LORRY SPRINGSTONE'S / KELLY THOMPSON'S POV
One month later, while sleeping in my damp cell, I'm startled awake by the sound of heavy footsteps approaching. The door creaks open and two burly guards enter, their faces grim.
"On your feet, rogue," one of them barks. "Alpha Biansky wants to see you."
My heart races as they roughly haul me up and bind my hands behind my back. Over the past month, I've managed to keep a low profile, using my secret magical healing potion to recover from my injuries far faster than should have been possible. The guards have been baffled by my quick recovery, but I've offered no explanation.
As they march me through the winding corridors of the fortress, my mind races with possibilities. Has Alpha Biansky finally tired of my presence and decided to execute me? Or have I unknowingly done something to anger him further?
We enter a large, dimly lit chamber where Alpha Biansky sits on his imposing throne. His steel-gray eyes narrow as I'm brought before him, and I can see barely contained fury in his gaze.
"So," he growls, his voice low and dangerous, "it seems our little 'lost traveler' has been keeping some rather significant secrets from us."
My heart pounds, but I keep my face carefully neutral. "I don't know what you mean, Alpha Biansky," I say, trying to keep my voice steady.
He leans forward, his eyes boring into mine. "Oh, I think you do... Kelly Thompson. Or should I say, Doctor Lorry Springstone?"
I feel the blood drain from my face, but I force myself to maintain my composure. "I'm sorry, but you must be mistaken. My name is—"
"Enough!"
Alpha Biansky roars, slamming his fist on the arm of his throne. The sound echoes through the chamber, making me flinch.
"Your lies end now," he snarls. "We know exactly who you are - the former Luna of the South pack, and now a renowned doctor from England. Did you really think you could hide your identity forever?"
I open my mouth to protest again, but the words die in my throat as Alpha Biansky holds up a folded piece of paper.
"Perhaps this will finally loosen your tongue," he says, a cruel smile playing at his lips. "A letter from your dear Alpha King Jason Bentley himself."
My heart stops as Alpha Biansky unfolds the letter and begins to read aloud:
"To Alpha Biansky of the North Pack,
I write to you regarding a matter of utmost importance. A woman known as Doctor Lorry Springstone may have entered your territory. She is, in fact, my former Luna, Kelly Thompson, who has been living under an assumed identity.
I implore you to return her to the South Pack immediately. She is not only a fugitive from our laws, but also the mother of my son and heir. Her presence is vital for reasons I cannot fully disclose in this letter, but I assure you it is a matter that affects both our packs.
In exchange for her safe return, I am prepared to offer a substantial reward, including renegotiation of our shared border to your advantage. I await your swift response.
Alpha King Jason Bentley"
As Alpha Biansky finishes reading, I stand frozen in shock. My mind reels, trying to process the implications of Jason's letter. Not only has he revealed my true identity, but he's offering a significant concession to the North Pack in exchange for my return.
"Well?" Alpha Biansky's voice cuts through my stunned silence. "Do you still deny who you really are, Kelly Thompson?"
I swallow hard, knowing the game is up. There's no point in further deception.
"No," I say softly, my voice barely above a whisper. "I don't deny it."
A triumphant gleam appears in Alpha Biansky's eyes. "Finally, the truth. Now, perhaps you'd like to explain why the mighty Alpha King of the South Pack is so desperate to have you back that he'd offer us more territory?"
I shake my head, genuinely at a loss for words. "I... I don't know," I admit, my mind still reeling from the contents of the letter. "I left the South Pack years ago. I never expected Jason to want me back, let alone offer concessions to get me."
Alpha Biansky leans back in his throne, studying me with renewed interest. "Interesting. It seems you're more valuable than we initially thought, Kelly Thompson. Or do you prefer Doctor Springstone?"
"Kelly is fine," I reply quietly, seeing no point in maintaining the facade any longer.
The North Pack Alpha strokes his chin thoughtfully. "Well, Kelly, it appears we have a decision to make. Do we return you to your former mate and claim our reward? Or..." his eyes gleam with calculated greed, "do we keep you here and see just how much more the great Alpha King Jason is willing to offer?"
My heart races at his words. The thought of being used as a bargaining chip between the two rival packs fills me with dread.
"Please," I say, struggling to keep my voice steady, "I don't want to be a pawn in your power games. I just want to be free."
Alpha Biansky laughs coldly. "Free? My dear, you gave up that right when you trespassed on our lands. And now that we know your true value, do you really think we'd let you go so easily?"
He rises from his throne, towering over me with an intimidating presence. "No, Kelly Thompson. You will remain our 'guest' until I decide what to do with you. Perhaps a few more days in the dungeon will help you reflect on your situation."
I open my mouth to protest, but Alpha Biansky waves his hand dismissively. "Guards, take her back to her cell. And double the security - we wouldn't want our valuable prisoner to somehow escape."
As the guards grab my arms to lead me away, my mind races. Jason knows who I am and where I am. He wants me back badly enough to offer territorial concessions. But why? Is it truly for Eden's sake, or does he have some other motive?