The Pet🐾 (Completed)

Chapter 22

Sophia

Jasper and I started walking back to the room. Passing the guards, I smiled and whispered, "Thanks."

We went down the stairs and followed Jasper because I didn't remember the way. He opened the door for me, and Coco came running, jumping onto me and barking happily. I ran into the bedroom, laughing, while Jasper closed the door behind us.

I set Coco on the bed and began petting her.
"Omg, I hope nobody heard that," I whispered.

"Ashley and Roman probably did," he whispered back.

I laughed and got into bed. Jasper went over to the other side, about to sit, but Coco claimed the spot. He looked down at her, and she just cocked her head and barked once more. Jasper held out his hands to calm her, but I couldn't help giggling. I leaned over, scooped Coco up, and nestled her beside me.
"There, happy now?" I said between giggles.

Jasper stuck his tongue out at Coco, climbed into bed, and turned off the light. Coco snuggled between us, and I followed suit, thinking that if he tried anything, he'd have to get through her first.

Ashley

I finished up in the bathroom, washing my hands, when a knock sounded on the door.
"Ashley, why didn't you ask me for help? What if you fell?" Roman's voice was filled with concern.

I dried my hands and opened the door. He was standing right there.
"I don't need help to go pee," I said.

"You're right," he said, looking away. Then, just as quickly, he returned, smiling.
"You ready for breakfast? They're probably waiting for us."

"Waiting?" I thought. They must wait for everyone. "Yeah, let's hurry," I said, hobbling toward the bedroom.

"No, let me carry you," he insisted.

"But I can walk," I protested, stepping out of the bedroom.

Roman hovered near me until we reached the stairs.
"Let me carry you down at least," he said.

I huffed but nodded. He lifted me gently into his arms and started down two steps at a time until we reached the bottom. I was about to push away when he sprinted with me still cradled in his arms.
"I can walk!" I laughed.

He smiled, a little breathless. "But I like carrying you."

I blushed, looking away. He stopped in front of a set of large, dark wooden doors, set me down, and opened them.

Inside was a large room, filled with people. They fell silent as I stepped in, whispering only stopping when Roman entered. The seats were all taken.

"Where are we supposed to sit?" I whispered.

Roman smiled and held out his hand. "Follow me."

He led me to a table at the back with Jasper and Sophia seated. Jasper guided me to the seat on his left so I was next to him, with Sophia on his right. On Roman's right sat a man I didn't know, with an empty chair beside him.

(N/A)-(Beta)-(Roman)-(Ashley)-(Jasper)-(Sophia)

Roman stood at the front, chest puffed, and addressed everyone.
"Hello, everyone. As you can see, we have two visitors from our mission, which turned out to be successful." He gestured to me and Sophia.

Gasps filled the room. Roman raised his hand and silence fell.
"One thing you may not know: Sophia here..." Sophia stood, and murmurs rippled. "Is Jasper's mate."

A family in the back clapped. Jasper stood, took Sophia's hand, and smiled at her. They really do make a cute couple, I thought.

Roman continued, "And there is one more thing." He looked down at me and held out his hand. I stood, feeling my face flush.
"This is Ashley, and she is my mate."

Shock rippled through the room, matching my own. I leaned close to him.
"What does that mean?" I whispered.

He chuckled softly. "It's short for soulmate. Ashley... you're my soulmate."

I sat back down, still processing. Soulmate. Soulmate. The word repeated in my head as I tried to make sense of it. I glanced at Sophia; she was smiling at me. Could this really be true? Did he even want to be with me? Was this why he had wanted to go running with me?

Roman's voice pulled me back. "You hungry?"

Yes. I needed food to think straight. I nodded, and he held out his hand. I took it, standing to follow him to the buffet table overflowing with breakfast. Roman handed me a plate and took one for himself. Everyone's eyes were on us.

I leaned closer. "Why are they just watching us?" I whispered.

"Don't worry about it," he said. "Do you like eggs?"

I nodded, and he placed some on my plate.
"How about toast?" he asked, reaching for it.