"Let's get down to business, as your presence on my land is offensive. What did you need to speak to me about that you couldn't have said over the phone?"
Kenneth had not spoken a word for over two decades to her, even after she begged and pleaded. Now, Debra faced Kenneth in her office, her gaze like steel as it bore into him. His presence didn't scare her, but she wasn't ignorant of his potential danger either. The room held an air of tension, with four of her most formidable warriors present and the rest of her warriors on high alert.
"To answer any questions you may have about your daughter's death," Kenneth said simply, and Debra resisted the urge to slap him.
A sneer tugged at Debra's lips as her voice dripped with sarcasm, "How generous of you. Of course, I would never believe a word you say."
"This is really all your fault," Kenneth responded.
Debra's eyebrow arched incredulously before she said, "And pray tell, how is it?"
"You should've told me her lineage. You should've told me from the very beginning she wasn't just an Omega."
"Her rank did not matter. She was your fated mate. I didn't have to tell you anything," Debra countered.
Kenneth's frustration simmered beneath his words, "And your failure to do so has gotten us here."
Debra's patience was wearing thin, but she held herself in check and said, "What are you implying?"
"I'm implying nothing, only stating facts," Kenneth responded.
Suppressing the urge to unleash her warriors upon him, Debra held on to her composure, reminding herself of the importance of his survival.
Debra's tone shifted, his words tinged with veiled motives, "So you came here to rub in the fact that you killed my daughter because she was an Omega so that you could mate that bitch you call a mate now."
"Your daughter died in childbirth. It was..." Kenneth started.
"Cut the bullshit, Kenneth. Tell me what you want or get out, but stop wasting my time," Debra interrupted him.
"I want you to convince her to come back to my pack," Kenneth's request seemed absurd, drawing a scoff from Debra.
Debra couldn't help but laugh at his request. When she noticed he was serious, Debra regained her composure. "Why the hell would I do that?"
"I don't think you want another dead relative, do you?"
The weight of the insinuation hung in the air, causing Debra's former amusement to vanish immediately. She stood up slowly from her seat and approached Kenneth. Debra's response held a mixture of defiance and controlled anger, "Are you threatening me?"
"No, just simply stating facts. Think about it. I'll be in touch," Kenneth stood up, exiting her office.
Debra's gaze followed him as two of her guards accompanied him, their vigilant presence a reminder of the precarious situation. She wasted no time, giving orders to her remaining guards to search for any possible surveillance devices. With her office cleared, Debra said, "Check the entire pack house and monitor the pack members. We must ensure he has no moles and didn't plant anything."
After her warriors left her office, Debra reached for her phone and scrolled through her contacts until she found Garrett Hunter's name. After a few rings, the call connected, and Garrett's voice greeted her on the other end.
"Luna Debra? Is everything alright?" Garrett's tone was laced with concern.
"Not exactly," Debra admitted, her voice low and tense. "I just had a meeting with Kenneth."
There was a brief silence on the other end before Garrett's voice was filled with caution and curiosity. "Because of your tone, I assume you didn't kill him. So, what did he want?"
"He's planning something, Garrett. I don't have all the details yet, but it involves Lily. He implied that if Lily doesn't return to his pack, she will end up like her mother," Debra explained.
Garrett's heart skipped a beat as he listened to Lily. "That is just a scare tactic. She is safe with the Lycan King. Kenneth wouldn't dare make a move right now."
"I know, but he may try something during the trial. He expects a response from me soon," Debra confirmed, her voice firm. "He wants to manipulate her, use her to further his agenda."
A surge of anger and protectiveness welled up within Garrett. "I won't let him touch her."
"Good," Debra said, her voice softening. "But there's something you need to do first."
Garrett's brow furrowed, his curiosity piqued. "What is it?"
"Have you made up with Lily yet?" Debra's question was direct, a reminder of the fractured bond between Garrett and Lily that was displayed to everyone during the Winter Moon celebration.
His voice was tinged with regret as he answered, "No, not yet."
Debra's tone held a mix of urgency and understanding. "Garrett, you need to be brave, and you need to make your intentions clear. Lily needs your protection and your pack's protection. Kenneth won't stop until he gets what he wants."
A heavy silence hung between them as Garrett absorbed her words. He gripped his phone tightly. With everything going on, Kenneth was still trying to make Lily miserable. He knew he couldn't afford to let his insecurities get in the way of ensuring Lily's safety.
Debra's voice held an edge of determination. "I'm going to see Lily soon. I want you to come with me."
"Of course," Garrett replied without hesitation. "I'll be there."
"Good," Debra's voice softened, appreciation evident in her tone. "And Garrett, I need you to do something for me."
"What is it?" he asked.
"Make things right with Lily," Debra's words were gentle but firm. "She needs you. It is clear you two care about each other, and you two may not be second-chance mates, but I feel that the Moon Goddess has put you and Lily together for a reason."
Garrett's gaze hardened, a resolve settling within him. "I will. I won't let anything happen to her."