Torn Between Tides

Chapter Thirty One

Roman ran his fingers on the gold medals decorating his neck as he stood on the podium. It wasn't a surprise to anyone that he had won all the competitions he was a part of.

But the medals meant nothing to the swimmer.

What mattered to him was on the stands.

All of his life, he had watched as family and friends of his fellow participants cheered them on. He watched them hug, no matter whether their loved ones won or lost. The support, the care... it was all foreign to Roman. He never had anyone pat his back and tell him that they were proud of him apart from his coach or teammates.

Sure, he had Ezra. But he never came to Roman's races. Roman understood why, but that didn't mean that it didn't hurt him to have no one.

But for the very first time, there was somebody in the bleachers that was there just for him. Someone that yelled his name, that stood up and clapped and cheered.

Colt was there for Roman, and it meant the world to the swimmer.

As soon as he was done, Roman all but ran to the werewolf, engulfing him in a tight hug. Colt was a little startled by the force at which Roman all but attacked and jumped on him, but he didn't mind as he returned the embrace.

Roman pulled back, only to connect his lips with the other man. They kissed, not caring about the shocked looks or stares or whispers. Neither gave a fuck about what the people thought. The two were in their own world.

Unfortunately, their moment didn't last too long as Roman was soon surrounded by his friends and teammates. Everyone was ecstatic as they congratulated their star athlete, and Colt felt a surge of pride course through him.

Colt had a smile on his face the entire time, which only turned into an annoyed frown when his gaze landed on Mitch Brookfield. The mayor's son was watching them with an angry expression, and Colt couldn't help but roll his eyes.

The mayor made his way to his son, not looking very pleased as the two spoke. Colt folded his arms in front of his chest as he watched the men interact. Mitch looked worried, as he glanced between his father and the Alpha. Finally, the mayor pulled him away, and the duo left the building.

"There's an after party," Roman spoke. "Are you coming?"

"I'll go wherever you go," Colt replied, and the swimmer broke out in a wide smile as he pecked the werewolf's lips.

"Sweet," Roman said. "I'm going to go change, okay? Wait in the parking lot for me?"

"Sure."

With that, they parted ways for the time being. Theo wrapped his arm around Colt as they walked out, a shit-eating grin on his face. Colt sighed, knowing exactly what was going on in the mind of his beta.

"Don't even think about saying a word," Colt muttered.

"What?" Theo pretended to be innocent. "I totally wasn't going to point how the last time we were here, you met your mate for the first time. And now after all your bitching and moaning...you guys are actually together."

"Yeah, yeah whatever," Colt hummed.

"You're willingly going to a college party for him too. Again," Theo whistled. "Damn, the mate bond must be strong."

"My fist is pretty strong too. Want to feel it against your face?" Colt retorted, making the beta chuckle. "Wait till you find your mate. You'll know how it feels then."

"Nah. I think I'm asexual," Theo stated. Colt turned to look at him, raising a questioning brow as the man continued. "Do ace wolves even have a true mate?"