Page 87 of Sienna Rossi: Beyond Shattered Trust

I almost scoff at myself but refuse to acknowledge it.

Entering my bedroom, I glance over at the sleeping Sienna on the bed. Shutting the door quietly, I drop onto the floor, leaning my head against the bed.

Now that we’ve marked one another, I don’t know if I need to have skin contact with her to keep those dreams of hers away, but just in case, it’s better to stay close.

Last night, I never would have thought I’d be marked within the next 24 hours. How things change in the blink of an eye.

Responsibility

Jayce

She was gone before I woke up, and she probably used magic or something because I didn’t hear her leave. She’s now in the garden, her hair up in a high ponytail, wearing tiny denim shorts with a baggy crop top. Let’s just say she looks fucking divine.

She’s hanging with Katara, who looks visibly upset, but they’re having a deep conversation.

I turn away from the window when Dad steps into his office, pushing up his sleeves.

“Everything alright, Jayce?” he asks.

I observe him for a moment, sensing the pain he’s masking. I give a curt nod. “Yeah, could you close the door behind you?”

He raises an eyebrow, worry glimmering in his eyes as he does as I ask. “What is it?” he asks as he walks over to his desk and leans against it, crossing his ankles as he folds his arms, eyes fixed on me.

“I had a few things I wanted to discuss with you now that I’m back. I do think – no, I know I need to go back to Russia, at least once, but after that, I want to know what your plans are for the future, plans as Alpha,” I speak quietly, crossing my arms.

He’s holding the weight of the world on his shoulders, and he’s doing a pretty good job of hiding his exhaustion, his pain, and his loneliness. He smiles, looking down as if weighing his answer. He knows I can tell when someone lies, so he’s probably considering how to word his reply; he’s always been smart.

“There is no specific plan. I don’t want to burden you with the title; I’m alive yet-”

“Don’t,” I cut in, my words sharp, my eyes burning blue as he looks up, his eyes warm.

“You will live, and you will see this war to the very end. I’m not losing another parent.”

“Jayce-”

“Think about your retirement, because once I’m back from Russia, I will take the responsibility as Alpha from you, but only if you feel I am ready and only if I am the one you want for that title,” I say softly. I want to ease his load; I want to show him I’m here for him to lean on, that he doesn’t need to do everything alone. Why does everyone around me feel they fucking need to do everything themselves?

He shakes his head. “It’s nothing like that. You will make an incredible alpha, and you are the rightful heir to this pack. That is not even questionable. I always said to your mother that you will be the greatest Westwood Alpha this pack has ever had, and that was before you became the Deimos King. You have all the positive traits that an alpha needs. But are you sure this is what you want? I don’t want you to choose this out of worry for me.”

And yet you couldn’t say you’re ok.

“I’ve never been more sure,” I answer.

He stands up and comes over to me, placing a hand on my shoulder as he looks outside, where Sienna has her arm around Katara, who is clearly crying.

“So, what do you say?” I ask. “Are you ready to take it a little easy?”

He nods slowly, his attention on Katara, his eyes filled with worry and sadness. “When you return from Russia, we will be here, ready to celebrate the new Alpha of the Blood Moon Pack. And I don’t need your intuition, but I can say with certainty he will take that title with his mate and Luna by his side.”

Our eyes meet, and I simply scoff, not denying it, but…

“There was something else I wanted to talk to you about.” I change the subject instead.

“Katara,” Dad states.

I nod as we both look to the girls outside. “She’s struggling, quite a lot.”

“I know, but she refuses to open up to me at all. I’ve tried. Mom’s tried, so has Dad. She just won’t say anything, so I’m glad to see she’s speaking to Sienna. Robyn has tried, too.”