Rosalinda sat in her car, her hands trembling as she dialed John's number. The warrior didn't answer the first two times. On the third attempt, his gruff voice came through.
"We need to talk," she said, trying to keep her voice steady.
"I'll reach you when I'm free." John's tone was dismissive, already done with the conversation.
"Alright. I'll be waiting for your call."
When the line went dead, John shook his head. He was tired of dealing with females like her. Too demanding, always wanting more than he was willing to give. He had no interest in anything serious. He wanted to enjoy the ride while it lasted, nothing more.
Any female he bedded should know her place, but Rosalinda was different. She matched his energy, wore him out completely. That was the problem. He wouldn't be contacting her again. They were done after their last encounter.
But Rosalinda smiled as she touched her stomach. She was carrying John's pup. This would change everything. He would have to take her seriously now. A new beginning awaited them both, whether he knew it yet or not.
That evening, I got home from the pack house earlier than usual. Tonight was important. I was meeting Richard's parents, and I needed time to prepare myself properly.
At seven o'clock sharp, I heard a car pull up outside. Richard was exactly on time, as always. I kissed my mother's cheek and told her not to wait up for me.
When I stepped outside, Richard got out of his car immediately. His eyes widened as he took me in.
"You look beautiful," he said, pulling me into his arms and kissing my temple. "You took my breath away."
"Thank you," I said, looking up at him. Something about his eyes caught my attention. They reminded me of someone, though I couldn't quite place who.
"Shall we?" He gestured toward the car.
Richard held the car door open for me. Once he got in beside me, he pulled me close and kissed me. His touch was gentle, unhurried. His fingers tangled in my hair as the kiss deepened.
I pulled back, laughing softly. "Won't your parents be waiting for us?"
"They will," he said, but his eyes stayed on me, admiring.
When we drove through the gates of a massive estate, my heart nearly stopped. I recognized this place.
"Isn't this Alpha Delmark's mansion?" I asked, turning to stare at Richard.
"Yes. I'm Richard Delmark, Alpha Delmark's son. Is that a problem?" He glanced at me as he headed toward the parking area.
"You didn't tell me you were..." I started.
"Alpha Delmark's son?" He finished my sentence, a small smile playing on his lips.
I nodded, unable to form words. Richard came from one of the most powerful families in the kingdom. He had never mentioned it. No wonder he had the courage to confront Alpha King Jack Hudson and threaten to leave the royal pack. He came from an equally influential bloodline. He had hidden his identity from me completely.
"What difference would it have made?" Richard said, taking my hand. "You fell for me as Richard, not as Alpha Delmark's son."
He squeezed my hand gently before stepping out and coming around to open my door. As I stepped out, he kissed my temple and wrapped his arm around my waist, leading me inside.
The first person I saw was Jane Delmark. The tall, elegant woman smiled warmly at us.
"Hello, Mother," Richard said, kissing her cheek. "This is Nonna, my girlfriend."
Jane opened her arms, and I went to her shyly. She hugged me tightly, as if she never wanted to let go.
"It's wonderful to meet you, Nonna," Jane said.
"My pleasure, ma'am," I replied.
We had just sat down to dinner when Alpha Adrian Delmark arrived. He had been in a closed council meeting but had left early to meet me.
"I apologize for being late," he said, kissing Jane on the lips. His eyes moved to Richard and then to me. "The council meeting took longer than expected."
"I thought you might miss meeting Nonna," Richard said, cutting into his meat. "But welcome home, Father."
"I wouldn't dare miss this," Adrian said, flashing me a warm smile.
When I saw Richard's father properly, my breath caught. It was impossible. The resemblance was there, clear as day. Richard had his father's eyes, but someone else looked even more like Adrian Delmark than Richard did. The similarity was uncanny.
"Hello, sir," I managed to say, returning his smile.
"Good to have you here, Nonna," Adrian said, taking his seat. The servant brought his meal, purely vegetables. Adrian Delmark was a vegetarian, I realized.
After dinner, Richard explained to his parents how we had met through Aurora. I was her best friend, and soon he would bring Aurora to meet them as well.
Richard took me to the garden where he had set up a grill. The night air was cool against my skin.
"Do you have other family in the kingdom?" I asked, trying to satisfy the curiosity gnawing at me.
"None that I know of. My uncle lives overseas with his family. My aunt passed away without having pups. Her mate left for another territory and never returned. Why do you ask?"
"Just curious," I said, glancing at my watch.
Richard caught the gesture and chuckled. "You want to leave tonight?"
"It's getting late," I said.
He moved closer, pulling me against him. "I won't let you go home tonight. You're staying with me. Call your mother and tell her."
He ordered clothes to be brought for me. As darkness settled over the estate, Richard led me toward his quarters. Instead of using the main entrance, he took me around the back of the mansion through another door. We entered a private wing with its own smaller sitting room.
His pictures covered the walls. I was about to ask if this was his personal space when he wrapped his arms around my waist and guided me upstairs.
His phone rang. He glanced at the screen and his expression shifted.
"Excuse me. It's Alpha King Jack Hudson," he said, opening the bedroom door for me before stepping through another doorway to take the call.
I stood alone in his bedroom, my mind racing with questions I couldn't answer.