Chapter 185
95
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Blackstone no longer feels the same as it used to. I’d be lying if I said that it didn’t make me nervous to be back at the place where Ragnar and I both nearly died. To the place that was dangerous even after Santiago was no longer a threat to me. It feels a lot like returning to tempt fate all over again.
However, now that we’re here, a weight has been lifted. My necessary military training is complete. I made quite a few friends on the journey back, and I have to admit that I am very proud of the progress I’ve made. I’m not that scared little girl running around not knowing what was what anymore. At least, that’s what I want to believe.
The moment I step out of the private jet behind Ragnar, my eyes meet my grandmother’s and right beside her, Ana’s. The two of them try their best not to show how happy they are, but the shift in their posture gives them away.
“Watch your step, Soph,” Elder Baldr says from behind me. Ragnar moves as slowly as he possibly can to ensure that I don’t try to get past him or trip over myself.
I can’t really complain, nor do I feel like his getting overprotective is misplaced. We have a track record, and the only thing I will never fight him on is keeping me safe until our son is in our arms. Maybe the way we found out wasn’t ideal, but I don’t know. Given who we are, I think it was perfect.
When we stop in front of our guards, I wave at the cameras on the sidelines as they escort us to the waiting cars. This is the first time we’re all riding in a limo together, and it feels a little stuffy. The silence is heavy as we ride through the crowd that would probably tear us apart if we were out there.
“This feels good,” my grandmother breaks the silence when we’re all on the road back to the castle. “Welcome home.”
“Thank you,” the two of us say in unison. We glance at one another and laugh.
“You two need some separation time,” Ana says, shaking her head.
“You can try,” Ragnar scoffs.
I clear
my throat when I see there’s a ring on a very important finger. She immediately tries to cover it with her other hand. I huff and turn my attention from her, and I see that she doesn’t like that she’s upset me. Nothing has changed. I can still feel my presence in her system as it was the day I learned my affinity did that,
“Is Ivar here?” I ask.
“Yes, coincidentally,” my grandmother answers without hesitation. “Kaylee has finished her third reformation program.”
“You think it’s sticking this time?” Ana scoffs.
“It stuck the first two times. She’s climbing rank,” I say before she can say anything else. “It’s different for wolves. They can’t physically keep up.”
“Why hasn’t he turned her yet?” she argues.
Chapter 185
55 vouchers
“Her body wasn’t physically strong enough. She’s of alpha rank. I’m glad she’s here. Maybe I can take a look to see where else we need to improve.”
“Why do you speak as if the two of you have been in touch?” my grandmother asks.
“Because we have. She has no problem speaking with me. Her issue is with Ivar and the way he behaves around other females. You should know exactly what I’m talking about,” I say and glance over at the elder in the car with us.
“I wasn’t aware you were on speaking terms,” Elder Baldr says, his tone clipped, knowing that I just took a shot at both of them.
“No, I don’t think we are. However, she trusts that as a medic, I will have her best interests at heart. Always. She’s not wrong. I don’t understand how it’s been two years, and none of you is over this.”
“We don’t all have your forgiving nature, my love,” my grandmother sighs.
“Clearly,” I agree. “Is it okay if we have one dinner as a family? Ragnar and I have something very important to tell you all. If it’s not too much to ask. Kaylee will be a part of that. As she is Ivar’s mate and a part of our family.”
“I hate you sometimes,” Ana sighs.
“You and your brother will be there as well, right? And your situation,” I look down at her hand.
I’m actually very upset that she didn’t tell me she was seeing anyone. We talk almost every day. I feel betrayed. I tell her everything. Mostly. Not the weird stuff with my mate, but definitely everything else.
“I didn’t tell you because I didn’t know how you were going to react,” she says. Ragnar snorts and starts to laugh.
“What does that mean?” I ask.
“It’s Xavier,” she says under her breath. Everyone looks over at her.
“You’re engaged to the Rogue King?” I ask.
“Former Rogue King. He’s not going back. Fuck those dogs,” she scoffs. “You all know this evil fuck is one of us. And I want to keep him. So, yeah. I am engaged to Xavier.”
“Nice,” I laugh.
“That is not nice. They’re insane,” Elder Baldr growls.
“Right. They’re perfect for each other. Think of how cool the Rogue faction of our race is going to be. It’s this. or she adds him to her collection of criminals. He can do a lot more for us out here than stuck in a glass box for the rest of his life.”
“See, Ana looks at my grandmother. “She gets me. She always has.”
“So, you’re okay with this union?” my grandmother asks.
10:05 Mon, May 18
Chapter 185
Why not? They’re both from royal bloodlines. We’re kind of short on those now.” I remind them.
“Huh.” Elder Baldr huffs. “I didn’t think of that. I guess I’m just afraid of the bat shit crazy mayhem they re going to cause.”
“Think of it this way. They’re going to be doing the bat shit crazy mayhem you don’t want to do for you.”
“You’re welcome,” Ana adds.
“So, why did you think Sophie would react badly?”
“Because they’re basically best friends,” she says like it’s a matter of fact.
“You talk to Xavier?” Ragnar turns his entire body to look at me.
“Am I not allowed to?” I ask, not sure why he has a problem with that. “You know he’s linked to me like she is. I think because we’re similar in wolf types that I can sometimes feel when he’s overwhelmed or very angry.”
“And you didn’t think this was something I needed to know?”
“Well, you hate him. I figured it would bother you if I brought it up,” his eyes spark red, and he turns away from me, shaking his head. “I think that if you had a problem with me being friends with him, you should have said something”
“And how would I have known that you were friends with this asshole?”
“You tap my phone,” I remind him. His head whips back towards me. He’s between getting caught and being angry with me. “You’re not going to tell me who I get to be friends with.”
“We’ll see,” he says, smacking his teeth and turning away to let me know he’s done with this conversation. I smile and lock in on the water inside of him. He sways and slowly turns to look at me. “Sophia,” he growls, a low warning. I’m surprised he can still do that. “Stop.”
“It would be so peaceful if you slept until dinner or better yet, slept through it. I’m sure I can deliver our message just as well,” I shrug. He gasps, fighting how tired I’m making him feel at the moment.
“You’re an asshole,” he groans. “Fine, do whatever you want.”
He takes a deep breath when I release him. Her rotates his shoulders and stretches, trying to get his blood pumping faster. I sit back satisfied with this, and the others look away, trying their best not to laugh.
“Thanks, flame ball,” I laugh. “You’re the best.”
veda
az
