Chapter six; Destined Mates

"I don't understand"

"I am your mate."

"That's impossible, I am Dante's. I...  He already marked me"

"See," Rome shifted uncomfortably in his chair. Maybe his mate was dumber than he thought. "You see, Dante already had a mate before you. I don't know why he cast her out. I think something happened  then he sought you out."

"So I'm not his mate? Like destined?"

"No love. He claimed you just because he wanted to. Your father was willing to give you out."

She turned her eyes away. Yes, she almost forgot he existed.... Her sister.

"But I'm your destined mate?"

"Yes"

She stared into his eyes for a second.

"Let's go then"

"By go I suppose you mean home, as in our home"

"Yeah"

She said getting up to lead the way. She had her suspicions since that girl mentioned it. And now Rome was now confirming everything. She didn't know why she was angry but she knew she was.

She pushed the door of the abode open, coming face to face with all five of them, Dante, Leila, Julius, Caesar, Dante's second in command and some other guy she didn't know of. She didn't hesitate to speak when she stopped.

"Rome and I will be going to our home."

"What?" Dante questioned, snarling, walking towards with the intent to hit Rome.

"I have made the decision....--"

"You can't do that"

Leila said softly,

"I can"

"My mate says she can. I don't see the problem. I reckon we even leave now"

Dante casted Rome a disgusting look.

"I'd love to have  a word with Grace first. She's clearly misunderstanding the situation here"

"I am not misunderstanding any stupid situation. Dante, unlike the fool you take me for, I am quite knowledgeable and can think for myself"

"Damn right she can"

Dante shot Rome another look. But was quick to dismiss it as he held Grace's hands and gently pulled her to a side.

"Grace...-" he started but she cut him off

"I don't want to listen to anything you have to say Dante."

"You will listen" he half snarled, biting hard on his lips. He squeezed her hands.

"I know you've heard about Yennefer. "

She looked away but he brought her back to face him.

"I'm sorry I didn't tell you-"

"You're sorry? Dante you and my father deceived me, then you forcefully brought me here all against my will when I'm not even your mate."

"You are my mate!"

"I am not" she snarled back, cutting her hands off from him

"Grace listen" he said bringing himself to calm.  "I marked you. You're my mate"

She blinked many times, wishing everything could just go away

"What happened with your real mate"

"Nothing." He paused. " Grace I can't-"

She tore away from his presence before he could finish. She fought against tears as she stalked towards Rome and past him outside.

"It was great meeting you guys."

Rome said sarcastically turning as he walked out.

In the distance a chariot Rome had called for approached them.

"Is that yours?"

Grace asked sullenly

"Yes my love"

Grace darted a look towards him for a second then back at the chariot.

Throughout the ride both of them stole glances at each other. Each wondering what the other person would be like.

"How sure are you that I'm your mate Rome"

The corner of his lip rose up in a smile. And Grace found herself smiling too, attracted to that smile. She looked away. She was sure she looked foolish and thought foolish too. This was the first time she was meeting Rome and she was already in love?

It only proved the fact that they were mates unlike..... She felt it with Dante too. But not like this, it was after he'd marked her she felt everything for him.

"Let me see your hand."

"The---"

"Anyone"

The moment he held her hand, her wrists glowed blue and him too.

"That's the mark."

He paused, using his thumb to trace her wrists. Her glow was brighter than an human glow. He sniffed her in, but couldn't quite get a scent.

"Is everything okay?"

She forced out, almost shivering from the effect of his touch.

"Yes."

Soon they arrived at the house. It was bigger and larger than Dante's covern she didn't even know what to call it. It looked like a castle. Well, Weres were larger anyway.

The moment they entered the house silence ensued. There were a lot of people and a lot more skin than she'd ever seen in her entire life making her blush.

Rome cleared his throat and squared his shoulders wrapping a hand around Grace he began to speak.

"What seemed like an impossible task has been conquered. My fellow Weres, my mate."

A cheer erupted. And literally everyone shook hands with her and congratulated her. Later he took her up to her rooms.

"I'll fetch you breakfast while you settle in"

She let out a breath.

"Rome" he turned swiftly at the mention of his name

"Is .. is this my room?"

"Yes."

"Where will you sleep?"

"In my chambers"

Her breath hitched and his senses picked up at her discomfort. Rome retraced back his steps to her

"Is there anything wrong?"

She shook her head no. She wasn't used to being alone. She and her sister had shared a small room and her, Dante. The thought of her being alone made her cringe and well, scared. And she didn't want to be too forward with him.

"Are you su-"

Scratch that.

"No. I'd like you to spend the night here- Because I um... You're my mate and I think we should get to know each other."

Rome smiled sheepishly.

"I'll get us dinner."

"Your mark shines brighter than average."

Rome said softly, almost whispering as he held her hand.

"Is that normal"

"No" he paused, turning slightly to look past her hair to her face.

"I don't think there's any problem. Maybe we'll go visit Andrew tomorrow"

"Who's Andrew?"

"A friend. He is a doctor"

"Oh." Grace shut her mouth and opened it again, making to speak but shut it back. She snuggled more into his embrace melting in the process.

The thought of Dante danced across her mind for a moment but went just as quickly as it came and the desire for Rome only grew like a beanstalk tree

"Can you read my mind?"

She asked sitting up as she turned to face him.

"I can"

"I can't feel you"

She said plainly. For some reason the thought of him intruding her thoughts made her feel annoyed

"I won't try unless you want me to"

Now the thought of him having not even tried made her more angry. The wall she'd built to keep Dante out was long gone the moment she fell into the arms of Rome and she'd expected something. Even small

Her lips curled up in a smile as she tried to gaze into his eyes.

"What am I thinking?"

"Why are you thinking about bread?"

He laughed

"Nothing"

She laughed too"

"I think I know why we're destined to be together"

"Why?"

She asked grinning like an idiot"