EARLIER AT DIANA'S POV
It has been hours since Scott and Ofir were taken by Tamara, and there has been no concrete leads where they might have been taken to. Not to mention Kate being held captive by Claudia, tragedy just happens one after another. We were all inside the mansion's library, surrounded by thick books and old tomes, yet not one knowledge was able to provide them with answers neither where they could find the Nagual, nor how to kill an original vampire.
The remaining Devlin siblings had diverging aims. While Reina insisted to give her time to process their fortune, Sebastian wanted to start the search dividing the pack in two missions. He believed time is crucial. A pack is nothing without an Alpha, and yet protecting humans is one of their purposes. They continued to exchange opinions with their conflicting notions. And there I sat in one corner, and listened. Even if I wanted to voice out my priorities, the Luna who cannot shape shift will not be heard in the argument of the wolves. No one asked for my opinion, anyway. I just sat there quietly while I listen to their uproars.
Roman and his pack kept mum too. They listened with me while we turn our gazes at every wolf talking out loud. They never intervened. It was never their position anyway to speak. Despite Lucas and Cory's persistence to take some actions immediately, they still ended up respecting Reina's decision, giving it until dawn. After all, there has to be a plan.
Kate was never properly mentioned. She was never a concern. Sadness sunk in my chest more than the anger that I keep in. That made a thin intrepid audacity veil me to search for the most vulnerable captive out there on my own. Catching Roman's glances at me, I tried to hide my anxiety. Maybe I can do it, but how?
"If I may ask, not that I care", Roman blurted out in the thick of the discussion. "There are two persons held captive by two separate creatures. Who's first to be saved?", I squeezed my hand when I heard the question from Roman. It the same question running over and over in my head. Everyone then looked at me as if the question was intended for me. Why do I have to be caught up in making a tough decision in choosing between my best friend and my lover?
No one said a thing, until Sebastian spoke up. "Maybe we can plan that out later. For now, let's all rest, recharge and breathe", he mindfully said, ending the meeting.
Roman's pack were then kicked out of the mansion, forcing them to go for their motorcycles parked by the driveway. They were accompanied by Lucas and the others making sure they leave the estate. I could hear Roman picking a fight, and fortunately, Gunner calmed his bad temper. The last thing I heard of them where the receding blasts of their motorcycles leaving the Devlin premises. That was impossibly easy.
Reina went up to her room, nodding at me. Cory held her hand as they disappear in the corridor to her floor. I couldn't imagine the pain she has been going through. I wanted to comfort her, but it seemed like Cory had it in his hands. Walking my way inside the mansion, I felt my belly ached a little. I paused, leaned against the wall, and placed my hand on my abdomen as I breathe shakily. Pursing my lips as I exhale, I started to assume that I might be really carrying life in my womb. If so, I needed to know. "Are you feeling okay?", I heard Sebastian, as he draw near. He handed me a small velvet drawstring pouch. "I think this belongs to you."
The bag made a soft clink and clatter as it land on my palm. It was Ofir's marbles. "Thank you for finding it for me, you upgraded the bag".
"Where are you going?", he asked. "You can stay here."
"I--"
"Stay.", it sounded more like a command. "It's safer here."
Sebastian's right. I wouldn't want to be another liability. Nonetheless, I can't always borrow clothes. "I just need to get a few things back at home. If that's alright?"
"It's almost getting dark, I'll come with you", Sebastian insisted. I needed not to argue so I let him tag along. We went to the mansion's underground garage and chose a crossover SUV with swan hinged doors. He opened the door for me, and rushed on the driver's side. He reminded me of Scott's gentlemanly gallantry. Sebastian started his car and zoomed his way out of the mansion. He didn't slowed down until we reached the freeway. He opened the windows, and we both laughed at the wind circling our hair inside the car as he step on the gas. It was the freest feeling we've ever been for quite a while.
As we made it to the city, I asked Sebastian to pass by a pharmacy for there's something I needed to buy. Of course, like always, he willingly agreed. He made a turn, and as soon as he spotted the closest drugstore, he parked the car and opened the car door for me. I was nervous, too nervous that I was conscious if Sebastian would notice what I was going in for. But then, I just wanted to get it done and over with. So, I reluctantly asked the pharmacist to give me three pregnancy kits, whatever is available. The young man celebrated my assumption happily, as he go over the shelves. He handed me the kits, and charged me... " $75". Realizing I didn't had money with me, not even my phone to make the purchase, I cursed lowly that I pushed the kits back to him. "I'm sorry, I'll just come back for these."
Sebastian, who was already hovering behind me, cleared his throat and placed his black card on the counter and paid for what I bought. The pharmacist took his card and gladly packed the kits inside a brown paper bag. Sebastian didn't asked despite seeing them. I felt a little bit relieved.
As soon as we arrived at our home building, Roman with a satchel across his body was already upfront waiting. He followed us in, without any word. Sebastian and I just shrugged our shoulders. Without Scott around, Roman would surely come around like bee over its honeycomb. The three of us went up through the elevator in silence. Sebastian kept me near him, away from Roman's reach. I often see them glare at each other, must be the wolf thing communication they're having.
The elevator doors opened to my home. My feet froze at the dark, remembering the last time I was here. Shoving a hard lump in my throat, I took one step in. Sebastian and Roman went ahead of me, and like guard dogs, they sniffed the air and searched my place even through the dim. A soft click opened the warm lights of my home, and the men stood in the middle of my house looking pleased. "I'll just go upstairs", they both affirmed.
My feet brushed the dusts on the stairs as I ascend to my room. For a moment, the silence made it clear that I'm alone. No Kate, no Scott... not even a father I recently reunited with. Caught at the moment, I was reeled by window showing a vast view of the urban sprawl. My hand rested against the cold glass and beyond it was the skyline stretched farther than my eyes could hold.
Towers pierced the darkness, and their windows glowed in scattered patterns. Headlights and taillights braided together, thousands of cars threaded through avenues. The city lights flickered like stars that had fallen to the ground that learned to blend in. I wondered where in that magnitude of metropolis would Scott and Kate be. Every spot out there became an anonymous speck swallowed by the city's rhythm. That thought settled in my heart with an impossible weight.
I never knew that I was zoning out until my neck felt sore.
Despite snapping myself back to reality, I still go back to dissociate myself from when I gather my clothes in the closet, to going to the bathroom to relieve myself. I wasn't even bothered when I burned my hand in the hot shower. On the bathroom counter, I lined up the pregnancy kits while I wait for the result. I bit my nails, as my eyes linger on the OTC strip. With a towel twirled up on my head, I rested my hands on the opposite edges of the white granite countertop until the two red lines slowly appeared.
POSITIVE.
I opened the bathroom door and instantly saw Roman who was about to grab the doorknob. "Is everything okay? Uhh.. I'm sorry, you were taking too long I got worried", he said, his dimple cheeks slowly flushed red.
"I'm sorry, I just got finished", I hurriedly went out, lowering my eyes, clutching on the towel wrapped around my body.
Roman peeked in the bath, and I hoped he didn't see the kits I tossed in the bin. "The food is here", he mumbled, as he bolted out of my bedroom. He didn't even waited for my reply.
The door clicked shut, and I went onto my business. Tossing the towels that kept my hair and wrapped my body, I stood in from of the mirror. With only my undergarment on, I stared at my naked self for a moment. I blinked a few times on the bony structures on my face. My gaze slowly found my fuller breasts, and then down to my belly. Posing by the glass, I cradled my baby bump despite it still doesn't quite show. Then, I smiled, subtly admiring my bundle of joy with the touch of my palm. A glint of hope that I can't wait to share with Scott, and Kate. With a smile slowly fading into a frown, I slipped into a shirt and sweatpants before I get any more emotional.
Then, I went out of the bedroom, and sauntered down the dining room where Sebastian and Roman have been locked in a glaring contest again in front of the Chinese take outs they ordered. I sighed heavily as I sat beside Sebastian. "Let's eat", the three of us shared food quietly from there.
I was about to prepare some tea when once again, I noticed Sebastian and Roman glaring at each other. I wondered when would they ever stop their childish foolishness. "You should at least include me when you guys talk", I said.
Roman exhaled sharply, folding his arms on his chest, as he lean back on his chair. "Sorry Luna. I just told your bodyguard here to leave now, since he have other things to take care of. I'm here anyways, he won't be needed", Roman says.
"I'll hang around for a bit. I'm sure Diana doesn't mind", Sebastian said, as he fixed his eyes on Roman. "Aren't you aware that this building has visiting hours?"
I placed two cups of tea on the table. "Here, maybe you can talk things down with a cup of tea", these two will never give up from their incessant mind quarrels. After I cleaned up, I left the two at the table as I found my way to the moonflower plant in my living room which have started to wither. With a pen and paper, I sat on the floor while I write down the moonflower concoction for Scott. I even took a piece of the closed bud and sealed it with the note. Sebastian sat beside me, crossing his legs. "Can you..", I cleared my throat, handing him my note. "...give this to Scott?", I whispered while looking at him in the eyes.
"What's this?", he asked as he open the piece of folded paper. He caught the bud I kept in it.
"The alternative cure", Roman walks from the hallway going to the living room, probably trying to hear anything from our conversation.
"What? No..", Sebastian shook his head as he refuse. "No Diana.. you give that to Scott yourself", he insisted as he gave me back my paper.
"This is not some kind of surgical operation that I usually do..", I held his hand with the note. "..or a medical situation I'm best at", I said as I push back his hand with the paper. "I'm afraid that Roman might be right. I'm useless in this fight. I can't save Kate, and I might die any other way. I know Scott will get through this, knowing how strong he is. But then again, he needs much more saving even after he gets out of Tamara's hands.", a deep breath prepared me to say the words. "I'm going after Kate. If I don't survive, and in the future Scott imprints once more", I squeezed his hand with the note. I noticed Roman sat on a nearby chair, maybe eavesdropping silently. "Keep this, and give it to him", I whispered.
Sebastian shook his head in constant rejection. Clicking his tongue as if being annoyed of my foolhardy choice. "Can't we wait for a little longer? We're nothing against an original. An Alpha could barely challenge one. Let's wait until get Scott"
"You said it yourself. Time is crucial.", I glanced at Roman who sits on the sofa in front of us. He rested his satchel beside as he cross his legs. It was as if he's not going anywhere. "I can't just, leave her out there"
"We'll think it over", he said, as I smile at him unmoved. "I have tracker system in my flat Reina gave me, maybe that can help find Kate", a phone call interrupted his racing thoughts. "Luc", talked on the phone. "We're here at Diana's home... Sure", he ended the call, staring me. "Lucas is coming, let's wait for him for a bit... He says the pack has a plan. I'll get the tracker upstairs when he comes."
"You can go, if you need to. I know you wanted to freshen up too", seeing all the soot and bloodstains on his clothes.
"No fucking way!", he instantly answered, making a side eye glance at Roman. "No way I'm leaving you with him alone."
"It's fine Sebastian. I can manage him."
Sebastian paused. I saw his jaw twitched before giving in. "Are you sure?", there were a whole lot of indecisiveness in the lines of his eyes.
"Of course", I nodded. His lingered on me for a while, before a sigh lifted himself up. Then, he leaned forward and kissed my forehead before heading out. His short pause by the elevator made me think he left tons of threats on Roman.
Then, there it was again.
The throb in my belly that makes my heart flutter. I rested my head on the coffee table, and closed my eyes for a bit. Must be indigestion, or maybe the twins might be enjoying the Chinese take outs. "Diana..", I didn't noticed Roman was already sitting beside me, with his head rested on the surface of the coffee table too, looking at me. "You two do have a connection, huh? Kissing you, and smiling too much. It's... annoying."
"Sebastian?", I smiled a little. "He's a friend. A good one", staring at him, I remembered something that I needed to let him know. Something that should come from me. "Hey Roman, there's actually something I wanted to you", he looked into my eyes, and all the jealousy faded. "About your dad... I uh..."
"He deserved it", Roman dismissed, like a door shut on my face. So he knew, and yet he didn't showed an ample of hatred for killing his father. His eyes darkened. "He nearly killed you, and my mother wasn't innocent either. They shouldn't have done what they did to you. I'm.. I'm sorry", something in that apology certainly hoisted a crushing load in me that my eyes were brining with tears. A frown was formed on his face. "...don't", but that wasn't enough to let one tear escape. "Don't cry", he said, but my tears have silently rolled across the bridge of my nose before dripping onto the polished surface of the coffee table. Roman looked almost frightened that he lifted his hand, stopping halfway. He hesitated, as though not asking permission. I didn't had any reason to move away... until his palm cupped my cheek gently, and his thumb brushed the tears beneath my eye. "Please don't cry. I forced myself into you, I let the Alpha make choices I didn't question", his thumb stilled. "I told you Kate couldn't be saved.... I wasn't wrong as an Alpha, but.. I wasn't enough of a man", silence settled between us. I wasn't expecting this much of an apology, but I kept listening to him as if they were music I was pleased to hear. "I don't know how Scott does it.", Roman let out a small, almost defeated laugh. "I'm not saying he's a better Alpha, but I wish, I knew how he keeps winning your heart."
And that was no Alpha. Not the rough and tough man I knew.
Tonight, he was simply...
Roman.
"I don't think our decisions make who we are. Sometimes, our desires and emotions become so strong that we get blinded in making choices..", I sat upright, wiping the tears with my palms. "Our emotions don't whisper. They howl. You know.. when you're angry, there's a feeling of getting violent. And when you're too happy, you could be very generous to others. Just like how your parents were afraid of me being your Luna", I kept my eyes down, however, in a way, I still see Roman staring at me in my side visions. "Anyhow, you're just you, and Scott is just... Scott."
He reluctantly held my hand with utter gentleness, softer than he usually does. Not merely recognizing my frailty, but measuring if I would turn away. I didn't flinched, at all. Not an inch. "No wonder why Scott respects you so much.. That's the kindest rejection I've heard in my entire life", he smiled a little, grazing each of my finger. "But still, I won't give you up without a good fight. You're too damn worth it."
Of course, he won't back away so easily. So, I decided to chase away from the clunky chemistry he's cooking. "How about you teach me how to kill original vampires? I heard you killed one".
Roman groaned theatrically. Looks like he have figured why I wanted a time alone with him. "Here I thought, you found me charming for letting Sebastian leave, and letting me cross my boundaries."
"Please."
"Not a chance", he exhaled sharply with a smile. He leaned back with his hands, as if he can do this all night.
With a sigh, I guess, it's going to be hard to persuade this man. "Roman.."
"No."
"You haven't heard my reason yet."
"I don't think I have to. I say a million times.. NO", he lays down on the floor, with his hands under his head. His answer came so quickly, it was almost irritating.
I leaned on his side, close enough to get him flustered. "I can't keep standing behind everyone."
"I don't mind keeping you", he sits back up. "And you can't keep using the imprint lure to make me change my mind. Geez Diana! I'm a man too you know", he says, as if I was harassing him.
My tolerance was already dwindling, and I had to squeeze the information out of this difficult man. "I watched everyone risk themselves for me in the front row, and I can't keep doing that. I don't want that anymore", Roman's expression barely moved, despite looking at me with those decisive eyes.
"Knowing how to kill an Original doesn't change a thing. You are still vulnerable"
"It... it gives me a chance.", and the argument goes on.
"No, it gives you confidence. And that's how you get your head ripped off by an Original. So, my answer is still no", he shook his head fervently, a bittersweet smile crossed his face after being serious refusing at my request. "Luna, original vampires are very dangerous.. unlike any other vampires, they are stronger and hard to kill. Their skin are hard like steel, and they have powers in their eyes that compels humans to do something they don't like", his smile disappeared. "Anyone who come their way, ends up dead.. I should know, because I've seen it with my own eyes", he said in a serious tone. The difficulty of killing an original vampire coming from an Alpha made me realize I wouldn't stand a chance against Claudia.
And yet, it didn't discouraged me even a tiny bit.
"I wasn't asking casually. Teach me, Roman."
Roman let out a sharp sigh. With one move, he lifted his shirt over his head that completely caught me off guard. I was too flustered seeing his ripped body. "I don't think it's necessary to take your shirt off."
"Relax.. Look here", he said, as I turn my gaze back at him. Roman gave me a good view of his fully tattooed back. I remembered Scott saying that Alphas get involuntarily marked with tattoos when they experience a milestone. This is the first time I'm seeing Roman's. He pointed a tattoo of a bat with a stake on its chest near his shoulder blade, beside a spiderweb tattoo with a star in the middle. "I've killed an original vampire before. Well, just one in my lifetime. I found out that a small family in the city was being hunted by an original vampire. I had to intervene since, that part of the city is under the protection of our clan.", he said while I graze his bat tattoo. "Lestat was a thousand years old vampire who loves the blood of the children. He hides in an old graveyard in the Old East. He was Claudia's creator".
"How did you killed him?", my eyes travelled on the rest of his tattoos. It's amazing how it looked like a diary drawn on his back. I noticed a head with a galaxy of stars coming out from it, the moon hidden in the clouds, and couple of spiderwebs with a star in the middle.
"Oli arrived just in time.. she brought a stake with her. While I was bathing in my own blood, her voice woke me up and gave me the stake which I used to stab Lestat on the chest", he said.
Curious and distracted with the spiderweb tattoos, I decided to ask him. "Are you afraid of spiders?, I asked.
"Luna, do I look Iike afraid of anything? Pfft", he said, as he face me with a proud smile.
"Then, what does those spiderweb tattoos mean? There's a couple of it on your back", I noticed Roman's smile faded slowly. His face turned pale as he hardened his face.
"How.. how many are there?", he frowned.
"Three spiderwebs.. with a star in the middle", I clearly described.
He looked stunned, like he was poured with cold water. "There.. there are tattoos that just appear on my back, Luna. I don't even know some of it", he shrugged. "What was I saying earlier?", Roman asked, as he put his shirt back on.
"Uhh... you we're telling how you killed Lestat"
"Right.. here", Roman stood up, and grabbed his satchel from the sofa. He took out a piece of wood, sharpened on one end. "This is the stake that killed Lestat", he said, handing a stake to me. The old weapon with a very intricate hand crafted design of three holes on its handle, and gold streaks, marbling all over, felt extremely awkward in my hand. It was too light to become deadly to an Original vampire with skin made of steel. I grazed the pointed edge, and it scraped my finger at its lightest touch. "Watch it, it's sharp", he warned.
"Teach me how to swing it", I can't win, that's for sure. But at least, I could try.
"Didn't you hear I almost died killing Lestat?"
"I'm not that fragile", tightening my grip around the handle of that light stake.
"Then, choose me", his mouth curved into the smallest grin. It was as if he's enjoying this too much.
"Wha--?", I caught my breath, smirking inwardly. "For a moment, I thought I'm the one losing my mind here."
"I've been half crazy since I imprinted on you", his throat went up and down, before scooting closer. "Choose me, Diana", those words landed differently this time. His eyes dropped, only for a heartbeat. "Make me your mate. I'll be the father of the two pups inside you", the teasing was gone with his grin, as the air around us shifted. He looked at me with an intensity that made my stomach tighten, loosening my fingers around the stake handle.
"You... knew?"
Roman almost smiled, as his gaze lowered down my stomach briefly before returning to mine. "Of course I knew. They are too strong and loud, that I couldn't mistake them for anything else."
An Alpha like Roman knew. So maybe, it's not just him who figured out the other heartbeats thumping in me. Hardly, that defined why they were all too protective of me and why Scott trusted me not being reckless at the mansion when the newborns attacked. My mouth opened for a while, but I didn't know what to say exactly. And Roman, he just waited. He didn't pressure me, and he didn't fill the silence. I searched his face. It wasn't pity, or obligation. He simply meant every word. "...okay", was all I could say.
"Hmm?", Roman arched his brows, as if he hadn't heard me.
I swallowed once. "I'll... I'll be your mate.", and yet, he simply stared. "I choose you", he froze still, with absolutely nothing to say.
His shoulders eased, and the breath he released was almost shaky. And I guess, this is it. I won our argument, and I finally earned a deal. "Is this some kind of your charm games to make me teach you wield this thing?", he took the stake from my hand, as if it is the only thing that keeps him around me. "... but even if it is", his voice was softer. "I don't mind becoming a fool."
"I'm sure.", I simply said without buts, and conditions that he was looking for. At least, not today. "I'll be your mate.", I whispered, inching my face close enough to smell the salt on his skin, stopping at where I could see myself in his eyes. We shared a look for a moment until I came to realize...
None of those words that slipped through my mouth I truly mean.
And I can't go too far.
Lowering my face as I retreat, I regretted how I poorly made things turn out. But then, Roman have cupped my cheek, and his other hand held my shoulder as if he's no longer giving me a chance to pull away. His hand moved from my cheek, then to my nape. I felt his fingers settled gently in my hair. "No take backs", he whispered, pulling me into a kiss, making me finish what I started.
There was no urgency, and no hunger. Just a seal of our deal and relief as though he'd been holding his breath for too long. My own eyes stayed open, watching his expression soften against mine. He melted into a kiss he'd probably imagined a hundred different ways... and here I am, getting swallowed by my own guilt. He rested his cheek against mine for a brief moment before nestling his face in my neck. When I looked at him, he was all flushed along with a small smile. "We have deal then. Now, get on your feet."