Chapter 17

Roman’s POV

My heart sank the moment I heard her rejection, I couldn’t let this be. I had to fight this. From the moment the words left her lips it felt as if I got gutted by a silver weapon, salt being rubbed in the womb with each passing moment. The piercing feeling slowly left me without a breath, pain immersing from every part of my body. I still had to bite through and try to fight this. We shouldn’t drift apart; this is the last thing the goddess wanted for us.

“Tali, can we please talk privately?” I pleaded, my hands were shaking, I felt a burning sensation in me.

“We’ll give you two some space,” The queen got up and took her mate’s hand in hers and walked away. I could tell by the way uncle Tristan looked at me that he was disappointed.

“What do you want to talk about, Roman?” Tali asked, taking a deep breath, her fists were clenched. She surely must be feeling the pain too.

“This is a mistake, we can’t separate,” I tried to convince her but that look on her face was one of a woman who had her mind made up.

“If you really cared about the goddess’s message you wouldn’t have whored around,” She accused, shaking her head.

“I’m telling you I’m innocent, why don’t you believe me?” I groaned, frustrated. It sucked when no one wants to believe you’re innocent, even more so when you can’t prove it.

“Because you can’t even defend yourself, all you have to say is you don’t remember anything,” Tallulah reminded me, walking to the door. “Goodbye, jerk,” She said in a cold tone and left the room.

I felt the tears forming in my eyes involuntarily, watching as my mate rejected me. The woman I came to love over the past few months, all of that was gone. All I could see was a woman in pain in front of me, pain caused me. I ruined us.

I couldn’t repeat the words, mutual rejection is supposed to hurt more, and I didn’t want to do that to her. But deep down I also had hoped we’d still complete the Moon Goddess mission, we’d make up. I had to hold onto that piece of hope.

Uncle Tristan walked into the room, not an ounce of emotion could be read from his face. “Roman Nicholas Sterling, you are hereby kicked from the program and from the castle. You have less than an hour to pack up and leave,” He informed me to which I just nodded.

“Never set foot on our grounds again unless you’ve been granted permission,” He added.

“I-I understand, sir…” As much as I’d want to fight this I couldn’t, this was his castle and Tali was his daughter who I hurt unintentionally.

I wiped away my tears once they left and took deep breaths, slowly packing my bags, clearing the room. All I could think of was me and Tali moments we spent in this room. Brainstorming on solutions together, play fighting that led to cuddles and us just enjoying each other’s company, stargazing… I took a deep breath and picked up my bags and gathered my keys. I notified my parents I’d be home by their tone. I could tell they already knew what happened. Goddess, I knew this wouldn’t end well at all.

I drove back to home, Silver moon. I didn’t know what would happen, but I knew for sure my parents would be disappointed. I had faith they'd understand me and believe me, however. After three hours of driving, I finally arrived at the house and parked the car, and got out, walking up the steps. My parents immediately opened the door and I stepped inside, neither of them spoke a word so I could already guess where this was leading. I looked between the two, waiting to see who’d start first.

“How could you do this to that poor girl?” My mother asked, shaking her head in disapproval. Wait, whose side was she even on? I assumed she'd be one of the people to believe me.

“Mom, I swear I did not mean to hurt her, and I—” I began to defend myself and noticed Theo stepped into the room.

“What? You didn’t sleep with Skylar too? You two were just naked in the same bed?” Dad questioned, never giving me the time to answer them. It was as if I had no saying in any of this, no way to defend myself.

“Her parents just stopped by, and we had to deal with them,” Mom scoffed and crossed her arms. It was no secret that the Whites didn’t like our family.

“You knew she was your mate all along, yet you still hurt her. You always berated me for not wanting my mate yet here you are doing as you please, how is that fair?” Theo gave his two cents, clearly judging me. He was right though; I was the one who’d always say to wait for your mate…

“Why don’t you guys believe me?” I whined, hiding my face in my hands. I ran my fingers through my hair and rested my hands on my hips, looking at my parents, waiting to see what was next.

“Because you can’t even tell us what happened and the poor girl is pregnant and afraid,” My mother accused.

The pain crept up with me again, I was unable to keep my frustration down. “Yes, I don’t have any fucking idea what happened that night, but I just knew I’d never betray the goddess and Tallulah like that,” The words just flowed out, at this point what did it even matter? They wouldn’t even believe me.

“Son, we have a pregnant woman who was in bed with you weeks ago and you were too drunk at that party to remember anything,” Dad explained, looking over at mom who gave him a nod.

“What happens now? I already got kicked from the castle and out of the program,” I asked, scratching the back of my head. This would surely come out, Silver moon’s scandal…

“You know what happens next,” My mother said, walking over to fix herself a drink.

“No, I don’t ma,” I watched as she poured the bourbon in her glass.

“Roman, you will be kicked from the pack. You and Skylar,” Dad replied in an awkward tone, taking the glass my mother gave him.

“What?! Why? And why is Skylar getting kicked too?” I paced around the room; they couldn’t be serious right now. If they kicked me out I’d be a rogue. Not just me, Skylar too, and my supposed child.

“You have broken the law, son, you slept with another wolf, knowing you have a mate. On top of that, you impregnated her,” My mother reminded me, the words leaving her lips shamefully.

“You can’t be serious right now. You two are making a big mistake,” I warned but I knew I had no way to prove to them I was innocent, apparently my word wasn’t enough.

“We are, what leaders would we be if we didn’t hold everyone accountable to the rules,” Dad sighed, setting the glass down on the table.

“This is bullshit, so many werewolves sleep around, and they don’t get punished,” I pointed out. I knew many others who got away with this, why couldn’t I?

“Sleeping with a human isn’t against the law. Sleeping with someone else whilst having a mate is,” Theo reminded me, I clenched my jaw and let out a long breath.

“Why is Skylar being kicked out?” I questioned, it’s not like she did anything.

“Her parents have disowned her and requested it for her acts committed with you,” Mom replied, she wouldn’t even look me in the eyes.

“What?”

“It’s also better this way, you two can live together and you can also be in your child’s life,” Dad commented, tapping my shoulder.

“I can’t believe it, you two are supposed to be my parents,” I removed his hand and turned to my mother, hoping she’d realize this was bizarre. Instead, she said, “We’re also the leaders of this pack, we can’t be hypocrites.”

“Theo?” I turned to him, hoping he’d be on my side.

“Sorry Roman, they have made valid points,” He shrugged, awkwardly. “You should’ve thought twice before betraying the princess,” He mumbled, his blue eyes on the floor.

I shook my head and let out a deep breath. I hurried up the stairs and slammed the door to my bedroom, I pulled out two bags and began stuffing them with the necessities. Luckily I already had a lot of things in the car from leaving the castle. I heard the door open and looked over to see Tessa walking in, her lips pressed together as she looked down, hands behind her back.

“Hey, Romie,” She said softly.

“I’m sorry, kid,” I sighed and apologized. I put my diplomas all in a folder and put them in my bag.

“Did you do it?” Tessa asked carefully. I sighed and sat on the edge of my bed and looked at her.

“Tessa, I have no memories of that night, but I just know I’m now capable of doing those things,” I explained, at this point I wasn’t even sure anymore.

“I believe you, just please don’t go away forever,” She pleaded, taking my hand in hers. I smiled a little, at least someone believed me.

“I am so sorry sweety, my hands are tied here. Natalia and Luca won’t believe me neither will the king and queen not to mention Tali. I also now have a child on the way I don’t even remember creating,” I got up and pulled her in for a hug, resting my head on her shoulder, taking in her jasmine scent.

“So that’s it?” She asked, looking up at me and pouted, “You’re going for real?”

“I’m sorry Tessie, I wish I could do more,” I sighed and ran my fingers through her short blonde strands.

“Promise me one thing, you’ll take care of yourself,” I cupped her face and smiled at her.

“Mm-hmm,” She sighed and walked away, picking up the bracelet she made for my birthday and handed it to me.

“I know they still see you as their baby, but I know what you're capable of, never stop fighting for what you want okay,” I said, smiling at the bracelet and putting it in the bag to take with me.

“Goodbye, Roman,” She gave me another tight hug.

“Take care, Tessa,” I hugged her back then picked up my bags and took my leave.

I put my bags in the trunk, it was safer if I’d be traveling the city. The windows back there were tinted very dark, and you’d have to be next to the car to see inside, I assumed my things would be a lot safer there. I couldn’t believe it; I was homeless and soon a rogue. Good thing I didn’t get a lease on an apartment here. I wondered if my grandfathers knew. I called them, and surprisingly the two are at Grandpa Graham’s house. Now I knew the two got close over the years after putting the war behind them.

I got out of the car and looked at the house I came to many times, especially during summer breaks. I twisted the doorknob and walked in.

“Grandpa Nick, Grandpa Graham,” I greeted the two.

“Roman…” Grandpa Graham had a sad smile on his lips.

“We heard about uh what happened,” Grandpa Nick said, I wondered if I let him down, he was excited for me and Tali to be together mostly because that meant a Sterling would be king.

“Please tell me you two don’t agree with it,” I sat down on the chair in front of them already pleading my way out of this punishment.

“My child, by the laws you’ve wronged your mate and embarrassed your pack. It might not have been your intention, but it still happened,” Grandpa Nick said, letting out a sigh and shaking his head.

“I tried talking to your parents but Roman, there’s nothing more we can do,” Grandpa Graham replied, defeated.

“I understand. Sorry for letting you down,” I mumbled and got up to give them both a hug.

“Promise me you’ll take good care of yourself,” He whispered in my ear, I nodded, “I’ll try grandpa, I’ll try.”

“Take care my boy,” Grandpa Graham patted my shoulder then went into the kitchen, bringing me some snacks to take with me on the road.

“Oh wow, thank you,” I smiled while taking the bag of food and drinks. I got back into the car, I reached for the seatbelt only for another wave of sharp pain to hit me in the side. I took deep breaths and searched for the coldest drink in the bag and drank it as fast as I could then pressed the bottle against my side. Once the pain dimmed down I finally started driving, deciding to go over to Skylar’s. It was my fault she was getting kicked from the pack too, the least I could do was offer her some help. When I stopped by the White’s I noticed there was a pile of bags on the step, Skylar stood next to the bags and seemed to be in an argument with her parents. I stepped out and walked over to her.

“You ruined our daughter, you worthless piece of trash,” Mrs. White accused, pointing her finger at me.

“Oh fuck you,” I cursed, at this point, I didn’t even care anymore. “Stop acting as if you’re innocent,” I rolled my eyes.

“We are not the ones getting kicked from the pack,” Mr. Smith reminded me, and I just hummed, trying to be bothered by them anymore. I’ve been through enough for the last six hours.

“Skylar, do you want to leave together?” I offered; she was apparently my baby momma.

“Yes, please. I have no idea where to go,” She cried. I nodded and helped her with her bags and put them in the back seat.

“Come on,” I then opened the passenger side for her then got to the driver’s seat.

“Roman, I didn’t mean for this to happen,” Skylar said softly. I handed her a tissue for the tears.

“Well, what did you think would happen?” I shook my head and started the car.

“I don’t know… I just…with this baby I suddenly became unsure what to do next,” She explained, her voice so innocent. I didn’t exactly leave her in an ideal spot, she was unmated and pregnant. That wouldn’t look good for her.

“I understand… I just don’t know how I couldn’t remember us sleeping together,” I muttered under my breath, focusing on the road. It was late at night, I had to drive carefully.

“Had I known you were drunk I wouldn't have given my consent,” She sighed and leaned back into her seat.

“It’s done, nothing more can be done about that,” I shrugged.

“Where will we go?” She asked, leaning over to lower the volume of the music.

“Human ground, we’ll sleep there till we find a pack willing to take us in,” I explained. I was just glad my college debts were paid by my parents on top of the tuition I got. I also got to save up tons of money during college and in Europe, so we’d now have to live off that before searching for a job or pack.

“That’s going to be difficult,” Skylar’s eyes widened as she turned to me.

“I’m just a very well-trained wolf and you’re a regular wolf, chances are very slim we’ll get accepted easily,” I sighed, we werewolves we had to get back into their world. We could live with the humans, but our wolves needed to be let out from time to time.

“We’ll get through this,” Skylar rested her hand on top of mine.

“I hope so,” I mumbled, looking down at our hands for a moment.

Two weeks later…

Tali’s POV

It’s been two weeks since I’ve rejected my supposed mate. I wasn’t sure if I was having second thoughts. He betrayed me in the worst way possible, he knew he was supposed to be mine and I was supposed to be his, yet he went and cheated. By the law, it was illegal, had he done it after a rejection it would’ve been perfectly legal. What hurt me the most was that he wasn’t there when I needed him the most when I was in heat and all he’d have to do was spend one single moment with me but instead, he chose to go with some random wolf then came back to me and confessed his love…

I looked out the window, leaning my head on the glass, watching as the rain poured down. I wondered why he didn’t do a mutual rejection; it would’ve been best for him. When I rejected him I only felt the pain for the first two days, but I knew it was worse for him, his wolf longing for something he’d never get and now he couldn’t move on without rejecting me first. I however can move on, I already rejected him, I broke my end of our bond.

I knew his betrayal would bring me down, no matter what I’d do I’d be reminded of his betrayal. I hated him, him getting kicked out served him right. I wished him the worst. Now I just had to get him out of my head and tried focusing on becoming queen.