Chapter 8 Impostor
Lya's POV
The border checkpoint's harsh fluorescent lights cast long shadows as I watched from my hiding spot. My father, Beta Sebastian, pulled up in his standard-issue black SUV, his movements brisk and purposeful as he exited the vehicle. Even from this distance, I could sense his annoyance at being called to the border so late at night.
He's radiating irritation, Kate observed through our connection. This isn't going to be pretty.
I nodded silently, focusing my enhanced senses on my father. His jaw was clenched tight, shoulders squared in that unmistakable Beta stance that had intimidated pack members for decades.
Beta Sebastian strode into the checkpoint building, not bothering with pleasantries. His deep voice carried easily to my ears.
"What's so urgent?" he demanded, his tone gruff and impatient, perfectly matching his reputation for not wasting time.
Jason stepped forward, pointing in my direction, and handed my ID to my father. "Very sorry to disturb you, Beta Sebastian. This female requested entry to the territory, but this is the identification she gave us. Obviously, this woman can't possibly be your daughter, sir, but she insisted we contact you."
My father neither looked at me nor at the ID. His frustration was palpable. "Do you always accommodate strangers with fake IDs?"
I couldn't help but think his level of exasperation seemed appropriate for guards who'd been serving at the border for some time.
"But sir—" Jason began.
"But what, Jason?" my father interrupted sharply. "What does your training tell you to do in this situation?"
Jason lowered his head. "We should scan the ID through the computer processor and report our findings and suspicions to the officer on duty."
"Did you scan the ID?" Beta Sebastian pressed.
"N-n-no, sir," Jason stammered.
"Am I the officer on duty tonight?"
"No, sir."
"And what about the vehicle? Did you follow protocol there?"
"W-we had her park and exit the vehicle, sir."
"Is that all?"
Jason hesitated. "I'm not sure."
"After determining she was an impostor, did you check the license plate? Did you have your wolves scent the vehicle for silver weapons or other creatures?"
"No. No, sir."
Derek, trying to help his friend, only made things worse. "Beta Sebastian, we just thought, since she claimed to be your—"
My father whirled around, glaring at Derek and Tyler. "Oh, so it wasn't just Jason who forgot his training protocols? All three of you thought it appropriate to skip processing, not notify the officer on duty, and contact me directly?"
The three guards hung their heads in shame, saying nothing, which only seemed to infuriate my father more.
"Look up! Now!" Beta Sebastian commanded, pointing to the wall where Airina's portrait hung. "Look at her picture!"
I noticed the slight tremor in my father's voice and hands, and immediately regretted having the guards call him. This was cruel, especially tonight.
"Border security is one of the most important duties in our pack," he continued, his voice tight with controlled emotion. "It was precisely the lack of proper border security that led to my daughter—your future LUNA—being killed. Following protocols and chain of command isn't just about respect; it's about safety."
He began listing potential dangers. "What if I was being lured away from an important meeting? What if this woman was bait? What if there were rogues or vampires hiding in her vehicle?"
"Did any of you consider why we have protocols in the first place?" He stared them down, one by one. "Your job is to follow protocols. You don't have the authority to deviate. You never, ever accommodate the requests of unidentified individuals."
The tension in the room was suffocating. I could feel Kate restlessly moving inside me, disturbed by the energy.
"And you commit such a serious breach the night before my daughter's death anniversary..." he added, his voice dropping to nearly a whisper.
The guards were too busy staring at Airina's portrait to notice, but I saw the tears welling in my father's eyes. My heart clenched painfully at the sight. I couldn't bear to watch it now.
I knew my father took Airina's death anniversary hard. He blamed himself—as Beta, border security was one of his primary responsibilities, and Airina had died within Moon Shadow territory, reportedly attacked by rogue wolves. After her death, he'd become extremely rigid about following protocols. Any deviation from rules was taken as a personal affront and failure.
Through my connection with Kate, I could sense the deep self-reproach and pain that my father carried beneath his stern exterior.
He's drowning in guilt, Kate whispered. The weight of it has been crushing him for years.
I swallowed hard, remembering how my father had changed after Airina's death. He'd always been strict, but there had been moments of warmth before—rare smiles, occasional words of praise. After we lost Airina, those moments vanished completely. He buried himself in work, spending countless hours patrolling the borders himself, implementing stricter security measures, drilling the guards relentlessly.
The portrait of Airina on the wall was illuminated by a small spotlight, making her golden hair seem to glow like a halo. It was an older picture, taken during her sixteen birthday celebration—the day she'd officially begun her Luna training. I remembered that day clearly. Victoria had spent weeks planning the perfect party, while I was instructed to stay in my room and "not ruin things with my presence."
The shrine-like setup around the portrait included fresh flowers that someone must change daily. A small plaque beneath read: "Airina Morrison – Beloved Daughter, Sister, and Future Luna – Never Forgotten." The date of her death was engraved in silver lettering.
"I'll take this 'impostor' with me," Beta Sebastian finally said, glancing at me for the first time, briefly looking at my ID before rolling his eyes and turning back to the guards. "I'll return for my car after tomorrow's memorial. I suggest you three get as much sleep as possible tonight, because after tomorrow's events, you'll be on cleaning duty at the packhouse for the next three weeks. After that, you'll be sent for remedial training until you're cleared to resume normal duties."
He walked toward the exit, gesturing for me to follow. We silently got into his car, and he started the engine.
After driving several blocks from the border, my father glanced at me, the moonlight illuminating his tired features. Deep lines etched his face that hadn't been there two years ago, and silver now threaded through his once-dark hair. The moonlight caught the moisture still lingering in his eyes, though he blinked rapidly to dispel it.
"You knew this was against protocol, yet you had them call me anyway, didn't you?" he asked.
"Yes," I answered simply.
"Did you do it to annoy them or me?"
"Them. I was irritated by how they treated me and didn't recognize me. But honestly, I'm surprised they listened to me at all and ignored the other protocols."
"I'm not. I told Alpha Richard those idiots couldn't make a sandwich properly. I was overruled. I suppose I should thank you for proving me right."
"I'm sorry for doing this on this particular night," I said quietly.
"Don't be. Since Airina died, no night has been good," he replied, his voice heavy with a depth of sorrow I'd rarely heard from him.
I felt Kate whimper softly in my mind, sharing my sadness.