Back tracking to Thursday night during the storm
Kenya was in Seattle during the storm that swept through the state. While the rain was not as bad as it was in Moon Lake; she had no desire to head out and risk getting wet. Being a were-panther did have its drawbacks; aversion to rain being one of them.
She was holed up in the condo owned by her client now friend who recently proposed to her; another were-panther by the name of Jack Crawford. To say she didn’t have feeling for him would be a lie. While she did love the man; Kenya also still loved Nate. Which is why she was confused and conflicted; when Jack proposed marriage to her last week. While Jack was patient and understanding in her not sure what to say; Nate was on the other hand was not thrilled at the prospect. He wanted an answer from Kenya; ‘Me or him,’ or something along those lines. Kenya couldn’t give the answer and begged him for some time; time Nate felt she had plenty to come to a decision.
After not hearing from her with an answer Nate took it upon himself to decide for her.
‘Kenya despite the fact that you have lied to me before with you choice in employment. I still held out hope that we could repair what we once shared; I have given you time to make up your mind. It is clear that you need help in deciding. While I will always enjoy the time we had, I cannot keep waiting for you to come around. Please don’t contact me anymore. It is over between us. I hope you have a happy life with the person who proposed to you.’
As soon as Kenya read the message, she collapsed to the floor and started crying uncontrollably. Jack who was there at the time held her as he tried to console her.
“There, there Kenya,” hugging her dearly; “It’s not the end of the world.”
“But I loved that werewolf,” she sobs.
“Yet it’s clear he wasn’t willing to wait for you,” Jack states; “unlike me.”
“What are you talking about?” She asks still sobbing.
“Did you not forget the ring I gave you?” Jack hugging her while reaching to her purse; “I did ask you to marry me.”
Kenya looks at the ring; waves of emotions and memories flood her. Happiness, make way to joy; joy is overtaken by sorrow. Sorrow gets beaten up by confusion; and lastly anger rears her head.
“First things first,” Kenya grabbing the engagement ring and putting it on; “as soon as the storm lets up we drive to Moon Lake.” Getting up she turns to Jack, “both you and I will confront Nate Anderson and make him regret,”
Jack cuts her off; “Kenya I am all for going down there to talk. But let’s not get violent. There is no cause for it.”
“Yes there is!” She seethes; “He text dumped me!”
“If every women reacted violently to be dumped, then the human race as it were would not of made past the dark ages; Jack continues, “the storm is not going to let up any time soon. Both you and I will get some sleep and in the morning we will both go down to Moon Lake and talk to him.”
Kenya grumbles, “I still want to scratch his eyes out;” yet she acquiesces to Jack’s request as she gets into bed with him.
“So putting on the ring, is a yes?” Jack asks as he climbs into bed with her.
“It’s an unofficial yes.” Kenya grouses; “It will all depend on what Nate will do when we see him tomorrow.”
Jack just rolls his eyes and sighs ‘Hell hath no fury like a were-pantheress with rage in her eyes.’
*****
Meanwhile back in Moon Lake the following day.
A large black Lincoln Town car pulls up to Moon lake high just as school is about to start. Jack's butler at the wheel while both Jack and Kenya are in the back seats observing the various students congregate and talk to each other before the bell rings.
"I don't see his vehicle here," Kenya glares.
"Perhaps he is late," Jack calmly states.
"No", Kenya responds; "There is his younger brother Eric with two girls." Kenya points to the boy next to the flag pole with the two girls.
Jack looks at the kid and recognizes one of the girls and blanches; "Eric Anderson is friends with Frieda Knight?"
"Who's Frieda Knight?" Kenya asks.
"Daughter of Benton Knight," Jack grimaces; "A very wealthy and powerful man here in Moon Lake. He is the primary CEO of Knight Industries and a real beast in the board room." Jack sighs, "He is also a were-panther. I met him and his wife and daughter at a charity function last year. To say it was pleasant is a kindness at best."
Kenya looking at Frieda as she talks with Eric and this other girl; "Didn't you say your father once had business with the Knights?"
"That was decades ago, before Benton took control of the company. He forced my father out and renamed the organization;" looking at Kenya, "not many still remember this but Knight Industries was once Crawford and Knight."
They both continue to wait for Nate Anderson to show up; even after the morning bell rings and all the students file inside. After an hour of waiting Jack tells his driver to go to Kenya's apartment where they will try and figure out there next move. Not knowing the Nate is just arriving at the Old Mill for his play date with Liv the were-feline