"Why, Dad?" Rue asked curiously, seeing her dad's reaction and also Nyxon's strange behavior after saying the rejection sentence to me.
"It didn't work. Their bond isn't broken. There are two possibilities—either Mina's spell is too strong, or… But no, that can't be it. Her mother was a rogue," Alpha Roman muttered, puzzled by his analysis.
"Since her status can't possibly be higher than ours, there's only one explanation—this witch used a very evil and powerful spell," Rue accused, her eyes flashing with hatred toward me.
I could only shake my head slightly, denying her accusation.
"Well, then it's simple—let her be the one to reject Nyxon, Dad!" Rue suggested again.
"No! That would only tarnish our reputation. What will people think if they find out that Nyxon was the one rejected? They'll look down on us for being rejected by someone of lower rank—especially a rogue's descendant!" Alpha Roman quickly objected.
Rue's face showed disappointment.
"Does that mean it's also applied to Kaiden? Then what about my engagement with him, Dad? I don't want anyone else but him!" Rue protested, sulking.
She had always gotten everything she wanted since she was little. Alpha Roman couldn't say no to her, which made her a spoiled and arrogant woman.
But hearing that Alpha Roman had arranged an engagement between Kaiden and Rue once again slapped me with reality.
Kaiden's words echoed in my head—telling me to wait for him, promising to come get me. Sweet words filled with hope that, no matter how skeptical I felt, I couldn't throw away.
Now, hearing their grand plan to unite Wavecrest and Stormsurge through marriage completely crushed that 20% hope into nothing.
I was still so naive.
'There's no way Alpha Krugan would choose someone like me—nobody—over Rue, the daughter of his fellow Alpha. I shouldn't have hoped from the start,' I regretted bitterly.
A political marriage meant for the greater good of the people could never compare to my bond with Nyxon—or even with Kaiden.
"If you're thinking of rejecting them, don't. We must dig out what's behind this anomaly."
Alpha Roman issued an ultimatum, as if he could read my mind.
Yes, I had planned to make things easier—to bring everything back to normal. If the choice was in my palm, I wouldn't be the one who wait around only for them to throw me away eventually.
But because of Alpha Roman's order, I had no choice but to be more patient with this "curse."
"I have no more business with you. Leave now. Go see Dr. Sean—he'll investigate you," Alpha Roman ordered me.
I exhaled in relief. I could leave this room—and he wasn't banishing me from the pack.
I could still sleep on the thin mattress in the storage room of the pack's sports center. A simple thing, but now I was grateful for it.
I turned around, unable to face Benjamin. I figured he'd be disgusted with me too. I couldn't take any more humiliation.
"Tsk. You must be feeling on top of the world now—controlling both Nyxon and Kaiden. But if I ever see you doing anything indecent with Kaiden, I swear I'll make your life a living hell!" Rue shouted, threatening me.
I closed my eyes but didn't stop walking. My hand reached for the door—but Benjamin had already opened it for me.
"I'll see you later, if that's alright for you," he whispered as I passed him.
My throat tightened. I glanced briefly at Benjamin. His gaze hadn't changed at all—still warm as a summer breeze.
"I don't think that's a good idea—for your own sake, Ben," I replied with a faint smile.
Ben nodded, respecting my decision.
Once he closed the door behind me, I ran off. My left ankle, which I had twisted earlier, was now fully healed.
I needed to find answers—from Dr. Sean.
It was already night by the time I got outside. The pack center was next to the sports field. Meanwhile, the pack clinic, near Wave Avenue, was about two kilometers away.
My Bonny was left at Wave Point because I'd come here earlier with Kaiden. I let out a weary sigh, realizing walking was my only option.
Between the pack center and the clinic was a densely populated housing area, so walking was the only way—I couldn't shift and run on four legs.
I hated the feeling of my claws scraping against concrete. It felt wrong—not like running through the soft, damp forest floor.
So, I walked. The streets were quiet, with only the occasional livestock truck passing by. There was no way I could hitch a ride.
Doors were shut tight. Judging by the moon's position, it was almost midnight. The air was still and silent.
After ten minutes, the distant sound of loud music drifted from the pack's pub—the only nightlife spot in Wavecrest. I felt a bit uneasy passing through the crowd.
As I finally walked past the pub, a group of smug guys from my school were hanging out in front.
They were always the first to insult me—when Rue wasn't around.
There was no way around. It was the only path. So, I crossed the street, hoping the dimmer lighting would keep me unnoticed.
My heart pounded, hoping tonight they wouldn't cause a scene at me.
Because this time, Rue and Nyxon wouldn't be there to defend me.
I pretended not to notice them. They were laughing and joking—until silence fell.
My steps felt heavier. I didn't dare to look at them.
Then, suddenly, I heard footsteps running. Moments later, several figures blocked my path.
I looked up—and met Patrick's eyes. He grinned wickedly at me.
He was a tall, large man with a bit of a paunch, his teeth and gums stained black from excessive smoking. His mouth reeked of nicotine.
He had a slightly emo style, with piercings on the corners of his lips and eyebrows. His tattoos covered almost his entire body.
He became one of the gamma pack members due to his decent fighting skills, not as an attacker, but as a strong defender thanks to his sturdy physique.
Due to his position in the pack made him arrogant, and his peers followed him.
"Finally, Mina. Without your little sponsors now, I get to enjoy your body, hahaha," he laughed, joined by his lackeys.
"Stop it, Patrick. I need to see Dr. Sean," I snapped.
*Slap*
Patrick suddenly slapped me.
"Who do you think you are, an omega giving orders to a gamma like me?! I'm sick of your attitude—acting all high and mighty just because you were close to Rue. Now that Rue sees you for what you really are, it's time you start obeying!" Patrick barked.
He then gave an order to his gang, ordering them to grab me.
I panicked and struggled, but Patrick covered my mouth, and together they dragged me into the dark forest.