Nina’s POV
I need to speak with Damian, I need to speak with Damian. I keep repeating this to myself. Maybe if I actually believe something good will happen. Could I really ask him to reject his mate for me? Would I be able to reject my mate for him? This is so messed up; I need to see where his head is at. I know what I said to them and I am not sure I completely agree with what I said, since I was completely pissed off and hurt, but I should hear him out. The look in his eyes was pure pain. If anything, I can get some comfort and start to accept this.
Walking to the pack house, I was not in the mood to speak with anyone. Trevor said there had been rumors going around about Damian finding his mate and it wasn’t me, but he rejected her. People are not happy if you reject your mate, very frowned upon. But it is my right, I am an exception. I was so lost in my thoughts I didn’t realize I was at the front of the packhouse. I was about to grab the handle but the door flew open! Quickly, I moved to the side and the person was so focused they didn’t even realize it was me. I was about to yell at them but I realized it was Holly. She is pissed. Stomping off and muttering under her breath. I didn’t quite understand what she said, but I heard “mate bond”. Frowning, I turned to go into the door and I could smell Holly’s scent wrapped up in Damian’s. It was like another punch to the gut. Their scents can only be mixed if they mated. Which means sex.
I am seeing red. Everything I was thinking about hearing from him was long gone. All I wanted to do was punch him. Throwing up the door, I saw Zach coming out of the game room. I know he can see my emerald eyes glowing brightly and knows I am pissed. I can hear him running behind me as I stomped up the stairs. Throwing open Damian’s office door, I saw he was not expecting me and, by the smell of sex, I could see the mark on his neck. It was an all-new level of hurt and pissed off. He just had a deer in the headlights look and I had a pretty good feeling he wasn’t expecting me to find out this quickly.
How quickly he had moved on, how quickly our time together meant nothing to him. I felt used and thrown away like trash. “I just wanted to let you know Alpha that I will be leaving in a weeks’ time. Once I make it to the bank and pack up my house, I am leaving you. I can clearly see I am not wanted or needed here. I officially reject my birthright position as your beta, Alpha Damian.” I finished strongly and left before he could say anything. I knew Zach had heard everything. He was upset in his own way. He has always had a crush on Holly and now he has taken my side. Our group was splitting up. Unfortunately, Trevor would not leave Holly and his family behind but I had a strong feeling Zach would follow me wherever I went.
I didn’t have anything planned, but since that just spewed out of my mouth, it sounds like I have some work to do. Most of that will be easy enough. I know my parents had life insurance policies and they always saved and we didn’t live outside of our means, so I knew I didn’t have to worry about money for quite a while. Deciding what I would bring is another matter though. If I am really am going to leave, I need to pack lightly.
Walking into the house and all the lights are off. I just felt like a black hole of memories. Looking at the mantel and my childhood pictures. There is one of me at one year old, holding up a balloon with chocolate cake all over my face. Then I was 6 and my dad was pushing me on the swing with my dark hair flying wildly around my face. My yellow sneakers were muddy since it rained the day before. The last one was of my 16th birthday party. I was opening my gift from my parents. It was a ring. A solitary emerald jewel with a white gold band with a vine pattern embedded into it. I always felt a connection to it. Like I NEEDED to wear it. And so, I did. I never took it off unless to shower.
“Um Nina, I am sorry I overheard you talking to Damian and I just wanted to let you know I will not let you go by yourself. I will be coming with you to protect you and, honestly, I need a change of scenery too.” Zach said quietly. I could tell he was nervous like I was going to tell him now. Honestly, I was happy he was going to go with me. I don’t want to go alone.
“Of course, you can come with me. Go pack whatever you need. We leave within a week” I said, giving him a small smile. Walking up to him, I gave him a hug and told him goodnight, shutting the door behind him.
Well, it is too late to call the bank or do anything and I am just too exhausted to actually work on this house, so maybe a nice bath will help. I opted to use my mom’s jet tub. I loved that thing. Opening my parents’ bedroom, I half expected them to yell at me to get out before I saw something I really didn’t need to. Clutching to my tank top, underwear and shorts like they are my life, I squeeze into the bathroom. I look like crap. Puffy eyes and cheeks, my nose is red from wiping it all day and just like I have no life left in me.
Getting the perfect temperature in the tub, I get undressed and slide in. These jets have always hit just right in the center of my lower back. I can feel Holly trying to mind-link me, but I am honestly not up for it. I build up a solid wall of bricks and enjoy my bath.
Next thing I know, I jerked awake; the water was freezing. I must have fallen asleep. Quickly draining the water and getting dressed, I make my way to my room. I am asleep before my head hits the pillows.