watch him stride through the crowd, his commanding presence undeniable. This is the first time I've seen him in person; Rmonica's stories about him have never quite prepared me for his imposing figure, his fierce gaze that carries both power and protection. His dark eyes are fixed on me, unreadable and intense. I can see why he's so feared, yet the way Rmonica talks about him-how he's the gentlest soul with her-it's hard to believe. He's… intimidating, yet strangely admirable. For a split second, loneliness stings me, a sudden longing for a bond like theirs. Am I ever going to find my mate? Is he going to want me? Cherish me?
"What is going on here?" The Alpha's voice is low but firm, and it commands silence instantly.
Eloane wastes no time, pointing at me. "I found her sneaking out of my room, Alpha. She stole my key, broke in, and I'm sure she's stolen something from me!"
His gaze shifts to me, sharp and unyielding, and I can barely breathe. I can't afford to look guilty now; I have to think fast. If I don't handle this right, she'll turn everyone against me. The Alpha, the pack… even Rmonica. And then, where would I go? Back to prison? No! I won't let it happen! I barely survived there the last time.
But I force myself to remain calm, lowering my head in deference. "Alpha, with all respect," I say, keeping my voice low, "I found the key on the floor. I didn't know whose it was, but I was going to report it to the Luna."
The Alpha's gaze narrows. "And yet you used it?"
I swallow, casting my eyes down, preparing to tell the story as if embarrassed. "Yes, Alpha. I was on my way to find the Luna when I… I felt a sharp pain in my abdomen." I pause, lifting my handkerchief to show him the bloodstain I'd made earlier, a lucky consequence from my search. "I noticed I was bleeding and feared something might be wrong with my baby. In a panic, I tried the nearest door to sit down, and when I used the key, it worked. I went in. I… I didn't realize it was Eloane's room."
There's a collective gasp, followed by murmurs of sympathy. Rmonica rushes forward, wrapping an arm around me with a look of concern.
"Oh, Kamrynn," she murmurs, her hand warm on my shoulder. "Are you alright? Why didn't you call for someone?"
"I… I didn't want to be a bother." I keep my voice soft, glancing down as if in discomfort.
"You shouldn't take these risks," Rmonica says, pulling me closer. "How are you feeling now? Are you alright? Do you need to see a doctor?" She questions, searching my face for any signs of pain, her worry clear.
"There's really no need for that," I assure her, nodding, though the panic beneath my calm facade is still there. "It was only light spotting. I'm fine now."
"No," she insists, turning to the Alpha. "She should see the doctor just to be sure. Right?"
The Alpha's gaze is still on me, but before he can answer, Eloane cuts in, her voice sharp. "Are you kidding? She's lying through her teeth!" Her eyes narrow at me, full of accusation. "She's making up this whole story to cover the fact that she stole from me!"
The Alpha's eyes shift back to Eloane, his expression hardening. "And what exactly did she steal?"
"I… I haven't checked my room yet," Eloane stammers, her confident tone faltering, "but I know something's missing. She was in there, Alpha. Why else would she be sneaking out?"
The Alpha crosses his arms, his voice cool. "So, you haven't confirmed if anything is missing, yet you felt it appropriate to accuse Kamrynn and cause this scene?"
Eloane's face flushes red, and she stammers, "I-I know she's hiding something! She's-"
"Kamrynn is a pregnant woman, just like you." The Alpha interrupts, his voice steely. "It's reckless and thoughtless to fling accusations without evidence. Do you realize the stress you've caused her?"
"But…" Eloane's voice trails off as she takes a small step back, her eyes wide.
The Alpha's gaze hardens further. "False accusations are damaging, Eloane. You are about to bring a new life into this world. Would you not wish for others to show you the same care and compassion that Kamrynn deserves?"
Eloane's face contorts in frustration, her hands clenching into fists. She shoots me a venomous look, but it's clear she knows there's nothing more she can say.
The Alpha turns back to me, his gaze softening. "Kamrynn, you have nothing to prove here." He pauses, giving Eloane a firm look. "Eloane, you owe Kamrynn an apology."
Eloane's mouth drops open in shock, her eyes darting around as if searching for some support. But there's none. With an angry huff, she mutters, barely audible, "I… apologize."
The Alpha raises an eyebrow. "I didn't hear you."
Eloane's face flushes, and she grits her teeth, practically hissing, "I apologize, Kamrynn."
I nod, keeping my face neutral. "Thank you, Eloane."
Rmonica tries to soothe the Alpha, placing a gentle hand on his arm. "It's alright, love. Let's just let this go."
The Alpha's gaze remains fixed on Eloane, his voice calm yet stern. "Remember, Eloane. Our pack operates on respect and compassion. Be certain of your claims before casting blame. Especially on those who already carry enough burdens."
Eloane's face is still red, her anger evident, but she bows her head, muttering, "Yes, Alpha."
The Alpha looks around, addressing the crowd. "Return to your duties."
The crowd slowly disperses, and I release a long, quiet breath as the hallway empties. Eloane shoots me one last glare before stalking off, and I can feel the weight of the Alpha's gaze on me, measuring, but… kind.
I know I've won this round.