.30. The talk.

"Before I say anything else, I have to make a statement. Zane, you're a shithead, and I am ashamed of calling you, my son. I can't believe that I created, cradled, protected and raised someone so stupid. I had to deal with a lot of shit while I was expecting. If I would have known into what kind of an asshole you'd grow in, I'd tell everyone that you're broken from the very beginning. Or probably adopted, so out people wouldn't think that I messed up. Because I genuinely didn't, I put so much love and care in you, can't believe you actually turned our this way." Luna spoke up. Zane's father stood near them, as always admiring his mate, but this time a knowing smirk lingered upon his lips.

The former Alpha adored his mate for many reasons, but her sharp tongue and straight forward attitude were things he loved the most. Since the day he met her- Alpha felt proud for the blessing given by the Moon Goddess. His mate was not only drop-dead gorgeous, but she was also strong and kind. The woman was a fighter, always putting everyone else before herself.

As the former Alpha's eyes fell upon Zane, the look of adoration faded, replaced by anger and disappointment. The older male kept wondering where did they go wrong as parents. Both leaders always did their best for the pack, trying to show an example to their son. Zane didn't have any issues with leading the pack as far as they knew. Even during his Betas absence, the young male managed to send in all paperwork on time and make sure that the pack members were protected. The main issue was his attitude towards Camilla, and not only one in the past. The most disappointing thing was his lack of acknowledgement. Both Luna and Alpha felt ecstatic after finding out that the young woman was their son's mate. At least for the time being, until news about rejection fell upon them. Luna was both pissed off and devastated. For a moment there, the woman thought that they might manage to talk Camilla into staying in the pack, but the hope faded faster than it appeared. And all, once again, because of their son.

Zane cleared his throat. The usual bad boy attitude and sarcastic remarks faded, instead the male looked down at his feet in shame. "Alright, I do deserve that." He spoke up, his voice full of guilt and regret.

Zane's parents shared a look of disbelief, their jaws dropping. Luna's eyes widened, a gasp left her lips as the woman tried to cover her mouth with both palms. She couldn't believe what she had heard. The woman expected her son to let out a couple of smart remarks or even turn around and leave. Instead, the young man stood in front of them, clearly taking responsibility for his actions.

"What the actual fuck?" Luna couldn't hide her state of shock. She hurried towards her son, placing a palm over his forehead.

"Mother, what are you doing?" Zane faced his mother, looking straight into her eyes, trying to understand what has gotten into her.

"Checking do you have a fever, that's what I'm doing. You don't. What the actual fuck?" Luna raised her eyebrow and looked at Kaiden, who stood right next to Zane. "Is he on drugs?" She questioned the young Beta.

"Luna, I can assure you that Zane hasn't used any drugs for weeks now. He didn't have a drink today either; your son is completely sober." Kaiden grinned, proud of his best friend. The young man got to see how Zane finally found the courage and faced the consequences of his actions without usual male bravado.

"I guess those pigs actually managed to learn how to fly then. Alright, let's not waste the precious time, sit down boys." Zane's mother sat down on the large club chair in front of the sofa. It was her way of showing off who was in charge for as long as the conversation would happen. Whenever the woman sat on that chair- everyone, who was involved had to listen. They could speak only when spoken to or to answer a question. Nobody had the right to object or cut her off.

She watched over all men, her mate including, like a hawk. Even though the former Alpha was rumoured to be one of the most vicious men alive- he always tried to cover for Zane. This time Luna wouldn't allow it; she was determined to deal with the problem before more damage might be done.

"Speak, boy." Luna pointed at Zane, starting at him intensively enough for the young male feel as if his mother was trying to set him on fire with a look alone.

"About? As said, I did deserve what you just said, but frankly, there isn't much to talk about anymore. Kaiden explained the situation, told you everything that happened already. I need to calm down and stay away from your precious Camilla, I know." Zane sank deeper into the sofa, breaking eye contact with his mother to look up at the ceiling.

He didn't want to argue with the most important woman in his life. But he also didn't want to let anyone think that he was weak. Luna was more than mother to Zane; she was his best friend and allay. This time, though, Zane would try to keep his cold attitude to hide the frustration he felt. It wasn't only about Camilla anymore. Zane and his mother were playing the game of power. And he was not ready to let anyone take him down the pedestal.

"You stupid, selfish boy. Haven't you understood that the whole issue isn't about you staying away from her? I'm pissed because you rejected the one gift from Goddess in a blink of an eye." Luna rose from the chair, throwing death stares at her son. Her cheeks flushed in anger; the woman squeezed hands in tight firsts.

She didn't step closer, nor anything more could leave her parted lips as Zane's laugher cut her off. The infamous mocking laugher he let out whenever someone wronged him or just spoke about nonsense.

"So this is what the whole mess is about, mother? Not to brag, but I might have done something more than just rejecting her." A grin spread on his lips. Right now Zane felt like he's on top of the world since his mother had no idea what he did back in the cabin. Despite frustration and anger, he felt like being caged by his mother, Zane couldn't help himself but feel something more. Fear.
The young male feared that something might happen to his mate while he's comfortably sat on the couch. He had no idea where Camilla was, what was she doing, was she safe and with whom she was. The idea of her, spending time with that damned bodyguard made Zane's blood boil. He was the only one who should spend time with that woman and hold her, not some second-hand warrior.

"Is there anything more you can do, though? Haven't you done enough? It's funny how you don't understand that you need Camilla. You might have had some disagreements in the past, but you can fix everything if you try! You might have the stupid idea that you need a strong woman to lead with, but there won't be anyone stronger than your destined mate. She is the only one who can make you reach your full potential! Was I a bad and weak Luna?" Zane's mother neared the former Alpha. The young man watched how they held the hands of each other in an attempt to calm down. It was a common thing for mates to do- touching each other whenever the situation became too heated to cool off.

"I don't see any connection between the current situation, and you as a leader, mother. You've been a fantastic Luna so far and still keep on being one. Have you forgotten that you're still carrying the title till the day when I'll officially introduce the pack to their new Luna?" Zane tried to sound calm. Deep inside his veins filled with adrenaline and rage, the image of Camilla kissing the warrior haunting him continuously. He had to fight for dominance with his wolf- the beast wanted to break free and follow her scent. If Zane would give in, the consequences would be awful. She would never forgive them for the forceful marking and mating. Yet another reason for rage taking over his whole being. Zane knew that he was the one who took her first kiss, but the thought of her giving herself to that prick sent Zane over the edge. He wanted to be her first and last man.

"I was an Omega before I met your father." Luna breathed out, turning her face away from her son. Zane had grown up in a powerful family without missing a thing, yet one he did lack was some humanity. His parents never told him about how they met or his mothers rank, somehow thinking it wasn't important enough. Now, after all those years they understood how big if a deal it actually was. Their son looked down on everyone who didn't have a higher rank. He was a selfish young man with nearly no morals.

"Pick your jaw off from the floor; your mother is telling the truth. When we met, she was an Omega in the neighbouring pack. Let's say they didn't treat lower with the respect we do. While I tried to push onto everyone that we stand and protect the weaker- they used Omegas as slaves. Of course, the one's who live in our pack does work, but they don't do that for free. Everyone earns their money by cooking, cleaning, or helping with everyday things. Your mother was in pretty bad shape, beaten and weak, I couldn't let that happen to her or anyone else again. We never spoke about the past out loud because she's still struggling to forget the awful things that happened. I know that you had no idea, but just because you didn't know it doesn't justify your ignorance. Do you have any idea how your mother feels seeing the way you treat Camilla? It's like a fucking flashback from the hell she had to go through. Think of your actions before you do anything." The former Alpha spoke loud enough for everyone, even maids, to hear what was on his mind. Luna sat in his lap and shifted closer to her mate, looking for so much needed comfort.

"I- I'm sorry mother, I didn't know." Zane threw a look of pity to his mother, feeling like the biggest asshole alive.

"It doesn't justify your ignorance; I already said that. Any idea of how to fix the issue? Or are you determined to keep things as they are now?" Since his mother didn't want to talk anymore, former Alpha was the one to question Zane.

"I'll keep things as they are." Zane stated coldly. He didn't lie, nor think about another excuse. The young male knew that he had made the right decision, yet his parents were the one to find out. Sooner or later they would, possibly by the end of their conversation.

"I can't believe this. Your behaviour is outrageous! You don't get respect, Zane, you that! Just because you were born with a silver spoon in your mouth- it doesn't make you better than everyone else. Maybe you like to think that you're higher and better than others, but you are not! The Moon Goddess gave you the one woman I would be proud to see by your side, and you throw her away as if she was trash. I can't fucking believe you. Arrogant little prick!" Luna hissed at her son, once again involving herself into their discussion. She planned how the things and the whole conversation would go as she waited for boys to come along, but the woman didn't even think of breaking down. It was bad enough to know how her son treated the young girl, but after finding out that he rejected her- it broke Luna.

"It's funny because you never asked anything more about whatever happened. Kaiden told you about the rejection, and he was right, but he hasn't said everything yet. While you two had a friendly chat, I was spending some alone time with my mate. I took back the fucking rejection before she could accept it. I would much rather spend time with her now than sit here and listen to my parents scolding me like a toddler. I am grown enough to rule over the pack, and I will be grown enough to deal with my mate. It is my and Camillas business, not yours. If she comes for advice, feel free to give one, but don't you ever get in between us. Now, since everyone has been updated about the latest news, excuse me, because I have to find my mate now. Have a lovely evening. Zane stood up and stormed out of the door. He was both worried and pissed off, running towards the little house Camilla called home. He left his family and best friend behind entirely speechless. No matter what they thought or did- Zane wouldn't stop before his goal would be reached.

The young male didn't notice how fast he was moving until he stood by the main entrance door of her tiny house. Zane debated on knocking but decided not to since it was his pack and his mate. When the young male stormed in, his eyes landed on a person, sitting on the couch. His jaw nearly dropped, but he managed to keep his anger under control.

"The fuck are you doing here?" He spat through gritted teeth.