Torn Between Mates

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a grace that's almost inhuman. Just as I turn to go, something unexpected happens. Damian's eyes lock into me. I freeze, my breath seizing in my throat. For a minute, time seems to stand still as he marches toward me, his gaze hard and piercing. My heart rushes, and every instinct in me screams to run, but I can't move. His presence is tremendous, and I'm powerless under his sight. Before I can grasp what's happening, he's standing in front of me. His look is unreadable as he reaches out, gripping my arm. The touch is electric, a spark blazing between us. My eyes widen in disbelief. What is this feeling? It's like a rush of energy pouring through my veins, and it takes all in me not to gasp. Damian's hold tightens for a few seconds, his face stiffening with something I can't quite place. Then, just as swiftly, he lets go and steps back. "Pathetic," he mutters, his voice filled with hate. I'm left standing there, stuck in place as he turns and goes away without another word. The connection we experienced moments ago disappears, leaving me hollow and puzzled. I watch at his leaving figure, my heart sinking. What just happened? Did I envision it? Or was there something real between us? I stood there, paralyzed, Damian's harsh words repeating in my thoughts. "Pathetic." It shouldn't hurt as much as it does. I've heard worse from the pack, from my inner voice. But coming from him, it cuts deeper than I imagined. My heart drops, and I'm instantly conscious of how the others are watching me. Some glance over, their eyes filled with sympathy, while others smirk as if they knew all along that I didn't belong. Heat rushes to my cheeks, and I fight back the tears threatening to burst over. I don't want them to see me like this. Weak. Vulnerable. Exactly what Damian just called me. Taking a deep breath, I force my way through the crowd, avoiding the curious gazes. I need to get out of here. Away from their judgment. Away from him. Luna catches my eye as I walk past, concern engraved on her face, but I shake my head slightly. I don't want to chat. Not now. Not when I feel like my world is crumbling beneath my feet. I just need space to breathe. Once I'm far enough away, I let the tears fall. They stream down my cheeks, hot and angry. How could he just dismiss me like that? How could he see me as nothing more than a weakling, someone not worth his time? I know I'm not strong like the others, but I have value, don't I? There has to be more to me than what the pack sees on the surface. But the reality is, even I'm not sure what that is. I wipe my eyes with the back of my palm, glancing around to make sure no one's following me. The training grounds are far behind me now, and the forest stretches out in front of me like a secure sanct