The Pet🐾 (Completed)

Chapter 17

Ashley

As the car pulled away from the abandoned house, an awkward silence settled over us. I stared out the window until the building disappeared from view, then glanced back at Roman, who was focused on the road. I turned my gaze outward again, trying to make sense of everything, when he suddenly spoke.
"You tried to run away there, didn't you?"

I sank back into my seat and stared at my lap.
"Yeah... but I wasn't fast enough," I admitted.

Roman's voice was calm, almost amused.
"Just the fact that you managed to get as far as you did... that was impressive."

I looked up and laughed softly, remembering how I had gotten away.
"What are you laughing at?" Jasper asked, breaking the silence.

"I'm laughing at how I almost got away. I woke up and kicked one of the men in the face," I said, giggling. Roman laughed too, and the sound—his laugh—was the best thing I'd heard, right next to his voice.

I continued to explain how I had scared one of the men so badly that he had to call for help, though it backfired and they took my pajamas from me. I noticed Roman's knuckles turning white on the steering wheel. I glanced at the dashboard radio, and as if he saw me, Roman turned it on. I didn't recognize the song and let my eyes wander to the clouds outside. Minutes later, the rain started pouring down. I watched the world blur past and soon drifted back into sleep, slipping into a dream once again.

This time, I found myself standing in a forest beneath a full moon. Branches snapped, and I jerked toward the sound. A man dressed in white with a black wolf mask appeared. Another noise came from the opposite direction, and I saw a grey wolf.
"H-Hello?" I stammered, panic rising.

The two figures shifted places, appearing in different spots with each sound. Whispers echoed around me: "Don't judge us by our past" and "Our actions were not our choice." Other voices spoke too, but I couldn't make out the words. The masked man and the wolf repeated their phrases over and over.

Suddenly, a hum came from behind. I turned and saw a tall woman in white.
"You're the one," she said.

"What?" I whispered, confusion twisting my chest.

A loud rumble erupted behind me. I spun around, and the man in the white and black mask was suddenly right in front of me. I jumped back.
"Don't trust Ja—" he warned, but I never heard the end. My body hit the ground, and I jolted awake.

Sweat coated my skin, my heart pounding. Roman's concerned gaze met mine. I forced a shaky breath and raised my hand.
"I-I'm fine... really," I said.

"We're here," Roman said, his voice calm but steady.

I looked out the window. A massive house rose before us—at least three stories, though the rain and darkness obscured the rest. My mind raced. What did the man and woman mean by 'You are the one' and 'Don't trust Ja—'? Who was Ja...?

An umbrella appeared beside my car door. Jasper. My hands flew to my mouth as my body shook. No... it couldn't be him. He was the one who saved me, the one who explained the werewolves. Two strong arms wrapped around my waist, pulling me into a warm embrace. I glanced at Roman, feeling safe in his presence too.
"What's wrong?" he asked.

I bit my lip, forcing the truth down.
"Nothing... it's nothing. Jasper just startled me," I said, breaking free from the hug.

I leaned over and opened the car door, letting the cold, wet air hit my skin. Jasper led me to the house. My blanket was soaked, and a woman took it along with the umbrella, leaving me shivering.

Suddenly, Roman scooped me up again, causing me to jump. He smirked.
"Did I scare you?"

I blushed. "No," I mumbled, trying not to look at him.

Inside, the house was breathtaking. Dark wood walls, deep red accents, and hints of blue everywhere. People bustled about—were they all werewolves? Roman stood tall, surveying them. He drew a deep breath, puffing out his chest.
"There will be a pack meeting tomorrow morning during breakfast," he announced, loud enough for everyone to hear.

Dozens of voices echoed in unison: "Yes, Alpha!"

Roman began walking, three new men flanking us, authority radiating from every step. He led me up stairs, down hallways, and finally to the top floor. The guards remained at the stairs.

He carried me through white double doors into a luxurious room. A king-size bed dominated the center, flanked by large windows. Two walk-in closets and a bathroom with double sinks, a shower, and a massive bathtub with bubble jets completed the space.

Gently, he set me on the bed, then dashed into the right closet. He returned with a nightgown and scooped me up again, carrying me to the bathroom. He placed me on the edge of the tub and set the folded gown on the toilet. Carefully, he began filling the bath, adding bubble bath and a strange kind of salt.

Once he finished, he looked at me, and I felt my cheeks heat.
"When you're done, call me. I'll help patch up your wounds," he said, walking out quickly, shutting the door gently behind him.

I started undressing, my heart still racing as I prepared for the bath.