Page 56 of Fated to the Rogue

“Mates can surprise us, for better or for worse. We can’t always understand the Goddess’ reasons, but we must trust her plan for us.” As he sat in front of me, he calmly recited the phrase I had heard so many times since I started living with him. “What unpleasant news did you learn tonight?”

“Apparently, Zephyr has been with most of the she-wolves in the pack.” Saying it out loud made Dusk growl inside my head.

Werewolves weren’t like humans. It was understandable for the latter to have habits of sleeping around, as they could never know when they would find their soulmates, if they ever would. In our society, it was different. The great majority of wolves were bound to find their mates at some point in their lives; most of them met within a couple of years after turning eighteen. If Zephyr couldn’t wait, it would have been fine for him to try it with one, maybe two other girls. But half of the pack? That was just an insult.

“I see where you’re coming from. That’s certainly not the most noble attitude.” Vincent rested both elbows on the table, propping his chin on the back of his intertwined hands. “But Tina, darling, I don’t think you should judge him based on what he did before he met you.” I widened my eyes at his response, slightly shocked. “Wolves don’t live in the past. You shouldn’teither.” His words gave me adéjà vumoment. Where had I heard them before?

I sighed. “You’re right.” Maybe I had been too quick to judge my mate. I didn’t even allow him a chance to explain himself. Not that he needed to. Like my adoptive father pointed out, what Zephyr does from now on is what counts. “It still makes me mad though.”

“Ah, yes. Our emotions aren’t always rational, but you shouldn’t be ashamed to feel some kind of way about it. It proves you haven’t lost your humanity despite the ravenous beast living inside of you.” He chuckled, clearly remembering how intimidating Dusk was.

In the end, I could only smile at him. “Thanks for listening to me, Vince.”

“I’ll always be here for you. I can only hope you’ll still care about me after you become a busy Luna,” he joked.

“I’d never forget you and everything you’ve done for me,” I reassured him.

“How about a good ol’ cuppa tea to help you calm down a little?” he asked, already getting up to head to the kitchen counter.

“That’d be great.”

Once he was done preparing us some tea, we sat on the couch to watch cartoons like we used to when I was little. It was scary starting anew in a different pack, but I was glad I still had him with me, and I sure was happy he got to move into a better home with me. I stayed with him for a couple hours until my anger subsided. After thanking him again, I got up to leave. I had just made it through the door when an unexpected voice echoed in my mind.

“Valentina,” the mighty Alpha’s voice was barely a whisper, shy and guilty. “Are you still mad at me?”

“Yes,” I scoffed. There was silence for a moment before I remembered my talk with Vincent, taking pity on my poor mate. “A little bit.”

“I’m sorry.” Again, the honesty in his voice made my heart skip a beat; I could literally feel his regret. “I know I have no right to ask this of you so soon, but… Can you come to the dandelion fields?”

I arched an eyebrow at his sudden request. “Uh…okay?”

“I’ll be waiting for you.” He sounded a little more cheerful before he cut our connection.

With a sigh, I braced myself and started back towards the place where I had been only a few hours ago. I was not ready for what awaited me there.

???

From the top of the hill, I could already see Zephyr standing next to a scarlet satin picnic blanket. Fancy snacks were scattered all over it, as were white rose petals. How long did it take him to put up all of this? As I made my way down to him, I couldn’t help but admire his outfit; he was dressed in a traditional black and white suit, a red rose sticking out of his pocket. He was also holding a bouquet of colorful flowers in his hands. It was enough to make my heart melt.

Zephyr waited patiently for me, his eyes glistening as they took me in. He remained rooted to his spot, allowing me to make the first move. However, as I finally stood in front of him, I was at a loss for words; I wasn’t expecting such romantic scenery. It was a little overwhelming. The moment my eyes darted to the picnic blanket, he decided to break the silence.

“It’s a moonlit picnic,” he clarified, flashing me an apologetic smile.

“I…figured as much,” was all I could mutter.

“Valentina,” he called dreamily, catching my attention at once. “You have no idea how awful I feel for disappointing you. I’d like to think I have no regrets, but if I could take back those meaningless nights, I would.”

“Zephyr-” I tried to interrupt him, but he didn’t stop.

“I can’t change the past.” He looked away in shame before his eyes filled with determination as they met mine again. “But I promise you, Tina, I will live to make you the happiest woman in the world. You’re the only one I ever needed; the only one I’ll ever love. Can you please forgive me?”

“Of course, I forgive you. You didn’t have to do all this.” As I stared into his eyes, it was impossible not to shake my head in defeat, stepping closer to him. “I’m sorry too, Zephyr. It was very immature of me to hold your past against you. But when Dusk’s rage mixed with mine, I guess I just lost it.”

“You had every right to be angry. I shouldn’t have put you through this.” He took a deep breath, as if to gather his courage. “I promise you, if you take me back, I’ll live my whole life trying to make up for it.”

“If I take…” My heart broke a little as I realized what had been on his mind. “Zephyr, did you think I was gonna reject you?” He didn’t answer me, but he didn’t need to; his silence was the proof I needed to know I was right. “Oh, you silly wolf! I would never reject you over something like this. I just needed some time to think.”

My response made his eyes sparkle with joy. Next thing I knew, he dropped the flower bouquet he’d been so carefully holding to wrap his arms around my waist, lifting me into the air. The second his lips crashed against mine, I realized what a fool I had been; everything about us felt so right. Giving in to the mate pull, I hugged him with my legs for support. I tugged on his jet-black hair, pulling his head back to deepen our kiss. Myreaction caused him to release a lustful groan, and I relished the way it echoed inside my mouth.

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