.7. Words hurt.

During lunchtime, Camilla sat in the girl's bathroom- mainly reading emails from friends who lived in other packs. Life outside the Blood Warriors seemed different- more peaceful, and all her friends were happy. So was Camilla, for the time being, while she could hide.

While the Alpha's son didn't notice her, she enjoyed her humble lifestyle. She had one friend, a grandmother, and a decent job- as long as it paid bills. The Alpha family was kind to her, but soon she would have to choose another pack to join.

As soon as Mr.Asshole takes over the Alpha position- her life will turn into an unreasonable circle of torture.

A knock on the bathroom stall door startled Camilla.

"Are you going to spend the rest of your life there?" Blake whined. They used to eat lunch together, but he had gotten worried after Camilla didn't show up.

"Yeah, I'd wish, but unfortunately only until the next period. I'm not feeling like willingly running into the next Alpha again. Rather keep a low profile and wait till his parents come back," Camilla sighed, leaning her back against the cold tile wall.

"Come on; it couldn't be that bad. It's not like Zane's serious, right? What exactly did he tell you, though?" Blake might be the most helpful person alive, but his main issue was that he thought everyone's the same. He lived in his bubble of hope and dreams.

"Of course, it's not that bad, Blake. I'm used to the pack members being fucking cunts and talking nasty things about me, alright. But it hurts when someone tells you that you're a piece of shit and- and if he were to be your mate- he would reject you on the spot. It's not even about what he would do or how he would react. It's about the fact that I do have mate somewhere out there, and Zane is right. He's so bloody right- that's the reason why I'm avoiding him. I can not stand still and keep on listening to all those things about my mate. I'm aware that he won't want me, who in their right mind would want an Omega, anyway?" Tears filled her eyes, but she kept fighting against them. She had cried enough- about her parents, life, grandmother, and everything that was happening. Camilla didn't want much- just a peaceful, quiet life with no drama in it. Was that too much to ask?

"Don't listen to him, Camilla! He's acting like an entitled child, and you are the most amazing person I've ever met in my life. You're smart, gorgeous, and kind- beautiful inside and out. I would love to have someone as you to be my mate. Some people are ignorant, and they can't see the true beauty in people." Blake's voice cracked; he couldn't bear seeing how badly hurt his best friend was. He had grown alongside Camilla- they have been partners in crime since early childhood. She was like the little sister Blake never had- eager to protect from the cruel world.

"I appreciate your help and concern, but I'd like to spend some time on my own now. Sorry, Blake, I have to think." Camilla sobbed, sitting down and bringing her knees to her chest. Usually, she would hide the pain behind a wall built by her, but today had been too much. Shifters like her were happy for the smallest things in life- even when everything went downhill, Camilla would stay positive and cheer everyone up. Unfortunately, she had only Blake by her side, and she couldn't tell him everything.

"So, you're leaving?" He sighed, leaning his forehead against the door.

"Yes, I made up my mind. I am leaving as soon as possible. Bella's dad is Beta, and he will talk to their Alpha today. If he approves my transfer, he will call our pack Alpha and ask permission for me to leave. That's the easiest way to get out without waiting for Alpha's and Luna's arrival. I couldn't look into their eyes anymore," she sounded happier, excited even. Who would have known that the day would come- a pack member willingly leaving the territory to feel happy? As much as Blake understood why she was doing it all- he couldn't accept the thought that Camilla would be more comfortable without him around.

"Fuck this, Cal!" Blake snarled, punching the stool door with all his strength. The metal slightly bent under his fist.

Blake stormed out of the washroom and stomped towards the cafeteria. Almost everyone finished their lunch, but he knew that Zane would be there. He always was- surrounded by his friends and popular girls. They could do anything as long as they stuck around the next Alpha in line. Most of the time, guys spoke about whatever they wanted to, and those girls ran around, drooling all over ignorant pricks.

The Omega scanned his surroundings, and after a while, his eyes met with Zanes. None of both males even thought about looking away.

As a surprise, the soon-to-be Alpha didn't lash out about the lower wolf looking into his eyes, as he would typically do.

Zane seemed rather calm and collected.

He gestured for Blake to join them, but he shook his head no, refusing the offer. Zane pointed at the door, and Blake nodded.

The Omega left the cafeteria first, while Zane excused himself before leaving his friends behind.

"Sup, Blake," Zane leaned against the hall wall, smirking like a mad man.

"Are you happy now?" Blake sighed, shaking his head in disappointment.

"What do you mean?" The smirk disappeared from the arrogant male's lips as he furrowed his brows. Of course, everyone knew that Alpha-to-be was a good liar, but Blake never thought that Zane would pretend he didn't know what's wrong.

Why was he even faking the whole confusion thing?

"Yeah, as if you didn't know what's going on. I'm here because of Camilla. Look, I don't care about your rank anymore- you've lost the last bits of respect I had for you. Sure, being respected by an Omega doesn't mean shit, I know, no need to remind that," Blake took a deep breath, parting his lips to speak again, but Zane was first to speak up.

"Alright, now I'm genuinely confused. Why wouldn't respect from Omega mean something to an Alpha? The pack is the pack, dude- everyone's equally important," even though Zane's words were convincing enough- Blake couldn't believe in the young man anymore.

"Yeah, tell that to Omega girl who locked herself in the bathroom and skipped lunch to avoid you! Tell that to Omega, who was forced to quit her job because of you- she had to kiss her only income goodbye. And why? Because she has self-respect, and she chose it over your stupid demands. Start talking about importance and equality in front of the girl, who feels worthless because of your words! A girl, who is giving up on ever finding a mate because the soon-to-be pack leader told her that nobody would want her any way- a girl, who will leave your pack within a week. We are Omegas, lower than dirt on your overpriced shoes, so you do whatever, and say anything you want. As soon as Camilla's out, so am I. Rather follow her example and run away from this place before you take the title and sink the whole pack! Words hurt, you asshole- especially girls!" Blake got way too carried away. When he was done with the rant- the young man understood that he was digging his own grave. At least he did it for his best friend, not himself.

"Where is she?" Zane questioned him, ignoring every accusation dropped on his head. He knew he was guilty, so instead of explaining the reasons why he did it- Zane kept quiet.

"Where do you think she might be- in the girl's bathroom, waiting for the bell for the next period, obviously. You can't go there; she had enough of your bullshit today. I can't believe that once I thought that you're a decent person. I used to envy you, look up at you as if you were a God, but instead, you're just an entitled brat. There, I said it. And don't think to threaten me- I'll leave somewhere where the next leader won't be a prick!" Blake poked Zane's chest until he had said everything that was on his mind. When he was done, out of breath- Blake stomped away angrily.

Zane didn't waste any time- he ran to the girl's washroom and kicked the door open. A couple of she-wolves stood by the mirror, acting like children after noticing Zane.

He did felt a little sorry, knowing that he went overboard with involving mates theme in their argument, but it was too late already.

Zane tried to check the stalls; all of them were empty.

He didn't want his parents to find out how rude and irresponsible he indeed was. The raised him better, but sometimes it's not enough- wolves will be and will stay wolves.

"Camilla?" Zane called out. No response.

One of the girls approached him and gave Zane a tiny piece of paper. She explained that Omega had asked those girls could they give the note to Blake. Even though the girls seemed to be helpful- they had no idea if any Blake was living in the pack.

Zane took the note and pulled his hand in a tight fist.

She ran away- right from under his nose.

The girls left, but Zane remained standing still in the washroom. He noticed the opened window- that is how Camilla escaped.

He looked down at his fist and relaxed it, slowly opening the note.

"Gone packing. Love, C xoxo"

Zane growled as he noticed the hugs and kisses written down on the paper. He felt as if it was wrong for her to provide other men with any attention, especially like this.

"Sure, why not- let's play a little hide and seek game," Zane grinned, running out of the school. He caught on her scent rather quickly- running after the woman like a maniac.