Rise of the Dragon Princess

CHAPTER 14

~WREN~

It isn't until late in the afternoon that I learn that Roman and some of the werewolves are not in school. I have been expecting Commander Alistair to call me for another session but she doesn't. I'm not sure I want to discuss my past any more but I have to know how to fight without hurting the people around me. I need to learn how to control my power.

To do that, I have to know what I am first. Every other student has a clique except me. Just because the witches treat me like I'm one of them doesn't mean that I fit in. It is why I go to look for her in at her house that evening after not finding her in her office. I don't want to be there for long. Roman can't find me there because I don't know what to say to him.

Instead of finding Alistair, I find Brooke. She opens the door for me and stands back in surprise. I remain standing there unsure of what to say to her. Does she live here?

"Roman is not here," she states dismissively.

"I am not here for him."

"Oh," she smiles and shows more interest. "In that case, do come in."

"Is Commander Alistair around?" I ask ignoring her inviting gesture.

"No sorry," she sucks in air through clenched teeth. "I'm afraid it's just me. Maybe I can help you."

Brooke is being so different. Not once has she rolled her eyes while talking to me and somehow her words aren't hidden behind sarcasm or mockery. She is not the girl I met just yesterday. What changed? Isn't she aware of my fated relationship with her boyfriend?

I shake my head and turn to leave with my unanswered questions. I have barely taken three steps away from the door when she calls after me.

"Wren?" I turned around. "Or maybe you can help me."

"Help you?" I ask rhetorically. "How exactly?"

"It's stupid, kind of." There comes the eye roll I was expecting but at least it's not directed to me. "I'll have to show you for you to understand." I hesitate. Is she planning to do something to me once I'm inside that house alone with her? "Please. Roman will kill me if he gets back right now."

She is worried. That, she is not faking. I don't have any reason to help her with whatever it is that got her speaking to me politely. She can't hurt me. At least now I know that I can defend myself if she tries to. I sigh and walk back.

"Okay, show me."

I walk into Roman's room behind her and get distracted by what I find. The room is in chaos. I know it is his because I recognize some of his clothes. I want to ask her what exactly happened there but I hold back and take my time. I stop by his wardrobe and notice a huge dent on the side. I turn to Brooke furrowing my brows.

"I was angry," she states flatly.

"Okay," I nod. I have already figured as much. "So, I'm guessing you want me to help you get everything back in order."

"If it is not too much to ask. I can't do it alone before Roman gets here."

"Why would I want to help you do that?"

"Because I know a thing or two about being forced to fit in and I can help you with that." I look at her questioningly. "You and I are alike. We are not like Sage or Roman. For us it takes more than just a roar or the power to bend air with our hands to fit in. You already know that."

"It doesn't mean I want your help. For all I know, this could be a scheme you are using to eliminate a threat."

She chuckles, "Because of Roman?" I shrug silently. "I know better than anyone that competing with a bond born of nature and chosen by a supreme being is a losing game. Furthermore, Roman has never harmed someone for me. Why fight for someone who will never fight for me?

If she is playing a bigger game here, she doesn't show. I know I can't trust her that easily but she does have a point. Being a hybrid, she is the only person close to understanding my different nature and if she can help me somehow, why not give it a shot?

"Fine. Just know that if you dare cross me, I will separate your bones from your body one by one," I warn confidently.

She smiles, "We are not there yet. And I'm sure we won't get there."

Half an hour later, we are done rearranging everything and I decided to take my leave. My encounter with Roman on the stairs forces me to stop abruptly. We did not hear him coming in and the sight of the gun in his hand makes me freeze.

I want to avoid his questions and just disappear but he is acting more calm than he was in the morning. After my conversation with Brooke, the urge to be away from him isn't as strong as before and the moment he stops me, I don't fight him. His dinner invitation however surprises me but it is my response that surprises me even more.

I have to admit. What Roman dis for me in the hallway is something no one else has attempted to. Sure he hurt someone but it was for me. I don't know what that means in his books but I'm happy he stood up for me. Maybe not in the best way but he is trying. Maybe running isn't what I should be doing. I should get to know who he really is when he is not being 'Alpha Roman Grayson'.