"Why can’t you understand?” Donovan's voice boomed as he strode into the kitchen, tension coiling in the air around them. His fists clenched at his sides. “I’m not just another pack member. I’m a Beta, Misty! Everyone's eyes are on me, waiting for me to fail.”
Misty stood frozen, her heart pounding. “I’ve always been here for you, Donovan,” she replied, her voice trembling as she forced herself to meet his gaze. “I’ve stood by your side through every challenge. I thought... I thought that’s what being mates meant.”
Donovan’s jaw tightened, and he paced back and forth, the words pouring out of him, aimed like arrows at the heart of their relationship. “You think this is some freaking fairy tale? You think anyone cares about our bond when they see the Beta struggling? They expect strength, loyalty, perfection. I can’t... I can’t let them see any weakness.”
Misty shrank back against the counter, feeling the coolness of the surface press into her back. The intimate space between them felt like an expanse, stretching further with each harsh word exchanged. “But I’m not a weakness, Donovan,” she said softly, her voice breaking slightly. “I’m your mate. You’re supposed to confide in me, not push me away.”
Donovan stopped pacing. Fire burned in his emerald eyes as he rounded on her. “You have no idea what I’m feeling! It’s not just about us anymore; it’s about the pack, my role. All they ever see is the Beta!” He stepped closer, the frustration vibrating off him like an electric charge.
Misty pressed her lips together, her heart constricting in her chest. “Then let me help you. We can face this together.”
“Help? You want to help?” Donovan scoffed, stepping back. “This isn’t something you can fix with a few kind words and and some strums on the computer This is real. The pack expects results, strength. I have to live up to that, and I can’t have distractions!”
Misty’s face fell, her stomach twisting. “You think I’m a distraction?” “Isn’t that what you are?” He shot back, the anger lacing his words. “You can’t shift like we should. You shift into a fluffy poodle. We're wolves! You’re… you’re an Omega.” The last word hung heavily between them, a cold reminder of their status and roles.
“I didn’t choose this!” Misty felt the heat rush to her cheeks, fury igniting within her as she pushed away from the counter. “This isn’t my fault, Donovan! You think I didn’t want to shift into some warrior wolf like everyone else? You think I revel in being looked down on?” Her voice rose, a mix of anger and hurt. “I’m still one of you—just because of my wolf doesn’t change that!”
“Maybe that “Maybe that’s the problem,” Donovan shot back, voice tight. He ran a hand through his tousled hair, his frustration building like a storm cloud, heavy above them. “I need a mate who “can stand by me, who can hold her own,” Donovan continued, his voice raw with desperation. “You don’t realize how much is at stake here. If the pack doesn’t respect me , I risk losing everything. I can’t afford the distraction of dealing with your weakness, Misty!”
Misty’s breath hitched at his words. “weakness?” She echoed, her voice barely above a whisper, the sting of betrayal cutting deeper than any physical blow. “Damn it, Misty!” Donovan slammed a fist against the countertop, rattling the books stacked in a haphazard pile. “I’m not saying you are weak. I’m saying the pack sees you that way! And you—” He paused, struggling to control the storm of anger raging inside him. “And you don’t understand how quickly the tides can turn. One slip, one misstep from me, and everything I’ve worked for could be ripped away.”
“I know how much is at stake for you,” Misty stated, her voice shaking but resolute. “But that doesn’t change the fact that I care about you—about us. Just because I’m an Omega doesn’t mean I don’t deserve your respect... or your love, Donovan.” Misty went to reach for Donovan's right hand as he was turning to face the opposite direction. Donovan's reflexes took hold and before any of them knew what was happening, Donovan slapped Misty across her left cheek. Misty squealed as his broad hands hand smacked her in her face. "-- Misty! I... i didn't mean too.." Misty stumbled back, her hand flying up to touch her cheek, where warmth spread under her fingertips. Shock paralyzed her mind, the sting of his palm unforgettable, echoing louder than the force of his strike.
“I... I can’t believe you just did that,” she breathed, her voice trembling as she fought to process the betrayal in his eyes. “You—”
Donovan stood frozen, the weight of his actions crashing down on him like a tidal wave. “Misty, I—” His voice cracked, the anger that had fueled him moments ago now replaced with some contemptment. He then realized this was a good way to get out of their relationship. Instead of finishing his apology, he continued where they left off with their arguement. “Misty, I need you to understand—” Donovan began, his hands trembling as he balled them into fists again. “I can’t have distractions. I can’t have anyone questioning my authority."
His expression faltered slightly, guilt flickering in his eyes, but he quickly masked it with defiance. "And you're talking about Respect?” Donovan scoffed, the tension in his voice thickening again. “I respect the pack, Misty, and the only way I see to keep their respect is to..." He trailed off cautious of his words. “...is to distance myself from anything that could be perceived as a liability.” His breath caught in his throat as the weight of his own words hung between them, a chasm opening wide, threatening to swallow them both.
Misty barely heard him. The air seemed to thicken, wrapping painfully around her heart. “You’re choosing status over love,” she accused, her voice steady despite the churning pain within her. “Love?” Donovan repeated, his voice rising again. “What do you think love is? I have responsibilities, Misty! The pack is looking to me to be strong , and if I falter, they won’t just lose faith in me; they’ll lose faith in the entire pack. Do you want that on your conscience?”
Misty’s heart ached at his words, but she refused to let sorrow overpower her. “Do you truly believe I’m the one who makes you weak?” she challenged, stepping closer, her voice steady despite the trembling in hands. “Maybe not you alone, but—” Donovan hesitated, his brow furrowing as he searched for the right words. “This situation, everything surrounding us, it creates an image. You know what everyone thinks. They see me with you, and they see the Beta with the Omega. It devalues everything I’ve worked for.”
Misty crossed her arms, fighting back the sting of tears welling in her eyes. “And what about what we’ve worked for?” Donovan faltered, a glimmer of regret softening his features. “Misty—” Misty raised her chin defiantly, refusing to back down. “What about us, Donovan? Does that no longer matter to you?” Donovan remained silent, face looking at the floor. "That's what I was afraid of." Misty whimpered before leaving the daycare with a heavy heart, the weight of his silence pushing her deeper into despair. She paused at the doorway, her hand lingering on the frame as she fought to regain her composure.