“We just need to play our roles and go from there,” she says. “Obviously, it’s not perfect, and I need a good background story for your pack, but nothing too specific.”
“You were traveling,” I suggest.
She nods. “We’ll tell them I come from old money, which is true. And I will also keep my parents’ story close to the truth. It’s easier to maintain a story if we don’t make up too much. And if Jordan finds out…” she chuckles.
“… who the fuck cares,” I add. “You are my fated mate.”
“Our first goal will be to work on the perception of the pack towards you. We need them to back you up.” She stands up now. “It’s time to get moving. I need some things from town, and I want to have everything I need organized by evening.”
For the first time in years, I actually feel some drive, some motivation. I wasn’t even aware of how down I felt. But now I amready to reclaim my life and take revenge for the cruel killing my mate met. I reach out my fist towards Rosea, for the first time in what feels like forever, allowing myself to feel angry, to lean into the feeling of wrath. “Let’s bring them down. Lissa, my parents, and Jordan.”
Rosea shakes my hand, her expression grim. “Let’s be their downfall.”
Obviously, I didn’t plan anything when I ran from the pack house last night. All the things I have right now are things my grandfather owned, which isn’t ideal. However, at least I found his old phone, and I make sure to take it along with me now.
“We’d need someone to pick us up,” I muse.
“Yes, but later.” Rosea furrows her brows. “First, I need clothes and some necessities. Unfortunately, I need to buy them. I can’t retrieve anything from my old pack.”
“I am so sorry. I will try to somehow get my credit—"
Rosea chuckles, much to my surprise. “Don’t worry, I am prepared.” She turns to me. “Where exactly are we and how far is it to the next town?”
“Probably half an hour by car.”
She nods. “Then please call a cab.”
I am curious as to what she has planned and how she wants to pay the driver without any cash, but she said she is prepared. Maybe I am an idiot for being so gullible, but I decide to trust her. And with that, not an hour later, we’re sat in a cab on the way to town. Rosea, however, tells him to make a detour and halt in front of a deserted factory building. “Just stay here,” she tells me. “I want to get some of my stuff.”
“Wait, I’ll come with you to be safe.” I nod at the driver. “Please wait for us.”
“Of course.”
With that, I hurry after Rosea, noting how she directly walks through the deserted, old building and then downstairs. “There hasn’t been anyone here in ages,” she tells me. “Sometimes teens come here, but they never go down to the basement. It’s dangerous. Something about hazardous leakage. For us wolves, that’s not an issue, though.”
Once downstairs, she leads me to the farthest corner of the basement and rummages in some wood shavings before retrieving a small handbag. She opens it for me to see money, two credit cards and her ID.
“Youwereprepared,” I say, stunned.
Her eyes fall on me, her gaze suddenly turning cold. “There are certain things I expected.”
“I know,” I say quietly. “Good thing you did.”
She looks around before sighing. “Shall we?”
“Rosea,” I reach out my hand to touch her elbow. “Should we practice?” When she stares at me, her blue eyes bearing into mine, I feel my face blush. “Please don’t think I am trying to be creepy or anything; I am just nervous that my family and pack won’t buy it.”
“I actually think it’s a good suggestion,” she reassures me before reaching out her hand.
I take it, noting how cold her skin still feels. Once we are back at my pack, I need to make sure she can get a hot bath and warm up properly. “We need to make sure you will be safe in my pack,” I mutter. “In case my parents try something.”
“Yes, I have been thinking about that, too,” she admits. “But I am good at surviving. Plus, you will introduce me as your mate to everyone immediately. It will be harder for them to get rid of me then. When is your pack dining, usually?”
“Between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m., though most pack members eat around 7.”
“Then we need to make sure to make our entrance at that time.”
“I hate to spring this on you, but I will be less anxious if you stay in my suite with me,” I say. “Instead of an extra apartment.”
