Chapter 21 Shifting Wolves And Mating Sprees.
GINGER:
“Dated who?” Roman stands in the doorway
Her expression shifts.
“Oh, nothing.” “I was just telling Ginger how notorious her mother used to be back in the day.”
“Is that so?” “Do come in, child.”
I can't fit the pieces together even if I wanted to. It's too scandalous. Too shocking. When did this happen? Before she met my father? Roman, or after them? Worse, could he be the real deal? And after what Jayden's already told me about him, do I even want to know the guy?
This is beyond messed up. Another murky displacement in a growing pond/mask of conundrums.
The dishes have been cleared by the time I reach the dining hall. Only a single setting of meatball pasta and some garlic bread with wine stays on the table. I'm guessing it's mine based on the fact that dinner already happened at least an hour ago.
Grayson’s slouched in his chair, a devastation in black and grey. One muscular arm leans on the table while the other skims across his phone. Katelyn's by his side, looking over his screen from his shoulder.
Something foreign tightens in my chest. “What is she still doing here?” I blurt before I can stop myself. “I thought Alpha and Luna Xenoia already made the journey back to Ludacris.”
“Wow. So great to see you too, sister-in-law.” “Unfortunately you're stuck with me.”
“Sure”—I jerk my head towards Grayson—”as long as he finds you attractive.”
“Ginger!”
Shouting“I'd appreciate it if you two don't get into this tonight. Katelyn is one of us now, and that's all there is to it.”
I drop into the seat opposite him. One chair away from my mother and at least three seats apart from Roman's position at the crown. Our knees brush and he quickly draws his legs back without a glance my way.
Ouch.
Roman clinks his glass. “Moving on, we have an announcement to make.”
We?
He lifts his wine and I turn my head to see my mom also smiling, fingers raised in a toast.
“Gwen and I have decided on a date.”
My hand stills on a forkful of pasta. Nobody speaks. Grayson doesn't lower his phone, but I see his face tighten. Katelyn looks confused.
“A date?” she asks finally, breaking the silence. “For what?”
I hold my breath, watching my mother rise from her seat and make her way to Roman’s side. He has a satisfied grin on his face, hugging her close to his chest.
“Our wedding,” he says. “We're getting married the night of the next lunar eclipse.”
“Isn't that when the mateball’s falling?”
“Yeah, are you sure you want to tie the knot in the middle of shifting wolves and mating sprees?”
“It's the perfect time to come together as a pack. What better way to celebrate the beauty of mateship and union than on an evening like that?”
“Well I am happy for you, Luna Mikaelson.”
Of course she is.
“Do call me Gwen, and him, Roman.” “We're family now. This is your pack too.”
“Even more reason to celebrate.” She leans over and plants a kiss on Grayson. Square on the lips. In front of everyone. “I am with my betrothed after all.”
My eyes widen. Watching the scene before me.
What is meant to be a brief peck intensifies—Yet he doesn't pull away. I can tell Katelyn is just as surprised as I am because of the sharp hum that reverberates in her throat; right before he pulls her in deeper, lips parting, tongues intertwining.
Betrayal punches through my chest.
He looks at me from the corner of his eye, mouth still latched to hers, and I see it—
The smirk.
He's doing this on purpose.
To punish me.
Infuriate me.
Unravel me.
And it's working.
The food loses its taste in my mouth. I let my fork clatter just as Roman clears his throat, breaking them up. He tries to keep his expression stoic, but I can see the gleam in his eyes. He's enjoying this.
“Safe to say there might be another wedding happening soon?” Mom teases, fingers flat on her fiancé's chest. Her diamond catches the light, and the weight of the bomb she dropped minutes ago sinks further down.
“Um… If you'll excuse me, I'd like to go to my room now.”
“Nope, not tonight sweetie. You're on patrol duty.” “You too, Grayson.”
“Great! I can tag along as well then,” “Help out a bit.”
“You would need an actual post for that. And there aren't any open slots currently.”
“Ginger has one.”
“Only because she's been a member of this pack longer than you have.”
“Why not sit this one out, and when I'm done, I could come brief you in your room?”
“Okay.”
I want to puke.
>Her Bag. “At least let me drop this and change into something more comfortable.”
“That's fine. Garrick and his son are gonna be by the boundary marks. Don't keep them waiting.”
I “Congratulations on your upcoming wedding.”
“
“What are you doing?”
“We need to talk, sweetie.”
“There's nothing to discuss, mom. You're getting hitched. I'm happy for you. Doesn't erase the fact that you just admitted you dated a werewolf killer who could possibly be my Dad—but hey, that's just another day in Bayview, population 109, isn't it?” I say, dropping the grin. “I'm running late as it is.”
“Hold on. Back up a bit. How did you come up with such a ridiculous idea?”
>
She inhales deeply.
“Mildred is not—and could never be—your father.”