"Wouldn't it be better to eat in your room? I really don't want to see Ezra."

"He won't be there. He never eats downstairs at breakfast time," Colt says. "Besides, you can't hide from him forever. As long as you are with me, I will not let him hurt you. But needless to say, do not come downstairs by yourself."

"Yeah, you don't have to tell me twice."

Colt turns his icy gaze toward Bryn. "Tell me, Bryn, why shouldn't she come down here? And mind you, choose your words carefully."

She opens her mouth to retort, but shuts it as she considers his warning. Irritation washes over her, but she remains quiet.

As we step into the dining room, the room goes dead silent. The pack members stare as we enter. Thankfully, Ezra is nowhere to be seen, though Kaecy, Bryn, and Miles are present. The tension is suffocating.

"So, Ezra is your mate?" Miles asks bluntly. It takes me by surprise, but I give a small nod.

"Huh? Aren't Alphas supposed to be mated to strong she-wolves?" Miles asks, seemingly curious rather than malicious. "Betas or Alphas? It’s not common for an Alpha to be mated to an Omega."

"Exactly why Ezra doesn't want her," Bryn mutters with a satisfied grin.

"You miss my point," Miles counters. "If she is mated to him, there could be a reason for it."

A reason?

I’d never thought of it that way. I’ve always felt there was nothing special about me.

"You and your critical thinking. Always overanalyzing," Bryn mocks.

"Oh? Are you saying the Moon Goddess makes mistakes?" Miles asks.

"Yes," Bryn and I say in unison.

She squints at me; I respond with a death glare and look away. It’s the only thing we’ve ever agreed on: Ezra being my mate was a catastrophic mistake.

"Let's drop it," Kaecy says.

"Yeah. I'm tired of it," Colt adds, placing a plate of food in front of me. "Eat, Angel."

"Why do you call me that?" I ask, picking up my fork.

"Because that’s the first thing that came to mind when we were in the dungeon. You were an angel sent to us. You kept us company, showed us kindness, and kept us fed when you could. You didn't have to do any of that, but you did." He laughs. "Or maybe I was just delirious from the lack of food."

I finish quickly, eager to escape the dirty looks from the pack. Colt and I head out, meeting Dash near the entrance.

"Hey, you two. The talk of the pack," Dash says.

"Ugh, is it that bad?" I groan.

"Depends on who you ask. The Gammas are bitter, and the Omegas are mostly shocked," he explains.

Colt turns to me. "Angel, I have a meeting with my father. Dash is here to keep you safe. Do whatever you want, but stay with him. I'll catch up with you once I'm done."

"Really?" I feel a surge of annoyance.

"Sorry, but if I ignore my Alpha duties, my father won't be happy. And we need him happy."

I relent, though it’s hard. "Okay, but... hurry."

He smiles, clearly pleased that I wanted him to stay. "Can I kiss you yet?"

"No."

He grunts, turning away with a comical, frustrated stomp. It makes me giggle; he looks like an angry child.

"So, where to?" Dash asks.

"Either my sister's place or back to Colt’s room. I don't feel like being out in the open."

"Ooh, I vote for the hot sister."

I laugh as we walk toward the house. "You do know she’s mated and pregnant, right?"

"Damn. Any more sisters? Because if they're half of what you are, I'm in! Honestly, I’d choose you as my mate any day. Too bad Colt got to you first."

"What?!" I ask, laughing.

"Yeah, don't tell him—he'd kick my ass."

I smile. Dash is refreshing, a complete breath of fresh air. "Hey, tell me more about your time with him in the enemy camp."

He sighs. "You really want to know?"

"Yeah. How did you guys meet?"

"Well... we met while strapped to wooden poles, having our backs seared with burning whips."

"Okay, stop... never mind. I'm sorry I asked."

"Don't be," he says. "But let's talk about something else. How about those sisters of yours, huh?"

"I only have one. The mated, pregnant one."

"Aw, dang it!"

We reach the house, and Lauren rushes out. "So! What happened yesterday?!"

We go inside, and I recount the fight.

"I am glad Colt is protecting you," Lauren says. "He and the Alpha are the strongest in the pack."

"So, Miss... Curl's sister," Dash pipes up. "Do you have any single friends?"

"DASH! Really!?"

He laughs. "You can't blame me! This pack has beautiful women."

After spending time there, Dash and I head out. Lauren follows us to the door. "So, since you're living in the pack house now, can I come visit?"

Before I can answer, Dash suddenly stiffens. "Stay back, Cass."

Ezra is walking toward us, Kaecy trailing behind him, trying to intervene.

"Cass," Ezra calls out.

I stand firm in front of the door. "Ezra. Let me talk to you," he pleads.

"Stay away from her," Dash growls, but Ezra ignores him.

"Ezra, let her be. Give it time," Kaecy urges.

"Time? Time for Colt to sweep her off her feet?!" Ezra shouts.

Too late,

I think.

He already has.

Dash stands before me, arms crossed, a human wall.

"Cass... let me talk, please."

"Ezra, I’m not stopping you from speaking, but nothing you say will change anything. What do you want from me at this point?"

Instead of getting angry, he falls to his knees, looking defeated. "I feel... like I'm dying," he mutters.

"Then accept the rejection. Eventually, the pain will fade."

He shakes his head, whispering, "I can't."

I step around him and walk away. A part of me feels guilty—the part that cares too much for people who don't deserve it.

Suddenly, a sharp voice cuts through the air. "How dare you!"

The Luna strides toward me. "My son spends his nights suffering while you’re out having the time of your life! And then you turn him down as if you weren't the problem to begin with!"

I’ve had enough of holding my tongue. "I’m pretty sure he did all of this to himself."

She laughs, a cruel, sharp sound. "Look at you, having the guts to speak to me like that! As if you were anything more than a commoner! You do

not

get to talk back to me!"

She reaches for me, but I slap her hand away and jump back.

"How dare you!" she screams. "GUARDS! Take her away!"

Four guards emerge from the shadows.

"Don't you dare touch her!" Dash stands his ground. "She is under Alpha Colt's protection and under my care."

"We don't answer to him," the guards say coldly.

"They are my personal bodyguards, and they answer only to me," she mocks.

"I won't let you take her," Dash insists.

"Then you'll fight me and all seven of my guards? Are you ready to bear the consequences of fighting a Luna?"

I realize the gravity of the situation. The Alpha won't be pleased if Dash attacks his Luna, regardless of her cruelty. I place a hand on Dash's shoulder.

"Don't, Dash. Go find Colt instead."

"Cass..."

"It's fine. Just go. Fast."

Gritting his teeth, he steps back, allowing the guards to seize me.

"Good choice," she sneers. I look back to see Dash sprinting toward the pack house.

"Colt won't let you hurt me," I say. "Do you really think he won't find out?"

"Find you? It doesn't matter if he finds out... if he can't find

you

."

She drags me into the woods, heading in the opposite direction of the cells.

"You can't do this! The Alpha hasn't authorized this!" I shout.

"My mate will forgive me. He always does."

"But your sons won't!"

"You think you’re that special? They will forget about you eventually," she says, her eyes cold.

"No! Colt won't let you—"

"I will rid this pack of both of my sons' obsessions once and for all."