Roxy
It had been two whole days since we arrived, and I’d managed to keep myself scarce.
We weren’t supposed to start “training” until next week since this week was meant for us to familiarize ourselves with the place. Yet, after just 48 hours, I already wanted to leave. If only I’d listened to Aiden’s suggestion about finding a different housing arrangement. Living here for four months felt like it would be nearly impossible.
My wolf wouldn’t stop nagging, leaving me with a constant, never-ending headache. How was I ever going to stay focused on the mission when she wouldn’t cooperate?
And Ace wasn’t making it any easier. Every few hours, he would walk past my room, lingering just long enough for me to sense his presence before moving on. Last night, I could’ve sworn he sat outside my door for hours. His scent was becoming suffocating, and I never imagined resisting him would be this hard.
I knew I was hurting him, and the bond must be ten times harder for him than it was for me. But what choice did I have? All I wanted was to complete this mission and leave. Yet, a part of me—a part I tried to suppress—wanted to make it better for both of us.
I couldn’t let that part win.
Frustrated and desperate for clarity, I realized there was only one person I could call—someone who always knew what to say.
I called Jane and told her everything, but her response wasn't what I expected.
“I told you this would happen! Now you have to deal with it,” Jane snickered on the other end of the line.
I rolled my eyes and let out a groan. “What do you mean I have to deal with it? I called you so you could tell me what to do, not to rub it in!”
“Rox, a mate bond is sacred. There’s no way you can resist him for long. I give you three more days,” she teased, and I could practically hear the smirk in her voice.
“Are you forgetting why I’m here? Why are you joking about this? I’m supposed to come through for us all, not fall for the enemy!” I sighed heavily. “Jane, you know better than anyone how much this mission means to me. If I get involved with him, there’s no way I can finish what I came to do.”
Her silence was deafening, and I knew my words had hit their mark.
“I’m sorry, Roxy. You know mate talk gets me excited…” she finally said, her tone softening. “But you’re right—this is too important. Look, it’s your choice to decide your priorities. I wouldn’t judge you if you chose him, but if you’re really sure about this, the only way to survive is to reject him.”
Her words felt like a punch to the gut. Reject him? Just the thought made me want to gag.
Rejections were brutal. If the rejecting wolf truly didn’t want their mate, it would be painless for them but agonizing for the other. How could I do that to Ace?
And if I wasn’t sure—if I still wanted him even a little—I would feel the pain too. I already knew deep down that I wanted him. In different circumstances, we would already be together.
I couldn't comprehend my attraction to this man—a man I barely knew. We’d exchanged only a handful of words, and yet, here I was, on the verge of tears because of him.
Just remember what they did to your people, Roxy. Remember the cause. You can do this, my subconscious urged, a steady reminder that had been my anchor for the past two days.
But deep down, I feared it was only a matter of time before that resolve began to waver.
“Roxy, are you still there?” Jane’s concerned tone brought me back to the present.
“Yeah, sorry,” I murmured, running a hand through my hair. “I just… I have a lot to think about.”
“I’m sorry this had to happen to you, Rox. You deserve nothing but happiness. I hope whatever decision you make brings you that,” she said sincerely.
“Thanks, Jane. I’ll keep you updated. And please, don’t tell anyone.”
“I wasn’t planning to. Take care, love,” she said before hanging up.
I let out a shaky breath, feeling both grateful and burdened by her words. Jane always knew how to lighten the mood, but she also had a way of delivering hard truths.
Lying back on my bed, I tried to process my next move. My wolf growled in protest, her restlessness mirroring my inner turmoil. If I went through with the rejection, she would do everything in her power to make sure I failed this mission. But if I didn’t, I didn’t see how I could survive the next four months.
Groaning, I dragged myself out of bed and onto the small balcony attached to my room. The cool wind hit me as I stepped outside, bringing with it a fleeting sense of calm.
The view was breathtaking. The forest stretched endlessly before me, its vibrant greens a stark contrast to my troubled thoughts. I watched as pups play-fought in the distance, their carefree energy reminding me of simpler times.
Maybe a workout would help. Physical activity always cleared my mind.
Changing into my training gear, I cautiously opened the door and peeked out, ensuring the coast was clear. Once I was confident Ace wasn’t nearby, I rushed downstairs, silently celebrating my small victory when I reached the kitchen undetected.
Calum and Lilly sat at the kitchen island, eating lunch.
“Hey,” I greeted politely, trying to mask my internal conflict.
“Here for lunch? There are some extra sandwiches if you want,” Lilly offered with a kind smile.
My stomach growled in response, so I took one and nibbled on it quietly.
“You’re actually sitting with us,” Lilly said, surprised.
Her comment stung a little. Was I already failing my mission? We were supposed to integrate ourselves, make them comfortable with us. Instead, I’d been hiding.
“I actually wanted to ask if someone could show me to the gym,” I said after finishing my sandwich. “I need a workout.”
“I’d be happy to take you, but you need Ace’s permission first,” Calum replied.
I frowned. “Why do I need his permission?”
“He wants to know when you’re leaving the house. If anything happens to you while you’re here, he’ll be in big trouble with your dad.”
“I can take care of myself,” I snapped, harsher than I intended.
“I know you can,” Calum said, unbothered. “But I have to follow his orders. He’s in his office—he won’t deny your request.”
“Can’t you ask for me?” I tried, pouting slightly.
Calum smirked knowingly. “I think you should go.”
Reluctantly, I gave in, not wanting to arouse more suspicion.
“Fine,” I mumbled, turning to leave.
"Remember what I said, Roxy," Lilly called out just as I reached the door. I paused for a moment, nodding as her earlier words replayed in my mind—her assurance that he was a good person.
A theory that I'd yet to prove.