Chapter 48


    Chapter Forty-Eight


    Ryley


    After what happened yesterday, the feelings of self-doubt have been bubbling to the surface. The idea I


    couldn’t protect the boys weighed heavily on my heart. I’ve always been able to protect Channing


    because we were never involved with other wolves but now things have changed. I underestimated the


    hate wolves have for outsiders. And even though I’ve known Chris for years through Walter, I was still


    an outsider. At least in the human city, no one knew I was different.


    The drive home was quiet and I was relieved when ke finally pulled up outside the house. I needed


    to get out of this vehicle. ke was smelling too good and if the boys didn’t interrupt earlier, I’m not


    sure what I would have done. There’s something about him, I can’t shake. I want to be able to trust him


    but the idea scares me to death. No matter how much my heart cries out for him, my logic is saying no.


    I was just about to open my door and climb out when Aspen leaned forward, in between the two front


    seats.


    “Dad, I want Channing and Ryley toe to dinner with us tomorrow. I’ve been telling Grandma all


    about them and she wants to meet them.” He told his dad. ke just looked at me.


    ??


    “He asked me earlier but I told him it was up to you seeing it’s your parents.” I shrugged. I didn’t want to


    impose or overstep.


    “We will be having dinner in the pack house around seven tomorrow evening, if you would like to join


    us?” He asked me.


    “Only if you are sure,” I told him. We stared at each other and I could


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    Chapter Forty-Eight


    feel the boy’s eyes on us. The tension started to build before ke finally answered.


    “I’m sure, Riley. You and Channing are always wee.”


    “Okay,” I nodded before getting out of the vehicle. I needed a moment to breathe. I can’t believe I


    agreed to meet his parents. Even if it’s just as his son’s best friend’s mom.


    The boys grabbed most of the stuff from the back before heading into the house. I watched as they


    both went in like they owned the ce.


    “I think Aspen is spending the night,” I said, shaking my head.


    “Is that okay? If not I can tell him to get his a*s home,” ke chuckled.


    “It’s fine, really. I enjoy having him around. As long as it’s okay with you. I know you said that nothing


    has changed but,” I couldn’t finish, guilt twisted my stomach painfully. Aspen was all ke had left of


    his mate and I could have gotten him hurt or worse killed.


    ke grabbed my hand and spun me in against his chest before resting his hands on my hips. His


    smell was intoxicating as I looked up into his amber eyes. No one has ever had this hold on me, not


    even Channing’s father.


    “Ryley, you have no reason to feel guilty. Aspen has been trained without a wolf and he has been


    trained with Gunner. He could have handled himself. Like I’m sure Channing would have. Thank you for


    protecting him and making sure he was safe. I trust that you will always take care of him,” ke said,


    and tears p**cked my eyes.


    “Now, go get some rest.” He kissed my forehead before he let me go. I watched him walk toward the


    pack house, wishing he would have stayed. But not having the guts to admit it out loud.


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    Chapter Forty Eq


    268 Wountere Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.


    “What the hell is wrong with me?” I breathed out when he was out of sight.


    “You love him,” Lily purred and I groaned.


    “Shut up,” I grumbled, walking into the house.


    “Or you can leave the boys here and let me pounce on the alpha. It’s a win-win,” she continued,


    ignoring me.


    “Will you stop?” I eximed. The boys were watching tv in the living room, while I made my way up the


    stairs to my room. I needed a bath and a book.


    “Mom, can we order pizza?” Channing called out from downstairs.


    “That’s fine, sweetie,” I yelled back.


    “Do you want anything?”


    “I’m okay. I’m just going to have a bath and then go to bed.” I called back before walking through my


    room to the bathroom to start the water. While the tub was filling up, I walked back into my bedroom to


    get the book I was reading.


    When did my life be soplicated? I thought to myself as I went back into the bathroom and


    stripped off my clothes. I climbed into the steaming hot water, finally feeling like I can rx.


    “It’s onlyplicated because you are making it so. We could join this pack and be the Luna we were


    always meant to be. ke will protect us from our mate. And if the ba**ard is smart, he won’t challenge


    him.” Lily said.


    “He has already imed another, Lily. He wouldn’t be able to


    challenge ke. But how do you know ke even wants me? And all


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    the b****hit I bring. It’s not fair to him.” I sighed.


    “You can always tell him the truth about everything and let him make that choice. He wants you, Ryley.


    Who wouldn’t? And you deserve to be happy.”


    “Lily, wee with a lot of baggage. And ke has enough to worry about with Aspen and his pack. I


    don’t want to be a burden and I also don’t want to relive the past. I don’t want his pity.” I told her. She


    whimpered before retreating to the back of my mind.


    I wish I wasn’t broken. I wish I could trust my heart. If I was stronger I would be able to have ke and


    not fear rejection. If I told him my story and he rejected me, it would be like my mate all over again. And


    my heart isn’t strong enough. So, I will put my heart back in the box I have built and throw away the key


    to keep it safe.