Return to Wisteria (Book Three of the Wisteria Chronicles)

CHAPTER 27~The Lake~

Dimitri 

         Roman didn't stay fazed for long, his face hardening. “Why does your offer sound like a threat?” he asked coldly. “It's not.  I’ve been searching for my first and I think you'd be perfect.” I answered. “Why?” he demanded. I frowned, that's a good question. “Because you're the only one here that looked me in the eye without fear. You also have brilliant ideas about how to help our people.” I confessed.  

     “And if I decline?” he challenged. I shrugged, “Then you decline.” Roman gave a firm nod, “I would like to decline your gracious offer, my lord.” We glared at each other; the murmurs of the crowd were becoming louder. “You are a hypocrite. I was serious about helping my people, you clearly weren't.” I stated quietly. I shoved him with my shoulder as I passed by, more startled screams from the patrons erupted. At least I can tell Dorvina that I tried. 

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      My mouth watered as I took in the delicious feast in front of me. Margie, the chef, made her signature strawberry scones for today. I lifted one up, it was still hot. I opened my mouth to take a bite, cueing Dorvina's dramatic entrance. I groaned, putting my food down. Dorvina flounced over to me, her devilish smile putting me on high alert. 

      “I am so glad to hear that you dealt with the Roman problem.” she squealed in evil delight. “I didn't.” I frowned. Dorvina fixed her plate, not carrying to explain further. She reached for my scone then growled when I swatted her hand away. “Seriously Dorvina, what the hell are you talking about?” I asked. She happily munched away, flicking her wrist to tell me this discussion was over.  

      I sighed, an evil sister who loved to ruin my breakfast indeed. I brought my scone back up, my mouth ready to taste its deliciousness. “Excuse me, Lord Togmenaz. Your guest has arrived.” A maid said from the doorway. “What guest?” Katie asked as she skipped by. She patted my shoulder before taking her seat at the table. “No one ever visits.” she said, her fork plunging until a sausage that Dorvina already had speared.  

      The women glared at each other, each trying to claim the meat. The maid returned with a very pissed off Roman. He stormed into the dining room, his attention momentarily distracted by Katie and Dorvina’s food fight. “I'm not a f*****g hypocrite!” he shouted. I leaned back in my chair and pushed my plate away. 

    “I am serious about helping the people. I’ve spent years conducting research trying to find a solution. How dare you insult my dedication and integrity?” Roman fumed. Dorvina yanked the sausage away, her squeal made Katie frown. “Would you like a plate? There aren't any sausages left.” Katie pouted while motioning to the seat next to her.  

     Roman growled his thanks as he walked over to his chair. He huffed, but didn't say anything as the girls filled his plate with food. I rubbed my temples, a headache forming. “Did you interrupt my breakfast just to tell me that?” I groaned. “No, I'm here to prove you wrong.” Roman said with a mouthful of food. “I already had his belongings sent up to his room.” Dorvina said, licking her fingers. 

         I was barely keeping up. “So, you're accepting my offer?” I asked, confused. Roman grunted, his mouth full of food. The table became peaceful as everyone ate. I picked up my fork, weirdly satisfied with this turn of events. Dorvina waited until we finished eating to start her nagging again.  

      “So, what type of misfortune do you have planned for your people today?” she asked with a bored tone. “Roman?” I gave him a pointed look. Roman shifted uncomfortably, “Well, since the people aren't coming forward with their grievances maybe you should go to them.” I tapped my finger against the table. “That's a great idea. Let's start with the poorest house.”  I announced. 

    Roman crossed his arms, “And you know where that's at?” “Of course, I don't, that's why you’re accompanying me.” I stood up to make my way to the door. Roman sputtered, “M-Me?” I continued walking, “Yes, you. You're my first, aren't you?” Roman grumbled as he followed me out.  

     Our trip was almost an hour long, the Togmenaz was vast. This trip was also an eye opener. The further away we got from the castle, the worse the housing and environment got. Over a hundred homes to run down, their occupants in worse condition. Roman pulled the car over, parking next to a crumbling home.  

        We were silent as we exited the car. Roman knocked on the broken door and was greeted by a cheery voice. A haggard woman opened the door, her bright smile turned into pure terror. She fell to her knees, sobbing. “My Lord, we apologize for not sending her sooner. Please do not punish her.” she wailed. What the hell was she talking about?  

      “I believe there's been a misunderstanding.” I tried to explain. I bent down to help the woman up, but her screams intensified. Roman cleared his throat, jerking his head towards the door. A family of four children stood petrified. “Please my Lord, she's only 14.” their mother whimpered. I looked at Roman for an explanation.  

       “The former Lord set a law that required all females at the age of 13 to be sent to the castle. There they would be examined and picked for either the harem, the army or to be sent back home. They were rarely sent back home.” Roman grimly answered. I grabbed the woman, forcing her to her feet. 

      She screeched, attempting to run from my touch. “I'm not here for your daughter!” I shouted. The woman whimpered again, shaking her head in disbelief. “I am not that man. I want to help. I-I need to help. And I'll start with you.” I choked, struggling to hold back my tears of frustration. 

       The woman stared at me with horror-stricken eyes, her tense body slowly relaxing in my hold. “May we come in?” I asked, giving her my flirtiest smile. She hiccupped, her face confused. “Yes, my lord.” she murmured. I walked her inside, promising myself that things were going to change. 

August  

          Do you want to f**k me? I changed positions, trying to get comfortable. You're a coward. I growled, thrashing my arms and legs about in frustration. I haven't been able to get Nova’s words out of my head. These past two weeks have been torture. Every time I closed my eyes she was there, her big white eyes staring up at me.  

        She was never afraid to call someone out on their bullshit. She called me a coward, her conclusion correct. I was a coward. I was afraid of being her mate. All of these years I saw her as another little sister. Now I wanted to rip her clothes off and make her shout my name until her voice was hoarse. 

      Do you want to f**k me? Her voice whispered again. I groaned, accepting another night without rest. I went to the bathroom to take another cold shower. I let the icy running water calm my body down. Kiss me, Nova’s pouty lips flashed. f**k! I need to talk to her. I was losing my damn mind.  

      I dressed quickly then went to the Founders chambers. This was my last meeting with them, then I could finally go home. “Alpha Frost, thank you for joining us. We will keep this short; we know you want to go home.” Olivia said. “Our last request is to have you deliver the final deed to your sister.” Iosai said, handing me the closed file.   

        “And if you would please extend our gratitude to her. We have received her invitation for the Alpha ceremony. We wouldn't miss it for the world.” Lucas added. I thanked them and accepted their well wishes. I went back to my dorm, annoyed that the heavy weight on my shoulders remained.  

        Samuel walked in with his brother. “So, are you leaving us for good?” he asked with a frown. I chuckled, “You're always welcome at Crescent Woods. You are my brothers.” Hudson smirked, “Then does that mean you're taking us with you to the lake get together at Summer’s place?” “The lake?” I raise my eyebrows. “Yeah, she sent the invite to the group chat. Ziva and Penelope already left.” Sam showed me his phone   

       I read the message, a plan forming. This was the perfect chance to talk to Nova. I was glad she didn't tell anyone about our relationship. I wanted to thank her and to figure out how we were gonna proceed. Pharaoh barely spoke to me since we watched her walk away. I can’t be an Alpha without my wolf. 

          I needed to fix this. I just needed to talk to her, to fully explain my side. So, are you gonna give us a ride? Hudson asked. I zipped up my bag, “Yeah.” “Cool, I'm going too.” Colton announced from the door. We crowded him, welcoming him back. Colton was one of the main trackers that were assigned with hunting Vincent down. When he heard of his mentor’s betrayal, Colton took severe damage. Even though Colton had looked up to him as a father figure, he had pledged to bring him down.  

      “How are you holding up?” I asked him. Colton rubbed his face, “I'm tired, man. I could really use a break.” Samuel clapped him on the back. “The lake will be the perfect distraction. I’m glad we’re before Summer and the girls become too busy with pack stuff.” Hudson replied. I grabbed the last of my things and nodded, “Let's go to the lake.”  

       Wisteria was completely different from my last visit. The pack house was completed, its white walls shining brightly. Our grandmother’s tree stood tall and proud. The pack members had put on some weight, their faces glowing with renewed health. The children ran in-and-out of the house, their hands full of toys and food. Summer had made this place a home.  

      “Guys!” Penelope giggled, running towards us. She greeted us with a wide smile, “You're just in time. Everyone is headed to the lake now. Summer just put some meat on the grill.” she said, motioning for us to follow her. She led the way to the lake where everyone was setting up. Music was playing on a few Bluetooth speakers, while a group of people danced. 

       Summer waved at me as she passed her utensils to an omega. “You guys made it!” she squealed, rushing up to us with hugs. A whiff of chocolate cookies hit my nose; my stomach tightened. I felt Colton stiffen up next to me. Nova and the gang walked up, each one of them holding some type of gaming equipment. I was so focused on Nova that I almost missed Colton’s announcement. “My mate!” he shouted, his gaze on Nova.