Chapter 28

“What’s it like being back?” Riley asked, struggling to hold her bag. I noticed and took the bag she was struggling with to help.

“Honestly Riles, I miss the Lycan blood pack, but I also missed that weirdo,” I answered truthfully and pointed towards Tessa.

“Hey.” She pouted. It was true, I missed being somewhere where people appreciated what I did for them. I knew that once I headed back I wouldn’t be seeing Tessa so often and I couldn’t ask her to move to the lycan blood pack. Unlike me, she didn’t exactly have bad blood with the family so leaving them would be hard for her.

Tallulah stopped and unlocked the walnut door and opened up. “Tessa, this will be your room,” She said, handing over the key to Tessa.

“Nice, thank you,” Tessa looked around, letting her bags fall down to the floor.

“And Baker, yours is right across from hers,” The queen walked over to the room and unlocked it as well then handed over the keys to Riley.

“Okay, thank you. Where’s your room?” She asked, looking over at me as I walked into her room to put down her bag.

“I’ll show you, following along,” I smiled and cocked my head, I already knew where my room was. Tallulah told me it was the same one from years ago. I saw a slight frown on the queen’s face, but it changed quickly as I passed her with Riley.

After I showed her to my room we met up with the others for a brief tour of the castle then we each went back to our own room. In a few hours, we’d be all meeting with the medical team again to get some updates. Baker and I ended up making our plans, figuring out what our next step could be. Our people's safety is very important to us.

“Roman, can we talk to you privately,” Aunt Ainsley asked after the meeting.

“Sure,” I nodded, wondering what it could be about. “Miss Baker, make sure Alpha Vesper sees these okay,” I handed her the file.

“I will, Sir,” She nodded and left the room.

“I see there’s some formality between you two,” Tali’s grandmother pointed out.

“In our free time we can call each other whatever but during professional sittings things are supposed to be professional,” I answered simply, looking at the four of them. What would this conversation even be about? Tallulah wasn’t present.

“True indeed,” Mr. Snyders nodded.

“All due respect, is there any reason you pulled me aside?” I asked looking between Mr. Snyders and Uncle Tristan.

“We’re sorry for how we handled things years ago,” Tristan finally said. He seemed sincere and knew how to give an apology.

“For kicking me out of the program? I’m over it,” I shrugged, tucking my hands in my pockets.

“Still, I should’ve given you the benefit of the doubt, but I didn’t,” Tristan replied, moving his hand from around his wife.

“Because it was your little girl, right?” I raised a brow at them.

“Roman—” Ainsley was about to say but I cut her off.

“No trust me, I understand. I’ve seen the lengths through what good parents would go through for their child,” I explained, I saw it firsthand.

“Natalia and Luca?” Mr. Snyders frowned.

“I said good parents, Mr. Snyders,” I pointed out and they all just had an awkward expression on their faces.

“Well, we’re happy you’re healthy and able to help us with the poison problem,” Ainsley’s lips curled into a smile, the one her only daughter shared in common with her.

“There are wolves I care about, and I don’t want to see them dying so it’s okay,” I shrugged, gathering my things from the table.

“Have a goodnight, Roman,” They wished me, and I thanked them.

Third-person POV

After their talk Roman headed to his room and he started to get ready for the night then headed to Tessa’s room to check up on her and somehow the siblings ended up watching a movie together. You could tell they still had lots of catching up to do.

“Can I ask you something?” Tessa asked, lowering the volume of the tv.

“Of course, Tessie,” Roman looked over at her, her blue eyes showing a hint of hesitation, but she finally got to it.

“You and Riley,” She said. She noticed something between the two before, but Tessa wasn’t exactly sure what to think.

“What about us?” Roman asked, reaching for his cup of water.

“Are you two together?” Tessa wondered, showing signs of discomfort.

“Goddess no, we’re just really good friends. She’s the first person who was kind to me within the Lycan blood pack,” He laughed and explained.

“Oh okay… Are you sure you’re not into her?” Tessa frowned as if she was expecting a different answer.

“Our flirting is completely friendly; we know where the line is and we have never crossed it before. Besides, she’s waiting for her true mate wherever the fuck he is,” Roman explained, rolling his eyes.

“You seem pissed about that,” Tessa pointed out my tone. He sighed and nodded.

“Of course I am. She’s like many wolves, eager to find their mate, their other half. The one with who they’ll share an amazing love. She’s been waiting for so long already, I just hope he or she doesn’t hurt her,” Roman explained, his finger tracing the rim of the glass. He saw firsthand how easily you can be let down by your own mate and it wasn’t a pleasant feeling.

“You’re protective over her,” Tessa mumbled quietly but he still heard.

“As I said, she’s a really good friend, I don’t want to see her get hurt at all,” Roman assured his little sister.

“Understandable, she seems really nice,” Tessa pointed out, returning the volume back to what it was.

“She is,” He smiled.

“I should get some shut-eye,” Tessa yawned and laid back down.

“Yes, you should. Goodnight, Tessie,” Roman turned off the tv and looked back at Tessa.

“Night Romie,” She said, her eyes already closed.

Roman tucked in his little sister once again, reminding him of when they were younger. He turned off the tv and lights then headed outside trying to be as quiet as possible. It was just then the blonde realized he was a bit peckish and decided to go to the kitchen for a snack.

When Roman got to the kitchen he saw Tallulah standing there, fixing herself a big plate with a variety of food on it.

“Roman,” The queen greeted, focusing on spreading the chocolate evenly on her waffle.

“Queen Tallulah,” Roman replied in a monotone and looked at what she was doing.

“I see—” Roman was about to say but got cut off.

“Not tonight, honestly I’m not in the mood to fight. I have a lot to deal with,” Tallulah sighed, putting down the butter knife. Roman could tell by the look on her face that she was tired already.

“Understandable and I wasn’t about to pick a fight,” He responded, going through the recently stocked fridge. They were told to make themselves at home so that’s what he’s trying to do.

“What were you going to say then?” Tallulah asked, raising a brow at Roman who stuttered at first.

“Uhm… I’d ask you where you found those waffles,” Roman pointed to, clearly changing the subject.

“Oh, I made it myself,” Tallulah answered, licking the remaining chocolate from her finger.

“How? Also, where’s the staff?” He looked around and noticed the kitchen was empty.

“The kitchen staff is a whole family and it’s the grandfather’s death anniversary,” She explained, picking up her plate. She wanted to walk away yet she also wanted to remain engaged in this conversation.

“Oh…” Roman mumbled then pouted, what would he now eat?

“I can show you how to make the waffles, it’s just a boxed one,” Tallulah pointed out, pointing to the box.

“Oh, that would be… Nice,” Roman admitted.

Tallulah started to eat things off of her plate and helped Roman out by following the instructions on the back. This was all new to Roman, all he was ever thought to make was pasta and now he’d just order in food, but it was late to do that plus he was at the castle. Once again their teamwork was incredible, it always has been no matter how much hate they held for each other they always managed to separate that from the mission. Tallulah noticed he left the waffle machine open, he crossed his arm and looked at it with a frown.

Tallulah laughed and got up, walking over to him. She moved her hand to his that rested on the handle and pulled it down to close, “It’s supposed to stay shut.”

“Oh…Uh, how will I know it’s ready then?” Roman frowned, looking over at Tallulah who stood less than two inches away from him. Their bodies were almost touching, their hands on the handle still together.

“The light will turn green,” She answered, feeling something rising in the pit of her stomach. It was a feeling only he could elicit from her. She couldn’t help but admire his face, take in the handsome features. She made a mistake years ago and now she had to pay dearly for it…

“It’s green,” Roman noticed and removed his hand from under his and took a plate.

“Great, check it out,” Tallulah mumbled, rubbing her hand.

“Oh it’s perfect,” He flipped it onto his plate and grinned, proud of his work.

“It sure is, the chocolate spread is on the counter. Don’t forget to pull the cord once you’re done,” Tallulah picked up her plate.

“I won’t. Night, your highness,” Roman said, pouring in more batter into the waffle maker.

“Good night, Roman,” She said lastly and went to her room.

Roman looked over in her direction, watching as she walked away. Once she was out of his eyesight he continued making his waffles. When he finished fixing his late-night snack he went up to his room and turned on the TV as he began to devour what he prepared. Near the end of the night, both Tallulah and Roman finally got some rest. They both struggled to get some rest though, with their wolves longing for each other it wasn’t easy for them to be this close.

Around 5 AM Roman had woken up and was unable to fall asleep again. With a loud growl leaving his lips he got up and began to make his bed. Roman decided to go ahead and get ready for the day, putting on his activewear. The castle had an undeniably good training room. It was one of the best he had seen so he was excited to head there again after such a long time.

Roman picked up the maroon-colored long sleeve dri-fit and pulled it down, he took his empty water bottle and the plate he used last night and went down to the kitchen. As he filled his bottle back up with water he got lost in a trail of thoughts. He wondered what his life would’ve been like if Skylar had never gotten his way. Would he be alpha by now? Or the king of wolves? A sigh escaped his lips, and he closed the faucet then walked to the training room, from the outside he could hear someone inside. He frowned and checked the time on his phone, what was someone doing up so early?

“Oh, it’s you,” Tallulah said, relieved and slugging her shoulders down again as she sat on the stool.

“Expecting someone else?” Roman asked, raising a brow at her.

“Nope, just surprised someone else is up so early,” She replied, watching as he put down his neatly folded towel and water. “What are you doing awake anyway?” The queen wondered, slightly out of breath from her workout.

“Woke up not too long ago and now I can’t fall asleep again,” He explained, his blue eyes taking in her outfit. “How about you? Why are you up so early?” He cleared his throat.

“The same thing, I struggled going back to sleep so here I am,” Tallulah answered.

“I see…” Roman mumbled, taking his eyes away from her peach-colored tank.

“Have you gotten any better in the past years?” She asked, walking past him, their shoulders brushing together.

“If you're asking whether I can beat your ass, the answer is yes,” Roman turned around to face her, a smirk on his lips.

“Oh Roman, Roman, have you forgotten I won last time?” She clicked her tongue, walking up to him as close as she could.

“You had a slight advantage,” He reasoned, looking down at the redhead.

“Then let’s settle this,” She shrugged, uncrossing her arms.

“Am I being offered a rematch?” He raised a brow at her.

“I believe you are, don’t blow it,” She shoved him back and walked to the ring.

“Don’t worry queen, I’ll be easy on you,” Roman followed behind her.

“Don’t. Because when I win you’ll claim you weren’t at your fullest,” She rested her hands on her hips.

“Have it your way then,” Roman got in position. “Ladies first,” He said and waited.

Roman watched as Tallulah took a step back, she moved her arms up to protect herself, hands curled in a fist before she swung her left hand to his chest causing him to cough and bow down a little. She used this to her advantage to hook her right hand to his face, but this was exactly what Roman wanted, his large hand wrapped around the punch she threw at him, stopping her from achieving what she wanted. He moved his free hand to wrap around her waist, holding her body close to his.

“What now, princess?” He teased, watching as she writhed in his hold, but he didn’t stop there. He knew her leg was between his and could put him in misery and moment now. He moved his right leg forward but before he could do anything Tallulah punched him under the jaw and hooked her leg behind his, pulling back expecting for just him to fall back but Roman had a pretty good grip on her and pulled her down with him. During all this he still struggled to truly hit her, he knew they were training but it still felt so wrong.

Roman was quick to change to position her under him, he moved his knee between her legs and as high as he could to prevent her from moving. He grabbed her wrists and held them above her head, using all of his strength. His right hand wrapped around her throat and pressed her back into the ground when she tried to get up.

Tallulah was left speechless; her lips were slightly parted as he looked up at him. A new wetness pooling between her legs made her want to shut her thighs together but Roman had his knee between. He leaned over till their lips were inches apart then moved his lips to her ear, “I believe I won, fair and square.”

Tallulah just nodded, unable to find words to say. His hot breath on her skin sure made her feel things. She turned her face to him, her amber eyes traveled down to his lips for a moment then back up into those ocean orbs she missed getting lost in.

It took Roman a moment to realize what he was doing and cleared his throat, letting go of her, and stood up hastily. “I should, um, go on the treadmill or something,” he mumbled.

“Yeah, yeah,” She nodded and hummed, then took a deep breath and sat up. From that moment both of them continued to do their own workout and tried avoiding each other as much as possible till the point they both went their separate ways again.

Tallulah’s POV

I decided to personally inform Roman about the change in our schedule. I knew I should be avoiding him whilst I get my feelings sorted out, but my wolf couldn’t help but to want to be close to him. That moment we spent last night making the waffles was just like all the sweet little moments we had in the past. What Roman made me feel during the fight was so magically, heavenly even.

“What are you doing here?” I frowned, looking at the raven-haired woman from top to bottom.

“What do you want, queen Tallulah?” She asked, politely with a slight undertone of annoyance.

“I’m here for Roman, you clearly shouldn’t be here,” I couldn’t help it, my jealousy got the best of me. It bothered to see her in Roman’s room, dressed in such a short skirt and tight-fitting too.

“Don’t look at me like that. Green sure isn’t your color,” She chuckled and shook her head.

“Miss Baker, I think you’re forgetting he is /my/ mate,” The words came out without me even thinking twice about it.

“Who you rejected, don’t forget that,” Riley reminded me.

“Everything okay here?” Roman asked, stepping out of the bathroom. He was dressed in a grey shirt and some black jeans. His hair was still wet from just coming out of the shower.

“Just wanted to let you know the meeting moved up today,” I replied, swallowing the lump that had formed in my throat due to my mind creating all these scenarios.

“What time?” Riley asked.

“Less than an hour,” I answered.

“We’ll just have to finish our talk with Alpha Vesper later then,” Roman sighed.

“I'll reschedule that,” Riley excused herself. I then also took my leave and went to the meeting room to prepare myself for the meeting. I sat down at the head of the table and reached for my glass of water; I trailed the brim of the glass as I pondered around. I missed him; I couldn’t believe it. I wanted Roman back, I messed up and now I worry I’m too late to have my mate back.

Before I knew it everyone was already seated, and my father started out the meeting with the formal greetings, but we were sort of past that.

“Are there any updates?” Luna Marie, one of the two others working with us, had asked.

“Nothing new so far,” I informed them, sadly.

“Does anyone have any kind of evidence that might help out?” Roman wondered, looking over at everyone but me.

“Nothing at all. We tried finding something on the jasmine scent, but it didn’t lead anywhere,” Alpha Giovani answered, letting out a quiet sigh.

“Okay so, every single case has this jasmine scent lingering?” Theo asked, fidgeting with the black pen in his hand.

“Yes, but it seems to be a normal scent. Tessa smells like jasmine too,” I pointed out, shrugging, making Tessa frown. This wouldn’t lead anywhere at all, it was as if we kept running in circles, and pretty soon we’d be out of time. Natalia will be out of time...

“She does… But she’s not the only one,” Roman pointed out. The look on his face was one of realization like he just remembered something he tried to forget.

“Have anyone in mind?” Tessa wondered, an eyebrow raised at her brother who nodded at first.

“Skylar White,” Roman clicked his tongue. The mention of her name made everyone but Luna Marie and Alpha Giovani feel uneasy. I took a deep breath as I thought about her. Could she really be behind all this? Hasn’t she ruined enough lives already?

“The Skylar White, beta Sterling?” Riley asked as if Skylar was a myth she had been told about but she sure wasn’t. She was real and good at destroying people's lives.

“Yes, does anyone know what happened to her?” Roman wondered, looking at us all, mostly at Theo and Tessa.

“No actually, we haven’t heard anything from her after she was kicked from the pack,” I said, looking over at my father.

“What motive does she have?” Luna Marie wondered, not knowing the story as well we did. Sure there were rumors here and there but that didn’t quite cover the full story.

“She’s delusional and didn’t exactly handle my rejection well,” Roman answered, squeezing his pen in his right hand as if it was a stress ball.

“So she just declares war on her own kind?” Theo frowned, almost as if the idea of that would be impossible.

“She’s a rogue, I was one too and it’s not a pleasant experience luckily I got taken in another pack. The only pack that wanted me. As for Skylar… She might’ve never found a pack,” Roman explained, speaking of his own experience and it didn’t seem too easy for him to talk about. I wish things could've been different. I wish I wasn’t idiotic enough to believe he’d betray me like that.

“That could harbor hate towards us, but where would she find an alliance?” I wondered; what wolf pack would help her achieve her goal? Not one, because the bioweapon works on werewolves. I couldn’t imagine her going to the humans, they would experiment on her first, kill her then come after the other wolves.

“We have to find out where Skylar is first,” Tessa replied.

“Miss Baker, have Alpha Vesper know about this. He might find someone who knows something,” Roman turned to his assistant.

“Yes, sir,” Riley said as she wrote down his requests, Roman’s eyes on her notes.

“Someone great owes me a favor. I think I’ll ask her for the favor,” Dad said, his nail between his teeth. He always did that when he was stressed out or deep in thoughts. In this case both.

“We’ll do some digging around too,” Alpha Giovani assured us, writing down Skylar’s full name.

“Great, now we wait for the results then…” Roman sighed and leaned back.