Chapter 209
The early morning light streamed through the window, casting a warm glow on the room. Roman stirred beside me, finally waking from a night of tangled limbs and shared whispers. As he reluctantly got out of bed, his gaze lingered on me, a tender smile playing on his lips.
"I'll be back soon," he murmured, pressing a soft kiss to my forehead before slipping out of the room.
I stretched in bed, relishing the solitude for a moment. The two warriors stationed outside the door maintained their vigilant watch, a reminder of the guarded life within the pack. Despite the protective presence, I felt the urge to step outside, to breathe in the crisp morning air that hinted at a day full of secrets.
Slipping into a loose dress, I made my way outside, the cool breeze brushing against my skin. The packgrounds held a serene beauty, yet an undercurrent of mystery lingered in the quietness. Roman's departure left me with the freedom to explore on my own.
As I strolled through the well-trodden paths, the sounds of nature enveloped me—birds chirping, leaves rustling. However, my senses caught the hushed undertones of a conversation unfolding not far away. Ella's voice, usually vibrant and carefree, carried an edge of secrecy.
I followed the murmurs, my curiosity piqued. The group was gathered in a secluded area, their whispers muffled by the surrounding foliage. As I approached, Ella's animated voice ceased abruptly, replaced by an uneasy silence.
"Everything alright, Ella?" I asked, popping into view.
Ella, who had been engrossed in conversation with a few pack members, masked her irritation behind a smile. "Hey, Iris! Just chatting about pack stuff, you know how it is."
The abrupt shift in her demeanor heightened my suspicions. "Pack stuff, huh? Mind if I join?"
Ella exchanged glances with the others, and the atmosphere tensed. "Oh, you know, it's kind of boring. I was just updating them on the latest happenings."
I raised an eyebrow, my gaze shifting between Ella and the group. "Boring, huh? Mind giving me the details?"
Ella's forced smile wavered, irritation flickering in her eyes. "It's really not that interesting, Iris. Just some routine stuff."
The awkwardness hung in the air, an unspoken tension lingering between us. As Ella began to walk away, I followed, determined to unravel the mystery she seemed eager to conceal.
"Ella, wait. What's going on? Why the secrecy?" I questioned, catching up to her.
She sighed, her irritation slipping through the cracks. "Look, Iris, it's pack business. Nothing you need to worry about."
I crossed my arms, frustration bubbling beneath the surface. "Pack business? I'm part of this pack, too. If there's something going on, I have a right to know."
Ella's gaze darted around, as if ensuring no one was eavesdropping. "Iris, it's not that simple. Some things are better left undisclosed. For everyone's safety."
The cryptic response only fueled my determination. "Safety? What are you talking about, Ella? You're not making any sense."
She hesitated, seemingly torn between revealing more and maintaining the enigma. "Iris, sometimes knowing too much can be dangerous. Just trust that we're handling it."
The vagueness of her words grated on my nerves. "Handling what, Ella? If there's a threat to the pack, I should know."
Ella shook her head, her tone resolute. "I can't, Iris. It's not the right time. Just focus on adjusting to pack life, and leave the rest to us."
I stood alone wondering what the fuck just happened. The frustration simmered within me as I stormed back to the pack house, each step echoing my turbulent thoughts. The mysterious whispers, the concealed discussions—it all grated on my nerves. I longed to belong, to be part of this pack, but the walls of secrecy erected around me left me feeling like an outsider.
Just as I reached the entrance, I collided with Roman, who, with his wolfish grin, seemed to appear out of thin air. "Whoa there, what's got you charging like a storm cloud?"
I huffed, my annoyance evident. "Just the usual. The pack and their secrets."
Roman raised an eyebrow, his playful demeanor kicking in. "Ah, the age-old tradition of driving the newcomer mad with curiosity. Classic."
I rolled my eyes, my frustration momentarily replaced by the amusement Roman effortlessly stirred. "Classic, huh? More like infuriating."
He chuckled, a sound that danced in the air like a mischievous melody. "Come on, Iris. You know we can't spill all our secrets on day one. Where's the fun in that?"
I sighed, the lingering frustration still evident. "It's not about fun, Roman. I'm trying to fit in, but it feels like I'm on the outside looking in."
He placed a hand on my shoulder, his touch surprisingly comforting. "I get it, Iris. The pack can be a bit much at times, but trust me, it gets easier. Give it time."
"Time," I muttered, my gaze fixed on the ground. "Feels like I've been here forever, and I'm still an outsider."
Roman flashed a playful grin, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "Well, lucky for you, patience is my middle name. Roman Patience Luna—has a nice ring to it, don't you think?"
I couldn't help but chuckle at his antics. "Very fitting."
He winked, his playful tone persisting. "See, you're already getting the hang of it. Pack dynamics 101: laugh it off."
I smirked, the weight on my shoulders lightening. "Thanks, Professor Roman."
With a dramatic bow, he exaggerated his gratitude. "Ah, my pleasure. Now, let's turn that frown upside down. How about a lift?"
Before I could react, Roman scooped me up effortlessly, his strength surprising me yet again. I laughed, the frustration dissipating like morning mist. "Roman, what are you doing?"
He grinned, mischief glinting in his eyes. "We're taking a detour. Sometimes you just need a change of perspective."
I found myself whisked away, his playful banter echoing in the hallways as we ascended to our bedroom. His carefree demeanor was infectious, and the pack members we encountered along the way couldn't help but grin at the sight.
As he gently placed me down, I teased, "You really know how to make an entrance, don't you?"
Roman feigned innocence, a twinkle in his eye. "Me? Make an entrance? Never."
I rolled my eyes, my laughter filling the room. "Right. The stealthy Alpha, that's you."
He chuckled, pulling me into a playful embrace. "Stealthy, charming, and devastatingly handsome. The full package."
I groaned in mock annoyance, but the warmth of his presence melted away any lingering frustration. "Oh, spare me."
He grinned, planting a quick kiss on my forehead. "Cheer up, Iris. You're not alone in this, and I promise it'll all be worth it."
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