Chapter 19
CARINA
Those three words were something I never knew I needed to hear at the moment.
“Is it because of your marriage with Falco?” he suddenly asked, causing me to chuckle.
“Not entirely.” I answered, wiping the remaining tears from my eyes. “You could say there’s just a lot of going on.”
“I could sense that,” he muttered.
Then, we were silent again. However, it wasn’t awkward. I knew it was just Tim’s personality.
It was quite funny how different the three of them were–Falco, Carter, and Tim.
The three had become the best of friends after Falco entered the pack. When we were in high school, they were the ‘kings. although they never really called themselves that. The name just naturally occurred.
They were all handsome, capable, and smart.
Falco was the strongest. He had the biggest physique and was the best at physical combat. However, he was a great strategist,
Too.
On the other hand, Carter was the most extroverted. He had a charm that made you want to agree with him. He was great at negotiations despite his happy–go–lucky personality.
And lastly, there was Tim. He was the most quiet among them. He was great with technology and was usually the one planning events and writing to other packs.
We’ve never been close. However, because of Natalia’s proximity to Falco, we have known each other since then. So, it was pretty surprising that Tim was approaching me like this.
“Earth to Rina?” he said, causing me to snap out of my thoughts.
“H—huh?” I stammered. “What was that?”
He chuckled and shook his head. “I was asking if Falco is giving you a hard time.”
I pursed my lips before shrugging. That was a question I wasn’t sure of answering. Well, he was–emotionally, that is. However, he told me about my place multiple times. I should never cross the line he had drawn.
Yet, that was easier said than done.
“You should tell him,” he suddenly said, making my eyes go wide.
“No way,” I muttered. “What would I even tell him?”
He chuckled once more. “Falco seems closed off, huh?”
I nodded. “Yeah. It’s been that way even though I’ve known him for so long.”
“Well, not a lot of people know about his past,” he muttered. “However, let me tell you this. There’s a reason why he’s so closed off.”
I tilted my head as Tim continued speaking. I reckoned this was the only chance I could hear about Falco’s story–before he was accepted into the pack.
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11:41 Mon, 3 Mar 04 TO
Chapter 19
“I think you know Falco didn’t have it easy as a child,” he started off.
I nodded. I knew that much. Being a rogue wasn’t exactly a walk in the park.
“However, he really had it hard,” he added. “Much more than you could imagine. It’s something a child shouldn’t have to go through.”
“He endured it all alone until one day, he met someone that made him feel accepted. That person is the reason why he’s here in the pack.”
1 frowned. Was that person Natalia?
But how? I have known Natalia for my entire life, and I knew she wouldn’t want to associate herself with rogues. In fact, she loathed them, even after she had met Falco,
“In turn, he found people who accepted him for who he was. And because of that, he vowed to protect this pack no matter what. Because it’s what made him feel like he belonged.”
“So, I hope you understand why he’s doing all of this. Although I don’t agree with it, I do think it’s the best for the pack,” he continued. “However, if it becomes too much for you, I hope you tell him,” he ended.
It was vague, but it was a start. I still had some questions, but then our conversation was interrupted by the sound of two familiar voices.
“Come on! Just accompany me,” Alex said, hanging off Carter’s arm. “I’m scared to survey alone, you know?”
“Oh, cut the crap,” Carter said, shrugging her hand away. “How can you be scared? You’re the strongest person I know behind Falco. Cut it with the act.”
Alex clicked her tongue. “What if it’s a ghost?” she exclaimed.
Just then, Tim cleared his throat, causing the two of them to exclaim in shock.
Alex placed her hand over her heart, sighing in relief when she saw it was just us.
“Oh, goodness,” she muttered. “It’s not a ghost.”
Carter clicked his tongue and acted cool. “I told you so! You didn’t have to drag me here now, do you?”
Alex merely rolled her eyes while Carter turned to me with bright eyes.
“Rina!” Carter suddenly exclaimed, skipping to where I was and engulfing me in a hug. My breath got caught in the back of my throat.
Alex slapped the back of Carter’s head while Tim pulled me away from him.
“You’re suffocating her!” Alex exclaimed.
Meanwhile, Tim just shook his head.
Carter clicked his tongue and ignored the two of them. “I heard what happened! Did you really get stuck in the middle of nowhere?”
I nodded. “Yeah, we’re back now, though.”
“Oh, I also heard you got the permit,” Alex chimed. “Congratulations, Rina!”
“Bummer,” Carter suddenly said, capturing our attention.
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11:41 Mon, 3 Mar M TIC
Chapter 19
“Bummer?” Alex asked.
Carter shrugged. “Well, that just means that their wedding is coming closer.”
The three of us shook our heads in amusement, not taking him seriously.
“You’re amazing, you know that?” Alex said, walking over to me and linking our arms together.
I was surprised by the sudden physical contact. For someone so strong and capable, I would have never thought she would be this clingy. However, it felt nice. I didn’t feel uncomfortable at all.
“I heard it’s really hard to get a permit these days, and considering the situation you guys are in, you managed to convince them! That means that your chemistry must be off the charts!” she exclaimed.
My cheeks turned red. “Oh, it’s not that.”
She quickly shook her head. “You can’t change my mind. I’ve never liked Natalia anyway, so I’m rooting for your relationship!”
“Alex,” Tim and Carter said.
However, I couldn’t hide my smile. The conversation with my mother soon left my mind, and as I looked at the three of them, I realized I might have gained some friends with this contract marriage.
+13)
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