Rosalina's Hope by D.D. Dass (best non fiction books to read txt) 📖

was sympathizing pats from the teammates that figured my game was off due to the break with Hailey, but in reality, she was the last person on my mind. In fact, Rosa was the only person on my mind.

 

With a frustrated curse, I showered, dressed and quickly jogged to my car. Jason had missed practice today, and I hadn’t seen him since the day he’d told me about leaving. I knew he’d gone with the other pack, just like the Alpha had told him too.

 

Shaking out my damp hair, I got into the car, racing towards Rosa’s house.

 

Missing school to find my uncaring sister when I could’ve been with my mate was the most idiotic decision I’d ever made. There was never enough time with the girl –she was so achingly human. And I always found myself missing her, more than healthy.

 

At this point, I had to see her, to reassure myself of her safety then maybe I could manage to sleep tonight. I rolled my eyes at that.

 

In minutes I reached my destination. Man, I love this car. Parking in the same, vacant drive, I trekked to Rosa’s, ringing the doorbell. I realized I probably looked like the lovesick idiot I admittedly was.

 

After a minute, Iris answered the door, her face going from surprise to suspicion. “What do you want?”

 

My jaw worked. Don’t hurt the twin, my wolf reminded. Since when is he the responsible one?

 

“Where’s Rosalina?” She narrowed her eyes at me, and I glared back levelly, testing her to test me. Seconds passed until she cracked, stepping back, grumbling under her breath.

 

Whatever. “She’s in her room, somewhere you shouldn’t…” I was already up the stairs, ignoring ever other word that followed.

 

Not bothering to knock, I opened the door and found Rosa on her bed, her arms hugging her legs to her chest. Relief, so strong, washed over me and the pressure instantly dissipated into nothingness and my throat tightened in gratitude. Mine, mine, all mine, my wolf boasted.

 

Imbécile. I shut him out quickly, inhaling –My vision flashed red. Zach. The sickening stench contaminated my senses. Before I realized what I was doing, I shut the door and stalked forward, my instincts blared, I had to mask his scent, to fucking obliterate it.

 

Her blue, blue eyes were wide as she watched, completely still despite the speed of her heart.

 

“You had lunch with him today, didn’t you?” I demanded –recalling that she’d denied sitting with me that first time. But she sat with that fuckin’ prick. As I reached the bedside, her face blanched –she knew she’d been caught. The guilt in those eyes nearly destroyed me. “Do you like him?” The accusation in my tone was sharp. I couldn’t stop it.

 

She jerked back, as if I’d hit her, and my wolf growled in defense, torn between protecting her and marking her.

 

Reaching out, I gripped her hips, tugging her so that she was standing on the mattress, still shorter than me. Mmm, mine. I hovered.

 

Zach, Zach, fucking Zach! It was driving me insane, smelling him rather than the lavender fragrance. It was unacceptable.

 

Suddenly, she giggled–a lovely sound, though I was too furious to remain fascinated by it–instead, I glared, skimming her throat with my nose, breathing over her skin. Mine.

 

“What is funny?” It was rough, a demand.

 

“You.” Me? Surprised by that, I backed off, searching her eyes, trying to gauge her thoughts.

She took pity on me. “You’re jealous…Of Zach.” My eyebrows furrowed, but then she grinned and it lit her face.

 

Ah, my beautiful mate. I couldn’t help but grin back.

 

“Just stay away from him,” I was practically begging. That fucker wanted her. She wasn’t his, hell no, but he was physically attracted to her despite the scent –more so, he wanted revenge. But it was so not going to happen.

 

“Why?” Now, she sounded petulant. Why is this such a big fucking deal?

 

“He wants what is mine,” I snapped before I could even think the words. She swallowed and I realized I might’ve pushed too hard. Damn it.

 

“He’s really not as bad as you’re putting him out to be, Bastien,” she said. Not that bad? If only she knew. If only she knew what existed–what monsters were out there, what monster was right in front of her–in love with her.

 

For a moment, I mused over how she might take that. I’d have to tell her some time. I refused to leave her in the dark.

 

Well, worse things have happened, the wolf said, annoyingly optimistic.

 

“Rosa…” I warned. Just because I wasn’t murderous didn’t mean I was budging on this. She wrenched away from me, crossing her arms and gaze unwavering.

 

“Don’t Rosa me. What has he done to make you hate him so much?” I was shocked by that tone. Nobody spoke to me that way–except Aimee. Tried to kill me. Wouldn’t that be a buzz kill?

 

 “Nothing.” She rolled her eyes, plunking down on the mattress so that I had to look do at her. As I watched her, desire lit my veins and my erection thickened.

 

“Why weren’t you in school?” Had she missed me? The prospect sent a thrill through me. Not good. I rubbed at my eyes, so she couldn’t see the change in color. My wolf always wanted out around her and I never seemed to pay enough attention, hence the lapse in control.

 

Just like that kiss…Fuck, that kiss. I played it out in my head, Rosa’s sweet mouth and soft lips against mine, her sounds…and she’d begged –so submissive.

 

Enough. With all the focus I possessed, I put the defense back to together, so quickly Rosa would never figure I was on the verge of becoming a giant wolf. How comforting. Not.

 

I tried to answer truthfully. “My sister, she misses France, has not…fit into life here. Often, she tries to…run away.” When I opened my eyes, I was sure they weren’t black. Rosa tilted her head, eyes curious as she stared.

 

“Tell me…about your sister.” I nodded, leaning on the opposite wall, unseeing as I answered. The self-loathing boiled deep inside me.

 

“Aimee is…Aimee,” I began, memories of childhood assaulting me. “She looks a lot like our mother. Darker hair though with blue eyes, beautiful and petite, like you. But she acts more like my father.” Ironic, really. “She’s very proud. She knows what she wants in life…I suppose I act more like maman in that sense. It’s easier to just swallow my pride to get what I want,” I blinked. “I don’t really know what I want though…” Besides you.

 

Rosa listened quietly, looking too interested in the trivial information. Before she could ask about my parents, I asked, “Your parents?” It was better she knew little as possible about that part of my life.

 

In response, she smiled a little, eyes so intent I thought she saw right through me. “Well, Mom…she’s very serious. I think that’s my fault…Actually, I know it is. We don’t talk much anymore...No, it’s too hard, all she ever talks about is –,” she stopped, smiling a terribly sad smile. “Dad, he’s more outgoing. I look like him, I think. Blue eyed blonde hair.” Silently, I agreed.

 

“Are your parent’s home?” She blinked, eyebrows furrowing.

 

“No…They’re at work. Why?” I grinned, holding my hand out to help her out of bed.  She stared at my hand, gaze darting to my face.

 

“Come.” I beckoned with my fingers, needing the contact. Fingers trembling, she put her hands in mine and instantly, I curled my hand around hers, gently pulling her up and off the bed. As she stood, I grinned, breath-ridden as I dragged her towards the door.

 

“Where’re we going?” I ignored the question, grabbing me –her jacket from atop the dresser and walked out of the room.

 

Below was still, empty, a blessing I didn’t have to deal with Iris again. Once I saw my car, down the street, I made up my mind. Once Rosa was in the passenger side, I shut the door behind her, joining in the drivers and pulling out.

 

I attempted to drive slowly–for her sake–but damn I’d never taken advantage of my cars speed, second fastest to my Wolf. But, after two blocks, I gave into the impulse, speeding up and discreetly laughing when she gasped. This was nothing.

 

Fifteen minutes later, I stopped in a deserted lot, one I knew well from hanging around Jason in. In park, I stepped out, letting the engine run. Rosa followed, surveying the place in confusion.

 

“What are we doing in a vacant lot?” I smiled evilly, twirling the keys in my hand and leaning on the car.

 

“You’ve taken your driver’s test right?” Please tell me you know something. She nodded before her expression turned to that of horror –eyes going wide and mouth forming a perfect O.

 

“No! I am not driving! I can’t drive. I could kill us both!” Oh please.

 

“No, you won’t, kitten. You’ll be fine,” I murmured seriously, I would never allow her any type of harm.

 

She bit her bottom lip, bringing my –already too distracted–attention there. Frantically, she looked around, searching for some way of escape no doubt, but finding nothing.

 

I rolled my eyes.

 

“I am not driving, Sebastien,” she said firmly. For the first time, I noticed the way my name sounded on her lips. It did strange things to my body, and my heart sped.

 

I was hopeless for this girl. Perhaps I could persuade her. It wouldn’t be hard, not when she was already considering it; her feelings, if I was correct, wanton and defiant.

 

I found motivation. Approaching bit by bit, I grabbed her arm, bringing our bodies close. “Now,” I said. “Why won’t you drive for me?” Her breathing hitched, though I kept my distant. Our gazes, pleading blue and curious hazel, locked. I held back a smirk. She was already so close to giving in.

 

“Because, I-I freeze up,” she answered, breaking her gaze. Well, that’s a bit of setback ain’t it? I blinked, unable to recall what I was trying to gain –besides her trust.

 

Closing the distance, I pressed against her soft body, shuddering at the feel. Resting my cheek at her temple, I breathed a chuckle, relishing in her answering shiver. Channeling the sensations, I whispered, “Trust me.”

 

You don’t deserve the privilege, my Wolf snarled.

 

She shook her head. I was undeterred. Intertwining our fingers, I ran my lips down her face, lingering on her scar and humming. She’s so…so soft.

 

“S-Stop that!” I shook my head, unaware of anything but her. As I planted a chaste kiss to the corner of her mouth, the sparks began to crackle, but with the last of my reason, I pulled away, careful never to kiss her. No, that’d be bad…Not good.

 

“This isn’t fair…” I kissed her forehead next, wrapping my free arm around her waist, my erection at her lower belly. Damn it, I hated my bodies’ reaction –I needed to focus!

 

So much for handling this like an adult.

 

“Sebastien, kiss me.” It wasn’t a question; Rosa wasn’t the type to ask. I pulled away so that my gaze burned into her bright, wide eyes.

 

A kiss for a drive.

 

“Drive for me then.” She blushed prettily, but nodded. In triumph, the wolf howled and I immediately crushed my lips to hers. Deepening it, I traced her bottom lip until she gave in with a sigh. Her slim arms wrapped around my shoulders, urging me closer and I grunted in defeat.

 

We did have a purpose, unless you plan on fucking her right here. My wolf snapped and I laughed at him, a throaty sound. Unhooking her arms, I ran my tongue over those lips again, memorizing her taste before I pulled away.

 

It took several seconds for her to open her eyes, which were clouded, dazed as I. “You promised,” I reminded her. She shook her head, but stumbled into the driver’s side. Good girl.

 

Giving her time to recover, I adjusted the seat, carefully instructed her, and then buckled her. No risks. She was nervous, even as she adjusted the rearview mirror and placed her hands on the wheel, taking a deep breath.

 

“All you have to do is drive forward and