Chapter 156: Chapter 156

~ NYSSA

After that cryptic statement, Rowan led me to the dining table where a plate of sandwiches neatly cut into triangles sat.

My eyes widened in surprise. “You didn’t have to—”

“Eat,” he cut me off, placing a glass of fruit juice next to me. “When you’re done, we’re leaving.”

“Where are we going?”

He shrugged. “You’ll see.”

“That’s not an answer.”

“It’s the only one you’re getting.”

I didn’t believe him, not until he ignored me the next two times I asked.

He stayed silent whenever I brought up any questions regarding our day and was quick to change the subject. By the time I finished breakfast I was equal parts frustrated and impressed that he managed to keep silent for so long.

I took a shower and changed into the clothes he left on the bed. He must have asked Aria to bring me something to swear because I had nothing on except the clothes I used to travel all day yesterday.

“Are you really not going to tell me shit?” I asked as we drove through the busy pack town.

He shot me a bored look. “Aren’t you tired of getting told no?”

“Aren’t you tired of telling me no?”

His lips curved into a smile. “We’re almost there.”

“And where is there?”

Once again, he fell silent, turning his attention onto the road ahead.

I huffed, crossing my arms over my chest as I focused on the road ahead of us. Despite not knowing where we were going, I wasn’t worried. I trusted him, and I knew that he would never put me in a place where I felt like I was in danger.

He pulled the car to a stop and I frowned when I realized that we’d driven around the town only to come right back to the house.

“Are you kidding me?” I asked but he didn’t respond, he just got out of the car.

“Are you coming?”

I hesitated for a moment before hopping out and joining him. He held out a hand to me and I didn’t even realize when I took it. His hold was firm, his hand large and warm around mine. Something about the way he held my hand kept me grounded.

“Why are we back here?” I asked, taking in the house fully.

It was a beautiful shade of beige, with large windows on the top floor and a beautiful garden at the side of the house. it looked like something out of a fantasy novel, with vines crawling up the side of the house.

“This is my mother’s house. It was her home away from home; her solace for lack of a better word. When I was younger, this was the only place that felt like a home to me. She taught me to swim here, she read to me here. This was also where she died.”

My heart sank at that admission. “I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be, she loved it here. I cannot imagine a better place for her to have died. She fucking hated that palace.”

“I don’t blame her,” I mumbled. When I realized what I said, my hands flew over my mouth. “I’m so sorry, I didn’t—”

“It’s alright,” he assured me with a small smile of his own. “I fucking hate it too, but I’ve grown to tolerate it. Do you want to see the back?”

I nodded eagerly.

He led me through the side garden and I could not help but marvel at the flowers and the tall grass on either side of the stone path. I expected to see a small open lawn at the back with a bunch of space, however, my mouth dropped open as I took in everything; from the old swing set to the pool on one side of the house, and finally the large trees surrounding a gazebo.

The back of the house was even larger than the front.

Rowan led me over to the swing, settling on one despite the protesting squeak. The metal looked worn from age, but it seemed stable enough to hold out weight so I sat as well.

“It’s beautiful,” I admitted, taking in the sight. “Truly. Although I still think you could have just brought me here without having to take me around the pack.”

His lips curled. “Where would be the fun in that? I liked seeing you sweat.”

I rolled my eyes. “You’re insane.”

He just shrugged as if I told him the sky was blue.

Silence settled over us but it wasn’t awkward. The breeze was soft and cool, and the sun was high in the sky but hidden behind clouds so it wasn’t too hot. It was a perfect day.

“Why did you bring me here?” I asked softly. “Of all places.”

“Because I wanted to.”

I shook my head. “That’s not an answer.”

He exhaled deeply, turning his attention to me. “I brought you here because… it’s yours.”

I blinked twice. “What?”

“The house… it’s yours.”

“No way!” I exclaimed, rushing to my feet. “This is your mother’s house, you can’t just give it to me. That’s absurd.”

“I’m not giving it to you.”

“But you said—”

“She did,” he finished softly. “Before she died, she said that she wanted the house to be a safe space for someone else as it was for her, so she told me that when I found the woman I wanted to settle down with, that I should give it to her.”

I stumbled back in shock, my mouth dropping open. I waited for him to tell me that this was some kind of fucking joke but he didn’t.

“I haven’t even agreed to be your mate,” I managed out. “What if I say no?”

“It’ll still be yours,” he shrugged. “You’ve ruined me for every other woman, Nyssa. It would not be right to give this house to anyone that isn’t you.”

I shook my head, taking a step back, but he was on his feet immediately, closing the distance between us. He didn’t touch me, he didn’t have to, I could feel him everywhere. It was not enough and too much all at once.

“This isn’t me trying to convince you to make the choice,” he continued softly. “If you said no right now—”

“Yes.”

He blinked twice, obviously caught off guard by my words. “What—”

“Yes, I’ll be your mate.”

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