Her Return

KATERINA CLERKS

Everyone looked shocked to see my return, especially Damian, Clara, and Sarah. From the look on their faces, especially Clara and Sarah, it seems to them like they had just seen a ghost.

Few days ago, Sebastian and I shared a heartfelt conversation, and together, we mapped out a plan for my return to the Pack. His encouraging words will forever be etched in my head as my mind drift back to the day we had the conversation.

Flashback

My heart felt heavy with so much guilt and all I wanted was just to return back to the Pack and do the rightful thing. I know I can't revive my dead father back, but I could honor his memory by reclaiming my rightful place as the leader of the Pack. I had abandoned my duties as the heir of the Black Stone Pack for a man who never valued me, and my disappearance made it even more worse. 

"Kate..." Sebastian's voice was gentle as he placed his palm on my hand, bringing me out of my thought. His eyes filled with thoughtful consideration as he lock gaze with me. "I want you to know that you're not alone in this. I'm here with you, and I will always be by your side, in every step of the way. I'm glad that you've made this decision and I am so proud of you." He said and his words brought a smile to my face. 

I was proud of myself too, for committing to protect my Pack from Sarah and her devious daughter. I felt a surge of determination and courage, knowing that I had Sebastian's support and my own inner strength to guide me.

End Of Flashback

"Oh my goodness, Katerina! Is that you?!" Sarah exclaimed, feigning excitement as she ran over and pulled me into a hug. My body stiffened, and a disgusted look appeared on my face instantly. 

Deep down, I know that Sarah and her daughter weren't happy about my return, but what they don't know is that I'm ready to play them at their own game. 

"I can't believe you're here. Do you know how hard we tried looking for you? Where have you been all this while?" She asked again, breaking the hug and assessing my body. 

"Sarah, can you-" 

"Are you okay? Are you hurt in any way?" She asked again, cutting me off from my words.

"Well, as you can see, I'm perfectly fine. Sorry for disappointing you and your precious daughter for coming back in a healthy state." I replied in a sarcastic tone.

Sarah slowly pulled back from me, scrunching her eyebrow in confusion, pretending not to know what I was talking about. "What are you talking about?" She asked, making me roll my eyes in annoyance.

"Tsk... tsk... tsk. You still haven't changed, have you? Still the biggest hypocrite and manipulator that you are," I muttered, shaking my head.

"Kate, please, that's enough. Don't talk to my mother like that. You have no idea how hard she tried to find you," Clara said.

"Can you just stay out of this? This is between my late father's wife and I. Some snitches aren't expected to be involved in a conversation as this."

"KATERINA!!!!" Damian growled, jumping up from his seat in anger and storming closer towards me. "Watch the way you talk to my woman!" He added in an intimidating and authoritative tone. 

Sebastian, on the other hand hurriedly stood in front of me, protecting me from Damian as both men glared hard at each other.

He's probably still under the impression that I'm the same timid girl he used to intimidate in the past, but not anymore. The timid naive Katerina he used to know is all in the past. This is a new me. The powerful Katerina who won't allow anyone walk over her again rather, I would walk over on anyone who dared mess with me.

I patted Sebastian's shoulder lightly before standing between him and Damian whilst he shifted his hard glare from Sebastian's to mine.

"Alpha Damian, I believe you're not here with your so-called woman to ruin my coronation ceremony?" I asked with a nasty smirk on my face, emphasizing the word 'woman.'

"You—" Before Damian could say anything, one of the Council's decided to chip in for a reason best known to him.  

"Erm... I believe now that the Alpha's daughter, Ms. Katerina is finally back, I think it's only right if we crown her as the new Alpha of the Pack and follow our Old Alpha's will." He announced, and the rest of the Pack members cheered in excitement. 

I noticed the discomfort on Sarah and Clara's faces, and it only made me smile. Their reactions were exactly what I had hoped to see. Making them nervous and intimidated at the same time by my presence.

"Stay away from my mommy!" I suddenly heard Aaron shouted, positioning himself between me and Damian. He stretched out his little arms, forming a barrier and gave Damian a fierce, protective stare.

"Mommy?!" Damian repeated, his voice laced with shock. "He is your son?! Don't tell me you were already seeing another man before you left?!" he asked in an unbelievable tone and I lifted my shoulders in a shrug.

"Why? Are you upset that you were beaten at your own game?" I asked, a nasty smirk plastered on my face.

"Wait, did you hear that? Was she really seeing another man before the Alpha rejected her?" A voice whispered from the crowd.

"Oh my goodness, they're her children!" another Pack member exclaimed.

"Are they also Beta Sebastian's?" Someone asked again.

"Does it even need to be asked? We all know about the connection between them since they were younger. It's possible that the kids are his too." Another voice whispered.

"But could they really be Ms. Katerina and Beta Sebastian's children?" Another voice asked too.

The murmurs from the Pack didn't go unnoticed by me, and I watched as Damian's anger grew, his teeth clenched and fists tightened. I knew I had struck a nerve, and he could no longer contain his rage.

A grunt escaped his lip and he stormed away angrily. Clara also pass me one last look before running after her man.

"Please, my lady, come forward so we can begin with the process of your coronation," One of the Council said before making way for me.

I walked past Sarah, flashing her a smirk before ascending to the stage where all pack members and guests could watch. The low whispering in the background amongst the Pack members discussing about my kids still didn't stop. They gossiped about my kids being Sebastian's which I didn't bother to clarify. Instead, I let them believe whatever they choose. I would rather have them see my kids as Sebastian's than Damian's. 

He doesn't deserve to be called the father of my kids.