"Okay, we have to have a plan before just running to save Roman." Russo said as we sat in their living room. We got back this morning, back to the chaos I should say.
"I think we should talk to Raymond and his sister first," I suggested, making them all shift uneasily, except Monroe, "He said he would help us by talking to his family."
Russo and Evelyn looked at each other considering it.
"I agree with Seven." Monroe said standing up, "Raymond was my friend long ago, I think we can mend some things."
I smiled up at him. I was proud that he was taking the high road.
"Alright, Call him. We will be right outside though." Russo said.
"I think it would be best to talk to them alone first. His sister is not likely to trust us if she feels ambushed." I said shyly.
"She's right dad, at least give us time to speak with them first." Monroe added.
"Very well." Evelyn said. "Keep us updated." I didn't know how well Evelyn was taking the news of Roman still being alive. She hasn't displayed any signs of distress, but who knows how she feels.
Monroe nodded his head. We headed out to his Mustang and I pulled out my phone to call Raymond.
"Kid, I haven't heard from you in a minute." He answered. I have to admit it was good to hear his voice.
"Raymond," I smiled cheerfully, "How is Aunt Dana?"
"She is compelled to think you have been on a school trip, in D.C, when should you be coming back?" He asked. I bit my lip not knowing what to say.
"Well, It's not necessarily safe for me, but I miss being home. I miss aunt Dana." I sighed, "But I need to talk to you and Mya it's extremely important. Monroe is with me, we both have a lot to say."
"He's with you?" He asked hesitantly.
"I promise you, things are different now. Please Raymond." I pleaded. I heard him take a long sigh. I held my breath knowing I could not take no for an answer.
"Roman is alive." I said quickly. Monroe looked at me and raised his eye brows, knowing this was something I should've said in person, but I knew Mya would never come without a good reason.
"Holy shit, meet me at the park across from Dana's neighborhood. I'll bring Mya." He said. I smiled and looked to Monroe who already heard the location.
"Thank you Raymond." I hung up the phone.
"So, no element of surprise?" Monroe asked.
"They don't like surprises."
"Typical wolves, take the fun out of everything." He sighed. We turned into the empty park surrounded by lots of trees so that it's secluded. Monroe and I stepped out of the car and walked to the picnic table under a pavilion. The wind was blowing causing the cool air to brush against my face. Monroe smiled at me with his dimples showing through making my heart glow.
"Your cheeks are red." He laughed taking his jacket off and putting it around me.
"Thank you." I smiled taking in the scent of cologne that lingered off of it.
"They're here." Monroe sang rubbing his hands together. I looked around seeing no one.
"Where?" I asked confused looking around, "I don't see them."
"I can smell them." He grimaced. As soon as he said that Raymond and Mya walked slowly out of the woods towards us.
"Hey." I smiled to Raymond standing up to hug him. I could feel how awkward Monroe felt, but he still stood up to greet them.
"Raymond, Mya." He smiled nodding towards them. Mya swallowed hard still looking skeptical which I can't fault her for.
"Hello Monroe." She said with little enthusiasm. Raymond gave Monroe a smile before we all sat down.
Nobody said anything urging me to go first.
"So, I think we can all agree this is a little bit awkward," I started making Monroe smirk.
"Awkward? Seven, how dare you think that." He said sarcastically making Raymond smile.
"However, there's a huge elephant in the room." Mya shifted in her seat as I said that, she clearly still has not told Raymond she's pregnant.
"Roman is still alive, and I am her doppelgänger. I am the only one she can communicate with since Leonardo had some ritual done that cut off Roman's communication with her family, she has the same gift as me, and he knew that would be a threat as she could escape." I explained. Mya and Raymond studied me with shocked faces.
"I know that things have been rocky between this family, and I get that there's a lot of hurt and betrayal on both sides, but we have to realize this is what Leonardo wants. Your families are not the enemy, he is." I tried to mediate as best as I could, but the silence is making me extremely uneasy. "And I know that I'm just a human, but my dad was killed by Leonardo recently in order to make me back down, so if you don't want to help for the sake of helping each other at least, help me."
Raymond looked over to Mya who was looking down at her hands.
"We have to." Raymond said to her, before looking back at me. "I talked to my pack like I promised you I would, and at first things didn't go well. They assumed the Cittadino's were lying, but then I mentioned Seven, and her gift, and how she was chosen by Berenice to mend this, and they want to meet you, If they trust you, they will agree to hear out the Cittadinos." Raymond said making me grin so big.
"Thank you so much." I walked over to him and wrapped my arms around him. I looked at Mya over Raymond's shoulder and she gave me a smile that didn't reach her eyes. I sat back down beside Monroe and sighed.
"And Monroe," Raymond started. My stomach started to flutter as this is the first time they've ever co-existed civilly. "I'm really happy for you, that your mother is alive, she was a great woman when I knew her, even though we were young, and-" He took a pause hesitantly saying his next words, "I'm sorry that I didn't tell you our brother wanted to harm your clan, I never thought he would ever partake in something so cruel."
I smiled at Raymond so proud of the progress they were making. I felt like I was finally doing what Berenice has wanted from me. Mya still had a lot of baggage, but I know once the Cittadino's and the Cheyenne's mend this feud, Mya's news won't be taken so hard.
"And, I'm sorry for assuming that you had knowledge of something you had no part in, I am also sorry that my father ended your brother's life, he wasn't himself, his mate was kidnapped and dead for all he knew, he fell apart." Monroe explained not wanting to go into details.
"We understand." Raymond said. Everyone continued to sit in an awkward silence.
"So, when should I expect to meet the family?" I asked Raymond and Mya.
"I will go home and tell them I spoke with you, but I think tomorrow evening would be good." He answered. I nodded my head, "Sounds like a plan."
"Also Seven, your aunt has a big surprise for you within the next few days, and you should really come back home for it, now that there's less tension." He said gesturing to Monroe who smirked.
"I think she'll be safe at home now, we've had witches cast spells of protection over the home to protect Dana while Seven has been at our home." Monroe said making me smile. I loved staying with his family, but I really missed my own space.
"Great." Raymond smiled standing up, "Well Seven we will see you tomorrow, and Monroe, I'll see you when I see you."
"Sounds good." Monroe smiled back.
"Seven?" Mya called. "Can we get some privacy so I can speak with her about something?" Mya asked Raymond.
Raymond sighed and Monroe stuffed his hands in his pockets awkwardly.
"What's a little more bonding time going to hurt old pal." Monroe smirked at Raymond.
"Ehhh."Raymond said before laughing. I can't put into words how happy I am that Raymond and Monroe have made up. I looked back at Mya as they walked away.
"What's up?" I asked. She sighed before speaking.
"Thank you, for not telling anyone, about-" She gestured towards her stomach.
"Of course." I smiled.
"And I'm really happy you're doing this for our families. At first I was against it, but now I see it's for the greater good." She said actually giving me a smile for the first time ever.
"Hey, I didn't know you knew how to smile." I teased making her laugh.
"Yeah, yeah." She responded.
"But seriously, I think once your families mend this, your family won't be so upset about you having a baby with Monroe's cousin." I smiled. "We'll have a blended family!" I beamed getting excited. I loved babies.
"Hey now, don't get too ahead of yourself." She laughed.