Chapter 29:

I find Theo exactly where I expect him to be—sitting beneath the old oak tree in the garden, a place that seems to give him solace despite being in unfamiliar territory. 

His back is against the rough bark, his arms resting loosely over his bent knees. As I step closer, he lifts his head, his sharp gaze locking onto mine.

"Hey," he greets, his tone casual, but there's an edge to it. "Took you long enough to find me."

I roll my eyes and sit on the grass without invitation. "I knew you'd be here."

He studies me for a moment, then his expression shifts. His eyes flick to my arm, where the bandage is still wrapped securely. 

Without a word, he reaches out and takes my wrist, turning it slightly to examine it. His touch is gentle, but his fingers tighten when he sees the wound beneath.

"What the hell happened?" His voice is sharp, demanding.

I sigh. "A lady called Eden happened. She accused me of stealing from the Prince and dug her nails into me when she was dragging me down the halls for public humiliation."

He lets out a low chuckle and shakes his head. "That lady is too hotheaded for her own good. I've been here three days and all I can say about her is trouble."

I frown. "You've met her before?"

"Unfortunately." He smirks. "I eat with her at breakfast and lunch. She behaves like she's the goddess of the table. It's exhausting."

I can't help but smile at that. Of course, Theo would be seated at one of the highest tables in the pack. 

He's an Alpha's heir—his status alone demands respect. It makes sense that he's being treated like royalty here, even among strangers.

He leans back against the tree and exhales. 

"You wanted to talk," I remind him and he nods.

"I can see you like it here more than Moonhaven, even though you're treated like shit."

His words are laced with something I can't quite place—disapproval, maybe. 

I tilt my head with a frown. "What do you mean, treated like shit?"

He gestures to my bandaged arm. "Seems like you can't escape the abuse, no matter where you go."

A sharp sting settles in my chest. "Excuse me?"

His expression is unreadable. "I'm just saying, you're still getting hurt. Maybe you'd be better off coming back with me. Moonhaven is your home."

I scoff. "Home?" The word feels foreign on my tongue. "Do you even hear yourself?"

He narrows his eyes. "Yes. And I also hear you making excuses for a place that made you an omega. They didn't have to. You're an Alpha's niece, but they did anyway."

"Because I was found as a rogue."

"Yeah right. Like a human could pose a threat to a pack full of Lycans."

His tone is condescending, like I'd get better treatment if I head back with him to Moonhaven.

I let out a bitter laugh. "Let me tell you something, Theo. Today, Prince Caspian put Eden in her place because of what she did to me. He spoke to her like she was nothing more than a servant. Cassidy and her family have practically adopted me. An enforcer cleaned up my wound and bandaged it this morning. People here protect me. Shield me from whatever abuse comes my way. Unlike Moonhaven."

His jaw clenches. "Unlike Moonhaven?"

I nod. "Yeah. Tell me, when did Moonhaven ever protect me?"

His anger is simmering just beneath the surface. "And I never shielded you?"

I hesitate for half a second before answering. "You did. But you were ashamed to do it."

His lips press into a thin line. I know my words cut deep, but I won't take them back.

He exhales through his nose, trying to keep his voice steady. "You think being an omega is better?"

I shrug. "I get better treatment as an omega here than as the Alpha's niece back home. Even the King knows my name. Call your father now and ask him if he remembers it."

Theo stills. His fists clench at his sides, but he doesn't speak. The silence is heavier than any words he could throw at me.

After a long pause, he mutters, "Why did you come here in the first place?"

My throat tightens. "You know why."

"Say it," he demands.

I swallow hard. "Because I was rejected."

His nostrils flare. "That was a reason to run away?"

"Would you have stayed?" I shoot back. "If you were told you weren't enough? If someone you were bound to—someone who was supposed to love you—looked you in the eyes and rejected you?" I take a shaky breath. "If I had a wolf, Theo, that rejection would still be burning me alive. It would have burned me for eternity. Did you expect me to stay?"

His expression flickers, but he quickly masks it. "Running away was too big a tantrum."

I let out a humorless laugh. "And who cares?"

His eyes darken. "I care."

The words hang between us, raw and exposed. I shake my head, hating the way his voice almost makes me feel guilty.

"If you hadn't come looking for me, who would have?" I challenge. "Tell me, Theo. Who?"

His silence speaks volumes.

"I almost died that night," I continue, my voice quieter now. "Rogues attacked me. I wouldn't be here if Prince Caspian hadn't saved me."

He lets out a sharp breath, his head tilting back as he stares at the sky. "Of course. Him again."

I cross my arms. "You don't have to like him, but he saved my life."

His jaw tightens. He's restless now, fidgeting with the hem of his sleeve, shifting his weight as if trying to control the storm brewing inside him.

I watch him closely, my voice softer now. "If I was going to die, Theo… I'd rather it happen here than in Moonhaven."

The air stills.

He stares at me for a long time, his expression unreadable. Then, slowly, he pushes himself up from the grass.

I don't move. I don't even breathe.

He looks down at me, his voice quieter, rougher. "So you're not coming back with me?"

I meet his gaze. Hold it. Let the weight of my decision settle between us.

"No."

His throat bobs. His hands clench at his sides.

Then, without another word, he turns and walks away.

I don't watch him go. I stare at the grass, my heart pounding, my chest aching, but I don't regret a damn thing.

I made this choice the day Caspian gave it to me to make and I cemented it at the clinic, when Cassidy watched over me like a mother hawk.

Why would I leave when I have people that treat me like I matter? Like I'm not disposable?