Chapter 119

I slipped into a pair of jeans and an old sweatshirt, seeking comfort in their familiar embrace. Once settled on the bed, my gaze lingered on my new phone, anticipation bubbling beneath my skin. I hoped Varen or Freya would call before tomorrow. It was hard to believe that it had only been a day, and yet I already missed them deeply. If not for the sudden knock on my door, I might have spent the entire evening staring at the screen.

"Come in," I called, and Beta Ronan stepped inside. I gestured for him to take a seat, closing the door behind him.

"I'm guessing you and the Alpha had a fight?" he asked, his expression knowing.

I offered him a wry smile. "What gave it away?"

"Well, I saw him eating alone at lunch, practically murdering his food. Then he ordered an extra training session for his elite squad," Ronan smirked, his eyes narrowing.

"And why aren't you out there training with them?" I asked, trying to dodge his probing gaze.

"I told Alpha I'd check in on you. He agreed," Ronan grinned mischievously.

I chuckled. "So, I'm your excuse to skip training?"

He laughed lightly. "Honestly, though, he was genuinely worried about you."

I rolled my eyes with a sigh. "I bet he was."

Ronan leaned forward, his gaze softening. "Look, I get it. Alpha Kenzo can be... rough around the edges. But he's leading the largest pack on this side of the world, the only one worthy of claiming the royal title. Cut him some slack, and you might be surprised."

I shot him a pointed look. "Seriously? You're worried about the big bad wolf getting his feelings hurt? Sorry, Beta Ronan, but I’m not about to ‘cut some slack’ to someone who disrespected me."

Ronan exhaled heavily. "Thalassa, look—"

"Just Thalassa," I corrected firmly.

"Fine... Thalassa. It's been a long time since our Alpha took a genuine interest in anyone. He's spent years leading us through battles. Romance isn't exactly his forte," Ronan admitted with a wry smile.

"I'm not asking for flowers and love poems," I said, my voice steady. "I just wanted him to give me time. I know you care about your Alpha, but it’s been less than a day since I said goodbye to the man I love... and I don't feel any mate bond that's supposed to change my heart overnight." I looked at him, silently pleading for understanding.

Ronan nodded, his expression tinged with sympathy. The heavy silence between us was soon interrupted by the unmistakable growl of my stomach. I flushed, rubbing my abdomen in embarrassment. Ronan chuckled.

"I'll have someone bring dinner to your room," he said, rising from his seat.

"Thanks, Ronan," I murmured, offering a small smile.

As he reached the door, he turned with a smirk. "Maybe I'll tell the kitchen to serve all your meals here for a while. Would that make you more comfortable?"

I hesitated before nodding. "Yes, I think it would."

"You really pissed Kenzo off, didn't you?" he teased.

"I guess I did," I sighed.

"Enjoy your peace while it lasts. Your first official training is at eight sharp tomorrow morning," he grinned. "Be ready by quarter to eight. I'll take you there."

As the door closed behind him, a mix of excitement and nervousness washed over me. Ever since my super-genes had awakened, I’d felt more confident in my combat skills, ready to face any supernatural threat. But Kenzo... he was a challenge of a different kind, one I wasn't sure I was prepared for.

Less than an hour later, a knock sounded, and an elderly woman entered, balancing a steaming bowl of stew. She looked like she had stepped out of a storybook—rosy cheeks, twinkling blue eyes, and wisps of white hair tucked into a messy bun.

"Here you go, hon," she said warmly, setting the bowl on the table.

"Thank you. I would've come down myself, but... I don't even know where the kitchen is," I admitted sheepishly.

She chuckled. "I've been cooking and carrying meals for that brat who calls himself Alpha since he was three. Don’t take away my exercise."

Her motherly warmth tugged at something deep inside me, and I found myself smiling without meaning to.

"Dig in," she commanded gently.

"Yes, ma’am," I replied with a small laugh.

She watched as I took the first bite, grinning in satisfaction when my eyes widened at the taste. With a knowing nod, she headed for the door.

"If you need more food or gossip, the kitchen’s on the ground floor, furthest to the right," she smirked before leaving.

As I finished my meal, a sense of calm settled over me. Maybe good food really was the cure for many things. The room felt peaceful, and I decided to spend the rest of my evening reading articles online, enjoying the solitude.

Later, a young man arrived to collect my plate. He was so nervous he barely looked at me, his hands trembling slightly as he picked up the dish. Watching him fumble awkwardly was oddly refreshing—after years among vampires, I was usually the one feeling on edge. Maybe I’d carry my plate down next time to spare us both the discomfort.

I lost myself in market reports until my phone rang, shattering the quiet. I jumped, startled by the abrupt sound. My heart skipped when I saw Freya’s name flashing on the screen.

"H-hello?" I answered hesitantly.

"Do you have any idea how you broke my heart by leaving with those wolves without a heads-up or even a proper goodbye?!" Freya's voice came through, equal parts anger and affection.

I chuckled, her irritation a comfort.

"Don’t laugh! I cried for hours when I heard you left the Palace!" she snapped, but I could hear the fondness in her voice.

"You know I love you, right?" I said, smiling.

"Don’t try to sweet-talk me! And that letter you left? It was awful!" Despite her scolding, a soft laugh escaped her.

"I’m sorry. I just... I couldn’t take it anymore. I had to leave," I confessed quietly.

A brief silence stretched between us before Freya sighed, her tone serious. "I know... And I love you too."