The packs outcast Luna (Kaia and Theo) novel Chapter 48

Chapter 48

–Kaia–

Smoke hit me before I even reached the barn.

Thick and blinding. Burning my lungs with every breath I took.

Warriors were gathered outside, shouting orders, but no one moved toward the flames.

The fire roared too violently, swallowing the structure plank by plank.

The pack members were there as well. Crying for their pups, trapped in the fire.

“The roof is going to collapse!”

“Oh goddess, the pups will

get hurt”

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“The heat’s too much. There’s no way anyone can get in!”

“What is going to happen to the pups? They are trapped inside!” someone cried.

My stomach lurched.

Two small, terrified voices were screaming inside.

Everyone hesitated.

Everyone… except me.

I didn’t have time to think. I couldn’t.

If I think selfishly about myself first the pups won’t survive.

The screams coming from the burning barn cut straight through my bones.

I pushed past the warriors….

I ran faster than my wolf could before anyone tried to stop me.

“Kaia! What do you think you are doing?” I heard voices thundered from somewhere behind me. “Stop-!”

But I didn’t.

I couldn’t stop now. Not when two little pups are trapped in a burning barn.

I yanked my shirt over my mouth, lowered my body, and ran into the fire.

Heat slammed into me like a wall.

18:31 Tue, Jan 20

Chapter 48

My eyes watered instantly, the smoke clawing at my throat.

The air was thick, choking, but the crying high, panicked pups guided me through.

“I’m coming!” I yelled. “Dont be scared, nothing will happen to you”

A collapsed beam blocked the back corner. I shoved at it until my arms shook.

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Some splinters tore into my palms, but I kept tugging at them until the wood gave way just enough.

Two small figures huddled together, hugging each other in the corner, coughing and crying.

“Come here!” I crawled to them, gathering one under each arm. “Hold on to me tight. Don’t let go.”

They clung to me like their lives depended on it.

Technically, their lives do depend on this.

The roof groaned above us.I cursed under my breath and ran.

The exit was a blur of orange and heat and smoke. The children wheezed against my shoulders, their small bodies trembling.

“Almost there,” I rasped. “Just hold on a little more”

Just a few more steps…. The roof cracked.

I threw myself forward, curling my body around the kids as a flaming beam crashed behind us.

Then…

I felt hands.

Strong, familiar arms grabbed us, pulling us into open air.

Theo.

I didn’t even see his face, just heard his voice, rough with something I didn’t want to name.

“I’ve got you.”

I collapsed to my knees, coughing violently.

The kids were lifted from my arms, rushed to the clinic.

Someone draped a blanket over my shoulders. People were crowding around, talking, whispering.

“Kaia saved them.”

“She didn’t even hesitate. She risked her life”

18:31 Tue, Jan 20

Chapter 48

“She ran in before any of us could move…”

“Kaia is so selfless. Honestly, I could never do what she did”

And then- They began cheering.

Cheering for me. Not mocking.

The same people who were looking at me with disgust a few hours ago looked at me differently.

They were not whispering behind my back. Or calling me an outsider.

They were looking at me with respect.

Maybe even admiration.

I didn’t know what to do with it.

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I just stared at the flames dying down, trying to catch my breath, not from the smoke, but from the shock of being seen differently for once.

Behind me, Theo was still there.

I could feel him.

His gaze on my back. Shaken but proud.

And maybe even something… more.

While I sat catching my breath with some of the omega tending to me, Theo came to my side.

He linked his hand brushing mine as he helped me up.

“Come. I will take you to your room” He said, steering me toward my room.

“But-“I tried to argue.

“You need a shower,” he said, his voice low but firm. “And you shouldn’t put yourself in danger like that again.”

I blinked at him, a little stunned.

“Why? Are… are you worried about me?” I asked, heart thudding.

He froze for a heartbeat, just long enough to make my stomach twist.

Then he shook his head, almost as if annoyed at my question.

“Don’t be ridiculous,” he muttered, but the edge in his tone didn’t quite mask the concern in his eyes.

I took a step closer, daringly. “Because it looked like you were worried. Or… maybe a little scared.”

”

18:31 Tue, Jan 20

Chapter 48

His jaw tightened, and for a moment he said nothing. Then he finally let out a short, sharp laugh.

“Scared? Kaia… don’t be absurd.”

I raised an eyebrow, smirking despite the lingering soot and sweat.

“Right. So you’re just… angry I ignored your warnings?”

He didn’t answer, only shoved the door open to my room.

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I hesitated at the threshold, wanting to press him for more, but he gave me that hard, unreadable look that made me pause.

“Shower,” he repeated, stepping back. “Now. And don’t make me check on you.”

“Arent you a little too harsh on someone who almost died just now?” I teased.

“Kaia…” Theo gritted his teeth, restraining himself. “What were you thinking? Throwing yourself in danger like that?”

He clenched his fists as if to restrain himself. I saw flickers of the anger he was holding back.

“Chill, Theo” I tried to play it casually. “See. Nothing happened to me. I’m fine”

I moved closer, trying to touch him but he moved back.

“Kaia, come to the training field. 9:am sharp, let’s have a drill.” I say. “Your skills are lame for someone of your status”

“What?” Kaia remarked. “No, I’m not training with you”

“Of course, you are,” I replied. “This is an order not a suggestion”

I looked at his face trying to see if he was joking but he was dead serious.

Be ready for training at nine. Your fighting is… lacking.” He repeated.

I narrowed my eyes, but there was no arguing with him.

Not when he looked like that. Like he was trying not to show more than he wanted me to see.

I stepped inside, letting the door close with a soft click.

My chest was racing, and it wasn’t just from the fire or the smoke. It was him. Always him.

Watching him leave, I realise maybe I didn’t want him to stay away after all.

18:32 Tue, Jan 20