Chapter 7

"WHAT THE FUCK IS GOING ON?"

Caspian's loud voice cut through the tension in the air, and as soon as he saw me, he rushed towards me and swept me into his arms. His hand cradled my head, but I winced as his fingers brushed against my tender scalp. It still stung from Bridget's harsh pull, and he noticed. It only made him angrier. "Who the fuck did this to you?" He demanded as his fingers gently traced the scratch marks on my neck and the red handprint on my cheek.

He took in my tear-stained cheeks, my puffy red eyes, and my crushed figure, and his anger evaporated; his eyes filled with concern.

"Olivia." He whispered, his thumb gently wiping my tears away.His eyes flashed red as his wolf fought to take over. I gripped his hand tightly and shook my head.

"Don't." I whispered urgently. He struggled for a moment, his body rigid with tension, but I held him firmly. His wolf wanted justice, but letting him out would only complicate things further. He closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and when he opened them again, the dark blue that I adored stared back at me.

He turned to his mom. "What the fuck, Mom?" He growled once he'd calmed down.

She gasped, shocked. "Caspian, don't talk to me like that."

"Are you serious?" He shouted. "You hurt my girlfriend, and now you're worried about my language."

"Girlfriend?" She spat, as if the word burned her tongue. "Wolves don't date, Caspian. I've put up with your little slut for far too long. It's time for you to stop messing around and complete your bond with your mate." She demanded.

"She's not my fucking mate." He roared.

"You don't know that." She shot back. "You're blinded by her omega pussy."

I gasped, tears forming in my face at the insult. I needed to get out of here; these people were toxic, and all they did was destroy a part of me with their degrading words.

"Don't you dare talk about her like that." He shouted. "What's wrong with you, Mom?"

"I only want what's best for you, Caspian." She said. "I don't want you to ruin your future just for...for a fling."

"Olivia's not a fling." He spat. "Stop calling her that."

"You can call it whatever you want. We all know how it's going to end. You're going to forget she ever existed once you find your mate."

No one said a word. She was right. Caspian shook his head in disbelief; he couldn't believe his mother would be so heartless.

He held my hand in his and squeezed. "We are leaving." He pulled me, but his mother's words stopped him.

"Olivia is no longer a member of this pack."

"Like hell she isn't." He growled.

"You may not agree with the decision, but it's been finalized." She stated.

"You can't have her exiled for nothing; there are rules for a reason." He gritted it out.

"Exactly, she violated those rules."

"On what grounds?"

"She attacked a member of the Alpha's family."

"Bridget is not a member of the Alpha's family. It doesn't count."

"She will be."

"Mother." He started, trying to make her understand. "Bridget is never going to be my mate. I don't know what lies she's been feeding you, but there's no bond between us."

"Caspian, listen. She feels the bond. I'm positive that with Olivia gone, the bond will snap into place."

"It doesn't work like that, Mom. You told me that."

"She's probably doing something to you." She accused me.

"This has got to stop, Mum. Olivia did nothing wrong; she only defended herself. Your hatred for her is clouding your judgment."

"It doesn't matter." She said coldly. "I am the Luna here."

"Mom, don't do this."

"It's for the best, Caspian."

"Father. You can't let her do this."

"Your father agrees with my decision." Mrs. Storm said.

Caspian turned to his father. "You are the Alpha here. Your word is the law."

"Caspian." She hissed.

"Son." Alpha Silas sighed.

"Mother is in no condition to make rational decisions when it comes to Olivia. If you agree that she is a threat to the pack, then give the order." Caspian said, and we all held our breaths waiting for his verdict.