Fated

Chapter Fourteen

The night air is thick with tension, the echoes of the word "intruders" still ringing in my ears. My decision is final, I can see Hudson's hesitation to let me go.

"Gaia," he says, his voice tight with worry. "You'll only hurt yourself."

I can't shake the feeling that I need to stay, that I can't just walk away when my pack might be in danger. "I can't just leave, Hudson. I have to help."

He looks at me, his eyes pleading. "This isn't our fight. We need to get out of here before things get worse."

I shake my head. "I'm sorry, Hudson, but I have to do this. This is our fight." My mind is made up. "I'll be fine. I just need to help. I won't be able to forgive myself if I don't."

Before Hudson can argue further, I'm already making my way back toward Lex. My heart is pounding, not just from fear, but from the anticipation of what's coming. When I reach him, Lex, Luke, and Mia are huddled together, discussing their plan of action. Lex's head snaps up as soon as he sees me approaching, his expression darkening.

"Gaia, what the hell are you doing?" he demands, striding over to meet me halfway. "I thought you were leaving with Hudson."

"I can't just leave," I insist, standing my ground even as Hudson comes up behind me, still trying to convince me otherwise. "I want to help."

Hudson curses under his breath, grabbing my arm gently but firmly. "Gaia, please. This is a bad idea. You could get hurt."

Lex glares at me, his eyes narrowing. "This is the first time I'm agreeing with Hudson. It's too dangerous. You should go back."

"Lex, I can't just sit back and do nothing. People are going to wonder why I'm not helping. I'm your mate—they'll expect me to be here, standing by your side."

His jaw clenches, a muscle ticking in his cheek. "I don't give a fuck about what others think, Gaia. Your safety is more important."

We go back and forth, the tension between us building with each word. My resolve is firm, though. I can't just walk away from this, not when the pack needs every able body to protect it. I understand Lex's concern, but I also know that I can't let fear dictate my actions.

Finally, Lex lets out a frustrated sigh, running a hand through his hair. "Fine," he relents, his voice rough. "But if you're going to help, you stay with Mia or Luke. No running off on your own, understood?"

I nod, relief washing over me even as I feel Hudson's disapproval radiating behind me. "Understood."

"Lex—" Hudson starts, but Lex cuts him off.

"I get it, Hudson," Lex says, his tone surprisingly calm. "But this is her choice. Just make sure you keep her safe."

Hudson looks torn, his worry for me clear in his eyes. "I don't like this, Gaia," he murmurs, stepping closer to me. "But if you're going to stay... just promise me you'll be careful."

"I promise," I say, squeezing his hand briefly before turning back to Lex, who's already barking orders at the nearby pack members. The urgency in the air is palpable, and I know that we don't have time to waste.

Mia gives me a reassuring nod as I step closer to her, Luke already moving into action. "You'll be fine," she says quietly, her eyes serious but kind. "We've got your back."

I nod, taking a deep breath to steady myself. The night is far from over, and I can feel the weight of what's to come pressing down on me. But I'm ready. I have to be.

As we prepare to face whatever lies ahead, I can't help but glance at Lex. Our bond thrums between us, stronger than ever, and I know that no matter what happens, I'll fight for this pack—for him. And in this moment, that's all that matters.