As much as I wanted, I couldn't say anything back to Rue—because every words she said was true.
Rue knew that anything about my mom was the root of all my pain, and she used it to strike right where it hurt most.
All this time, she was the only one who made me feel like this pack could be a home. And now I realized… my feelings had never been returned.
My steps had led me back to the surfboard shack. I sat on Bonny and had already turned the key, ready to start her up.
But… where?
Where would I even go?
My heart and mind were in total chaos. I just wanted to get as far away from Wavecrest Pack as possible.
'As an outcast? I might be able to protect you for a while, dear… But not for long. If you think that fight between Nyxon and Kaiden was brutal, trust me—what's out there is far worse,' Thora warned gently.
Her tone had softened. She knew just how tangled up everything had become.
My nose caught a strong whiff of ocean breeze.
'Damn, this just keeps getting more complicated,' I cursed inwardly.
Kaiden was now standing right in front of my motorcycle. He didn't say anything, just stared at me with sharp focus.
"Come with me," he ordered suddenly, snatching the keys from the ignition and grabbing my hand, pulling me off the bike.
"No, Kaiden, I need to be alone," I insisted, reaching for the keys.
He held them tight, slipping them into his trousers pocket.
"You will. Later. But right now, you're coming with me."
Unlike Nyxon, who always tried to persuade, Kaiden was firm and to the point. I couldn't read what he was thinking at all.
As much as I felt drawn to follow him, I shook my head. I needed the 'alone' space right now.
My refusal seemed to flip a switch in him. His ash-gray eyes darkened, and he released his Alpha presence—intending to force me into submission.
Normally, as an omega, that power should've dropped me to my knees.
Strangely, all it did was make me flinch in discomfort.
I was surprised by my own reaction—but Kaiden looked even more shocked. His brow furrowed, clearly confused that his command didn't work on me.
"Well then… if that doesn't work," he muttered.
Without warning, Kaiden threw me over his shoulder, my head hanging down his back.
"Kaiden! Put me down!" I yelled, annoyed.
"You heard what she said, Kaiden," came a familiar voice, laced with the scent of fresh coconut that filled my nose.
"You're just degrading yourself by getting involved with her," Rue added with a sharp, disapproving tone.
The twins were now blocking Kaiden's path, stopping him from getting me into his Wrangler.
"Move," Kaiden ordered coldly, his tone flat and irritated.
"Put Mina down. She's still a member of our pack. Taking her by force is a violation, Kaiden—and you'll have to answer to the entire pack," Nyxon said, his voice laced with authority.
"You forget—I'm her mate. That gives me rights over her," Kaiden shot back, his tone growing colder, almost a growl.
"NO! I'm her mate!" Nyxon shouted.
'Oh great, they're gonna fight again,' I muttered in my head, beyond frustrated.
"STOP! PUT ME DOWN!" I yelled, pounding my fists on Kaiden's back, which hard like stone.
"You heard her, rockhead. She doesn't want to go with you," Nyxon mocked, sounding smug.
"Not until I claim her. I'm taking her back to Stormsurge Pack and making her my Luna. Unlike you, both I and my pack will treat her with the utmost respect she deserves."
Kaiden's voice rang with calm certainty.
Something stirred inside me. His words—so clear and resolute—felt like the answer to the turmoil I'd been drowning in.
After everything Rue had said… there was no good reason for me to stay in Wavecrest anymore.
"You'll only bring shame to your pack, Kaiden! Stormsurge will have a Luna born from a whore's womb!" Rue spat venomously.
Kaiden turned to her, calm but cutting. "Why would you say that to her, Rue? I thought you two were close."
Not even a hint of hesitation. Kaiden stood firm beside me—unlike Nyxon. He didn't flinch, even after Rue exposed my most humiliating secret.
"Because she's just as cheap! She knew how long I've had feelings for you. But she stole you. And not just you—she tried to get Nyxon, too! That witch probably enchanted you both! Her mother was famous for that—seducing men with her so-called 'powers'!"
Each word Rue hurled was like a dagger. The pain was sharp, unbearable.
Thora raged inside me, furious. 'Let's shift! I want to teach that brat-bitch a lesson!' she snarled.
And then Kaiden said something that I never expected. His voice burned with anger.
"Silent! Just so you know—even without the Moon Goddess's blessing, Mina's the only woman I've ever seen. She didn't need to try, my gaze had already drawn to her. Not like you."
My mouth fell open in shock.
I heard Rue gasp—then footsteps, running away.
"You've crossed a line, Kaiden! Now put Mina down!" Nyxon barked. His voice, this time, was pure fury.
"Why? So that she can remain the person you despise and ostracize? Not anymore," Kaiden refused adamantly.
"Aargh!" Nyxon growled, then, the sound of bones reforming to shift was heard, of course it made me panic.
Without waiting for Nyxon's order, this time Kaiden put me down quickly.
"Get in the car," he ordered firmly, undeniable.
I bit my lower lip, choking. I couldn't do anything. I didn't want either of them to get hurt, didn't want them to hurt each other.
"Wait…" I begged desperately.
Just as Nyxon was about to jump and attack Kaiden. Benjamin's voice broke the tension between them.
"Forgive me, Nyxon, and Kaiden. You are ordered to face Alpha Roman right this second."
"And so is Mina," Benjamin added at the end of his sentence, sounding hesitant.
I swallowed hard, Alpha Roman would banish me, this was all because of Rue!