32. Searching For Comfort

**Rosé**

After a while, I couldn't hear the two of them anymore. Malcom came home an hour later, completely oblivious to the chaos that occurred until he was told about it.

I ate a simple meal with the Alpha and Malcom. Denis had yet to return.

"So you're going home tomorrow?" Denis' father asked. I nodded, trying not to appear too suspicious while chewing a piece of chicken.

"Yes! I think it's about time I leave. Don't you?"

"Heh. You're acting like we're bad hosts."

Christopher chuckled and, Malcom and I copied him. After assuring him of his hospitality, I left them to return to the guestroom.

A few more hours passed and I still couldn't tell if Denis came home or not. Maybe he did and I didn't know.

While laying in bed, I was trying to complete my homework when an unknown number texted me.

I ignored it, thinking at first that it was a notification from an app. After another *ping* I felt the urge to check it, so I did.

*Is this Rosé?*

*Hello?*

There were not a lot of people who knew my number. I ignored it again.

A few minutes went by peacefully until my phone lit up once more.

*I'm from your Chemistry class. I'm in a pickle and wouldn't mind getting some help.*

*Nothing weird. Just some topics I don't get and none of my friends can help me.*

It was probably a prank. My thumb barely pressed against the power button when another text appeared.

*Robin gave me your number. She said you were smart and could help.*

I sighed and texted back. *What do you want?*

*Oh, so you can read! My name is Callum. You might remember we were partnered for one class?*

Callum... A lanky kid with sandy hair who was on the soccer team came to mind.

*Yeah, but, what do you want?*

*Nothing much. I mean, I could use your big brain.*

There's something telling me that there's more to it. But then again, it was probably paranoia.

A knock shocked me enough to make me freeze and not reply. My gaze shifted to the door. Another knock. Firm, but hesitant. "Come in," I muttered, well aware that whoever it was had good enough hearing to pick up on my words.

The door opened to reveal Denis' solemn form.

The way he positioned himself was odd. His hand that was used to knock remained stuck in a fist. Hazel eyes kept their gaze to the floor. His face held a lonely expression, like a child trying to hold back tears. Denis' other arm hung lazily by his side.

He didn't even raise his head when he said, "Am I disturbing you?"

I shook my head, not sure if he saw it. "No. I'm done for the night anyway."

My books and phone were pushed further up the bed to show him that I meant it. He didn't respond.

Seconds passed before he left the doorway, closing the door behind him. I figured he was going to sit on the side of the mattress.

Imagine my surprise when he crawled onto the bed and rested his head on my thigh. My mouth dropped open before I closed it. I waited for him to say something, but not a single word passed his lips. Instead, he dragged his knees up until they were in line with his stomach.

His hands shielded his chest as if he was trying to protect something.

I didn't like it. It was the first time I'd seen Denis like that. I failed to read his thoughts through his expression. Sure, I could use my touch to find out how he was feeling, but that idea felt wrong.

My fingers carefully touched his forehead at first, waiting for him to flinch or push them away. When I didn't face any rejection, they continued until they were buried underneath dark locks of hair.

"I failed," Denis finally said.

"I'm sure you didn't," I replied, continuing to comb through his hair.

"Many people could have been injured if it wasn't for the beta and gretas."

"Hm." Of course I knew where he was getting at, but I still had to act as if I had no clue about what he was going to say. Besides, for all I know he could have been referring to something else.

"Something got out from its cage. A couple of them. Two people were hurt. I was bitten. Killed one of them."

I paused, then started again, noticing the broken way he formed his sentences. If I knew people were going to be hurt, I wouldn't have tampered with the machine. In my mind, I mistakenly thought the glykons would only act up a little bit.

I licked my lips nervously. "Are... are they alright?"

He sighed and closed his eyes.

"One badly hurt. The other, not as much."

I nodded, knowing full well he couldn't see me. They'll be fine, they're werewolves. *Don't beat yourself up about it, Rosé. You couldn't have known things would get this far.*

The ticking from the clock in the hallway could be heard through the silence. Denis' breathing was shallow and soft, almost as soft as his hair.

Once again, I became tempted to use my abilities. Just a peek.

No. Patience. *It's not good to depend entirely on supernatural forces, Rosé.*

I swept some hair out of his eyes. "Mistakes happen. Is that why Alpha Christen wanted to speak to you?"

He nodded.

"What did he say? Was he upset?"

He nodded a second time. "Very."

Before I could say anything else, Denis spoke.

"There's nothing worse than knowing that you failed," he muttered. "Others look at you differently. Lose respect for you. I've been doing so well, now everyone is going to think the alpha's son is incompetent."

Allowing a pleased smile to spread across my face, I asked him a question. "Do you think you are incompetent?"

He paused then said, "I like to believe I'm not."

"Then you aren't." I caressed his ear. "You won't be the first or the last up-and-coming to make a mistake. Just keep doing the best you can and others will realize your efforts."

Denis said something else that shocked me. "I'm glad you're here, Rosé. I will be a better mate for you... I promise."

An uneasy feeling plagued my stomach. No, Denis, I don't need a mate. But keep being vulnerable with me. Depend on me more. Nothing would make me happier than to see your weaknesses.

**Denis**

If Rosé wasn't there, Denis didn't know what he would have done. Her presence filled his being with a sense of calmness that he had been unfamiliar with for a long time.

Going to bed knowing that she was in the same house made him the happiest person alive. How could he not when he got to see his mate with bed-head in the morning?

At first Denis thought she would hold a grudge against him because of how she ended up here in the first place, but thankfully she didn't seem all that upset.

In fact, she was so understanding and patient. She also got along with the Nelson siblings and helped save Marionette. She would make a lovely luna.

If only there wasn't that damn prophecy.

Why is life so unfair? But she's here now. He could keep her close to him. None of the boys had to know. Besides, he was already working on finding a way to fight against the prophecy. Surely if they got together it wouldn't cause that big of a domino effect? Just one mate isn't the same as having four.

Denis is not being selfish, is he? No. He's just catering to his desires. That's not inherently wrong. No one had to know he took the first step. It could be his secret.

He pinched the back of his hand and hid the bruise by bringing his hand closer to his stomach. *Come on, you're not like this. Making sure she's out of the way of danger should come before anything else.*

When he looked at his hand again the bruise was gone, leaving tanned skin in its wake. Rosé's soothing touch was lulling his wolf to sleep. Soon he would have to leave and let her have her privacy. For now, he could relax knowing that he was somewhere safe.

Her phone buzzed next to her pillows. Then it stopped. Since Rosé didn't stop massaging his scalp to pick it up he figured it wasn't important.

Denis smiled. Things would look up soon. He knew it.