My mother has always told me that being omegas doesn't mean we don't have an important role in a pack or clan. Today is the day I can awaken my wolf.

Mama told me that when she was pregnant, she had to flee to this clan. She never revealed the details of why she had to do it, but I've always thought she must have had her reasons. When I've asked her for details, she shows an expression of deep sadness.

I've never thought badly of her. Unfortunately, in the pack, they don't see it that way; they consider her a deserter, and there's still distrust as to whether she's a spy from another clan.

Our pack, the Children of the Night, is one of the recognized clans in the mountain. Nearby live the Children of the Forest and the Children of the Clear River; all those clans get along well. Far from the mountain are other rival packs, and in the pack, they suspect that my mother and I are from those rival clans because of our features.

Here, everyone has dark skin, black or dark brown hair, and even reddish hair. My mom and I have golden hair, and our skin has a tan or brown tone. My eyes are green, and unlike my mother, I have curly hair.

When I turned 18, I noticed how some young men in the pack started looking at me, giving me gifts or helping me with some work; however, that caused the girls to look at me and treat me with contempt. So, I opted to avoid their attention as much as possible. The only one I would like to give more attention to is Derek Smith. He's a Delta in the pack; there are different ranks within a clan: there's the alpha, the Betas who follow the alpha (they usually take on many tasks together), the gammas and deltas are the strong members, and lastly, the omegas, who are at the very bottom. We follow orders and perform tasks for everyone; we often feel like mere pawns.

Mom insists that I must value every task I receive; we shouldn't despise our origin. My feeling of being dissatisfied comes with the fact that I like Derek. It's very difficult for a delta to choose someone of my level as a mate. He's my best friend, and for years, I've cherished the hope that he'll reciprocate or realize that he likes me.

And speaking of him, here he comes with Adriana, my friend:

"Hello, Hada," Derek gives me a warm hug.

"How are you, Hada?" Adriana said with a kiss.

"Hi guys, where are you coming from?" I asked them curiously.

"Well, we heard around that they'll be naming the new alpha," Derek commented.

"Really? So soon?" I said surprised.

"Hahahaha, our alpha no longer has the energy and strength of before. Besides, Dante is no longer a boy; he's 23 years old. He's very skilled and capable of being a good leader," Derek added. He and Mike are good friends of our alpha's son.

The pack's alpha had his only son when he was already older, so it's logical that the change has to be made.

"Wow, today is a special day, isn't it, Hada? You'll have your first transformation. I can't believe how fast time passes. I had mine two years ago, and you, Derek, how long ago was it?" Adriana commented.

"Hehehe, I don't know, it was 5 years ago," he scratched his beautiful brown hair. His blue eyes contrasted quite a bit with his features and skin tone.

He's so handsome when he smiles, I thought as he spoke. Since I was 16, I realized I was smitten. Adriana told me that since I was still very young, it was difficult for him to take me seriously. However, now things were different... plus, I would awaken my wolf; I longed for that to happen because it meant I would officially belong to the pack.

"Well, we'll be there for you, my dear Hada," Derek commented affectionately.

"I'll be anxious tonight," I said smiling.

The hours while I waited seemed eternal. Mom told me to be calm, that everything would be fine, and that tonight would be very special for me.

As night arrived, I had to put on a light white dress. The wind was cold, and I started to tremble from the cold and a strange emotion.

"Hadassa," I heard a gentle voice inside my head.

"Who is it?" I said, surprised by the sensation it produced.

"I'm your wolf, Nira. I've longed for this moment," she commented.

"Nira, what a joy it is to hear your voice," I was excited.

"Well, it's time for us to transform," she added.

I felt a fire all over my body. My bones sounded as if they were going to break, and a pain came that made me fall to the ground. Kneeling on the ground, I felt like I couldn't stand the pain...

"Calm down, trust me," Nira added.

Suddenly, my hands turned into wolf paws, my fur had a beautiful golden tone.

"It's incredible, Hadassa, you're a golden wolf," my mother commented with emotion.

Some looked at me in astonishment...

My breathing was agitated. I could feel the smells in a very different way than I had felt before. When I transformed, I wasn't alone. Because I was so anxious to see Derek and Adriana, I didn't realize that Dante, Mike, and the alpha were there with the pack's Luna. Everyone transformed and howled at the moon to receive me and welcome me to the clan. Later, when the ceremony ended, the alpha said:

"It's a good sign to have a golden wolf in the pack," he added.

"I've never seen one, it's incredible. You're beautiful, Hadassa," the Luna commented and gave me a hug when I returned to my human form.

Many welcomed me with a hug or just a handshake. Dante approached and looked me up and down, just nodded his head and turned to leave with Mike, the latter gave me a hug and followed him. Both members were well known in the clan, Dante of course for being the future alpha and for how handsome he is: dark-skinned, tall, dark brown hair, gray eyes, and Mike has dark skin, hazel eyes, black hair, muscular. Many girls in the pack dream of dating or becoming his mate.

I was simply happy to have Derek and Adriana together by my side, my mom of course has always supported me. That night we returned to my cabin and celebrated. For the first time, I was able to drink champagne, and Derek smiled at me as he always did. There were some guests, including Derek's friends, Dante and Mike, some members, and the Luna.

I went to say goodbye to him when the moment came when everything ended. I arrived at the front door:

"Derek, I... I wanted to tell you or rather ask you one thing," I said nervously.

I wanted to confess, I began to remember many occasions when we shared and the way he always took care of me, and saved me from some abusive girls.

"I've also wanted to talk to you, my dear Hada. It's something that has been difficult for me to say," he began to say nervously.

Could it be possible that he was confessing to me on the most special and unique night?

"We've always been good friends, I've come to care for you and... it's not easy to say this..."

It's happening!!, I wanted to shout with joy.

"My dear Hada. I'm dating... Adriana, it hasn't been easy to tell you because you and she are friends too. I don't want you to feel displaced by it," he finished saying and smiled sweetly at me.

I was in shock, I didn't know what to say. Adriana has always known what I've felt for Derek. How? I felt the earth move under my feet, the air escaped me. Was this really happening? Derek's next words were lost, I didn't know what he was saying. Suddenly, a firm and large arm held me, I turned around suddenly and saw Dante behind me.

"I wanted to say goodbye, my mother is tired. "

Her touch felt strange suddenly, he looked at me strangely and then averted his eyes to Derek's.

"Dante, I was saying goodbye. Well, we'll see each other, my dear Hada," said Derek.

"Good night, Hadassa," said Mike with joy kissing my cheek. Dante watched him seriously.

I felt so overwhelmed suddenly, that everything seemed in slow motion. I didn't understand what was happening. The pack's Luna gave me a sincere hug:

"Enjoy this moment, my beautiful girl," she said with affection and sincere caring.

I just smiled at her as if I were a puppet. I don't know how I managed to get to my room, I threw myself on the bed and cried my eyes out. I felt my heart shattered, my friend had betrayed me and my first love was dating her. I wanted to die... How could I continue? I kept crying until I fell asleep...

The next morning, I went to the bathroom, my face was puffy and my eyes looked pitiful. I couldn't believe it. I didn't want to see either of them, Derek had no idea about my feelings and Adriana had deceived me.

I washed my face hoping my appearance would improve a bit, I tied my hair in a ponytail and put on some lip gloss so that my lips wouldn't look dull and dry.

My mother knocked on the bathroom door and asked me how I was:

"Mom, I need a coffee" I said resignedly, I didn't want to tell her what happened yet

"Daughter, I wanted to let you know that Adriana will be downstairs, I have to go" she said goodbye and went downstairs

Damn, I thought, I didn't want to see Adriana for anything in the world after what happened. I went downstairs, I was really angry, I felt like a fool for trusting Adriana.

"Hi Hada" she said when she saw me

"What are you coming to do Adriana? Wasn't it enough for you to take Derek from me, do you want to rub it in my face that I'm a fool for trusting you?" I said angrily

"I didn't want things to turn out this way. The truth is that I also felt something for him, but I wasn't sincere with you. I realized that I liked him when you mentioned that you would declare yourself, I didn't quite know why that bothered me and that's when I understood that I liked Derek. Forgive me Hada! I didn't want to hurt you" she said wanting to take my hand

"I can't forgive you Adriana. You should have told me that you felt something for him. The three of us have been friends for years" I said seriously

"I'm really sorry, but it wasn't until you told me that you were declaring yourself that I realized my feelings" she said afflicted

"And how did you start dating?" I asked

"Well, it was Derek that day of your first transformation who declared himself to me. I couldn't believe it and I wasn't able to reject him." she argued

My chest hurt at her words, part of me was angry and another part felt sorry. Perhaps Derek has always seen me as a little friend or as his little sister.

More than anything, it had been him who took the first step with Adriana, it is even possible that he had always liked her and I was the one in the middle. Besides, what more could I expect if I was an Omega and Adriana was gamma?

"You must give me time Adriana" I said finally as if accepting the facts

"Oh dear Hada, thank you" she gave me a hug

That afternoon I had to leave for training since my transformation had started, the gamma Josh was preparing the new ones, he was a man of about 40 years old, dark hair and some gray hairs, his physical condition was evident since his main job was to train the members of the pack. It mainly caught my attention that during the training there were old members and experienced in combat such as Mike, Dante, Brendan, Carl and even the moon observing everything. When I finished the first part of the training I felt really exhausted, Mike approached:

"Hello beautiful, how do you feel?" he said this making a flirty gesture

"Hello Mike. Don't call me that, you'll make your admirers hate me" I said taking some water from my bottle and accidentally pouring some on myself.

"Oh baby! You kill me when you do that" he said in a sensual tone

I looked at him surprised to notice that he was being serious. Not far away I could see Derek looking in our direction, I didn't want him to see me affected by what he confessed to me yesterday about his relationship with Adriana, so I forced myself to pay attention to Mike.

"Wow, I didn't think my actions would cause you something" I said with interest to Mike

"Wow yes. You are very beautiful Hadassa, I don't think you ignore the fact that there are many in the pack who desire you" he commented

Not all, I thought sadly, well at least the one I like is not interested in that sense, in fact Adriana belonged to the gammas. I looked over my shoulder if Derek had seen me, and I could notice that Adriana was by his side. I had to overcome my temporary infatuation, I thought.

"Thank you for that Mike. It's encouraging to think that that could be the case; however, I am an Omega" I said, understanding that my reality and my place as Omega cannot be so superior.

I didn't give him time to add or say anything else, I went back to my training. This time my partner to perform the attack maneuver was none other than Dante, the future alpha. The look of annoyance on his face was evident, he really was handsome as I often heard the girls say. His thick, well-defined lips and his marked chin gave him such a sexy air.

My imagination was sprouting just having him in front of me. No wonder everyone was crazy about him...

I went to attack him, his eyes looked fierce, but I was not intimidated, my hands were directed to his hips to take him and throw him as we were taught. This maneuver was very effective for the she-wolves, since they have less strength, Dante resisted and I looking fiercely managed to knock him to the ground. He held me and I was on top of him... I could see his eyes perplexed, he didn't understand what had happened.

He pushed me suddenly, he looked confused and upset when I met his eyes:

"Dante, are you okay?" Josh arrived saying astonished

He looked at me and I just kept having doubts about it. Was I not supposed to throw him? Or how is the alpha's son supposed to be gentler when doing this exercise? At school the girls who bullied me always ended up leaving because I defeated them or because Adriana and Derek were there to help me. The memory of them again made me feel sadness.

"Hadassa, you... did you do something different to throw Dante?" Josh asked

"No, I did all the movements that you taught me. Was it wrong that I threw the alpha's son?" I commented seriously, looking at Dante

No matter how much he looked at me with that angry face, he would make me feel fearful. Perhaps my attitude was showing disrespect.

"That's not it Hada... it's just that..."

"How is it that you, an Omega, managed to throw me?!! What trick have you used on me? No one has ever managed to do it before" Dante added and his eyes seemed on fire

"No one had ever thrown you before? Well I just did the exercise, that's all" I said perplexed

"I don't believe you, little omega" Dante said approaching, his gray eyes were devouring mine. He had a very hostile attitude, the truth is that it confused me.

"Are you humiliated because an Omega like me has left you lying down?!" I was fed up with feeling like I was worthless, I wanted to return his aggressiveness.

"What did you say?! Humiliated that you were lucky enough to have thrown me?!" he added ironically... "

Do you want to provoke me, you an Omega? "he said angrily

Before things got hotter, the moon intervened.

"That's enough Dante! She's just a young woman, you shouldn't get so upset about it" she added

Quiet Hada, remember to keep training, now go and rest - she added with affection

Derek and Adriana stayed watching from afar, they didn't seem to want to approach. I got up from the ground, where Dante had pushed me, he had gotten up, he watched me warily. When I passed by his side I decided to bother him as he had done with me:

"We'll see you tomorrow in a new training" I whispered to him close

His eyes widened.

Before anything else happened, I took my things and left, it was very striking that the moon of the pack has been defending me. I got home, I ran to shower, I started to cry because I felt that the words omegas were marked on my skin, being Omega forced me to humiliation, to be worthless and that because of being it I was not a good option to be considered the partner of someone else. I came out after a while from the bathroom, I put on a very light dress, Mom told me not to use it outside because it is see-through, but I was in the house, so there would be no drama.

It was 5 o'clock, my mom would arrive at 6:30, I went to the kitchen to prepare something to eat, I was in that when I heard loud knocks on the door.

Who could be capable of being so rude?

I didn't dare to open, I suspected that it would be Dante and I wasn't wrong when I opened, he came furious.

"What do you want future alpha? Are you coming for a rematch?!" I said with a funny tone

I felt bad for having to see him. Since I was a child, Dante was rude and despised the omegas, he treated them as worthless, I remembered that he was very strong and skilled in many things. Perhaps for that reason he has felt so superior to the rest, and that I have thrown him down in my first confrontation with him, bothered him more than I imagined. And if we add to that that I am a simple Omega, it must be the most humiliating. His eyes flashed...

"Do you really think that for throwing me down once you have defeated me, you a simple Omega?!" he added with contempt

"If that's the case, why come to my house and bother me?" I said crossing my arms while supporting my body in the door frame

Suddenly, I remembered how I was dressed, I couldn't show my shame. Perhaps he won't notice my clothes with how furious he is with me. Then I saw that his eyes went through my body, he swallowed saliva for a moment and then looked me in the eyes:

"Do you want to seduce me?" he said

"What?" I said incredulously

"Now I understand everything, you have prepared this to call my attention, haven't you? Well, even if you are so attractive and that you drive most people crazy, it won't work with me little Omega" he approached so suddenly that it scared me

"Are you crazy Dante? Me an Omega, am I looking to call your attention? Don't you think it's absurd, when I well know what you feel for me" I said in my defense with anger and looking for something to cover myself with. He took my wrist, I felt his deep breath and how close the scent of his perfume was.

"Stop pretending that you didn't like it. All women are the same" he smiled mischievously his words left me speechless, he was approaching

I pushed him with force, when I freed myself I closed the door. Dante has never treated me well, why did I now have the feeling that he would kiss me? Or was it my imagination?

"Get out of here Dante! You are not the one I like for your information" I shouted from the other side of the door

Then for fear that something else would happen, I ran upstairs and locked myself in my room. Had I gone crazy? It wasn't as if Dante was going to enter and break down the door.

Later my mother arrived, I went down to receive her, she looked at me attentively and added:

"I hope you never dare to go out with that dress" she commented

"I only use it at home" I blushed when I remembered that Dante saw me in it

"The truth is darling, is that that dress makes your whole body visible. I can see your lace underwear" she added while heating up dinner

I kept placing the cutlery, not giving importance to what happened previously.

We had dinner and chatted, I told her about my training, Mom looked at me worried.

"Did something happen in your training?" she asked

"Well... it happened that I knocked Dante down in my demonstration of the exercise" I said worried

"I should have told you before, but it's not good to show your strength. I imagine you have realized that you are not like the other omegas of the pack, we came from outside and... it is good not to attract much attention in that sense" she finished saying, I felt that she wanted to reveal more information but she abstained.

For years I have been curious about the reasons and why Mom had to escape with me when she was in her womb. For any pregnant woman, having to flee is a very big risk.

Something tells me that it is better that she, someday feels confident to tell me. Something very important or serious must have happened, so that she keeps the secret.

"It's okay Mom, I'm going to try not to attract more attention" I said to leave her alone

We had dinner later calmly and the next morning, Mom left early. I stayed lying down for a while longer, I had to go to training around 10 so I could get up a little later. My mother worked in a nearby cafeteria, so she left with time. I had breakfast calmly, I dressed with sports leggings, a top, a shirt that covered me, and a sports shirt that matched. I went downstairs, took my bag, water and house keys.

"Hello Hada" it was Derek who was waiting for me outside

We had not spoken again since that night, evidently he sought to avoid it to have time to accept his relationship with my friend Adriana.

"Hello" I said simply

"I haven't had the opportunity to talk to you since that day" he said restless

Is everything okay Hada?

"Yes Derek, it's just that I need a time to get used to the idea that you and Adriana are dating and that... well we will be the three friends" I said calmly, so that it would not be seen that there was another reason

"Oh Hada, we will always be the three of us friends, only that there will be different things" he said wanting to hug me and I prevented it

"No Derek, I'm not a little girl anymore. It is better that you treat me differently" I smiled at him with great effort

"Really, I'm sorry Hada. The habit of treating you like that" he argued nervously

"Well Derek, I must go to my training. We'll see you" I said cutting the conversation

I didn't know how much more I would endure if I continued talking to him. I ran away, I felt that tears would appear, at the entrance was Dante waiting, he looked at me carefully as if he was analyzing me or was it that he remembered yesterday's dress?

"I was waiting for you" he said when I approached

Dante had an expression that I found difficult to decipher; something very strange happened yesterday. Perhaps it was just a misunderstanding; it was hard to believe that a future alpha, and especially someone who evidently despised omegas, would want to kiss me.

"Why would you wait for me?" I asked.

"Well, yesterday you argued that we should face off again. I've come to show you that I'm stronger and that I can defeat anyone," he said, approaching me.

"And what do you propose to do?" I said defiantly, not wanting to be intimidated.

"Follow me, Omega," he said, heading to a training area where no one else was.

"Do you want us to fight alone?" I asked.

"Are you afraid of me, Hadassa?" he stated.

"I'm not afraid of anything; being an Omega, I've had to deal with everything and everyone who seeks to crush me," I replied.

"Very well, I want you to face me now," he said, taking off his sweatshirt and revealing a t-shirt that showed off his defined and muscular arms.

"Very well," I played along, taking off my sports jacket and remaining in my t-shirt that covered me.

He positioned himself in the center of the training mat. Josh had taught us basic combat techniques since we were young. I felt confident because I had been good, but facing Dante, who was said to be the best in the pack, made me nervous.

"Come, Hadassa," he provoked.

I started with some quick movements. Evidently, Dante was good; he evaded them skillfully. In one of them, he wrapped his arms around my waist. I felt a slight tickle in the pit of my stomach, which I attributed to facing the future alpha.

He knocked me to the ground, and before he could immobilize me, I wrapped my legs around his neck. We were very close. His eyes were fixed on mine. I squeezed my legs tightly; he also had a lot of strength, as he lifted me into the air. In the struggle, we fell onto the mat, me on top of Dante, his face buried in my chest and his hands on my butt. I moved quickly; my breathing was agitated. Dante was the last person I wanted this to happen with. I got up from the mat and headed to grab my things.

"Do you do these things to provoke me, don't you?" Dante got up.

"Don't you realize it was an accident? It's the same thing that happened yesterday," I affirmed.

"No, Hadassa. Yesterday you showed me that you have strength beyond the norm," he commented, approaching.

"Well, I don't know. Maybe you weren't at your best yesterday..." He was looking at me very closely.

"You drive me crazy," he ran a hand through his hair.

"Well, you've always hated me. You've shown me that since I can remember."

"Yesterday you shouted that you liked someone else, it's not Mike, is it?"

"That's my business. Besides, I'm an Omega, you forget, I can't like someone who is..." I felt my voice breaking.

"I was sure that being an Omega didn't matter to you," Dante added, coming face to face.

I wanted to look at him angrily, but his gray eyes had a warm expression. This whole situation seemed so strange to me. Little by little, I'm remembering times when Dante treated me indifferently, when he spoke to me harshly or was rude.

"What do you want to prove to me? You're better than everyone in the pack. Is it so bad that I accidentally knocked you down yesterday?" I said, hoping that maybe he would stop being indignant, annoyed; I no longer knew what it was that he wanted.

His eyes didn't stop looking into mine; Dante was really tall. I was 1.68 meters tall and he was like 1.90... He came closer to me and tilted his head until he was inches from my face. I felt his breath:

"You won't manage to make me like you, even if you keep using your tricks," he replied.

"What tricks are you talking about! I already told you that I don't like you, do you think I'm crazy to be interested in someone like you?!" I said angrily.

"Hahahaha that dress, your perfume, and putting your breasts in my face, do you think I'm stupid? Do you do the same to everyone so they talk about you and like them," he commented angrily and grabbed my shirt.

"Let go of me, Dante! You were the one who was waiting for me, and you say I provoked it? And you accuse me of provoking other guys! You're a jerk. Let me go, will you?" I tried to get him to let go of my shirt; I didn't want to keep hearing his stupidities.

I had enough already; I'm barely recovering from losing the love of my dear Derek.

"Stop doing it," he said in a hoarse voice.

"Dante! Let go of me!" His attitude confused me; it was hostile and at the same time his eyes had an expression that made me feel restless.

He held me tighter, lifted me up, and when I opened my mouth in protest, his mouth covered mine. His lips were soft, his breath warm. It was the first time I had been kissed, and the kiss wasn't from who I had always dreamed of.

He tore my shirt, grabbed my waist, and pulled me close to his body. His lips devoured mine. I pushed him to let me go, as I felt his hands rising to my breasts. I could hear his wolf's roar.

"That's what you wanted, isn't it?" he added, seeing me with agitated eyes, and a smile drew on his face.

"If you come near me again, I'm going to hit you where it hurts the most," I said, wiping my lips and trying to gather my things.

"Hahahaha stop pretending you didn't want me to do this. You've been provoking me for a few years," he added.

"Don't ever touch me again!" I screamed with tears.

"What an excellent actress," I didn't want to keep hearing or have him have a chance to touch me again. I kicked him in his parts and ran out. From that day on, I avoided seeing or meeting Dante all week.

The only good thing about that unpleasant situation is that it made me forget about Adriana and Derek, and I didn't manage to see them either.

My mom had a lot of work during those days, so on Friday afternoon I decided to go see her and have a coffee.

"Honey, you've come to say hello," she said when she saw me arrive.

She was dressed in jeans, high heels, and a blouse that showed her belly. I left my hair loose; it had grown since the last time I cut it, reaching my waist.

"You look beautiful," she added with affection and sat down for a few minutes to accompany me.

"The truth is that I look like you," I kissed her cheek.

We had a pleasant conversation, and I enjoyed the coffee with her cinnamon roll. She went back to work while I finished what was left. Not far away, I saw Adriana coming hand in hand with Derek, who was smiling enthusiastically. I don't remember having seen that smile on him, I thought sadly while finishing what was left in my cup. I got up quickly; I didn't want to have to chat with them at the moment and I was still avoiding seeing Dante again. I went down the path that led to a trail to the forest, I hurried as I walked on it, I heard laughter from some young people. I passed quickly, I realized that among them was Mike, Brendan, and two other boys, they were drinking. I kept walking pretending not to see them, someone called me, but I didn't pay attention.

"Wait, Omega," I heard Brendan who stood in the middle of the road.

"Let me pass, okay?" I said with disgust.

"Who do you think you're talking to? Do you think that because you're attractive you have the right to play hard to get?" he grabbed my wrist.

"Let go of me, please, I don't want to scream," I said.

"If you behave and kiss me, I might think about making you my mate," he added.

"Mike, please make him let go of me for good," I said, containing my fury.

"Hada, why aren't you good to me? Now you're asking me for help. I've approached you being nice, but you don't seem interested, do you aspire higher? Brendan is a Delta, and I'm a Beta. Wouldn't you like to be my girlfriend? I can claim you," he said, also approaching.

They were both drunk. I couldn't defend myself with everyone, I didn't understand what was happening to them. Mike began to touch my hair and Brendan still wouldn't let go of my wrist; it was clear that they weren't reasoning clearly. Especially if they were telling me that they could claim me as a mate. I heard a loud howl not far away, they both let go of me and moved away... Dante came out of the path with a murderous look.

"Dante, what happened?" Mike asked.

"Dear Hada, is everything okay?" I heard Derek's voice behind me.

"I'm going to my house. Excuse me," I said, wanting to leave that place.

Dante was in my way, his eyes seemed to want to devour someone.

"Hada, let me accompany you," Derek said.

Why was he alone? Wasn't he with Adriana a few minutes ago? I wanted to go home alone. Dante came to my side and grabbed my hand, pulling me to follow him.

"The omega is coming with me," he clarified as we walked away.