Helena's POV
The sharp crack of my mother's phone hitting the kitchen counter makes me wince. The already damaged screen splits into a spider web of fractures, and I bite back a curse. Another expense I can't afford. My shifts at the diner barely cover our basic needs, and unless one of her rotating boyfriends decides to play hero, I'll be working doubles to replace her latest casualty.
My father's savings disappeared months ago, swallowed by her reckless spending and poor choices. Now we scrape by on what little I can earn, living week to week in this suffocating routine.
Her cold stare burns into me, accusation written across her weathered features. "What did you do now?"
"I have no idea what you're talking about." The words come out sharper than intended.
After last night's humiliation, her mere presence sets my teeth on edge. Every breath in this cramped space feels toxic.
Something shifts in her expression, the anger melting into what might be worry if I didn't know her better. "They want you at the pack house."
My lungs constrict, stealing my breath. "For what?"
She lets out a harsh laugh, that familiar sound of indifference. "How the hell would I know? Just go before you drag us both down with whatever mess you've created."
I glance down at my stained uniform, the fabric still carrying traces of grease and coffee. My teeth worry my lower lip as I consider changing, but before I can take a step toward my room, she's shouting again. With reluctance burning in my chest, I head for the door.
The pack house looms before me, its imposing structure a reminder of everything I'll never be part of. As I cross the threshold, I'm painfully aware of the diner's scent clinging to my clothes. The smell is subtle to human senses, but every werewolf nose will detect it immediately. Heat creeps up my neck, but I force my chin up.
The Shadowcrest pack made their position clear when my father died. We were on our own. Working isn't shameful—it's survival. I'm keeping my family afloat, and that's nothing to apologize for.
The main hall buzzes with activity, pack members rushing past without acknowledgment. I try catching an Omega's attention, hoping for answers, but they look through me like I'm invisible. Their dismissal stings deeper than it should. My father commanded respect here once.
"There you are." Alpha Leo's voice cuts through the noise, making me jump.
I turn to find him surrounded by the Elder Council, their faces grave. My heart hammers against my ribs, and moisture gathers at the corners of my eyes.
I know exactly why I'm here.
"Alpha Leo," I manage, my voice barely above a whisper. "Could we speak privately?"
His laugh is cruel, though pain flickers in his dark eyes. This isn't what he wants either. "Unnecessary. The Council must witness this."
My throat tightens as conversations halt around us. Every face I despise is here, watching, waiting for my humiliation. Their whispered comments and barely contained laughter make my skin crawl, but I refuse to cower.
"I understand." I keep my gaze locked on his, ignoring the growing audience. "Perhaps the conference room would be more appropriate."
He waves dismissively. "I don't hide pack business from my members."
I straighten my spine, steel flooding my veins. The rejection will be swift—just words that will cut through me like a blade. I've heard the pain is unbearable, but nothing could be worse than the agony I've already endured.
Alpha Leo steps closer, his jaw clenched with irritation. "What made you think you were worthy of being my mate?"
The cruelty in his tone hits like a physical blow. He wants to destroy me publicly. "I never claimed to be worthy of any Alpha, let alone you."
"You're nothing but an Omega."
His words slice deeper than any rejection could. "My father was a respected Delta. I am not an Omega."
"Was being the operative word." His mockery is like poison. "Your father is dead now."
The tears that spring to my eyes aren't from shame or fear—they're pure rage. Years of suppressed fury over my father's death and this pack's abandonment surge through me.
"Fuck you, Alpha Leo." The words explode from my lips. "My father died protecting this pack, and he'd be disgusted by what you've let it become. If anyone isn't worthy here, it's you."
His roar of fury echoes through the hall as he closes the distance between us, but I don't retreat. Not this time. Never again. His fingers wrap around my throat, claws piercing skin as he lifts me off the ground. My airway closes, but I don't struggle. Instead, I meet his gaze with defiance burning in my eyes.
"I, Alpha Leo of the Shadowcrest Pack, reject you as my mate and Luna."
Fire explodes through my chest, like molten metal poured directly into my heart. But instead of breaking me, the agony feeds my hatred.
"Good," I rasp through his grip.
He drops me, and I land gracefully on my feet. The crowd's shocked gasps tell me they expected me to crumble. My unexpected strength only fuels Leo's rage.
"I accept your rejection and sever all ties to the Shadowcrest Pack. I'd rather face the dangers of being rogue than live under your pathetic leadership."
The pack bond snaps with excruciating force, adding to the rejection's burn. Still, I keep my head high.
"I didn't dismiss you," Alpha Leo snarls as I turn toward the exit.
I look back with contempt. "Did you forget? I'm rogue now. I'll be gone by sunset."
"I haven't accepted your declaration."
I whirl around, marching back until I'm close enough to feel his breath. My finger jabs into his chest as Aria, my wolf, growls through my voice. "I don't need your permission."
Panic flashes in his eyes. This isn't the broken girl he expected to destroy.
"No pack will accept you."
I step back, satisfaction warming my chest. "Do I look like I care?"