Arise
Choice

Everything seemed to have calmed down in the pack. We received no more threats and no more rogue activity.

My bruises were nearly gone, and the pain no longer noticeable.

All was well in the pack.

Except for the fact that Logan was free to roam the pack house.

The decision was made by Caleb against my wishes. He was Alpha, after all.

“No.” I crossed my arms over my chest. My jaw ticked. There was no way in hell I would ever let this happen.

Caleb sighed and looked up from his desk. “Rosetta be reasonable.”

I blinked. “Reasonable would be to not share our secrets to a bunch of rogues.”

He rose up and came around his desk and faced me. “The full moon is approaching. He needs to shift in a proper environment.”

I looked away, unwilling to budge. That was a poor excuse to be let out.

“His parents have been asking me for more time. They don’t want just five minutes a day with their son.”

I stared at the ground as guilt seeped into me. Though I detested the idea of Logan out of the cell, I couldn’t keep him in. “There has to be limitations.”

His shoulders relaxed. “Of course.”

He was only allowed in and around the pack house, formally known as Division E, as long as Bull and Tank followed his every move (Warhead was on paternity leave). He wasn’t allowed back into his house and was required to stay in the cell every night. The rules weren’t harsh. In fact, Alpha was being way too lenient in my opinion. But, he would always be Caleb’s best friend and brother. Forgiveness was just around the block.

I, on the other hand, was miles away from that block.

It had been almost a week since Logan was able to roam the pack. When he first stepped foot into the pack house, everyone kept their distance. Even after Caleb explained that this week would be Logan’s trial period, they were still doubtful. But, he was breaking down the pack’s walls one wolf at a time.

Logan was smart enough to ignore me, but that didn’t stop him from always keeping an eye on me. I couldn’t say much since I sent subtle glances his way too. Old habits die hard.

The full moon was tomorrow so everyone was already preparing for the bonfire and barbeque. With so much prep underway, the kitchen staff decided not to provide dinner until after the shift. While they prepared for the barbeque, CeCe, Val and I helped make cupcakes.

“Are you ready for tonight,” CeCe asked as she pour the egg into the batter.

I nodded. “I’m hoping it’s quick and painless.” I grabbed the cupcake tins and places the liners in each one.

The match was my way of graduating from Seb’s training. If I succeeded, then I would no longer have to train with Seb’s help. Though it did make me nervous knowing everyone would be watching, including Logan.

Val mixed the batter together as CeCe moved on to create the next batch. “We’re all rooting for you. Even if you fail you still pass.”

I rolled my eyes and chuckled. “Let’s hope they go easy on me since I’m helping with the cupcakes.”

Val handed me the batter she mixed, and I began the process of pouring it into each cup using a small ladle.

“Grace,” Val called out with a smile. I raised my head as my gaze immediately found Logan. I quickly shifted my eyes to look at his mother.

Her hair was tied up in a low bun with tendrils escaping around her ears. She wore a plain, black long-sleeve shirt and jeans with boots.

I smiled softly and continued my process.

Grace, Samuel and I built a routine since they returned to the house. I woke up for work before them, so I would make extra breakfast and leave it in the oven before I left. I would see them during my lunch break, mingling with everyone at the Pack House. By the time I got back, Shaw would take them to therapy while I trained with Sebastian in the backyard. We alternated who would make dinner.

At first, it was awkward and quiet but as the days went on it became better than bearable. We talk a lot, watch movies, and play a lot of board games. We have also seemed to have a mutual understanding not to mention Logan. They made sure to spend time with Logan every chance they got.

“Logan and I were wondering if you ladies would like any help.”

It was quiet for a second and I looked up only to find them all staring up at me. “What?”

They awaited my permission for another second before Val spoke. “Logan, you can wash the dishes and Grace, you can help Rosie with scooping the batter.”

Grace nodded and slid over to me and I handed her a big spoon.

I felt heat radiate off Logan as he brushed past me to the sink. I took a deep breath.

My attention went to the two people standing by the door frame. Tattoos on full display. I acknowledged them both with a nod. “Bull. Tank.”

They lifted their chins slightly. “Beta.”

The faucet turned on behind me as I narrowed my eyes and tilted my head. “Boo.”

Their only response was to smirk.

I scrunched my nose. “I miss Warhead. When does he come back?”

They didn’t respond, didn’t even move a muscle or acknowledge my question. I eyed the batter before glancing up at them. It would be so easy—

“Don’t even think about.” Bull crossed his arms over his chest.

“After all that time we shared, the two of you still won’t talk to me. I only ever did you wrong once,” I said referring to the time Val and I tried to sneak off to town.

Tank scoffed. “You tried getting Warhead’s mate to fake a labor almost every week just to get away from us.”

The beautiful sound of Logan’s laughter filled the room. I gulped.

I smirked. “It worked every single time.” I shrugged. “At least the last one was real.”

They both rolled their eyes together, stilled leaning on either side of the door frame.

“I’ll pay you guys to spy on Shaw for me.”

The faucet turned off abruptly as we all turned our heads to CeCe. She had just dyed her hair gray with silver tips. The same gray as Logan’s eyes.

“We are at a standstill.”

“What else is new?” I raised an eyebrow.

“Why would you need to spy on him?” Grace asked.

“Because, Mama Miller, he doesn’t want to be my mate.” It broke my heart how casual she sounded.

“Oh, honey, the steps are simple to win a man’s heart.”

I raised and eyebrow and partly smiled. Logan groaned behind me before wrapping his arms around his mother. “Don’t listen to her CeCe. She thinks she tricked dad into marrying her.” He kissed her forehead.

My heart soared at the love.

Grace swatted his arm and smiled. “Sammy did the same to me and here we are thirty years later.”

I put my hand over my mouth to stifle my laugh.

CeCe crossed her arms over her chest. “I guess I should trust your mom, Logan.”

Everyone continued talking as I finished pouring the batter into the pans, making sixty cupcakes overall. “I’m going to go put these in the oven.” I grabbed two pans but stopped when Sam showed up.

“Alpha would like to see us in his office.” He frowned, looking at the three of us.

“Is everything okay?” He shrugged at my question and walked away. I turned to Val who also shrugged, unsure of what it was either.

I set the pans down and washed my hands over the sink. After drying them, I untied the apron and hooked it in front of the pantry before following Logan and Grace out the kitchen.

I watched Logan as we made our way down to the basement, through the elevator, where Caleb’s office was.

He wore a white t-shirt that hugged his torso and faded jeans that sat low on his hips.

He raised both of arms up in the air to stretch, causing the shirt to rise, revealing his sculpted abdomen. I couldn’t help but stare at the skin, even after he dropped his arms. I felt my cheeks heat.

Even after days of confinement, he managed to look perfectly fit.

Now that he was able to roam around, there was much more clarity to him. He walked straighter and smiled more, especially when his parents were around.

He used to smile at me. Back when everything was normal. Back when he never lied. Or was he always lying?

The moment we arrived in front of his office, Caleb opened the door and allowed us in.

Logan stepped in front of me and his parents. “Alpha, you wanted to see us?”

I narrowed my eyes before taking a step forward, passed Logan and looking at him with a raised brow.

It was obvious how much he was still trying to adjust to the fact that he no longer held rank. It was taking an even harder time for him to understand that I was now Beta. He hadn’t asked me out loud to confirm it, but he had come to the conclusion after hearing everyone call me Beta.

His eyes hardened before falling back in line with his parents.

Samuel was the Beta before Logan. The Beta position was in his blood. His to inherit unless someone fought him for it.

Too bad he lost his rank the moment he left. And I sure as hell wasn’t fighting him for it.

Caleb leaned against his desk, crossing his legs before speaking. “I called you four because this is just as much of a family matter as it is a pack one.” Even if he didn’t say it directly, we all knew he was referring to Logan. “As you all know, the pack will decide Logan’s fate tomorrow before the full moon. However,” his gaze rested on me, “the final choice will be yours, Rosetta.”

My lips parted just as my eyes widened. No words were forming in my mind. It was all blank.

Logan stepped forward, closer to Caleb. “Why?” He glared, jaw twitching. I stared at the wall, still unable to form any words. “Why can’t my parents decide?”

I looked at Logan and only saw anger in his cold, gray eyes. I didn’t dare glance at his parents.

Caleb crossed his arms over his chest. “They will let you stay, regardless of the pack’s opinion.”

Samuel opened his mouth to speak, but stopped when my voice shook as I said, “You don’t think I would make him leave regardless of the pack’s opinion?” I knew they were all thinking it when Caleb said it was my choice. Hell, I wouldn’t be surprised either if I chose that way. I had wanted him to leave since the moment he got here. I sighed. “What happens with my decision?” All their eyes were on me, but I looked straight at Caleb.

He cleared his throat. “If you say yes, Logan moves back home, and we can all move on from this whole ordeal.”

Moving on meant never dealing with it. It meant leaving another issue unresolved, and I was no longer willing to do that. “And if I say no?”

From the corner of my eye, I saw Logan drop his head and mutter, “shit.”

“If you say no, Logan is immediately transferred to another pack.”

My head started whirling. I needed a drink, maybe five.

I could live with Logan hating me. I had managed thus far without him; I could do it again, but his parents were going to hate me.

Caleb must’ve seen my apprehension because he sighed and said, “The three of you are dismissed. I need to have a word with my Beta.”

Calling me Beta caused Logan to sink further into himself. “Caleb, you can’t—”

“Out.” Caleb growled, forcing the three of them to lower their heads in submission.

They left without another word.

I hugged myself as I took a seat on the couch. Tears welled my eyes as I looked up at Caleb. “Why?”

“He’s hurt you the most. It’s only fitting that you chose whether to accept him or not.”

“He’s your best friend.”

“But he’s your mate.” He smiled halfheartedly. “That takes precedence.”

I felt nauseous. This was all just some big joke.

He took a seat next to me. “Are you okay, Rosie?”

“Are you?” If he was going to check up on me, I had to do the same.

He wiggled his eyebrows and showed his wolfish grin. “Val keeps me busy.”

I rolled my eyes and we both laughed. After a moment of silence, I spoke my fears. “What if make the wrong choice?”

He shook his head and smiled at me. “You won’t make the wrong choice.”

“Will you be angry if I choose not to let him stay?”

He smiled softly. “Does it matter what I think?”

“Being an Alpha takes precedence.” I smirked, throwing his words back at him.

He chuckled. “It does, but I’m giving it to you.”

I sighed, propping my arms up on my knees, and resting my chin on my hands. “I can’t stand to even be near him. Whenever we’re in the same room, I can’t even breath. If he stays, I would leave.” I stared at the shoes. “But if he leaves, where would he go? Will another pack take him in no questions asked? The entire region knows about him. And he just got his parents back. I don’t know what to do.”

Caleb leaned forward, hands clasped together with his elbows on his knees. “I had to have three men follow my best friend because I can’t trust him.” He scoffed. “He’s my best friend and I can’t even trust him. We’ve been brothers since we were kids and that fact alone made it easy for him to betray me. By law, I’m supposed to kill him. To show others my rank and the consequences of disobeying an Alpha. But I can’t. I can’t look him in the eyes with hate because I see why he did it. I can’t make this choice because I wouldn’t even no where to begin. I’m so tired, Rosetta. I just want it all to stop.”

Logan grabbed my wrists and pulled me to him, taking my lips in his. I gasped as his body pressed up against mine as he pushed me back in the wall. His large hands snaked their way down to my hips before lowering to my thighs.

I moaned as my lips moved in rhythm with his. He lifted one of my legs and wrapped it around his torso as his lips continued their assault.

My hands slid down Logan’s tan chest, taking in every touch and every taste. He hissed as my cold fingers crawled up and pulled at the ends of his hair. I lifted my other leg, straddling him with my arms winding around his neck.

His tongue brushed my lips, asking for entrance. When I didn’t oblige, he bit my bottom lip causing me to gasp. He took that moment to slip his tongue in.

It was pure ecstasy. The way he moved. The way he touched.

He tasted like mint and I wanted more.

I had missed this. Almost half a year of not being together and we had finally taken that leap.

His lips left mine, traveling down my jaw and neck. I hissed and moaned wherever his lips touched skin. I would give him anything if he asked for it. I would give him all of me.

I screamed at the white, hot pain flashing through me. He immediately let go of my legs, causing me to fall hard on the ground. I braced my knees on the hardwood and brought my hand to my stomach, feeling the warm blood trickle down my hand.

I looked up too fast making my body waver.

My vision blurred and the last thing I saw was Logan looking down on me, laughing.

“Rosetta!”

I woke up with someone’s hands shaking me awake. I shrieked and backed away, but my back hit something hard.

His hands were on my face bringing me closer. “Hey, it’s me. It’s me, Doll.”

I blinked until my eyes focused in on gray one. “Logan?”

He rubbed his thumbs under my eyes. “You’re shaking.”

I hadn’t heard him call me that nickname in forever. My heart shuttered. It felt like home being this close to him. I steadied my breathing as I stared into his eyes. His beautiful, gray eyes. Eyes that knew how to keep me calm. Eyes that hardened in anger, brightened with laughter. They were filled with concern. Concern for me. His eyes wandered over my entire face, trying to detect an injury. My eyes dropped to his lips for a split second. I hadn’t realized how close we were.

Too close, Rosie.

I moved back, finally taking a deep breath. It was only then did I take in my surroundings. I was leaning against a tree, facing the water. I thought I had only stopped running for a break, but I must have fallen asleep in the process. I was in front of the hidden creek Logan had showed me all those months ago. A creek that was nowhere near the boundaries Caleb said he wasn’t allowed to pass.

“What are you doing here?”

“You’ve been gone for a while. They couldn’t find you anywhere. I thought you would be here.”

“You’re not allowed to leave Division E. Where’s Bull and Tank?” I rose up dusting the mud off my jeans.

“Looking for you at the house. I wandered off,” he said with a grin. I was too tired to even question it further.

“What time is it?” I tucked a piece of my hair behind my ear. His eyes followed the movement.

“Almost time for your match.”

“Shit.” Sleep left my body and I pulled my phone out of my pocket. It was nearing seven, when my match would be. I had a half hour left to change, stretch, and get my shit together.

I started to walk back to the path when his voice stopped me. “Good luck.”

I turned around. “You’re not coming?”

He shook his head.

“Oh.” I didn’t know how else to respond. I didn't expect to feel sad either. I hadn't realized how hopeful I was of him watching.

“Rosetta?” He stepped forward.

“Yeah?”

“If you want to send me away, I understand.” He now stood five feet away from me.

I hadn’t even thought about what I would chose. “Logan—”

He scratched the back of his head sheepishly. “I promised you I would never let you go, but that doesn’t mean you promised me the same.” He closed his eyes and sighed before finally saying the words I had waited months to hear. “I love you, Rosetta, whether you believe me or not.”

Too late.

I bit my tongue and scoffed. “Why should I? You’ve never said it before.”

“Because after everything I've lied to you about, I didn’t want you to believe that was one too.” With one last smile, he walked away, back to the cell he would stay in until his fate was finally decided.

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