Page 75 of Outcast
Whispers and gasps sounded in response to my words, and I pushed on. "You killed my parents and took me in, knowing I was the prophetess and savior mentioned in The Dark Prophecy. You let Maya be killed in hopes that the Daimona you sent would also kill me. And today, you allowed this massacre to happen while you attempted to threaten me into submission so you could force me to mate with your master."
I heard Jameson's strangled gasp as the alpha stared at me with pity in his eyes, continuing his charade.
Stalking slowly towards him, I hammered the nail in the coffin. "Did you tellyour packthat the Daimona are turned shifters who become infected by other Daimona during an attack?"
Seth piped up behind me, “It’s true. He told me that himself while we were down in the Pit after the Daimona we held prisoner attacked Kira.”
No need to correct him on who actually attacked me right now.
The alpha didn't respond, and I threw the gauntlet one more time, "Fight me! It is my right to challenge you."
Suddenly the pack emerged from their frozen shock, and his underlings moved to stand in front of him defensively. "You must go through us first," the stocky man in the front stated.
Shaking my head, I sighed heavily. "I don’t wish to hurt anyone else in the pack. We’ve been through enough tonight. Please step aside."
The alpha had the audacity to chuckle at my words. From behind his pack of underlings, he answered, "Coming from the person who tried to hurt the pack tonight by killing their alpha. That's rich, Kira. Please step aside men, I have this handled. I appreciate your loyalty though."
The men parted instantly, revealing the alpha’s smug face once more.
I want to rip that look off his face with my claws.
I'm right there with you. I want to burn it off with my fire.
"Your words are blasphemous, and I can prove your lies right here and now. I didn't want to do it this way, as it should have been a private moment, but you leave me no choice." Looking off to the side he called out, "Maya."
My stomach leapt into my throat. He’d called out her name like he was summoning her. But that wasn’t possible...was it? I heard shuffling feet, then the smell of pine assaulted me, alerting me to Jameson’s presence just before he brushed past me.
Seeing his face in passing broke my heart. So much hope shone through the tears welling in his eyes as he shook with nerves.
It couldn't be Maya. I knew in my heart that there was no coming back. I had witnessed firsthand what Daimona could do and what they truly were beneath the darkness.
The pack released another collective gasp as she emerged from the trees, and my breath caught at the sight of her milky skin, beautiful auburn hair, and hazel eyes. She looked flawless, her loose curls bouncing around her glowing skin. A soft smile curled her lips, and her gaze locked onto Jameson.
How is this possible? She looks exactly like she did sixteen years ago.
We know that some Daimona have a higher level of thought than others. Perhaps there is a more advanced stage of the infection where they are able to shift like we are, but with the Daimona always in control mentally. Just using the human skin.
Fuck. There's no way we can prove that when no one wants to listen to a word I've already said. They hold him in such high regard that they can't even wrap their brains around the idea of him betraying the pack.
Jameson fell to his knees as he breathed out, "How?"
"As you can see, Kira's words are false. Obviously I would never have sacrificed my mate and she has not turned into one of those demons despite her wounds that day. Maya has returned to us being held captive all these years. She managed to escape when they all rallied to attack us tonight.”
Tears fell freely down Jameson's face as everything he'd ever wanted stood in front of him. His mother. Alive. At least that's what he thought she was. Why would he think any differently?
I itched to go to him and comfort him—to tell him that this was a farce—but I couldn't bring myself to. He had hurt me one too many times and made his loyalties clear in our last parting. My heart squeezed with pain and yearning, but I wouldn't continue to lay myself at his feet for him to use as a doormat when he saw fit.
Maya walked over and fit herself under the alpha's outstretched arm, and he tucked her firmly against his side. Pinning Jameson with a pained look, he brought fake tears to his eyes as he spoke. "You have a choice to make, son. Stay with us and let us rebuild our family. Or leave with that pathetic child who betrayed us all today by attacking me."
I refused to look at Jameson as I felt his stare burning a hole in the side of my face. I already knew what he would choose, and I refused to allow any spark of hope to light within me. This would hurt enough as it was.
Make your thoughts clear to him so you can walk away with peace of mind.
Jameson stood, taking a step towards his parents as Maya moved towards him, arms outstretched in welcome.
Nerves and sorrow rattled me internally, but I didn't let my voice waver. "If you choose your father's side after everything I've told you, and if you allow him to exile me, I will never give you another chance. Because I promise you this: A time will come where his atrocities are laid bare, and you will see the monster that lies beneath that facade. But it will be too late."
I felt the presence of Milo and Seth at my shoulders, and their support gave me strength to stand tall when Jameson glanced back over his shoulder.
