Chapter 45: Chapter 45

/Aiden's POV/

Liam was eagerly waiting for me in the packhouse. Ria tried to persuade me to check her collection of coats she got from the mall, but I had urgent matters to attend—like checking the contract, Derek sent us.

My beta was not alone. He's sitting at a round table, a tray with steaming tea right in the middle, and two other persons are on the opposite side. The first one's my dad who's shirt was still wrinkled and not done up all the way, but the other one was clad in impeccable suit. Our lawyer. They both looked at me, two pairs of eyes assessing curiosity, one pair brightening up with a smile.

"Aiden!"

The Pack Alpha was mulling over whether to get involved in a war or not. It was a no brainer for me because it's my friend asking for help. Even though Derek Cassano refused in the beginning. Not only that, but we may also gain monetary benefits and a lot of income for the pack.

"Are you sure about this, son?"

I sighed, pushing the mop of hair away from my face. "Yes."

Deep lines marred my fathers face; his lips pulled together. It painfully reminded me that he's getting older. When was he going to entirely give up the Pack Alpha duties? I have been bugging him since last year to take it easy and let me do all the work. He was not the one to listen.

"When do you leave?"

"In two days."

"Have you told Rose about it?"

I bristled at the question, my mind automatically picturing Rose. The fragile omega almost stayed quiet and refused to acknowledge me on our way back. She headed straight to the room, and I locked the cabin before walking out of there. No point of forcing her to talk when she's not in the right mindset.

Her face appeared exhausted, legs barely holding her as she dragged herself to the guest room. It must have been a pain for her to recall that incident and the marks those rogues left behind.

"Aiden?"

I shook my head, pulling out of the thoughts. "Yes?"

"I think you should inform Rose about your travel. She's your mate, after all."

My mouth twisted, stomach sinking as I tried to imagine the look on her face. Probably she will be celebrating for not having someone to set her in line every single time. Or maybe visit her parents in the meantime. That was a sensitive topic, and after the way they acted on our wedding, I didn't bring it up.

"I will."

***

A stinging pain sat right behind my forehead, pressing against my eyes from inside the head, exhaustion clinging to every fibre of my body. How could Ria leave her behind? That's the only thing haunting me as soon as I heard her reply.

Rose was trailing in front of her when my friend suddenly left her side. I pushed my feet tightly against the ground, resisting the urge to curse out loud. When questioned about Rose, Ria acted so calm and quickly brushed me off.

I palmed my temples, nostrils filling with her scent. And suddenly, I was aware of the distance between us. Shaking my head, I averted my eyes, forcing myself to distract myself instead of staring at her.

"I'll talk to her later."

If Rose hadn't shopped anything, it meant that she didn't get any warm clothes. My eyes automatically shifted to the window that gave the clear view of dark clouds. It may snow in a couple of days again; maybe another blizzard will accompany. An ugly feeling settled in my chest at the thought of Rose going through the same thing as last time.

I was suddenly reminded that Rose still didn't know about my phone call with Liam. Also, the words from my father from earlier echoed in my ears.

"There's something else you should know. I will be leaving with my beta in two days."

Rose stayed quiet, didn't even move, her legs pressed together. She's just sitting on the lavish leather sofa, small and almost swallowed up by her jumper and parka.

"Uhh...may I know where are you going?"

"To help a pack at war. It's my friend, Derek Cassano. Liam called me while we were at the mall and told me about it."

Rose didn't show any sign that she's registered my words. Not that I expected the omega to react immediately. The silence was once again interrupted by the continuous ticking of the grandfather clock that's in one of the adjoining rooms. I was starting to find it irritating. My legs shifted, wringing my hands, looking out towards the window where everything was at delusory peace.

The omega looked up, and our eyes meet, hers so clear and blue and piercing right through my chest. "Oh. So you are leaving in two days?"

"Yes, that is correct."

"Okay."

A huff left my lips. That's all? I was expecting more resistance and reaction from her side. After all, Omegas are whiny and clingy when it comes to mates, making all about themselves. Why wasn't she complaining about anything?

"You will have to stock up on groceries and supplies. Liam won't be around to help you. Caden will be managing the Pack in my absence as I am taking all my best guards along with me."

Rose appeared explosive and fragile at the same time, chewing on her bottom lip. I was caught between being terrified of breaking and setting her off. Mostly I was scared of saying the wrong things or doing the bad stuff because it's gone so wrong already.

"I can go tomorrow then. Liam can take me to the nearby mart."

Suddenly an idea popped into my head. I didn't know why but I thought of going to the shopping mart with her. Besides, I did have to pick up some essentials from there for our trip. Clearing my throat, I slowly turned to her.

"Or maybe we could go together now."

"Now?"

"Why not? I have to pick up some stuff and start packing anyway."

The omega hesitated for a second before bobbing her head. "Sure."

***

Once she agreed, I retrieved to my room to dress, dragging my feet towards the full-length mirror in the corner. I looked like a pure mess, hair askew and curls tangled unmanageable. My skin looked puffy, while my eyes were wide and inexplicably green against the light. I tossed a cardigan I hardly ever used atop a white shirt, running my hands through my hair in a vain attempt to tame the disarray of curls atop my head. Exhaling a deep breath, I walked out of the room.

"Alpha", Rose whispered as she stood on the edge of the door. Her eyes were too blue, crinkles deep in the skin beneath. As I cautiously approached, she didn't hesitate to flicker her eyes over my hand.

"Are you ready to go?" I breathed, all of a sudden self-conscious about my appearance. I had never, not for a moment, in her presence even considered the way I looked or dressed.

Her eyes, large and confused, kept narrowing on to my hand, her face twisted into a pained grimace. Maybe she was noticing the red, purplish spots spreading around the bruised knuckles.

"Can I see your hand?" She mumbled, hesitantly reaching for it. This time I complied, and let her carefully take it in hers. The knuckles were indeed severely bruised and swollen, and I wondered if the reason it had gotten this bad was the lack of ice. I suppressed a wince, the urge to press my palm to her burning cheek, and asking her not to worry.

The omega was standing so close that her body heat entirely engulfed my still shivering figure. Rose made a soft sound in the back of her throat, her lips falling apart as her fingers ghosted over the marks. "They look so badly bruised."

My silence wasn't awkward, but it still stretched on and made me feel unsettled in my skin. I was raw and exposed, letting myself be observed by someone, especially Rose. Pulling back my hand, I composed myself and shook my head. "I am fine. They will heal tomorrow. Let's go already."

She didn't look convinced at my lie but quickly recovered, bobbing her head and walking past me.

***