Unveiling the Shadows

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David led me through the pack infirmary, showing me the medical facilities and introducing me to the healer who worked there. The room was filled with various herbs and medical supplies, and the atmosphere was calm and reassuring. From there, we moved to the training ground where a few warriors were practicing their combat skills. Their laughter and camaraderie were infectious, and I felt a small part of my nervousness begin to dissipate.

As we walked by, the warriors called out greetings, their friendly faces making me feel more at ease. David's hand was in mine, and though it felt strange given everything that had happened recently, it was also oddly comforting. I hadn't had time to fully process the fact that I now had a mate, and his presence was a constant reminder of the whirlwind my life had become.

"You know, we haven't really had much time for us since you got here," David remarked, his voice thoughtful.

I nodded in agreement. It was true. Between dealing with the fallout from my mother's arrival and the emotional upheaval it had caused, we hadn't had a chance to focus on each other. David seemed to pick up on my thoughts as usual, like he could read my mind. It was both unnerving and reassuring.

"That's true," I said. "With everything going on, I haven't had the chance to really get to know you. And that's kind of sad."

David's smile grew wider. "I have an idea. How about we play 20 Questions? It'll give us a chance to learn more about each other."

I agreed, though I wasn't sure how much insight I could offer. We made our way to the garden, a serene spot filled with vibrant flowers and lush greenery. David and I settled on a bench under a shady tree, and the peaceful surroundings made it easier to open up.

"Okay, my first question," David began with a grin. "What's your full name?"

"Daniel Mangoery," I replied, trying to keep the conversation light. "Though thanks to your mother, you probably already know that."

David chuckled. "Yes, I do. But I'm more interested in what you have to say. What's your favorite color?"

"I like purple," I answered after a moment's thought. "It's pretty."

David's eyes lit up. "I like sky blue. Don't ask me why, I just do. What's your favorite food?"

"Pancakes," I said, smiling. "They're comforting."

David's smile faltered for a moment, and his expression turned serious. "Why do you hate your mother?"

The question hit me like a punch to the gut. I should have anticipated it, but I wasn't ready to confront the depths of my feelings. I took a deep breath, steeling myself for what was to come.

"She turned me into a monster," I began, my voice trembling. "She made me kill over and over again until she had her revenge. Then she left me to face the consequences of her actions. I didn't have the power to fight back, not after everything I did, not after all the bloodshed and the lifeless bodies. I tried to fight back a few times, but they always overpowered me. I became weak, and there were too many of them."

Tears welled up in my eyes, but I wiped them away quickly. "I don't want to play anymore," I said, my voice breaking. "But it's my turn. I have one last question: why did you ask me that all of a sudden?"

David took my hands in his and kissed them gently. "I had a few people look into your and your mother's past. I wanted to understand why you hated her so much. I had just received the report via mindlink and wanted to see if you would be honest with me. I'm so sorry if it upset you."

The apology did little to quell the anger that flared up inside me. I pulled my hands away, feeling a surge of rage. "You did a background check on me?" I snapped. "I told you that I would tell you everything. What, you didn't believe me?"

David's expression shifted to one of hurt and confusion. "Daniel, it wasn't about not believing you. I just wanted to understand more. I'm sorry if it came across the wrong way."

But I was beyond reasoning. I didn't want to hear any more excuses. I turned on my heel and stomped off, my anger and frustration propelling me forward. I didn't want to see his face right now, not when I felt so betrayed and misunderstood. The peaceful garden, which had moments ago felt like a sanctuary, now seemed suffocating.

I walked aimlessly, my thoughts swirling in a chaotic storm. David's concern, his kindness, and the underlying mistrust I felt made it hard to see a clear path forward. I needed space to sort through my emotions and figure out how to handle the complex web of feelings that had been stirred up.

The sun was setting as I wandered through the pack's territory, the warm colors of dusk casting long shadows on the ground. I felt isolated despite being surrounded by people. It was a reminder of how alone I had felt for so long, and how difficult it was to open up to someone, only to feel betrayed.

As the darkness began to settle in, I finally found a quiet spot away from everyone. Sitting down on a bench, I let out a deep sigh, trying to calm the storm inside me. I knew I needed to talk to David, to clear the air between us, but for now, I just needed to be alone with my thoughts.

The night was silent except for the occasional rustle of leaves in the breeze. It was a stark contrast to the turmoil I felt inside. I closed my eyes, trying to center myself and find some semblance of peace. Tomorrow, I would have to face David and work through the issues that had come between us. For now, though, I let the quiet embrace me, hoping that it would offer some solace in the midst of the chaos.

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