Chapter 74 74
Maisie's Pov
After Shakan and his brothers left the Pack Mansion to their hotel, Xavier reached for me and twirled me around.
I squealed. “What was that for?”
“I love you, Chloe. You're a genius.” He smiled as he put me down. “One million boxes? Darling, we made millions in less than an hour and it was all you.”
I smiled. “Oh stop.”
“Never. I'll never stop praising how beautiful and smart you are. You're the best thing that's ever happened to me.” He kissed my cheek.
Funny how he used to talk to me 5 years ago. Men! Very filthy creatures. Except for Roman. He's perfect.
Speaking of Roman's, I promised him I'd find him.
I opened my mouth to give some sort of excuse about not spending the night here when Xavier clutched my arm.
“I'm sorry I won't be able to spend the night with you, darling.”
“What? Why?” I asked out of total surprise and not concern.
He cupped my face. “There's a meeting coming up. Now, I would've taken you with me but… I can't. It's too dangerous and I wouldn't want anything to happen to you. You're my life. Without you, I'm dead.”
Oh, save your sorry speech for Kylie. She'd eat that shit up, not me.
For acting's sake, I wrapped my arms around him. “I'll miss you.”
“I'll miss you too.” He pulled away. “Wanna help me pack?”
I did.
I helped pick out his clothes — ceremonial, casual and business. The meeting was to be held for three days which meant I had more freedom and leverage at my disposal.
I didn't rush the send off. I took my time. Acted like the lover I pretended to be and gave him a good-bye kiss on the cheek. When he left, I didn't stop waving till his car disappeared into the distance. Then, I turned on my heels to look for Roman.
I made sure no one saw me as I slipped through the back and wound my way to the second building beside the mansion. Roman had been demoted as Beta but his lodging had been changed. He no longer resided in the suite. Rather, he was forced to live in the manor house with the rest of the army generals. His suite wasn't that bad. He had the entire first floor to himself. But it was worse when he had to stay there alone.
I snuck up the stairs, careful so no one would see me. Finally, I reached his door. Before I could knock, a hand touched my shoulder.
I swallowed a scream when he faced me.
Cole?
“My my, I almost didn't recognize you. I thought you were the consort I sent up earlier. Forgive me.” He grinned.
Consort? He was sending prostitutes to this place?
As if reading my mind, he sighed. “No. Roman isn't aware of my shenanigans.”
“Speaking of Roman, where is he?” I asked.
Cole scratched the back of his neck. “About that… there was an emergency.”
My heart sank. “Emergency? What kind? And why didn't he tell me?”
“Don't worry. It's not a negative emergency,” Cole smiled. “Roman just… had to leave. I'm on the lookout.”
“Leave?” I narrowed my eyes. “Where?”
“The Meeting of the Alpha's. As you know he's the Alpha of the Northern Rogues. He asked me to come see you earlier but I was told you were in a meeting.” He explained.
Oh. Right.
“And Roman won't be back till tomorrow.” I mumbled.
“No, my lady.” Cole confessed truthfully.
I signed. I was sure to have a nightmare tonight. I could barely sleep without him.
“You miss you, don't you?” Cole said.
Usually, I'd deny it but what use would it do? I heaved a sigh and nodded. I missed Roman terribly. If I could see him tonight just for a glimpse, I'd be very happy.
I cleared my throat when Cole started making smooching sounds and he stopped. “I'll be back tomorrow.”
“Okay,” he gave me a mock salute then straightened. “Need help getting down?”
“Goodnight, Cole.” I rolled my eyes and walked down, following the same path I came.
Fighting sleep would be a great battle but I was prepared. I summoned the companies of Emma and Clyde and even suggested binge-watching some comedy. The first few hours were terrible. I didn't laugh. Not one bit.
“Are you sure you have a funny bone in you?” Emma teased me.
“Funny bones do not exist, Emma. What did you even learn in school?” Code said dryly as he ate his popcorn.
Emma scoffed. “In school, I learned that the hottest werewolves were not the jocks. They were the nerds.”
“And yet you can't even bag a nerd. Single fool.”
“Hey!”
I watched them bicker amongst themselves. They fought all the time these two and while I wished I'd separate them, I found their fight entertaining.
“We're out of popcorn,” I said, causing an abrupt pause to the fight. “I'll go get some.”
“Okay!” Emma nodded, then turned to her brother, wording out insults at him.
I smiled as I shut the door behind me and navigated my way to the kitchen.
The maids greeted me humbly and offered to look for what I needed. I dismissed them for the night. They'd prepared dinner for everyone and needed some themselves. They thanked me and hurried off.
I strutted to the fridge and brought out more ice cream. Then I reached for the cupboard and brought a bag of corn seeds. I put it in a bowl and put it in the microwave. Once it was prepared, I pulled it out and arranged my stash on a large tray.
However, my trip to the game room was halted when a familiar blonde barged in.
“I knew I'd find you here.” Kylie glared at me.
“Aww. Who let you out of your cage?” I smiled.
Her face turned red. “You bitch!”
“Ah. It's Luna.” I corrected her with a grin.
“You will never be my Luna, you bitch! You stole everything from me!” She yelled.
“Want me to call the guards? You know what will happen when I do. They'll dump you in a room far more sinister than the castle you're in right now.” I smiled as I threatened her.
Kylie's face blanched. “You wouldn't.”
“Try me.” I tilted my head. “I'm waiting.”
She fisted her hands at her side and stoned her foot on the floor like an angry teenager.
“Ugh! I hate you!”
“The feeling's mutual.” I reached for the tray. “Now, if you'll excuse me, I've got a movie to watch.”
I walked past here, deliberately bumping into her.
Kylie released a soft gasp before cursing behind me.
I didn't bother looking at her. She was probably sobbing. But something told me she wasn't. That she was in fact grinning.