“Who is there?” Steve asked as he approached the door but he got no response.He sighed, closed his eyes for a brief moment, and gradually opened the door. And as he slowly opened the door, the door was suddenly pushed in and Megan barged in.“Yo! Calm down.” Steve exclaimed, a bit relieved as he watched her go in, while he still stood at the door.“Why did it take you so long to open the door?” She asked him, frowning.“Well, I didn't know it was you at the door since I didn't think you'd get back so soon.” He answered, shrugging.“What do you mean by that? Were you expecting me to sleep in or start living in the hospital?” She said, with a bit of sarcasm.“I don't know, you could have decided to.” He replied with sarcasm too and she glared at him.“Who were you expecting though?” She asked, suddenly remembering that he said he wasn't expecting her to return so soon.“Anyone else, but you.” He replied with furrowed eyebrows, after which he locked the door and walked into the living r
“I'll be right behind you.” Megan said to him as he walked towards the door, but Steve shook his head and refused.“Don't! I already have an idea of how the whole thing will pan out and I don't want you there.” He said to her firmly, and she nodded as he calmly opened the door and without questions, followed the guards who had come to pick him, while Megan watched as he was being taken away.As they left, Megan sighed and went back into the house. She dropped herself on the sofa in frustration and worry as she stared into thin air, that she didn't notice that Veronica had come out of the room.“What do you think is going to happen to him?” Megan whispered beside her, startling her and she jerked back to reality.“I scared you, didn't I?” Veronica asked.“Uh, yeah.” Megan answered softly and Veronica sighed.“I'm sorry.” Veronica said. “How do you feel?” She asked her.“Honestly, I don't know how I feel. I'm just kind of scared and frustrated.” She confessed and Veronica sighed again.
“What?!” How is that possible? How did that happen?” Alpha Marcus asked him, with eyes wide open in shock.“I have no idea, Alpha.” The guard responded, as he finally gained balance.“What could have caused this? Who could be behind this?” Alpha Marcus asked, turning to Beta Richard, who was also in shock.“I have no idea, Alpha. I'm as confused as you are.” Beta Richard answered him.Right then, Beta Richard’s phone rang and he immediately pulled it out of his pocket and answered the call.“Yes?” He said and he answered.“Oh, really?” He asked the caller and continued, “I'll be right there.” He said and the call ended.“What is going on?” Alpha Marcus asked him, “Who was that?”“I just got a call from Lily. She is at the site of the fire.” He answered and put his phone away.“And?” Alpha Marcus pressed urgently. “Does she have any information yet? Anything at all about what started the fire or if there are any casualties?” He asked impatiently, his voice laced with concern and his to
“No way!” Beta Richard exclaimed in shock, “Why didn't you say anything earlier? Why wait until now?” He asked the man.“I didn't know….” The man cried out.“You didn't know what?” Beta Richard asked him, getting impatient.“I didn't know that the fire was going to keep spreading rapidly.” The man replied and Beta Richard shook his head in disappointment. “The chemicals are used in the production of our products but they are flammable in their uncombined state.” The man said, adding more details.“So what do we do now?” Beta Richard asked, turning to the incident commander(IC), his eyes searching for reassurance as the sound of cackling flames and shouting firefighters persistently filled the air.“Exactly, what do we do, IC?” Beta Lily pressed, her voice laced with concern, as she glanced towards the burning building, her eyes squinting through the smoke. “We have to do something as soon as possible to avoid a greater calamity.” She added.The incident commander nodded thoughtfully,
“A highly flammable oil was used in one of the stores in the market,” The firefighter revealed, holding up the charred remains of a burnt can of oil for Beta Richard to examine. “That was what set the place on fire and the fire quickly spread to other places because there were fabrics, books in the library, planks and other materials which aided its quick spread.” He continued, explaining carefully to Beta Richard and the others.“Hmmmmm!” Beta Richard sighed, “But how are you sure that it was a deliberate act?” Beta Richard asked him, his brow furrowing in concern as he scrutinized the can of flammable oil in the firefighter's hand.“Sir,” the firefighter continued, “this type of oil is very rare and can't just be found in any pack.” He explained, his voice filled with certainty, as someone who definitely knew what he was talking about.“It is usually imported and only available on specific orders due to its high tendency to explode even at the slightest spark.” He paused and checked
“Megan, please talk to me. What is going on?” Veronica asked as calmly as possible even though she was completely scared and her anxiety was shooting through the roof. Her heart, racing with every passing second.She wished Megan had put the call on loudspeaker, so she would have heard the whole conversation with her dad and there would have been no need for her to start asking questions from Megan, who was now looking so devastated with tears welling up in her eyes.But at the same time, she understood that it was a conversation between a father and his child and it should be somewhat private. So she respected her privacy.As Megan began to cry, Veronica became so confused, not knowing what to do or what words to say that wouldn't complicate the present situation or worsen it.“Megan, can you please talk to me? What did your dad say? Is Steve fine?” Veronica kept asking, her voice filled with concern but Megan just kept crying, her cries getting louder.Crouching in front of Megan an
“Are you sure about this, Richard?” Alpha Marcus asked Beta Richard who nodded positively.“I'm positive. From the evidence found at the scene, I'm very sure that it was a deliberate act.” Beta Richard spoke with confidence. “The oil that was found was placed strategically. The fire was set on the floor where there were fabric stores and food stores, knowing well how often the food stores used matchsticks. There are also book stores on that floor.” Beta Richard explained carefully.“Hmmmmm!” Alpha Marcus mused as he thought deeply about it.“So there was no way it wouldn't have happened with all those stores filled with materials which could start a fire and help it spread quickly.” Alpha Marcus said and Beta Richard snapped his fingers.“Exactly, now you get it.” Beta Richard said to him.As soon as he got to the palace from the fire scene, Beta Richard had informed Alpha Marcus of everything that happened and all the information that he had been able to gather but Alpha Marcus was f
As instructed, the Pack Heralds immediately walked around the pack and began to announce the Alpha’s instructions to every member of the pack. They positioned themselves at different areas from the northern part, to the southern part to eastern part and the western part, yelling the order of the Alpha to everyone who listened.“According to the Alpha's orders and for your safety, Parents, keep your children home. Spouses, siblings, everyone - stay inside. Do not come out. Lock your door and your windows.” They shouted out loud.“Also, after now. Every house will be searched. There is a traitor in our midst and we need to fish them out. Put your houses in order and if you have any stranger in your houses, it is better for you to hand them over immediately the guards get to your houses.” They continued.“Do not argue with or resist the authorities in any way, else you and every member of your household will appear before the Alpha before you are thrown into jail for harbouring a crimina
The air was heavy with tension as Elder Raymond stormed in, his face twisted in grief and rage. His eyes, red-rimmed from lack of sleep, scanned the room until they landed on Veronica, who now stood frozen, her hands clasped together in front of her. At the sound of Elder Raymond’s angry voice, she had sprung to her feet.The moment he saw her, Elder Raymond charged at her, his heavy boots echoing off the marble floor. “You!” He bellowed, his voice, sounding like thunder. “You killed my son!”Veronica shook her head vigorously as he charged at her.Beta Richard quickly stepped forward, shielding Veronica from Elder Raymond’s attack. The guards also moved swiftly to restrain Elder Raymond, but he struggled against them, his face purpling with rage.Seeing what was going on, Megan and the rest of their friends scurried off to a corner.Alpha Marcus sprung up from his throne, his voice authoritative as he spoke. “Elder Raymond! What is going on? What is the meaning of all this?!” Elde
As soon as the warrior guards got back to the pack, Veronica was dragged before the Alpha in the court.“We found her, Alpha.” Captain Jake announced, pushing Veronica forward. She missed her steps and fell to the ground in front of Alpha Marcus, and Beta Richard.“Has she confessed yet?” Alpha Marcus asked, and Jake shook his head.“No, Alpha. She has not confessed. She claims she is innocent.”“Is that so?” He inquired, and Jake nodded affirmatively.Alpha Marcus’ eyes fell on Veronica, who was still on the floor, her face buried in her hands as she cried silently.“So, you have refused to confess after everything?” He asked her, his eyes blazing with fury.“I… I’m innocent.” She managed to say, her voice, cracked from screaming and crying all the way to the pack from her hiding place.Right then, Steve, Megan, Sam, Linda, Madeline and the others walked in.“Thank goodness. They've found her.” Sam said out loud as soon as he saw Veronica on the floor. “I hope she tells the world wha
All hands on deck. The search began, and the warrior guards searched the entire pack, but Veronica was nowhere to be found.Seeing as she was not found anywhere in the pack, they proceeded to search outside the pack, and headed for the forest, combing every single place the soles of their feet stepped.They were so determined to find her because they believed that she was responsible for Trey’s death just like Sam told the Alpha.“Leave no stone unturned. Search the perimeters. Search every single place. Every nook and cranny.” Captain Jake yelled as they intensified their search in the forest.They searched and searched for hours, until it was very late at night, yet they didn't find anyone, or anything that could serve as a pointer to where Veronica was.“Cap, don't you think we should go back? It's already dark. We can come back by morning tomorrow.” One of the warriors suggested, but Jake glared at him.“Do you think this is a child's play? Are we just searching because we feel li
They finally arrived at the Alpha's palace, and Beta Richard led the way, while they followed behind him.As they made their way in, silence filled the air, the only sound heard was their footsteps on the floor.“I can't believe I'm back here again. I still haven't gotten over what happened while I was here last time.” Megan whispered to Steve, who didn't say a word to her.“Anytime I think about it, the only thing I can remember is the punishment we were given months ago.” She whispered again, but he still didn't say anything in response.She continued to complain, regardless. “Ughhh! I can't believe we actually did community service for three whole months. It was such a harrowing experience for-”“Can you just keep quiet, Megan. Now is not the time for random talks and this is definitely not the place!” He interrupted her, as he whispered through gritted teeth. “What is wrong with you? Dang!” He hissed.She rolled her eyes, and remained quiet till they finally got into the Alpha's
In just a short moment, the ambulance arrived at Veronica’s house, and Trey's body was immediately observed keenly, and he was soon confirmed dead.Seeing that it was Trey, the head paramedic, whose name was Dan, stared in shock. He then sighed. “Take him into the ambulance. We might have to find out the cause of his death.” He immediately instructed the other paramedics to carry Trey's body out of the house.“I’m quite baffled here. How did this happen? What really happened?” Dan asked Steve and the other guests, including Megan, who looked disturbed.“We have no idea. We just came into the room and met him like this.” Steve replied, honestly.“Is… is he really dead?” Linda asked, her voice shaking.Dan sighed sadly. “Unfortunately, Yes.”“Oh no!” They all exclaimed, with defeated expressions.They had actually hoped that they were wrong about it all along, but with the confirmation of the paramedics, they soon knew that their worst fear had actually happened.“Are you guys sure tha
Seeing Trey’s lifeless body in the pool of his own blood, Megan retched, and swiftly rushed into the bathroom and began to throw up.“What could have happened? Who could have done this?” Steve thought to himself as he observed Trey’s motionless body.Truly, he didn't like Trey because of what happened between them in the past, but never in a million years did he imagine that Trey would be in such a state at that point in time.Megan came back into the room, and they remained transfixed in one spot for a while, before someone finally spoke up.“Who did this?” One of the guests, Madeline, asked, sounding completely terrified.“Is he still breathing?” Another person, Linda asked, her voice shaking.“Does he look like he is?” Someone else, Sam, replied, coldly.Linda’s eyes widened. “What!?”“You can't be so sure. Maybe he is just unconscious.” She said again, trying hard not to believe what Sam said.“I think Sam might be right. He doesn't look like he is breathing.” Luke said, in suppor
After walking and reminiscing on past events for a while, Steve and Megan finally headed back to Veronica's house, but when they got outside the house, they noticed that the guests were a lot less than before they left the house earlier.“Seems almost everyone has gone.” Steve stated, and Megan nodded in agreement.“Yes, it seems so. I'm sure they had so much fun.” She replied, looking around.“Yeah, that's true.” Steve nodded in support.“Hi Uncle Steve.” Scott suddenly shouted, jumping out from nowhere, startling them.“Oh my, you scared me.” Megan exclaimed, and Steve smiled.“Did I?” Scott asked as he excitedly jumped into Steve's arms.“Yes, you did.” Megan replied, frowning.“Did you go somewhere?” He asked, “I have been looking everywhere for you guys.”“Oh, yes. We took a walk.” Steve answered with a smile.“Really?” Scott asked, staring at Steve and Megan.“Yes. We had some things to talk about.” Steve explained, still smiling.“Oh, so where's Vee?” Scott asked, seeing as Ver
Seeing that it was indeed Trey, Veronica fearfully took a few steps backwards, away from him.Noticing her reaction, he knew that she possibly knew him, and so he got up from the bed.“Oh, you know me already?” He asked her, his tone, menacing.“What makes you think so?” Veronica asked him. Her heart, beating fast, not sure of what she should have said. “I don't know you.” She blurted out.“Oh really?” He asked mockingly, taking a step towards her.“Yes.” She lied, slowly retreating.He laughed hysterically. “Why does your expression say otherwise?” He queried her. “You don't look like you're seeing me for the first time.” He stated the obvious, making her more uncomfortable.“That's not true.” Veronica insisted, and he laughed again.“You’re saying something, but your actions say otherwise.” He said, “What do you mean?” She asked him and instead of responding, he took a couple of steps forward, making her take steps backwards instinctively.“There you go.” He said, proving his point,
TWO WEEKS LATERAs the cock crowed, Veronica's eyes slowly opened, but she immediately shut her eyes because of the little ray of sunlight, shining through the slight opening in the curtains, right into her eyes.She adjusted her sleeping position, and remained still on her bed for a short moment. She opened her eyes again, and gently rubbed her heavy eyes. She checked the time and it was a few minutes before 7am.Her eyes drifted away from the clock to the ceiling and she kept staring at the ceiling as the thought of going back to sleep filled her mind.She yawned loudly, and stretched her body.“Today, I don't feel like doing anything. I just want to sleep in.” She said to herself, as she pulled her duvet over her head, and went back to sleep.Just a few minutes later, her phone chimed, but she was too tired to pick it up to check who she got a message from.She had stayed up late the previous night because she had a lot on her mind. She didn't know why but memories of her life in h