CHAPTER 3
RORY'S POV
I stood in front of the bathroom mirror washing off the blood on my hands and cleaning off some that had splattered on my face.
I removed my shirt and threw water on my face. I closed my eyes as the cold water dripped down to my chest.
I heaved a deep sigh and opened my eyes. They immediately locked in on the little tattoo I had on my chest.
"Latifa…" is my little sister's name. Today was the anniversary of her death, and she didn't die alone. She died along with my parents. They all left me alone in this cold world.
The memories of that day still haunt my dreams, but it made me the strong man that I am today.
"I am sorry about today." The voice of my second in command filtered in.
I didn't bother turning because I already knew it was him.
"I know how you like to visit their gravesite on this day every year. It's like a ritual for you, and we interrupted that." He continued to say.
And he wasn't wrong. It was the only day in the year that I allowed myself to go back to that moment.
I looked in the mirror and continued to wipe off the blood on my body. "It's no big deal, Kieran. We had more pressing matters. If we hadn't gotten there on time, we could have lost the little boy." I replied nonchalantly.
"Well, at least let's go out and celebrate. It's a happy day; we saved a little boy, and we now have one more addition to the community." Kieran smiled and clapped my shoulder.
"Yes, sure. Let's do that." I replied.
I inspected myself in the mirror again, making sure the traces of blood were gone. I should have probably taken a bath and washed off the blood scent from my body, but I am used to the smell now. It is the life I have chosen.
I looked rough. My beard hasn't been shaved in weeks, and my hair was starting to twist into locs. But despite what everyone was saying, I loved the look. It gave off a dangerous feeling that I loved.
I smiled in the mirror and left.
I entered my office, picked up my coat, and left with my men. It was raining heavily with thunderstorms, so we took the truck.
"Why is that fancy car parked over there?" One of the boys in the car asked.
I looked closer through the window. The rain poured heavily, making it cloudy and hard to see anything.
"It's too fancy to belong to this neighbourhood. Must have broken down. Come on, guys, let's help whoever it is." I said to them,
My boys didn't hesitate. They immediately jumped down from the car into the rain.
There are certain rules that come with this neighbourhood. First, when it is raining, do not take a small car out; take a truck. And second, don't wear fancy shoes; wear a boot.
So I was certain that whoever was inside that car was a privileged piece of shit, but that never stops me from helping.
I knocked on the tinted window to get the person inside to wind down, but there was no reply. Eventually, I realised whoever was inside was sceptical about opening it.
I wrote my intent on my phone and placed it on the window, and eventually the window opened. And it was just as I thought; from her dress, you could tell she was one of the entitled bunch.
"We will help you tow your car to the repair shop," I said in a cold tone and walked away.
Once we dropped the car off at the repair shop, we sped away without waiting around.
I didn't hate the entitled lot, but I also tried not to mingle with them. It's always better that way.
We walked into the bar and started to drink, discussing random stuff until one of my men pointed at something and burst into laughter.
I turned to where he was pointing, and the girl from earlier had just entered the bar.
"What is she doing here dressed like a fucking princess?" one of them said in between laughs.
"She looks so out of place with those heels and gown. How do they feel comfortable in those?"
"Maybe I should go talk to her. Act like a prince in shining armour. Tell her this is a rough neighbourhood and she needs protection; maybe she might agree to come home with me," one of the men said.
My eyes snapped to him. "Don't you dare!" I snapped.
They were all taken aback by my sudden outburst. I, too, was surprised. I wasn't one to be interested in just any lady, but I was starting to get intrigued by her.
"Are you okay, leader?" My second, Kieran, asked, watching me closely.
"I have my eyes on her. She is mine for the night." I replied with a smirk, "I will tease her for a bit, and we will see…" My voice trailed off.
My men howled and whistled happily. I am never interested in random meet-ups with girls, so I can understand why they are excited.
I stood up and made my way over to her. She had drunk a lot and was starting to get a little drunk. But the closer I got, the more I noticed her awaken.
Her body stiffened like she was aware that I was making my way to her. I could immediately tell from her body movement that she was a strong warrior.
I smirked. "This night might be thrilling after all," I muttered to myself.
As I got closer, she immediately jumped up, ready to attack me. I jumped back and threw my hands in the air.
"It's just as I thought. An agile warrior. Even in her almost drunk state, she is still aware of her surroundings." I thought to myself,
But suddenly the air shifted, and something snapped. I froze as the world suddenly stood still for a moment. The smell of cheap liquor mixed with the sweat of many people that had filled the bar was gone, and now my nostril was filled with a strong scent.
It smelled like lavender and honeysuckle. Not that I have perceived such before, but somehow it made sense to me.
"Mate!" my wolf yelled in my head, drawing me out of my thoughts.
"Mate…" I whispered, just at the same time she whispered the same.
"Oh no…this isn't right." She muttered, and I shared her sentiments.
"This isn't right! This isn't going to work!" I thought to myself.
This was supposed to be a happy moment, but for some reason, we both looked sad.
She sat down and poured herself another glass and immediately downed it. She poured another glass and offered it to me. She invited me to sit with her.
I took the drink from her and sat down immediately, downing the drink too.
We didn't say anything, but we knew that we were from two different worlds. And the worlds might never collide. I could tell from her strong aura surrounding her and also her dressing that she was a high-ranking wolf.
And I was certain that she must have noticed that I was from the run-down part of town.
Suddenly, I felt self-conscious. I should have shaved my beard or barbed my hair. But it is what it is.
So we just sat there drinking ourselves into a stupor.
"They said my car won't be ready until tomorrow. Would you mind taking me to a place I can lodge?" Her words were blurred, but her eyes were clear.
"Sure… come on," I said to her,
I helped her up, and not knowing where to keep my hands, I gently rested them on the nook of her back.
We made our way to the lodge close to the bar and checked in.
"Are you leaving?" She asked as soon as I turned to leave after getting into the room.
I turned around and clenched my fist. It was hard leaving her just after I found her. "Yes. We are both drunk; we should talk when we are sober." I replied.
She narrowed her eyes on me. "I am not drunk, trust me. My head is very clear."
"Mine too," I replied.
"That's perfect because I want you. I have waited so long for this day. And I know that we both have a lot on our minds, but one thing is certain." She paused. "We are mates." She said with a certain look in her eyes.
She strutted over, her steps confident, her eyes without a doubt. She placed her hand on my chest, and I gasped. I felt the shock and pull all over my body. The matebond was humming loudly, pulling us into each other, clouding our minds.
She hovered around my lips, and I froze, unable to breathe. And finally, she placed her lips on mine.
Fireworks….