My Promise
Sienna
It’s hard seeing this side of him when he’s always been the stronger one, the one in control. His fear of something happening to me again is intense, a reminder of how deeply I harmed him by leaving.
I hesitate, wondering if I should tell him about the threat to his life back then.
Helios threatened to harm him, and it terrified me, too.
Maybe telling him that would help. Maybe if he knew it was not his fault, that if those I loved weren’t threatened, that he would have been able to help me.
Maybe. Or maybe it would just do more harm than good.
Exiting the room, I spot him coming out of Theo’s room, wearing his clothes. Black pants with chains on the left side, a black shirt with a grey skull on it and something scrawled across it that I can’t quite read. Only the boots he’s wearing are his own.
Our eyes meet before he looks away and heads downstairs. I sigh, quietly deciding to go shower and get dressed before heading downstairs. I grab my clothes from Renji’s room and go take a quick shower.
Half an hour later, I’m ready, having used a bit of magic to dry my hair. It’s not something I do often, but sometimes when I’m short on time it just makes things easier.
I leave Renji’s room, texting Ahren before heading downstairs. Entering the kitchen, there’s a woman who looks to be in her thirties, who is most likely a member of the staff, cooking in the kitchen. She smiles cheerfully at me.
“Hello, I’m almost done with breakfast. Master Jayce told me what you like. I’ll bring it right out to the dining room,” she says swiftly, with energy that life hasn’t managed to steal from her, and I find myself smiling back.
“Oh, thank you. Do you need a hand?” I ask.
She shakes her head. “Not at all. I’m supposed to be the cook here, but I’m spoiled rotten; half the time I don’t even need to cook!
” she says as she flips the pancakes in the pan before she moves to the other pan and flips the bacon.
The kettle is on behind her, and there are two other pans on the cooker. “I’m Tania.”
“Well, in that case, I will let you carry on. It’s nice to meet you, Tania. I’m Sienna,” I reply.
“Oh, I know, Sienna Elektra Kendall Rossi, the future Tribrid Luna of the Blood Moon Pack!” She grins as she adds some eggs to another pan, and I simply stand there; something about hearing that full title hits in a way I didn’t even know was possible. It suddenly all feels real.
My heart thunders as I look around the kitchen, imagining living here one day.
I smile softly, thinking of a day when the war is over, a day where I can just be me, with Jayce. Maybe one day we could get married, too, and even have kids. Just the thought makes my eyes widen, and I shake my head.
Whoa there, girl, slow down; we have a long way to go yet.
I leave the kitchen and enter the dining room to see that Uncle Liam and Jayce are the only ones here. The older man smiles at me, and Jayce doesn’t even look up, still probably kicking himself over confessing how possessive he feels of me.
“Good morning. I heard training was lively today, thanks to you,” Uncle Liam says to me.
“Good morning. Yes, it was nice to meet everyone,” I answer, smiling back at him.
I walk around to him, about to reach for the chair beside him, when I freeze. What if this was Aunty Raven’s seat? I change tactics, quickly giving him a one-armed hug, hoping I didn’t overstep or come off as obvious.
Moving back, I’m about to walk around to Jayce’s side when Uncle Liam pulls out the chair beside him.
“Sit down,” he says. The warmth and sadness in his eyes tell me he knew exactly what had crossed my mind.
Taking the seat I had hesitated over, I pour myself some of the fresh orange juice as we wait for the food.
“So, Mom usually cooks breakfast, but today she and Dad had an early breakfast as they’ve gone out to town,” Uncle Liam says.
“Katara ate with them earlier, too. She’s at that age where she’s avoiding me at all costs, but at least she ate with them. ”
I nod. Even going out, everyone now travels under heavy guard, and we’re told not to go out at all unless it’s important, although we have broken that rule.
Jayce shakes his head just as Tania enters, holding a huge tray laden with a full English breakfast, as well as pancakes, Nutella and sliced berries.
Yum…
Oh, I do like those.
“Thanks, Tania,” Uncle Liam says as I smile at her, and Jayce mutters a small thanks before helping himself to some food. “Oh yes, Rayhan called earlier. He wonders if you have forgotten him,” he adds with amusement.
I blush, feeling guilty. “I know I should have called him…”
Uncle Liam chuckles. “He understands you may be otherwise distracted.” I glance up at Jayce, who just looks at me with that arrogant expression of his before looking away. Why does he look so infuriating yet so sexy? Urgh.
“Well, I think he’s missed you highly. We are all invited to the Rossi Mansion this coming weekend. I heard you were behind that idea?” he asks me, as I’m about to eat a square of my chocolate-covered pancake.
“Well, I was saying we needed something to look forward to; everything has been so gloomy as of late.”
Uncle Liam nods. “Yes, that’s true. I’m hoping for some good news in the coming weeks.
Alejandro has left Russia; he is on his way to Puerto Rico.
Kiara will also be flying out tonight; the babies will be here soon, and she can fill Alejandro in on her situation.
” His expression softens before he sighs. “I am worried about her.”
“Well, I hope the arrival of the twins will at least make it easier for them and uplift them,” I say quietly, glad Grandpa Al is reuniting with Aunty Kiara. She needs him.
“Aunty Kiara, without her healing ability, it’s a blow to the Dauntless as a whole. Dad, do you know exactly when she realised she lost her powers?”
“It was just a normal day. She was at the Night Walkers Pack, and she realised she couldn’t heal.”
Jayce frowns. “I might give her a call when I can…” He then looks at me. Has Ahren said anything to you? he asks before he looks away, almost instantly. Well, at least he’s not ignoring me.
I messaged him, but he hasn’t replied.
Jayce doesn’t even acknowledge my response. Ok, maybe he is ignoring me.
“You should give her a call; she’d appreciate it. Why do you ask, though?” Uncle Liam asks him as he eats some of his food.
“Just want to know if we can figure out anything else,” Jayce replies smoothly.
Uncle Liam nods. “That’s a good idea. Ah, yeah, if you don’t have anything better to do today, you should show Sienna around the pack.
Properly. And since you are both well and healed, I know Leo was enquiring about both of you.
” He smiles. “He’s probably waiting for your report that you’re both doing well now. ”
“Debatable,” Jayce mutters. “I’m sure Sienna’s already seen the pack, right?” He looks at me as if daring me to say otherwise.
“I’d love to have a tour of the pack,” I answer, smiling sweetly as I bat my lashes innocently. “If you’re willing to be my guide, of course.”
He looks away, not bothering to reply.
“That’s perfect then,” Uncle Liam says. “I’ve promised I’ll take Katara into town so she can do some shopping. Hopefully, it’ll be some bonding time between us.”
This time, when Jayce glances at me, there’s no mockery; he masks his emotions as unease fills me. Will she try to see her boyfriend? Would Uncle Liam be put in danger?
We need to tell him. He can’t be anywhere near that man.
“Sounds good. I think she needs that. Have fun,” Jayce replies to his father, completely ignoring me.
I stare at him, but don’t say anything, instead eating my food, not wanting Uncle Liam to think something is up.
They keep talking about pack stuff, and I wonder what’s going through Jayce’s mind. Only when Uncle Liam wipes his mouth and gets up, patting my head before he leaves the room and shuts the door behind him, do I turn to Jayce.
Why would you risk that?
He takes a spoonful of food before sitting back in his seat, chewing slowly, although he doesn’t even need his mouth to reply. We follow them, he says after a moment.
We can’t do that alone; we need backup, I say, shocked at what he’s suggesting.
There’s a high chance nothing will happen, but if Leo wants us to return – not to mention this weekend your dad’s planning, and then the dome – then we need to do something sooner rather than later about this fucking primordial.
But risking your father? We should tell him, I plead; just the thought of someone else losing their abilities makes me sick.
We can’t risk it; we just have to make sure we don’t fuck up. Unless you’re doubting that? he asks, cocking a brow.
Gods, this man!
I am not doubting it, but I am acknowledging the risk! I snap, glaring across at him.
Calm that temper, Darling; it doesn’t look good on you, he mocks.
I don’t care; I’m not trying to look good. I’m worried about Uncle Liam.
Jayce sighs as he sits forward, picking up a glass of water and gulping it down. If I tell Dad, he will not let Katara go anywhere, and I cannot afford that risk. We need to capture this person.
Then we need more than just us two and Ahren. We need Heaven and Allie as soon as possible, I speak.
Jayce puts his fork down and sits back, running his fingers through his hair. Ahren will be here within the hour with both of them. I think the five of us can handle this.
How do you know that? I ask, calming down a little.
We talked earlier.
I pout. Well, that wasn’t very nice, not including me, Ahren.
Right. You could have told me that to start with.
You didn’t really give me the chance to now, did you? he counters arrogantly.
Oh, stop making excuses; you asked me if Ahren contacted me. That was your chance. Or can you no longer multitask? I retort mockingly.
His eyes narrow, but I simply continue eating, staring back at him, refusing to look away first. If this is a battle of wills, then he needs to learn I’m also stubborn.
He looks away after a couple of moments, and I smile slightly.
Told you I can be stubborn. It’s in my blood.
After a moment, I can sense him looking at me again, but I don’t look up, simply continuing to eat my food.
After I’m done, I glance up and notice his eyes are fixed on my lips, and it’s almost as if he doesn’t even realise he’s staring. My heart thunders, and I’m extremely aware of his gaze shifting to my breasts. I’m wearing a fitted white top that fits snugly, paired with pale blue jeans.
I stand up slowly, and that’s when he realises he’s staring, blinking before he looks away, reaching into his pocket for his phone as if needing a distraction, the tension in the room loud in the silence.
I tuck my chair in before walking around the table towards him. He pauses from his scrolling but keeps his gaze on the phone, his heart steady.
I stop behind him, wrapping my arms around his shoulders. He tenses but doesn’t move to shrug me off. I bury my head in his neck, my nose rubbing the exact spot my mark sits. His scent fills my nose, and I inhale deeply, suppressing the moan that almost escapes me.
“What are you doing?” he asks quietly.
“Reminding my mate that he’s the only one I love.
You don’t need to ever worry about me talking about another man, because the only one I want is you.
Now and forever. Even if you want to keep pushing me away, I’ll keep pulling you close.
In this game of push and pull, I’m going to win,” I promise softly, placing a soft kiss just below his ear.
He swallows hard, his Adam’s apple bobbing, making my core clench.
I move back, wishing he’d say something – anything.
Even though I know he isn’t going to, I can still hope.
I run my fingers through his hair before I turn away, making to walk towards the door when he grabs hold of my hand, stopping me.
I turn to look at him, my heart hammering as his eyes snap up to mine.
“Suit up, we’re leaving in twenty.”
I nod, twisting my hand in his hold so I can lace my fingers with his for a fleeting moment, giving his hand a gentle squeeze before he lets go.
“Ok,” I answer softly.
I walk to the door, and it feels like one of the hardest things to do. When I reach for the door handle, I pause and look over my shoulder at him. He’s watching me, his face unreadable.
“I love you, Jayce Westwood, only you,” I say. He knows it, but I still want to remind him, even if I wish I could hear it back.
I leave the room just as my phone buzzes. I take it out and read the message that is written in Arabic.
AHREN: We’ll see you soon, sister.
I clutch the phone to my chest, a wave of relief washing over me. ‘We’ll’ meaning the girls are with him.
Perfect.