So, this story is going to be much longer than I originally planned (because I love this world and have many ideas) so I'm going to be breaking it into parts. They will still be somewhat long considering I haven't finished the first part yet and I'm currently writing ch 19... so... hold onto your butts, we got a long ride ahead of us!
Dimitri spent the night, I didn't say anything about it, not wanting to break the small bubble we were in. I didn't know what to make of my feelings for him.
I was falling in love with my mate. That's meant to be a good thing, right?
Yet, it just made me feel more confused.
After spending the night laying in his arms, I woke up feeling better than I had in a long time. The stomach ache and headache that I had just grown used to having were practically gone, leaving me feeling refreshed. Though, that feeling was short-lived as I discovered I had woken up alone.
The spot beside me wasn't warm anymore, just his scent clinging to the sheets. I woke up with his pillow cradled close to my face. Sorrow and hurt churned in my stomach. I had thought that he enjoyed being close to me but maybe I was wrong. Maybe I was overestimating his feelings for me.
I couldn't blame him after I kept pushing him away. He may be accepting of me as his mate, but our relationship might be more one of friends. He cared for me, that doesn't mean he loves me.
I felt pain again but it was in my chest. Tears gathered in my eyes but I refused to let them fall. I shouldn't be this upset, it shouldn't matter that Dimitri didn't want me like that.
And yet it did.
The sound of my door opening and closing made me jolt up, blankets clutched in my hands. My eyes widened at the sight of Dimitri.
"Sorry, I didn't mean to scare you," he apologised, walking over to the side of the bed. In his hands was a tray of food, setting it on the side table, he turned to me. "What's wrong?"
I flinched when his hand moved towards my face. My cheeks flamed in embarrassment as I wiped the tears that had escaped, dropping my eyes to the bed so he wouldn't see my face. "I'm fine," I mumbled, quickly changing the subject, "You brought food?"
"Yes, I tried to make something that would be easy for you to eat," he explained, picking up the tray and placing it in front of me, "I hope it's okay."
I stared down at the food in awe, then up at him, "You made me breakfast?" My heart skipped a beat at his smile.
"Yes, Roza."
A small laugh bubbled out, "You really aren't like other alphas," I commented, looking back at the food. I had an appetite for once, eagerly picking up a piece of toast. He had even cut them into triangles. Along with the toast was a bowl of hot porridge and pieces of fruit. It wasn't a large meal, but still, more than I would typically eat.
"What do you mean?" Dimitri asked, perching on the side of the bed. I pushed the tray towards him so he could help himself. With a warm look in his eyes, he took some pieces of fruit.
I shot him a look, "I don't think there are many alphas making omegas breakfast in bed. Especially an Alpha of a pack."
A look crossed his face, appearing sad, but it quickly passed. He took a piece of toast and leant back to rest against the headboard. "This way I can be sure you eat."
I felt like there was more he wanted to say but didn't push it. The fact Dimitri went to so much trouble for me made my stomach do flips and knowing that he hadn't abandoned me after last night eased the hurt I felt.
It was hard to ignore the effect that Dimitri had on me.
"How are you feeling today?"
I shrugged, slowly working my way through the porridge, the warmth of it ridding me of the chill of the morning. Or it could be the warmth I felt coming off of Dimitri. "I feel better. I don't think I had any nightmares," I told him, relieved. Lately, my dreams have been plagued with memories of the academy, but once Dimitri was beside me, they stayed away.
Dimitri didn't say much while I finished my food, when I had glanced back I noticed his eyes had glazed over. With a pack this size, I wondered how many issues he had to deal with each day. I felt a little guilty that he was just sitting with me.
"Do you need to go?" I asked in a small voice, I tried to hide my disappointment but failed at it.
"No."
I raised my eyebrows, "Really? I'm sure there must be something more important than watching me eat."
He shook his head, "Taking care of you is important."
My eyes darted away from his, feeling my face warm again. I really needed to talk to Lissa about Dimitri, maybe she can help me make sense of everything. Feeling full, I reclined against the headboard beside him, my arm brushing against his.
"What are you going to do today?" I still hadn't been able to find out more of what Dimitri did every day for the pack. The last time I went with him into the city I was reunited with Alberta, all thoughts of pack business left my mind.
Dimitri picked up the plate of fruit, placing it on my leg with a pointed look, waiting until I took some orange slices before answering. "Some paperwork to finish, and then I need to check on some things on the south side."
"What kind of things?" I asked tentatively, unsure if he would tell me. I had been taught to never ask about an alpha's business, but I have learnt that Dimitri is different.
The corner of his lips quirked up, seeming to enjoy my curiosity. "Rogues were sighted in a nearby town, so I want to check that the town borders are covered properly."
"Rogues?"
His hand rested on my thigh, "They won't get through the guards patrolling, it's just a precaution." His voice was gentle, eyes earnest as he eased my concerns.
I hadn't seen a rogue in a long time, the academy was highly guarded so I never had to worry about them. News of attacks sometimes reached us, gossip passed between students. Oftentimes, omegas were shielded from the information because we were too weak to handle such serious matters.
"I also want to do some more sets with you today. Run you through the workout plan."
I looked up at him surprised. "I can keep doing it?"
His brows furrowed in confusion, "Of course. Why wouldn't you?"
I shrugged, "I figured after last night you would make me stop." When his hand squeezed my leg, I realised he had never moved it away. I liked it.
"Exercising will help you work the drugs out of your system faster, which is probably why it was so bad last night."
I pulled a face, "Yeah, that wasn't fun."
His hand rubbed my leg again, the feeling sending sparks through my body. I wondered what it would feel like if he was touching my bare skin.
"If you are feeling up to it, Lissa wants to spend some time with you. She was asking how you were while I was cooking." Dimitri explained, drawing my eyes away from his hand. He seemed to notice what he was doing and pulled away with an apologetic look.
Feeling brave, I shifted until my arm was pressing against his, my fingers grazing his own. I couldn't bring myself to watch his reaction. After a second he inched his hand closer until my palm was over his. It wasn't holding hands exactly, but it was still nice. "I would like that," I replied. "You know, while you do stuff. And then when you're free we could do the sets."
Was I meant to be this nervous? Is that what it was like for everyone else?
I have never had someone make me feel so flustered like this, especially from such an innocent thing as placing my hand over theirs.
I could hear the smile in his voice when he responded, "Okay. Sounds good."
Dimitri had left me to shower, feeling the need to wash after sweating so much last night. I still couldn't believe that he had spent the night and then made me breakfast. If he kept caring for me like that, I don't think I'd be able to hide my feelings for much longer.
Pulling on jeans and my new hoodie I made my way downstairs, my muscles ached a little from yesterday but the pain in my stomach was gone. I didn't know too much about going through withdrawal, I just hoped it won't last too much longer.
I stuck my head into the kitchen, hearing the sound of voices. Lissa and Christian were sitting at the table, a pack member I hadn't met before sitting with them. Dimitri was leaning against the kitchen island, talking to Olena.
Lissa noticed me first, eyes lighting up. "Rose!" She reached a hand towards me, pulling me down into the chair beside her. "How are you? I was worried."
I patted her hand that was covering mine, giving her a reassuring smile, "I'm better now." I could tell she wanted to ask more, I shook my head at her. She gave me a look that I knew meant later.
"So you're Rose. I've heard a lot about you," The short woman sitting opposite us started, a slight grin on her face. "Sorry, I didn't get to meet you after the pack run. It seems someone kept you occupied."
I didn't miss the pointed look she gave Dimitri, and by his sigh, neither did he. "Let's go, Celeste." Dimitri leant over to kiss Olena on the cheek.
"Be careful," She warned him, making him chuckle.
"Of course, Mama."
Celeste stood up, giving me a wink as she passed. I was starting to wonder if everyone spoke to Dimitri so casually here. As he passed me he sent me a fond smile.
"Let me know if you need anything."
I grinned as his voice floated through my mind, nodding in response.
As soon as he was out of the room I gripped Lissa's hand, "I need to talk to you." Before she could respond, I was pulling her up on her feet and dragging her towards the back door.
"What am I meant to do?" Christian asked with a frown as I stole his girlfriend.
"Bake something!"
My grip didn't loosen on Lissa's wrist until we were by the glass gazebo, she was panting slightly from running through the maze. I forget that, though Lissa was an alpha, she was never one for fitness.
All werewolves were naturally stronger and faster than humans, but unless we worked out and maintained it, not everyone was strong. Alphas typically we're stronger than the average beta and omega, but Lissa had always been on the more delicate side.
"Why are we out here?" She asked once she had caught her breath, eyes looking over the gazebo. I led her inside, the glass stopping the breeze from hitting us as we sat on the bench.
I turned to her hesitantly, "I think I might be falling for Dimitri."
"Oh! That's a good thing right?"
"I think so," I fiddled with a strand of my hair, "I don't know. How am I supposed to know what are my feelings and what's caused by the mating bond?"
Lissa's brows furrowed, "I didn't think of that."
It had been a worry stuck in my mind since I realised how I felt last night. "Like, his scent is amazing and it makes me feel safe. But what if that's making me think I like him?"
"His scent makes you feel safe?"
"Yeah." I inhaled, a little disappointed I couldn't smell him anymore. "And being close to him helped get rid of the pain last night."
"Have you bitten him?" Lissa asked, frowning when I shook my head. A moment later her jaw dropped as she stared at me with wide eyes.
"What?"
Her hands covered mine, "What if he's your true mate?"
I laughed, feeling a little bad when her hopeful face fell. "I'm sorry, Liss. But those were just fairy tales your mom told us. True mates aren't real."
She narrowed her eyes, "Yes they are! I know someone that found theirs. Adrian!"
I was taken aback, Adrian was another alpha part of the Royal family, his great aunt was the Queen. He was close with Lissa and I had been friends with him too when I was younger. Like with everyone else, I hadn't spoken to him since I was 15.
"Adrian has a mate?"
She grinned, "Adrian has a human mate."
My jaw dropped. That was unexpected. Queen Tatiana disliked omegas and thought even less of humans. To hear that her favourite nephew had mated a human was a shock.
Lissa pulled her phone from her pocket, scrolling through her contacts. My eyes widened, "What are you doing?"
"I am getting an official opinion for you." I reached to take her phone from her but she had already pressed dial, putting it on speaker so I could hear it ring.
He answered after the second ring, "Hello, cousin. What do I owe this lovely surprise?"
He sounded the exact same, I could imagine the cocky smile he wore. I have never met anyone as carefree as Adrian, a party boy that had a great way of getting under people's skin. I remember having a slight crush on him, it would have been more if he didn't smoke and drink all the time.
"Adrian, can I ask what it was like when you first met Sydney? What is finding a true mate like?" Lissa asked.
There was a sound of shuffling on his end. "True mate? Did you find someone other than Christian?"
"No, not for me," She quickly amended. "I'm asking for Rose."
There was a sudden intake of breath, "You've spoken to her?"
Lissa looked at me pointedly, angling the phone towards me. I leant forward, "Hey, Adrian."
"Little warrior. It's good to hear your voice." I could hear the grin in his voice. "So, you have a true mate?"
I huffed, "Maybe. I'm trying to figure that out."
"Okay. Tell me what you're feeling."
I chewed on my lip, glancing at Lissa before responding. "Well, his scent is really good. I mean, like, really good. And it makes me feel safe and makes me feel better."
Adrian hummed, "That sounds a lot like when I met Sydney the first time. Though she didn't notice it right away. If she was a wolf I'm pretty sure I would have claimed her then and there, my wolf was definitely telling me to bite her." He chuckled, "It was hard to resist her, but I didn't want to scare her off."
My breath caught, thinking of how quickly Dimitri had claimed me. Even Alberta said she was surprised he had. If we were true mates then maybe Dimitri went through the same thing Adrian did. Unable to resist his wolf telling him to claim me.
"But if he's your true mate you should both be feeling it."
"What do you mean?" I asked.
"I mean, when you touch and such, there is a slight tingle. Almost like shocks going through your body." Adrian explained.
"Oh shit," I breathed out. I had felt that with Dimitri. "There's no way," I mumbled to myself.
I assumed true mates were all fairytales and not real. But everything Adrian was saying made sense. Dimitri was my true mate… but he hasn't said anything.
"Why wouldn't he tell me we are true mates if he feels it too?" I asked in a soft voice, staring down at my hands.
Lissa nudged me with her shoulder, "Maybe he doesn't know how to bring it up, especially because you two started off badly."
My eyes snapped to hers in shock. "Oh god. I told him I didn't want him as a mate." Every time I had yelled at him played through my mind.
"Wait? You did what?" Adrian questioned in a raised voice. "Rose, you have to be careful. Rejecting a true mate can be dangerous."
Guilt flooded my body, covering my face with my hands. "I didn't know. I just woke up and I was mated to him and I was pissed."
There was the sound of something dropping and coughing. "W-what do you mean? How do you just wake up mated to your true mate!"
I shrugged, "Long story short, I was drugged and forced into it by the academy. If what you said is true, then Dimitri probably felt the pull and didn't realise until I woke up that I didn't." I gnawed on my lip, "Why wasn't I able to feel it though?"
Lissa gasped beside me, "What if the drugs in your food made it hard for you to tell. Would explain why you can now."
I nodded, it made sense. I was still a little annoyed that Dimitri didn't tell me. My insecurities were trying to drag my thoughts down dark and depressing paths. But then I remembered the fond look he would give me and I knew there had to be a reason.
"I am missing a lot here. Someone fill me in. What drugs?" Adrian splattered through the phone.
"Apparently the academy I had been living at for the last three years have been drugging my food to make me weaker," I explained, my anger clear in my tone.
"Shit. I'm sorry, Rose."
"But now you are out of there, and you have Dimitri. A true mate." Lissa had love-struck eyes, easily focusing on the upside.
I laughed, feeling giddy at the fact that Dimitri was apparently made for me. "Who would have imagined that my true mate was Alpha Belikov?"
"Your mate is Dimitri Belikov?" Adrian asked.
"Yep."
He chuckled, "After all these years, you end up mated to my terrifying cousin. Very nice little warrior."
I had forgotten the fact that Adrian and Dimitri would be cousins. It was shocking that they were both related to Tatiana, thankfully neither were cruel like her.
"So, you're in Arizona now. Not too far from me," He continued, a tone to his voice that told me he was up to no good.
"So what if I am? Why do I feel like you aren't that close to Dimitri." If Dimitri had issues with Tatiana, I don't see him being much of a fan of the rest of the family.
Adrian laughed, "Little faith. I would love to stay and chat, but I have to go talk to my mate. Good luck with yours!"
He ended the call before I could warn him to not just show up. I shot Lissa a glare and she smiled meekly at me.
"At least now you know that Dimitri is your true mate."
I groaned again.
Discovering Dimitri was my true mate made me even more nervous at the idea of being around him. I was waiting in the kitchen for his return.
Christian had taken my suggestion seriously, baking brownies while we were gone. After our call with Adrian, Lissa had to talk me down as I started panicking.
What if Dimitri didn't say anything because he was still mad at what I said to him?
What if he didn't want me as a true mate?
Logically I knew I didn't have to worry about that, but it didn't stop the fears and nerves building.
By the time Dimitri returned to the pack house I was on edge and my stomach twisted in knots. Though as soon as I picked up his scent, the tension eased from my body.
He eyed me, somehow noticed everything. Was he always this aware?
I smiled at him, but it was more like a grimace. "Hi, comrade. Umm… I mean, Dimitri." I cursed silently, looking away from his arched eyebrow and down at my hands. How am I meant to talk to the person that is supposedly meant for me? The stories are that we were bound by destiny, the closest thing to a soulmate.
True mates went beyond just mates. I just didn't know to what extent.
"Hi, Rose," He greeted, "Did you want to get started?"
I followed behind him to the small gym, as we left the kitchen Lissa gave me an encouraging smile.
Taking a deep breath, I tried to work out what I was going to say. Just blurting out that he was my true mate didn't sound like the best way to go about it, though it was straight to the point. I didn't want to beat around the bush, I just wanted to know if it was true and why he didn't mention it.
If Dimitri was aware of my nervousness, he didn't show it, talking to me like normal as he explained the exercise and how many reps to do. He was in the middle of explaining which weights were best for me to start with when the words forced themself from my mouth.
"We're mates."
He paused, stopping mid-sentence to look at me in surprise then confusion. "Yes."
I wanted to hit myself. "No, what I mean–" I rubbed my forehead. What did I mean? "Do you believe in true mates?"
His expression became guarded, placing the weights back on the rack to face me properly. "Yes, I do." There was a hesitancy in his voice, eyeing me carefully.
He either had no idea what I was getting at and was confused. Or, he did know and was waiting for me to say it. I guess straight to the point it is.
"Are we true mates?"
His eyes softened but his face remained impassive. Maybe he was worried I was going to turn him down, I couldn't blame him. "Yes, Roza." There was so much weight behind his words, the emotions he kept off his face came out in his voice. Hope, fear, and happiness.
I looked down at my hands, "Is that why you… at the mating ceremony…"
He sighed, "I assumed you felt it as well. It wasn't until you were–"
"Telling you I hated you?" I supplied with a wince.
His lips pressed into a thin line. Then his expression melted into fondness, a hand reached towards me but not quite touching. "You're irresistible. I didn't want to say anything about it until you felt it too. It's been hard to not be near you."
"Why didn't you say anything?" I asked, dipping my head to cover my blush. Dimitri's finger curled under my chin, making me shiver from his touch, tilting my face up to his.
"I was scared," He admitted, "Scared that I would lose you so soon after finding you."
I licked my lips, feeling my mouth dry out as I tried to think of a response, his eyes tracking the motion. Being this close to him, wrapped up his scent, I was amazed I didn't notice it sooner. This draw I had to him—I may only just be starting to feel it, while Dimitri has been feeling it since we met.
My lips parted, working up the courage to speak when his eyes glazed over and his body became rigid. Dimitri growled low in his throat, stepping back from me making me miss his warmth.
I felt a small sense of dread building inside me. "What's wrong?"
His eyes snapped to mine, they flashed amber. "We have company."
Who do we think is the company?
Thank you everyone for your reviews, I love hearing what you think :D
