"I... I don't know what to say, Ben, I don't want to sound like I'm taking advantage of the situation. All I can say is, if my life wasn't such a mess right now, you wouldn't need to ask twice before I said yes to your invitation," I replied sincerely with a smile.
Benjamin's eyes lit up, and that warm smile of his returned, "Glad to hear it, maybe in another life? Haha, gosh I'm so happy hearing your response that I'm just making things up," Benjamin joked.
I was glad he was back to being himself, without making things awkward between us.
I nodded, "Yeah, maybe in another life. I'd curse the moon goddess if she doesn't rewrite our story." I said it with a hint of anger.
Benjamin smiled at me and nodded in agreement.
"She better listen to you, at least she owes you that," he replied softly, his smile lingering on his lips, his gaze fixed on me.
I had to forcefully divert his attention.
"I better see Dr. Sean before Alpha Roman finds out I didn't follow his orders, it'd be bad if I end up triggering his temper more than once—or twice today," I excused myself to end the conversation and turned back toward the clinic.
I thought he would follow my advice and leave me be, but turns out, he was quite persistent.
"If you don't want to ride in my truck, I'll just walk with you," he said as he walked beside me.
"God, Benjamin, I envy the woman who ends up as your mate, she is so lucky," I teased, giving his arm a light punch.
He laughed and let my punch land on his soft, muscular arm.
"Right? Where else would you find a guy as gentlemanly as me? That's why, you should consider me too," he winked mischievously.
I jokingly rolled my eyes.
We then walked in silence, and not long after I let out a deep sigh, lost in thought.
The person I kept thinking about was right beside me, how warm and comfortable it felt to simply walk side by side in silence.
But I'd never forgive myself if he got dragged into my mess right now, I don't want to treat him like a spare tire whenever I'm having problems with Nyxon or Kaiden.
Benjamin deserves a woman without baggage, not a woman who is the baggage.
I have to find out my mom's past, my origins, and figure out a way to not have to choose between Nyxon or Kaiden. Without hurting anyone.
I hope once it's all resolved, I can live peacefully again and be just another invisible teenage omega girl in this pack till I finally leave for college.
The clinic lights were now visible, and someone seemed to have just exited the lobby with a tense expression. His killing aura was even more intense.
Mixed with the ocean breeze.
I straightened up, wondering why Kaiden was still here, and looking like he was about to murder someone.
Benjamin immediately became alert, "Sorry, Mina, pack duty calls. What's up with that guy?" Benjamin muttered curiously, then ran ahead of me and approached Kaiden.
"Kaiden, you can't go anywhere in this pack with that kind of intent!" Benjamin warned as he saw Kaiden preparing to shift.
"Ah, perfect timing, you're exactly the one I was looking for!" Kaiden shouted, then without hesitation started beating Benjamin ruthlessly.
Of course, that made me scream hysterically.
"Kaiden! Stop! Are you insane?!" I commanded.
Kaiden only glanced at me briefly, his ash eyes had turned pitch black, he was fully overtaken by emotion.
He ignored me and continued beating Benjamin. Of course, Benjamin didn't stand a chance against a feral Kaiden, and he was soon a bloodied mess with an unrecognizable face.
My heart boiled seeing Benjamin treated like that, even if it was by Kaiden—my own mate.
"I SAID STOP!" I commanded, this time landing my fist square on Kaiden's face, knocking him to the ground.
I was still shocked by my newfound strength, able to take down an alpha. But there was no time to dwell on it because I was too worried about Benjamin's condition.
Benjamin's face was covered in blood and injuries, and he was unconscious.
I shot a furious glare at Kaiden, "What the hell was that for?! What did Benjamin ever do to you to deserve this?" I lashed out at Kaiden.
Kaiden was calming himself down, his ash eyes had returned.
"No. What did they do to you? I just got the news and immediately turned back, didn't even make home to Stormsurge," he said, worried.
God, this chaos was caused by me again. And the one thing I didn't want to happen, did—Benjamin became the victim.
"I'm fine! And what does that have to do with Benjamin that you had to do this to him?!"
"Because he's the one responsible for securing the pack, he let those scumbags lay a hand on you! I won't tolerate that! A careless beta putting the future Luna in danger is unforgivable!" Kaiden answered, upset that I was angry at him.
I rolled my eyes in frustration, "I can take care of myself, Kaiden! And you can't blame Benjamin for someone else's actions!"
"Why are you defending him? Do you like him too?" Kaiden accused, his face showing more displeasure.
"Oh my God, why does it always come to that?! Haven't you ever had an opposite-gender friend?!" I snapped, feeling my irritation reach its peak.
"Ben... Benjamin! Wake up, this is what I was talking about earlier, you should've stayed far away from me," I muttered sadly while trying to wake Benjamin.
Kaiden stood up, grabbed my hand forcefully, pulling me away from Benjamin.
"Leave him. Sean will attend him immediately. But you, you're coming with me, to hell with what Alpha Roman says. That old man can't be trusted," Kaiden said.
Of course I panicked immediately hearing Kaiden's rushed decision.
"No, Kaiden!" I refused, shaking my head, trying to break free from Kaiden's tight grip on my wrist.
"You're so stubborn, Mina!" Kaiden barked in frustration. "Tell me what's keeping you here?! Make me understand!"
"I-it's..." I stammered, unable to answer Kaiden's question.
Kaiden's eyes softened, his anger vanished, and I hated when he pitied me. I turned away, hating the answer that crossed my mind. I didn't want to admit it because it was my last defense to not fall apart.
"How long have you spent your life here? Sixteen years? I'll give you a place for your sixteen and beyond, isn't that enough to convince you?" he coaxed gently.
Such a sweet promise, but then I remembered my reason for coming to the clinic—to meet Dr. Sean.
If I left with Kaiden now, I'd never know who I truly am.
I'd forever have no past, no place to stand, just drifting to the current.
I shook my head, refusing Kaiden's offer. This time, with a calm tone, I confronted him.
"I know the answer to your question, Kaiden. The real reason I'm still here is because I'm still waiting for my parents to come and get me. If they're looking for me, they'll know where to go, and I'll make sure I'm there when they're ready to accept me."