I could still smell the scent of coffee and pie that lingered in my hair and on my skin, even after changing out of my uniform  I stilled smelled like the diner.  I had picked up at late shit in an attempt to distract my brain, ever since Wednesday night or should I say Thursday morning I couldn't him out of my head. Every time I closed my eyes I saw his mitch matched orbs staring back at me. I knew Strawberry had noticed something was up with me, but I couldn't tell her... I didn't know how to... or even what to.


With my backpack draped over my shoulder and earbuds plugged into my phones, I listened to mine and Strawberrys shared playlist as I walked the long path home. Quinn had needed my car to drive Campbell somewhere, so I had let her take it. With the promise, my father would pick me up but of course like always he flaked. leaving me to take the almost hour-long walk home. 

Walking along the old metal bridge that crossed over the Aurum river, I paused for a moment leaning against the cool metal to admire the reflection of the moon glistening on the water. I remember when I was younger my mother used to walk Quinn, Emerson and down here to enjoy the view, she said there was something about how the fools gold dust in the sand made the light of the moon on the water more magical, and she was right.


With the sound of pop-rock music filling my ears I hadn't noticed the low growl echoing through the night air until the song had changed. For a moment  I swear my heart stopped at the dreaded sound. It wasn't that of a run of the mill dog... it was something far bigger and by the sounds of it much more dangerous.  Slowly pulling the cord on my earbuds I turned to the sound. I watched as a large white wolf with glowing red eyes stalked towards me, its muzzle and paws stained red with blood.


I could feel my lip begin to quiver as fear filled my very essence. Letting my hand fall from the railing, I raised both in a defensive manner slowly taking a step back, the wolf snarled baring its teeth. I flinched stepping back, It was a motion that made me seem even more like pray. Just by looking at the wolf, I knew exactly what it was... the Vargulf the one that had been evading Berrys pack and slaughtering pets, and livestock left and right there had only been one human so far... but It looked like I was going to be next.




 "I suggest you get behind me"  a strong male voice spoke from behind me.


Slowly looking over my shoulder A wave of relief washed over me at the sight of Roman. He freely swung a blade of what I could only assume was silver in his hand.  Turning my attention back to the wolf my movements were slow at first as I backed towards Roman before finally bolting behind him. The wolf nor Roman showed any fear of each other as the beast talked closer.


Part of me wanted to question him about the use of a sword instead of just shifting, I may not have known as much about wolves as I should of, but there was one thing I knew. They were stronger in wolf form than humans. However, it didn't seem like the best time to do so.


"Stay behind me," Roman warned not taking his eye off the Vargulf


"Not a problem..." I somewhat mumbled

Roman took a step forward tightening the gap between him and the wolf. I could feel my self growing more nervous by the second,  shifting in my spot. I watched as the wolf lurched for Roman, with no hesitations he lunged straight for the wolf. I watched in horror as they matched each other mark for mark. I wanted to run, scream and cry all at once... I was petrified for not only myself but for Roman as well. 

Covering my eyes I couldn't watch the blood sport anymore. The thought of Roman being seriously injured felt like a thousand tiny daggers ripping through my heart.  Turning my back to the fight  I avoided the fight. A loud yelp filled the night air With my eyes shut tight I kept myself still until a large hand was placed on my shoulder causing my entire body to jerk.


"It's alright, your safe" Romans voice assured softly, turning around I slowly faced Roman.



"Your bleeding!" I gasped my hand instantly going to his the claw mark on his face


"Don't worry, I'll be fine," he assured placing his hand on mine "Alphas heal incredibly fast" he smirked



Even covered in blood and cuts he made my heart flutter. I could feel the faint blush growing on my cheeks from the combination of his touch and smirk. Dropping my head I avoided his intense gaze.

"What were you doing out here alone." He questioned his tone far more serious then before.


"I... uh picked up a shift at the diner... my dad was supposed to pick me up... but I guess he forgot..." I admitted with a half shrug.

"Well, I guess I better escort you home then." He insisted nodding in the direction behind me.


"what about...." my voice trailed as I pointed at the dead giant wolf bleeding all over the metal of the bridge.


"I'll text Luciano him  and Stoney we'll properly dispose of it." He informed placing a hand on my back as he turned me towards the direction I was originally headed.

 I didn't reply, just nodded as I let him lead me across the rest of the bridge. With his hand placed firmly on the small of my back, I did everything I could to avoid looking in his directions. I could feel him watching me as we walked like he was waiting for me to be the one who talked first. After a while in the silence, I couldn't take it.



"What's with the sword anyway?" I questioned finally breaking the silence. "Wouldn't it of been easier in wolf form?"  I added looking at him briefly a half-smile formed on his lips.


"Normally, yes. With a Vargulf  it's risk  there always chance they've gotten to the infectious stage, a bite or cut deep enough and I could have the same fate, anyone in wolf form could." He familiarized 


"Oh... "I mumbled slightly embarrassed by the question


Once again the two of us fell silent, this time lasting until we had finally reached my house. Roman walked me up the path and onto the front porch. We paused for a minute, turning to the door I stopped myself taking a breath before turning back to face him.


"I forgot to thank you... for saving me" I thanked looking up with a soft smile 

"No need" Roman assured slowly leaning down closer,  Looked up at him wide-eyed his soft lips planting a slow gentle kiss on my temple.

Roman lips were abruptly pulled away a small huff escaping his lips as Emerson seemingly appeared out of nowhere creating a barrier between the two of us. His hands balled in fists at his side his shoulders slighting hunched that dark glare of murderous intent in his eyes.

"Get hands off my fucking sister" he snarled


"Emerson! Language!" I Scolded pulling him back, I half expected Roman to be angry at his action but instead, he chuckled.


"Alright, easy there pup. I don't want a fight" Roman assured a half-smirk playing on his lips as he held his hand up.


"I'm sorry Roman, he not usually this aggressive" I noted hinting at Emerson to back down. "Emers, Roman is the Alpha of Berry's pack" I added nudging at my brother.


"And I care because" he growled back


"You know Kid, talking to any other alpha like that would get your tongue cut out"  Roman  challenged, 

"Isn't it past your bedtime or something Emerson?" I questioned trying to break the tension.


"It's Saturday." He reminded through gritted teeth eyes not leaving  Romans.


"I'm sure you still have homework or something better you could be doing" I instead


"Nope" he stated 


"You've got five seconds to get your ass inside that house. Or else" I demanded

"Or else what?" He challenged.



"I don't know just get inside" I  admitted shoving him towards the door.


"Two minutes. then I'm coming back out" He warned storming inside.


"And Ro says I'm overprotective" Roman chuckled.


"For some reason, it's only when Quinn and I bring, as he likes to put it strays home" I shrugged shaking my head.


"Are you calling me a stay, sweetheart?" Roman hummed, his voice changing into a playfully taunting tone as he closed the gap between us.


"I... uh... uh.... no?" It was more of the question than an answer his closeness instantly turning me into a rambling mess of nerves. Roman chuckled.


"I'll see you around" he winked pecking the top of my head before retreating down the stairs. "Trash panda" he teased  exiting the yard


A loud frustrated groan escaped my lips and the unwanted and dreaded nickname.