Chapter 71 71
Roman's Pov
So I realized that I need to chill the fuck out.
Ever since I saw that atrocious scene with Xavier during their engagement party, I'd been on the edge. Not on the edge of my sanity but on the edge of extreme violence.
While Maisie only has one picture of Xavier on her IG, but Xavier flaunted hers all over his social media accounts. Each post had a different nickname or praise for her in the captions :
My woman x
Babe, you keep me alive x
Isn’t she the most beautiful creature to ever exist? x
I love you, my Luna x
Blah fucking blah.
According to his posts, they were going to have their wedding and Mating Ceremony in one week's time. Fuck that right the fuck off.
Spraying bullets in a dummy and punching the hell out of a mannequin did nothing to quell my anger. It only made it worse. So when I returned to the Pack Mansion and found Gamma Rayes, he convinced me to relax in the pool. At first, I told him I don't do water therapy. Then, I suddenly remembered that I had to blow off some steam or it'd keep me at night.
“Fine!” I bit out.
After peeling off my clothes, I settled for some trunks and dipped into the pool.
To my surprise, it was goddamn relaxing. I stayed still in the water to avoid entertaining stupid thoughts like marching into Xavier's suite and dragging him out.
I didn’t today, because if I ran into him by mistake, I might be tempted to ruin his features. I get thoughts of violence but it's never dared to slip out of my control.
‘That’s because another man is with your mate.’ My wolf hissed. He, too, was upset that we don't get to spend more time with Maisie. If he was upset, I was furious.
I lifted from the water with a gasp and checked my watch. Three minutes and fifty-five seconds. Not bad.
Gamma Rayes joined me afloat. “You did good, Beta Jason.”
I gave him a quiet nod and caught my breath.
He continued. “I’ve been doing breath training for three years now. Aside from riding my bike with Gavin, this happens to be the only method that helps me wind down.”
My brows dipped but I schooled my features immediately. I couldn't let him see the emotions that crossed my face a few seconds ago. Making Gavin take the fall for my plan was cruel but he was also a liability. If he hadn't been a blabbermouth, I might've considered him. But I've buried the hatchet. Gavin is dead.
I shrugged. “I prefer shooting or punching something to unwind.”
“You're the same as Gavin.” He chuckled. “That man lived off violence like an addict.”
I grimaced. “Don't compare me to that traitor.”
Rayes sighed. “I'm sorry but I was really shocked when the truth came out. I didn't believe someone like Gavin could do that but hey, you can't trust anyone huh.”
“Sure.”
I lifted myself up at the edge of our indoor pool located in the underground level of the mansion.
“How are you holding up?” Rayes joined me out of the pool.
I arched my brow. “With what?”
“Your mate is married to the Alpha.” He stopped.
I walked to the bench, shaking water from my hair, then used the towel to dry the haphazard strands.
“It happens in every pack so I don't mind.” The lie seared through my chest like a knife. Of course, I mind! I hadn't held Maisie in three days and nearly lost my mind.
Rayes shook his head. “I don't know why this happened but… you'll be fine.”
“I guess.” I picked up my phone and paused at the notification on the top of my screen. I opened it so fast, I nearly dropped the phone.
So I might have been messaging Maisie on IG. She didn’t answer them for three days. Probably because Xavier's always hovering.
My text were along the lines of:
“Hey, it's me.”
“I miss you.”
“Wanna hang out?”
Ok, that was a lie. I didn't just want to ‘hang out’ with her. I wanted to feel her skin against mine, to remind her who truly owns her body and soul and I think she might've caught on to that one because she sent me a laughing emoji and told me not to be naughty. Then she apologized for her distance and told me she'd come find me soon.
Today, she sent me a picture. My blood boiled.
Rayes must've sensed the shift in the air because he came up to me. “What's wrong?”
“Gavin's widow is here.” I picked up my shirt.
When Rayes and I arrived at the main hall, we were greeted by one of the guards.
“Sir,” he started. “I thought you might want to know that Late Gavin's widow was here. Lady Chloe tried to calm her but the woman freaked out. They're upstairs.”
Freaked out?
“Did she touch Chloe?!” I growled.
“No. Alpha Xavier rushed in just in time. His mate is safe.” The guard bowed.
His mate? Xavier's mate? Seriously?
I bit a scoff and walked past him.
I took the stairs two at a time and swung the door open, my head sliding in first.
“Alpha Xavier, where is —”
I stopped mid-sentence.
Chloe was sitting on the sofa and Xavier was by her side, his arms wrapped possessively around her.
I walked inside, deliberately slowly, keeping my attention on her. Our gazes locked and I could read the message in her eyes. She needed me.
Fuck!
“Beta Jason, there you are!” Xavier piped up. “One whacko stormed into this mansion and tried to destroy everything. If my Luna hadn't stepped in, that crazy woman would've destroyed everything.”
Chloe gave him a weak smile. “It's okay, Xavier.”
“No, it's not —”
I blurred him out when a metallic scent filled my nostrils. Maisie pulled away slightly from Xavier's arms and I saw the bandage. Gavin's widow had hurt her.
Maisie rose to her feet. She was dressed in a white button-down that was tucked into khaki shorts that accentuated her curves. Heat coursed through my veins but it was quickly doused when my eyes fell on her bandaged arm.
The burning rage I'd managed to calm, rekindled again. And this time, I was contemplating murder.
Xavier walked up to me and Rayes, his jaw tightening with quiet anger. “That woman hurt my Luna. I want her dead.”
Something flickered in Raye's eyes but he dared not say it. He nodded briefly and turned to me.
A grin plastered on my cheek and I bowed. “Consider her dead, Alpha.”
And I meant every bit of the word.
Maisie excused herself and chose to brush past Rayes instead of me on her way to the door.
I slipped out behind her, not bothering to say anything to Xavier and Rayes, who were completely distracted by the other guards in the room.
Maisie was already quickening her wide, controlled steps down the hall but I caught up to her and fell in step beside her. “What happened back there, Maisie?”
“I was having lunch in the garden when Gavin's widow, Hannah, stormed in, demanding to see Xavier.” She whispered. “I told her he wasn't here but she didn't believe me. I didn't realize she was with a knife until she cut me.”
“That bitch!” I cursed.
“I felt guilty,” she stopped walking, her hands trembling at her sides. “I still do.”
“Maisie,” I cupped her jaw and made her look at me. “You don't have to.”
“But…” her eyes glistened.
“It's fine.” I pulled her closer for a hug and she melted into my arms like she always did. The feeling was straight to my heart and I stifled a moan. Dear Goddess, I've missed holding this woman.
We remained glued to each other for what seemed like 30 minutes before I finally released her.
She held my gaze, her throat working up and down. I couldn't help but stare at it. I wanted to bite it. Hard.
“Chloe?” Xavier's voice cut through the air. “Darling, where are you?”
She stepped back faster than I could blink but I couldn't let her go just yet. Not without having a taste.
I snatched her wrist and slammed it on the wall above her head. A soft moan escaped her and she shivered against me.
When she opened her mouth to protest, I covered it with mine.
She tasted just like I remember — strawberry and heat.
I cupped her hip and lifted her into my arms, pinning her to the walls. She didn't mind this position. It was the first time we'd done this.
“Maisie, you don't know how much I've missed you.” I growled against her neck, biting and sucking.
“I've missed you too, Roman.” She whimpered.
“Chloe? Babe, are you there?” Xavie called out.
I ignored him. He could come find us for all I care.
Maisie managed to pull away, her forehead brushing mine. “I have to go.”
“Do you have to?” I stroked her hip and she moaned.
“I know…” she whispered, clearly aroused. “...but I have to go. I'll come find you. I promise.”
“Has Xavier touched you?” I asked, still holding her.
“No. I never let him.” She replied.
“Good girl.” I grinned then kissed her again before letting her go.
I watched as she adjusted her clothes and walked up the stairs. Xavier wouldn't sniff out my scent on her because of her injury.
“I'm here.” She called out.
“There you are.” Xavier smiled as he reached for her. He dipped his head towards hers, but didn't kiss her. “Are you alright? You left without taking me with you.”
“I had to get some air.” Maisie replied.
“I'm sorry I wasn't there sooner, my love. From now on, I'll be working from home.” He took her hand gently and gave it a kiss. “Shall we?”
Maisie nodded and both of them walked up the stairs. She looked over her shoulder and blinked at me. She didn't need to speak for me to get the message.
She was going to find me later.