Chapter Sixteen

Roan Roan’s dad stood at the kitchen counter, wearing a smile and a pair of pajama pants. He agreed with Sullen. It was midday where were their clothes? His dad was normally up and at the pack house by this time. “Hey, son,” he said, glancing over Roan’s shoulder, he pulled him in for a hug. “I won’t lie. I’m surprised you got her here. Especially after the way Samantha described her,” he whispered. "And her running all the way to the city on foot to get away from you." Roan didn't need a reminder. “It wasn’t easy, Dad, and I had to bribe her to give us a chance for a month. If she doesn't love me by the end of it, she can go back to the city." His dad looked a little shocked at first, and then he winked. “You can do a lot of things in a month, son.” Roan chuckled, though he didn’t want to imagine what went on in his house when no one was visiting. Sullen walked into the room with a giddy Samantha. “I’m going to heat the kids up some leftovers from last night. Do you want some?" "No, coffee is fine for now," his dad said. Roan cleared his throat. “Thank you, Mrs. Samantha. But I need to go check on the rogues that were caught when I was gone. Maybe we can have dinner together tonight? I'd love a home-cooked meal. I've been eating takeout for days." Mrs. Samantha gave Sullen a look. "Did you not offer to cook for Roan, dear?" "Seriously, Mom? He was stalking me." Mrs. Samantha ignored her. “Of course, we can have dinner!” she said, shutting the fridge door. “I can make that chicken and broccoli casserole that you like, Kevin.” His dad nodded. “That sounds great since our last dinner didn’t go as planned.” He dipped a spoon into his coffee. “Maybe we can get through it without any construction work needed.” Roan smirked. “No promises. You all sit tight,” he said, giving Sullen a knowing look. She narrowed her eyes to slits. “Funny. Where would I go? Your pack would catch me. I’m sure you have them guarding every inch of this place.” “You’d be right. See you soon.” Roan jogged out of his dad’s house, and toward the pack house. The cells were underneath the house, in what used to be a basement, but they turned it into a place to keep their prisoners. Jacob stood in the corner of the room, scrolling his phone when Roan made his way down the steps. The smell of earth and dirt surrounded the room. The windows on the opposite side were small but gave just enough sunlight for Roan not to feel like a monster keeping them in the dark. The first rogue that was caught sat in the corner of his cell, his forearms braced against his knees. He smiled at Roan. “Look who it is … the alpha. I’ve been around many packs and none of them have their Beta watching several rogues while he goes on a mini-vacation.” Roan smiled. “I guess that makes me special then, huh?” He turned his back to the rogue and looked at Jacob. “Any news?” “None of them are talking.” Roan nodded. “Maybe a few more days without food will help them out.” Jacob elbowed Roan and gestured for the stairwell. Roan followed him up, glancing back over his shoulder at the first rogue who smiled at him. Roan tried not to hate people, but that guy was riding his nerves. Jacob took a deep breath once they made it onto the first floor of the pack house. “Dude is insane,” Jacob mumbled. “He’s been mumbling to himself and scratching like he’s on drugs. I saw a pack tattoo on his shoulder, but I couldn’t get close enough to figure out what pack. Maybe when he’s asleep tonight we can check?” Roan nodded. “Yeah. I could contact the alpha of the pack, and find out why he went rogue, or if he was forced out.” Jacob scratched his chin. “Good idea. So,” he said, clapping his hands together and rubbing them, “what’s going on with our new Luna? I mean, damn, she scared Whitney to death. She’d never admit it, but I could smell her fear.” “She shouldn’t have come out like she owned the place, asking me questions about my decisions.” “I agree,” Jacob said. “But you know that she’s liked you since you were kids. She probably assumed she'd become Luna one day if you didn't find Sullen." “She’ll get over it,” Roan said, folding his arms over his chest. “Keep a guard downstairs at all times. We need an ear close by. They have to know one another. The odds are slim that they all wandered onto the pack lands by accident. I have some paperwork to do in my office. Can you be sure to double down the security around the perimeter?” “You think more rogues are coming?” “No, that’s in case Sullen gets the urge to run. I don’t trust her just yet.” Jacob’s smile turned into a laugh. “Dude, you’ve got your hands full with that one.” “You’re telling me,” Roan mumbled. Jacob slapped his shoulder. “How did you get her here?” “I took her like an ass. But when you told me about her father, I figured I needed to act fast, and get her to talk to me. I didn’t want her to get on a plane to outrun me. I—I bribed her to stay a month. She’s trying to prove that we aren’t meant to be, and I’m trying to prove to her that she can trust me. What a sideshow this is going to be.” “Can I give you some advice?” he asked. “Says the mateless Beta.” Roan grinned. Jacob flexed his muscle. “This mateless Beta gets plenty of shewolf attention.” “In your dreams, I’m sure,” Roan said. “Be … nice to her. Take her for a midnight run. Show her how you handle the pack in a way that isn’t domineering, or arrogant. Though, that may take some practice.” “I have been nice to her, Jacob. I’m scared to let her run because I’m afraid she’ll run from me.” “Show her you trust her, even if you don’t. Run with her. Take her to the pond on the east side of the property.” Roan knew showing her trust would give her a chance to run, but Jacob was right. “We’re having dinner tonight with Dad. I think that’s a good idea.” “See, having me as your Beta is the best thing that’s ever happened to you.” “I’ll let you know after our swim tonight whether I’ll agree to such extremities.”