_ Hurt

Where on earth was he driving at with this question anyway?

Silence descended on us. My Wolf was propelling me to avert my gaze from his badge and look him in the eyes but I dared not to. I had no idea how a man could be so composed after finding out that his son's girlfriend that he hated was his mate.

Finally, Gamma Rhett spoke but his voice softer now even as it carried the same weight of authority still. "Before I speak my mind on your —" He gave a noiseless scoff. "…entanglement with my son, I propose a test."

My head snapped up, curiosity battling with apprehension within me. "A test?"

I didn't like the sound of that. I feared whatever Gamma Rhett's test would be.

"Indeed," He confirmed. "I suggest you spend the next week immersing yourself in the lore of the Runewood pack. Learn about our traditions, and delve into the worship of the moon goddess. Understand what it truly means to be part of this pack." In a lower tone, "Understand the consequences of going against the pack's customs and traditions. Understand what it means to go against the Moon goddess's wishes."

Why was he confusing me?

Was he talking about the mate bond between me and him right now or me and Kylo who weren't mates being together?

He leaned forward, his gaze holding mine. "After that, you can decide. You can decide if you want to defile the tradition and commit blasphemy against the Moon goddess. I'm sure you don't want to be like your parents."

Did he really have to say that?

Why the hell was he being so mean?

Tears blurred my vision, threatening to spill, and my wolf snarled in hurt. Look what the Moon goddess had done to us; I wished I could say to it.

"What do you mean, 'like my parents', sir?" I coughed, my voice trembling. "They were loyal members of the pack! Just because they had different…" I swallowed the word, fear constricting my throat, "Beliefs…"

He didn't allow me the grace to finish my statement. He knew he was the boss here and he knew it well.

"Different beliefs that led them to their downfall, wouldn't you say? Ostracized and dead for their defiance. Is that the legacy you want for yourself, Ms. Garcia?"

Oh, fuck you, Gamma Rhett. Fuck you.

His words struck a raw nerve. Hot anger surged through me, replacing the hurt I was leeching on. "And whose fault is that?" I spat, surprised by the sudden strength igniting in me. "The pack's, for clinging to outdated traditions and punishing those who dare to think differently! A young and learned Alpha has taken over and one of the first things he did was abolish that archaic rule about the mate bond."

Like he didn't know that already. This rude beautiful man just didn't care. Hard to attribute him to Kylo. They bore stark contrasting personalities.

Gamma Rhett's eyes narrowed. "The new Alpha may change laws," he said, "but he cannot change the will of the Moon Goddess. Like I said, this is between you and me…"

I hated the way he was saying "You and I." what the hell was he doing?

"You go immerse yourself in the pack's lore, Ms. Garcia, and then you come back to me. Then you decide for yourself after your eyes have been opened. Ignore Kylo's foolish attempts to defile ancient laws over some silly childish love. This decision rests with you and with the will of the Goddess."

By the will of the goddess, do you mean our mate bond, Gamma Rhett?; I wished I could say to him. Was he going to ignore this bond like it wasn't there at all?

Instead, I swallowed and nodded. This man has had education and other experiences which didn't sway him from his beliefs. I doubt my words would.

"I will take my leave now, sir. Thank you." I grimly put forward and stood up.

He didn't say a word or stop me. My wolf was howling with sadness. Despite how he treated us, it wanted its mate still. Betrayer.

Outside, Kylo was waiting anxiously. "How did it go?" he asked, concern plastered on his face.

She tried for a smile, but it wobbled and died on her lips. Kylo saw it and he grimaced. There was the betrayer of the composed facade he had been draping on.

He had also been expecting the worst.

His face contorted with anger. "What did he say to you?"

"He's — fine," I stammered. "Nothing important."

I wouldn't want to create a rift between him and his father. It would only make the man hate me more.

Before Kylo could reply to me, the soldier called him in. Kylo gripped my shoulders assuringly. "I'll be back in a few, babe. Wait for me. Don't worry too much, we'll be fine in the end."

Oh, how much my heart ached. Kylo was too sweet to deserve such a fate. His father didn't have to be his girlfriend's mate. It was there and then that I decided to do what nobody in the pack had ever done before.

I would reject my mate.

I did my best to try to wait for Kylo but Gamma Rhett being just a few doors away from me seemed like the most seductive thing to ever arise. I wanted to pounce on the door and wrap my arms around him.

The mere thought of it was making my Wolf happily howl.

When my gaze Locked with the two remaining people on the waiting seat, I called myself to check. It was one fairy and a wolf. They had been watching me being helpless and looking pale on my own.

It was awkward. I forced a smile and sheepishly nodded before I hurried out of the headquarters. Sorry, Kylo – I didn't have the balls to wait for you.

Not with my Wolf longing for your dad because he was so close.