Chapter 20: She is Cute

Ronan wondered if he had gone too far with his prank on Sophia.

Probably.

But did Matthew really have to kick him out like that? He had every intention of eventually setting her free and warm her up again. But now, he wouldn't even have the chance.

This wouldn't have happened if she hadn't tried to kick him out of her room and piss him off. It was her fault, or so he tried to convince himself.

"You shouldn't hurt Sophia like that," Valentina reprimanded, her voice laced with disapproval.

The pack was gathered for their weekly training, but Ronan felt drained and defeated. He always pushed himself to the limits, striving to be the strongest of them all. But today, he just didn't have it in him. The sun beat down mercilessly on his back, adding to his fatigue. And yet, there was Valentina, trying to school him on right and wrong.

But today, he couldn't bring himself to care about any of it. All he could think about was Sophia and the pain he had caused her.

"Who said I want her to love me?" Ronan snapped.

"She's your mate. Everyone wants to be loved by their mate," Valentina replied matter-of-factly.

"Not me," Ronan scoffed. "Where's Matty anyway? He didn't show up for training today."

Valentina shrugged. "Maybe he decided to sleep in. He was up all night comforting Sophia because you just had to make her miserable for no reason," she said bitterly.

"Why is everyone so worried about that little runt? She's our enemy's daughter, for fuck's sake!" Ronan growled, the whole situation grating on his nerves.

"Sophia is sweet and innocent. She doesn't deserve to be treated like that. She didn't choose to be our enemy's daughter, so why punish her for it?" Valentina protested.

"Who's getting punished?" Minerva's voice came from behind, bringing a bit of relief to Ronan. She was the only one who never judged him, always taking his side no matter how bad he seemed. "Minerva! You're looking awfully adorable today," Ronan smirked.

"Oh, shut up, Ron. Flattery isn't your style," Minerva giggled.

"Oh good, you're here. Only you can convince him," Valentina said, clearly frustrated. Ronan rolled his eyes. Was Valentina going to get Minerva to lecture him now? He was getting tired of this bullshit.

Minerva looked between them curiously. She had only seen Sophia briefly, so Ronan doubted she even remembered her. He wondered what Minerva would think of his so-called mate if she got to know her.

"What do I need to convince Ronan of?" Minerva asked.

"Tell him to be nice to his mate!" Valentina exclaimed.

Minerva frowned as she turned to Ronan. "Oh, that's right, your mate. It's that red-headed girl, isn't it? What's wrong? Don't you like her?"

"She's so weak and pathetic it annoys me," Ronan grumbled. It wasn't entirely true. It wasn't Sophia herself that annoyed him—it was the overwhelming feelings that came with the mate bond. Whenever she was near, the longing inside him shook him to his core.

Ronan was about to say more, but he stopped when he saw Matthew approaching, holding Sophia's hand. Anger surged through him. Were they really going to show off like that?

"Are you ready to apologize to Sophia?" Matthew barked as soon as they got close.

"I've got nothing to apologize for," Ronan scoffed.

"Nothing? How about nearly freezing her to death? Or making cruel remarks and hurting her feelings?" Matthew glared at him. Oh right… that.

"So, you're the infamous mate of the twins," Minerva smirked. "How's that supposed to work? I don't think Ronan likes to share. Do you, Ron?" she teased, poking his side playfully.

"I don't need her if I have you," Ronan laughed, ruffling Minerva's hair.

But Sophia didn't take her eyes off Minerva. Something flickered in her gaze, and her face darkened. "I'm Sophia," she said quietly.

"You're quite cute with those freckles. Isn't she just adorable, Ronan? You're lucky to have found a mate like that," Minerva chirped.

Ronan grunted in disapproval. "Cute? Hah!" he mocked, making Sophia flinch.

He expected Sophia to cry, but instead, she strode up to him and grabbed his wrist. "Come with me," she hissed.

Huh? Was the runt trying to order him around? Now that was funny. "Let go of my hand. Who told you you could give me orders?" Ronan barked. "Just because you've got my brother wrapped around your finger…"

She pulled at him again. "I'm not strong enough to drag you around like you did with me, so you could do me this favor and come with me. Or does that hurt your pride?" she snarled.

Ronan grinned. "Well, since you're asking so sweetly… sure, princess. I'll go with you." He grabbed her chin, forcing her to look into his eyes. "But are you sure you want to be alone with me?"

"I'm not scared of you," she said slowly.

Matthew stepped between them, narrowing his eyes at Ronan. "Sophia… are you sure this is a good idea? I'm not sure I trust my brother alone with you."

"Hey, man, fuck you," Ronan snapped, flipping him off. He was sick of Matthew choosing this girl over him. They were twins—Matthew was supposed to have his back!

"I'll be fine, Matthew," Sophia insisted. She turned back to Ronan. "Are you coming or not?" she challenged.

Ronan looked around, noticing everyone watching them. Valentina seemed shocked, while Minerva looked amused, a smile playing on her lips. He glanced back at Sophia, who stared at him with surprising determination. He had to give her credit for standing up to him. For once, he thought she deserved his attention.

"Alright, girl. You want to be alone with me? Let's do that. But don't blame me if something bad happens to you." Ronan grinned as he took her hand. "Lead the way."

Sophia scoffed. "What, no magic portal this time?"

"Nope. I'm keeping it simple," he shrugged.

Sophia sighed, then started dragging him away. Ronan followed, curious about where she was taking him. She couldn't go too far—she didn't know their territory well enough. "Do you even know where you're going?" he chuckled.

"Matthew told me there was a small cave near the water. Maybe you should take me there," she suggested.

Ronan frowned. That cave was a secret spot only he and his siblings knew about. Why would Matthew tell Sophia about it so soon? Just because she was their mate didn't mean Matthew had to share everything with her.

Whatever. Too late to take it back now. Deciding to deal with Matthew later, Ronan led Sophia to the cave. "There. We have all the privacy you want. Now, tell me—what was so important that you just had to pull me away from everyone?" he asked irritably.

Sophia stared at him, her big blue eyes filling with tears. Great, was she going to start crying now?

"Why won't you smile at me too?" she asked hoarsely, confusing Ronan even more.

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