So my plan from now on is to post every 3days now that I've almost finished writing this first part. The story is going to take place over 3 parts. I'm mainly doing this to break the story up and to give myself a break in between.

Alberta rolled her eyes at me, shaking her head with a soft smile. "Well, it's nice to see some things don't change." She looked pointedly at my hand when I raised my eyebrows. I followed her eye line to my tacos.

I shot her a look. "What? It tastes good, okay!" I defended my choice of ketchup on my tacos. It was Alberta's fault really, she told me to do it the first time when I was younger. I turned my nose up at her, making a big show of taking a large bite.

We walked in silence as we finished our food, a slight chill had filled the air since the sunset but it was nice to just walk down the street with Alberta beside me.

"So, did you want to talk about earlier?"

I glanced at her out of the corner of my eye. There was a time I did tell her about my boy troubles, not as much as I did with Lissa but Alberta did have a lot of good advice. Even if I wasn't always ready to hear it.

"Do you know if there is someone Dimitri is interested in?"

Alberta laughed, "You mean other than you?" She laid her arm over my shoulders, "Rose, before you, Belikov never showed any interest in having a mate and now you have him panicking if you so much as sneeze."

I chewed on my bottom lip. "Yeah, that's probably just because he feels guilty about the claiming ceremony." For some reason, I couldn't bring myself to voice the discovery of him being my true mate yet. I was still wrapping my mind around it.

"It's much more than that. I've been working closely with the Alpha for three years, and I've known him even longer. The way he feels about you isn't from guilt." Her hand squeezed my shoulder, "Is that why you snuck off today?"

I pouted, grumbling, "Maybe."

"Maybe what you need to do is spend some time alone with him. I know you've been through a lot these past couple of years. Opening up to your mate about it could help."

I had to admit, it wasn't a bad idea. It seemed that a lot of the time Dimitri and I spent alone was interrupted by someone else, or we were focused on something else.

Alberta's phone started ringing, she pulled it out and frowned. "I have to take this," She sighed exasperatedly as she answered, "What have you done wrong now?"

I hid my laugh, stepping away from her so she had some privacy, continuing down the path a little to sit on a bench. Guilt was stirring in me for lashing out at Dimitri and for running off without saying anything. It was clear from his reaction that he was worried about me, and then I made him feel worse by pushing him away.

I was still annoyed that he didn't keep his promise about updating me. It felt humiliating to be freaking out over something happening to him, only to find him talking to some good looking woman.

I didn't want to admit that I was jealous, but I was. Very much so.

Though, if Alberta was telling the truth, I had nothing to worry about. Right?

"That's her?"

The sound of giggling drew my eyes, as soon as I found the source I wished I didn't look. My breath caught and my heartbeat sped up as my eyes locked with Jesse's. He was standing a couple of feet from me with a group of girls, each looking at me with condescending grins.

"I heard that they are all super easy," One of the girls commented, making the others laugh again.

I curled my hands into fists. It was just like the academy, hearing others whisper about me and my secondary gender.

"Rose? Yeah, she's easy. Was practically begging for it."

My blood froze at Jesse's words, fear and rage burning through me.

"Ready to go?"

I jumped at Alberta's sudden appearance. Looking up at her, I found her focused instead on Jesse and his group. I grabbed her arm and led her away, "Yeah, let's go." I pulled her across the road so that we didn't have to walk past them. I didn't want her to hear what Jesse was saying about me, feeling my face flush with shame.


I didn't manage to sleep much during the night, after spending the night before beside Dimitri, it was hard to sleep without him. My stomach was aching all night, unsure if it was the withdrawals or just me missing him.

I finally gave up on the pretence of sleeping, dragging myself out of the spare room and to the kitchen only to find Alberta at her kitchen table with Lissa.

"Look who's finally up," Alberta commented, she pushed an empty bowl and box of cereal towards me. I dropped into the chair with a grateful smile.

"What are you doing here?" I asked Lissa, pouring the cereal into my bowl. She gave me an unimpressed look, reaching over to slap my arm. "Ow! What was that for?"

"For just disappearing yesterday! You should have at least left a note." She folded her arms with a pout, then nodded towards the bag on the ground between us, "Alpha Belikov asked me to bring you some clothes."

Warmth burst in my chest at both Dimitri's and Lissa's actions. I laid my hand on her arm, "Thanks, Liss. And I'm sorry for making you worry. It wasn't on purpose, I just needed some time to think."

Her eyes softened, giving me a look of understanding, "You should have seen Dimitri. I thought he was going to shift when I told him you weren't in your room."

Guilt hit me again, dropping my eyes to my bowl, "Yeah. I should probably apologise."

"Well, if you want, you can come with me to City Hall and talk to him there," Alberta suggested, though it didn't feel much like a suggestion and more of a push. I rolled my eyes at them both.

"Okay, yes, I will go apologise to him today." My heartbeat quickened at the idea of seeing him, a smile pulling at the corners of my mouth.

Alberta stood to go get ready, leaving Lissa and me behind. Once she was out of earshot, Lissa leant over to me.

"You never told me how it went yesterday. Did you tell Dimitri about being true mates?"

I nodded, "Yeah, but we didn't get to talk much because Tasha showed up." I did not do well hiding my frown mentioning her name. "Dimitri confirmed it though, that that was why he claimed me at the academy. He assumed I felt it too."

Her smile grew. I could tell she was holding in a squeal. Then she paused, expression becoming confused. "So why did you leave? Aren't you happy?"

I dragged my spoon through my cereal, the milk making it soggy. While Alberta may be right about Dimitri caring for me, she didn't see the way Tasha was staring at him. "Do you think that Christian's aunt likes Dimitri?"

"Umm… I don't know. I've never seen them around each other until yesterday," Lissa answered, chewing on her lip, "but Tasha does talk about him a lot. I think they have been friends for a long time."

I don't know if that made me feel better or worse.

"Even if she does, I don't think he likes her that way." I looked up at her questioningly. She continued, "When Dimitri got back after looking for you, he was really withdrawn and every time Tasha tried talking to him, he would ignore her. He looked kind of scary, honestly."

"Yeah, I may have said some things that hurt his feelings," I admitted. Lissa stared at me expectantly. "I may have yelled that I didn't trust him."

"Oh."

"Yeah."

Silence stretched between us for a couple of minutes.

"Is it because of what happened at the academy? Or has he done something?"

I sighed, giving up on my breakfast as guilt twisted my insides. "No, he hasn't done anything. If anything, everything he has done should earn my trust. But it's just hard." I couldn't look Lissa in the eyes, focusing on the table instead. "A lot happened at the academy and it's hard to believe that things won't end up like that again."

Lissa's hand covered mine, squeezing it gently. "I'm sorry you had to go through that, and that I wasn't able to help you get out of there. But I don't think Dimitri would ever do anything to hurt you like that. He cares about you."

Feeling a bit better, I glanced at her with a small smile. "I should go get dressed. Get this over and done with."


Alberta had offered to show Lissa around a little, leaving me standing alone outside of Dimitri's office. I was twisting the hem of my shirt between my hands as I built the courage to knock on the door. It was one thing to say I would talk to him, it was another to actually do it.

Taking a deep breath, I knocked quickly before I could convince myself to do otherwise. After a second the door swung open to reveal Tasha. Now I really regretted it.

She tilted her head to the side, "Are you looking for Alpha Belikov?" She inhaled, eyes becoming wide, "You're the omega!"

I didn't get a chance to respond, another voice calling from within the room. "Rose?"

Tasha moved to the side just enough that I could see past her to where Dimitri sat behind his desk. His voice was hesitant but I could see he was happy to see me. I shyly lifted my hand in a wave, "Hey, comrade."

Dimitri cleared his throat, glancing at Tasha. "Can we have some privacy?"

She looked at me with a confused expression but agreed as she picked up her purse from the desk. "Sure, I'll come back later." She paused in front of me, "I would love to talk to you later."

I kept my expression blank, not acknowledging her request as I pushed past. I waited until the door was closed to look Dimitri in the eye, then quickly dropped them. Despite being told twice now how much he obviously cares for me, I can't help but feel self-conscious, comparing myself to Tasha. The fact I was so insecure just made it worse. Why couldn't I be confident like I used to be?

"Rose," Dimitri started, rising from his seat to stand in front of his desk, leaning on the edge, "I didn't think I would see you until later."

I chewed on my lip, "Alberta suggested—Is this a bad time? I didn't mean to interrupt you. I should just go–"

His hand caught mine as I turned. "No, you aren't interrupting. Sorry, I just didn't think you would want to see me."

My heart clenched at his words. His hand was loosely holding my wrist still. I didn't want to pull away, enjoying the feel of his skin against mine too much. "I wanted to say sorry for disappearing yesterday and for what I said to you."

His expression was pensive, eyes focused on our hands. "Did you mean it?"

I wanted to deny it, but couldn't. "It's hard to trust anyone. I keep waiting for all of this to be a lie and I end up like before or get dumped somewhere in Court."

He tugged on my wrist gently, I easily went to him, letting him pull me into his embrace. I released a long sigh, feeling my body relax for the first time since yesterday. "I am never going to send you away, Roza. We are mates and nothing will change that."

"Not even if a good looking old friend shows up unexpectedly?"

Dimitri made a noise in confusion, pulling back to see my face, "What?"

"You and Tasha. You aren't…" I trailed off but understanding flashed in his eyes. He drew me close again.

"There's nothing between Tasha and I. She might want there to be but I never thought of her that way. And now I have you, there is no one else I would ever want."

I wrapped my arms around his chest, clutching at the back of his shirt, breathing deeply, the scent of pine filling my nose. "Promise?"

"I promise, Roza." He held me tightly, head dipping down to rest against mine. "Is that why you ran?"

I frowned, "Part of it. I was just feeling so useless because there was nothing I could do to help you. I mean, you sent your sister to babysit me. And then you came back with her and she kept looking at you. And then the thing with Yeva… It was all too much."

His hand moved to my hair, lightly dragging his fingers through it. "The only reason I asked Viktoria to be there was because I wouldn't be able to survive it if something happened to you, not because I think you're useless." He titled his head to the side, eyes finding mine, "I'm sorry babushka is being the way she is. I don't know why." His brows pulled down in frustration.

"I probably shouldn't have yelled at her like I did," I mumbled, cheeks flushing. I could only hope Olena didn't hold it against me.

Dimitri chuckled again, "That may have made her like you more." His hand curled under my chin, lifting it. "Is there anything else?"

I shook my head and then changed my mind. "Actually, there is one more thing." Nerves made me twist the hem of my shirt again, "Could we maybe do something together? Just the two of us?"

I could tell Dimitri had been expecting something different, preparing himself for a blow, but instead, his eyes lit up, a large smile spreading across his face. "Of course. I would like that too."


I felt better after talking to Dimitri, some of the weight was off my shoulders. Even my chest felt less constricted after admitting my fears to him.

When I left his office, promising to be at the pack house tonight, his eyes glinted with an emotion that made my cheeks warm. Just thinking of it made my stomach feel like there were butterflies in there. I had never felt this way about someone before. Even during my brief time that I did consider dating someone before the academy, no one even came close.

When I was with Dimitri, it was like every nerve in my body was anticipating his touch, aware of where he was at all times. As the days passed I was becoming more aware of him and how my wolf called for him. There was a connection between us that I'm surprised I didn't notice from the start.

Lissa had said that the drugs the academy gave me weakened my wolf, the effects of them must have been what stopped me from feeling it. My other senses have been getting stronger, smell, sight, even my strength felt like it was improving.

I would have to start doing the exercises Dimitri had been explaining to me yesterday. Test if I am getting stronger or if it was just my imagination.

The withdrawal symptoms have eased off as well, being around Dimitri has helped a lot. The stomach ache receded so much I could barely feel it after hugging him.

Alberta had informed me that Lissa was now with Viktoria by the gym. I did not want to go over there, knowing my chances of seeing Jesse again were high, but I marched over, keeping my head held high. I will not let him scare me, not anymore.

Sure enough, I found them standing out front talking, Viktoria's cheeks were flushed while Lissa had a determined look.

"Why do I feel like I need to save you from Lissa?" I asked, stepping between the two of them and crossing my arms. Viktoria was trying to avoid my eyes, so I looked at Lissa instead.

"She likes someone, but won't tell me who." She explained, pouting as she tried to stare down Viktoria. My eyes shifted back, now equally determined.

"Who? Does Dimitri know?"

Viktoria threw her arms out, hands gripping my shoulders, "You can't tell him! He will flip out."

I laughed, waving her off, "I'm not going to say anything." She gave me a grateful look, a shy smile pulling at her lips.

"He wants to keep things just between us for a little. You know, get to know each other and stuff."

I grinned at her bashful look, she really liked this guy. "That's great. But I wouldn't keep it a secret from your brother for too long." I couldn't imagine him being too pleased if he didn't like whoever she was dating. In the short time I've known him, I've learnt Dimitri was fiercely protective of his family. "So, what are we doing now?" I shifted the subject to spare her from Lissa's interrogation.

Lissa gasped and looped her arm through mine, "I thought we could go look at some clothes."

I grimaced, "I don't have money for shopping."

"That's why you do this thing called window shopping," Viktoria chimed in, joining me on my other side. "Just try stuff on, and then when you do have money, you can buy it."

I glanced between them, "I don't have a choice in this do I?"

"Of course you –"

Lissa's words were cut off by a collection of laughs and a snide voice. "Oh, look, it's the breeder. Probably seeing what alpha she can get with next."

My steps faltered, already telling myself not to respond. It wasn't worth it, it never was.

When I first heard those comments around the academy, I would start a fight with them that would eventually lead to me trying to punch them in the face, and then I would end up being punished while the others walked away with smug expressions.

I just needed to keep my head down.

"What was that!" Viktoria exclaimed, turning on the girls. I didn't have to look to know it was the same ones from last night. Recognising the voice of the girl with long black hair, I don't know what I had done to her, but each time I saw her she made her dislike of me known.

"Don't worry about it," I hissed, gripping Viktoria's arm, trying to lead her and Lissa away.

"Rose–"

"Drop it." They were both shocked enough by my sharp tone that they let me drag them away.


They were both looking over at me as we browsed the clothing racks, I could practically hear their thoughts wondering why I just let those girls talk about me like that. The last thing I wanted was to cause trouble within the pack or any for Dimitri. If he had questioned her, I had no doubt it would lead back to Jesse, and then he would tell them everything.

I couldn't stand if Dimitri ever looked down on me. If he knew the truth…

"Why don't you try these on?"

I glanced at Lissa, scowling at yet another collection of clothes in her hands. It's not that I didn't like any of them, it was just becoming depressing to try stuff on that I could never afford. I needed a job, though I didn't know what I would be able to find that I had skills for. Other than babysitting, I didn't know much else.

"I feel like I've already tried on half of the store, and half of the other place too," I argued, but it was useless.

She held them towards me with a laugh, "Stop being so dramatic. Just try these and I won't make you put on anymore."

I narrowed my eyes, "No photos this time."

Lissa held her hands up in surrender, a triumphant smile on her face as I took the pile and walked to the changing rooms. I passed Penelope, she gave me a thumbs up and commented on the selection.

I was surprised that she was okay with me just trying things on but not buying. Maybe the fact Lissa had bought herself something helped.

I took my time, pretending that I could actually own some of these. Be like a normal eighteen-year-old, out shopping with friends. I'd give anything to be able to be that carefree.

Bundled in with the selection was a beautiful black dress, the material felt like silk, hugging my body perfectly and then flaring out around my hips. I spun in it, amazed at how good I looked in it despite how skinny I still was.

There was a knock at my door. "Are you okay in there?"

I push the swinging door open, enjoying the morphing of Lissa's face from concern to awe.

"Rose. That's your dress."

I laughed, twirling again. "This is my dress." I gripped the price tag attached to it and groaned, "In about fifty years if I start picking up every penny I find."

"Just let me buy it for you," She pleaded.

I held my hand up, "No. We agreed that you could buy me one thing and you got me the jeans. No more."

She scrunched her face up as I turned away to change out of the dress, "Fine. But, at least…"

I spun back to face her just as her camera clicked. "Hey!"

"Perfect," She grinned, looking down at the screen, "Now you can look at it and see just how hot you are."

I rolled my eyes, closing and locking the door in case she decided she wanted to steal another picture.

It wasn't until I was pulling my jeans back on that I realised I had my wrists uncovered in front of Lissa.


We had been shopping for half the day and I was feeling exhausted. Lack of sleep last night started to weigh me down.

"Let's get lunch," Viktoria offered, already steering us towards a burrito place, the same one Ivan had pointed out as the best.

My mouth started salivating, "That's the best thing you've said all day."

Viktoria ordered for us, trusting her to choose something good, while Lissa and I waited outside, surrounded by their shopping bags. I was carrying one that looked ridiculously big for just one pair of jeans. Whereas, both Lissa and Viktoria had full bags.

When I had turned them down for buying me things, I had expected a bit more of a fight. Maybe my mood after what happened outside of the gym had been enough to make them back off.

I hadn't had any other issues with the people I have met here so far, granted that number wasn't exactly high. It would be foolish of me to think everyone would be fine and not say anything to me. Though, it seems to be mainly that girl and whoever she and Jesse dragged around with them.

"What are you lovely ladies up to?"

Lissa and I shared a look as Mason and Eddie approached us.

Mason seemed to have developed a slight crush on me. When I was panicking yesterday when we thought there was a possible threat to the pack, Mason had been constantly trying to cheer me up and offer some comfort. While I knew he had good intentions, I wasn't interested. I needed to let him down before it came out that I was mated to Dimitri.

I still wasn't sure about revealing that to the pack. Could I really trust that they would be okay with an omega as their Luna?

I cocked my head at him, "Can't figure it out from the bags that surround us?"

He laughed, holding his hands up, "I never like to assume."

I couldn't help but notice Eddie's eyes on me, when I looked back it was clear he wanted to ask me something. I cursed under my breath when he stepped towards me. "Can we talk for a moment, Rose?"

I wanted to turn him down but couldn't think of a reason that wouldn't bring up more questions. So, reluctantly, I agreed and moved away from the others so we wouldn't be overheard. My arms crossed over my chest defensively. "What?"

"I just want to talk about Jesse and what I saw last week," He explained in a soft voice.

My eyes narrowed, "There's nothing to talk about."

"Look, I know I don't you well, but I know Jesse, and I heard the rumours at the academy, about you and–"

"You don't know anything about that!" I hissed, a small voice in my head warning me off from talking to an alpha like this.

Eddie's eyes became pleading, "If he is messing with you, you need to talk to someone."

I shook my head, "Look, just leave it alone, please. I don't want to talk about it anymore." As I turned, his hand shot out and grabbed my wrist.

"Rose–"

I ripped my arm from his grip with a look of shock, feeling my heart beating fast. I stepped away from him as I felt fear flood through my body. His eyes widened as they took in my reaction.

"Sorry, I didn't –"

"Just drop it," I begged, turning away from him again, folding my arms to hide my shaking hands. Nothing that Eddie did particularly scared me, yet when he grabbed me, my mind went into fight or flight. Dreading that I would end up in that situation again.

Walking back to Lissa, I found Viktoria watching me, a strange look on her face. "What was that about?" She asked when I was closer.

I dropped my eyes, "Nothing."

The next chapter is going to have Romitri date and Rose opening up to Dimitri more :D