chapter Twenty–Four: A Tense Reunion
Samanthas POV
The gates of the Dark Moon pack creaked open, revealing a familiar sight. As we stepped inside, my heart raced at max speed. My legs grew weak, and my palms started to sweat. VMemories of my time here flooded back, but I pushed them aside, focusing on the mission ahead.
Just after arriving, a man approached us. My stomach twisted as I recognized him one of the guys who used to bully me. He was a cruel person, and he had made my life miserable. But now, his demeanor was completely different. He greeted us with a respectful nod, his eyes avoiding mine.
“Welcome back to the Dark Moon pack,” He said, his voice surprisingly polite. “Follow me, if you would.”
I blinked, taken aback by his change in attitude. “Th–thank you,” I replied, my voice cracking.
Theo stood tall beside me. He emanated strength and power. He nodded at the man, his expression unreadable behind the mask. “Lead the way,” he said, his calm tone still demanding respect.
chapter Twenty–Four: A Tense Reunion
As we followed my once–bully through the familiar paths, I
couldnt help but feel a sense of unease. The previously.
hostile environment seemed to have shifted, but I couldnot
shake the memories of my past experiences here.
We arrived at the party hall, a grand room filled with the pack.
members. The atmosphere was tense, and I could feel the
weight of their gazes on us. My instinct was to shrink back, to
avoid drawing attention, but Theos steady presence beside
me gave me courage.
Everyone stared at us as we entered. Their faces were a mix of caution, curiosity, and uncertainty. The whispers began almost immediately, and I could hear snippets of conversation as we
passed by.
“Who are they?” one person murmured, eyes fixed on our
masks.
“They must be important to wear those masks,” another said, a hint of awe in their voice.
“His mask is so mysterious. He must be incredibly handsome under there,” someone else commented, and I felt a pang of jealousy and annoyance.
My nerves threatened to overwhelm me, and my heart pounded heavily in my chest. But Theo remained confident, his posture
relaxed and composed. He walked with a commanding presence, making it clear that he belonged here.
He leaned in slightly, his voice low and comforting. “Remember, we◆◆re here for a reason. Stay focused.”
I nodded, taking a deep breath to steady myself. “I know. I|| be fine.”
As we made our way through the crowd, I kept my eyes forward, following Theos lead. His confidence was contagious, and I found myself drawing strength from him. The masks provided some anonymity, but it was clear that our presence had not gone unnoticed. The room seemed to buzz with speculation about who we were and why we were there.
As my eyes roamed the room, they landed on a group of people who made me gasp involuntarily. My father, stepmother, Mia, and Daniel were all present, mingling with the other guests. A flood of mixed emotions surged through me�anger, sadness, and a deep–seated fear of being recognized.
Theo noticed my sudden tension and followed my gaze. His grip on my hand tightened reassuringly. “Remember, youre not alone,” he murmured.
I swallowed hard, my throat dry. “I know, but its just… seeing them brings back so much.”
Theos eyes locked onto mine, filled with unwavering
confidence even through the mask. “They wont recognize you. And even if they do, well handle it. Youre stronger than you think, Samantha.”
My father glanced in our direction, his eyes narrowing slightly as if trying to place us. I quickly averted my gaze, hoping the mask would do its job and keep my identity hidden. Beside me, Theo remained composed, his posture exuding confidence and authority.
Mia and Daniel chatted animatedly, seemingly oblivious to our presence. I couldnt help but taste bitterness at the sight of them. The pain they had caused was still fresh, but I couldn� t let it distract me now.
Finally, my father approached. He moved with caution but remained respectful. His eyes lingered on Theo, clearly assessing the man beside me.
“Welcome,” my father said, extending his hand. “Its an unexpected honor to have you here. Im surprised by your arrival.”
Theo nodded, and their hands clasped together in a strong, powerful handshake, each man assessing the other with a level of mutual respect. “Thank you. However, my presence here isn ♦♦t about honors or ceremonies,” Theo replied, his tone firm.
chapter Twenty Four A Tense Reunion.
“Ive come for someone else.”
Before my father could respond, Mia sauntered over, her eyes
gleaming, hands on hips, and perhaps a hint of something more.
“Its obvious, father,” she purred, a smile playing on her lips.
“Youre here for my ceremony, right? Its a big event, your
know.”
Theo didnt even spare her a glance. He turned back to my father, completely ignoring Mias question. “I believe there
are more important matters to discuss.”
Mias smile faltered, her promiscuous facade breaking. She turned away in a huff, clearly displeased by Theos dismissal. I watched her go, impressed by Theos handling of her and relieved that she was gone.
Alex, who had been observing the scene with amusement, leaned over and whispered in my ear. “Mia may be sexier, but you❖❖re the better one, Samantha. Dont let her get under your skin.”
I glanced at him, appreciating his poor attempt to lighten the mood. “Thanks, Alex. Its just… complicated.”
My father, still standing before us, seemed to pick up on the tension in the air. He cleared his throat. “I see. Well, whatever your reasons, your presence is welcomed. Please, enjoy the
chapter Twenty Four: A Tense Reunion
festivities.”
Theo gave a curt nod, his eyes still locked onto my fathers.
“Thank you. Well be sure to.”
The party continued, the buzz of conversation and laughter filling the air, but I felt increasingly restless. My mind wandered, and the tension of the evening weighed heavily on me. I glanced at Theo and Alex, both engrossed in their own observations and interactions, and decided to slip away for a moment.
Excusing myself, I quietly made my way out of the party hall. The cool night air greeted me as I stepped into the hallway, a refreshing contrast to the heat inside the hall. I wandered aimlessly, my feet guiding me through familiar corridors until I found myself standing before the door of the room I used to live in.
Pushing the door open, I stepped inside, the memories of my past life here flooding back. The room felt different, yet eerily the same. The bed, the desk, everything well tended despite my absence it was strange, and seeing everything as it was brought back a rush of emotions. I closed the door behind me, taking a moment to collect myself.
As I stood there, a maid walked by, her eyes briefly meeting mine before she continued on her way without a word. I let out a breath I didnt realize I was holding, thankful she was either
Chapter Twenty–Four A Tense Reunion
oblivious or didnt care.
Suddenly, a thought struck me. The party was the perfect distraction. While everyone was occupied, I could use this time
to search for the antidote! My adrenaline spiked with the possibility of finding what we needed to save Theo.
I was about to spin on my heels towards the door, but a voice from behind stopped me in my tracks. “Hey you!”
My blood ran cold. I gulped, recognizing that voice. How couldn →t l?
Daniel.
