《Fated to my Enemy》 Chapter 1 Chapter 1 Chapter One Ryley My heart was pounding in my chest and my lungs burned as I ran through the forest that surrounded my pack. I could hear my father¡¯s beta yelling at me, telling me to keep going. Fear explodes through my body as growls from enemy wolves be closer. My father¡¯s beta¡¯s voice became more distant and I knew he had stopped running with me. He stopped to slow down the wolves who were chasing us. My heart twisted painfully at the thought of our pack being attacked by someone who we trusted. Who I trusted. I was stupid to think he ever cared about me. My family and pack died from my stupidity. And I knew if I got away, my life would never be the same. As soon as the warriors guarding the north informed my father of the invading army, hemanded his beta to take me to safety. I pleaded with him to let me stay, to fight along his side but he knew I wouldn¡¯t stand a chance. I wasn¡¯t even old enough to shift yet. My father¡¯s beta carried me, kicking and screaming as he ran away from my family and his. His son was old enough to shift and fight. And he promised to protect my family. I knew it was a lost cause when my father ordered me to run. He knew he was going to die and he didn¡¯t want to see me die or worse. Goosebumps covered my body as howls became closer. I ran with everything I had to get to the River. If I didn¡¯t make it, I will surely die. I know these wolves would show no mercy. With every step I took, the river became louder. The fast current of the water drowned out the howls of the wolves that were quickly closing in on me. A loud growl behind me caused me to lose my footing and I rolled off the cliff. Looking up, I saw the eyes of the wolf who had betrayed me. Before my body could hit the icy water below, I shook awake. ¡°It was only a nightmare.¡± I breathed out, trying to catch my breath. No matter how hard I try, that day will forever haunt my dreams. Looking at the clock beside my bed, I groaned. I was due to get up in half an hour. With no chance of going back to sleep, I threw off my nket and climbed out of bed. My body was stiff and sore from the tension of my dream but I needed to work off this anxious energy. Before dressing for my morning run, I left my room and walked down the hallway to peek into my son¡¯s room. I let out a silent sigh of relief when I found he was still asleep. He was safe and that¡¯s all that mattered. I quietly went back to my room to get changed for my early morning run. When I was dressed, I put in my earbuds and started my music before pocketing my phone. Leaving the house, I made sure to lock the door. I had my wolf to protect me but my son wasn¡¯t old enough to shift yet. I had run ap around the neighborhood before Channing, my son, joined me. We did this every morning before he went to school and I went to work. I was still so lost in my nightmare ofst night. The run did nothing to ease my anxiety. ¡°Couldn¡¯t sleep?¡± He asked when I removed one of the earbuds. ¡°I woke up early and decided to get an extrap in,¡± I told him. He gave me a nod and we ran in comfortable silence. We didn¡¯t need to speak to enjoy each other¡¯spany. Unlike most parents, I don¡¯t keep secrets from him. He knows about his father and why he isn¡¯t in our lives. His father is also my fated mate. And even though I was only seventeen and unmarked, I still got pregnant. It was my first time. And it was only after I had run did I found out I was pregnant. That¡¯s when I knew he was my fated mate. He was also only seventeen at the time and wouldn¡¯t have known I was his fated. He probably still doesn¡¯t. Thest I heard was he had found his Luna a few months after the attack and they have a son. Not that his life has anything to do with mine. I may despise my mate but I love my son with everything I have. Even though life in a human city hasn¡¯t been easy, keeping him was the best decision I ever made. ¡°Mom, are you sure everything is okay?¡± Channing asked me as I handed him a bottle of water. We had finished ap together before heading home to get ready for our day. Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org. ¡°I¡¯m okay, sweetie. And it¡¯s my job to worry about you,¡± I scolded with a smirk. ¡°I¡¯m a seventeen-year-old high school student, what¡¯s there to worry about?¡± He chuckled. ¡°One, if you don¡¯t start getting ready, you¡¯ll bete for school.¡± He cursed when he looked at the clock on the stove. He took off upstairs, leaving me in the kitchen, chuckling and shaking my head. I quickly followed his lead, I needed to get ready so I could drop him at school before I headed to the office. It never takes me long to get ready. I also keep it work formal but I would rather work from home in my pajamas. After I showered, I styled my shoulder-length blonde hair, letting it dry in waves. Applying very little makeup, I didn¡¯t go to work to impress anyone, I was there to make sure my son had everything he needed and more. I do enjoy my job and I¡¯ve worked hard to be where I¡¯m at but it wasn¡¯t my life. When I was ready, Channing was waiting at the front door for me. School only had a few more weeks and then it would be just us for the summer. I was nning on taking some time off before hisst year of high school and his hockey season started. Life was always busy for us so I needed to slow down and enjoy the time I had left before he went off to college. ¡°Ready?¡± He asked, handing me my bags. ¡°Yep, let¡¯s go.¡± Chapter 2 Chapter 2 hapter Two Ryley My boss was standing by the front desk as soon as I stepped out of the elevator, holding my much¨C neededtte. I wasn¡¯t in the mood to deal with him today. I just wanted to get to my office and finish my workload. He was chatting with the receptionist, Evelyn. My strides became more purposeful as I made my way to my office, trying to go unnoticed. ¡°Good morning, Miss Halliwell,¡± Evelyn¡¯s overly cheery voice rang out when I was almost in the safety of my office. I cringed before forcing a smile. I turned around to see my boss, Mr. Miller, and Evelyn, both watching me. ¡°Good morning,¡± I told them, trying to sound chipper, even though I was anything but. I turned on my heels and headed into my office, closing the door behind me. The relief I felt after closing my door and I was alone was short¨Clived when Mr. Miller, opened the door and entered my office. I silently groaned as I ced mytte on my desk before cing my purse and bag on the floor beside my chair. ¡°Mr. Miller, what can I do for you?¡± I asked him, as I removed my coat, cing it over the back of my chair. Mr. Isaac Miller was a few years older than me. He took over for his father a few years ago when he decided to retire and spend his golden years traveling with his wife. He wasn¡¯t a werewolf but his sister was mated to one, which is umon. It helped him build his ounting firm. He was Chapter Two 1 trusted in the werewolfmunity because his sister was associated with the firm. And she was mated to a wolf. He also has some great forensic ountants working for him. ¡°Ryley, I need a favor,¡± He said, sitting in a chair in front of my desk. My body froze as I looked at him. Whenever I hear those words, my mind automatically goes to a date. If I had a dor for the number of times I¡¯ve been asked to make another jealous, I wouldn¡¯t need to work anymore. ¡°What kind of favor?¡± I asked him, suspiciously, and he let out a sigh. It¡¯s too early for this and haven¡¯t even enjoyed my coffee, I thought as I took my seat. ¡°Do you remember the Orion Enterprise case, I had asked you to investigate?¡± I remember that case drove me crazy for twenty¨Cfour full hours until I finally figured it out. The person who was stealing was good at hiding their tracks but I was better. ¡°Yes, I remember. Did something happen?¡± I asked him. ¡°I need you to travel to the Orion pack.¡± He said. Unfortunately for me, his brother¨Cinw scented me when I met him and his mate at a work function. ¡°No,¡± I told him firmly. I won¡¯t go into packs. I¡¯m a lone wolf and I don¡¯t need that kind of drama. If I was from a lower bloodline, I would be considered a rogue but it¡¯s not umon for a strong wolf to not want to submit under an -alpha. I¡¯m one of those wolves. ¡°Ryley, I wouldn¡¯t be asking if it wasn¡¯t important. Mr. Orion suspects more fraud is happening within his empire and has demanded I send the person who found the person the first time. You saved his enterprise almost a million dors.¡± He exined as¨Cl sipped my coffee. ¡°You know I have Channing. I can¡¯t just uproot our lives. He has school and hockey.¡± I told him. ¡°Isn¡¯t school almost done for the year? And it may be nice for him to be with his own kind,¡± he commented and I raised a brow. ¡°You know what I mean, Ryley,¡± he said, shaking his head. ¡°Yes, I know what you mean. But I have my reason for keeping me and my son away from that life.¡± He sighed as he ran his hand down his face. ¡°He is one of our wealthiest clients. I need my best on this.¡± ¡°ttery will get you nowhere, Isaac. This isn¡¯t just my life. And school may be done soon but what about next year? It will be Channing¡¯sst year, I want him to graduate with his friends.¡± I told him. ¡°What if it¡¯s just for the summer? And I¡¯ll give you a bonus now and one at the end of the summer.¡± He pleaded. ¡°If I do this, Isaac, Channing, and I need our own home. I won¡¯t stay at their pack house. I will need my own office, and weekends and all the other days I request are guaranteed off. I This is one of thest summers I have with Channing, and I won¡¯t be wasting it. Also, I will only answer to you. Mr. Orion doesn¡¯t hold any authority over me. I will respect his pack rules but I won¡¯t be forced to submit. And I won¡¯t start until after school is done for the year.¡± When I was done exining my demands, Mr. Miller had a grin on his face. He¡¯d be handsome if he wasn¡¯t my boss. ¡°Done,¡± He eximed, standing up. ¡°Oh, and Isaac, I¡¯ll need my first bonus in the form of a teal green sports car,¡± I called out before he could leave my office. ¡°Send me a picture and the specs. I¡¯ll send over all the documents Mr. Orion has sent to me, so you can get started. Thank you, Ryley.¡± He said before leaving my office, closing the door behind him. I slumped back into my chair, groaning. Channing will be getting his dream car, but is it worth going back into a world I ran from seventeen years ago? ¡°This could be good for him. He¡¯ll be able to train and interact with others just like him.¡± Lily, my wolf said. ¡°I¡¯m just trying to keep him safe. We are a Luna wolf; I won¡¯t be forced to submit. I let someone get close to me and look at what happened to our family and pack. I can¡¯t and won¡¯t lose Channing.¡± I sighed. Belonging to N?velDrama.Org. ¡°I will do everything I can to keep our pup safe.¡± ¡°I know you will. You¡¯d kill an alpha if you had to. I just don¡¯t want things toe to that. I don¡¯t want to have to deal with a council that turned their backs on my family. It¡¯s better if everyone thinks the future Luna of the Aurora Mountain pack is still dead.¡± Chapter 3 Chapter 3 Chapter Three Alpha ke It¡¯s been a hell of a couple of weeks. After noticing some of the ounts weren¡¯t adding up, I sent an email to my friend Isaac. Isaac Miller and I have been friends for a few years after one of my warriors was mated to his human sister. It¡¯s not umon for a wolf to be mated to a human, even though our worlds are pretty separate. We don¡¯t go around announcing we are wolves to just anyone. I was surprised when within twenty¨Cfour hours, Isaac¡¯s firm had already located the problem and tracked down the source. Isaac had some of the country¡¯s best ountants working for him. After tracking down the person who had stolen almost a million dors from me, I asked Isaac to send the person who had uncovered the culprit. I wanted all of our finances reviewed. It¡¯s one thing to steal from me, but no one steals from my pack and gets away with it. I was relieved when my cell phone rang and Isaac¡¯s name popped up on the screen. When west spoke, he seemed hesitant to ask the person to relocate to my pack. I¡¯m sure he¡¯s human, but he has nothing to worry about. I have other humans in my pack. ¡°ke Orion,¡± I answered. ¡°Hey ke, it¡¯s Isaac.¡± He greeted. ¡°Isaac, I hope you are calling with good news,¡± I said. ¡°My employee has made some requests.¡± He said and I rolled my eyes. Of course, they would make demands, even though I offered a sizeable bonus. Plus all amodations will be paid. ¡°And what are these demands?¡± questioned. Belonging to N?velDrama.Org. ¡°A house to live in away from the pack house. Their own office, weekends, and all requested time off. And everything has to be done by the end of the summer.¡± He exined. I was more surprised by the lack of demands themself. ¡°How big does the house have to be?¡± I asked, knowing already where I would house him. ¡°They have a teenage son, so at least two bedrooms,¡± Isaac answered. ¡°No wife?¡± ¡°It¡¯s just the two of them. School is almost done for the year. After they will relocate for the summer until the next school year starts.¡± That sounded reasonable. I wouldn¡¯t want to pull my son out of school with just a couple of weeks left. ¡°I agree to those terms.¡± ¡°Good to hear. I¡¯ll send over the exact date of their arrival after I give them the good news. And ke, if you have any issues, please bring them to my attention and I will handle the situation.¡± ¡°Will do, thanks again,¡± I said before ending the call. I wonder what issues he was referring to. ¡°Dad, who was that?¡± My son, Aspen asked, walking into my Chapter Three 1 office. He was the spitting image of me but with histe mother¡¯s, my fated mate¡¯s eyes. It reminds me, I always have a piece of her. ¡°I finished my exam. I have a few hours until the next one.¡± He shrugged, taking a seat. ¡°We will be having a couple of humans as our guests for the summer. The forensic ountant and his son.¡± I told him. ¡°Still worried there¡¯s another thief among thepanies?¡± ¡°One can never be too careful, son. I employed hundreds of people. If someone was able to get through our security, I¡¯m sure others will try or are trying. It¡¯s not like people don¡¯t know how wealthy we are.¡± I sighed. ¡°Yeah, it¡¯s one thing that sucks about being an alpha¡¯s son. You never really know who is your friend. And the girls only care about being Luna. It¡¯s exhausting.¡± He confessed. ¡°Why do you think I never remated? No one could rece your mother, for one, but then all the woman wanted was to be Luna. They didn¡¯t want a single dad. It was just easier to raise you myself.¡± ¡°Maybe you will get a second chance?¡± He shrugged. ¡°And how do you feel about that?¡± I asked him. I know he missed his mother, I did every day. I don¡¯t want him to feel I¡¯m recing her or him. ¡°It would be nice to see you happy again. And I¡¯ll be going off to alpha training next year. I just want to make sure you are taken care of.¡± He said and I sighed. Chapter Three 1 ¡°I think I¡¯m the parent here. Shouldn¡¯t I be worried about you?¡± I gave him a pointed look and he chuckled. ¡°I would be less worried if you didn¡¯t work so much. You need to get a hobby outside the pack businesses. Once I take over you will have a lot of free time on your hands.¡± ¡°Oh, is that how it is? Just going to throw your old man out on his ass?¡± ¡°I would feel better if you had a woman to keep youpany.¡± He grinned. ¡°Fuck off. Don¡¯t you have an exam to study for?¡± I grumbled, looking back at my paperwork. ¡°Maybe, but you should think about what I said. You could have a second chance out there. I just don¡¯t want to see you a lonely old man.¡± He teased. ¡°Go study before I put you to work,¡± I grumbled. ¡°Yes, Alpha, sir,¡± he saluted me, before leaving my office. He left me shaking my head at his antics. ¡°He¡¯s right you know, it may be worth it to visit other packs to see if we do have a second chance,¡± Gunner, my wolf, chimed in. ¡°I don¡¯t know. I feel like I¡¯d be cheating on Mia. She died giving us Aspen and then I just move on to someone else.¡± I sighed. ¡°She would want us to be happy. She understood the risk of her bringing our son into the world and she still took that chance.¡± He retorted. ¡°Because she lied to me about those risks, until it was toote. Chapter Three I love Aspen but I never would have allowed her to risk her life like that. We could have adopted.¡± I eximed. He whimpered while retreating and my stomach twisted painfully with guilty. He too lost his mate that day. My son¡¯s birth was the happiest and saddest day of my life. And second chance or not, no one can rece Mia. Chapter 4 Chapter 4 Chapter Fo0 Belonging to N?velDrama.Org. Chapter Four Ryley I was finishing stuffing my clothes into myst suitcase. Thest two weeks flew by and now it was the day we leave for our home for the summer. Channing was over the moon when Mr. Miller delivered my bonus personally. And even though I was happy to give my son something he¡¯s been wanting and working hard for, my stomach twisted painfully. If I¡¯m discovered, there will be noing back. I¡¯d been running from that life for seventeen years and now I was about to move into the wolf¡¯s den. I sighed as I ced the suitcase on the floor and sat down on the edge of my bed. I regretted my decision as soon as I epted Mr. Millers¡® offer. And I was hoping Alpha Orion wouldn¡¯t agree to my demands. So imagine my disappointment when Isaac came back to my officeter that day to get the exact date of when we could relocate and the details for the car. I should have been more demanding. I know The Orion pack is wealthy and I should have used that, But I wasn¡¯t that person to demand money. It wasn¡¯t about the money, it was about my simple life with my son. I took in a deep breath as I tried to swallow down my fears. ¡°Mom, you ready?¡± Channing asked from the doorway of my bedroom. ¡°Ready,¡± I answered, taking another deep breath. ¡°Everything will be fine, Mom. I won¡¯t let anything happen to Z88 Vouchers you,¡± Channing said, giving me a side hug, as I stood up from the bed. ¡°It¡¯s not me I¡¯m worried about. And I¡¯m the parent here. I should be reassuring you.¡± I told him and he chuckled. ¡°I¡¯ll always have your back, Mom. I¡¯ll take your bag out and you can lock up the house,¡± he squeezed me tight before picking up my suitcase and leaving my room. Channing has always been the boy to see the ss as half full and never half empty. He was so full of life and enjoyed the unknown. I, on the other hand, feared not knowing. Thest seventeen years have always been me not knowing how I was going to feed him, clothe him, or even how I was going to pay rent. I liked being in control. I spent a few minutes going into every room to make sure nothing was forgotten. When I was satisfied everything was either off or locked, I locked the front door. Channing was already sitting behind the wheel of his car with the music ring. I made eye contact with him before climbing behind the wheel of my SUV. It was packed full of all of our things. After finding a song I like, I started the four¨Chour drive with Channing following behind me. The further I drove from home, the house I worked so hard to buy, the further my stomach sunk. I couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that something bad was about to happen. I was thankful my windows were heavily tiniest as I pulled up in front of the Orion¡¯s pack house. I needed a moment to gather myself and to calm my nerves before exposing who I was. A lone wolf. I was in the middle of deep breathing when my phone rang through the speakers. Blowing out a breath, I answered, Chapter Four ¡°Ryley Halliwell.¡® 1 ¡°Miss Halliwell, this is Mr. Dillinger. I need your help with a matter of a personal nature.¡± He said. I had worked on his ounts before, for hispany, but never personally. ¡°Of course, Mr. Dillinger, what can I do for you?¡± I asked him. ¡°I need you to go over my personal finances. I believe my wife isn¡¯t being truthful and I need to prove it.¡± He sighed. ¡°I¡¯m already on a case but if you could email everything you¡¯d like me to review, I can try to get it back to you by Monday evening,¡± I told him. ¡°Thank you, Miss Halliwell. Mr. Miller told me you were relocating for the summer and offered for someone else to handle this matter but I trust you. I know you are the best.¡± ¡°Thank you for your trust and understanding. I¡¯m sorry for your circumstances,¡± I told him, sincerely. I only know him professionally, but he seems like a good man. He pays his employees well. And the turnover of his employees is very low. He can¡¯t be that bad if his employees are loyal. ¡°Keep me posted.¡± He said before ending the call. I¡¯m never getting any sleep this weekend. I sent Isaac a text to let him know that I would be looking into the matter for Mr. Dillinger. My phone chimed, alerting me to an unread email. Mr. Dillinger had sent me over everything he wanted me to review. I ced my phone in the center console before going back to my breathing. Chapter Four ¡°Let¡¯s get this over with,¡± I breathed out before opening the door and stepping out of my SUV. Chapter 5 Chapter 5 Chapter Five Alpha ke I was waiting on the front step of the pack house, with my Beta, Luca. Luca and I have been friends since we were kids. His father was my father¡¯s beta and best friend. Both of our parents left to travel a few years after I became alpha. They came back for a few years to help me with their grandson, Aspen, but now they were living in a retirementmunity for former higher members and retired council members. It¡¯s a little town just outside the werewolf council. ¡°I¡¯m sure everything will be fine, ke,¡± Luca said, as I was deep in thought. ¡°If not, he will find it, like he did thest time.¡± He reassured me. It wasn¡¯t just about the enterprise and the finances. I was having two strangers staying with my pack. Humans were no match for wolves, physically but I didn¡¯t want any of my members getting hurt. I know Isaac trusts him, but I don¡¯t trust him so easily, especially after learning someone close to me was stealing. I thought we were friends, he was the head of one of the departments and his betrayal hurt. ¡°Alpha, a dark SUV, and a teal sports car just crossed into the city limits.¡± Warrior Alex, mind¨Clinked me. ¡°They are justing into the city now,¡± I informed my beta. The Orion pack was massive with over ten thousand members. Our pack makes up a city, and we are almost self- sufficient. I only hired Isaac¡¯s firm because I wanted an outsider¡¯s view. The time it took for them to arrive at the pack house, felt like an hour, not ten minutes. When they finally pulled up, I felt like I could finally breathe, until I noticed I couldn¡¯t see inside. the SUV. A young man exited the sports car quickly and I was taken aback when I scented he was a wolf. ¡°Alpha Orion,¡± the young man spoke as he approached me. He extended his hand and I shook it. ¡°I¡¯m Channing Halliwell,¡± He introduced himself. This is property ? N?velDrama.Org. ¡°Good to meet you, Call me Alpha ke and this is my beta, Luca.¡± I greeted him. Channing was the same age as Aspen, and they were pretty much the same size. They also had the same dark hair color. The only difference was their eyes. Aspen had hunter¨Cgreen eyes like his mother and Channing has grey, almost silver. I¡¯ve never seen eyes like his. ¡°Is Mr. Halliwell going to join us?¡± Luca asked, shaking Channing¡¯s hand. Channing looked at us in confusion. ¡°I think you mean Miss Halliwell, my mother.¡± He corrected my beta. ¡°Miss?¡± I questioned. I heard a door close and a beautiful woman walked around the SUV. Her wavy blonde hair was cut to her shoulders, and she shared the same grey eyes as her son. But she didn¡¯t look old enough to have a son in histe teens. I know wolves age slowly but she looks barely twenty- five. . She was dressed casually in tight blue jeans, a white v¨Cneck shirt, and white sneakers. It was simple but she made it look sexy. I could smell she too was a wolf but I didn¡¯t see a mark Chapter Five on her neck, which I thought was odd. If she had a son, she had a mate. ¡°Mr. Orion,¡± my name rolled off her plump peach lips and I couldn¡¯t help but wonder how it would sound in ecstasy. Her screaming my name as she withered beneath me. ¡°Miss Halliwell,¡± I greeted, shaking her extended hand. Thankfully, my mouth and brain were still working. ¡°Please, call me Ryley,¡± she said, smiling at me. ¡°I¡¯m Beta Luca. If you need anything, I¡¯m the one to ask.¡± He said, shaking her hand. ¡°Thank you, Beta Luca. If you don¡¯t need anything, I¡¯d like to get us both settled. I also, have another matter to finish up before starting on Monday.¡± She informed us. ¡°Another matter?¡± I questioned. ¡°Another client needed my help with a personal matter. But it should be all cleared up by Monday morning before I start working on your case.¡± She exined. My stomach twisted with jealousy. Personal matter? ¡°Very well. Luca, please show them where they will be staying. And Miss Halliwell, as of Monday morning, you will work for me and only me.¡± My voice came out more demanding and angry than I wanted but I couldn¡¯t help it. I didn¡¯t want this woman working for anyone else, personally. I turned on my heels and walked into the pack house. ¡°What the hell?¡± I heard her exim before I closed.the front door behind me. My mind was racing with questions as I stormed into my office. I was feeling angry she would be spending her time with someone else. I only knew her name but I didn¡¯t want to think about her with someone else. ¡°The only question you care about is how well she can take your dick.¡± Gunner, my wolf, snickered. ¡°Also, how the hell does she have a son with no mark on her neck? Even I still bare our mate¡¯s mark and she¡¯s been gone for almost eighteen years,¡± I demanded and my wolf whined. ¡°Fuck, I¡¯m sorry, buddy. I miss her too.¡± I sighed. My fated mate and Luna, Mia will always be an unsealed wound. It may have gotten smaller but it will never heal fully. I miss her every day. Banging on my office door pulled me from the thoughts of my fated mate. Ryley¡¯s scent of vani and wild flowers hit me and Gunner started to purr. ¡°Come in,¡± I called out and a very angry, sexy, Miss Halliwell, stormed in. Chapter 6 Chapter 6 hapter Six Ryley ¡°Where is his office?¡± I demanded, looking at his alpha with my arms crossed over my chest. ¡°What?¡± Beta Luca looked confused ¡°Mom, don¡¯t¡± my son cautioned me. ¡°Where is Mr. Orion¡¯s office?¡± I asked again. ¡°First floor,st doors on the left,¡± Beta Luca answered. I thanked him before I stormed into the pack house. I¡¯ve been around alphas for half my life, hell I was raised by one. I wasn¡¯t going to put up with his s*it or anyone else¡¯s. His anger was unwarranted since I don¡¯t work for him, I work for Mr. Miller. Who the f*ck does he think he is? ¡°A very se*y alpha,¡± my wolf, Lily purred. I was fuming by the time I pounded on his office door. ¡°I wish you would let him pound into us,¡± ¡°Will you just stop?¡± I huffed. ¡°Come in,¡± I heard the alpha call out and I stormed into his office. ¡°Yes, Miss Halliwell,¡± he gave me a smirk as he sat behind his desk. My wolf was purring like a cat, excited for some odd reason. 0.00% O 11:47 208 Wouches If I wasn¡¯t so pi**ed off, I would have noticed his gorgeous amber eyes, well-trimmed beard, or hard- defined muscles, but I didn¡¯t. ¡°Liar!¡± Lily huffed. ¡°Mr. Orion, I would like to remind you that I don¡¯t work for work for Mr. Miller, who you hired.¡± I told him, firmly. you. I ¡°Which means you, Miss Halliwell, work for me, until the end of the summer, when your contract is complete. You are to work for me and only me, what this not exined to you?¡± He continued to smirk and I crossed my arms over my chest. ¡°What I do in my personal time is none of your business, Mr. Orion. If I was to work on another case, you don¡¯t have a say.¡± I retorted. ¡°What pack do you belong to?¡± He asked, changing the subject. ¡°I¡¯m a lone wolf,¡± I answered, biting my lip. ¡°Why?¡± ¡°That is none of your business. I¡¯m here because you asked for the person who found the issues in your finances and that person was me. I¡¯m not here because I want to be, Mr. Orion. I¡¯m here because the bonus I received paid for my son¡¯s dream car. If it wasn¡¯t for him, I never would have epted.¡± I eximed. 447 44 my Te ¡°Where is your mate?¡± He asked, nonchntly. ¡°What part of my personal life is none of your business, did you not understand?¡± I growled. He stood up and was standing in front of me before I could blink. His scent of cedar and musk filled my scents, My breathing became heavy as I looked up at his towering figure. He looked down at me with authority in his amber eyes. He wasn¡¯t a 15.31% ? 11:47 man who heard the word no. His hot breath against my car, caused my breath to lodge in my throat Belonging to N?velDrama.Org. ¡°Everyone who stays in my pack, is my business, Miss Halliwell.¡± His alpha aura rolling over me, wanted me to submit, Lily growled as she fought against him. ¡°Remember, I¡¯m the alpha of this pack,¡± his voice was husky and it stirred something inside me, I hadn¡¯t felt in a long time. ¡°And you should remember, Mr. Orion, that I¡¯m not a member of your pack.¡± I retorted. ¡°ke.¡± ¡°Excuse me?¡± ¡°It¡¯s Alpha ke. You¡¯re a wolf, Miss Halliwell. You don¡¯t have to be a member of my pack for your wolf to submit.¡± His tone was full of arrogance. It disgusted me and all I wanted to do was push him away. I will never submit again. ¡°I¡¯m a lone wolf, Mr. ke. I don¡¯t need or want an alpha. Have a good weekend,¡± I said before leaving his office. Alpha¡¯s were all the same, smug, arrogant as**oles. Demanding everyone who they deem beneath thom, submit. Never. ¡°Mom, everything okay?¡± Channing asked as I exited the pack house. ¡°Of course, I just had to clear things up with Mr. ke. Mr. Luca, could you please show us where we will be staying for the summer?¡± ¡°I¡¯ll ride with Channing, and you can follow,¡± Mr. Luca said and I nodded. I needed a moment to myself and I didn¡¯t need a beta wolf mansining why his alpha is a p*ick. I already know why and no, not submitting. I¡¯m 38.86% O J 11:47 Chatter Sire 1289 wouche The house Channing and I would be staying in wasn¡¯t too far from the back house. It was secluded, surrounded by trees. The house was beautiful. It was a two-story navy blue with white trim. It had a wraparound porch. This is the kind of house, I wish I could afford for Channing and me. But with him going off to college, paying for his school was my number one priority. ¡°Everything has been stocked. There is also ake with a dock to the back of the property. If there is anything you need, here¡¯s my number.¡± Mr. Luca exined as he passed me a business card. I parked my vehicle in front of the house and walked over to Channing¡¯s car. ¡°Thank you, and please pass along my thanks to Mr. ke,¡± I told him. ¡°Would you like any help? I could get a few warriors to help carry everything in for you?¡± He asked. ¡°Nope, I think we got it. Thank you, Beta Luca.¡± Channing said. And he nodded. ¡°Are there any trails?¡± I asked before Beta Luca could walk away. ¡°There¡¯s a trail that runs around the pack house and to the training grounds.¡± He pointed. ¡°It also goes around theke.¡± ¡°Thanks again,¡± I told him, with a smile. It was a beautiful ce, even if it was on Orion¡¯s packnds. He handed me a set of keys before turning on his heels and walking back towards the pack house. ¡°Let¡¯s get this done, Mom. Maybe after we can hit up a movie.¡± Channing said as he opened up the back of my SUV and started removing the luggage. This ce would be the perfect ce to rx if I didn¡¯t feel like a was 61.02% < 11:47 CHMe Sh 28% our Tets prey. ¡°You could just use him for sex.¡± My wolf shrugged. ¡°I love you and I know you need a strong wolf but he isn¡¯t it. We have our pup to take care of. I know you are lonely and sometimes I am too but then we meet another alpha and I know why I¡¯m never going there again.¡± I told her. ¡°But we are a Luna wolf.¡± She whined. ¡°I know, sweetie. Maybe after Channing goes off to college, we can find a human man who will love us. I don¡¯t want to risk us running into Channing¡¯s father.¡± I sighed. ¡°Yeah,¡± she whispered before retreating. Most of my life has been a contradiction. I needed to raise Channing but I know my wolf craved a mate. It¡¯s hard to do everything on your own and to carry the burden of everything but how can I trust anyone? Our mate was supposed to be our soulmate and he ripped my family and pack apart. And if our mate could do something like that, what¡¯s stopping anyone else? 85.39% Chapter 7 Chapter 7 Alpha ke I flopped back into my chair after Ryley stormed out of my office. She was a force to be reckoned with. I¡¯ve never met anyone who could resist mymand, pack member or not. I have thergest and richest pack in the wolf world. It¡¯s why I was so shocked to find someone was stealing from me. I could be ruthless. And most of the other packs feared me or they were stu*id. Young and naive alphas who think they could overstep their ce, but I always won in the end. I would do anything I needed to do to protect my pack, including kill. And to have this little lone wolf challenge me, made me curious about who she really was. I¡¯ve never heard of the surname Halliwell but it was something I was going to have to investigate. Not every wolf without a pack bes a lone wolf, most would be rogues. And then to have a child and be unmarked? Wolves can only get their fated or marked mate pregnant. So she must have had a fated, but where was he now? And why would he abandon his mate and child? My jaw was ticking and my fists were clenched by the time my beta walked into my office. I needed answers but I couldn¡¯tmand them out of her. ¡°ke, you alright?¡± He asked me, taking a seat in front of my desk. ¡°No. Did you get any information from her son?¡± I asked him. ¡°Nothing. He did say his father was never in their lives. That was the only question he would answer. You should call Isaac. He should have told you he was sending a wolf,¡± Luca said. 0.00% 11:48 Chapter Seven. 288 vachers ¡°What did she say to you?¡± He asked as I pulled out my phone. ¡°She told me her personal life was none of my business. She even fought mymand,¡± I told him and he blew out a breath. ¡°Wow,¡± was all he said as I dialed Isaac¡¯s number. ¡°Mr. Orion, what can I do for you?¡± He answered after the third ring. ¡°First, you can exin to me why you never mentioned Miss Halliwell was a wolf?¡± I said, emphasizing the word Miss. ¡°Did you not know?¡± I asked when he didn¡¯t answer. ¡°I knew,¡± he sighed. ¡°My brother-inw mentioned it when they met at apany party,¡± he admitted. ¡°And you didn¡¯t think to inform me of another wolf entering my pack?¡± I growled. ¡°I didn¡¯t think it was relevant. Her being a wolf, doesn¡¯t make her any less capable of doing her job,¡± he defended. ¡°It does matter. Where is the father of her son?¡± I demanded. ¡°I don¡¯t know. I¡¯ve never seen her with anyone besides her son.¡± I tried to hide my smile when he said that. ¡°How old is she?¡± I asked, that¡¯s something he could answer. ¡°She¡¯s thirty-four,¡± he sighed. I was quickly doing the math in my head. ¡°ke, I didn¡¯t mention Ryley was a woman because she has had a hard time in this business. She is incredibly intelligent but when 27.75% 11:48 Chapter Saven 1 porschert powerful men learn she is not just a pretty face and the fact that she doesn¡¯t take their s*it, they demand a man. Usually, she would work from the sidelines and they would believe a man named Ryley fixed everything. She doesn¡¯t like it but she puts up with it because of her son. She¡¯s one of the most hardworkin, mployees I have.¡± Isaac told me. ¡°I understand. And I shouldn¡¯t have assumed she was a male but it doesn¡¯t change the fact that I have a lone wolf on my packnds.¡± I sighed. And I can¡¯t evenmand her. ¡°What do you want to do? Do you want me to send someone else?¡± He asked and Gunner growled, earning me a look from my beta. I just pushed my lips into a line. ¡°I¡¯ll handle it,¡± I told him. ¡°Yeah, I bet you will,¡± Luca grumbled under his breath, giving me a smirk. ¡°But I want her file,¡± ¡°I can¡¯t afford to have her quit, ke. She is the best I have. And all her clients return because of her. I only sent her because you demanded the best.¡± He said not answering my question. ¡°File. Isaac?¡± I demanded. ¡°Fine, but she better not find out, ke. I mean it. If she quits, I¡¯m billing you for all of my losses.¡± ¡°Oh and Isaac, for the next two months she works for me and only me. Do you understand?¡± I didn¡¯t need her distracted by anyone else. ¡°Understood, ke. She won¡¯t get another case from me. And I¡¯ll remind her not to take on any cases. But she is a hard worker, I can¡¯t 50.27% J 11:48 Dare Bevah, 204 Mars control what she does in her free time.¡± He breathed out. ¡°I¡¯ll be expecting her file,¡± I said before ending the call. My beta sat across me with a smirk on his face. ¡°What?¡± I sighed, pinching the bridge of my nose. ¡°Do you want to tell me the real reason why you aren¡¯t sending her packing?¡± He teased. ¡°You heard Isaac, she is good at her job. And she has already saved the pack almost a million dors,¡± I defended. And he grinned. ¡°She¡¯s also easy on the eyes.¡± ¡°F*ck off,¡± I growled and he held up his hands. ¡°I¡¯m just saying,¡± he smiled. ¡°Ryley is the type of woman who demands to be in charge. An alpha doesn¡¯t submit to anyone,¡± I retorted ¡°You wouldn¡¯t be saying that if she was on her knees, and naked.¡± He wiggled his eyebrows and I threw a book I had sitting on my desk at him ¡°Better act fast, Alpha. She¡¯s a beautiful, unmated wolf, in a pack full of unmated males. And if I wasn¡¯t mated to my fated, I¡¯d let her dominate me.¡± He purred. Gunner growled and Luca rushed from my office,ughing like a h**ny teenager F**ker. My phone chimed on my desk, telling me I received an email. Isaac had sent over Ryley¡¯s file. Now it was time to find out what she was really hiding. 76.42% ||| J 11:48 98.64% Chatte ¡°Yes, Alpha,¡± warrior Aidan answered my mind-link. ¡°Come to my office.¡±This is property ? N?velDrama.Org. Chapter 8 Chapter 8 Chapter Eight Ryley I was still fuming and I couldn¡¯t focus on anything but that smug son of a bi**h who thinks I¡¯ll just put up with his demands. I abandoned putting my clothes away and found myptop to get some work done. ¡°Arrogant p*ick demanding I only work for him,¡± I mumbled as I checked my email. ¡°Isn¡¯t he perfect,¡± my wolf purred? She¡¯s been in a love-sick haze since sheid eyes on Alpha ke. ¡°Did you forget we were already f**ked over by an alpha? And he even turned out to be our mate. I¡¯m not going to give myself to another alpha, especially one who tried tomand us. We have more important things, like Channing.¡± I scolded her. ¡°Fine, but when he goes off to college I deserve a good f*ck,¡¯ she huffed before retreating. I understand her sexual frustration but I already gave myself to someone and he betrayed me. I could never fall for that again. I thought I loved my mate, and I don¡¯t think I¡¯d ever be able to hand over that amount of control to anyone ever again. I was deep into Mr. Dillinger¡¯s finances when Channing walked into the kitchen. I was working at the kitchen ind, not ready to set anything up. I didn¡¯t want to be here and the thought of organizing my life to stay for two months was killing me. ¡°All done?¡± He asked me, opening the fridge. ¡°I haven¡¯t even started. I need to finish this before Mr. ke loses his 0.00% 11:48 Charter Espit s*it.¡± I told him with a sigh. ¡°You really don¡¯t like alphas, huh?¡± He asked while pulling out things to make a sandwich. It was nice for whoever set this ce up for us to have everything stocked so I wouldn¡¯t have to go grocery shopping yet. ¡°I don¡¯t like being told what I can and can¡¯t do in my time. He also demanded I submit,¡± I told my son, crossing my arms over my chest. ¡°Well, this should be fun to watch,¡± he chuckled. ¡°I¡¯m sorry Channing. I know this isn¡¯t your grudge to carry.¡± My voice was sympathetic. My son after all was an alpha. ¡°Don¡¯t be, Mom. A please and thank you would have gone a long way. He didn¡¯t have to speak to you like that.¡± He said and I nodded. He slid a te with a sandwich over to me before getting two cold cans of soda from the fridge. ¡°You are the best, and if he wants the best, he better be willing to give you the same respect he is demanding from you. You¡¯re a wolf, but you are a Luna, his equal.¡± I smiled as his words warmed my heart. ¡°Let¡¯s keep that between us,¡± ¡°I won¡¯t tell a soul,¡± he said,ing around the counter. He ced down one of the sodas and kissed my cheek. ¡°I¡¯m all unpacked. Just going to eat and get ready for bed,¡± he told me as he gathered his te and drink. ¡°Thank you for the sandwich. Good night, sweetie. I love you,¡± I called out as he left the kitchen. ¡°Love you too. Don¡¯t stay up toote,¡± he called back and I chuckled. Sometimes I think he forgets that I¡¯m the parent. 29.39% ||| 11:48 Chengh 200 Next It didn¡¯t take me long to track the money and the ounts it was being sent to. I forwarded all the information to Mr. Miller and Mr. Dillinger. Honestly, anyone in the firm could have handled this matter but I understand he wanted discretion. Mr. Dillinger is a very rich, powerful man. If news got out of his not only cheating but stealing from him, it would hurt his reputation. He knows I would never divulge information about my clients. After the email was sent, I cleaned up the kitchen before going to my room. This house was beautiful. There were three bedrooms upstairs, all with their own bathrooms. I took the bedroom that looked out at theke to the back of the house. There was also a window seat to enjoy the view. I groaned when I looked around at all the unpacked suitcases. I didn¡¯t want to do anything but look out the window and pretend I wasn¡¯t in a pack. Sighing, I went to check on Channing. He was sound asleep. Then when I got back to my room, I started to unpack. As much as I hated the idea, I needed to make this ce feel like home. The moon was almost full as it hung above theke. After everything was put away, I changed into an oversized shirt and a pair of shorts. After climbing into bed, I stared at the ceiling. ¡°Only two months and we can head back to our normal lives.¡± I breathed out into my dark and empty room. ¡°Do you honestly believe that?¡± Lily asked. ¡°Is there something that you know that I don¡¯t?¡± I questioned my wolf and she let out a whimper. ¡°We¡¯ve been through enough, Lily. I¡¯ve worked too hard for my normal life to let it go without a fight. And Channing has so much going on in his senior year. We have to get back for his sake, not just o¨´rs. We just have to make sure no one finds out you¡¯re a Luna wolf. I didn¡¯t need 60.76% ?? 11:48 Chapter Exha the past bing the present.¡±This is property ? N?velDrama.Org. Chapter 9 Chapter 9 Chapter Nine Ryley I don¡¯t remember falling asleep. My mind had been racing with so many scenarios. I needed to take back some of the control. To have some normalcy back in our lives as we stay here. Channing can find a job for the summer in the city or he can start a couple of online sses. I forced myself to get up. The only way I was going to get back into our weekend routine, is to go for our morning run. We didn¡¯t get a chance to see a moviest night but maybe he¡¯ll want to go this afternoon. If not, maybe I¡¯ll spend the day reading. It¡¯s been a long time since I¡¯ve had any time for myself. I pulled on a pair of shorts, a sports bra, and a tank top before exiting my room to find Channing exiting his. He was dressed for our morning run. ¡°I was justing to get you,¡± he said. ¡°Good morning, sweetie, how did you sleep?¡± I asked him, as we walked down the stairs. ¡°Really, good. I think this will be good, Mom.¡± He said, chipper. He will always be my little boy with the ss half full. I grabbed my phone and the house key before following Channing out onto the porch. After locking the door, we started with our usual warm-up. The crisp morning air cleared my senses. We are here and I was going to have to make the best of it. ¡°Have you decided what you want to do for the summer?¡± I asked him, as we started our jog to the path at the back of the house. 0.00% ? O 11:48 ¡°I think I might ask the alpha to train,¡± I stopped in my tracks, grabbing his arm, making him stop. ¡°Mom, it will only make me stronger,¡± he defended. ¡°Channing, you don¡¯t have your wolf yet.¡± I was worried about leaving him unprotected. Around humans, he would always be stronger, but against a fully shifted wolf. even being of alpha blood, he would still get hurt or killed. I didn¡¯t want to see anything happen to my boy. ¡°Sweetie, I ¡­¡± I breathed out, the words getting lodged in my throat. ¡°Mom, please don¡¯t say no. Can I just talk with the alpha first? I want to get the schedule be deciding if I want to look for a job or just do a few online sses.¡± He said and I sighed. ¡°Fine, but we will both go talk to the alpha. I will not have him treating you any differently because you aren¡¯t a member of his pack.¡± I huffed, as we started jogging again. ¡°Mom, you can¡¯t always be there to protect me.¡± Lily let out a growl ¡°I can and always will. And you not having your wolf yet makes me more protective. I know I can be overbearing at times but if anything were to happen to you, I would never forgive myself,¡± I breathed out, shaking the thoughts from my head. I didn¡¯t need to cry. ¡°I know you worry, but have I ever given you a reason to worry?¡± He asked with a chuckle. Channing has always been the perfect son. He was a calm baby, to a quiet toddler, and an overall great child and now teenager. I won the son lottery with him. ¡°How about we go over to the training area and then we can speak to Mr. ke?¡± I said, giving in. He gave me a side hug before letting out a yes. So, now instead of jogging around theke, we are jogging down the path toward the training area. 30.49% ||| O 11:48 Chapter on 280 Pauchart Channing all but ran as soon as the field and the warriors that were training this morning came into view. Fearless, my boy was. I used to be that way until I only had one more thing to lose, him. T I tried not to let the stares bother me as I jogged up beside Channing. He was watching from the sidelines as Beta Luca barked orders. I was thankful, I didn¡¯t see Mr. ke. I needed a stiff drink before dealing with him. ¡°He could be our stiff drink,¡± Lily purred, emphasizing the word stiff. I ignored thement since Beta Luca approached us. ¡°Good morning,¡± he greeted. ¡°Beta Luca, do you think I could train?¡± Channing asked, excitedly. ¡°Well, you don¡¯t have your wolf yet, but I could set you up to train with the alpha¡¯s son, Aspen. He¡¯s group needs another body. Have you had any former training?¡± He asked. ¡°My mom. She has trained me,¡± Channing said proudly, and it warmed my heart. ¡°And, who trained you?¡± He questioned, turning his attention to me. ¡°My father did,¡± I answered. ¡°And your father is?¡± ¡°He¡¯s not up for discussion.¡± I retorted. ¡°Right, well then, you¡¯ll have to show me your skills,¡± he smirked. ¡°Excuse me, mine?¡± I asked surprised. ¡°I need to know what I¡¯m working with?¡± the smirk never left his face as he eyed me up. 67.84% ||| O 11:48 ¡°Oh, this is going to be good,¡± Channing sang out. ¡°Fine, but you asked for this,¡± I patted his chest before walking around to an empty spot on the field. ¡°Let¡¯s take this bi*ch down,¡± Lily howled. ¡°Let¡¯s.¡±Belonging to N?velDrama.Org. Chapter 10 Chapter 10 Chapter Ten Alpha ke I was hitting the weights in the gym when Aspen mind-linked me to tell me my beta was getting his a*s kicked on the training field. What the hell was going on? Sighing, I grabbed my shirt before making my way to the field. It was a quick walk and I greeted pack members as I passed them. With everything going on, I needed a moment alone to work out this pent-up frustration. ¡°Yeah, cuz jerking it in the shower for an hour, didn¡¯t help,¡± Gunner snickered. I ignored my wolf. He has been putting nothing but dirty images in my mind since we met Ryley, yesterday. He started purring like a kitten as I walked upon the scene of her kicking my beta¡¯s a*s. Her technique was wless and effortless as she took him down again and again. Everyone who was supposed to be training was now standing around watching the show. I stepped beside her son, Channing as Ryley was helping my beta up from his back. She had flipped him and knocked the air from his lungs. He was breathing hard and covered in sweat. Ryley didn¡¯t even look like she had worked out. ¡°What is going on?¡± I demanded. Both of them looked over at me and Aspen rushed over to me. ¡°She was awesome, Dad. I think she¡¯s even better than you,¡± he eximed, and I pushed my lips into a line. ¡°It¡¯s my fault, Alpha ke. I asked Beta Luca if I could train and since my mom is the one who trained me, he wanted to see her skills.¡± 0.00% 11:48 Cujbe Tem Channing confessed. ¡°Mom? She¡¯s your mom?¡± Aspen said, awestruck. Openly checking Ryley out. ¡°Aspen, why don¡¯t you take Channing to your group,¡¯ I ordered. ¡°Yes, sir,¡¯ Channing looked at his mother for approval. ¡°It¡¯s okay, sweetie, go train,¡± she told him. He kissed her cheek before following Aspen. ¡°Dude, I can¡¯t believe that¡¯s your mom,¡± I heard my son and I shook my head. She can hear you, you idiot. ¡°You alright?¡± I asked my beta as he was loudly trying to catch his breath. ¡°She¡¯s fast,¡± he panted and Ryley chuckled. ¡°You were a good warm-up,¡± she shrugged and that made meugh. How the hell can my beta be a good warm-up to a lone wolf? I looked over at her and she was smiling, looking across the field. I followed her gaze to where Aspen and Channing were goofing around andughing. She looked even more beautiful with a smile on her face. ¡°So, do you want to tell me who trained you?¡± ¡°My father,¡± she said nonchntly. ¡°And no, I¡¯m not telling you who he was,¡± she said, turning to face me. Who he was? Did he die? Instead of pushing her, I changed the subject. ¡°Channing would like to train with my pack?¡± She sighed as she looked between me and Luca. 24.26% III. < O 11:48 \CungtsR Term 12 ¡°Yes. I told him we could speak to you about the schedule before he decides if he¡¯ll get a part-time job or just start a few online sses.¡± She said. I thought for a moment before asking my beta. ¡°Don¡¯t we need another trainer for the younger kids over the summer?¡± ¡°I think we do, I know Aspen was trying to recruit but everyone usually has ns.¡± He answered. ¡°How about Channing can train with the pack and he can also work as a trainer?¡± I asked her. She stared at me, biting her lower lip and I wanted nothing more than to bite it myself. She finally sighed, and crossed her arms over her chest, amplifying her cleavage. ¡°And what do you want from me?¡± She asked. ¡°Just to f*ck you until you can¡¯t walk,¡± Gunner purred and I was d she couldn¡¯t hear my horn dog of a wolf. ¡°Why would you think I would want something?¡± Is this not what she wanted? ¡°So, you¡¯re just going to ept my lone wolf son?¡± She eximed, her voice full of doubt and worry. We just stared at each other, even after Luca excused himself. Neither one of us wanted to back down, even though I was confused about what she wanted. I cleared my throat and looked away when Aspen and Channing approached us. ¡°Mom?¡± Channing asked, concerned. She grabbed his arm and smiled. ¡°So, you want to train, and I heard you are also looking for a job for the summer?¡± I asked him. ¡°Yes, sir. I was also nning on taking a few online sses,¡± he told 44.50% 111 O L 11:48 Chapter Te me. ¡°And we will have to find you an ice rink or even a summer team,¡± Ryley chimed in. ¡°Dude, you y hockey?¡± Aspen asked him, smacking his arm. ¡°Yeah. I¡¯m hoping to get a sports schrship. It will make paying for college easier,¡± he shrugged. ¡°And what do you n on studying or are you nning on being a professional hockey yer?¡± ¡°Pediatric surgeon. I¡¯ll only have time to y during permed,¡± he told me and I was impressed. ¡°Come to my office this afternoon and I¡¯ll give you your training schedule and your new work schedule,¡± his face lit up. ¡°Thank you, sir.¡± I gave him a nod. ¡°Mom, I¡¯m going to go out with Aspen,¡± he said, turning to his mother. ¡°Sure, but you should go home and shower first. And make sure you grab the card and..¡± ¡°And no speeding,¡± he finished and she huffed, rolling her eyes. ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll stop but make sure you have your phone, a house key, and don¡¯t forget to see Mr. ke.¡± She finished and he gave her a side hug before kissing her temple. Seeing them together caused my heart to twist painfully. I wish Aspen would have been able to have a mother-son rtionship, just like them. ¡°Channing, I think my dad likes you more than me,¡± I heard Aspen say 68.97% O L 11:48 89.58% 1 as the two of them walked away toward the pack house. ¡°You must be proud,¡± I said and I could feel her gaze on me as I watched the field with my warriors training. ¡°If you treat him any differently, there is nowhere you¡¯ll be able to hide.¡± Her voice was a low growl. ¡°I¡¯ll see you Monday, Mr. ke.¡± I turned to watch her jog towards the path that leads to the house I had set up for her. ¡°She is fearlessly protective. I¡¯ll give her that,¡± Gunner chimed in. ¡°I think she believes she can take me.¡± I told him, as I walked back to the pack house. ¡°With the way she man-handled our beta, I believe her.¡± ?Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org. Chapter 11 Chapter 11 Chapter Eleven Ryley The weekend went by quickly. Channing and the alpha¡¯s son, Aspen have been inseparable. He really is a good kid, especially being raised by a single dad. I enjoyed having him at our ce. They spend Sunday ying video games and hanging around the house. I¡¯m used to Channing having friends, but usually, the weekends were for us. I think Aspen was just lonely. He said his dad was busy with meetings all weekend. Poor kid. Now, it¡¯s Monday morning and I¡¯m walking up to the pack house. Beta Luca is standing outside. ¡°good morning, Miss Halliwell,¡± he greeted me. I was dressed professionally in a high-waisted pencil skirt and a white blouse. My heels click, as I walk up the driveway towards him. ¡°Good morning, Beta Luca, How are you feeling?¡± I asked with a smirk. ¡°Sore, in ces I never knew existed,¡± he groaned and Iughed ¡°Come on, let me show you to your office. I¡¯ll also show you where the dining room is for lunch,¡± he said, as I followed him into the pack house. There were people everywhere, rushing about, but as soon as I walked by with the beta, all eyes were on me. I held my head high and smiled. I hated being the center of attention but there was nothing I could do now. After showing me where the dining room was on the main floor, I followed him up the stairs. My office was a few doors up from Mr. 0.00% ||| ¤¯ 11:49 Chapter Deven ke. Beta Luca opened the door for me and handed me the key. The office was bare, with just an ¡®L¡¯ shaped desk, chair, and a bookshelf against one of the walls. The window behind the desk ad a great view of the back gardens. ¡°I assume you have your ownputer, but if not, I can get one,¡± he offered. ¡°I have my own. But I will need you to email me all the links to ess the ounts Mr. ke would like me to look into. I will also need a printer and the wifi password to a secure connection.¡± I exined. There was a knock at the door, Beta Luca answered and a few warriors walked in carrying a few boxes each. ¡°Not everything is digitized yet,¡± Beta Lucamented. ¡°Yeah, I see that,¡± I groaned. ¡°Beta Luca, should we bring down the others?¡± A warrior asked, his eyes never leaving me. ¡°I think this is a good start. But if you can spare someone to scan this all in as I go through it, it would make this so much faster next time.¡± I told them. ¡°That will be all for now,¡± Beta Luca excused the three warriors. ¡°I¡¯ll speak with the alpha about your request. And I¡¯ll have everything else sent over.¡± ¡°Thank you,¡± I said, as I lifted a lid off one of the boxes. ¡°There¡¯s coffee in the dining room,¡¯ he said before leaving my office, closing the door behind him. 27.57% ||| 11:49 Chapter Eleven 228 Wouchers I sighed as I ced my bag and purse on my new desk. I should have worn pants, I thought as I grabbed the box I opened and sat on the floor. This was going to be tedious. ¡°I should have asked for more,¡± I breathed out, pulling out a few files. The Orion Pack had more than a few busin ces and I¡¯m sure the employment turnover is low. This means, if someone was stealing, they could have started years ago. I wonder if Mr. ke is just being paranoid because I found something or because he suspects someone. I had most of the nine boxes sorted and I was still sitting on the floor when there was a knock on my office door. ¡°Come in,¡± I called out. It¡¯s going to take me a good twenty minutes to stand up. ¡°Wow,¡± Beta Luca breathed out as he entered my office. ¡°Please say Mr. ke agreed to have this all scan?¡± I sighed. ¡°He¡¯s been in a few meetings. But I will ask him. I emailed you everything you asked for and I texted the wifi password. I¡¯m just waiting on a printer to be delivered,¡± he said and I nodded. ¡°I¡¯m going to need a few more boxes,¡± I said, rolling my shoulders, to loosen up the muscles. ¡°Did you have lunch yet?¡± he asked and I shook my head. ¡°I don¡¯t even know what time it is,¡± I confessed. ¡°Stuck?¡± He smirked, and I pushed my lips into a line. ¡°I could get up, I just don¡¯t want to,¡± I huffed, crossing my arms over my chest. 53.56% ||| ? 11:49 Chapter Eleven 288 Wouchers ¡°Uh-huh.¡± ¡°But, I wouldn¡¯t say no to a hand up,¡± I shrugged. ¡°Come, on,¡± he said extending his hand. ¡°You should go have lunch, it¡¯s after two,¡± he told me as he pulled me up. My butt was numb and my legs tingled as I pulled my skirt down. ¡°Fine, but please get me more boxes. At this rate, I¡¯m going to have to stay here a year to get this mess all cleaned up,¡± I said, grabbing my phone from my purse. ¡°I¡¯ll get more boxes brought down, but go eat. I don¡¯t need youining I¡¯ve been working you without breaks.¡± He chuckled. ¡°Oh, don¡¯t you worry, If I had a problem, I would voice it.¡± And I believe it. Or you¡¯ll just kick my a*s again,¡± he grumbled and I chuckled. ¡°I¡¯ll go get a coffee,¡± I told him. ¡°There will be plenty of work when you get back,¡± he grinned. ¡°Yay, me,¡± I eximed,¡± he said as we left my office. This was going to be a long two months, I thought as I made my way down to the dining room. 81.22%Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org. Chapter 12 Chapter 12 Chapter Twelve Ryley My stomach grumbled as I made my way into the dining room. It wasn¡¯ t busy, so I grabbed a sandwich, some fruit, and a bottle of water. I had Channing nagging in my head about eating more, so I also grabbed a diet soda. I sat down at an empty table, opening up the container of cut-up fruit and berries before I started to look through my emails. I could feel curious eyes on me and it twisted my stomach. I should have taken everything back to my office to eat at my desk. It didn¡¯t take long before I was lost in all the unread emails, and I had finished eating. I was just finishing up an email before I headed back to my office. The clicking of heels on the tile floor caught my attention and they stopped right in front of the table I was sitting at. I could feel someone¡¯s intense re but little did they know, I was used to being red at and no one intimidated me. A foot started to tap, impatiently as I took my time finishing my email before turning my attention to the woman. Looking up, there was a tall brte in a very short ck halter dress. She was also wearing a full face of makeup. She looked ready to hit the club, not the pack house dining room. I looked at my phone screen to check the time. Sure Beta Luca would havee and found me if I was thatte. ¡°Our alpha will never want a rogue,¡± she sneered, her nasal voice made me cringe. ¡°Excuse me?¡± I asked, standing up from my seat. I sized her up. I was taller than her, even in her four- inched heels. 0.00% ||| r 11:50 Chapter Twelve Alpha ke is too good for you. Leave before you humiliate yourself,¡± she snorted. I stood there staring at her ring face. I couldn¡¯t figure out if I wanted tough in her face or feel sorry for her st**idity. ¡°But he¡¯s good enough for you?¡± I questioned with a smirk. Who was I kidding, I could never back down. ¡°Ah, how dare you? He is mine and everyone knows it.¡± She shrieked. ¡°Does he know that?¡± I pushed my lips into a line to hold in myughter as I stared at her agape face! ¡°Of course he does. We are waiting until that son of his goes off to alpha training,¡± she huffed, stomping her foot like a child. Just her mention of Aspen had my blood boiling. I may have only known him for a few days, but he is wonderful. The perfect best friend for my son. ¡°And what the hell is wrong with Aspen?¡± I gritted my teeth. ¡°I will never be that b*tch¡¯s recement,¡± she growled, and I was taken aback by her response. ¡°First, that ¡®Bi*ch¡¯ was your former Luna, so show some go**amn respect. Second, a bi*ch like you would never be good enough to rece his mother. And thirdly, if you really loved the alpha, you would love his son. So, with that out of the way, I assume you just want his title, money, and power. And if he didn¡¯t want you before my arrival, he¡¯s not going to want your a*s after I leave. Not that I me him. How can someone be so heartless towards a child, who lost his mother, your Luna? Just shows how much of a selfish c*nt you are,¡± I finished, bitterly. I could ignore thements about the alpha but not Aspen. He deserved nothing but the best. ¡°You¡­bi*ch,¡± she screamed, grabbing my opened bottle of water off the table. She shot the remaining water all over my face. 26.84% 11:50 Chader Tandem 1288 Voucher7, Before I could register what just happened, I was leaning over the table with her throat in my grasp, my nails digging into her flesh. ¡°I may have signed a contract to adhere to the alpha¡¯s rule of the pack. But if you evere near me again, my wolf will drag your sorry excuse of a wolf across the border and rip you apart. Clear?¡± I growled out, inches from her face. She fought against my grip, on the verge of tears. My Luna¡¯s aura crushing against her. I pushed her away and she stumbled back, trying to catch herself before she fell. I cleaned up the table before grabbing my phone and marching out of the dining room. I kept my head high as I made it to my office. My white blouse was now sheer. I needed to get my keys before I could head home to change. ¡°You should have let me kill her,¡¯ Lily growled in annoyance. And pi*s off the alpha? I can¡¯t let you kill for no reason.¡± I retorted. ¡°Oh, please, all you would have to do is get on your knees and all would be forgiven.¡± I groaned at her response. ¡°And what kind of message would that send? He is bound to thew, just like his pack and now us. As long as the contract is still valid, we have to follow the rules.¡± I scolded her. Lily growled, not liking my answer before retreating to the back of my mind. I walked into my office and found more boxes. Sighing, I grabbed my keys and purse before leaving, locking my office door behind me. Good thing the house was close by. And thankfully with my purse held in front of my chest, no one could see my soaked chest. Walking up the stairs on the porch, my phone chimed. Channing: Going out with Aspen tonight. Me: Okay, sweetie. Be safe. Text me when you get home. I may still be at the office. 57.26% ¤¯ 11:50 Chapter Twelve Channing: Lots of work? Me: you have no idea. Love you. I unlocked the front door and rushed to get myself cleaned up. I may need to keep some clothes at theProperty ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org. office, just in case. This is only my first day. I grabbed a sweater to keep there, just in case this bes a regr urrence. I changed into dark blue jeans, a blouse, and my white sneakers. If I was going to be stuck going through boxes on the floor all night, at least I can do so infort. My butt and lower back may never recover from this case. I made myself a coffee and grabbed a bottle of water before I left the house. I didn¡¯t want to go into the dining room ever again. Monday, why do you have to suck so bad? 87.75% Chapter 13 Chapter 13 Chapter Thirteen Alpha ke To say this Monday was busy would have been an understatement. It¡¯s been a long time since I have had so many back-to-back meetings. And to top it all off, the board was demanding a meeting with Ryley. She just barely started. Even I know she probably hasn¡¯t found anything yet. I don¡¯t even know if there is anything to find. I was spending a lot of money to ease my anxiety. But after finding out the manager was stealing for years, I want nothing left unturned. I didn¡¯t get a chance to sit down behind my desk when Aspen stormed into my office with Luca on his heels. ¡°Dad, I¡¯m in love,¡± Aspen announced, taking a seat and Luca chuckled. ¡°Oh, and who is this lucky girl?¡± I smirked, taking my seat. Luca sat down beside Aspen, with a look of amusement. ¡°She¡¯s an older woman, but that¡¯s okay. And she already has a kid, so I get to be a dad.¡± Aspen told me and I pushed my lips into a line. I looked at my beta. ¡°You¡¯re a grandpa!¡± He burst intoughter. ¡°Aspen, what the hell are you going on about?¡± I asked, now annoyed. ¡°Oh my g*d, you would be a grandpa. I just hope Channing will call me dad after I marry his mother.¡± Both of them broke out in hystericalughter as I stared at them. ¡°Are we dreaming?¡± Gunner asked, equally confused. €0.00% ||| O 11:50 Chapter Thirtevery 238 Wouchers ¡°Or maybe we are having a stroke,¡± I told me. How can Aspen be in love with Ryley? ¡°Like father, like son,¡± Gunner snickered. ¡°Will both of you stopughing and exin to me what the hell is going on? It¡¯s been a long day,¡± I demanded. They both calmed down, wiping the tears from their eyes. And Luca cleared his throat. ¡°Gwen approached Ryley in the dining room this afternoon.¡± He told me and my face fell as I leaned on my desk. Gwen has been after me for years. And I almost considered it, until I witnessed how she would treat Aspen. No woman would ever be above my son. ¡°Dad, it was the greatest thing I¡¯ve ever seen,¡± Aspen eximed, pulling out his phone, she came around my desk to stand beside me. He pulled up a video and pushed y. My blood began to boil as I heard what Gwen was saying. With every word that left her mouth, I wanted to kill her myself. But it was Ryley¡¯s words defending my mate and Aspen that cooled my rage. That was until Gwen throw water into Ryley¡¯s face. I couldn¡¯t watch the rest of the video, I needed to check on her. ¡°Send me the video,¡± I demanded, as I stood up from my desk and rushed out of my office. It hasn¡¯t even been a day and my pack has already embarrassed me. What kind of alpha does she think I am? After this, will she think I¡¯m just some man wh*re? Standing in front of her office door, I knocked. ¡°Come in,¡± she called out. When I opened the door, her scent hit me. It was all-consuming and I found it hard to focus. Looking at Ryley sitting crossed-legged on the floor surrounded by files, she had changed clothes from the video. 21.06% ||| J 11:50 Chapter Thirteen 238 Vouche ¡°Oh, Mr. ke, has beta Luca been able to speak to you about my request?¡± She asked, looking up at me. A ping of jealousy hit when she would use Luca¡¯s title but not my alpha title. Why does she hateBelonging to N?velDrama.Org. alphas so much? I had the perfect view of the tops of her perky breasts and I almost forgot why I came here in the first ce. ¡°Are you okay?¡± I breathed out, kneeling in front of her. I made a me*tal note to have Luca move some furniture in here. ¡°I¡¯m tired and I can¡¯t feel my butt cheeks, but overall, I¡¯m good.¡± She chuckled. ¡°Is everything okay?¡± She asked me. ¡°Do you need a hand up?¡± I chuckled, ignoring her question. Oh, how I would love to un numb her a*s cheeks. ¡°You didn¡¯te all this way to give me a hand up. What¡¯s going on? Did you not like the idea I expressed to Beta Luca?¡± She demanded, standing up from the floor without taking the hand I offered. ¡°What idea?¡± ¡°I asked to have someone scan these files into aputer so this would be easier, next time,¡± she motioned to all the boxes and files before moving to her desk. She took a drink of her water. ¡°That¡¯s a good idea, I¡¯ll find someone to help you,¡± I told her. ¡°Great, now why did youe to see me?¡± She questioned, leaning her a*s against the desk. I noticed her blue jeans hugged her curves in all the right ces. Da*n, she¡¯s se*y wearing anything. ¡°And nothing,¡± my wolf purred. 47.33% O 11:50 Chapter Thirteen 288 Nouchers ¡°Mr. ke, are you sure you¡¯re alright? You look tired,¡± she asked, breaking my gaze. ¡°I¡¯m here because of what happened in the dining room,¡± I finally said ¡°I¡¯m not apologizing,¡± her voice bitter as she crossed her arms over her chest. ¡°I didn¡¯t ask you to. I asked if you were okay. She had no right to approach you.¡± I told her. ¡°Your personal life is your own business but I hope you don¡¯t fall for her B.S. Aspen deserves someone who will love him just as much as she loves you.¡± She sighed, and my heart started pounding in my chest from her words. ¡°You meant the words you said about Aspen and my former mate?¡± ¡°Of course, I did. She was her Luna and she was being a disrespectful bit*h. And Aspen is a good kid. And if she can¡¯t see that, then she doesn¡¯t deserve to be in his life. I just think when you love someone, you love all of them, children included. You can do what you want, but Aspen deserves someone better than that,¡± she scrunched up her face at herst word and I chuckled. ¡°I agree. That¡¯s why I told her no.¡± I confessed. ¡°Good, you¡¯re not as dumb as you look,¡± she smirked beforeughing at my shock. ¡°It¡¯s gettingte, you should head home,¡± I told her, still shocked she had the balls to call me dumb, and to my face. ¡°Channing is going out with Aspen tonight. And as you can see, I have tons of files to go through before I can even get started. Unless there is something you¡¯d like me to look into first? All of this can wait if there 69.92% ||| 11:50 Chapter Thirteen is someone you suspect.¡± She asked. ¡°If anythinges up, I¡¯ll let you know.¡± ¡°Okay, well have a good night,¡± she said before moving back to the floor. ¡°Yeah, good night,¡± I said as I exited her office, closing the door behind me. ¡°She¡¯s perfect,¡± Gunner purred. ¡°Of course she is perfect and Aspen likes her and her son. But too bad she hates alphas.¡± Áå Chapter 14 Chapter 14 Chapter Fourteen Ryley The next morning, I ran with Channing to the training area. He has been so excited to start training and he even enjoys teaching the kids. Mr. ke is also giving him a very generous wage. He ran over to Aspen who was standing in the field and they started to goof around. They were quickly bing best friends. I noticed Mr. ke standing on the side of the field. I needed to speak with him so I jogged over to him, standing beside him, I watched Channing and Aspen. Aspen gave me a wave, which I returned with a smile. ¡°Good morning,¡± I greeted the alpha ¡°Good morning, Ryley.¡± He returned a greeting. I could feel his gaze on me as I watched the boys. ¡°I¡¯m d I ran into you. Since Channing has the weekend off, I¡¯d like to take this Friday off,¡± I told him. I chuckled at the boys, before looking over at Mr. ke. He was watching me intently. ¡°That¡¯s not a problem, is it?¡± I asked, watching him, watching me. I wish he was easier to read. ¡°What do you have nned for the weekend?¡± He asked. ¡°One of my old friends has a cabin up in the mountains by ake. I try to get out there a few times a year, to visit.¡± I told him. He let out a low growl, crossing his arms over his massive chest. ¡°You and this old friend?¡± He gritted out, not meeting my gaze, as he 0.00% Belonging to N?velDrama.Org. O 11:51 turned to watch the boys. ¡°I¡¯m not sure his wife would appreciate what you are thinking.¡± I chuckled, trying to break this awkward cloud around us. I didn¡¯t expect to have to exin myself. And usually, I wouldn¡¯t. His gaze snapped to mine, and I could see him physically rx as he blew out a breath. ¡°Oh,¡± was all he managed to say. Did he believe I was meeting up with a lover? ¡°They are like grandparents to Channing. Walter has the boat out and wants to take Channing fishing.¡± I told him. I didn¡¯t need to exin but I knew Channing would tell Aspen and the news would get back to Mr. ke. ¡°That sounds like fun.¡± ¡°I was nning on leaving after Channing¡¯s training,¡± I confirmed and he sighed. ¡°And you¡¯ll be back Monday?¡± ¡°Yep, Monday morning. Unless I get eaten by a bear,¡± I said, nonchntly. I could feel his gaze as I watched the boys again. ¡°Well, I guess I should go get ready for work. Thank you and have a good day,¡± I told him, before I jogged away, heading home. ¡°What¡¯s up with the alpha?¡± I asked Lily. ¡°I think he was jealous,¡± she purred and I rolled my eyes. Even if he was, nothing is ever going to happen between us. ¡°Yeah, right? Just make sure you keep your legs tight so he can¡¯t smell 25.51% [11 11:51 how much you don¡¯t want him,¡± she snickered. ¡°F**k off,¡± I huffed. ¡°Ohe on. This is the first guy that has made you all hot and bothered in a long time,¡± she retorted. ¡°Maybe, but he is an alpha and Channing¡¯s best friend¡¯s dad. He is off limits.¡± I told her, firmly. She let out a whimper before retreating. What about this alpha has her all hot and bothered? Sure, he is extremely good-looking, but I¡¯m sure he would be more so if he would keep his mouth shut. Shaking my head, I headed into the house to get ready Walking into the pack house, ready for more boxes, I ran into the alpha talking to someone familiar. ¡°Aiden?¡± I eximed. ¡°Ryley, it¡¯s good to see you. I heard you and Channing were here.¡± He said. I gave the alpha a knowing look before giving Aiden a quick hug. ¡°How is Isabelle?¡± I asked. I could feel the alpha¡¯s gaze and the heat of his body as he stood so close, I would brush against him if I moved. The thought of our bodies touching, excited me. But I quickly thought of something else. I could hear Lily snickering as I thought of spiders, which I hate. ¡°She¡¯s doing good. I know she would love to get together while you are here.¡± He grinned. ¡°I¡¯ll text her. I¡¯ll let you get back. Sorry for the interruption, Mr. ke.¡± I gave them both a nod before heading up the stairs to my office. I had to get away from the alpha. What the hell was he doing to me? 49.48% 11:51 286 Vouche I pulled out my phone and texted Isabelle. I¡¯ve met her a few times at corporate parties and we were instant friends. But then she moved to be with her mate. After hitting send, I got to work on the rest of the boxes. The n was for me to finish the boxes and then someone would scan all the documents. And when that was happening, I would focus on apany that is already digital. This is going to be along few weeks. But I was curious to see how the former alpha ran hispanies. Clearly, under Mr. ke, the pack has risen to the most wealthy and powerful pack. Back in the day, that would have been held by my father. ¡°It¡¯s a good thing everyone thinks we are dead,¡± Lily chimed in. ¡°I am curious to see if the former alpha had any dealings with my father. I know he didn¡¯t always have clean hands but I wanted to fix that. I didn¡¯t even get the chance to fix his mistakes.¡± I sighed. ¡°And one day, that mate of ours will pay,¡± Lily growled. Our mate was a sore spot for us. We were nning on making him the alpha of our pack even before we knew he was our fated mate. I thought he loved me, but in the end, he was just using me to get my pack. Which he got in the end. Chapter 15 Chapter 15 Chapter Fifteen Alpha ke When Ryley mentioned seeing an old friend, I couldn¡¯t help the feeling of jealousy that rose from the pit of my stomach. I didn¡¯t understand it. She wasn¡¯t mine but I didn¡¯t want her to be touched by another man. I was about to deny her request until she exined the situation. I was able to rx but now I was curious about who these people were. Who were these people who Channing called grandparents? Were they actually family and she just didn¡¯t want to say? When training was over, I walked into the pack house to find Warrior Aiden waiting for me. He knows Ryley and even after our chat right after her arrival, I still had so many unanswered questions. ¡°Alpha,¡± he greeted me and I shook his hand. ¡°Good, you¡¯re here,¡± I said, but Ryley interrupted me. She greeted Aiden like they were old friends. Which brought back the feeling of jealousy, even though he has a mate. But then she stood so close, I could feel the heat of her body. My senses went into overdrive as her scent consumed me. My c**k twitched in my jeans, and I had to subtly adjust myself as my c**k pressed again the zipper. What the hell was happening? I haven¡¯t felt this way in years. ¡°Since our mate,¡± Gunner whined. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, buddy.¡± Lust changed to guilty as I thought about my mate. When I came back to my senses, Ryley was gone and Aiden was giving me a smirk. 0.00% ? ? 11:51 ¡°Don¡¯t,¡± I growled. This is property ? N?velDrama.Org. ¡°Hey, I didn¡¯t say a word,¡± he defended, holding up his hands. Shaking my head, I made my way to my office with Aiden. Entering Luca was already waiting. ¡°You okay?¡± He asked as I took my seat. Aiden snickered and I red at him. ¡°Oh, I see. Ryley,¡± he said, looking at Aiden and he nodded, with a grin. ¡°Will both of you shut up!¡± I barked. ¡°Isn¡¯t Aiden here to get you more information about her? Or is he here for a morning chat? Luca chuckled. ¡°Aiden is here so I can feel better about having a lone wolf in my pack.¡± I retorted. And hopefully, answer how she was able to fight mymand. Luca held up his hands, shaking his head. ¡°Now, what have you found?¡± I turned my attention to Aiden. He¡¯s great at finding things. If you need something or someone, he can most likely find it. ¡°I don¡¯t feel good about going behind Ryley¡¯s back. She and my mate are friends. And if you know Ryley, she will kill all of us.¡± Aiden told us and Luca groaned. ¡°I¡¯m still sore. She knows how to make someone feel old.¡± I chuckled, shaking my head. He was the same age as me and he was acting like an old man. ¡°Did you find anything or not?¡± Isaac¡¯s file proved to have nothing of importance. 23.96% O 11:51 283, Vouchers ¡°Nothing for a Ryley Halliwell before seventeen years ago. And there is no father listed on Channing¡¯s birth certificate. There were also no known residences until about two years after he was born. The apartment building burned down a few years ago, but the area of u. city is a s*it hole. How she would raise her son there, is beyond me.¡± He said. ¡°I don¡¯t think she had a choice. Whatever happened, happened after she slept with her mate? I don¡¯t think she knew who he was to her until after she found out she was pregnant.¡± Luca told us. ¡°Honestly, you should just ask her. Or just trust her. The fact she even set foot inside a pack, means something. I remember after I first met her, I offered to introduce her to you, alpha. I didn¡¯t like that she was a lone wolf. She may be strong but rogues are ruthless. But she refused. Whoever hurt her, must have been an alpha,¡¯ Aiden exined. Just the thought of her being hurt made my blood boil. But I think the fact that she believed she was safer alone than with a pack, affected me more. A pack is supposed to be like a family. ¡°That should narrow it down,¡± I sighed. ¡°You should ask your father, ke. He may know something from that time that you don¡¯t. He was acting alpha as you took care of Mia.¡± Luca said. ¡°I¡¯ll give him a call. Aiden, you can go back to your previous assignment. Maybe Aspen can get something out of Channing,¡± I said. ¡°Yes, alpha. But I think you should just talk to her. Gain her trust. Whatever happened, made her lose her faith in having a pack.¡± Aiden said, before excusing himself. ¡°Say it,¡± I growled when Luca kept hesitating to speak his mind. He¡¯s been my friend through the good, bad, and the ugly. Nothing he has to 44.89% 11:51 say will change that. ¡°I think you should trust her. I¡¯ve spent time with Channing and someone sinister couldn¡¯t have raised such a great kid. Seriously, wish I could trade. She may open up, she may not, but she¡¯s only here for the summer. You may not want to waste your chance,¡± he sighed. I was thinking over his words when there was a knock on the door and Aspen came strolling in with Channing. ¡°Boys, what¡¯s up?¡± I asked them. ¡°Channing is going fishing this weekend, Can I go?¡± Aspen asked me. ¡°Have you asked Ryley?¡± I questioned. ¡°We wanted to ask you first, sir. I already know my mom will say yes, Channing answered. ¡°It¡¯s cuz she likes me,¡± Aspen grinned and Channing pushed him. ¡°Will you shut up and keep your dirty thoughts to yourself, you sick ba**ard,¡± Channing growled and Aspenughed. ¡°Aspen, enough. I¡¯m sure you can find someone your own age,¡± I scolded him and Luca snickered. I rolled my eyes at my best friend. ¡°And to answer your question, I¡¯ll have to talk it over with Ryley. You both don¡¯t have your wolves and I don¡¯t know the area.¡± I told them. ¡°Oh, I think Ryley could take on an army,¡± Luca groaned, standing up, cracking his back. ¡°Let¡¯s go ask my future wife,¡± Aspen eximed, rushing out of my office. 74.65% ¤¯ 11:51 ¡°She will kill you, you di**hit,¡± Channing yelled, and I chuckled. I do not doubt that. He gave me a nod before following my mo**n of a son. ¡°I wonder if Ryley would take a two-for-one deal? Our son¡¯s for her?¡± Chapter 16 Chapter 16 Chapter Sixteen Alpha ke After another long day of meetings, I went to find Ryley so we could talk about this trip she has nned. She wasn¡¯t in her office, so I walked the short distance to her house. The lights were off but there was a faint glowinging from the front window. The glow would flicker, which I assume is the TV. It wasn¡¯t thatte, but maybe it waste from them. I walked up the three steps and I stood in front of the door. I hesitated to knock. I could just talk with her tomorrow. I didn¡¯t need toe all this way when I would see her tomorrow anyways. ¡°But we are already here. So, will you just knock already?¡± Gunner huffed. Gritting my teeth at my wolf¡¯s attitude, I raised my fist to the door and knocked. I heard some hushing voices before Ryley called out. She answered the door wearing an oversized shirt, that fell off one shoulder. She was makeup free and her hair was pulled back. She wasn¡¯t wearing pants but maybe shorts? Her shirt came down to just above her knees. ¡°Dad,¡± Aspen called out from behind her. Looking around, I saw my son sitting on the couch with Channing. He gave me a nod. ¡°Mr. ke,e in,¡± she stepped aside so I could enter the house. I closed the door behind me. ¡°Dad, did youe to watch the movie with us? I sent you a text but you didn¡¯t reply,¡± Aspen asked. 0.00% 11:51 Chapter Sixtop? 236 Vouchere ¡°No, sorry, I haven¡¯t checked my messages. I came to speak with Ryley about you going fishing,¡± I told him. ¡°It¡¯s no problem if he¡¯d like to join us. I¡¯d be happy to have him with us. The cabin is small but cozy. One of the rooms has two beds, where they will sleep and I¡¯ll have the other one. And Walter is happy to take both of them out fishing.¡± Ryley exined. ¡°I would feel better if I knew the location,¡± I told her. ¡°Of course. I can give you whatever information you need,¡± she smiled, which had my heart pounding in my chest. ¡°Ryley, do you think my dad coulde with us? I want him toe fishing.¡± Aspen asked from his spot on the couch. ¡°Hey, that¡¯s a great idea,¡± Channing agreed. I looked at Ryley, she had her arms crossed over her chest and was biting her lower lip. ¡°How about we talk in the kitchen?¡± She asked, motioning me into the kitchen with her. ¡°Have a seat. Would you like anything?¡± She offered, as I took a seat on a stool in front of the kitchen ind. ¡°No, thanks,¡± I told her. She nodded and came to stand on the other side of the ind. She leaned down, resting on her elbows before letting out a sigh. ¡°I wasn¡¯t nning oning. I just want to make sure Aspen will be safe.¡± I told her, leaning against the counter. ¡°The cabin is located two hours north of here,¡± she breathed out. ¡°That¡¯s close to the Shadow Moon pack?¡± I asked, trying to remember where all the packs around us were located. 18.84% 11:51 Chapter Sixteens 288 wouchers ¡°Theke borders the pack,¡± she exined and I growled, not liking this trip. ¡°Can you just let me finish?¡± She huffed. I motioned for her to continue before crossing my arms over my chest. ¡°Even with it being so close to a pack, Channing and I have never had a issue. I wouldn¡¯t have said yes to Aspen if I thought he could be in danger. Hell, I wouldn¡¯t even take Channing.¡± She finished. My heart fluttered at her care for Aspen. ¡°So, you think a future alpha, without his wolf, would be safe there?¡± I questioned. ¡°As I said, I¡¯ve never had any issues, even when taking my wolf out. I feelpletely safe there. No one from Shadow Moon has ever bothered us.¡± She answered. ??? Before I could say anything the boys came into the kitchen. Channing grabbed a couple of sodas from the fridge and Aspen took a seat beside me. ¡°So, youing with us?¡± He asked me. ¡°We were talking about you going,¡± I told him. ¡°Mom, Alpha ke shoulde with us. The two of you can drive up Thursday evening and Aspen and I can drive up Friday after training.¡± Channing exined, standing beside his mother. ¡°See Dad, it¡¯s all nned. Now you just have to say yes,¡± Aspen pleaded. ¡°And whose n is this?¡± Ryley was eyeing them bother suspiciously. ¡°We were talking in the living room. This way, you cane fishing 39.13% 11:51 Chapter Sixteen with us. And Ryley can rx. I know you are worried about me being there without my wolf.¡± Aspen said. ¡°So, she can actually rx,¡± Channing chimed in and she scoffed. ¡°I rx,¡± she eximed, standing to her full height and crossing her arms over her chest. I noticed she wasn¡¯t wearing a bra and I could see her hardened nipples through the thin fabric. My c*ck strained against the zipper of my pants. ¡°And if we are to head up Thursday, what would you two be up to?¡± She pointed between the two of them. Oh, she¡¯s good. I was more interested in spending the night with Ryley alone than in what the boys were nning. I never considered they were trying to get rid of us ¡°How about someone tells me the truth?¡± Ryley said when no one said anything. ¡°Fine, there¡¯s a party,¡± Channing sighed, caving under his mother¡¯s gaze. ¡°Dude?¡± Aspen eximed and I growled. ¡°Sorry, sir,¡± he mumbled. ¡°How about apromise?¡± Ryley sighed and we all perked up. What was Ryley nning? ¡°I¡¯ll go up Thursday evening, and ke can drive up with both of you on Friday after training.¡± The way my name rolled off her tongue, had goosebumps covering my body. ¡°Does that mean we can go to the party?¡± Aspen asked, looking from Ryley to me. 57.56% 11:51 ¡°Aspen, that¡¯s up to your dad. Channing, you can go, if Aspen can go. But there will be no drinking and driving. Or fighting and you will respect the word no. And that goes for you as well, Aspen. No means no.¡± She scolded. When she was done, both the boys were staring at me. I wanted nothing more than to spend time with Ryley, alone but I understood what she was doing. ¡°I want more information about this party. But I don¡¯t see why not,¡± I sighed, giving in. I realized how lenient I¡¯ve been with Aspen. I¡¯m sure he has been to parties before but I never really questioned where he was going. I¡¯ve always been busy. Channing and Aspen fist-bumped before thanking me. They left the kitchen talking excitedly about this party. ¡°Mom,e on. Let¡¯s start the movie,¡± Channing call from the living room. Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org. ¡°Would you like to join us? I can make more popcorn?¡± Ryley asked, staring at me from across the ind. Her steel blue eyes were staring into my soul, and I could never say no to her. ¡°Sure,¡± I breathed out. ¡°Grab a soda from the fridge and go sit with the boys. I¡¯ll be right there,¡± she told me as she went about the kitchen making popcorn. ¡°I grabbed a soda and went into the living room. Channing and Aspen were already lounging on the couch, so that left the loveseat for Ryley and me. ¡°Dad, you¡¯re staying?¡± Aspen asked, surprised when I took a seat. ¡°I guess so,¡± I chuckled. ¡°Now is there anything else?¡± Ryley asked as she came into the living 74.92% 11:51 Chapter Sixteen 282 Wochen carrying a bowl of popcorn. ¡°Nope, get the lights,¡± Channing said. With the lights off, the only glow was the TV. Ryley curled herself in a nket before sitting beside me. She ced the popcorn bowl between us. As the movie began to y, I couldn¡¯t help but think that the next two hours were going to be torture. 9 Chapter 17 Chapter 17 Chapter Seventeen Ryley I spent the evening sitting beside the alpha. Our hands would brush when we would reach for popcorn at the same time. I had to keep my thighs mped shut. Every touch would ignite a need I haven¡¯t felt in a long time. I was so focused on thinking about spiders, I missed the entire movie. Aspen ended up spending the night on the couch since I didn¡¯t want to wake him. And I thought once the alpha had left, I would be able to calm down. But even after my shower, to wash away his scent, I still wasn¡¯t calm. And no amount of self-love satisfied me. My fingers just weren¡¯t good enough anymore. ¡°Maybe you should just indulge and get him out of your system,¡± Lily chimed in as Iy in bed staring at my ceiling. ¡°Yeah, and how would that go? Hi Mr. ke, It would seem I need a good sp**king. Would you mind helping?¡± I scuffed. ¡°Or you send the boys out and invite him over. Then you answer the door naked,¡± she purred and I rolled my eyes. ¡°And then I still have to work for him. That wouldn¡¯t make things awkward,¡± I sighed. I rolled in bed, trying to getfortable. ¡°I¡¯m not sure what you want?¡± She asked, confused. ¡°I don¡¯t know. I don¡¯t understand why I¡¯m feeling this way. I¡¯m not some h***y teenager. I¡¯ve seen se*y men before and didn¡¯t feel this need to jump them.¡± I ranted feeling frustrated. 0.00% 11:52 Chapter Seventer ¡°I don¡¯t know. But we may get to spend the weekend with him. I wonder what Walter will think of him?¡¯ She chuckled. We both know Walter is very protective of Channing and me. He¡¯d even take on an alpha if he felt the need. I groaned, pulling my nket over my head. I can¡¯t believe I agreed to have him at the cabin with us. But I couldn¡¯t say no to Aspen. When the boys came to my office, Aspen was so excited. ¡°It¡¯s because we are a Luna. He¡¯s not officially in our pack but he¡¯s Channing¡¯s best friend. And Lunas care, maybe too much.¡± I spent the rest of the night tossing and turning until exhaustion overtook the restfulness. I dreamt of those eyes. The deep blue eyes I would have given everything to, if he would have asked. But instead, he took it from me and left me with nothing. Nothing but his child growing inside me. Everything I had been feeling fromst night vanished when I awoke. I know why I don¡¯t do men, I do toys. No matter how sexually attracted you might be or how much you may think you love someone, it¡¯s not worth the heartache. It¡¯s not worth the pain when you realize they don¡¯t love you as much as you love them. Sex is never just sex. And I could never do that with one of Channing¡¯s friend¡¯s dads. Also, I would never survive another heartbreak. The first one almost killed me. So with newfound determination, I got out of bed and did my morning routine. Running off all this worked-up energy. I needed to forget those feelings and focus on myself and Channing. I¡¯ve been single for thest seventeen years, no point in thinking I could ept anything different. With all those feelings buried deep, I walked into the pack house and went straight to my office. The faster I get this done, the faster I can go home and forget about ke Orion. I couldn¡¯t risk losing everything 21.03% 11:52 Chapter Seventeen # again. I had Channing to worry about and he needed me at my best. I don¡¯t have time or the energy to waste on someone who would most likely break my heart. Taking risks is not an option for me anymore. And I need to put being a Luna wolf aside to make sure I care less about the people who are not important in my life. Luna¡¯s care and that s a trait that bites us in the a*s more often than not. Beta Luca was waiting by my office door when I arrived. Clearing my mind of yesterday I greeted him. ¡°Good morning,¡± ¡°Good morning, Ryley. I brought you a coffee,¡± he said, handing me one of the cups he was holding. ¡°Thank you. This is much needed.¡± I said, as I took the cup and breathed in the aroma. ¡°Alpha ke also has a surprise for you,¡± He said, sipping his coffee. ¡°Oh,¡± I breathed out, biting my lip. ¡°Don¡¯t look so worried,¡± he chuckled. He opened my office door and stepped aside so I could enter. I gasped as I looked over the newly decorated space. The desk and chair were the same but now there were two chairs in front of the desk. There were two leather couches for a sitting area, a mini fridge, and a coffee bar. There were even paintings added to the walls. It looked like a new office. ¡°Do you like it?¡± Beta Luca asked, standing by the door. ¡°Mr. ke didn¡¯t have to do this,¡± I told him, turning to face him. ¡°Nonsense. This is how it should have looked when you arrived. Now, I have someone scanning everything you have sorted. I emailed you ess to the few newerpanies that are digital. And I also had your 49.61% 11:52 Chapter Seventeen 1 printer set up. And if you need anything else, just text me,¡± he finished. I was still in shock. I was perfectly happy with the office before. And all the effort the alpha made, warmed my st*pid heart. The one I was trying to bury. ¡°I¡¯ll leave you to it,¡± The beta said, pulling me from my thoughts. ¡°Beta Luca, before you go, did your son mention anything about a party happening on Thursday night? I asked, stepping behind my desk. Beta Luca moved to the front of my desk. ¡°A delta¡¯s daughter is throwing a birthday party,¡± he answered. ¡°Channing asked to go but since I don¡¯t know anyone, I thought I¡¯d ask you,¡± I told him. ¡°Honestly, he should be fine. A bunch of us will be across the street at Delta¡¯s Perry¡¯s house ying poker.¡± ¡°You¡¯ll be there?¡± He gave me a nod ¡°Ryley, you have nothing to worry about, Channing is a good kid.¡± ¡°Thank you,¡± I smiled, feeling better about this party. ¡°I¡¯ll let you get started. Text me if you need anything,¡± he said before leaving my office, closing the door behind him. I ced down my bags and coffee before flopping down in my chair. ¡°It was nice of the alpha to decorate our office,¡± Lily chimed in. ¡°Yeah,¡± I sighed, sipping my coffee. ¡°And you can trust Beta Luca. Channing has said nothing but good things about him,¡± she said. 73.80% 11:52 Chapter Seventeen ¡°Also, he knows I can kill him.¡± I snorted. ¡°So then maybe the alpha cane with us Thursday after all,¡± she purred. ¡°As friends,¡± I scolded her. ¡°A perfectly handsome friend, who you wouldn¡¯t mind taking for a long, hard ride,¡± she giggled. ¡°Okay, thanks for that. Now can I get to work,¡± I grumbled, annoyed with the image she put in my mind. Friends. We can only be friends.This is property ? N?velDrama.Org. Chapter 18 Chapter 18 Chapter Eighteen Alpha ke Last night was torture, every time my hand would brush hers, it would send my mind into a spiral of fantasies. I wanted nothing more than to take her up to her bedroom and ravage that gorgeous body of hers. How the hell was I going to handle being in a cabin with her? When no amount of jerking off helps satisfy this need I have for her. I feel like I¡¯m losing my d**n mind. She hasn¡¯t even been here a week and she haspletely consumed my thoughts. I was sitting behind my desk, adjusting myself again since nothing would rid me of this f****n h**d-on. There was a quick knock on the door before Luca strolled in. I was thankful for my desk. He would have never let me hear the end of it. Luca sat down in front of my desk with a cheesy smile on his face. ¡°What the hell is up with you?¡± ¡°Nothing. Ryley loved her office and she told me to thank you.¡± He shrugged. ¡°She did?¡± I asked a little too eagerly. ¡°Oh, you have it bad,¡± Luca chuckled. I threw my pen at him as I grumbled. ¡°Dude this isn¡¯t high school anymore, just ask her out,¡± he eximed. ¡°She invited me toe to the cabin this weekend. I¡¯m bringing the boys after training,¡± I told him. ¡°And why not just drive up with her?¡± He asked. 0.00% 11:52 Chapter Eighteen 289 Vouchers ¡°She¡¯s leaving Thursday. I agreed to watch over the boys when they go to this party Thursday night.¡± ¡°Delta¡¯s Lincoln¡¯s daughter¡¯s birthday party?¡± ¡°Is that who¡¯s throwing the party?¡± I asked him. ¡°Yep. I¡¯ll be at Delta¡¯s Perry¡¯s house ying poker.¡± He told me. ¡°Mind if I join?¡± ¡°Or, I can watch the boys and you can spend the night with the gorgeous blonde you¡¯re in love with,¡± he chuckled. ¡°I¡¯m not in love with her,¡± I mumbled ¡°No, you just want to f*ck her until she can¡¯t walk,¡± heughed and I pushed my lips into a line. ¡°As I said, you only have the summer. Better make the most of it.¡± He said. ¡°What if I asked her to stay?¡± I sighed. ¡°And how are you going to convince the lone wolf to join your pack?¡± ¡°I mean, she can stay a lone wolf, but live here,¡± I mumbled. ¡°Wow, you have it so bad it must hurt.¡± He teased. ¡°Are you going to help me? Or just be a ja****s,¡± I scoffed. ¡°Just go with her tomorrow and next weekend we can n something with Aiden and Isabelle. And I¡¯ll bring Becky. She wants to meet the woman who kicked my a*s,¡¯ he groaned. ¡°So a triple date?¡± 20.76% 11:52 Chapter 18. ¡°Yeah, she has girls, one of which she knows and you get to go on a date with her without having to ask.¡± He said. ¡°I could just ask her?¡± I shrugged. ¡°Yeah, but you won¡¯t. What happened to the fearless alpha?¡± He teased and I growled causing him to laugh. ¡°Just go with her tomorrow and I¡¯ll n something for next weekend.¡± ¡°Your n isn¡¯t going to work. She¡¯s going to see through this n,¡± I told him. ¡°Will you give me some credit? I have a n, but it¡¯s going to cost you,¡± he smirked. ¡°Of course it is,¡± I pushed my lips into a line. There was a knock on my office door. I expected Aspen to walk in but the door didn¡¯t open. This is property ? N?velDrama.Org. ¡°Come in,¡± I called out and Ryley opened up the door. ¡°I¡¯m not interrupting, am I?¡± She asked closing the door behind her. ¡°No, take a seat,¡± I told her. She sat down beside Luca in front of my desk. ¡°How¡¯s the office?¡± He asked her. ¡°I may or may not take the coffee maker. I¡¯ve already had two cups,¡± she chuckled. ¡°Not into stealing the pens or staplers?¡± Luca teased. ¡°Nope. I tend to go after more useful things. And coffee makes me more unlikely to kill people.¡± They bothughed as I sat there 39.01% 11:52 Chapter Eighteen 1288 vouchers awkwardly, cursing how easy it is for her to joke with my beta. I cleared my throat, getting their attention. ¡°I¡¯m d you like it.¡± ¡°I do. Thank you. And the artwork is beautiful,¡± she smiled and I nodded. ¡°Now, what can I do for you? I asked, nonchntly, even though my heart was pounding in my chest. Her smile could bring any man to their knees. Thank g*d for my desk hiding my raging ha**-on, that¡¯s pushing painfully against my zipper. ¡°Could you set up a meeting with a few of the CFOS? Maybe for Monday?¡± She asked me, piquing my interest ¡°Did you find something?¡± I questioned. ¡°It could be nothing but I want to see if after the meeting is called if the records are changed. People start to panic when they are about to get caught,¡± she shrugged. ¡°How long has it been?¡± Luca asked her, looking at his watch. ¡°It¡¯s something I noticed right away. As I said, it could be nothing but I¡¯ m here to make sure that it is nothing.¡± She told us. ¡°Very well. Email me thepanies and I will set something up for Monday. The meeting will be held in our building downtown in the heart of the city,¡± I told her and she nodded. ¡°Good, now that the business part has been handled. Ryley, what do you think about me watching the boys tomorrow night so you and ke can drive up to the cabin?¡± Luca asked her. I was on the edge of my seat as I waited for her to answer. 58.14% 11:52 Chapter Eighteeri ¡°And what do you think?¡± She asked, turning her attention to me. ¡°He¡¯s my beta. I trust him with my life,¡± I told her truthfully and she chewed on her bottom lip. ¡°Don¡¯t you wish she would put those pretty lips to better use,¡± Gunner purred. I couldn¡¯t even scold him for hisment. All my blood was rushing to an appendage and it wasn¡¯t my head. I couldn¡¯t think straight as I watched her ying with her lips. ¡°Great, I¡¯ll have the boys and you two can leave tomorrow for a much- needed night away from the kids,¡¯ Luca eximed, pping his hands together. Ryley¡¯s eyes didn¡¯t leave mine as I held my breath waiting for her to answer. I was thinking I had a 50/50 chance of her saying yes. ¡°Okay,¡± she sighed, and Gunner howled in my head. ¡°But I¡¯m trusting you with my son. And if anything happens to him, I will kill you,¡± she pointed a finger at Luca. He held up his hands in surrender. ¡°And I believe,¡± he mumbled. ¡°Good, I¡¯ll get back to work,¡± she excused herself, closing the door behind her. ¡°I deserve a raise,¡± Luca smirked, leaning back in the chair. ¡°Yeah, yeah, you can add matchmaker to your resume.¡± Chapter 19 Chapter 19 Chapter Neen Ryley What the hell was I thinking saying yes to Mr. ke driving up with me instead of staying with the boys? This is going to be a nightmare. After saying okay, I went back to my office and buried myself in my work. There was no backing out now. Now, I was going to have to spend the long weekend with the alpha. I didn¡¯t see Mr. ke for the rest of the day. I did email him the list of CFOs I wanted to see. There was only one I was concerned with as of right now but I figured I¡¯d make them all sweat over the weekend. I printed out the recent finances so I would have copies of everything. I¡¯ 11 know if anything was changed for the uing meeting. People usually get nervous when they are about to get caught in a lie. And I know the news has spread about me finding the person who was stealing from the pack. With work done for the day, I¡¯m at home packing a pack for tomorrow. Channing still isn¡¯t home. He texted me earlier about going out with the guys to grab something to eat. So, I¡¯m on my own tonight. ¡°You could order in a hot alpha?¡± Lily purred. ¡°Will you stop? ke and I are friends. A man and a woman can be friends without having a sexual rtionship.¡± I scolded her. ¡°But you want one. And since we are leaving at the end of the summer, you should get him out of your system¡± she retorted. ¡°Channing and Aspen will still be friends even after we go home. They are already nning their visits. ke is off-limits. And besides he¡¯s 0.00% 11:52 Chapter Neen an alpha,¡± I sighed. ¡°So, that¡¯s what¡¯s holding you back? His position in the pack?¡± She asked. Belonging to N?velDrama.Org. ¡°Maybe,¡± I blew out. ¡°So, if he was anything but an alpha, you would be jumping his bones?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± I whispered. ¡°Thest alpha I let in almost broke mepletely. And now I have Channing to worry about. I won¡¯t risk him.¡± I told her. ¡°Ryley, we are a Luna wolf. We are made to be with an alpha. To run a pack by his side as his equal. I know this isn¡¯t something you want to hear but it¡¯s the truth. Only an alpha will be able to handle us.¡± She sighed before retreating, leaving me to think over her words. I sat down on the edge of my bed. I felt guilty for denying Lily a mate but she wasn¡¯t with me the first time. I already had Channing when I turned eighteen and I gained my wolf. Lily can see my memories but she didn¡¯t have to live through the pain of having her mate try to kill her. He was there that night I went over the cliff into the river. He was there to kill me. He may not have known I was his mate but I thought he loved me. He told me so. I gave him everything and it was all a lie. But now with Channing, I can¡¯t risk his father finding him. My birthright may be to be a Luna but I can¡¯t risk Channing¡¯s life. If my mate was ever to find me, I know he would kill me. I¡¯m the only one alive who knows what his pack can do. What they did. ¡°F*ck,¡± I growled out to my empty room. 30.30% 11:52 Chapter Neen Taking a deep breath, I finished packing. I only needed clothes as I made sure everything, besides food, was stocked thest time we were there. Walter doesn¡¯t use the cabin much now that his kids are grown. And his kids are too busy. Or maybe it isn¡¯t fancy enough for then. His three boys are older than me and they have always disliked me. They believed I was using their father for financial gain. Little did they know, all the financial aid Walter ever gave me, has been paid back with interest. He was light when I was trapped in the darkness with no way out. But to them, I¡¯m just a freeloader. I ced my bag by the front door before heading into the kitchen to grab something to eat for dinner. Not that there was much left. Between Channing and Aspen, one of them was always eating. I swear ke must be starving his son. Looking through the cab, I found a box of cra**ers. And then I found some cheese in the fridge. ¡°Cheese and crac**rs it is,¡± I announced to the empty kitchen. I¡¯ve lived on less. I made up a te and grabbed a soda before heading back up to my room. I would read as I waited for Channing to get home. Entering my room, I heard my phone chime on the nightstand. I expected it to be Channing but it was ke. I sat down on the edge of my bed, cing my te and soda down before picking up my phone. ke: What time do you want to leave tomorrow? Should we take your vehicle or mine? Me: I was thinking of leaving around noon. I still have some work to do in the office. Does Aspen have a vehicle? Channing¡¯s car is not built for the roads up to the cabin. ke: The boys can drive my truck and we can take yours. Me: Great. Have a good night. 59.16% 11:52 Chapter Neen 238 ke: You too. I grumbled as I ced my phone down and shoved a cra**er with cheese into my mouth. I can¡¯t believe I agreed to do this. The morning came fast and even the morning flew by. Now I was packing my bags into my SUV. My stomach twisted with nerves. Two hours with ke, what could go wrong? Chapter 20 Chapter 20 Chapter Twenty Alpha ke It was finally time to head over to Ryley¡¯s. Last night and this morning dragged. I was excited but nervous about spending time with her. What if she doesn¡¯t like me? ¡°Wow! When did our d*ck fall off?¡± Gunner eximed. ¡°Really?¡± I retorted. ¡°Dude, you aren¡¯t ten years old. Besides, she likes Aspen, and we raised him.¡± I didn¡¯t get to respond to my wolf. My phone chimed in my packet. Pulling it out, I had a text from Ryley. I almost expected her to say she had changed her mind about meing with her. Ryley: Do you have a cooler? I blew out the breath I was holding in. Me: I¡¯m sure there¡¯s one around here. I¡¯ll find one and be right there. Ryley: Thank you. No rush. The boys are here, keeping mepany. Grabbing my bag, I headed down to the kitchen to find a cooler. I internally groaned as I walked in to find Gwen. I still haven¡¯t spoken to her about what she said to Ryley. Watching the video, Ryley handled the situation. ¡°Alpha ke,¡± she purred when she saw me. ¡°Gwen,¡± I nodded. 0.00% 11:52 Chapter Twenty ¡°Pierre, I need a cooler,¡± I asked, turning my attention to an omega working in the kitchen. ¡°Alpha, what size are you looking for?¡± He asked me. ¡°I¡¯m not sure,¡± I told him. ¡°I¡¯ll grab a few different sizes. I¡¯ll be right back, Alpha.¡± He said before leaving the kitchen. I pulled out my phone to text Ryley. Me: What size? ¡°So, Alpha, where are you off to?¡± Gwen stepped close, grabbing my bicep. ¡°I¡¯ll be gone this weekend with Aspen. Beta Luca is running the pack,¡± I told her. ¡°Oh, would you like somepany?¡± She purred, running her fingers up and down my bicep. She was ying with her lips as she looked up at me. R¨ºAdt??St chapters at Novel(D)ra/ma.Org Only ¡°Does she think she¡¯s being se*y?¡± Gunner snorted. When her fingertips brushed against my bare forearm, the h**d-on I¡¯ve been sporting thest few days, deted like a balloon. ¡°Gwen, I already told you, we are not going to happen. I don¡¯t want to be hurtful but you need to back off.¡± I told her firmly. She pulled away as I had just pped her. She gasped her hand over her cleavage. She looks shocked, even though this conversation isn¡¯t new. ¡°This is because of her, isn¡¯t it?¡± She spat. ¡°No, Gwen. This is about you and what you said about my mate and 17.00% 11:52 Chapter Twenty son. Aspen was in the dining room and recorded the entire confrontation.¡± I told her and she gasped. 123 arh ¡°Then you know that bi*ch threatened me!¡± She cried out, ying the victim. ¡°She defended myte mate and my son. Something my pack member should have done. She was your Luna and he is your future alpha. But yet the lone wolf was defending them against you!¡± I growled, my anger bubbling to the surface. Gwen began to cry, loudly. Pierre walked back into the kitchen carrying a stack of coolers. ¡°Am I interrupting?¡± He asked, looking ufortably between Gwen and me. He ced the coolers on the floor. ¡°No.¡± Looking over the coolers, I grabbed the medium-sized one. cing my bag on top, I picked it up. I thanked Pierre before leaving. I didn¡¯t care that I left Gwen crying. She shouldn¡¯t have been speaking ill of my mate and son. And it pi**ed me off more that she was ying the victim. I marched to Ryley¡¯s. I was now in a sour mood, all because Gwen can¡¯ t respect boundaries. She just can¡¯t take no for an answer. And it¡¯s not like I¡¯ve led her on. I canceled our date when I caught sight of how she was treating Aspen. She didn¡¯t see me watching her, and she showed her true colors. After that, I didn¡¯t trust any woman with Aspen. When I came upon Ryleyughing with Aspen, my heart swelled. And then my stomach twisted painfully with guilt. ¡°No one can rece our mate, ke. But Aspen deserves to have a family. He deserves to have a father who is happy. And the pack deserves a Luna.¡± Gunner told me. 36.61% 11:52 294 Voucher ¡°Maybe so, but it doesn¡¯t make this casier,¡± I said and he whimpered. ¡°Dad,¡± Aspen called out. I was standing further up the driveway watching them. ¡°What¡¯s so funny?¡± I asked as I approached them. ¡°Aspen just told me a joke,¡± Ryley chuckled. ¡°Turns out women like a funny man,¡± Aspen grinned. ¡°When did you be a man?¡± Channing chuckled, walking down from the porch. ¡°Oh, so funny,¡± Aspen mocked, and I hid my smirk at their banter ¡°Here, let¡¯s get your bag and cooler packed. Thanks for finding one.¡± Ryley said, opening up the back of her SUV. ¡°Thanks and no problem,¡± I ced my bag and cooler beside her bag in the back. I had brushed against her when I stepped forward to ce the items in the back. I turned to look at her and her face was scrunched up in disgust. I should have changed my shirt. I know she can smell Gwen. ¡°Why did you need a cooler?¡± I asked her, and it pulled her from her thoughts. ¡°Well, I¡¯d like to eat over the weekend. We need to go grocery shopping before we leave the city.¡± She said, before closing the back hatch. ¡°Mom, here¡¯s the list,¡± Channing said, handing her a piece of paper. ¡°Alright, now both of you will behave for Beta Luca. I mean it.¡± She told both of them with a firm voice. 61.77% 11:52 Chapter Twenty 11 208 Vouchers ¡°Yes, Mom,¡± Channing sighed. ¡°Yes, Channing¡¯s mom,¡± Aspen sighed. She gave them both a hug before holding out her keys to me. ¡°You can drive us to the grocery store and I¡¯ll drive to the cabin.¡± ¡°Be good,¡± I told Aspen, gripping his shoulder. ¡°Yes, sir.¡± ¡°Channing, keep this one in line,¡± I told him. ¡°I¡¯ll try, sir,¡± he snickered. ¡°Bye, boys. We¡¯ll see you tomorrow. And Channing text me when you are home tonight and tomorrow before you leave. Love you.¡± Ryley said, before climbing into the passenger side of her SUV. ¡°Love you too,¡± they both said in unison. I shook my head as I climbed in behind the wheel. Ryley was already buckled and waving at the boys. After I started the vehicle she rolled down her window and was blowing them both kisses. ¡°Ready?¡± ¡°Yep. I think so,¡± she said before I turned out of the driveway. ¡°Have you had lunch?¡± I asked her as I made my way to a shopping area. ¡°Not yet,¡± she answered, looking out her window. ¡°Let¡¯s get lunch and then we can grocery shop,¡± I told her. She looked over at me. I was stopped at a red light. ¡°Sounds good.¡± 82.17% 11:52 hoty Twmay One Chapter Twenty-One Ryley My tummy grumbled at the thought of food. I was starving. I gave Channing one of my cards so he and Aspen could get what they wanted. I didn¡¯t have time to go grocery shopping. And I trust Channing not to overspend. ke pulled up to a small brick building. The parking lot was empty, which I found odd. The only sign on the outside of the building was a sign to the right of the door. ¡®Under the full moon¡¯. I didn¡¯t know what his ce was. ¡°I know was you are thinking but I swear it¡¯s worth it,¡± ke said. ¡°Oh, so you¡¯re not bringing me here to kill me and dump my body in the mountains?¡± I looked over at him. ¡°What?¡± he stammered, looking confused. ¡°Oh, that¡¯s convincing. I feel so much better,¡± I teased. ¡°You¡¯re joking?¡± He breathed out and I tapped my nose, twice, smirking. ¡°I know I could take you,¡± I shrugged, hopping out of my SUV. I could hear him chuckling as I closed the door. ke exited the SUV and we met at the front of the vehicle. ¡°Just so you know, I¡¯d rather kidnap you.¡± He leaned in and whispered, causing goosebumps to cover my body. I fought back the urge to shiver. Lily was purring in my head. What the hell is wrong with me? I shouldn¡¯t be getting excited about the idea of ke kidnapping me. 0.00% 11:52 Chapter 21 Chapter 21 Chapter Twenty-One Ryley My tummy grumbled at the thought of food. I was starving. I gave Channing one of my cards so he and Aspen could get what they wanted. I didn¡¯t have time to go grocery shopping. And I trust Channing not to overspend. ke pulled up to a small brick building. The parking lot was empty, which I found odd. The only sign on the outside of the building was a sign to the right of the door. ¡®Under the full moon¡¯. I didn¡¯t know what his ce was. ¡°I know was you are thinking but I swear it¡¯s worth it,¡± ke said. ¡°Oh, so you¡¯re not bringing me here to kill me and dump my body in the mountains?¡± I looked over at him. ¡°What?¡± he stammered, looking confused. ¡°Oh, that¡¯s convincing. I feel so much better,¡± I teased. ¡°You¡¯re joking?¡± He breathed out and I tapped my nose, twice, smirking. ¡°I know I could take you,¡± I shrugged, hopping out of my SUV. I could hear him chuckling as I closed the door. ke exited the SUV and we met at the front of the vehicle. ¡°Just so you know, I¡¯d rather kidnap you.¡± He leaned in and whispered, causing goosebumps to cover my body. I fought back the urge to shiver. Lily was purring in my head. What the hell is wrong with me? I shouldn¡¯t be getting excited about the idea of ke kidnapping me. 0.00% ||| 11:53 But here I was, mping my thighs tight together. Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org. ¡°Ryley, I¡¯m kidding,¡± heughed. And I felt a little disappointed. I need a new toy. He ced a hand on the small of my back leading me into the building. The nasty scent of that bi**h hit my nose and my ovaries shriveled back up. I don¡¯t know why he smells like her and I¡¯m not going to ask. But I hate it. Entering, I found a small but intimate restaurant. The atmosphere was very romantic with a single rose and candles on every table. The lighting was low and the ce was empty. I looked over at ke and he was watching me. I didn¡¯t get to ask him what was going on as someone yelled out from the back of the restaurant. ¡°We¡¯re closed,¡± a man yelled, stopping in his tracks when he entered the dining room. ¡°Oh, Alpha ke. I¡¯m sorry,¡± he bowed her head. ¡°Jeremy, it¡¯s fine. I should have called first.¡± ke told him. He looks to be a little older than ke. ¡°And cut the alpha, b****hit,¡± ke said, surprising me. Jeremy came over and they shook hands like old friends. ¡°And who might you be?¡± Jeremy asked as I stood beside ke. ¡°Jeremy this is Ryley. Ryley, Jeremy¡± ke introduced us. ¡°Nice to me you. This ce is beautiful. Are you the owner?¡± I asked, shaking his hand. ¡°I¡¯m just the manager and chef. This guy owns it,¡± Jeremy chuckled. 29.85% ||| 11:52 Cutter Twenty One Jag vauchete ¡°Weird, this ce wasn¡¯t on the list ofpanies?¡± I gave ke a pointed look. ¡°Forward, I like that in a woman,¡± Jeremy smirked. ¡°But, in all seriousness. I would never steal from my brother-inw and my nephew.¡± He said. ¡°And I¡¯m more of an investor than an owner. Jeremy runs everything. I just eat here.¡± ke told me. ¡°You¡¯re Mia¡¯s brother?¡± I asked and he nodded. ¡°I¡¯m sorry for your loss,¡± I told him, sincerely. It may have been seventeen years ago, but losing family is never easy. ¡°I appreciate that, thank you.¡± He smiled at me. ¡°Now, I assume you are here for lunch.¡± He announced. ¡°If you¡¯re closed, we can go somewhere else,¡± I told him and he brushed me off. ¡°Nonsense. Take a seat. ke, the usual?¡± He asked him. ¡°Make it two. And I¡¯ll grab us drinks,¡± e answered. ¡°Make yourselves at home,¡± Jeremy called out, walking back the way he came. ke led me over to the bar where I took a seat and he slipped behind acting like a bartender. ¡°Now, Miss, what can I get you?¡± He smirked, ying the part of a hot bartender. I felt a little awkward doing this with his brother-inw in the same building but I leaned on the bar top and yed along. 61.10% r 11:53 Chu*ar Tonenty Line ¡°I don¡¯t know, what¡¯s good here?¡± I purred. The look of shock caused me to giggle. nd I ¡°I¡¯ll take a diet soda, ke. We still need to go grocery shoppin have a two-hour drive.¡± He pouted before pouring me a diet soda. H ced the ss on the bar top. ¡°Could I get a lime?¡± I asked biting my lower lip. I caught him watching my lips before he looked away to find me a lime. Clearly, he didn¡¯t expect me to y along. And if we were alone, I may have kept ying. Chapter 22 Chapter 22 Chapter Twenty-Two Alpha ke I probably shouldn¡¯t have brought Ryley to meet Jeremy, but he is one of my favorite chefs. He has also been encouraging me to date. Jeremy is a great guy. Mia had asked me to invest when we were first mated. His restaurant has repaid my investment ten times over but I haven¡¯t taken a penny from him, I also didn¡¯t put the business on the list because the investment was in Mia¡¯s name and now Aspen¡¯s Mia was very passionate about this ce and her older brother. After getting Ryley¡¯s drink, I was thankful when she turned around on the bar stool. I needed a moment to readjust myself. I thought I was ying earlier but she¡¯s a da*n tease. The way she leaned over the bar and yed with her lips. The way her voice purred. F*ck me. There¡¯s no way she has ever paid for a drink in her life. Even dressed in her tight jeans and a in ck t-shirt. Then my mood turned sour. Just the thought of another man having her attention angered me. She¡¯s mine and no one touches what¡¯s mine. ¡°But, she isn¡¯t ours. And unless you do something to prove to her that you are a good mate and alpha, she will leave at the end of the summer.¡± Gunner reminded me. I downed my whiskey before filling up my ss again. I wanted Gunner to be wrong. Ryley sat down at a table beside the stone firece. It was Mia¡¯s favorite spot. My heart twisted at the memory as I took a seat across from her. 0.00% = ||| ? 11:53 Chapter Twenty Two 1 ¡°Do youe here often?¡± She asked, before sipping her soda from a straw. I watched her plump lips wrap around the straw. ¡°With Aspen or business.¡± I cleared my throat. If she thought I brought dates here, she was wrong. ¡°Well, it¡¯s a lovely ce. And your brother-inw seems great,¡± she smiled. ¡°He sure is that,¡± I said, my voiceing out more annoyed than I would have liked. I took a sip of my drink as Ryley watched me. ¡°ke, are you okay? You didn¡¯t have to bring me here. Honestly, I thought we hit a drive-thru. If this is overwhelming, we can take our meals to go.¡± She looked worried. Does she care about my feelings? ¡°Drive-thru?¡± I asked instead, raising an eyebrow. ¡°I mean, I¡¯m sure Jeremy is a great chef but nothing bets a cheeseburger and fries,¡± she chuckled. ¡°I¡¯m going to forget you said that,¡± she smiled beforeughing. The sameugh sheughed with Aspen at his joke. I found myselfughing with her. ¡°But seriously, if you ordered me a sd, I will stab you,¡± she chuckled. ¡°Not sd,¡± I heard Jeremy and we startedughing again. The tension between us was lifted and it felt good tough with her. I wouldn¡¯t have ordered her a sd. Instead, she gets steak, garlic mashed potatoes, and buttery green beans. And Jeremy¡¯s secret BBQ sauce. Which I would kill for. ¡°Wow,¡± Ryley breathed out when Jeremy ced down her te. 26.06% ||| r 11:53 ** 1.212 Mouchers ¡°This smells amazing, thank you,¡± she eximed. Belonging to N?velDrama.Org. ¡°You are wee,¡± Jeremy told her. ¡°Not going to join us?¡± I asked him, surprised he didn¡¯t make himself a te. ¡°Nope, I have to get prepping but first paperwork.¡± ¡°Thanks, Jeremy,¡± I gave him a nod. ¡°Come to my office before you leave,¡± he said before Ryley let out a small moan. ¡°This has to be the best sauce I have ever tasted.¡± ¡°It¡¯s a secret,¡± Jeremy smirked. ¡°Of course it is. But I would drive the four hours just to eat this,¡± she mumbled taking another bite. Jeremy gave me a questioning look. ¡°Later,¡± I mouthed to him. He gripped my shoulder, squeezing it before disappearing to the back. ¡°Better than drive-thru?¡± I chuckled as Ryley stuffed her face. She just noaded with a smile, her cheeks full. I can see where Channing gets his goofiness from. Under that protective momma wolf, is a yful, goofy woman, with a heart of gold. After Ryley all but licked her te clean, she leaned back in her chair. ¡°That was hands down the best meal I¡¯ve eaten.¡± She breathed out. ¡°Now, we have to go grocery shopping,¡± I said and she groaned. ¡°I just want to nap,¡± I chuckled. 51.22% ? 11:53 Chigam Twaity twen 20 ¡°And then what would we eat tomorrow?¡± I asked her. ¡°I don¡¯t care. Let me enjoy my fooda. I only had cheese and cr**kers for dinnerst night,¡± she comined. ¡°What, why?¡± I questioned. ¡°First, I have two teenage boys eating and apparently you¡¯re starving that poor boy of yours. And second, I was toozy to go anywhere,¡± she shrugged. ¡°Why didn¡¯t you juste to the pack house?¡± ¡°Becausest time I almost killed one of your pack members. And as much as that would have satisfied my wolf, I sighed a contract. Also, it wouldn¡¯t be setting a good example for Channing.¡± she sighed, before taking a sip of her drink. ¡°I get it, but next time call me. Also, Aspen should be eating at home.¡± I told her. ¡°I don¡¯t mind feeding him. I enjoy having him around. I just need to double up at the store, which I¡¯ll do Monday. And don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ll send you the bill at the end of the summer,¡± she chuckled. I made a m**tal note to text Luca. If she¡¯s feeding my kid, I can at least have the house stocked. And I¡¯ll make sure it¡¯s stocked up every few days. ¡°Okay, well, I¡¯m just going to let Jeremy know we are off,¡± I told her, standing up from the table. I downed the rest of my whiskey before heading to the back, where his office is. I had to walk through the kitchen and I jumped, whipping around when I heard dishes hitting the sink. Ryley followed me with our dishes. ¡°What are you doing?¡± I asked, watching her fill up the sink with water. 72.08% ? 11:53 200 Prove hers ¡°Cleaning up. It¡¯s the least I can do after Jeremy cooked us lunch.¡± 98.73% ||| THE ? Chapter 23 Chapter 23 Chapter Twenty-Three Ryley There was no way I could leave the dirty dishes on the table. Jeremy was nice enough to cook us lunch and I knew ke wouldn¡¯t let me pay, so I¡¯ll clean up the few dishes we used. I¡¯m also one of those crazy people who enjoy washing dishes. And by the time both men came out of Jeremy¡¯s office, I had cleaned up all our dishes and wiped down the surfaces. I also washed all the pots and pans. ¡°Ryley, thank you, but you didn¡¯t have to,¡± Jeremy eximed. ¡°You cooked, and I know ke would never let me pay, so I cleaned. It¡¯s the least I could do. Everything was perfect.¡± I told him, smiling. Jeremy gave ke a smirk. They seemed to be having a private conversation. I watched as ke went through a few facial expressions. ¡°Everything okay?¡± I asked, pulling their attention. ke cleared his throat. ¡°Yes, but we should get going,¡± he said. I turned to the sink and quickly washed my hands. After I walked across the kitchen to where they were standing. ¡°It was nice to meet you,¡± I smiled, looking at Jeremy. ¡°You too, Ryley. Don¡¯t be a stranger. And don¡¯t put up with this guy¡¯s cr*p,¡± he chuckled, punching ke in the arm. ¡°Not with steak like that I won¡¯t. And don¡¯t worry about me. I know I 0.00% ? < 11:54 Chapter Twenty Three could take him,¡± I giggled. ¡°You two have fun,¡± he called out as ke led me out of the kitchen and through the dining room. This is property ? N?velDrama.Org. We were finally on our way to the grocery store. But all I wanted to do was take a nap. Theck of sleep has finally caught up with me. ke parked and I covered up my yawn. ¡°Let¡¯s get this done,¡± I mumbled, climbing out of the vehicle, with my list in hand. ¡°Can you grab a cart?¡± I asked ke as we walked across the parking lot to the store. ??? ¡°And where would those be?¡± He asked, looking around. The ¡°Hold the list and I¡¯ll get the cart. Meet me in the produces section. We will start there.¡± I told him. carts were in the section of the store after the first doors but before you enter the store. I grabbed a cart and walked into the store to find ke waiting for me. He was not in the produce section. I was d he was so tall, I could spot him from anywhere. ¡°I couldn¡¯t find it, he shrugged, walking beside me as I pushed the cart. ¡°Have you never been in this store? I asked him as we made our way over to the fresh fruits. This was the closest grocery store to the pack house. ¡°Uh, no,¡± he confessed. I stopped in front of a section with different kinds of berries. ¡°But you have been grocery shopping before? I was looking over the containers before cing the ones I wanted in the cart. I looked up to find ke in thought, his lips pressed together. 25.93% ||| ? 11:54 Chapter Twenty-Thie 238 Vouchers ¡°You haven¡¯t, have you?¡± I gave him a pointed look. ¡°No, but in my defense, I never had to,¡± he rushed out. ¡°I get it. I was seventeen when I first stepped foot into a grocery store. It¡¯s no big deal. Even though I find the thought of this being your first time hrious. Like I popped your cherry,¡± I chuckled. ¡°You¡¯re enjoying this, aren¡¯t you?¡± He sighed. ¡°So much. I would ask you to find the snacks, but I¡¯m afraid I¡¯d lose you,¡± I teased. ¡°Funny,¡± he grumbled. ¡°Alright Mr. Alpha Grumpy, push the cart and hand me the list. And try not to get lost. I may have to get you a bell.¡± The look on ke¡¯s face had me pushing my lips together. I had tears in my eyes as I fought the urge tough. ¡°A bell? I¡¯m a grown-a*s man,¡± he scoffed and I lost it. I had to hold on to the side of the cart, I was laughing so hard. Thank g*d, I wasn¡¯t wearing any mascara. Even Lily wasughing in my head. ¡°Are you done?¡± ke huffed when I was finally calming down, wiping my eyes. ¡°No, but we need to get going,¡± I chuckled. He was grumbling the entire trip around the store. I was about to call him a pouting princess. After everything on the list and more was in the cart, we went to the checkout. It was then I noticed people were staring at us. I was lost in my time with ke I didn¡¯t notice anyone else. And then I started to hear the whispers. 55.22% THI 11:54 Chapter Tweeny Three 1 259 Vouchers ¡®Why is she with the alpha? She¡¯s a lone wolf.¡¯ Probably trying to sleep her way into a pack.¡¯ ¡®She¡¯s so in, he could do better.¡¯ Their words hurt and they probably didn¡¯t think I could hear as well as an alpha. My heart sank as their words pierced me. Usually, I wouldn¡¯t care. I didn¡¯t care about the b*tch in the dining room. Even though I can smell her on ke. Not that it¡¯s any of my business. But it still bothers me. ¡®Just spending the alpha¡¯s hard-earned money, gold digger.¡¯ I gritted my teeth at that one. I pulled out my card and tapped it after the cashier gave us the total. ke was loading the bags into the cart and I beat him to it. ¡°Ryley?¡± ke questioned, raising an eyebrow. I took the receipt from the cashier and thanked her. ¡°This weekend is my treat.¡± H Chapter 24 Chapter 24 hapter Twenty-Four Alpha ke Ryley¡¯s mood changed as we stood in line to pay. I could hear the whispers of my pack about the woman I was with. I gritted my teeth and held my tongue. I didn¡¯t want to embarrass Ryley. But I had a feeling she could hear them. And when she paid the bill, I was angry, not at her but at my pack who said she was a gold digger. The total was over eight hundred dors and that was nothing to me. I may be an alpha but I am also a smart businessman. We walked out to the vehicle in silence, the opposite of how we were in the store. She teased me about getting lost and I may have been grumbling but I loved every minute of it. And I already missed the carefree Ryley. After everything was packed away in the back of her SUV, I beat her to the driver¡¯s side. ¡°ke, I¡¯m driving,¡± she scoffed. ¡°Nope,¡± was all I said, hopping in. I chuckled when I heard her growl before she stormed over to the passenger side. She mmed the door after she climbed in. ¡°You alright?¡± I asked her. ¡°Yep,¡± she answered, typing an address into her GPS. ¡°We can get fuel here,¡± she pointed at the map. ¡°Then, I¡¯ll drive to the cabin.¡± She told me. M ¡°Sounds like a n,¡± I said before backing out of the parking stall. 0.00% ||| This is property ? N?velDrama.Org. 11:54 Chapter Twenty Four 229 FARC Pers We were out of the city and my territory before I decided to question her. I knew she was upset. I could feel the tensioning off her in waves. ¡°Ryley, what¡¯s bothering you?¡± I reached over and ced a hand on her thigh. ¡°Yeah. It¡¯s just been a while since I¡¯ve been called a gold digger,¡± she sighed. I kept my hand on her thigh and I was surprised she didn¡¯t remove it. ¡°You heard that? Is that why you paid? Because you didn¡¯t have to.¡± I told her, ncing over at her. Our eyes met before I turned mine back to the road. ¡°That and others. But I am not a gold digger. I have paid back every cent that was given to me, with interest,¡± she scuffed. I could tell money is a sore spot for her. ¡°And the other stuff?¡± I questioned. I was surprised she heard anything. I barely heard it. ¡°I¡¯m used to hearing whispers from guys. Some women saying cr*p about me being too pretty or that I¡¯m a stuck-up b**ch. h. I guess it¡¯s just easier living among humans. At least then, I wouldn¡¯t be called a gold-digging w**re, sleeping her way to the Luna position.¡± I looked over at her quickly. She shrugged, looking out the window. ¡°You don¡¯t seem like the kind of person to care what other people think?¡± I asked her. ¡°I don¡¯t. I don¡¯t know.¡± She stammered, not knowing what to say. We went back to being silent. I understand her feelings, but I wonder if Channing¡¯s father had anything to do with her hatred of alphas. There has to be more to it. 24.15% ||| O ? 11:54 Chapter Twenty Four 288 (Vouchers ¡°Maybe, she cares because she doesn¡¯t want you to think of her that way. That¡¯s why she paid. She doesn¡¯t want you to think that she only invited you so you would pay,¡± Gunnermented. ¡°Does she think I would believe them? That I would think that?¡± ¡°They are members of our pack. And she isn¡¯t. If it came down to it, we would have to believe them over her. That could be why she was so hesitant to be here with Channing,¡± I sighed because I knew he was right. But I wouldmand my pack members if anything were to happen. Ryley isn¡¯t a liar. She¡¯ll tell you straight out that she¡¯s not answering your questions. ¡°Gwen tried to lie, even after you told her about the video,¡± Gunner growled. I nced over at Ryley, she was looking out the window. My hand was still resting on her thigh. I smiled, squeezing it to get her attention. She looked at my hand before meeting my eyes. ¡°Whatever they said was bu***hit and I should have put them in their ce,¡± I told her. ¡°They are your pack members, ke. You can¡¯t be protecting a lone wolf over your members. To them, I¡¯ll always be an outsider, and I prefer it that way,¡± she sighed. ¡°I hope one day, you¡¯ll trust me enough to tell me your story. I know you were young when you had Channing. I can do the math. But whatever happened, I won¡¯t judge.¡± I told her truthfully as I pulled into a fueling station. We were about forty-five minutes from the cabin now. I parked before turning to face her. She seemed lost in thought as she bit her bottom lip. She let out a breath before looking at me. 52.51% ||| O J 11:54 Chapter Twenty Four 268 WVouchers ¡°My story isn¡¯t a happy one. Frankly, it¡¯s downright heartbreaking. The best thing in my life is Channing. Everything else can¡¯t be changed.¡± I could see the pain in her eyes. Whatever she has gone through was life-changing. I didn¡¯t push her for more. When she is ready, she¡¯ll confide in me. I nodded before exiting the vehicle to pump the fuel. I heard her exit the vehicle as I was paying at the pumps. I wasn¡¯t going to let her pay. We were no longer in my pack, not that I cared. The pack has no right to pass judgment. And I¡¯m the alpha. Who I spend my money on, is none of their business. ¡°Would you like anything?¡± She asked. I smiled as I started to fill the tank. ¡°I¡¯m sure you have great-taste in snacks,¡± I told her and she chuckled. ¡°It¡¯s the reason I have to run,¡± I chuckled as I watched her walk to the store. F*ck, her a*s looks great in those jeans. Chapter 25 Chapter 25 WhatsApp This is property ? N?velDrama.Org. Chapter Twenty-Five Ryley I was well aware of ke¡¯s hand on my thigh. Oddly, I found itforting. I know I shouldn¡¯t let what the others say about me bother me, but it¡¯s not them I¡¯m worried about. I don¡¯t want ke to think I¡¯m like that. I didn¡¯t sleep my way to anywhere. I earned my job and everything I have. Walter has helped me financially but I paid him back for everything he has ever given me. It¡¯s a weird feeling. I never cared before. Not even about all the gossip around the office. But with ke, I don¡¯t want him to think I¡¯m here for a position in his pack or to be his Luna. I¡¯m here to work. And Channing just happens to be friends with the alpha¡¯s son. And I¡¯m not going to tell Channing who he can and can¡¯t be friends with. Frankly, Aspen is a good kid. And Channing has a good judge of character. ¡°F*ck, them,¡± Lily growled in my head. I let out a sigh. ¡°Even ke, Ryley. If that¡¯s how he thinks of us, then f*ck him. You don¡¯t need people like that in your life. You are a wonderful, caring person. You work hard, raise Channing alone and you still find time to help single moms. If he can¡¯t see how amazing you are then he¡¯s more st**id than he looks,¡± she ranted. ¡°Thank you,¡± my heart swelling with love. ¡°You¡¯re wee. Now I would like some chocte.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll go get you some,¡± I told my wolf. I asked ke if he wanted anything before heading inside. I almost 0.00% ||| < 11:54 Chapter Twenty Five 228 Voucher i comined about him paying for the fuel but I kept my mouth shut about it. I entered the store, and a bell chimed above the door. I giggled as I remembered telling ke he needed a bell, so I wouldn¡¯t lose him in the store. I moved around the store on a mission to find chips, sodas, and chocte. I wasn¡¯t paying attention to the other people in the store as I walked down a small aisle filled with candy and chocte bars. I picked up a few bars before I heard a cat call whistle. I looked over to find three guys standing at the end of the aisle, watching me. I furrowed my brow before turning back to my mission. ¡°You¡¯re a pretty, little thing, aren¡¯t you?¡± One purred, moving closer. ¡°Not interested.¡± I said before walking over to a cooler to grab a couple of bottles of soda. ¡°Oh, don¡¯t be like that honey. You don¡¯t even know me. I could be the best thing that¡¯s ever happened to you.¡± He followed me while I paid him no attention. This isn¡¯t the first time this has happened and it won¡¯ t be thest. ¡°I doubt that,¡± I told him before grabbing a bag of chips. I then walked over to the cashier to pay. ¡°Why don¡¯t I take you out back and show you how good it can be?¡± He whispered in my ear as I waited for the person in front of me to pay for their items. I felt dirty with his breath on my neck. ¡°Oh, how romantic? How could a girl refuse that,¡± I said sarcastically, rolling my eyes. The guy growled. The bell above the door rang and I heard ke. ¡°Baby, there you are,¡± he came over to me. I stepped forward to put my 31.43% 11:54 Chapter Twenty Five 283 Mouchers items on the counter and ke quickly stepped behind me, wrapping an arm around my waist. I could hear the guy grumbling behind me. ¡°Sorry, babe. I couldn¡¯t decide what kind of chocte I wanted,¡± I shrugged. ke rested his chin on my shoulder. The guy behind the counter was watching us and then he would look at the guys behind us. ke was bigger than all three of them and they were human. They didn¡¯t stand a chance, not that I needed ke protecting me. When the cashier said the total, ke whipped out his ck card and tapped it before I could tap mine. I looked over at him. ¡°My treat, baby.¡± He kissed the side of my mouth. His lips barely touched mine but it was enough to cause my insides to tighten. ¡°Aren¡¯t you just the sweetest,¡± I purred, kissing his cheek as he leaned over and grabbed the bag. His other hand inteced with mine and he pulled me out of the store. I let out a breath when I was finally outside. Men like that suck. Only stepping back when a big, strong man steps in. I could have killed all three of them without breaking a sweat. ¡°You okay?¡± ke asked, squeezing my hand. ¡°Yeah. I¡¯m used to sh*t like that,¡± I told him and he growled. ¡°You shouldn¡¯t have to be used to that sh*t,¡± his voice was low and threatening. ¡°You¡¯re right, but I could have taken them. But thank you for your help,¡± I told him, squeezing his hand. He looked down at our inteced hands before looking at me with a smile on his handsome face. ¡°Anytime.¡± 65.92% ? 11:54 Chapter Twenty Five ¡°Oh that was so exciting,¡± Lily purred. 99.10% ||| Chapter 26 Chapter 26 Chapter Twenty-Six Alpha ke I entered the store ready to kill. I watched Ryley through the windows of the store as I pumped the fuel. And those f**kers were following her around, harassing her. It was a good thing they were human and they backed off as soon as I stepped between her and them. I smiled as they all were whispering s*it about me. I could smell one of them on her neck and discreetly rubbed my cheek against her to cover up his scent with my own. Her smelling like another male, infuriated me. ¡°How do you think she felt with you smelling like Gwen when you told her nothing was going on with you two?¡± Gunner growled. ¡°I should have changed,¡± I told him, frustrated with myself. I wasn¡¯t surprised when Ryley told me things like that happen often. She¡¯s gorgeous. But she shouldn¡¯t have to put up with it. No means no. And I instantly knew she was too good for any of them. These guys walked out behind us and I pulled her close. The game was over but I didn¡¯t want to let her go. ¡°I¡¯ll drive and you give me directions,¡± I leaned in and whispered. My eyes darted behind us to see those guys still watching. I pulled back, and Ryley locked her eyes on mine. She let go of my hand and ced it on my chest. My heart rate increased under her touch. Every ce Ryley touched was on fire. ¡°I¡¯m not some passenger princess,¡± she smirked as she ran her hand over my chest. I fought the shiver that ran down my spine. Her eyes 0.00% ||| 11:54 Chapter Twenty-Six never leave mine. I could still feel their eyes on us. Too bad they were oblivious to the danger they were in. One quick move and the three of them would be lying dead in a pool of blood. ¡°How about just for today?¡± I leaned down and mumbled against her cheek. Her breathing became harsh, as her heart rate increased. I was enjoying having this effort of her. She may not want me but her body sure does. ¡°Fine,¡± she sighed. I pulled her into my side, wrapping an arm-around her waist. I lead her over to the vehicle with her pulled against my side. I opened the passenger side door and helped her in before closing the door for her. Gunner scuffed when I noticed the guys still watching from a beat-up old pickup truck. If they follow, it would be my pleasure to rip those f**kers apart. I climbed behind the wheel and passed the bag to Ryley. ¡°Thanks for that,¡± she smiled as she ced the soda bottles in the cup holders between us. ¡°There¡¯s no need to thank me. If they were wolves I would have ripped them apart,¡± I growled and she chuckled. I looked over at her after I started the vehicle. ¡°What?¡± I asked her, unsure about her reaction. ¡°Nothing. But that could have started a war,¡± she answered, shaking her head. ¡°Well, then they would learn not to do s*it like that again. Regardless, they shouldn¡¯t be treating anyone like that. And an alpha who would defend their actions doesn¡¯t deserve to be alpha,¡± I told her, her stormy grey eyes locked with mine. ¨C 28.67% 11:54 Chirpine Tenity S ¡°I may have pegged you all wrong,¡± she shrugged. ¡°How so?¡± I asked, turning my focus to the road ahead. I pulled out of the fuel station, Ryley pointing to make a left turn back onto the main road. ¡°You¡¯re not as stu**d as you look,¡± she smirked. ¡°I¡¯ll take that as apliment,ing from you,¡± I chuckled.¡± ¡°It was meant as one, ke. For an alpha, you¡¯re a pretty decent one,¡± she said. ¡°I hope one day, you¡¯ll enlighten me on your hatred for alphas,¡± I shrugged before ncing at her for a moment. ¡°I don¡¯t hate all alphas. I just don¡¯t trust them. And I have my reasons. My biggest is Channing.¡± She sighed. She grabbed the bag of chips. Opening the bag, she offered me the first hand full. ¡°And you trust me?¡± I questioned, eating the chips. ¡°I guess I do. I don¡¯t have a reason not to trust you. Do I? It¡¯s just hard to let people in when you¡¯ve been on your own for so long. Every wolf I meet tries to push me to join a pack, but I haven¡¯t felt the need for one since I had Channing. It¡¯s better if it¡¯s just me and Channing.¡± ¡°But what if you could stay in a pack, but not join?¡± I asked her, I could feel her eyes burning a hole in the side of my head. ¡°I don¡¯t understand. No alpha would risk his pack for a lone wolf and her son. And then I would always be an outcast. Living with the humans, at least no one knows I¡¯m different. No one knows Channing is different. It¡¯s easier to hide within the cities of humans.¡± She answered. She changed the subject to directions, as I turned down a dirt road. She¡¯s hiding from someone. That¡¯s why she won¡¯t join a 57.83% ||| 11:55 pack. She¡¯s afraid her ex will find her and Channing We sat in silence as we ate the chips. The road, if you could call it that was bumpy and we were bouncing around in our seats. The forest was dense, and the road became more of a path the further we ventured forward. ¡°I can see why you didn¡¯t want Channing to drive his car.¡± I grumbled. my teeth chattering from the bumps. ¡°Yeah, it¡¯s a little rough.¡± She giggled. ¡°A little? I¡¯m fearful for my truck,¡± I chuckled. ¡°Is that not what a truck is for?¡± ¡°You clearly haven¡¯t seen my son drive.¡±Belonging to N?velDrama.Org. Chapter 27 Chapter 27 Chapter Twenty-Seven Ryley When I told ke I didn¡¯t hate all alphas, I wasn¡¯t lying. There¡¯s something different about ke. Maybe my opinion will change when I see him running his pack. But personally, he seems like a good guy. And I like Aspen. He¡¯s a sweet, respectful, young man and I enjoy having him around the house. Even when Channing is in his room doing schoolwork, we keep each otherpany. When the cabin came into view, I was in awe. Every time Ie out here, it¡¯s likeing home. This ce feels like home. And if we didn¡¯ t have so much in the city, I would have moved us out here. Walter had everything updated a few years ago, so we have wifi, a new hot water tank, and a well drilled for water. The cabin was mostly gutted and everything was upgraded. The outside is made of large cedar logs, that are at least fifty years old and solid. There are two bedrooms and one bathroom. The kitchen, living room, and dining room are one room and the bedrooms are located at the back. A large covered porch wraps around the entire cabin with a great view of theke behind the house. Walter not only owns the cabin but forty acres ofnd surrounding it. Thend that borders with the pack is fenced. It¡¯s the real reason the pack doesn¡¯t bother us. ¡°This ce is beautiful,¡± ke breathed out, parking in front of the cabin. ¡°It¡¯s my favorite ce. I spend as much time as I can up here. It¡¯s even more beautiful at night under the stars.¡± I told him. 0.00% 11:55 Chipter Twenty Seven 299 Vachers ¡°We¡¯ll have to stay up so you can show me,¡± he said and I looked at him. ¡°I could keep you up for days with stories of the constetions.¡± I chuckled. ¡°Is that bad?¡± He asked, confused. ¡°I guess that depends on you,¡± I said, shaking my head. ¡°Let¡¯s get everything unpacked,¡± I chuckled, climbing out of the vehicle. I closed the door and took in a deep breath. The air just smells different around here. The weight of my responsibilities doesn¡¯t feel overwhelming. ¡°You okay?¡± ke called out. He was looking at me from around the back of the SUV. He was gathering some of the bags. ¡°Just enjoying the fresh air,¡± I told him. ¡°Can you get the door? Then you can go back to the fresh air and I¡¯ll bring everything inside,¡± he said. ¡°I could probably get the door but you have my keys,¡± before I got the words out, he had tossed the keys to me and I barely caught them. ¡°A heads up would have been nice,¡± I scoffed, walking to the front door. ¡°Just keeping you on your toes,¡± he chuckled, following behind me. He was carrying most of the bags, from our grocery shopping. ¡°Trying to make one trip?¡± I furrowed my brow as he shrugged. I unlocked the door and pushed it open for him. ¡°I tried but I couldn¡¯t carry the cooler and the bags,¡± he huffed, causing 30.56% 11:55 Chapter Twenty Seven me to giggle. ¡°I¡¯ll grab the rest of the bags and you get the cooler.¡± When everything was put away and I had texted the boys. ke and I were sitting out back on the porch watching the sun dip behind the tree line. We both had a mug of coffee, a cool breeze blowing, despite it being summer. The weather was always cooler up here. We sat infortable silence. I¡¯ve only ever had Channing with me. This having a male friend was newBelonging to N?velDrama.Org. to me. I have work friends, but never someone I would hang out with over a weekend. I would rather spend my time with Channing. I missed more of his childhood than I would like to admit. ¡°But that kiss? Can he be more like a friend with benefits?¡± Lily purred. ¡°It was a peck at most, Lily. Don¡¯t get ahead of yourself,¡± I told her. ¡°Then why did he scent you?¡± She questioned. ¡°Scent me? What are you talking about? We were ying, acting if you will.¡± ¡°Ryley, ke rubbed his scent over the other guy¡¯s scent. He didn¡¯t like us smelling like another male.¡± She giggled, excitedly and I rolled my eyes. ¡°Then why was he smelling like someone else? I¡¯m sorry, Lily, but you are reading this all wrong. And I don¡¯t y that game. I won¡¯t be with someone who is out ying the field.¡± I sighed and she let out a whimper. Guilt twisted my stomach. ¡°I know you crave a mate, Lily. And I¡¯m sorry. I¡¯m sorry I can never be with the wolf you were destined to be with. Maybe we can find Chapter Twenty-Seven 1 someone after Channing is in college. But I can never be a Luna. And I¡¯m sorry, you¡¯re stuck with me.¡± I told her. ¡°Okay,¡± she whispered, retreating. I know the years without her mate has been weighing on her. But he has already imed another. It took him a week to get over me and im someone else. She wasn¡¯t his fated because I was. And even if he hadn¡¯t imed another, I would never be able to forgive him for what he did to me. What he put me through. He broke me and it almost cost me my life. It should have. And being with anyone scares me. This time I have more to lose than before. I have Channing. And I don¡¯t know if I could ever give myself over to another again. Chapter Twenty-Eight . Chapter 28 Chapter 28 Chapter Twenty-Eight Alpha ke Sitting outside with Ryley, watching the sunset, felt right. It felt natural. Like it¡¯s always been us. Nothing was awkward as we sat in silence, sipping our coffees. The only thing that would make this better, is if she was sitting in myp, wrapped in my arms. And our boys were here. ¡°How would you y with Ryley if the boys were here?¡± Gunner questioned. ¡®Not everything is about sex, Gunner. Yes, I want that, but with the boys here it would feel like we are a family.¡± I exined. ¡°Family? That¡¯s a nice idea, ke. We were only a family for a few days after Aspen was born. And Aspen deserves to have a family. But how are you going to convince Ryley to join our pack? Whoever Channing¡¯s father is, she is terrified to have him find them,¡± Gunner pointed out. I knew all of this. I wish she would trust me enough to keep her safe. To keep them both safe. I don¡¯t just want Ryley for a night. I would make her my Luna tomorrow if she would allow it. The thought of anything happening to either of them has my heart twisting painfully. And I can¡¯t keep them safe if they leave at the end of the summer. ¡°ke, can I ask you something?¡± Ryley¡¯s voice pulled me from my thoughts. I looked over at her, her eyes on the sky. The stars were slowlying out. ¡°Sure,¡± I breathed out. Chapter Twenty-Eight ¡°Can you tell me about Luna Mia? Aspen likes to tell me stories he has heard about her,¡± she asked. A small smile on her lips, when she turned to look at me. ¡°I met Mia when Luca and I went to a party one night. She had just turned eighteen. She wasn¡¯t from an alpha family but I didn¡¯t care. She was kind and loving. We were mated for almost three years when she finally conceived. I didn¡¯t know about her blood disorder until she was almost due to give birth. If I had known, I never would have allowed her to be pregnant.¡± I stopped to take a deep breath. Reying the day she told me was devastating. I was so excited to be a father until it could cost me, my mate. I jumped when Ryley ced her hand on mine. ¡°She wanted you to always have a piece of her. She knew how important it was for an alpha to have an heir. It wasn¡¯t about the cost of her life, it was about making you happy.¡± She gave me a small smile. ¡°After she gave birth to Aspen. We thought she was in the clear. I was so thankful to have both of them alive,¡± my voice cracked, as emotions from that day came rushing back. I looked up at the sky. ¡°What I didn¡¯t know was she was bleeding internally. It was slow and the doctors overlooked it until it was toote. Aspen was three days old,¡± I finished, taking deep breaths to calm my racing heart. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, ke. Truly.¡± She whispered. I looked over at her, her eyes were glossy with unshed tears. ¡°Aspen told me some of the wonderful things Mia did for the pack. She was an amazing Luna and you should be proud. She didn¡¯t have to be a Luna wolf to be a great leader and mother.¡± She told me and I almost broke. Ryley cares about my mate and Aspen¡¯s mother. It¡¯s strange to me. Most women don¡¯t want to hear about that part of my life. About me loving another woman. 700 Chapter Twenty-Eight ¡°Did your mate die?¡± I asked her and it was her turn to sigh. # ¡°No, he imed another. Not that it matters. He never knew I was his mate. And I was s**pid enough to believe his lies. He doesn¡¯t know about Channing and I¡¯m sure he thinks I¡¯m dead.¡± She shrugged. ¡°I don¡¯t understand. Did you leave your pack because he imed another?¡± I asked her. ¡°No. I was forced to leave-before-that. I was already pregnant with Channing but didn¡¯t know. But I would have left anyways. There was no way I could stay after his betrayal.¡± She confessed. ¡°Is that why you won¡¯t join a pack? You¡¯re afraid he will find you and Channing?¡± I questioned. ¡°I¡¯m not afraid of him. I could kill him. I do worry about Channing. No matter how much I think he is a complete waste of a wolf, he is still Channing¡¯s father. I didn¡¯t join a pack because I don¡¯t want to be told what I can and cannot do with my life. My entire life was mapped out for me and then it was gone. I did everything almost all alone and I¡¯m not willing to give up that freedom. I can¡¯t afford to be weak and Channing will alwayse first.¡± Ryley said. ¡°For the record, Ryley, you aren¡¯t weak. And this guy may have been your mate but he was an idiot to think he could rece a woman like you. I may not know the details, but I do know that. And you raising a child on your own at seventeen, makes you the strongest person I know.¡± I told her and every word I spoke was the truth. I could see in her stormy grey eyes, how much he broke her. Talking about him hurts. I stood up from my chair and walked back into the cabin. I could hear Ryley mumbling under her breath. But I wasn¡¯t leaving. I came back with a nket over my arm and I held my hand out for hers. She Chapter Twenty-Eight furrowed her brow before cing her hand in mine. ¡°I think it¡¯s dark enough for my first constetion lesson.¡± Belonging to N?velDrama.Org. Chapter 29 Chapter 29 Chapter Twenty-Nine Alpha ke When I opened my eyes, the morning light was just starting to peek through the curtains. We did get to bedte and no amount of persistence would change Ryley¡¯s mind about me taking her room. She insisted that she was smaller so she would take a smaller bed. Maybe I could have convinced her to share her bed with me if the boys were here. We did share a nket under the stairs. And I honestly could have listened to her talk all night. The way she spoke about something so passionate was se*y as hell. And I could never tire of hearing her voice. I knew it was early but I couldn¡¯t go back to sleep. I wanted Ryley. There¡¯s no doubt about that. She gives me this peace I haven¡¯t felt since I found Mia. Being around her just feels right. I got out of bed to go for a run. I needed to wear off some of this energy. I listened before exiting the bedroom, wearing a pair of shorts. Ryley must not be up yet. I walked over to the dining table and picked up my phone. Luca had texted me to let me know the boys had made it to training. Even if they were both a little hung over. They just had to get through training the younger kids and then they would be on their way here. I was excited to go with them fishing. I didn¡¯t know this Walter but I¡¯m sure if Ryley trusts him, he has to be a decent man. I grabbed Ryley¡¯s keys, locking the door behind me. The cool morning air was crisp and goosebumps covered my body as I started my jog at the back of the cabin. This was the kind of peace I needed this morning. The forest was just waking as the sun rises above the trees. I can see why this was Ryley¡¯s favorite ce. The orange sun hitting theke looked magical. It was almost as good as the starsst night. 0.00% 11:56 Chapter Twenty-Nine ¡°The stars would have been better with Ryley snuggled into us.¡± Gunner purred. He¡¯s been purring like a kitten sincest night. ¡°It would have been but I don¡¯t want to push her. I was lucky she opened up as much as she did. Now we know that her ex isn¡¯t dead and he imed another.¡± I told him: ¡°F**ken m**on. Clearly, he didn¡¯t have eyes.¡± Gunner scoffed and I chuckled. ¡°No kidding. Ryley walks into a room and demands everyone¡¯s attention. And he used her and threw her away like she was nothing.¡± I growled. The thought of her mate of all people doing that to her, makes my blood boil. ¡°Maybe we can track him down. If she¡¯s a powerful wolf, he would be as well. She can resist our command being a lone wolf and we have one of the most powerful packs. We are one of the most powerful alphas and she can fight us. She can beat our beta. There¡¯s no doubt she was raised by alphas.¡± Gunner said. ¡°I agree. But I can¡¯t track down that f*cker, I will kill him. I will kill him for hurting her and abandoning Channing.¡± I told him. I ran faster as I tried to rid my body of the anger I was feeling. I wanted blood for what he did to her. For what he put Channing through. I came to a halt when a chained link fence crossed my path. As soon as I stopped and sniffed the air, I knew it lined the border of the Shadow Moon pack. I couldn¡¯t see wolves but I could smell them. I wonder if this is why they never bothered her and Channing, the fence. Before the wolves on patrol could scent me, I turned around and ran back to the cabin. I¡¯m d the fence was there but it wouldn¡¯t stop the wolves from attacking. Having Ryley and Channing this close to a pack, unprotected, makes me nervous. I¡¯m going to have to call the alpha and 36.41% 11:56 Chapter Twenty-Nine ? make it clear that thisnd is under my protection. ¡°And how do you think Ryley will react to having you silently protecting her?¡± Gunner chuckled. ¡°I know, but if it protects Channing then I think she¡¯ll ept it. And I want them both safe. Channing would be devastated if anything happened to his mother.¡± I told him. ¡°I think the way to Ryley¡¯s heart is through Channing. You win him over and she will soon follow. And then we can be a family,¡± Gunner purred. A family seems foreign to me. I grew up with wonderful parents but the family I craved to have with Mia was stolen. And When I thought I could have something like that again, I realized all they wanted was to be Luna. They didn¡¯t love me or Aspen. Ryley already puts Aspen above me. She weed him into her life without question. She could be the one we need to make a whole family possible. To be a blended family. Most alphas would never raise another man¡¯s child but Channing made Ryley who she is today. He is a part of her and I want all of her. I unlocked the door to the cabin. I was drenched in sweat and my mind was racing with the possibility of us being a family. Ryley was still asleep when I turned the coffee on before having a quick shower. The possibility of us being a family made me more determined than ever to win Ryley¡¯s heart. 72 18%Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org. Chapter 30 Chapter 30 Chapter Thirty Ryley I awake to the birds chirping, after leaving the window openst night. I always preferred sleeping when it was cooler. And the fresh cool air helps me sleep more soundly. I was sleeping in Channing¡¯s room after finally convincing ke to take my bed. I realized with the boys growing, I will have to get bigger beds. I may also need to talk with Walter about the extension we always talked about. Another bed and bathroom would be nice. When the boyse back from fishing this evening. I¡¯ll have to talk to him about it. I stretched before throwing back the nket. I shivered as the cool air hit my skin, causing goosebumps to cover my body. I quickly pulled on a sweatshirt and a pair of leggings before pulling on a warm pair of socks. By mid-morning I¡¯ll be changing into something cooler but the mornings are always so crisp. I walked out of the room to find ke drinking his coffee. His still- damp hair told me he had showered. I shivered at hisck of clothing, just in shorts and a tee. It¡¯s too cold in here for that. He was looking down at his phone when I approached the counter to pour myself a coffee. ¡°Good morning,¡± I sang out. ¡°Good morning, Ryley. Luca informed me the boys made it to training. Even though he said they were a little hung over.¡± ke said and I chuckled, ¡°Good. Maybe they will learn.¡± I sat down across from him. 0.00% III 12:18 Chapter Thirty 1208 Noucherny ¡°They are boys. They are not going to learn.¡± He chuckled. ¡°That¡¯s true. I¡¯m sure you still get drunk, even though you feel like s*it the next day.¡± I smirked and he ¡°Good?¡± He chuckled. ¡°So, good.¡± I breathed out. ¡°Did I earn my keep?¡± He smirked. ¡°I guess so, but I wouldn¡¯t say no to pancakes.¡± I shrugged. ¡°And bacon?¡± ¡°Oh, and bacon,¡± I eximed. After breakfast, and the kitchen was cleaned up it was time to rx before the boys arrived. Channing had texted me to let me know they were leaving the pack. They should be here soon and so will Walter. He¡¯s excited to take the boys out fishing. Then I¡¯ll have the afternoon to myself. Former Beta Walter I pulled my truck up to the front of my cabin. Being here is bittersweet. This was my mate¡¯s favorite ce. I built this ce for her when we were first mated. But ever since her death, our boys don¡¯t like toe out here. The three of them were grown when their mother was killed. But they still refuse to have anything to do with things she once loved. They grew uping here and now they are always too busy. Or 22.55% O 12:17 Chapter Thirty 1288 (Vouchers maybe it¡¯s their resentment towards me that keeps them away. They made it clear they don¡¯t like my rtionship with Ryley. But I wasn¡¯t just going to let her die. My mate, their mother, wouldn¡¯t have letBelonging to N?velDrama.Org. her die. She would have taken her in with open arms. They never saw it that way. Always believing she was ying me for money. But if they would get to know Ryley, they would know that¡¯s not the case. She needed my help and I gave it. She¡¯s the daughter I never had. And Channing is my grandson. Blood doesn¡¯t matter. I was there when that boy was born. My own blood may have shut me out, but Ryley never would. She was the light I needed just like I was hers. We were both broken and we managed toe together. And now I was nervous about meeting the man Ryley was bringing up here this weekend. Ryley isn¡¯t my blood but I¡¯d kill anyone who hurts her and Channing. She has never brought anyone up here before. I knew she was working in a pack for her firm but I know Ryley has a hard time trusting wolves. With good reason. I exited my truck just as one was pulling up. Looking through the windshield, I could see Channing in the passenger seat. But it was the driver of the truck that confused me. Future Alpha Aspen of the Orion pack. Was Ryley getting involved with an alpha? ¡°Grandad,¡± Channing eximed, exiting the truck. ¡°Channing. Look how much you¡¯ve grown.¡± I told him, hugging my not-so-small grandson. I knew his father was an alpha and it shows. He¡¯s as big as Aspen. ¡°Grandad, I¡¯d like you to meet Aspen,¡± Channing said. ¡°Beta Walter, it¡¯s good to see you again,¡± Aspen said shaking my hand. ¡°Wait, you know each other?¡± Channing questioned. 43.53% 12:18 Chapter Thirty ¡°I know most of the alphas and future alphas.¡± I chuckled. ¡°That makes sense. Sometimes I forgot you used to run a pack,¡± Channing shrugged. ¡°Is Alpha ke here?¡± I asked. ¡°He drove up with Mom yesterday,¡± Channing told me. Yep, I¡¯m going to have to kill an alpha today, I thought as we approached the house. I threw my arm out and stopped the boys when I heard a commotioning from the inside of the house. ¡°Grandad?¡± I shushed them. ¡°F*ck, Ryley, at least give me a chance to recover!¡± I heard a male voice. Both the boys started to snicker as I let out a low growl. ¡°Have to be faster than that, alpha,¡± I heard Ryley. I heard a few pops and Ryleyughing. ¡°How the hell did you get all the balls?¡± The male yelled. ¡°Oh g*d d**mit,¡± he growled before the front door bust open and Ryley ran out. She wasughing as she ran off the porch and hid down low. She didn¡¯t notice we were watching. She had one of those foam ball air guns. She and Channing used to y with them. ¡°Ryley, I swear,¡± Alpha ke growleding out of the cabin. He stopped in the doorway when he spotted us. ¡°Beta Walter,¡± he said and his distraction cost him a foam ball to the forehead. The boys started laughing, as I held in my snickers. Ryley has always had good aim. Alpha ke held up a finger, indicating to give him a second. He also had an air gun as he stalked over to look over the railing of the porch. 70.78% 12:18 Chapter Thirty 288 (Vouchers He let out a growl but before he could jump over the railing onto the ground, Ryley squealed before running to the back of the cabin. The alpha took off after her and I just shook my head. Ryley let out a yip and I knew he got her. ¡°F*ck, ke. That was my a*s check.¡± She yelled and the boys were crying fromughter beside me. ¡°Come on, you two. Let¡¯s get ready to go fishing.¡± 93.73% ||| ?? ??¡± Chapter 31 Chapter 31 Chapter Thirty-One Alpha ke I didn¡¯t expect Ryley to pull out a couple of air pop guns or to hog all the ammunition. And even those foam balls stung and that woman had great aim. Seeing Ryleyughing and carefree made up for the hit to my forehead. Even though the boys were now here and Beta Walter, which I didn¡¯t expect. Ryley was trying to run away when I shot her in the a*s cheek and she let out a yip. I couldn¡¯t help but chuckle at the re she gave me. I¡¯m sure I have a red mark on my forehead and she¡¯s ring at me. ¡°That¡¯s what you get woman.¡± ¡°Did you just call me woman?¡± She huffed. ¡°I did,¡± I smirked as I stalked towards her. ¡°Now, do you want to tell me what the former beta of the shadow moon pack is doing her?¡± I asked when I was standing in front of her. The pack borders this property. ¡°That¡¯s Walter. Yes, he was the beta but he¡¯s just been like an adopted father to me. Is that a problem?¡± She scuffed, crossing her arms over her chest. ¡°No problem, Ryley. I just didn¡¯t expect it. Now it makes sense that the pack would be so close. And if you are under the beta¡¯s protection, it¡¯s why the pack hasn¡¯t bothered you.¡± I told her. ¡°Maybe Walter but I¡¯m sure his sons would love nothing more than to 0.00% ||| O 11:48 Chispter Thirty-One 11 bother me. But they are smart enough to stay away.¡± She mumbled. I didn¡¯t ask her what she meant, as we walked back around the cabin. Walter was helping the boys unpack the truck. I¡¯ve met Walter¡¯s oldest son, Beta Chris. He¡¯s the current beta of the Shadow Moon pack. But I haven¡¯t met his other sons. I wonder why Walter has a great rtionship with Ryley but not his sons. ¡°Walter!¡± Ryley called out before wrapping him in a hug. ¡°My girl,¡± he kissed her cheek before wrapping her in a tight-hug. ¡°We may need to think about that addition,¡± I heard Walter chuckle. ¡°I was thinking the same thing. The boys need longer beds.¡± She told Walter. What addition? Was she nning on having us here more often with her and Channing? The thought made me smile. ¡°Alpha ke, it¡¯s good to see you. Even though it¡¯s a surprise to see my girl being nice to an alpha,¡± he said, shaking my hand and Ryley smacked his chest. ¡°I¡¯m nice,¡± she huffed. ¡°It¡¯s good to see you again, Beta Walter. I was just as surprised to see you here. I didn¡¯t expect Ryley to have a beta family.¡± I told him. ¡°I¡¯m right here, you two.¡± She scuffed and we both snickered. ¡°Mom, where are all the snacks,¡± Channing called out from the porch. ¡°Yeah, Mom, where are all the snacks,¡± Aspen echoed him. ¡°Really? The kitchen isn¡¯t that big!¡± Ryley eximed, moving toward the cabin. She was muttering as she stomped her way into the cabin. 21.06% 11:48 ||| O < Chapter Thirty-One 288 Wouchers ¡°Now that we have a moment, Alpha ke. What are your intentions with my daughter and grandson?¡± Beta Walter got straight to the point. ¡°Daughter?¡± I questioned: ¡°Ryley may not be my blood but she is every bit my daughter. And I don¡¯t trust her with another alpha.¡± He growled. ¡°I don¡¯t know the entire story but I have no intentions of hurting Ryley or Channing,¡± I told him. Beta Walter watched me. ¡°Then tell me what your intentions are with her. She won¡¯t join your pack. I¡¯d been asking her for years toe live in mine so I could protect her. I still can¡¯t believe she went to yours, let alone have you here at the cabin.¡± He confessed. ¡°Ryley and I are friends,¡± I said. ¡°Friends? A man doesn¡¯t look at a woman like that who is just his friend. I may be old but I¡¯m not blind.¡± He chuckled. ¡°Even if I wanted to be more to her and Channing. That would have to be her choice. I know her mate imed another. I don¡¯t know the whole story but I know he broke her.¡± He let out a growl. ¡°That piece of s*it didn¡¯t just break her. What he did could have started a war. It should have. Ryley is stronger than any alpha I have known. And she won¡¯t let anything happen to Channing. That boy saved her life.¡± We didn¡¯t get to finish our conversation as the boys came out of the cabin. Both of themughing as they carried the cooler together. ¡°We got the snacks!¡± Aspen eximed. ¡°More like everything in the kitchen!¡± Ryley called out,ing out of 45.18% 11:48 the cabin behind them. ¡°I¡¯m going to have to go grocery shopping again.¡± She chuckled. ¡°We can go after fishing. I don¡¯t want you going into that town alone.¡± I told her and she rolled her eyes. ¡°What happened in town?¡± Beta Walter questioned. ¡°There were a few guys at the fuel station who wouldn¡¯t take no for an answer. But it¡¯s nothing I couldn¡¯tProperty ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org. handle.¡± She answered. ¡°Mom, are you okay?¡± Channing asked, concerned. ¡°Sweetie, of course, I¡¯m okay. They were human. Nothing I couldn¡¯t handle.¡± She reassured him. ¡°It¡¯s okay, Ryley, I¡¯ll protect you,¡± Aspen wrapped his arm around her shoulders and squeezed her into his side. ¡°I¡¯m so lucky to have all these strong wolves protecting me.¡± She giggled, pulling Channing in for a hug as well. Ryley looked so small between the boys. There was no doubt Channing is an alpha¡¯s son. ¡°Ohe on, worthy protectors, it¡¯s time to go fishing.¡± Beta Walter said, taking the cooler. The boat is already at the dock. Both the boys and Beta Walter kissed Ryley on the cheek before walking towards the dock. ¡°Bye boys, have fun,¡± Ryley told them. ¡°Ryley, I mean it. No going into town. It¡¯s not safe.¡± I told her and she looked at me. She let out a sigh before giving me a nod. ¡°Thank you,¡± I breathed out the breath I was holding. 70.08% 11:48 ¡°Have fun fishing with the boys.¡± She smiled. ¡°Stay at the cabin. I know you are strong. Ryley. But you can¡¯t take on a group of rogues.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll be fine. ke. Go have fun.¡± She ces her hand on my chest. I surprised myself by kissing her on the check before following the others. I was feeling anxious about leaving her here alone. When I turned around, she was standing in the doorway of the cabin. She waved before entering, closing the door behind her. ¡°Come on. Dad.¡± 91.92% Chapter 32 Chapter 32 Chapter Thirty-Two Ryley ¡°Someone is happy.¡± my wolf chimed in as I walked into the cabin after saying goodbye to the guys. I was surprised by ke¡¯s protectiveness. And I was even more surprised by my willingness to obey him. And why would he kiss me on the check? ¡°Same reason he didn¡¯t murder us when you shot him in the forehead,¡± Lily chuckled. ¡°Hey, that was a great shot. And he got me back. I¡¯m sure I have a bruise on my a*s cheek. But seriously, you know we could never be with ke. That¡¯s a sure way for our ex to find us.¡± I told her. ¡°Ryley, the man doesn¡¯t want you to go to the store with humans without him. Do you think he wouldn¡¯t protect us and Channing from him?¡± She asked. ¡°Lily, this isn¡¯t his fight. And what if he got hurt for protecting us? I don¡¯t want it to affect Channing¡¯s friendship with Aspen. If anything were to happen and then we broke up, it would hurt the boys.¡± I sighed. It¡¯s the reason I never joined Walter¡¯s pack. I didn¡¯t want to bring him into this and I was also hiding. I didn¡¯t need my ex to be visiting the pack and sniff me out. I know he would finally kill me. And I don¡¯t want him getting his hands on Channing. I turned on some music before cleaning the cabin. I needed to busy my mind and my body. There are things in my life I can¡¯t change. And I won¡¯t risk Channing. Even though I am taking a risk by being in a 0.00% 11:48 pack ¡°When he gets his wolf, he¡¯ll be stronger than his father. We could have the life, the family we always craved. We don¡¯t have to do this alone.¡± Lily said. I understand what Lily is saying but I don¡¯t know if I can trust ke with my heart. And it¡¯s not just mine now, it¡¯s Channing¡¯s and Aspen¡¯s. I was willing to give everything to someone who killed my family and took over my pack, who was going to kill me. The person who said he loved me. ke may not be anything like him but how do I risk that kind of pain again? Lily whimpered as I finished cleaning. I know she craves a mate. She is only half a wolf without him. But she wasn¡¯t there when I went through everything. And that pain was still so raw, even after seventeen years. When the cleaning was done, I made an iced tea before going to sit on the back porch. The afternoon sun was still high in the sky. Now it was time to sit in the shade and read the book I¡¯d been trying to finish. This is my favorite ce to rx. And when Walter was with Channing I felt even more rxed knowing he was safe. A few hourster, the sun was slowly starting to set. I had just finished my book and knew the guys would return soon. It was time to get dinner ready. And I was going to enjoy cooking for more than three people. Even though Channing cats enough for three, himself. I was just finishing grilling the steaks when the boys came brawling into the cabin. The table was set and ready for a feast. ¡°Boys, how was fishing?¡± I asked as they stumbled into the kitchen area. ¡°It was great, Mom. Thank you.¡± Channing said, stepping beside me, 28.37% 11:49 and giving me a side hug. ¡°Man, it smells good in here.¡± Aspen said, inhaling. He took Channing¡¯ s spot, giving me a side lug. ¡°How can you smell anything over the smell of you?¡± I asked, scrunching up my nose. ¡°That¡¯s my hot man smell,¡± he grinned and I chuckled, shaking my head. ¡°I would hate to smell your not-hot man smell.¡± ¡°Aspen, go shower,¡± ke scolded him. ¡°Fine.¡± he whined. ¡°Me first.¡± Channing eximed, rushing off toward the bathroom. I turned around to pull the steaks off the grill, chuckling as they fight over the bathroom. ke stepped up to the kitchen sink to wash his hands. ¡°Sorry, I should have thrown them both in theke,¡± he shrugged and I chuckled. ¡°Did you boys have fun,¡± I asked him. ¡°I did. I don¡¯t remember thest time I¡¯d been fishing with Aspen.¡± ke answered and I smiled. ¡°And both of you are wee out here anytime you can get away, Alpha,¡± Walter offered. ¡°Thank you, Beta,¡± ke said, taking a seat at the table. ¡°It¡¯s Walter to you young man,¡± he scolded him and I chuckled, cing the steaks on the table. 61.61% 11:49 Chapter Thirty-Two 288 (Vouchers ¡°Only if you knock off the alpha B.S.¡± ke retorted. ¡°Deal,¡± Walter confirmed as he walked over to the sink to wash his hands. ¡°Channing, hurry the f*ck up, I¡¯m starving,¡± Aspen yelled, banging on the bathroom door. ¡°I think it¡¯s time to get some quotes on the expansion,¡± Walter said, taking a seat at the table. ¡°I think you might be right. We definitely need another bathroom. And another bedroom would be nice as well. I¡¯ll be taking the couch tonight.¡± I told him. ¡°Like hell you are. I¡¯ll take the couch,¡± ke corrected me. ¡°I¡¯m the smallest. It¡¯s not fair to have the biggest person in the cabin sleep on the tiny couch,¡± I retorted and he crossed his arms over his chest. ¡°Are you calling me fat?¡± He raised an eyebrow, and I couldn¡¯t help butugh. ¡°Only your head.¡± Belonging to N?velDrama.Org. Chapter Thirty-Three 288 Nouchers Chapter 33 Chapter 33 Chapter Thirty-Three Alpha ke If this trip taught me anything it is how little time I spend with Aspen these days. When he was younger, I would make more time for him but it became less and less over the years. I believe he needed me less when he grew older, but I was wrong. And it was something I was going to change. I learned how much Ryley does for Channing. She has never missed a hockey game or anything important. Channing is her top priority and eyen though I have a pack to run, it¡¯s no excuse for missing things with Aspen. It also proved how much I¡¯craved a mate and family. I was missing Mia the entire weekend but it hurt less that she was no longer here. It was like Ryley pulled together the pieces of my broken heart. It may still be cracked but it hurts less. And being with Ryley and Channing felt natural. Like we¡¯ve known one another for years. Now that the weekend is over and it¡¯s Monday morning, I¡¯m feeling the loss. The alpha floor felt so empty without them. A part of our family was missing and even Aspen noticed how quiet it was. I was cursing Mondays as I sat in the boardroom. The CFOs Ryley requested lined the table on either side. We were just waiting on Ryley to arrive. ¡°You sure picked a winner, Alpha. Can¡¯t even be on time for her own meeting,¡± one scoffed. I was about to say something but Ryley walked into the room. She was carrying a bunch of files. 10.00% 11:49 Chapter Thirty Them 18 288 Wouchers ¡°Actually, I¡¯m right on time.¡± She announced, dumping the files on the table. She took the seat across from me. ¡°Now, since you are so eager to get this meeting over with, Mr. rke, you can pass me your financial reports first.¡± She demanded and I was rock hard. The way she demanded the attention of others was se*y as hell. She knew she was in control and she wasn¡¯t going to let these f**ks intimate her. ¡°Alpha, is this meeting really necessary?¡± Heined. ¡°Miss Halliwell was hired to do a job. And if she wants the records from the beginning of eachpany, you will hand it over.¡± I told him. He gritted his teeth, ring at her before sliding the fold in front of him over to her. She stopped it with her hand, giving him a sickly sweet smile. I know. Mr. rke was the CFO Ryley had a suspicion about. ¡°That wasn¡¯t so hard, was it?¡± She smiled and I cleared theughter from my throat. It was fun watching grown men squirm. Ryley grabbed a pen off the desk before opening the folder. She looked deep in thought as she looked through and marked the papers. I readjust myself, as watching her bit her lower lip was driving me crazy. I haven¡¯t spoken to her since I dropped her offst night and I¡¯ve been craving her attention. ¡°Satisfied?¡± Mr. rke questioned as she closed the file. She didn¡¯t answer as she slide the file across the desk to me. I stopped it, my eyes never leaving hers. I knew something was wrong, I didn¡¯t have to open the file. ¡°Everyone leave your files on the desk and leave. Mr. rke, you will stay.¡± I ordered. The room quickly emptied while, Ryley, Mr. rke, 28.66% 11:49 Chapter Thirty-Three 298 Vouchers and myself stayed seated. I opened the file to see Ryley had circled a few numbers. I looked up at her and she slid down another file. ¡°Whatever she thinks she found is a mistake.¡± He growled. I looked up to find him ring at Ryley. ¡°And what is it I found?¡± She asked him, crossing her arms over her chest. ¡°Nothing, important, I¡¯m sure, sweetheart,¡± he retorted. R¨ºAdt??St chapters at Novel(D)ra/ma.Org Only ¡°That¡¯s enough,¡± I growled. I picked up both files and stood up from my chair. ¡°Miss Halliwell, let¡¯s discuss this in the hall,¡± I told her. ¡°Mr. rke, stay,¡± Imanded, as I led Ryley into the hallway, closing the door behind me. ¡°Now, what have you found?¡± I asked her. ¡°Before I asked you to call the meeting, I made copies of allst month¡¯ s financial reports. I wanted to see if they were being changed when the reports were demanded. And I was right. I suspect Mr. rke because the numbers would never add up. I went back months.¡± She exined. ¡°And how much are we talking?¡± ¡°Thousands. But I won¡¯t know unless I look through everything.¡± She answered. ¡°Look over the reports the others brought with them and then focus on Mr. rke. I¡¯ll deal with him personally and if I need anything, I¡¯ll let you know.¡± I told her. She gave me a nod before I opened the door to the conference room. She collected all the files and her things before 61.71% 11:49 Chapter Thirty-Three leaving the room without a word. ¡°Alpha, you know I would never steal from you or the pack. Are you going to believe this lone wolf bi**h or a loyal pack member?¡± He eximed. I let out a growl and he nched. I wasn¡¯t messing around this time. One of my friends was stealing from the pack and I wasn¡¯t going to put up with anyone stealing again. ¡°She noticed thousands were going missing, now you will exin this to me,¡± I demanded, taking my seat and sliding the files over to him. She may not be a member of the pack but I trust her. $8.89% Chapter 34 Chapter 34 Chapter Thirty-Four Ryley It¡¯s been a hell of a week after our little getaway to the cabin. I was feeling conflicted about ke and everything that had happened between us over the weekend. Thankfully, I¡¯ve been drowning in work this past week to keep my mind off of ke. I knew nothing coulde of us and there was no point in trying to figure out how to make it work. Now it¡¯s Friday afternoon and my friend Isabelle has been text begging me to go out with her tonight. She started this uphill battle on Tuesday and she hasn¡¯t let up. My phone chimed on my desk and I groaned. I wasn¡¯t one to go out. I never had time or people I wanted to hang out with. I do like Isabelle. We became instantly friends but I don¡¯t know about going out to drink. Before I could look at my phone there was a knock on the door. I called for the person to enter ignoring my phone. I watched as an excited Isabelle walked into my office. She let out a squeal as she looked around. ¡°This office is beautiful!¡± She eximed, sk**ping to the front of my desk. ¡°Isabelle I was just about to text you,¡± I said and she sat down in a chair in front of the desk. ¡°No you weren¡¯t,¡± she rolled her eyes. ¡°Okay, maybe, but it¡¯s not because I don¡¯t want to see you. I¡¯m just not sure about the location you chose,¡± I shrugged. 0.00% 11:49 Chapter Thirty-Four ¡°Then how about we just go out for dinner and we can see where the night takes us,¡± she smiled. ¡°Fine,¡± I breathed out. She let out a squeal before rushing around the desk to hug me. ¡°I¡¯ll pick you up at your ce for eight!¡± She eximed before leaving my office. Eight, I thought,This is property ? N?velDrama.Org. confused. Shouldn¡¯t people be getting ready for bed not dinner? And what do I wear? ¡°F*ck,¡± I mumbled before mming myptop shut. I already hate that I said yes to this. I decided since it was already four in the afternoon that I would pack up and head home. I had to get myself m**tally prepared for this, especially after the week I just had. ke has had to deal with Mr. rke when I found he was stealing consistently over thest year. It¡¯s not as much as I originally found, but stealing is stealing. And I know how much ke pays everyone. It¡¯ s really good money. And he is fair with time off and insurance. All of thesepanies would be great to work for. I¡¯m not sure what he¡¯s going to do with him, but I¡¯m sure it¡¯s nothing good. He is a powerful alpha after all. When I got home Channing and Aspen were watching tv in the living room. Aspen has been here all week after our weekend together. Even if Channing wasn¡¯t here, Aspen was now living with us and he took the other bedroom. I didn¡¯t mind, I love the kid. And he was great company. ¡°Mom, you¡¯re home early?¡± Channing asked as I walked into the living room. ¡°I guess I¡¯m going out with Isabelle tonight for dinner,¡± I shrugged, flopping down on the loveseat. 28.74% Chapter Thirty-Four ¡°Everyone seems to be going out,¡± Aspen said and I furrowed my brows. ¡°Everyone?¡± I questioned: ¡°Yeah, my dad is as well.¡± He answered and my heart sank. I know I shouldn¡¯t be jealous, I have no right to be. But I didn¡¯t want to think of ke being out with anyone else. ¡°Well, I should go get ready. Are you boys going to be okay to get dinner yourselves?¡± I asked, standing up from the seat. ¡°We¡¯ll order pizza. Don¡¯t worry about us.¡± Channing said before I headed up to my room. Inow had three hours to get ready and I didn¡¯t want to. I wanted to call and cancel just in case we run into ke with his date. I don¡¯t think I¡¯d be able to handle that. ¡°It would seem you are falling pretty hard for the alpha.¡± Lily chimed in and I sighed. ¡°I just don¡¯t want to see it. I enjoy hispany but I can¡¯t be what he needs. And if I were to cross that line. I don¡¯t think I¡¯d be able to leave him. And then I would have to face my ex again and all that would come to light. And you know how alphas are, ke would want to fix it and he can¡¯t.¡± I told her. ¡°But he will protect us. We could be a family. And you could work for the pack. And Channing would have Aspen. It would be a win-win for everyone. We could all be happy,¡± she eximed. ¡°Lily, I know but it¡¯s moreplicated than that. What if he was to leave? I have Channing to worry about.¡± I breathed out. She whimpered before returning to the back of my mind. Tears filled my eyes. I risked everything for a man who was my mate and he killed 62.37% 11:49 Chapter Thirty-four 11 288 (Vouchers everyone I loved. He almost killed me and Channing. How do I risk that again? I want ke to love me, but if I fall, there¡¯s noing back up for air. And if he were to break my heart, I would die. Chapter 35 Chapter 35 Chapter Thirty-Five Alpha ke After Ryley exposed rke, I¡¯ve been working hard to unravel his scheme within mypany. I wasn¡¯t going to let him live for his deceit. But I wanted to know how two people I believed I could trust thought it was okay to steal from me. From our pack. I hadn¡¯t seen Ryley all week and that¡¯s probably for the best. I didn¡¯t want her to see me like this. I was furious and I made sure to call a meeting with the other CFOS. If anyone was stealing, I wanted to be told to my face. I shouldn¡¯t have had to bring in an expert. If anyone of them were having financial issues, they should havee to me. No one else admitted to stealing but I have Ryley looking through everything. If someone is, I told them the oue would be more severe if I have to find it. They all swear to me they aren¡¯t. I could have commanded them but I want them toe clean. I don¡¯t want to have to force members of my pack to tell me the truth. It will alle out soon enough. There was a quick knock on my office door before Luca stormed into my office. It waste on Friday and I was still going through paperwork. ¡°Dude, get ready. We have to meet the girls in an hour,¡± he eximed, standing in front of my desk. ¡°I¡¯m not sure this is a good idea. It¡¯s been a f**ked up week,¡± I told him, leaning back in my chair. ¡°And a great way to unwind is to have a few drinks with Ryley. I¡¯m sure she is feeling the pressure as well. And Isabelle was able to get 0.00% 11:49 Chapter Thirty-Five her out so let¡¯s go.¡± He demanded. ¡°Fine but if this doesn¡¯t go well, I¡¯m ming you,¡± I retorted. ¡°And what do I get if you getid?¡± He chuckled and I growled. ¡°Okay, fine,¡± he held up his hands in surrender. ¡°I¡¯ll meet you out front in thirty minutes,¡± I told him. 1 ¡°Maybe dress not so stuck up,¡± he called out after we had left my office and I was heading away from him towards the stairs. I just shook my head as I headed up the stairs. F**ker. Just because I have style doesn¡¯t make me stuck up. And besides, I still have to look professional. I¡¯m the alpha. I was waiting outside for my beta. I was dressed in dark jeans and a Henley shirt. I trimmed my beard and made sure my hair was styled. Luca pulled up in his car with Aiden riding shotgun. ¡°F*ck Alpha, don¡¯t you look s*xy,¡± Aiden purred, leaning out of the window. ¡°F*ck off, get in the back,¡± I told him, shaking my head. ¡°Oh, you like to be the little spoon?¡± They both snickered. ¡°I can tell you both neither one of you is good enough for me,¡± I said, as Aiden moved to the backseat and I took the passenger seat. ¡°Awe, that¡¯s not fair. I¡¯m pretty se*y,¡± Luca whined ¡°You have a mate, you idiot,¡± I chuckled. ¡°I¡¯m sure she would give me up in a second. No challenge needed,¡± he groaned. 32.11% 11:49 Chapter Thirty five ¡°I wonder why,¡± I told him as he pulled out of the pack house driving way. ¡°Luca, I¡¯m sure she would fight for you. Maybe not very hard but she would try,¡± Aiden tried to reassure him. ¡°She would pay ke to take me off her hands,¡± Aiden and I bothughed. ¡°I don¡¯t think she has enough money.¡± I chuckled. Luca looked over at me, shocked. ¡°F*ck, I need new friends.¡± He eximed. And that just made usugh harder. ¡°We can find you some tonight,¡± I grabbed his shoulder, as he cursed us under his breath. FINL By the time we got to the bar, I finally felt rxed. It had been a long stressful week. And after one of the best weekends I had in a long time. Nothing should have been able to kill my happy mood but rke did. Luca parked the car and we headed inside. The first person I noticed was Ryley. She was in light blue jeans and a navy V-neck shirt. Her shoulder-length blonde hair was curled and her makeup was light. She was se*y as hell as she danced with Isabelle on the dance floor. ¡°Hot da*n,¡± Aiden whistled beside me. We were both stuck in our spots watching the woman as Luca went to greet his mate, Becky. He jokes about her leaving him but I know she loves him. She wouldn¡¯t have spent thest twenty years with him if she didn¡¯t. Isabelle noticed Aiden and rushed off the dance floor, into his arms. Ryley was watching from the dance floor. She had stopped-dancing and was watching me intently. She nced over at the table where 59.68% 11:49 Chapter Thirty-Five Luca and his mate were sitting. She turned her attention back to me with a smirk on her face as she crossed her arms over her chest. ¡°Really,¡± she mouthed. I just shrugged, acting innocent. I was a part of this entire n but she didn¡¯t need to know that. Thank you, everyone, for reading. Follow my FB page for all updates. I¡¯m on vacation until next week and regr updates will follow.Belonging to N?velDrama.Org. Chapter 36 Chapter 36 Chapter Thirty-Six Ryley I shouldn¡¯t have been surprised when ke showed up with Aiden and Luca. I was out with their mates but was told this was a girl¡¯s night out. And here was the alpha that has been avoiding me all week. ¡°And looking s*xy as f*ck,¡± Lily purred. I rolled my eyes and shook my head at herment. She wasn¡¯t wrong but I couldn¡¯t go there. ¡°Well, isn¡¯t it the invisible alpha,¡± I mocked as I walked over to him. Isabelle and I were just dancing, when she noticed her mate. ¡°Invisible?¡± He c**ked his eyebrow. ¡°Or have you just been avoiding me all week?¡± I questioned. ¡°Didn¡¯t think you¡¯d notice,¡± he shrugged. And hisment hurt. I thought we had a great weekend together. That we were friends. Aiden smacked ke in the chest. ¡°He¡¯s been busy,¡± Aiden corrected him. The alpha let out a groan from being hit. ¡°Uh-huh. I¡¯m sure he has been.¡± I told Aiden. I went to turn to walk toward the table but ke stopped me by grabbing my hand, he whipped me around to face him. ¡°I¡¯ve been dealing with rke.¡± He said, stepping closer. Aiden and Isabelle went to sit at the table. His scent was intoxicating as I stared up at him. ¡°It would seem you need a drink,¡± I said, as soon as he nodded, I pulled 0.00% III 11:50 Chapter Thaty Six 283 Weuchers Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org. him over to the table. It was a circr booth. Luca was sitting on one end with Becky tucked into his side. Isabelle moved in beside Becky and Aiden slid in beside her. I sat beside Aiden and ke sat beside me. I ensured I was closer to ke to avoid getting my scent all over Aiden. Isabelle may not be a wolf but I didn¡¯t want anyone else thinking the worse. ¡°Does anyone else feel like a groupie?¡± I asked the table as a few people stopped to say hi to the alpha. ¡°The joys of being friends with the alpha,¡± Luca chuckled. ¡°Oh, you poor thing,¡± I cooed. Becky startedughing. ¡°It must have been so hard to have all those women following you around.¡± All of us girls started laughing. Not only do women want t¨° be Luna, but there is also a sense of safety when with an alpha. ? ¡°And I got stuck with the most amazing one,¡± he defended. ¡°I think she¡¯s stuck with you, Luca. You just got incredibly lucky,¡± I chuckled. ¡°That too,¡± he shrugged, pulling her closer. A waitress came over to take our drink orders. I¡¯ve had more drinks tonight than I¡¯ve ever had at one time. Being a young mom, I didn¡¯t get to go out. And then when Channing grew older, I just didn¡¯t want to. I would rather spend my time with him. ¡°Alpha, it¡¯s good to see you.¡± The waitress purred, grabbing his shoulder. She was pretty, I¡¯ll give her that. She was dressed ssy with light makeup. Her dark hair was in waves down her back. He greeted her and after we order our drinks, she left. ¡°Friend?¡± I asked him. 25.67% 11:50 Chapter Thirty-Si ? ¡°Jealous?¡± Luca asked and Becky elbowed him in the ribs. He let out a groan and she mouthed sorry to me. ¡°Actually, I was going to say she¡¯s beautiful,¡± I told him. ¡°Oh, thank goodness I wasn¡¯t the only one who noticed,¡± Isabelle breathed out. ¡°What?¡± Aiden,¡± stammered. ¡°You would have to be blind not to see how beautiful she is,¡± I chuckled. ¡°I saw nothing,¡± Luca eximed, smashing his eyes shut. We allughed at his antics. He was so sweet not wanting to make his mate worry. He clearly loved her. ¤» ¡°She¡¯s a little young for the alpha, don¡¯t you think?¡± Aiden asked. ¡°Yeah, maybe more the future alphas age?¡± Luca chimed in. ¡°I thought you didn¡¯t look,¡± Becky rolled her eyes. ¡°Aiden, you and Isabelle are the babies at the table. And she¡¯s too old for Aspen.¡± I said. ¡°And how do you know? Aspen loves older women,¡± Luca chuckled. ¡°First, Aspen hasn¡¯t gone all the way with anyone. And second, he will most likely be mates to an alpha¡¯s daughter, since his mother wasn¡¯t one. Randomly it will s*ip a generation to bring in new blood.¡± I exined. ¡°Wait, how do you know Aspen is a virgin?¡± ke looked over at me. ¡°I walked in on a very awkward conversation.¡± I cringed at the 56.95% 11:50 Chapter Thirty-Six 288 (Vouchers memory. There are things a mother should never hear. I¡¯m okay with answering questions but I don¡¯t want to hear the stories. ¡°Do I want to know?¡± He asked and I shook my head. ¡°I don¡¯t want to repeat it. Teenage boys are weird.¡± I said and Becky chuckled. ¡°Grown-a*s men are weird.¡± She mumbled and Iughed. She isn¡¯t wrong. ¡°Only for you, baby,¡± Luca smiled before kissing her cheek. ¡°Aren¡¯t I lucky,¡± she groaned. The waitress came back with our drinks and after she left, I stared at ke, who immediately took a swig of his whisky. ¡°Ryley?¡± He questioned. ¡°I didn¡¯t say anything,¡± I answered. Bringing the straw in my drink to my lips. Maybe it¡¯s the alcohol talking since that¡¯s the only exnation I can think of for trying to h*ok ke up with another woman. ¡°Do it and I¡¯ll rip her apart,¡± Lily growled in my head. What the hell was I doing? Chapter 37 Chapter 37 Chapter Thirty-Seven Alpha ke I looked over at Luca and then Aiden. I didn¡¯t understand what was happening. Was Ryley trying to set me up with the waitress? But why would she do that? ¡°Dude, I got nothing,¡± Luca said through the link. ¡°It¡¯s a trap. Don¡¯t do it! I repeat, it¡¯s a trap,¡± Aiden eximed through the link. Maybe she only looks at me as a friend and I was wasting my time trying to be more to her. ¡°Don¡¯t you dare give up! She is perfect for us.¡± Gunner growled. Four drinkster and we were all dancing. All my drinks were doubles so I was starting to feel the warmth from the whiskey. The girls on the other hand were tipsy, especially Isabelle who didn¡¯t have a wolf. I pulled Ryley against me when she stumbled. She was in a fit of giggles as she grabbed onto me. She looked up at me, her eyes were a drunken haze. ¡°Are you okay?¡± I leaned in and asked her. She started grinding up against me and I held in a groan. ¡°So okay. I think I¡¯m drunk,¡± she yelled. She pushed her breast against my chest as she gripped my shoulders. My hands were on her hips as she ground her p**sy against my thigh. ¡°Going good?¡± Luca was in my head. ¡°She¡¯s drunk,¡± I sighed. 0.00% 11:50 Chapter Thirty-Seven ¡°Ryley, if you¡¯re drunk, I should take you home,¡± I said against her ear. She shivered. ¡°Are youing home with me, Alpha?¡± She purred. F*ck, I screamed in my head. I wanted nothing more than to take her home but I didn¡¯t want to be the regret in the morning. ¡°Or would you rather have the hot waitress?¡± She scuffed. I could hear the frustration in her voice at my hesitation. I untangled our bodies before taking her hand and leading her off the dance floor. I didn¡¯t stop until we were outside the bar. The cool night air was wee on my hot skin. ¡°ke, what are you doing? Slow down,¡± she cried, trying to get out of my grip on her hand. I whipped around to look at her. t ¡°I¡¯m taking you home,¡± I told her and she scuffed. ¡°Why? Are we not having fun?¡± She demanded. ¡°We are but you are drunk. And I won¡¯t be the regret in the morning.¡± I eximed. ¡°Do you regret all the women you have slept with?¡± She pulled her hand from mine and crossed her arms across her chest. I was taken aback by herment. ¡°Do you regret all the men you¡¯ve slept with in the morning after a drunken night out?¡± I growled. I didn¡¯t want to think of Ryley with anyone else. ¡°Nope, this would have been the first time.¡± She confessed. ¡°What?¡± I stammered, confused. 22 019 11:50 Chapter Thirty-Seven ¡°I was a young single mom with very limited money. This is my first time being drunk.¡± She said. She closed her eyes and swayed on her feet. I grabbed onto her hips to steady her. ¡°You never got drunk as a teenager?¡± I asked her, stepping impossibly close to her. She shook her head. ¡°I had to be an example. Not that that¡¯s bad, but I didn¡¯t do the normal teenage things. I was too busyR¨ºAdt??St chapters at Novel(D)ra/ma.Org Only helping my dad with our pack.¡± She shrugged. I don¡¯t think she meant to give me that piece of information so I didn¡¯t question her. ¡°Okay, let¡¯s get you home,¡± I whispered, leaning my forehead against hers. She just nodded. I could feel the people around us, watching. So I quickly hailed a cab, helping Ryley in the back seat. As soon as I climbed in beside her, she rested her head against my shoulder. I told the driver to drive to the pack house. He looked at Ryley and then at me before nodding. Before I could say anything to defend myself, not that I should have to, my pack should know I would never take advantage of anyone in this state; Riley called out to me. ¡°ke?¡± I looked down at her, she had her eyes close. ¡°Yeah?¡± ¡°Thank you,¡± she mumbled. She had fallen asleep by the time we had made it to the pack house. I directed the driver to the front of Ryley¡¯s house. I had mind-link Aspen, and he was waiting on the porch with Channing. I paid the driver before stepping out of the vehicle. I lean back to scoop her lifeless body into my arms. I closed the door with my foot before walking up to the porch. Channing was snickering to himself as I approached them. 11:50 Chapter Thirty-Seven # ¡°Well, this is a first.¡± ¡°Just open the door,¡± I demanded. Once in the house, I carried Ryley up the stairs to her room. Iid her on the bed before taking off her shoes and her jeans. I tried not to look as I covered her up with her nket. Before I moved away from the bed, Ryley¡¯s hand grabbed my arm. ¡°Stay?¡± She mumbled. I leaned down and kissed her forehead. Her eyes were still closed but there was a smile on her lips. ¡°Not tonight,¡± I whispered. I quickly left the room. I wouldn¡¯t have been able to say no a second time. I hurried in the kitchen. stairs to find the boys ¡°Didn¡¯t expect to see you again before morning,¡± Channing said, ¤¬ leaning on the kitchen ind. ¡°Why¡¯s that?¡± I questioned. ¡°I see the way you look at my mom. I¡¯m not blind. A lesser man would have taken advantage of her.¡± He shrugged. ¡°Does she do this often?¡± I asked him. ¡°This is the first time she has been drunk. And I¡¯ve never seen her with a man before. And she gets hit on all the time but she has never taken an interest in any of them. Until you.¡± He told me. I didn¡¯t know what to say. ¡°Come on Aspen, we should get home. Chapter 38 Chapter 38 Chapter Thirty-Eight Ryley was pounding and the thought of I awoke with a groan. My opening my eyes made me want to vomit. I haven¡¯t felt like this since I was pregnant with Channing. Not only was I sick a lot but I would get the worst migraines, making me sick. My limbs felt heavy as I tried to roll over. Why do people enjoy getting drunk? I don¡¯t even remember drinking that much. ¡°Do you remember asking the alpha to stay the night? Or to have sex?¡± Lily snickered and I groaned. ¡°F*ck. I can¡¯t believe I did that. I¡¯m never going to be able to look him in the eyes again. What the hell is wrong with me?¡± I cried. ¡°Do you remember trying to get him to notice the pretty waitress?¡± She asked. ¡°I remember that. I don¡¯t know why I would do that. I can¡¯t be with him but I don¡¯t want to see him with anyone else. I¡¯m such a selfish bi*ch.¡± I sighed. I crawled out of bed, thankfully for the bottle of water someone left on my nightstand. I stumbled to the bathroom to shower. I f**ked up big time and thankfully ke wasn¡¯t drunk or I would have woken up beside him. Or maybe he didn¡¯t even want me and I was overthinking this. I swallowed down the feeling of being unwanted. I have no right to be upset. I can¡¯t be with ke and there¡¯s no point in pretending. I can¡¯t risk Channing¡¯s life by being with a wolf, let alone an alpha. He would 0.00% 11-50 Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org. Chapter Thirty-Eight 298 Vouchers find me and I can¡¯t let that happen. After I was done showering, I felt better. The bottle of water also helped. I wrapped my robe around me before walking downstairs to the kitchen. Channing was sitting on a stool beside the kitchen ind with a mug of coffee. ¡°How are you feeling?¡± He dragged out, teasing me. ¡°I¡¯m sorry aboutst night. I should have never drank so much.¡± I told him, getting another bottle of water from the fridge. I needed more water before I could have some coffee. ¡°Mom, you don¡¯t need to apologize. You deserve to go out and have some fun. I am surprised that the alpha brought you home but didn¡¯t stay the night.¡± He chuckled and I almost choked on my water. ¡°You were still up?¡± I breathed out. ¡°Aspen was here as well. But as soon as you were in bed, they both left.¡± He shrugged. ¡°F*ck.¡± I leaned against the ind in front of him. ¡°Mom, what are you doing? Do you like Alpha ke?¡± He asked me. ¡°Sweetie, even if I did. I couldn¡¯t be with him, you know that. Last night, nothing happened and it won¡¯t happen again. I would never put your life in jeopardy.¡± I answered. ¡°I¡¯m happy here, Mom. I feel mo?e normal than I ever have. And the faster we deal with Dad, the faster you can move on with your life and be happy. And it would be better to face him with an alpha and pack on your side.¡± He said. I took some deep breaths. Channing may be right but I would never forgive myself if my past got ke hurt or even killed. 27.27% Chapter Thirty-Eight 1 ¡°How about we head up to the cabin for the night? I can call Walter to see if he can take us fishing.¡± I asked him. ¡°Can Aspene with us?¡± ¡°As long as it¡¯s okay with ke, then he can. Tell Aspen to be here within the hour. We can get some snacks before driving up.¡± I said and before I was done speaking, he had already pulled his phone out. ¡°Thanks, Mom. He¡¯s on his way. I¡¯m going to go get ready,¡± he stood up from the stool. He came around the ind to kiss me before heading in the direction of the stairs. ¡°Also, Alpha ke dropped off your purse this morning. You had left it at the bar.¡± Channing pointed to where my purse was now sitting on the chair by the door. ¡°Thank you.¡± I smiled. ¡°Alpha ke is a good man, Mom. And I see the way he looks at you and the way your face lights up for him. Dealing with Dad may be a pain in the a*s but it shouldn¡¯t steal your happiness.¡± With that, Channing retreated up the stairs. ¡°Our boy is right you know. ke is a good man. And the one person you care about more than anything just told you as much.¡± Lily chimed in. ¡°I¡¯m scared, Lily. ke could break me all over again. And there would be noing back from that. And how can I prove myself worthy of being his Luna? I would never be able to hide again. And I don¡¯t know if it¡¯s worth it. I don¡¯t know if I could go back to that lifestyle.¡± I sighed. ¡°Just think about it. We could have everything. I know with an alpha therees more responsibilities but we are a Luna wolf. If anyone Chapter Thirty-Eight can handle a pack, it¡¯s us.¡± She said before retreating. I filled up a mug with coffee before heading up to my room to get ready. I needed the great outdoors to clear my head. Even if it¡¯s just for the night. It¡¯s been only a few weeks and I feel it¡¯s been forever since we were home, in the house I bought for us. But now it doesn¡¯t seem like home. This house feels like home. And it feels even more so with Aspen here. I¡¯m terrified to open the box and release the possibility of me being with ke. And if I tell him how I feel and he doesn¡¯t feel the same, would feel like a fool. And no man will ever make a fool out of me again Chapter 39 Chapter 39 Chapter Thirty-Nine Alpha ke ¡°Dad, you like Ryley,¡± Aspen said as we walked back to the pack house. It wasn¡¯t a question but a statement. ¡°If I did, how do you feel about that?¡± I asked him. ¡°I think it would be awesome. They could join the pack and she could be the Luna. And we could all live under the same roof. It would be so great.¡± He eximed and my heart twisted painfully. I wish I could have given him those things earlier. He was so excited to have a family. Now I just have to convince Ryley that she is safe here with us. When we arrived on our floor of the pack house Luca was waiting by the door. He was holding a purse in his hand. ¡°Ryley¡¯s,¡± he held it out to me. ¡°Thanks, I¡¯ll make sure she gets it back,¡± I told him. Then he switched to the mind-link. ¡°You okay?¡± ¡°Just something Ryley said. Her father was an alpha.¡± I told him. ¡°Are you sure?¡± He asked me. ¡°She told me she never got drunk as a teen because she had to be an example for the pack. And then she was pregnant with Channing. And she didn¡¯t have the desire or the money to drink after that.¡± I exined. ¡°That would make sense. She is incredibly strong. But what happened 0.00% 11:50 Chapter Thirty-Nine 1 to her pack?¡± He questioned. ¡°I don¡¯t know. But I¡¯m going to find out.¡± I told him. Aspen and I said goodnight to my beta and then we entered into our apartment. Aspen said goodnight to me before heading to his room. I ced Ryley¡¯s purse on the counter before heading to my room. I stripped off my clothes before climbing into bed. I didn¡¯t want to wash Ryley¡¯s scent off just yet. I thought it would help me sleep but I think it kept my thoughts awake. I kept thinking about her, even more than usual. I wanted her to be mine. And I wanted Channing to be my son, be a brother to Aspen. But I didn¡¯t know how to break through the wall Ryley had built. I understood why it was there and I also understand why she doesn¡¯t trust anyone. But I wanted her to trust me. I was trying to piece together the snippets of information she has given me. Her father must have been an alpha. And I think her ex was also an alpha. But how would I not know about something happening like that? How an alpha was killed and his daughter gone missing? I was just about ready to take over for my father and was in the loop but I don¡¯t remember anything like that happening. ¡°It was also around the time when Mia was pregnant. We were focused on different things. You should call your father and ask him. Maybe we can track down her ex and have a chat with him.¡± Gunner said. ¡°And by chat, you mean kill, right? There¡¯s no way I¡¯m letting that f**k live after what he did to Ryley. And we don¡¯t even know the entire story. We don¡¯t know how she met Walter. We know why she never joined a pack. She was afraid her ex would find her. But then why would shee here?¡± I said. ¡°Maybe, she figured it had been seventeen years or she knows alphas Chapter Thirty-Nine 289 Vouchers take the summers off from business with other alphas. In most cases, unless there was an emergency, we wouldn¡¯t be hosting another alpha. Or this ex is too far away.¡± He shrugged. ¡°I wish that made me feel better. But now I¡¯m worried about another alphaing into the pack while she is here. I know she is strong but is she strong enough to take on an alpha?¡± I sighed. ¡°If it came to protecting the boys, I have no doubt. She would do anything to protect them. And she doesn¡¯t have to for Aspen but I know she would.¡± I agreed but I was still worried. I didn¡¯t want anything to happen to her. I wanted her to trust me. I must have fallen asleep, my phone ringing on the nightstand woke me. I groaned before throwing my arm over to reach for it. It was early in the morning. ¡°Alpha ke,¡± I answered, not looking at the screen to see who was calling. ¡°Good morning son, I didn¡¯t wake you did I?¡± My mother asked. ¡°Mom, is everything okay?¡± I questioned, sitting up. ¡°Of course, everything is okay, can I not call to talk to my only son, she scuffed. ¡± ¡°Mom, it¡¯s early on a Saturday morning. If nothing is wrong then why are you calling?¡± ¡°I¡¯m calling to let you know your father and I areing for a visit. Aspen has been telling us all about his friend Channing and his beautiful mother and I want to meet them. Are you finally in a rtionship and didn¡¯t bother to tell your mother?¡± She scolded, and I internally groaned. Chapter Thirty-Nine ¡°I don¡¯t know what Aspen has told you but Ryley and I are friends.¡± I corrected. ¡°Well it doesn¡¯t matter whatbel you put on your rtionship, your father and I will be there Monday. Love you,¡± she said before ending the call. ¡°F*ck,¡± I breathed out to the empty room. Now awake, I got up to get ready for a run. I needed to clear my head. My mother was overbearing at times, and I hope Ryley could handle her. I know she means well she just wants to see me happy but I wish she would stay out of my love life. Before leaving, I grabbed Ryley¡¯s purse. I was going to drop it off before I run around theke. Stepping outside the pack house, the sun was just starting to rise. I took a deep breath before walking in the direction of Ryley¡¯s house. #This is property ? N?velDrama.Org. Chapter 40 Chapter 40 Chapter Forty Ryley The boys and I made it to the cabin before noon. I felt better just breathing in the cool air of nature. This is the ce I needed to be to clear my head. Walter wasn¡¯t able to stop by untilter this evening to take the boys fishing. So after everything was unpacked I decided to go for a walk around the property. And the boys came with me.¡® They walked ahead as we walked around the cabin to the back. I was also going to check the fence for any damage. The pack knows to stay away but this will make me feel better. I¡¯ve never had any trouble here and I wasn¡¯t going to start now. ¡°Ryley, are you okay? You¡¯ve been quiet.¡± Aspen asked me, concerned. He slowed down so he was now walking beside me. Channing was typing away on his phone ahead of us. ¡°I¡¯m okay. Just d to be out in nature again.¡± I told him. ¡°I like it out here as well,¡± he said. We walked in silence along the fence as I checked to make sure there were no gaps. ¡°So, Ryley, can I ask you something?¡± Aspen asked. I looked over at him and he had his hands in his pockets. He seemed nervous as he looked anywhere but at me. ¡°Of course, you can. What¡¯s up?¡± ¡°Well, my grandparents areing to visit and I would like for you to have dinner with us?¡± ¡°ke¡¯s parents?¡± I questioned. And he nodded. ke never Chapter Forty mentioned his parents wereing into town. Or maybe he didn¡¯t want me to know? ¡°I don¡¯t know. If ke says it¡¯s okay, then I will be there.¡± I told him, trying to push it onto ke. I didn¡¯t want to say yes and have him not want me there. ¡°I¡¯ll ask him. He told me this morning that they wereing for a visit,¡± he said before we were interrupted. ¡°Well, well, well, looks like the whore came for a visit,¡± Chris, Walter¡¯s son called out from behind the fence. It was chain link and I was able to see him with a few of his warriors. ¡°Chris, fancy seeing you here. Didn¡¯t think you still went on patrol,¡± I mocked. ¡°That¡¯s beta to you, whore,¡± he growled. ¡°Don¡¯t fucken call her that,¡± Aspen growled, defending me. Chris jumped over the fence,nding in front of me. I pushed the boys behind me as I stood my ground. ¡°Or what? What the hell are you going to do about it? This is mynd. And you three are trespassing. All three of you rogues could go missing and no one would care.¡± he scuffed. Aspen was about to say something but I held up my hand. I didn¡¯t need Chris to know about ke. ¡°I own this property, Chris. So the only person trespassing is you. And was that a threat? I don¡¯t think your father would take too kindly to you threatening people he views as family.¡± I told him. ¡°My father is an idiot to believe anything thates out of your mouth. And you¡¯re lying, my father would never sell this ce to you.¡± He growled, getting closer to me. I stepped back, shielding the boys as best I could. Chapter Forty ? ¡°Call him. If I had my phone with me, I¡¯d show you the property deed. This property and cabin are mine. And I¡¯d like you to leave.¡± He stepped even closer to me. ¡°Or what? What¡¯s a rogue bitch like you going to do? And you don¡¯t even have help. You have two wolfless bastards.¡± he chuckled. ¡°I guess it¡¯s a fair fight then,¡± I growled. And Chris smirked down at 1. me. ¡°Channing, I¡¯m just on my way to the cabin,¡± hear Walter say. ¡°Granddad, Chris is on the property,¡± Channing told him. He had called Walter and had him on speaker. ¡°Head to the cabin, I¡¯ll be right there.¡± Walter growled before the call ended. ¡°If you think my dad is going to make it here in time, then you are sadly mistaken.¡± He said as the warriors jumped the fence. ¡°If you kill me, you will start a war with the Orion pack,¡± Aspen eximed, and Chris chuckled. ¡°I¡¯m sure the Orions don¡¯t care about three rogue wolves.¡± ¡°It¡¯s okay, boys, head back to the cabin. I¡¯ll handle this.¡± Imanded. ¡°Mom, I¡¯m not leaving you.¡± ¡°And neither am I,¡± Aspen said, determined to help protect me. But it was me who had to protect them. And if I died, I know ke would take care of Channing. ¡°Now. Both of you.¡± I demanded, not taking my eyes off Chris. Both boys squeezed one of my hands before moving back toward the cabin. Chapter Forty 289 Vouchers ¡°Chris, they are kids, leave them.¡± ¡°And why would I do that?¡± He taunted. Chris whipped his head around to face one of his warriors. R¨ºAdt??St chapters at Novel(D)ra/ma.Org Only ¡°You¡¯re sure?¡± He demanded and the warrior nodded. He turned his attention back to me. ¡°So, that¡¯s how you operate? You find an alpha or a beta to protect you.¡± ¡°If that were true, I would have joined a pack.¡± I scuffed. ¡°Well the boy may be off limits but you aren¡¯t. And I¡¯ve been waiting a long time for this,¡± he growled. Lily didn¡¯t wait, she shifted. She was now standing in front of them. She was almost the size of an alpha. She had ck fur with a white undercoat. She was magnificent. And a killing machine. She was going to do whatever she needed to do to protect the boys. ¡°Let¡¯s see what you got, rogue,¡± he said before he shifted into a grey wolf. Lily let out a deep growl before she lunged at the beta. Chapter 41 Chapter 41 Chapter Forty-One Alpha ke I was sitting in my office trying to get some work done. Aspen had gone with Ryley and Channing to the cabin for the night. I haven¡¯t spoken to her sincest night and I haven¡¯t been able to stop thinking about her. Maybe if I would have stayed the night with her? She could have woken up in my arms and then maybe she would see how perfect we are for each other. My phone rang on my desk where I had ced it. Looking at the screen, Aspen¡¯s name popped up. My stomach tightened with worry as I answered the phone. ¡°Aspen?¡± ¡°Dad, we need you. The Shadow Moon pack beta crossed the fence and he¡¯s threatening Ryley. Channing called Walter but we need help.¡± Aspen yelled into the phone. He was breathing heavily like he was running. ¡°Where are you? Are you hurt?¡± I growled, my blood boiling. I was already up from my desk and rushing to the garage to my truck. ¡°Not hurt. Ryley told us to get back to the cabin. But Dad, she¡¯s on her own. The beta had warriors with him.¡± He yelled in despair. ¡°Aspen, get to the cabin and wait for Walter. I¡¯ll be there as soon as I can.¡± I ended the call before I mind-linked Luca. ¡°Garage now. Shadow Moon is attacking Ryley¡¯s cabin.¡± 0.00% 11:51 Chapter Forty-One ¡°What the f*ck?¡± Luca replied. I didn¡¯t answer. I picked up my speed to get to the garage. My stomach twisted painfully. If anything happens to her, I will rip that pack apart, and not even the council will be able to stop me. I tried to call Ryley but it went straight to voicemail. ¡°F*ck,¡± I growled, frustrated. Luca met me at my truck. ¡°She isn¡¯t answering,¡± I told him, climbing in behind the wheel. Luca took the passenger seat. I immediately called Aspen back. I needed to know what was going on. The call went through the speakers before I ripped out of the garage and away from the pack house. This, two-hour drive was going to be hell. ¡°Dad?¡± Aspen answered. ¡°What¡¯s going on? Are you boys at the cabin?¡± I rushed out. My heart was pounding in my chest. ¡°Channing and I are at the cabin. Channing has Walter on the phone. But Dad, we heard howling.¡± He said in despair. ¡°I¡¯m about to go get her. I won¡¯t let that f**ker kill her,¡± I heard Channing growl out. ¡°And she would never forgive herself if anything happened to you. She told us to go back to the cabin.¡± Aspen told him. ¡°How far out is Walter? I¡¯m on my way now with Luca. We should be there in an hour.¡± ¡°Walter is about ten minutes out.¡± He answered. ¡°Does Ryley have her phone?¡± I questioned. ¡°I don¡¯t think so. Did something happen? She seemed off today?¡± Aspen asked. I quickly looked at Luca who was staring at me. 22.41% 11:51 Chapter Forty One ¡°Not that I know of. But what happened? Why did the pack attack?¡± I eximed, speeding down the road that exited the pack. I was easily doing double the speed limit. ¡°I don¡¯t know. Walter couldn¡¯t be here untilter so Ryley wanted to walk the fence. That¡¯s when we say the pack. Dad, he was nning on killing all of us. If Ryley can¡¯t defend us, they will attack the cabin.¡± He breathed out. I could hear the panic in his voice. He was scared and so was I. I gripped the steeringProperty ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org. wheel until my knuckles turned white. If anything was to happen to any of them, there was nothing that was going to stop Gunner. ¡± ¡®Aspen just stay on the line with me. We will be there as soon as we can. Stay indoors and lock everything. Only open the door for Walter and Ryley.¡± I exined. ¡°Dad, what if she¡¯s hurt? We should have stayed to protect her.¡± Aspen cried. And listening to my son cry, broke my heart. ¡°Aspen, her job is to protect you and Channing. And she is doing that. If she can kick my a*s, I know she will be okay.¡± Luca tried to reassure him. ¡°He¡¯s right, son. You did the right thing. She wouldn¡¯t have been able to think clearly if she was worried about you two.¡± I told him. ¡°Walter¡¯s here,¡± I heard Channing call out. I heard a bunch of m**fled noises and a door mming. ¡°Where is Ryley?¡± I heard Walter exim. ¡°She hasn¡¯t returned,¡± Channing answered him. I could hear the despair in his voice. ¡°I¡¯ll go get her. You two stay here,¡± hemanded. Chapter Forty-One ¡°Walter, my beta, and I are on our way,¡± I yelled through the phone. I knew Aspen had me on speaker. ¡°Good. It would seem my son needs a good a*s kicking.¡± He scoffed. I heard more rustling before I heard gasps. I couldn¡¯t make out what was happening. ¡°There¡¯s so much blood,¡± I heard Channing cry out. My heart twisted painfully and I increased my speed. ¡°What the hell is happening?¡± I screamed. ¡°Ryley¡¯s back but shifted. She is covered in blood Dad. I can¡¯t even tell what color her wolf is. And I don¡¯t know if it¡¯s all hers or not. She¡¯s limping.¡± Aspen said panicked. ¡°She went into the bathroom and closed the door. She hasn¡¯t shifted back. I don¡¯t know how bad she is. And Walter doesn¡¯t want to leave us to find his son.¡± He cried. ¡°Dad, there is so much blood.¡± I was ready to rip the steering wheel off the column. My blood was boiling with a fury I don¡¯t think I¡¯ve ever felt before. ¡°Stay in the cabin, I¡¯ll be there soon,¡± I told him before ending the call. ¡°ke you need to calm down. We don¡¯t need to start a war,¡± Luca spoke to me calmly. He has seen firsthand the kind of monster Gunner can be. ¡°It wouldn¡¯t be a war. It would be an execution.¡± I growled, adjusting my grip on the wheel. There was nothing Luca could say to reason with me. Ryley was hurt and that f**ker was going to pay. Chapter 42 Chapter 42 WhatsApp Chapter Forty-Two Alpha ke When the cabin came into view, I felt like I could finally breathe. Walter was waiting on the porch as I parked my truck beside his. As soon as I opened the door, I could smell blood. Gunner let out a growl as I mmed the door closed and rushed up the stairs of the porch. There was a trail of blood leading into the house. ¡°ke, wait,¡± Walter called out as I stormed into the cabin. ¡°Dad,¡± Aspen eximed, rushing over to me. I pulled him in for a hug. And when Channing got close enough, I pulled him in as well. The relief I felt was short-lived as I spotted blood on the door to the bathroom. I let go of the boys. They were okay but now I needed to check on Ryley. Most of the blood had been cleaned up. But the blood on the door scared me. She must have walked in as her wolf. It would exin why the blood was lower down the door. When the door was right in front of me, I twisted the handle to find it unlocked. I swung the door open and let out a growl at what I saw. ¡°ke, what the hell?¡± Ryley screamed as she covered her breast with one of her arms. She was damp from just showering. A towel was wrapped around her hips as she looked in the mirror at the wounds along her side. The wounds were still healing, and blood was coating the white towel in red. I couldn¡¯t even think at that moment. I didn¡¯t snap out of my haze until I was back in my truck. That f**ker was going to die for threatening my sons and Ryley. 0.00% 11:51 Chapter Forty-Two 288 (Vouchers ¡°ke, calm down. I know you¡¯re upset.¡± Luca yelled as he took the passenger seat. ¡°I will not calm down. He hurt her and he will f**king die.¡± I growled as I started the truck. The back tires spun as I whipped down the driveway at dangerous speeds. Nothing was going to stop me from getting to that beta and his alpha. Ryley Lily limped back to the cabin. We may have gotten a few scratches but the other wolves had it worse. Lily wasn¡¯t taking any of their s*it. And I was now feeling it. ¡°Mom, oh my g*d!¡± Channing eximed. He tried to approach me but Lily shook her head and the three of them stood back. ¡°Are you okay? My dad is on his way,¡± Aspen said. Lily gave him a nod. F*ck. That¡¯s all I needed was an angry alpha. Lily let out a sigh. This was not how my rxing day at the cabin was supposed to go. I didn¡¯t want to shift back in front of the boys so Lily limped through the cabin, pushing open the bathroom door. She whined as she pushed her shoulder against the door, closing it behind her. I hissed and groaned as I shifted back. I had a few deep scratches down my ribs on my left side. I crawled over and turned on the shower. The adrenaline was starting to leave my system and my entire body ached. ¡°Mom?¡± Channing called out from the other side of the door. ¡°I¡¯m okay, sweetie. I¡¯m just getting cleaned up.¡± I yelled over the noise of the shower. 36 300/ Chapter Forty-Two ¡°If you need help, just call out.¡± I heard him say. I leaned back against the tub, trying to find the strength to get into the shower so I stop bleeding all over the floor. ¡°I¡¯m healing you as fast as I can but I need food and rest,¡± Lily whined. ¡°I know. I¡¯m sorry.¡± I breathed out. I gasped and groaned as I moved into the tub under the shower. As soon as the water washed over my cuts, I hissed. I wish I could have killed that f**ker but he was Walter¡¯s son. And I love Walter too much to hurt him like that. I stood up and washed off all the blood and dirt from my body and hair, letting the water run clear before I shut it off. I wrapped my hair up in a towel before wrapping one around my hips. I needed to get my cuts bandaged. The cuts were deep and still bleeding as the white towel turned crimson. I sighed as I looked at it in the mirror above the vanity. I let out a scream when the door to the bathroom was thrown open, hitting the wall. ke¡¯s scent hit me. And so did his fury. ¡°ke, what the hell?¡± I yelled, turning away from the door, covering my naked breast. The tension was thick even when I jumped from the sound of the door mming close. ke didn¡¯t step inside. And I heard the front door m and the mirror shook. ¡°See you didn¡¯t have to kill that f**ker, ke will,¡± Lily said and I grumbled. I pulled out the first aid kit and wrapped my torso up before wrapping a clean towel around myself. Then I opened the door of the bathroom to find the boys sitting on the couch and Walter sitting at the dining table. ¡°Boy, why don¡¯t you pick a movie to watch? Walter, are you staying?¡± I asked him. Chapter Forty-Two ¡°I¡¯ll stay. And I think we should talk about what happened.¡± He said. ¡°We can talk in the morning,¡± I told him before entering my bedroom. I put on a pair of pajamas before brushing out my damp hair. When I was ready, I went back out into the living room with a nket and a few pillows. After moving the coffee table out of the way, I sat down on the floor in front of the couch. I patted the floor on either side of me so the boys woulde to s¨¬t with me. ¡°Do you have any pain meds? My head is killing me.¡± Aspen asked as he sat down beside me. I moved a pillow to myp. ¡°Lay down,¡± I told him as Channing rested his head on my shoulder. I felt so relieved having both the boys with me and safe. I licked a couple of fingertips before rubbing Aspen¡¯s temple. Luna wolves canR¨ºAdt??St chapters at Novel(D)ra/ma.Org Only heal using their saliva and blood. Channing turned on a movie as Walter moved into a chair beside us. ¡°I¡¯m thankful you¡¯re safe, Mom,¡± Channing whispered, kissing my cheek. ¡°I¡¯m not going anywhere, sweetie,¡± I told him as I rested my head against his. I don¡¯t remember the movie starting as I closed my eyes and fell asleep. Chapter Forty-Three Chapter 43 Chapter 43 Chapter Forty-Three Alpha ke I mmed on my brakes as I came upon the gate of the Shadow Moon pack. I rolled down my window as a warrior approached. ¡°Be calm,¡± Luca grumbled. ¡°Alpha ke? I wasn¡¯t aware of your visit.¡± He told me. ¡°Neither was I. Unexpected events urred and I need to speak to the alpha and his beta.¡± I demanded. The warrior nodded but the gates never opened. My patience was growing thin the longer I waited. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Alpha ke. There was an incident involving Beta Chris earlier today. He is unable to meet with you. Alpha Phil is on his way.¡± The warrior informed me. ¡°Tell your alpha I¡¯m here because of the incident involving his beta,¡± I growled. I couldn¡¯t hold back any longer. Making me wait at the gate was disrespectful enough. And I don¡¯t know what Chris told his alpha. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, alpha, I¡¯m just following orders.¡± He said. ¡°We¡¯ll wait to speak with the alpha, thank you,¡± Luca called over me to the warrior. I shut off my truck and hopped out of the vehicle. ¡°Tell your alpha he has ten minutes before I¡¯m going in,¡± I ordered. ¡°Yes, Alpha ke,¡± the warrior stammered as I leaned against the front bumper. ¡°ke, stay calm.¡± Luca mind-linked me. But there was no being calm. 0.00% Chapter Forty Threw Now only did that ba**ard threaten my son, the future alpha of the biggest pack known to our kind. But he threatened two people I care deeply for. And he hurt one of them. He knew she was under his father¡¯s protection and he did it anyways. A few minutester, a vehicle came speeding up to the gate. Alpha Phil jumped out of the passenger side once the vehicle came to a stop in front of the gate. His gamina climbed out of the driver¡¯s side. The warrior I was speaking to earlier opened the gate for his alpha. ¡°Alpha ke, this is an unexpected visit,¡± Alpha Phil said as he approached me. ¡°I think you know perfectly well why I¡¯m here,¡± I scoffed, not bothering to shake his hand. ¡°If this is about the incident at our borders with the rogues then I don¡¯t see why that is any of your business.¡± He retorted. I almost punched him in the face when the f**ker smirked. ¡°They weren¡¯t rogues. There were two lone wolves under Beta Walter¡¯s protection and Alpha ke¡¯s son.¡± Luca told them while Gunner let out a growl. Both men and the warrior nched. ¡°Your son?¡± his g**ma stammered. ¡°I¡¯m going to make this clear, so you f**kers understand the gravity of what your beta f**ken did. Not only did he threaten two underage wolves but he crossed the border to attack someone on her property. Someone under his father¡¯s protection and now mine. And the only reason I¡¯m not rushing into your pack to kill that f**ker is because I respect his father. But this is your one and only warning. If any of your wolves cross the border onto hernd, I will dere war. Do you understand?¡± I demanded. ¡°All of this is over a rogue she-wolf? Must be some good p**sy,¡± I 23.75% 11:52 Chapter Forty-Three didn¡¯t let him finish as I punched him in the jaw. And I didn¡¯t stop at one punch. He was a b**ody mess when Luca pulled me off of the pathetic alpha. Luca pushed me up against the grill of my truck. ¡°Are we clear?¡± He turned to ask the alpha and his g**ma. His g**ma was helping his alpha stand up, with the help of the warrior. ¡°Clear,¡± the g**ma answered. ¡°Didn¡¯t realize you were a dictator?¡± Alpha Phil mumbled, spitting out a mouth full of blood. I chucked, shaking my head. ¡°If I was, you would already be dead and your pack would be mine. Remember your ce, Phil. Even without therger and stronger pack, I could still kill you. And if any of your pack members are involved in hurting or threatening those three again, I will make it my mission to destroy this pack.¡± I told him firmly. Gunner was one of the strongest alpha wolves in my generation. Phil would be nothing to take down. ¡°And now that you understand, Phil. I expect your beta not only apologize to my son but also Channing and Riley. It will be done tomorrow before they return to my pack. Understand?¡± I demanded. Gunner growled his approval. ¡°Understood, Alpha ke.¡± The alpha finally answered after a very moments of contemting. He wasn¡¯t going to win against me and he knew it. ¡°Good. We are done here,¡± I said as I walked around to the driver¡¯s side of the truck. I shook out my bruised and bl*ody knuckles before getting in behind the wheel. Luca followed suit and took the passenger seat. We were driving for about ten minutes before Luca let out a sigh. I knew he wasn¡¯t happy about the way I handled the alpha but I care about them. And I protect those I care about. 55.79% 11.52 Chapter Forty-Three ¡°What?¡± I grumbled when he didn¡¯t say anything. ¡°That wasn¡¯t how I thought things were going to go.¡± He answered. ¡°And how did you think things were going to go?¡± I asked him. And he chuckled. ¡°I didn¡¯t think the alpha was s**pid enough to challenge you.¡± ¡°I didn¡¯t think he would just hand over his beta. His loyalty is to his pack first. I wouldn¡¯t have had any respect for the ba**ard if he would have just bent to my will.¡± I shrugged, looking at my knucklesContent is property ? N?velDrama.Org. gripping the steering wheel. ¡°Now, what¡¯s the n?¡± He questioned. ¡°Now, I go back to the cabin and you drive back to the pack. I¡¯ll drive home with Ryley and the boys tomorrow.¡± ¥µ Chapter 44 Chapter 44 Chapter Forty-Four Alpha ke When I pulled up to the cabin, the sun had already set. Walter was sitting on the porch. I¡¯m sure he was waiting for us. My hands were still covered in blood but all my wounds had healed. One of the perks of having an alpha wolf, you heal faster than average wolves. I hopped out of the vehicle and Luca took my spot after gripping my shoulder. I gave him a nod. I knew he was worried. My anger doesn¡¯t make his job any easier but he would do the same if it was his mate and son. I watched as Luca drove away before walking up the porch steps. I took the chair beside Walter. He looked worried and deep in thought as we sat in silence. ¡°How are they?¡± I finally asked. Walter let out a breath. ¡°They are all sleeping in the living room. Did you kill him?¡± ¡°I didn¡¯t see him. But I did give the alpha a g**d-a*s kicking. And Chris will be here tomorrow morning to apologize. I don¡¯t know the story as to why he hates Ryley so much but he had no right to attack her.¡± I said and he sighed. ¡°My boys have always disliked Ryley. I met her when I was in the city dealing with some paperwork after my mate¡¯s death. They believe she was taking advantage of my grief but that wasn¡¯t the case. I just couldn¡¯ t tell them the entire story. It was Ryley¡¯s story to tell and if I wasn¡¯t there to witness what happened, I probably wouldn¡¯t have believed it myself.¡± He exined. I wonder what more Ryley was hiding. 0.00% 11:52 Belonging to N?velDrama.Org. Chapter Forty-four ¡°And you and her?¡± I questioned. I know it was an awkward question but I needed to know. He looked at me before shaking his head. ¡°Our rtionship was never like that. I think of her as my daughter. It was fate when I met her. She may believe I saved her and Channing but she gave me a reason to keep going. My boys were grown and didn¡¯t need me. But Ryley and then Channing, they needed me. And they made me feel important again.¡± He confessed. ¡°Riley seems to have that effect on people.¡± I shrugged before leaning back in the chair. ¡°Ryley is special. When I met her, she was broken. Everything she has done has been for Channing. Most wouldn¡¯t have survived going through even half of what that poor girl has endured. But even at the Howest point in her life, she can make others smile. She helps others, even when she has nothing. And if you hurt her, I will kill you. She won¡¯t survive another heartbreak. So if this is just a ploy to get laid then move along, alpha.¡± He said. ¡°I¡¯m trying to gain her trust. I don¡¯t know her story but I care about her. And my son cares about her. I trust Aspen with her. I know she would do anything to protect him. Just like I would do anything to protect her and Channing. I want her to move to my pack. I know she doesn¡¯t want to be a part of a pack but I want her close.¡± I told him. ¡°You¡¯ve always been a good alpha and an even better man. Your father was the same way. He may have had a pack to take care of but his family always came first. And if you want her, it will be a battle to break down her walls but I assure you, she is worth it. She deserves to be happy and loved.¡± He stood up from his seat and walked down to where his truck was parked. ¡°Take care of them. I have a son to visit.¡± 26.88% 11.52 Chapter Forty-Fout 288 (Vouchers I headed into the cabin, locking the door behind me. I didn¡¯t need any surprises. I smiled when I looked toward the couch. Ryley was sleeping with her back up against the couch with Channing resting his head on her shoulder, sleeping. Aspen was lying with his head on a pillow in herp, she had an arm draped over him. My heart swelled as I sat down in the chair, watching them sleep. ¡°This could be our family.¡± Gunner purred, finally calming down after what happened earlier. ¡°I want this to be our family. I want Ryley. I don¡¯t care about,her past as long as we are her future.¡± I told him. I didn¡¯t have the heart to move them. Instead, I watched them before I fell asleep. I awoke to the smell of coffee. Opening my eyes, the floor in front of the couch was now cleaned up. ¡°I put the boys to bed. It¡¯s early and they are still tired.¡± Riley said as she ced a mug of coffee on the table beside me. She had a mug in her hand for herself as she took a seat on the couch beside me. ¡°How are you feeling?¡± I asked her, taking a sip of my coffee. ¡°I¡¯m okay.¡± She mumbled as she cuddled into herself. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, ke.¡± She whispered. I put down the mug and moved to sit beside her. ¡°This is not your fault,¡± I told her before she broke into s*bs. I wrapped my arms around her and pulled her against my chest. ¡°He could have hurt the boys,¡± she sobbed, as she gripped my shirt and burrowed her face into me. ¡°But he didn¡¯t. And the boys may not have their wolves yet.but they are strong. And I know you would never let anything happen to them. I 59 49% Chapter Forty Four 288 Wouchers trust you to take care of my son, Ryley, that hasn¡¯t changed.¡± I said into her hair as I held her close. She nodded against me. ¡°How are your wounds?¡± I asked her after her s*bs had calmed down. I knew she needed to get her emotions out after the scare she must have had. ¡°Healed. I was more worried about the boys.¡± She answered, wiping away her tears as she pulled away from me. I didn¡¯t push her but I knew the wounds couldn¡¯t have healed that fast. There was too much blood and I saw thecerations. They were deep. ¡°Thank you for keeping them safe. And you don¡¯t have to worry about Chris or that pack again.¡± 99 109 Chapter 45 Chapter 45 Chapter Forty-Five Former Beta Walter Walking into the pack hospital, I felt disappointed. My sons were not raised like that. We all had a hard time after their mother¡¯s death but that is no excuse for what he did. They were all angry the day I brought Ryley home, even though none of them lived at home with me. All three of them were living at the pack house. They all had their own lives. While mine had just died. Ryley has been the rock I needed after my mate died. We were both broken but we were there for each other. She included me in her life and Channing¡¯s life. My sons all have mates and kids but our rtionship has been strained. I try to be there for my sons and grandchildren but my boys don¡¯t make it easy for me. But with Ryley, she has always included me. She was the daughter I was always meant to have and I know my mate would have loved her. She would have taken her in, just like I did all those years ago. ¤È¤ó A nurse pointed me in the direction of Chris¡¯s room. I could hear yellinging from inside the room. There were three voices and I knew all three. I quickly knocked before entering the room. Chris was sitting on the edge of the bed. His shoulder had been bandaged. He also had scratches down his chest. Alpha Phil was standing by the bed and my youngest son, Evan was standing by the window. ¡°Beta Walter, finally. Maybe you can talk some sense into your son.¡± Alpha Phil eximed, throwing his hands up. He was sporting a ck eye and a split lip. ke did a number on him. ¡°This is his fault. How could you give the cabin to her?¡± Chris growled. I took a seat in front of him so I could exin. 0.00% R¨ºAdt??St chapters at Novel(D)ra/ma.Org Only Chapter Forty five ¡°I didn¡¯t give her the cabin. She bought half of it and I gifted my half to Channing.¡± He let out a growl and I held up my hand. ¡°Let me finish. You boys haven¡¯t been out there since before mom died. And Ryley loves that ce. Almost as much as your mother did. She has been the one taking care of it. She knows how important that ce is to me and she has done so much to make sure it stays perfect.¡± I told them. ¡°Dad, we are just concerned she is taking advantage of your kindness. We know you have money and this could all be a ploy to get.into the will.¡± Evan said. I looked at him and then back at Chris, who was nodding his head. ¡°If this is about money, she has paid back every dime I¡¯ve ever given her with interest. Which I put away to help pay for Channing¡¯s college and hockey. This was never about money. This was about a young woman who needed help. I had the means to help her and I did. And she gave me purpose again. I pray none of you ever have to deal with the death of your soulmate.¡± I exined. I have told them this all before but they never seem to believe me. ¡°Now, Chris, you will go apologize to Ryley and Channing tomorrow. And if you boys are so worried about where my money is going, then you three can have it all. It has never been about the money. And if any of you needed help, you could havee to me.¡± I said, standing up from the chair. ¡°Dad, this wasn¡¯t just about money,¡± Evan sighed. ¡°Then what? I¡¯ve tried to be a part of all of your lives. But all you have done is push me away. Ryley hasn¡¯t needed my help financially in years and she still includes me in everything. I¡¯m invited to every holiday and everything that involves Channing. She has even invited all of you out to the cabin. She has been trying.¡± I retorted. We have 34.22% 11:52 Chapter Forty-Five had this conversation numerous times over the years. ¡°Dad, we were trying to protect you.¡± Chris sighed. ¡°I¡¯m a grown-a*s man, I don¡¯t need your protection, son. And if you three would have taken the time to get to know her, you would have loved her like I do. Like the daughter, I was never given. But instead, thest seventeen years have been wasted on your resentment. You attacked her and threatened her son. Someone, I care for as a grandson. And now it¡¯s time to make this right. It¡¯s her choice to not join a pack. And if you would have taken the time to get to know her, she probably would have trusted you enough with her story. Now, I will drive you over there in the morning.¡± I told him. ¡°And you will also apologize to Alpha ke. We don¡¯t need a war, Chris. I would like to keep the biggest pack as our alias and not our enemy.¡± Alpha Phil said. Chris and he have been friends since childhood. I knew he would defend him, but he was st**id if he thought he could take on an alpha like ke. ¡°We¡¯ll both see you in the morning, dad,¡± Evan told me. I gave him a nod. ¡°Are you okay?¡± I asked Chris. ¡°Nothing that won¡¯t heal,¡± he shrugged. ¡°Good. Get some rest and I¡¯ll see you in the morning. And if you need anything, you have my number.¡± I told him, before heading for the door to leave. ¡°Dad?¡± He called out. I turned to look at him. ¡°Thanks. And I¡¯m sorry.¡± 71.28% Chapter 46 Chapter 46 Chapter Forty-Six Ryley After my emotional breakdown on ke¡¯s shoulder and the boys were awake, I sent them to the dock to go fishing. I needed a moment to myself toprehend everything that happened yesterday. And by working through everything, I was also cleaning. I knew Walter wanted to start construction on the extension we had nned. He may have sold me this ce but he will always be allowed to be here. This will always be his second home. I was busy doingundry when there was a quick knock at the door. I called out for them to enter before scolding myself for being so st**id. It could have been anyone and I just invited them in. Looking outside the bathroom door, which also holds the washer and dryer, I see Walter, Chris, and Evan. ¡°There¡¯s my girl, how are you feeling?¡± Walter asked me as I exited the bathroom. ¡°I¡¯m good. The boys are out at the dock and I¡¯m trying to get this ce cleaned up. I may not be able to get here until after school starts. Channing has found a summer hockey team to y on while we are staying in ke¡¯s pack.¡± I told him as he gave me a side hug. ¡°Chris, Evan, I¡¯m surprised to see you here. How are you feeling, Chris?¡± I asked him. ¡°Nothing that won¡¯t heal,¡± he shrugged. I gave him a nod. ¡°Would anyone like a coffee? And please have a seat.¡± I motioned to the table. I didn¡¯t want things to get awkward with theck of Chapter Forty-Six 288 Wouchers conversation. ¡°Coffee, would be great, thanks sweetie,¡± Walter kissed my temple. They all took a seat at the table as I gathered mugs for everyone. ¡°I didn¡¯t expect you this morning,¡± I said as I set down the mugs. I then grabbed the coffee pot and milk before sitting down at the table. The sugar was already at the table from my breakfast coffee. R¨ºAdt??St chapters at Novel(D)ra/ma.Org Only ¡°I wanted toe over and apologize for how I acted yesterday,¡± Chris said. I stopped mid-sip of my coffee. ¡°Oh.¡± I stammered. This was unlike him. ¡°Alpha ke spoke with the alpha,¡± Walter said. That would exin why ke¡¯s hands were covered in dried blood this morning. ¡± ¡°Regardless, whatever ke told your alpha was most likely about his son being present,¡± I said, as I put down my mug. My hands were beginning to tremble and I ced them in myp. ¡°Ryley, I¡¯m here to apologize to you. This doesn¡¯t have anything to do with what Alpha ke told Phil.¡± Chris sighed. I wanted to call bu***hit but I kept that to myself. ke is not someone you want as an enemy and his alpha knows that. ¡°I appreciate the apology, Chris. I do. I hope we can move forward and be more civil to one another.¡± ¡°Dad, told us, you bought this ce,¡± Evan spoke for the first time. ¡°Yes,¡± I answered. ¡°I paid full market value. I would never take from Walter.¡± I rushed out, defending myself. 208 Wel heeg ¡°I didn¡¯t say that. But this was our mother¡¯s favorite ce, and now you own it.¡± He said. ¡°Are you asking if you can visit?¡± I questioned, confused. ¡°Would you allow that?¡± I looked at Walter. I¡¯m not sure how to feel about this sudden change. ¡°We are nning on having an extension built. But after it¡¯s all finished, I¡¯m sure we can all sit down ande up with a schedule. If that works for you, baby girl?¡± Walter answered. ¡°I know how special this ce is for all of you and I don¡¯t want you to feel unwee here. I¡¯m sure after the renovations are finished, we cane up with a n so we can all enjoy this ce.¡± I told them. ¡°And why would you do that?¡± Chris retorted. ¡°Because I love Walter and he loves you. And I know how hard it is to lose a parent. If I had anything from them, I would want to hold on to it.¡± I exined. Just then the front door opened and the boys came in with ke following behind them. ¡°Mom, are you okay?¡± Channing rushed out, looking around the table. ¡°What the hell is he doing here?¡± Aspen growled. ke grabbed his arm in warning. ¡°I came here to apologize for my actions yesterday. I was out of line.¡± Chris said, standing up from his seat. Evan stood up as well. ¡°You must be Alpha ke,¡± Evan held out his hand to him. ¡°I am, yes. And this is my son, Aspen.¡± ke answered shaking his Chapter Forty-Six # hand. ¡°Granddad, why are they here? He hurt Mom,¡± Channing scoffed. ¡°I¡¯m here to apologize,¡± Chris told him. ¡°And we don¡¯t ept your fake a*s apology. The only reason you are here is because ke threatened your alpha.¡± He retorted. ¡°Channing,¡± I scolded, standing up from the table. ¡°Mom, you know it¡¯s true. If ke didn¡¯t do what he did, neither one of them would be here.¡± ¡°Channing¡¯s right, I¡¯m not buying this cr*p,¡± Aspen agreed with him. I walked over to the boys, now standing in front of them. I took hold of one of their cheeks so they would look at me. Both of them leaned into my touch as they looked down at me ¡°Ryley, he could have killed you,¡± Aspen sighed and my heart ached. ¡°Chris and I had a disagreement. I believe the issue is settled. And I¡¯m epting his apology. No matter the reason why he is here, he is Walter¡¯s son. We love Walter and that love extends to his family. I would love nothing more than for us to be a family.¡± I exined. I looked at both of the boys before gazing at ke who was standing behind them. ¡°I ept your apology. But I don¡¯t trust you. And if you ever hurt my mom again, wolf or not, I¡¯m killing you,¡± Channing growled out, looking at Chris. ¡°I would expect nothing less,¡± Chris told him. ¡°Why don¡¯t you boys get packed up? I¡¯m just going to finish cleaning and then we will head home.¡± I said. Both of them gave me a nod 74.03% = r 11:53 Chapter Forty-Six- before heading to their room. Chapter 47 Chapter 47 Chapter Forty-Seven Alpha ke ¡°Channing, I¡¯ll see you this weekend,¡± Walter called out. He looked over his shoulder and gave him a nod before following Aspen into their room and closing the door behind them. I moved closer to Ryley, taking a hold of her arm. She jumped before turning to look at me. ¡°Are you okay?¡± I asked her, stepping even closer to her. Her st¨°rmy grey eyes had so many emotions swirling. This situation has her worried. She wants to protect her and Channing but she also wants to help Walter. ¡°Yeah, I¡¯m okay,¡± she whispered, wrapping her arms around herself. ¡°We¡¯ll take our leave now, baby girl. I¡¯ll see you on the weekend.¡± Walter told her, pulling her in for a hug. ¡°Thank you for stopping by, all of you,¡± she said before kissing his cheek. ¡°Maybe, after all the work to the cabin is done, we can all get together,¡± Evan told her. ¡°I¡¯d like that,¡± she told Evan with a smile. ¡°I¡¯ll walk you out,¡± I announced to the men. I followed them outside leaving Riley in the kitchen area. I closed the door behind us. I wanted to have a word with Chris. ¡°Alpha ke, I already know what you are going to say and you can 0.00% 11:54 Chapter Forty-Seven save it,¡± Chris said as I walked down the porch stairs. ¡°Do you now? And what was I going to say?¡± I questioned, amused by his tone. If he thought his brother and father could save him from my wrath, he was delusional. ¡°Come on, we saw the way you looked at her. This is not just about your son being there. And I didn¡¯t know he was your son or I never would have,¡± I didn¡¯t let him finish. ¡°Threaten a wolf-less teenager? This isn¡¯t about the who. Even if I wasn¡¯t an alpha, I would never put up with you threatening a she-wolf and two teenagers who haven¡¯t shifted yet. However, you feel about Ryley and your father¡¯s rtionship shouldn¡¯t have been handled that way. And if you have taken the time to get to know her, you would know that Ryley is a good person. I¡¯ve known her for weeks and I trust her with my son. All of you need to work on your own rtionship. But know this, if you ever threaten or hurt Ryley in any way, nothing will protect you.¡± Walter came closer and squeezed my shoulder. He¡¯s a good man, and I¡¯ m hoping I won¡¯t have to kill his son. Chris gave me a nod. ¡°It was good to meet you, Alpha ke,¡± Evan said. I nodded and they all climbed into Walter¡¯s truck. I watched as they drove away before heading inside the cabin. I found Riley in the kitchen, washing dishes. She was staring out the window as she mindlessly washed. I walked up behind her and ced my hands on the counter on either side of her. ¡°What¡¯s out there that¡¯s so interesting?¡± I asked, leaning in. She jumped, dropping the ss she was washing into the sink. Thankfully, it didn¡¯t break. ¡°F**k,¡± she cursed, panting. I spun her around before she could pick 22.95% ||| r 11:54 Chapter Forty Seven up the ss again. ¡°Ryley, breathe,¡± I told her as I rested my forehead against hers. Our moment didn¡¯tst long as the door to the boy¡¯s room opened and she pushed me back. ¡°Is everything okay?¡± Aspen asked. ¡°Yep. Ryley was just going to go pack up her things while I finished cleaning up.¡± I answered, not taking my eyes off of her. I couldn¡¯t read her. She was building up her wall again. She gave me a tight smile before heading into her room. ¡°Dad, did something happen?¡± My son questioned as I moved to the kitchen sink to finish washing the rest of the dishes. ¡°Why don¡¯t you two get the living room cleaned up? Ryley was nice enough to let us go fishing this morning, the least we can do is help get this ce cleaned up.¡± After everything was clean and Ryley¡¯s SUV was packed up, I hopped in behind the wheel. Ryley didn¡¯t say anything as she took the front passenger seat. The boys sat in the back. Both of them had earbuds in and were looking at their phones. Ryley watched out the window as I pulled away from the cabin. The vehicle was silent and I could feel something was wrong with her. I leaned over and ced my hand on her thigh, squeezing it. She looked at me, giving me a tight smile. ¡°What¡¯s bothering you?¡± I asked her and she sighed. She looked back at the boys before turning her attention back to me. ¡°I want to believe Chris but I can¡¯t. If it was just me, I could do it for Walter but with the boys being involved, I can¡¯t. If anything would have happened to them, I don¡¯t know,¡± Her voice cracked and she # 56.17% ? 11:54 looked away. Tereld hear her heart pounding in her chest. I squeezed he thigh api ¡°I won¡¯t let anything happen to your or the boys. And what happened westerday will never happen again, you have my word.¡± I told her ¡°But,¡± she stammered. ¡°No buts. I trust you and I know you would have died to keep my son safe. This doesn¡¯t affect that trust. And if it wasn¡¯t for your love for Walter. I probably would have killed him. He should be grateful that you love his father so much.¡± She nodded, before leaning her head hack against the seat. She ced her hand on top of mine as she looked out the window again. This is something I could get used to. R¨ºAdt??St chapters at Novel(D)ra/ma.Org Only 86.98%% 111 J 1154 Chapter Forty Eight Chapter 48 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 0.00% ? 11:54 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. 29.00% ||| ¦£ 11:54 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 59.50% ||| 11:54 84.79% Chapter Forty-Eight 218 Vouthwes 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. Chapter 49 Chapter 49 Chapter Forty-Nine Alpha ke ¡°What the hell are you doing? Go back to her!¡± Gunner roared in my head. But I kept walking towards the pack house. I needed time to think. After everything that had happened, I knew I wanted Ryley to stay here. The thought of her leaving in five weeks is making me anxious. ¡°Then why are you leaving her? Go back and tell her how you feel.¡± Gunner scoffed. ¡®And I will, just not tonight. She¡¯s been through enough.¡± I retorted. ¡°You could just hold her.¡± He suggested. ¡°We aren¡¯t there yet. And she has enough to worry about. This is something we have to take slow, as much as I don¡¯t want to. I don¡¯t want to overstep and have herpletely shut me out.¡± I sighed. I wanted this to work so badly. I didn¡¯t want to go back to an empty floor. I would much rather have us all under one roof. But I know Ryley has been through a lot. And this is to prove to her that I still trust her with Aspen. The next morning, Luca was waiting for me at my office door. Myck of sleep did not put me in a good mood and I just wanted to get through this day as painlessly as possible. ¡°Wow, you look like s*it. Did something happen?¡± Luca pointed out as I approached him. ¡°Thanks,¡± I grumbled, unlocking my office door. I stepped inside and 0.00% ||| 11:54 Chader Forty Fire 1288 Nouchers Luca followed me, closing the door behind him. I sat down behind my desk and turned on myputer while he took one of the chairs in front. ¡°What?¡± I grumbled out when he didn¡¯t say anything. Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org. ¡°You¡¯re very grumpy for someone who just gotid by the hot little blonde down the hall?¡± He scoffed. ¡°F*ck off,¡± I growled and he chuckled. A growl rumbled from my chest. and he held up his hands in surrender. ¡°Fine, don¡¯t tell me. Aspen will fill me inter.¡± He said shaking his head. ¡°There¡¯s nothing to tell. She was feeling guilty about putting Aspen in danger.¡± I sighed. ¡°Why do I feel like you aren¡¯t telling me everything?¡± He c**ked his eyebrow. ¡°I wanted something to happen. It seemed she was lowering her walls but then this happened and she mmed back up again. And I don¡¯t know what to say,¡± I shrugged. ¡°You could just ask her out?¡± ¡°And if she says no, then what? It would make whatever our rtionship is now, awkward.¡± I huffed. ¡°I don¡¯t know how to help you, ke. If you want to move forward with Ryley, you are going to have to take a chance.¡± He shrugged and I sighed. He¡¯s right but I¡¯m not sure how to proceed. I always had Mia, or I didn¡¯t care. I care about Ryley and her son. There is more to lose if I f*ck this up. 24.11% ||| J 11:54 Chapter Forty Nine 288 Nouchers ¡°I¡¯ll figure it out. Now, what¡¯s up?¡± I asked him. ¡°I know your parents are arriving this afternoon but Alpha Dorian Woods from the Evergreen Pack is asking for your assistance with rogue attacks,¡± Luca exined. ¡°And why ask me for help?¡± I questioned. Alpha Dorian has a fairlyrge pack. It¡¯s my understanding he joined packs with the Aurora Mountian pack. ¡°He said the rogue attacks are escting and more calcting than normal attacks. And he¡¯s hoping a second set of eyes will help eradicate the problem.¡± ¡°Fine. Tell him I¡¯ll meet with him tomorrow afternoon.¡± I breathed out. It must be bad if a strong alpha like Dorian is asking for help. Luca gave me a nod, before standing up from his seat. ¡°Before you go, can you change the menu for tonight¡¯s dinner? Ryley and Channing areing to have dinner with us.¡± I asked him, as I signed into myputer. I didn¡¯t need to look at him to know he was wearing a smirk. ¡°You got it,¡± he said before I heard the door close. I leaned back and let out a breath. Now I just have to handle my mother this evening. No pressure. Dating is hard. The mate bond makes this so much easier. I was buried in my work when the door to my office was thrown open. I didn¡¯t have to look up to know it was my mother. I love her but she is very demanding and over the top. She¡¯s an alpha¡¯s daughter and you can tell. ¡°Son, this is not the greeting I was expecting,¡± She scoffed and I sighed. ¡°Sorry, Mom, but I do have work to get done,¡± I said as she came 47.94% ||| 11:54 Chapter Forty Nine 298 Vouchers around the desk. ¡°Fine, just give me a hug and I¡¯ll forgive you,¡± She demanded. I closed my eyes before rolling them. I didn¡¯t need her to see that. I stood up and hugged her. My father had taken a seat in a chair in front of my desk. He was holding in a snicker. ¡°Dad, good to see you,¡± I said after my mother let me go. ¡°Enough small talk. I want to hear all about this woman, Aspen has been telling us all about,¡± She said and she sat in my father¡¯sp. Even being a grown man, this is still awkward. ¡°There¡¯s nothing to tell. Aspen is friends with her son. And she is working on the pack ounts.¡± I answered, sitting back down. ¡°And she is single?¡± My mother questioned. ¡°She is.¡± ¡°And you two are together?¡± She pushed. My mother was anything but subtle. ¡°We are friends.¡± My father interrupted her before she could ask me any more questions about Ryley. ¡°And what is this business with the Shadow Moon pack?¡± ¡°That¡¯s handled. But how the hell did you find out about that?¡± I asked him, confused. ¡°I was alpha, son. Alpha Phil¡¯s father, Alpha Mel called him. He didn¡¯t want whatever happened to start a war.¡± My father exined. 76.51% ||| 11:54 Chat Forty-Nine ¡°Well, there isn¡¯t going to be a war unless someone from the pack hurts Ryley or Channing.¡± 98.26% Chapter 50 Chapter 50 Chapter Fifty Ryley I buried myself in work so I wouldn¡¯t have to think about meeting ke¡¯s parents at dinner. My stomach twisted into knots just thinking about what they will think of me. Which is ridiculous. I haven¡¯t cared what people thought of me in a long time, but I want his parents to like me. And now it was time to leave my office to go get ready, but I was far from being ready to get ready. What the hell do I even wear to something like this? And what is this? If I wasn¡¯t secretly in love with him, I wouldn¡¯t care. I shouldn¡¯t care. It¡¯ s not like we can be together and have this big happy family. ¡°It¡¯s not a secret and we could if you would just tell him how you feel.¡± Lily scoffed. I ignored my wolf. I know what she wants and I feel guilty enough about not being able to give it to her. But she wasn¡¯t there. She doesn¡¯t know that pain, and I never want her to. I walked out of the pack house after locking up my office. My personal life may be a mess but at least I haven¡¯t found any more missing money. If this keeps up, I¡¯ll be done here before the summer is over. ¡°And how do you think leaving here will help? Channing will miss everything he has here and so will you. Distance won¡¯t make those feelings go away, Ryley.¡± My wolf scolded me as I walked into the house. The boys were sitting on the couch watching a movie. I didn¡¯t answer my wolf. Deep down I knew she was right but I didn¡¯t want to admit it. ¡°I didn¡¯t think I¡¯d find you two home,¡± I said, walking into the living room. 0.00% ||| < 11:54 Chapter Fifty R¨ºAdt??St chapters at Novel(D)ra/ma.Org Only ¡°I had some schoolwork to finish.¡± Channing shrugged. ¡°And I didn¡¯t want to be home alone,¡± Aspen said. ¡°Okay. Well, you two have an hour before you have to get ready for dinner.¡± I told them and they both nodded, keeping their eyes on the TV. Boys. I thought as I made my way to my bedroom to shower and find something to wear. When I was done getting ready, I wasn¡¯t sure about what I was wearing. My hair was curled and my makeup was light. The dress I chose was crimson. It was tight and the skirt fell below my knees. It was high-waisted and the top hung off one shoulder. I paired it with ck heels. But now, looking in the mirror, I was thinking it was too much. # ¡°Mom,e on, we are going to bete,¡± Channing yelled. I took a deep breath and onest look in the mirror before grabbing my purse and leaving my bedroom. ¡°Da*n,¡± Aspen whistled as I walked down the stairs. ¡°It¡¯s too much, isn¡¯t it?¡± I questioned, stopping halfway down. ¡°Not enough.¡± He grinned. Channing smacked him in the chest. ¡°Mom, you look nice. Now,e on. You don¡¯t want to bete?¡± I took another deep breath before walking down the stairs. Aspen opened the door and I locked it when we were all on the porch. We all walked together and the closer we walked to the pack house, the more my stomach knotted. My palms were mmy and my heart was pounding in my chest. I¡¯ve been in meetings with very powerful people but I¡¯ve never been this nervous before. ¡°Then handle it like a business meeting. You are going to go in there 28.37% ||| 11:55 Chapter Fifty and win these two over. You can do this Ryley,¡± Lily eximed, giving me a pep talk. It¡¯s just a business meeting, nothing more. I can do this. I repeated to myself as I walked into the pack house. I followed behind the boys as we walked across the main floor to the dining room. The moment my eyes met with ke¡¯s the room stood still. He looked the same as always but he stole my breath as I watched him, watching me. Everyone else faded away as I made my way to the head table where ke was now standing. ¡°Grandma, Grandpa, this is Channing and his mom, Ryley,¡± Aspen introduced us, pulling my attention away from ke. ¡°Alpha and Luna Orion, it¡¯s very nice to meet you both.¡± I held out my hand and Luna Orion pulled me in for a hug. ¡°It¡¯s so nice to finally meet you. I¡¯ve heard so much about you and your son from Aspen.¡± She eximed. She pulled away, just enough to look me up and down. ¡°And please call me, Elizabeth.¡± She gave me a warm smile and I returned it. ¡°This is my mate, ir,¡± she introduced her husband. ¡°It¡¯s nice to meet you, Alpha ir,¡± I reached out and shook his hand. ¡°ir, please. It¡¯s nice to meet you, youngdy.¡± He smiled. ke and his father looked so much alike. But he shared his mother¡¯s amber eyes. ¡°Have a seat, dinner will be served soon,¡± ir said. ke sat at the head of the table with his father and mother seated to his left. I sat on the other side of ke with the boys. A server came by to fill the sses with water and to take our drink 56.80% ||| 11:55 288 (Vouchers order before dinner. I¡¯ve been served on before at a pack house, but it has always felt weird to me. And right now is no different. I stuck with water so I didn¡¯t make a fool out of myself in front of the former Alpha and Luna. It was bad enough that ke witnessed me drunk. ¡°So, Ryley, what do you do for a living?¡± ir asked, taking a sip of his whiskey. ¡°I¡¯m a forensic ountant. ke hired my firm and that¡¯s why I¡¯m here.¡± I answered. The boys were snickering about something beside me as I took a sip of my water. ¡°And have you found anything?¡± He questioned. ¡°Dad, we can talk businesster,¡± ke scolded. ¡°I have, and I¡¯m sure ke will forward you the reports,¡± I answered politely. I noticed his mother was staring at me intently. ¡°Ryley, you don¡¯t have a mark,¡± Elizabeth said. Chapter 51 Chapter 51 Chapter Fifty-One Alpha ke ¡°Mom,¡± I growled in warning. ¡°I¡¯m just making an observation, son. She has a son but is unmarked. And that¡¯s umon.¡± She defended. ¡°It¡¯s fine, ke,¡± Ryley reached over cing her hand on top of mine. ¡°I was seventeen when I found out I was pregnant. I didn¡¯t know he was my mate.¡± She exined. ¡°And where is this mate of yours now?¡± She questioned. And I would have reacted but Ryley squeezed my hand. ¡°He marked someone else,¡± Channing growled out. All our attention snapped to him. Aspen scuffed, beside him. ¡°What a f**ken idiot! Was he blind or g*y because those are the only two reasons I could think of where a man would leave a woman like Ryley?¡± Ryley let go of my hand and stood up from her chair. I thought she was going to storm out but instead, she walked over to Aspen, leaned down, and wrapped her arms around his neck before kissing his cheek. ¡°He is pretty dumb, isn¡¯t he?¡± She smiled. ¡°But he did give me Channing so there¡¯s my silver lining.¡± ¡°Yeah, I guess, he¡¯s alright,¡± Aspen shrugged and Channing whacked him in the chest with the back of his hand. Aspen let out a groan. 0.00% ||| ? 11:55 Chapter Fifty-One Ryley leaned over the back of the chairs in the middle of them, wrapping an arm around both of them to pull them close. 1 . ¡°It¡¯s okay, Channing. Sometimes people are only in our lives for a short time. And I got you.¡± She mumbled kissing her son¡¯s check. ¡°It¡¯s okay, man, I can be your new daddy,¡± Aspen eximed after Ryley was making her way back to her chair. She looked at me with horror before looking towards my d**bass of a son. ¡°That¡¯s my mom, you f*ck,¡± Channing growled. ¡°Just because you came out of her doesn¡¯t make her less hot,¡± he shrugged and Channing smacked him in the chest again. ¡°Aspen,¡± Ryley gasped. The table went silent before my father burst out inughter. My mother looked at him in embarrassment. But I couldn¡¯t help but hold in myughter. ¡°ir,¡± My mother scolded my father as Aspen joined in with hisughter. ¡°You are so lucky I love you,¡± Ryley chuckled as she walked back over to him to pinch his cheek, before taking her seat beside me. ¡°Sorry,¡¯ I mouthed to her and she brushed it off. ¡°Anyways,¡± she started once theirughter had calmed down. I still can¡¯t believe my son would say that in front of her. ¡°Elizabeth, if you are asking if he is still in the picture, he isn¡¯t. We parted ways before I knew I was pregnant.¡± Ryley exined. ¡°I apologize for my grandson¡¯sck of manners. That is no way to 20.03% ||| 11:55 Chapterny One 282 Voucherg speak to a woman.¡± My mother said, scolding Aspen. ¡°Maybe he was a little blunt but I want him to be himself around me. As weird as thatment was and I¡¯m old enough to be his mother. I¡¯ll beughing about itter.¡± She told her with a chuckle. ¡°See, a woman likes a man that can make themugh,¡± I heard Aspen say to Channing. ¡°Unless her name is Hailey,¡± Channing snickered and it was Aspen¡¯s turn to hit him in the chest. ¡°Shut up,¡± Aspen whispered with a growl. I just shook my head. The dining room was filling up with pack members and dinner was about to be served which I was thankful for. If my mother spends any more time with Ryley I know she will push her too far. And my chance of being with her will be gone. ¡°Ryley, why haven¡¯t you joined another pack?¡± She asked as the tes were being ced down. She thanked the server before turning her attention to my mother and her question. ¡°I didn¡¯t want another pack. Walter had often offered me to join his pack but I just preferred to be on my own.¡± She answered. ¡°Walter?¡± ¡°Beta Walter of the Shadow Moon pack. He was there for her and Channing.¡± I answered. ¡°Walter is a good man. I understand he lost his mate a few years ago.¡± My father said, joining the conversation. ¡°She passed away almost eighteen years ago. I unfortunately didn¡¯t get a chance to meet her.¡± Ryley told him. 43.65% ||| O 11:55 Chapter Fifty-One 258 Mothers ¡°And you and Beta Walter?¡± My mother questioned and both the boys cringed. ¡°Grandma, no, he¡¯s old.¡± And my father scoffed. ¡°Are you saying I¡¯m old?¡± ¡°You have grandma.¡± Aspen defended. And Ryley chuckled. ¡°Walter has always been like a father to me and a grandfather to Channing. There is nothing romantic about our rtionship. And you are right, Walter is a good man.¡± I was thankful everyone started to eat after that. This evening has had me on the edge of my seat; my anxiety is through the roof. I can¡¯t handle any more questions from my mother. ¡°So, Ryley, what do you think of the Luna position?¡± She just had to ask. I froze with the fork halfway to my mouth. I looked at Ryley who was staring at me. ¡°What about the Luna position?¡± Ryley stammered, cing her fork down and her hands went to her lap. I could tell she was nervous about this question. I suspected she was an alpha¡¯s daughter and her mate was also an alpha. By all ounts, Ryley should be a Luna. ¡°Well, would you be willing to leave your job to lead by my son¡¯s side?¡± My mother rified. I don¡¯t think I¡¯ve ever been more embarrassed in my life. How the hell could she ask such a question when I told her, that Ryley and I were just friends? ¡°Ryley, you don¡¯t have to answer that. Mom?¡± I quickly rushed out, not wanting Ryley to answer that question. ¡°Luna Elizabeth and Alpha ir, it¡¯s so wonderful to see you,¡± I cringed at the interruption. This night keeps getting better and better. 67.33% ||| J 11:55 188 ¡°Gwen, it¡¯s so good to see you,¡± My mother said, standing up to greet her. ¡°Bi*ch,¡± Aspen sneezed out, and my father snickered. I just shook my head before looking at Ryley. She was wearing an unreadable expression. I would have grabbed her hand if she didn¡¯t have them hiding under the table. ¡°Why don¡¯t you join us?¡± My mother asked and this dinner just went from bad to worse. 93.20%Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org. Chapter 52 Chapter 52 Chapter Fifty-Two Ryley I¡¯m not sure what ke has told his mother about the nature of our rtionship but the questions she is asking has me on edge. How can I exin that I have no interest in being a Luna without hurting ke¡¯s feelings? ¡°To be fair, Ryley, we are a Luna wolf. We are supposed to be leading a pack. And ke is se*y as hell. If anything the pack is just the cherry on top,¡± Lily purred. Aspen fake sneezing the word b*tch pulled me from my thoughts. That¡¯ s when I noticed Elizabeth was talking with Gwen. My hands were trembling in myp. This was all I needed right now. ¡°Aspen,¡± I turned and scolded him. As funny as that was, it was uncalled for. Even though I wish I could have been the one to say it. He looked at me and shrugged. ¡°Ryley, it¡¯s a business meeting. You got this. Put on your game face and don¡¯t let that b*tch win. You have already won the love of his son. She will never have Aspen¡¯s approval.¡± Lily said. I took a deep breath and squared my shoulders. I can do this. When Gwen sat beside the former Luna, I knew this was going to be terrible. She was trying to set me up with her son just to have another woman sit with us. Someone who has no interest in being a mother to Aspen. Now would be the moment I needed that drink. I noticed the boys quickly finished their dinner, not wanting to stick around which I don¡¯t me them. I no longer wanted to be here either. 0.00% ||| O 11:55 Chapter Fifty-Tw 24 Nouchers ¡°And have you found your mate, yet?¡± Elizabeth asked Gwen. ¡°Not yet, but I¡¯m hoping to get someone¡¯s attention,¡± She answered, looking at ke. My nails dug into my palms as I tried to calm myself down. Both the boys gagged. ¡°Mom, can we be excused?¡± Channing turned and asked me. ¡°Of course, you both can. There¡¯s the list on the fridge if you two would like to go grocery shopping for me.¡± I told them. Both of them stood to leave before Gwen interrupted. ¡°Excuse me, you have no right to give the alpha¡¯s son permission to leave the table, he isn¡¯t your son.¡± ¡°I would rather be her son than yours,¡± Aspen retorted. And even though she had put me on the spot I couldn¡¯t help but smile at hisment. To me, Aspen will also be a part of my family. ¡°Dad, I¡¯ll be at Channing¡¯s,¡± he told his father beforeing over to me. Aspen kissed my cheek first before my son did the same on the other one. ¡°Be safe you two. I¡¯ll be home soon.¡± I told them before they walked toward the exit of the dining room. When I turned back to the table, I wanted to run away with them. ¡°I didn¡¯t realize you and my son had such a serious rtionship.¡± ke¡¯s mother questioned. ¡°Mom, Ryley and I are friends and I trust her with Aspen. She wouldy down her life for his. And Aspen is allowed to feel how he feels. If he feels that way, that is his choice.¡± ke defended before I could answer. ¡°It¡¯s good to hear that you and she are just friends, Alpha ke. You 26.01% 11:56 Chapter Fifty-Two need someone who can be loyal to a pack to lead beside you.¡± Gwenmented. Thankfully, a server came by to bring her a te and to refill our drinks. This time I ordered what ke was drinking, which was whiskey. If I had any chance of getting through this evening, I was going to have to drink. ¡°Are you okay?¡± ke mouthed to me after I took a long sip of my double whiskey. I gave him a nod and a tight smile. This is not how I thought this evening was going to go. I wish a ne would fall out of the sky and crush me. ¡°We should all have dinner with my parents. I know they would love to catch up and I would get to spend some time with Alpha ke,¡± Gwen announced and ke downed his drink. ¡°I told you he didn¡¯t like her,¡± Lily huffed. ¡°Then why did he show up smelling like her?¡± I retorted and she chuckled. ¡°You sound like a jealous girlfriend. ¡°Will you all excuse me?¡± I said as I stood up from the table. I needed a moment to myself to think about what the hell was happening and how I was feeling. I left the dining room with ns to head to the washroom but instead, I went up to my office. I was d I brought my keys with me as I unlocked the door and stepped inside. ¡°Can you just finally admit your feelings to ke so he can officially be off the market? Because I don¡¯t know how much longer I can wait for you to make up your mind.¡± Lily said as I sat down in my chair behind my desk. 52.71% ? J 11:55 Chapter Fifty-Two 288 Voucher ¡°And what are you going to do?¡± I questioned. ¡°I will take over and mark him myself if you don¡¯t tell him how you feel. We both know you like him, love him. And having that bi*ch around bothers you. A mark may not stop her but you will have the power to end her if she doesn¡¯t back off.¡± She answered. ¡°Lily, you wouldn¡¯t?¡± I gasped. Lily has never taken over before. We have always been a team.. ¡°I will if it means you get what you think you don¡¯t deserve. You deserve the life you were meant to have. We are a Luna and we deserve to have a good alpha by our side and a pack to take care of. Why can¡¯t you see that?¡± ¡°And what if he doesn¡¯t want me? What If he just wants sex and I care about someone who doesn¡¯t care for me? Again. ke can have anyone, why the hell would he want a pack-less single mother?¡± I eximed. The tears I had been holding in were now running down my cheeks. Thest person I cared about killed my entire family and took over my pack. All I have left is Channing, and I needed to protect him. Even if that meant giving up my happiness. And I don¡¯t even know if I could be happy with ke. ¡°You¡¯ll never know unless you try.¡±R¨ºAdt??St chapters at Novel(D)ra/ma.Org Only Chapter 53 Chapter 53 Chapter Fifty-Three Alpha ke After Ryley had been gone for a few minutes my father also excused himself leaving me alone with my mother and Gwen. This just went from worse to unimaginable. I know my mother likes Gwen but when I witnessed how she treated Aspen, nothing was ever going to happen between us. I didn¡¯t tell my mother why but now I think I should have. Then maybe she would stop trying to make something happen that was never going to. And now my ss is empty. I wonder if it would look bad if I excused myself. I could fake an emergency. ¡°How¡¯s it going?¡± Luca was in my head. ¡°Oh, thank g*d, help me,¡± I pleaded. ¡°That bad?¡± He chuckled. ¡°Ryley excused herself and my mother invited Gwen to sit with us.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll be right there,¡± he rushed out, ending the link. ¡°I would love to have more grandbabies,¡± I heard my mother say. I inhaled my saliva and started to cough. Panic filled my body at that thought. ¡°I love children and would love to have a few,¡± Gwen told her. ¡°See, ke, wouldn¡¯t that be lovely?¡± My mother asked. I just stared at her. I didn¡¯t know what to say. I never thought about having kids with anyone but my mate. And with her gone, I was happy just to have Aspen. 0.00% ||| 11:56 Chapter Fifty-Three 288 Nouchets ¡°I have Aspen,¡± I said, just before Luca came rushing into the dining room. ¡°Alpha,¡± he eximed, getting everyone¡¯s attention. I didn¡¯t say make a scene, I said help me. ¡°Luca, it¡¯s good to see you. How are you and your family?¡± My mother asked him with a smile as he approached the table. I could see Gwen ring at his interruption.. ¡°Everyone is good, Luna Elizabeth. I hope we get a chance to catch up before you leave. But right now, I need to speak with ke.¡± Luca told her. I quickly stood up, not wanting to stick around. ¡°Can¡¯t you handle it, Beta Luca?¡± Gwen pouted. ¡°I¡¯m sure it¡¯s important. Luca is capable of handling many issues without the alpha¡¯s assistance. Lunas will always have to be understanding,¡± my mother said to Gwen and Luca gave me a questioning look. I mouthed the word help to him. I can¡¯t believe my mother is doing this. If Ryley would have just told her something, Gwen wouldn¡¯t be sitting at the table with us. But if I would have told her, my mother would be nning the wedding already. ¡°Very important. Excuse us.¡± I announced. Luca nodded before we both rushed out, making our way to my office. ¡°What the hell was that?¡± Luca questioned as we walked down the hall to my office. ¡°I have no idea. My mother was asking Ryley about how she felt being Luna and her mate. And then Gwen showed up and my mother invited her to join us.¡± I exined. 22.20% ||| O 11:56 Chapter Fifty-Three 298 Vouchers ¡°And where are the boys and your father?¡± He asked. ¡°My father excused himself after Ryley. And the boys left after Gwen sat down. But not before Aspen pointed out to everyone that he would rather have Ryley as his mother.¡± I sighed, leaning against my office door. ¡°F*ck,¡± he ran a hand down his face ¡°Yeah, and then Gwen made a point to point out Ryley wasn¡¯t part of a pack and she wouldn¡¯t make a loyal Luna.¡± I groaned as I threw my head back. F*ck, even reying everything that happened, I¡¯m sure Ryley will never speak to me again. ¡°And is that what you want?¡± ¡°What?¡± I looked at him and he shrugged. ¡°Do you want Ryley to be your Luna?¡± He rified. ¡°I just want a chance.¡± I breathed out. Luca didn¡¯t get a chance to say anything as we both turned to the sound of an opening door. My father stepped into the hallway from Ryley¡¯s office. That¡¯s where she must have run too. I know she always locks the door. ¡°Son, Luca, what are you doing up here? Did something happen?¡± My father questioned, walking towards us. I could smell Ryley on him. ¡°I should be asking you the same thing?¡± I scoffed, standing straight with my arms crossed. My father just chuckled. I may be bulkier than him but he was the one who trained me. And logically, I know he has a mate, my mother. But I didn¡¯t want her scent on anyone but me. ¡°ke, are you okay?¡± Luca stammered out, as I stared at my father. ¡°I went to see if Ryley was okay after everything that wench said.¡± He 47.82% ||| 11:56 Chapter Fifty-Three growled, and I raised an eyebrow as Luca snicker beside me. ¡°Aspen sent me a video of her and Ryley¡¯s exchange.¡± He confessed and I was taken aback. He never said anything about this to me. ¡°Your mother doesn¡¯t know. But I never liked that girl. I knew something was off and that video proved what I was suspecting all along.¡± He continued. ¡°That she¡¯s a gold-digging bi*ch,¡± Luca huffed. ¡°Yeah, that.¡± ¡°And Ryley?¡± I questioned. I wanted to know what he thought of her since he met her and saw the video. ¡°Son, you can learn all you need to learn about someone with how they treat the staff. And Aspen is a good judge of character, he always has been and if he likes Ryley then you know she¡¯s a good person. Now, you just have to decide what you want.¡± He answered. ¡°I don¡¯t want Gwen if that¡¯s what you are asking. Mom was talking about babies and I wanted to disappear.¡± I eximed. Luca chuckled and my father smiled. ¡°At least you have some sense.¡± He chuckled and Lucaughed before stopping abruptly. ¡°Wait, would you have a kid with Ryley?¡± ¡°The thought doesn¡¯t make me want to vomit,¡± I shrugged and my father sped my shoulder. ¡°That¡¯s a start, but you may want to tell her how you feel about her. And I would suggest noting back to dinner. I¡¯ll handle-your mother and we can have breakfast tomorrow morning.¡± My father said. 74.91% 11:56 ¡°Thanks, dad.¡± 11:56R¨ºAdt??St chapters at Novel(D)ra/ma.Org Only Chapter 54 Chapter 54 Chapter Fifty-Four Ryley I was on the verge of a panic attack when there was a quick knock on my office door. I didn¡¯t have time to answer before the former alpha walked in. I quickly got to my feet and wiped away my tears. ¡°Alpha ir, I¡¯m sorry about my departure from dinner. I just needed a moment.¡± I rushed out. ¡°Ryley, I¡¯m not here about dinner. I do apologize for my mate. She can get a little excited over her son¡¯s love life.¡± He said and I chuckled, giving him a smile, which he returned. ¡°Now,e sit with me. I¡¯d like to speak to you,¡± He said, standing by the small couch in the sitting area. If this was a few weeks ago, we would be sitting on the floor. I moved around my desk and sat down beside him. He turned his body towards mine and I did the same. ke was the spitting image of his father. And Aspen was the baby version of the two of them. The only thing ke has of his mother is her amber eyes. Which Aspen also has. ¡°I would like to apologize for ruining your family dinner. I didn¡¯t mean to intrude,¡± I said before he took my hands in his. I jumped not expecting his touch. ¡°I would never hurt you, my dear. I suspect you have had a hard life. And you don¡¯t have to tell me but I want you to know that I appreciate everything you are doing for my grandson. He has missed out on so much. And being close to anyone who he can view as a mother is one 0.00% O < 11:56 of those. Aspen doesn¡¯t trust easy but you seemed to have won his heart.¡± He said, squeezing my hands. Tears pr**ked my eyes again. ¡°And I also noticed the way you look at my son.¡± He added and I sighed. ¡°I love Aspen. He is such a good kid. ke was right when he said I wouldy down my life for his. But I can¡¯t be with your son. ¡± ¡°Aspen sent me the video of your words with that wench. I haven¡¯t seen that level of love for a pack in a long time. And I don¡¯t know what happened between you and your son¡¯s father, but I do know my son is a good man. I understand you are leaving at the end of the summer?¡± He asked me. ¡°Yes,¡± I nodded. ¡°I¡¯m not saying you have to join the pack but I think you should give my son a chance to prove himself to you. Ryley, you have had to be independent for so long, you have forgotten how it feels to be loved and protected.¡± ¡°But,¡± I stammered, trying to hold in my so*s. How can a man I just met, read me so well? ¡°Don¡¯t say no, Ryley. Just open yourself up to the experience, to the opportunity to be a part of a family. Take some time to think about it. And don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ll make up an excuse for your absence.¡± He smiled at me and squeezed my hands. All I could do was nod. If I tried to speak, I knew I would burst into tears. ¡°I hope we can do this again, soon.¡± He said before he stood up. I reached out and grabbed his hand before he had a chance to leave. ¡°Thank you,¡± I whispered. He smiled down at me before squeezing my hand. He then left my office, closing the door behind him. 25.38% ||| 11:56 < Chapter Fifty-Four 298 Vouchers ¡°I can see how ke turned out to be such a great man,¡± Lily chimed in. I didn¡¯t answer her, I knew she was right. ke is a good man, but I don¡¯t know if I can be the good woman he needs. Him and his pack. I was always told I would be a Luna. I had a pack but then everything was taken and I didn¡¯t know what else to do with my life. I feltpletely lost without the path that was set for me. And it¡¯s terrifying to think, it might happen. I would have to face my past and the council. And both coulde after this pack,e after ke and Aspen. And Channing. I would never forgive myself if something happened to any of them. I love Aspen and it was going to be hard to leave him at the end of the summer. But I don¡¯t know how else to protect them. A soft knock on my office door caused me to jump out of my thoughts. Eyer sinceing to this pack, I¡¯ve be a very on-edge person. Before I could answer, ke poked his head in. I was quick to wipe away my fallen tears. ¡°Ryley, are you okay?¡± He asked as he entered the office, closing the door behind him. I cleared my throat before I answered him. ¡°Yes,¡± I nodded, giving him a small smile. He came over and sat down beside me. ¡°I¡¯m sorry about dinner. And I didn¡¯t mean to overstep with Aspen.¡± I told him, without looking at him. I know what I did was wrong but being Aspen¡¯s parent just feels natural to me. But I¡¯m not and I need to remember that. ke twisted his body towards me, the same way his father did just moments ago. Instead of taking ahold of my hands, he ced a hand on my thigh. I looked down at his hand before meeting his eyes. ¡°I should be apologizing to you. My mother was out of line with her questions. And Gwen with her statements. Aspen is my son, but I trust you with him and she has no right to question that.¡± He said. He let out 53.47% 11:56 Chapter Fifty-Four a long breath before moving the hand on my thigh to my cheek. ke leaned in close, our noses almost touching. My heart was pounding against my chest and I knew he could hear it. ke¡¯s touch had a way of calming me and lighting my body aze at the same time. I felt like I was panting as I waited for him to say something. My mind was in a haze and I couldn¡¯t think of anything but him. I licked my dry lips, and I watched as ke¡¯s eyes watched, shifting between his and his I bit my lower lip, trying to bring myself back to reality. But it failed miserably when ke¡¯s thumb, pulled my lip from my punishing grip. I closed my eyes, enjoying his touch, when his lips brushed against mine.Belonging to N?velDrama.Org. Chapter 55 Chapter 55 Chapter Fifty-Five Ryley Even though I was emotionally exhausted, I didn¡¯t get much sleepst night. And now I was lying in bed looking up at the ceiling. The sunlight wasing through the curtains, telling me it was now morning. I didn¡¯t want to move. I needed to run, but I couldn¡¯t get my body to move. After ke¡¯s lips touched mine, we were interrupted by Luca bringing in a tray of food for us. He had also brought a bottle of wine. ke and I had a pic in my office after Luca left us. We ate and then he walked me home. He never tried to get close enough to kiss me again. I was thinking maybe he was just caught up in the moment of us being so close. And now I was left confused about my feelings. ¡°You would be less confused if you just told him how you felt?¡± Lily huffed. ¡°But what if he doesn¡¯t feel that way about me? What if this is just a ploy to get me into bed and then that¡¯s it? I thought I loved our mate and he didn¡¯t feel the same way. I was just a means to the end.¡± I sighed. ¡°If all he wants is sex then you can ask him. And if so, you move on. If he doesn¡¯t feel the same about you then you say f*ck it and find someone else, Ryley. I know you are scared but if you don¡¯t take a chance then you¡¯ll never know.¡± I knew my wolf was right. And I know on the outside I may seem like a strong, independent woman. But it¡¯s hard to let people in when you know they can destroy everything you have built. ke has that power over me. 0.00% 11:56 288 Nouchers I want his attention, his touch, and this is all overwhelming. I never thought I would feel this way about anyone again. But here I was,ying in bed thinking about a boy who I wanted more than anything to like me. My rm went off and it was time to get ready for the day. I needed to head into my office but then I was going to work from home the rest of the day. Channing had his first practice tonight with this new team and a few games this weekend. I wanted to make sure I was there watching from the stands. And I get more work done at home than in my office. When I was done getting ready, I made my way down to the kitchen. Channing and Aspen were already sweaty, sitting at the kitchen counter eating cereal. ¡°Imade coffee,¡± Channing mumbled, his mouth full. ¡°Thanks, sweetie.¡± I didn¡¯t get to see themst night. They went out after they went grocery shopping for me and I wasn¡¯t home yet. Iid awake in bed until I heard theme home. ¡°How was your night?¡± I asked them, as I poured myself a coffee. ¡°Ryley, are you in love with my dad?¡± Aspen blurted. I had my back turned to them, which I was thankful. I almost dropped the coffee pot. I reced it as carefully as I could with my hand trembling. ¡°Why would you ask that?¡± I was able to ask after a few deep breaths. I turned around to face them. They were both staring at me. ¡°Mom? If we notice, don¡¯t you think everyone else would as well?¡± Channing chuckled, and I pushed my lips into a line. ¡°I joke about being Channing¡¯s daddy but it would be better if I could call him my brother,¡± he shrugged and my heart ached. This would be easy if he hated me. 28.63% J 11:56 Chapter Fifty-Five 11 ¡°First, it takes two to be in a rtionship. And second, family isn¡¯t always blood. Aspen, you will always be wee in our home. No matter what happens.¡± I told him, leaning over the counter, I took a hold of his hand. ¡°I know my dad likes you.¡± He said. My heart sk**ped a beat at his words. But I knew if I was going toProperty ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org. keep them safe, that I would have to leave. NXT ¡°I don¡¯t want to lie to you, both of you. There are things in my past that could put you both in danger and your pack, Aspen, if I was to be found.¡± ¡°But we can protect you, Ryley. Nobody would be able to get through the three of us. And I know Walter would protect you with us.¡± He rushed out. Channing was nodding his head in agreement. ¡°And if anything were to happen to either one of you, I would never be able to forgive myself. ke would be devastated if anything happened to you, Aspen. And if protecting you both means, we leave at the end of the summer. It¡¯s what we are going to do.¡± I exined, taking Channing¡¯s hand as well. ¡°If we had our wolves, would that sway your decision about leaving?¡± He mumbled. ¡°If I was with ke, our rtionship would be made public.¡± I started. ¡°My father would hunt you?¡± Channing asked, and I nodded. ¡°My past is a lot to carry and I would never ask someone to carry it. But that doesn¡¯t mean that you aren¡¯t wee to visit anytime you want to.¡± ¡°Could you move closer? If you can¡¯t join the pack would you move to a city closer to the pack so Channing can go to school here?¡± Aspen 60.47% 11:56 Chapter Fifty-Five pleaded. ¡°Is that what you want, Channing?¡± This was the first time I was hearing this. ¡°I don¡¯t want to leave, Mom. I finally feel like I belong.¡± Channing confessed. I sighed as my mind raced. ¡°I¡¯ll see what I can do, but not a word until I figure something out. There¡¯s a promotion at work I¡¯m waiting to hear about.¡± I told them. Before I knew it, I was being squished between them in a bear hug. ¡°Thanks, Mom,¡± Channing mumbled ¡°Not a word to anyone. And I have to get to work. I¡¯ll see you both this afternoon.¡± 11:56 89.89% Chapter 56 Chapter 56 Chapter Fifty-Six Alpha ke I could have killed my Beta for interrupting Ryley and mest night. Remembering her taste on my lips had me instantly hard and unable to focus. After walking her home, I went for a run until I was no longer able to move. My mind raced with every possible scenario where I could make her mine. There was something about Ryley I couldn¡¯t shake, not that I wanted to. I wanted to make her mine. Luca walked into my office and Gunner growled his disappointment. He¡¯s been grumpy ever since our moment was interrupted. I don¡¯t me him, I¡¯ll be grumpy until I can see Ryley. But instead, I¡¯m in my office getting caught up before Alpha Dorian arrives. ¡°Don¡¯t give me your cr*p, I didn¡¯t know you were about to do something.¡± Luca,scoffed, taking a seat in front of my desk. ¡°I know,¡± I grumbled. It was just easier to me him. I should have made a move after Luca left us but I didn¡¯t. And I¡¯m kicking myself for it. ¡°Now, stop being such a di*k, Alpha Dorian is here for your meeting. And you need to focus.¡± My beta scolded me. ¡°I¡¯d be less of a di*k if you didn¡¯t co***lock me,¡± I retorted causing him to chuckle. ¡°I was in the room for five minutes. You coc****cked yourself. Now, get up, you have to meet the alpha, who is about to arrive,¡± hemanded. I mumbled as I readjusted myself for the hundredth time. I¡¯ve never had blue balls like this before. 0.00% RET 0 11:57 Chapter Fifty-Sm 288 Wouchers ¡°Come on, you can see Ryley this evening. Channing has a hockey practice and I know she will beProperty ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org. there. Bring her a coffee and warm her up.¡± He grinned as I stood up from my desk. He wiggled his eyebrows. ¡°Let¡¯s just get this over with. Have you alerted a team to go in and help?¡± I asked him as he followed me out of my office. ¡°I have two ready. From what I understand, only warriors are being attacked. Women and pups are not being hurt.¡± Luca answered. This entire situation puzzled me. Rogues don¡¯t hunt like packs and they will go after anyone. So why are these rogues attacking like a pack and only attacking warriors? And how are they winning? When we exited the pack house, I saw Ryley walking towards her house. She must be going home for lunch, I thought as I looked at my watch. I know she hasn¡¯t eaten in the dining room, since the first day she started working, besides yesterday for dinner. I should have taken them to a restaurant, it would have saved us all from that disaster of a dinner. Momentster, a few ck SUVS pulled up in front of the pack house. Alpha Dorian was traveling with one of his ga*mas and a few of his warriors. As soon as the alpha stepped out of the vehicle, his head snapped in the direction of Ryley¡¯s house. I looked to see if she was walking back to the pack house, but there was no one there. When I looked back at Alpha Dorian, he looked confused before he masked his face. ¡°Alpha Dorian, is everything alright?¡± I asked, approaching him. His ga*ma was standing beside him, now and his warriors were standing around the vehicles. ¡°Yes, sorry. Thank you for seeing me, Alpha ke.¡± He said, shaking my hand. ¡°Let¡¯s speak in my office,¡± I told them, he nodded before I walked back 25.25% ||| 11:57 Chapter Fifty Stx into the pack house. They followed me inside and up to my office on the second floor. When I opened my office door and offered them to enter, Alpha Dorian was looking down the hallway. His chest rumbled like he was arguing with his wolf. ¡°Dorian?¡± His ga*ma called out, snapping this alpha¡¯s attention back to us. He entered my office, while I nced at my beta, who just shrugged. What the hell was going on? ¡°Take a seat and we can get started. I understand you are having trouble with rogues.¡± I said as I took my seat behind my desk. Luca stood beside me while the ga*ma and alpha sat down in front of my desk. ¡°That¡¯s correct. They move and attack as a pack.¡± The gam*a answered. ¡°But they aren¡¯t going after women and children. How long has this been going on?¡± Luca asked them. ¡°The attacks were every few months but now it seems to be happening weekly. We have lost twenty- five warriors already. And we can¡¯t seem to figure out when and where their next attack will be. We do know it seems to be the same rogues.¡± He exined. ¡°How many have you killed?¡± ¡°One,¡± he confessed. For a pack of rogues to outsmart a pack as big as Dorian¡¯s was a red g. Where would these rogues have learned such -techniques and the area in that depth to outsmart a pack that is living there? ¡°Would there be any reason a group of rogues would want to target your pack, alpha?¡± 56.57% 11:57 Chapter Fifty-Six ¡°No,¡± he answered quickly and firmly. I didn¡¯t believe him. ¡°Is there something you¡¯d like to tell me, Alpha Dorian? I¡¯m not risking my men, if this is a retaliation for something you did. Rogues don¡¯t usually target bigger packs, but they are going after yours?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t know why they are targeting my pack, Alpha ke. If I knew, I would have stopped it.¡± The alpha said. ¡°Beta Luca, who is the lead ga*ma?¡± I asked him. ¡°Ga*ma Connor, alpha,¡± he answered. ¡°I¡¯ll set up a meeting with him before you leave this evening. Beta Luca will show you and your men to rooms. And if you could forward all the reports to my Beta.¡± I told them, standing up from my chair. Both men stood up from theirs. The ga*ma was the first to shake my hand and thank me for my help. Which I found odd. What has Alpha Dorian so distracted? ¡°Maybe he¡¯s worried about his pack while he is away,¡± Gunner suggested. Luca led the men out of my office, closing the door behind them. He could be right, but I have a feeling the alpha is hiding something. Chapter 57 Chapter 57 Chapter Fifty-Seven Alpha ke It didn¡¯t take long for Luca toe back to my office with Ga*ma Connor. I wanted to look into everything before making the decision to send my warriors. If these rogues are acting like a pack, maybe they were one. While I was waiting for Luca, I emailed a request to the council for a list of all packs that have been taken over. I asked for all to not raise suspicion. I¡¯m sure Alpha Dorian has people in the council building. I was in the middle of exining this to Luca and Connor when my father entered my office. ¡°Shouldn¡¯t you be keeping an eye on mom?¡± I asked him. ¡°She went shopping with some friends. So, now I can be useful. What do we know so far? And where is Alpha Dorian?¡± He questioned, looking around the room. ¡°I gave him and his men rooms. None of this is making much sense, Dad. Why would rogues work as a pack and only attack warriors.¡± I pondered. ¡°And they have killed twenty-five warriorspared to the one rogue they have killed,¡± Luca told him. ¡°This is not random attacks. They are going after his warriors. Did you ask him?¡± Connor asked. ¡°I did. He said he didn¡¯t know why they would be targeting his pack.¡± I answered. 0.00% ||| 11:57 ¡°Well someone is lying. They may be rogues now, but I suspect these rogues were all a part of the same pack. And they are holding a grudge against Alpha Dorian.¡± My father said. And we all agreed with him. ¡°I requested a list of all takeovers from the council. But in the meantime, what do you think we should do?¡± I asked them. ¡°I think you should send some warriors. If this is about attacking warriors in their pack then they won¡¯t touch ours. We can try to capture one and ask them what this is all about.¡± My father suggested. ¡°I know for a fact our warriors are better-trained but we don¡¯t know the Belonging to N?velDrama.Org. area. It puts us at a disadvantage. But let¡¯s see if there is a pattern to the attacks.¡± Connor said. I grabbed a map while Luca opened the email that was sent over by Alpha Dorian¡¯s beta. After cing a sticky note on each attack area and dates, there didn¡¯t seem to be a pattern. They would hit, north, west, south, then west again. But there was never an attack on the east. ¡°What about this area?¡± I pointed to the map. ¡°Let me pull up a satellite image of the area,¡± Luca said. He was sitting behind my desk, working off my computer. I looked over his shoulder as he typed away until an image of the area was loaded. ¡°Look there,¡± he pointed at the screen and the other two came over to look as well. ¡°There¡¯s a canyon with a river. There also isn¡¯t very much cover in the area. The rogues must know this area is dangerous.¡± Luca told us. ¡°Or there aren¡¯t any warriors patrolling there. No one could jump over the river banks and climb up. The sides look fairly smooth.¡± Connor said, observing the images. 20.48% ||| r 11:57 Chapter Fifty-Seven 1 ¡°I don¡¯t think the goal is to get into the pack. If this area is under protection and these rogues know the area then it would make sense for them to enter here. I think they want to attack the Warriors. They want their presence known.¡± My father said. ¡°Connor, you and your team, head out tomorrow to the pack. Get a feel of the situation. Talk with warriors who have been a part of the earlier attacks. And in a few days, I¡¯ll visit the pack. And hopefully, they will leave some kind of a message.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll get the team ready to leave tomorrow morning,¡± Connor said before leaving my office. I flopped down in a chair in front of my desk. Luca was still typing away on theputer. ¡°Son, what¡¯s bothering you?¡± My father asked, he was sitting beside me. ¡°The alpha seemed distracted.¡± ¡°I noticed that as well. After you spoke to him yesterday his beta called me. He seemed grateful for our help. And today, his ga*ma seemed more grateful than Alpha Dorian.¡± Luca added. ¡°He could just be stressed. We don¡¯t know what else could be happening in his life.¡± My father defended. But something just didn¡¯t feel right. ¡°Dad!¡± Aspen yelled through the link. ¡°Dad, we need you. Someone just broke into Ryley¡¯s house. She told us to run.¡± ¡°Get men to Ryley¡¯s house,¡± I yelled out, standing up from my seat. ¡°Aspen, I¡¯m on my way. Tell me what happened.¡± I rushed through the link. 48.37% 11:57 ||| O < Chapter 288 Nouchers ¡°I don¡¯t know, she told us to run. Dad, something is wrong.¡± He eximed. ¡°Are you hurt?¡± I yelled but I didn¡¯t get an answer. Gunner let out a murderous growl as I ran out of the pack house. ¡°ke, what happened?¡± Luca called to me, as he followed. ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡± A few of my warriors, met up with us as we ran in the direction of Ryley¡¯s ce. My heart was pounding against my chest as panic filled me. I heard growls, before the sound of shattering ss. There was a loud yelp before the scene came into a few. A big ck wolf was attacking a smaller ck and white wolf. The smaller wolf had a piece of wood embedded in its side. The front window of the house was broken and the railing of the porch. The smaller wolf, only took its eyes off the ck one to pull the piece of wood from its side. The ck one was about to pounce when two massive wolves jumped out from behind the house. One was ck with some grey and the other was white. They blocked the smaller one. I knew the ck one was Aspen. He had shifted early. The ck one shifted revealing Alpha Dorian. My warriors instantly surrounded him. He held up his hands in surrender. ¡°What the hell is going on?¡± I demanded. ¡°Always making things difficult, Evelyn,¡± he growled, as I rushed over. My son and the other wolf growled, baring their teeth to the alpha. Evelyn? ¡°F*ck you,¡± I turned to find the smaller of the wolves had shifted back 72.06% ? 11:57 into Ryley. I could barely see her as my son and the other wolf stood over her. The white wolf shifted and Channing was now standing over his mother, protecting her. ¡°Stay the f*ck away from my mother! 96.51% Chapter 58 Chapter 58 hapter Fifty-Eight Ryley A cloud of smoke greeted me when I walked through the front door just before noon. ¡°Hello?¡± I called out, coughing as I inhaled the smoke. ¡°In here,¡± Aspen called out from the kitchen. I entered to find him trying to put out a burned grilled cheese sandwich. ¡°What on earth?¡± I eximed, trying to get it under control. Once it was out, I opened a few windows to air out the kitchen. ¤¬ ¡°Sorry, I left it too long.¡± Aspen shrugged shyly. ¡°It¡¯s okay, I¡¯ll make it. Where¡¯s Channing?¡± I asked as I dumped the contents of the pan into the trash. ¡°In his room. He has some work to finish up.¡± He answered as he sat down on a stool by the counter. ¡°I¡¯m sorry about the mess, Ryley. I¡¯ve never cooked one before,¡± Aspen confessed. I had lived the life Aspen has, so I know I wouldn¡¯t have been able to cook one at the age of seventeen either. ¡°It¡¯s okay. Let¡¯s cook them together so next time you will know how to.¡± I told him, with a smile. I never had to cook in my old life but I discovered a love for it after I left. Aspen and I had just finished toasting the third sandwich when Channing came into the kitchen. 0.00% ||| 11:57 Chapter Fifty-Eight ¡°Why do I smell burnt cheese?¡± He asked, sitting at the counter. ¡°There was a little ident but we have some not burnt ones,¡± Aspen smiled as he held up the te stacked with sandwiches. ¡°You two eat and I¡¯ll cook up some more for you both,¡± I told them before getting a few more ready to be toasted. ¡°Are you excited to y tonight?¡± I asked Channing, who just stuffed half a grilled cheese into his mouth. All he could do was nod. I chuckled, shaking my head. After they had four each and the kitchen was cleaned up, I set up myptop on the dining room table. I needed to get some work done before going with Channing to his practice. I also needed to get out of the pack house and away from ke. The boys were in the living room, wasting some time before their afternoon training ss and I was pouring myself a coffee, before sitting down to work. I dropped my mug and let out a scream when the front door was kicked in. I could see the door from where I was standing, and I gasped when the one person I never wanted to see again came through the door. ¡°Ryley?¡± Aspen yelled out. ¡°Run,¡± I screamed. I heard as they rushed to the back of the house and out the back door. My heart was pounding as Dorian approached me. I backed away, making sure the kitchen ind was between us. He let out a chuckle as he stalked me, like the predator he was. ¡°I thought you were dead,¡± he spat out. ¡°No thanks to you,¡± I retorted, my voice sounding stronger than I felt. Lily let out a warning growl as he tried to move around the ind to 21.06% ||| ? 11:57 Chapter Fifty-Eight get closer. ¡°Do you honestly think you could take on an alpha, Evelyn? ¡°he mocked and Lily growled louder. Mate or not, she wasn¡¯t going to back down. Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org. He moved quickly around the kitchen, grabbing my hand, he crushed me against his chest, trapping me against the counter. ¡°F*ck, you smell so good.¡± He breathed out against my neck. I fought against his grip but I couldn¡¯t move. ¡°You always were a feisty one. It made chasing you more fun,¡± He grinned, looking down at me. I felt sick with his skin touching mine, with his scent on me. ¡°Get the f*ck away from me,¡± I growled out. He leaned in closer, his nose touching mine. ¡°Or what?¡± He taunted. I fought harder but it just seemed to amuse him. ¡°If you think anyone in this pack gives a f*ck about a rogue, you¡¯ll be disappointed,¡± he chuckled. ¡°What the f*ck do you want, Dorian?¡± I growled. I gasped when he rolled his hips, I could feel how hard he was and the thought made me sick. ¡°Don¡¯t be like that, Evie.¡± He mumbled, nipping my neck. Tears pr**ked my eyes, as I tried to move but he had a firm grip on my wrists and his body had mine pinned. ¡°Lily, help,¡± I pleaded. Dorian pinned my hands behind me, with one of his before he ripped 49.52% 11:57 Chapter Fifty-Eight open my blouse. 18 ¡°Still f**ken s*xy,¡± he purred, taking in the sight of my bare chest. Lily took that moment to shift: Her ck coat covered my body. She had a white undercoat giving her the appearance of being two-toned. Dorian stumbled back as Lily¡¯srge frame filled the space. He looked surprised at first but then a smirk appeared. ¡°We can do this the hard way.¡± He shifted into arge ck wolf. Lily snarled and snapped, trying to get an opening. His wolf backed up, not wanting to fight his mate. He must have known when he watched me fall off the cliff and into the water. Regardless, Lily pounced and they rolled, taking out the front window. When Lily¡¯s body hit the wooden railing on the porch she let out a yip. Pain filled our side as she quickly got to her feet. She quickly looked at her side and pulled out arge splitter. Chaos was happening around us, but Lily never took her eyes off her prey. Dorian quickly shifted back when a massive ck wolf and white wolf,nded in front of me, protecting me. I could smell it was Channing and Aspen but they shouldn¡¯t have been able to shift yet. The pain in my side became too much and I was forced to shift back. I heard ke¡¯s voice but I didn¡¯t hear what he said, my attention never leaving my former mate. ¡°Always making things difficult, Evelyn,¡± he growled. ¡°F*ck you,¡± I yelled. I let out a gasp when Channing shifted, confronting his father. I tried to stop him but I winced in pain, not able to get up quick enough. ¡°Stay the f*ck away from my mother. Chapter 59 Chapter 59 Chapter Fifty-Nine Alpha ke As Channing sized up Alpha Dorian, it clicked. He was Channing¡¯s father and Ryley¡¯s mate. But why did he call her Evelyn? ¡°You f**ken bi*ch!¡± Alpha Dorian roared and his son punched him in the face. ¡°Channing,¡± Ryley hissed. Aspen¡¯s wolf was helping her to stand. The wound down her side was bleeding, badly. Why the hell wasn¡¯t it healing? ¡°You even turned my son against me,¡± the alpha spat. ¡°You did that yourself. You don¡¯t think I knew who you were. I¡¯ve been following your pack for years. I know what you did to her and her pack was the truth, you piece of s*it. You tried to kill her, which would have killed me.¡± Channing retorted. I grabbed his arm, pulling him back towards his mother before unbuttoning a few buttons on my shirt. I pulled it over my head before cing it over Ryley¡¯s to cover her naked body. She didn¡¯t waste time in grabbing her son. ¡°Hey, it¡¯s okay. I¡¯m okay. And your wolf is beautiful.¡± She whispered, holding onto his cheeks. ¡°Evelyn?¡± I heard his ga*ma exim. ¡°Dorian, what the hell is going on? You said she was dead.¡± He questioned his alpha. 0.00% ? 11:57 Chapter Fifty Nine ¡°And who is the boy?¡± Alpha Dorian didn¡¯t answer, he was too busy watching Ryley with their son. I stepped closer to them and the alpha growled. ¡°I see you have a type,¡± he growled. That seemed to set her off, she pushed Channing behind her and marched up to him. I wanted to punch the smirk off his face. Even Aspen growled and approached with her. ¡°And what¡¯s your type? Teenage girls who don¡¯t have a wolf to protect them.¡± He sneered. He raised his hand and I grabbed his wrist before he could p her. My father and beta both had to hold Aspen¡¯s wolf back. I grabbed Ryley with my other hand, cing myself between her and Alpha Dorian. ¡°I would choose your next words very carefully,¡± I growled. ¡°She isn¡¯t worth it.¡± He said and I pushed him back, releasing my grip. Just then, Ryley slumped against my back. Her breathing and heart rate had slowed. My arm was wrapped around my back holding her against me by her waist. ¡°Mom,¡± Channing yelled and Aspen shifted. ¡°Mom? Evelyn is your mate?¡± His ga*mamented. ¡°Beta Luca, detain Alpha Dorian and his men in the pack house,¡± I ordered. ¡°You can¡¯t f*cken do that. This is a dispute between mates,¡± he argued. ¡°The mark on your neck means she is no longer your mate. And this is my pack and she is under my protection. Now, you will either go with my beta willingly or I will have you locked up in the cells. Choose?¡± I demanded. 18.78% ||| O 11:58 289 Vouchers ¡°Son, we got this,¡± my father said. I nodded before turning my body quickly to not let Ryley fall. She flopped against me before she caught herself. She was pale and swaying on her feet. My white shirt was ruined with blood as it ran down her side and legs. ¡°I¡¯m okay,¡± she mumbled, grabbing onto the boys, who were standing on either side of her. I kneeled and lifted the shirt. There was still arge splinter still embedded in the wound. ¡°Ryley, we need to get you to the hospital,¡± I said, looking up at her. ¡°I just need to rest. I¡¯ll be okay. I¡¯ve been through worse,¡± she hissed, trying to chuckle. ¡°Please, Ryley,¡± Aspen pleaded. ¡°Mom, please.¡± As soon as she nodded, I scooped her up into my arms. ¡°F*ck,¡± she panted, digging her nails into my arm. ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± I told her and she nodded, trying to calm her breathing. ¡°Boys, get dressed and meet us at the hospital,¡± I told them. ¡°No,¡± they eximed in unison. ¡°Don¡¯t argue,¡± Ryley eximed as firmly as she could. Both boys huffed before storming into the house to get dressed. Ignoring the chaos around us, I began walking towards the hospital. ¡°ke,¡± she whispered, she didn¡¯t finish as her body went limp against mine. ¡°Ryley, stay awake,¡± I panicked. I increased my pace but I didn¡¯t want to hurt her as I rushed to the pack hospital. It was on the other side of 42.16% ||| O < 11:58 Chapter Fifty Nine 289 Vouchers the pack house. Doctors and nurses were already waiting outside as I hurried across the parking lot. I was still desperately trying to get her to open her eyes to no avail. I ced her on the waiting gurney. I was pushed back as the medical team rushed in. It was a blur as they rushed her back into an operating room. I followed not willing to leave her side. ¡°Alpha?¡± The head doctor, Dr. Perry called out. ¡°Don¡¯t worry about me, do your f*cken job,¡± I growled, as I watched my shirt being ripped off of her. The nurses worked on getting an IV inserted and the two doctors quickly cleaned the wound. ¡°I see it. Tweezers.¡± He yelled. Everything was happening so fast. But I couldn¡¯t take my eyes off all the blood. I knew I was covered in it. ¡°Got it,¡± he announced. ¡°She has still lost too much blood,¡± a nurse shouted. I could hear the slow beating of her heart over the noise of the room. The heart monitor was ring to let everyone know it was too low. ¡°The wound is closing. Get her cleaned up and moved into a room.¡± I felt like I could breathe. ¡°Alpha,¡± a nurse touched my arm and I jumped. ¡°Put her on the alpha floor,¡± Imanded. ¡°Alpha, are you hurt?¡± Dr. Perry asked. I looked down, my bare chest was covered in her blood. I shook my head. 64.58% ||| O 11:58 1288 Wouchers ¡°Alpha, her son, and your son are in the waiting room.¡± The nurse informed me. ¡°Go, she¡¯ll be moved to the alpha floor soon.¡± The doctor said. I didn¡¯t move until her heart started to beat a little faster. A nurse quickly changed her fluid bag, as the first one was now empty. Before leaving, I kissed her forehead. ¡°He won¡¯t hurt you ever again,¡± I mumbled, promising her this was real for me. I didn¡¯t care that she wasn¡¯t a part of my pack. I didn¡¯t care about her past. I wanted us and for us to be a family. I met Channing and Aspen in the waiting room. Both looked scared. ¡°She¡¯ll be okay. There was a wooden splitter blocking her wolf from healing the wound. As soon as it was removed, it closed.¡± I exined before both of them hugged me. ¡°Can we see her?¡± Channing breathed out. ¡°As soon as she is moved to a room, we can see her.¡±Content is property ? N?velDrama.Org. Chapter 60 Chapter 60 Chapter Sixty Ryley An excessive beeping woke me from my not-so-peaceful sleep. The beeping became louder as I remembered the events of what happened. I don¡¯t know what day it is but I know I saw Dorian. And he met Channing. He knows he has a son. I sat up, blinking away the haze before looking around the room. My breathing was harsh as I groaned from the dull pain in my side. ¡°Channing,¡± I yelled, trying to focus my vision. ¡°Ryley, breathe, baby. Channing is safe.¡± ke was sitting on the side of the bed I was lying in. The room was white and smelled like disinfectant. He rested his forehead against mine, taking a hold of my cheeks. My breathing was still harsh but his touch started to calm me. ¡°Where are they?¡± ¡°Aspen is with him at hockey practice,¡± he said, and my panic started to rise again. ¡°Breathe. I have warriors with them. I would never let anything happen to him. Luca has eyes on your ex and his pack members. You¡¯re safe, baby, no one is going to hurt you.¡± He whispered thest few words before his lips touched mine. And once again we were interrupted when the door opened and someone walked in. ke¡¯s chest grumbled as he rested his forehead against mine again. 0.00% ||| 11:58 < Chapter Sixty 298 Vouchers ¡°Alpha. Miss Halliwell, I¡¯m Dr. Perry. How are you feeling?¡± He introduced himself. ¡°It¡¯s nice to meet you,¡± my voice came out raspy. ke reached over and grabbed me a ss filled with water. I¡¯m thankful he held the straw to my lips. My limbs felt heavy. ¡°I feel tired,¡± I answered him after the ss was empty. The cool liquid soothed my dry throat. ke returned the ss to the table before taking hold of my hand. I haven¡¯t seen this side of him before. He always seemed so tense around me, like he was afraid of doing something wrong. But this ke seemed more natural and I liked it. ¡°You lost quite a bit of blood. There was arge wooden splitter preventing your wolf from healing. As soon as I removed it, the wound closed. I¡¯m surprised you¡¯re awake already. It¡¯s only been a few hours since you were brought-in,¡± Dr. Perry exined. ¡°Does that mean I can go home?¡± I asked him. The doctor nced at ke, causing me to look at the alpha. There was something he hadn¡¯t told me yet. ¡°I¡¯ll give you two a few minutes,¡± the doctor said, before quickly leaving the room. ¡°Ryley, we need talk,¡± he sighed. ¡°About you kissing me or calling me baby?¡± I asked with a smirk. ¡°Sm****ss,¡± he chuckled shaking his head. I reached up, caressing his cheek. He leaned into my touch as I swiped my thumb across his bottom lip. He shivered, closing his eyes, he leaned his forehead against mine again. ¡°F*ck,¡± he breathed out: I smiled at the effect I had on him. He has the same effect on me. 22.12% ||| O 11:58 Chapter Sixty ke let out a growl when the boys rushed into the room. Both ignored him as they filled the bed, pushing ke out of the way. Content is property ? N?velDrama.Org. ¡°Mom, I¡¯m so d you¡¯re okay.¡± Channing hugged me. Aspen hugged me from the other side and I wrapped my arms around both of them. ¡°I want to hear all about hockey but first I want to know about your wolves. Why did you shift early?¡± I questioned. ¡°To protect you. As soon as you told us to run, we were terrified something was going to happen to you. I never thought it would have been Channing¡¯s dad.¡± Aspen answered. ¡°Sweetie, are you okay?¡± I asked him, caressing his cheek. ¤¬ ¡°It¡¯s weird. I should feel something because he¡¯s my father but I don¡¯t feel anything. All I cared about was keeping you safe.¡± Channing said, leaning his head on my shoulder. My heart ached for him. I had my reason to keep him away from his father but it doesn¡¯t ease my guilt. ¡°I don¡¯t me you, mom. He tried to kill you.¡± He said as Aspen cuddled into the other side of me. I think they forgot they were the size of a grown man and now I was squished between them on this small bed. ¡°} ¡°He underestimated how strong you are,¡± Aspen mumbled. I kissed both boys on the forehead before looking at ke. He was sitting in a chair beside the bed. ¡°Ryley, we need to talk about your living situation. I need you to move to the pack.¡± ke said. ¡°Okay,¡± I nodded. ¡°And I know you are going to fight me but I can¡¯t protect you if you go back to the city. Wait, did you agree with me?¡± He asked confused. I 49.76% 11:58 O < Chapter Sixty. 288 (Vouchers just nodded. ¡°The boys had asked me to consider moving closer. I have been looking into it. I¡¯ve been trying to get a hold of Isaac or Isabe. I¡¯m supposed to be up for a promotion. But I haven¡¯t been able to speak to either of them.¡± I exined. ¡°Mom, what if you can¡¯t work remotely?¡± Channing asked. ¡°Then I quit. You are what¡¯s most important and if you want to live here, then I¡¯ll try my best to make it happen. I was going to find a house in the closest city but it would seem I need to find one in the pack.¡± I told them. ¡°You already have one. You two can move into the pack house with ¨²s.¡± Aspen announced: ¡± ¡°Aspen, that¡¯s a big step,¡± I stammered, trying to process what he just said. I know wolves usually move fast. They find their mates. Mark, mate, and move in within days but this is different. And terrifying. ¡°Ryley, the house needs repairs and we have extra rooms on our floor. No one will bother you. I promise.¡± ke said, leaning forward, resting his hand my my leg. ¡°Okay, for now,¡± I sighed, agreeing. ¡°Good, the doctor mind-linked me and said you can go home to rest. And a nurse will be in soon to remove your IV. Also, Alpha Dorian wants to speak with you before he¡¯ll leave.¡± Chapter 61 Chapter 61 Chapter Sixty-One Alpha ke Watching Ryley with our boys had my heart swelling with love. They may not be little anymore but they still cravefort only a mother can provide. Aspen may spend a lot of his time with her but I also spend quality time with the boys in the afternoons after their training. It makes me proud to watch them train the little kids. And I enjoy sparring with them after they are all done. Channing is an excellent fighter. They both are. They both have different techniques and they are bing stronger fighters, together. Even I¡¯ve learned a thing or two from Channing. When Ryley was speaking with the boys Dr. Perry mind-linked me, telling me Ryley can go home to rest. A nurse would be in soon to get her ready to leave. But it was Luca¡¯s mind-link that had me on edge. I ordered Alpha Dorian and his pack to be escorted off of my packnds. I would still send a team but I didn¡¯t want him anywhere near Ryley. She may not know it yet but she is mine. The alpha had refused to leave the pack before speaking with her. He should be back at his pack protecting them from another rogue attack, but instead, he is demanding to speak to the person he tried to kill. I would have gone to the pack house to deal with this myself but Ryley woke up, and I didn¡¯t want to leave her. Now, Channing and she will have to have round-the-clock protection. ¡°If he touches either of them, he¡¯s dead,¡± Gunner growled. ¡°Let¡¯s get home then. I need a long hot bath,¡± Ryley said when I told her she could leave as long as she rested. 0.00% 11:58 Chapter Sixty One ¡°Are you willing to speak with Alpha Dorian?¡± I asked her. ¡°Mom, don¡¯t. Nothing he has to say matters.¡± Channing told her. # 228 routers ¡°I won¡¯t force or ask you to have a rtionship with him. And frankly, I don¡¯t trust him being around you. You are almost an adult and can decide who you¡¯d like to have in your life. But there are answers I need to move on with my life.¡± She said to her son. My heart ached for both of them, but especially her. I couldn¡¯t imagine the pain she went through after learning that the one person who had hurt her the most was her fated mate. And he was the father of her child. She had to look at his face every day when she looked at Channing. I didn¡¯t want her to give in to his demands and the thought of him being near her, made me want to rip him apart. I knew he was going to try to wiggle his way back in. He¡¯d be st*pid not to. Alphas are stronger with their fated mates. So it makes me wonder why he wouldn¡¯t have waited for his. Unless he knew she was his and he believed she was dead. The boys and I left the room when a nurse came in with some clothes for Ryley. It was time to take her home. But first, we had to see her ex. I had a bad feeling about her seeing the alpha again. Even though I was excited to finally get Ryley into my bed. With the door locked so there would be no more interruptions. ¡°The doctor said she needs to rest,¡± Gunner grumbled. ¡°ke, I don¡¯t like this. I don¡¯t want that f*cker anywhere near my mom,¡± Channing confessed, interrupting my conversation with my wolf. ¡°I don¡¯t like it either, but she has her mind made up. But I promise I won¡¯t leave her side. Nothing is going to happen to her.¡± I told him. ¡°I¡¯m worried about the mate bond. I don¡¯t want him to manipte her 26.73% 11:58 Chapter Shey-One into going back to him.¡± ¡°Over my dead body,¡± Gunner growled. ¡°Dad, that can¡¯t happen, can it? He marked someone else, doesn¡¯t that mean their bond is broken?¡± Aspen questioned. ¡°The mate bond can be tricky. It¡¯s designed to bring two souls together. She never rejected him but her wolf didn¡¯t im him when she saw him. Ryley is smart. I know she won¡¯t fall for his b****hit again. She has us, and we won¡¯t let him get a hold of her again.¡± I reassured them. ¡°ke, he isn¡¯t a good person or alpha. And I don¡¯t want her to be sucked back into a world that almost killed her. And me. She was right to keep me away from him. I¡¯ve followed his pack with Grandad¡¯s help. He killed her family and stole her pack,¡± he eximed. Ryley opened up the door, stepping out into the hallway wearing ck sweatpants and a grey sweatshirt. Channing quickly turned away, wiping his eyes. He was scared for his mother. And I understand why. In all reality, Ryley should be dead. If he wants her dead, he¡¯ll try until he seeds. The tension was palpable as she looked at all of us. She had to have known her son was scared of losing her. Channing was also the rightful heir to his father¡¯s pack. He was his firstborn child. This coming to light was going to cause waves with the council. ¡°Mom, I don¡¯t like this. Please don¡¯t,¡± he pleaded with her. Her face softened as we approached him. ¡°There is nothing he could say to regain my trust. There are things that you don¡¯t know and I need him to know what I know. If I¡¯m going down, he¡¯sing with me. And then you¡¯ll be taking over my pack. Where you should have been this entire time. I should have challenged him for my pack back, but I was scared he would take you from me. I¡¯ ve been protecting you, your entire life and now it¡¯s time to fight for 56.70% 11:58 Chapter Sixty-One what should have been yours. And I promise I¡¯ll exin everything.¡± She told him. ¡°I don¡¯t need a pack, Mom, and neither does my wolf, Bliz. He¡¯s happy with the path I¡¯ve set out for us.¡± He said. ¡°I know you don¡¯t need a pack, sweetie. But I should have protected my pack. I was young and scared and now all I want is to take back everything that was mine. I work so hard to be the perfect leader for my father and I won¡¯t let the man who killed him think he won. It¡¯s time for me to make a stand for my wolf.¡± She caressed his cheek. I grabbed her other hand, squeezing it to let her know she wasn¡¯t doing this alone. I may not know the entire story but I will fight with her and for her until myst breath. 8R¨ºAdt??St chapters at Novel(D)ra/ma.Org Only Chapter 62 Chapter 62 Chapter Sixty-Two Ryley After reassuring Channing, I sent the boys up to the alpha floor of the pack house. ke already had some of our things moved over since we couldn¡¯t stay at the house until the front door and porch window were fixed. It made me ufortable knowing someone packed our stuff. And that was before I thought about where that stuff was being moved too. I¡¯m moving in with a man, who isn¡¯t my mate and I have no idea if this is going to work out. And now I was being carried to the pack house to speak to the one person who I also wanted to believe I was dead. And he wanted to speak to me and that made me nervous. ¡°But now that the cat is out of the bag, you have no more excuses as to why you can¡¯t be with ke,¡± Lily said. She may be right, but it doesn¡¯ t make it any less scary. I¡¯ve never lived with a man that way before. ¡°Ryley, you don¡¯t have to do this. I can personally remove him from my pack.¡± ke said as he carried me along a stone path leading from the hospital to the pack house. ¡°I need answers, ke. And this is the only way to get them.¡± ke didn¡¯t put me down until he was standing in front of the conference room doors. There were two warriors standing guard. Once I was back on my feet, the warriors opened the doors. ke took a hold of my hand before leading me into the room. More warriors were standing around the room and behind Dorian and his ga*ma, Wes. I had met him a few times. They were seated at the table with ir sitting at the head and Luca sitting beside the former alpha. 0.00% ||| O 11:58 Chapter Sixty-Two tr R¨ºAdt??St chapters at Novel(D)ra/ma.Org Only ke led me over to the side of the table where Luca was seated. Dorian¡¯s eyes followed with every step I took. I sat down beside Luca and ke sat on the other side of me before resting his hand on my thigh. My hands were trembling as I ced them in myp. I tried to remind myself that this was a business meeting and I could do this. But being this close to Dorian was suffocating. ¡°If this is a y to make me jealous, and beg for you back, it¡¯s pathetic.¡± He scoffed, crossing his arms over his chest. ¡°I¡¯m d you think being happy is pathetic. And any decision I made involving ke has nothing to do with you. I¡¯m here for answers so I can move on with my life.¡± I told him. I watched him intently as he stared at me. Channing looks so much like his father, only getting my grey eyes. I still feel this connection to him, even though we are no longer mates. He has his chosen mate. She has marked him. And I should hate him, but I find myself unable to as I sit here. ¡°When were you aware there was going to be an attack on my pack?¡± I asked him. I needed answers and to get the hell away from him. ¡°The night before the attack happened.¡± He sighed, leaning forward, and resting his arms on the table. ¡°So, the n was for you to get close to me? To get me to trust you, so you could kill me and take over the pack?¡± ¡°It started when my father wanted information.¡± He answered. ¡°Everything you told me was a lie. You never intended for me to be your Luna and to run the pack, my pack together. This was done so you could have a pack for you and her?¡± 27.29% O 11:58 Chapter Sixty-Two ¡°Yes. There was never an us, Evelyn. Getting you to trust me was all part of the n to take down your father.¡± I closed my eyes, begging the tears not to fall. I knew this but it didn¡¯t make it hurt any less when he admitted it. ¡°You can cut the act, I know you knew about the shady s*it your father was involved in,¡± Dorian eximed and ke growled. ¡°Watch your f*cken tone. Remember you are in my pack, asking for my help.¡± ¡°I knew about everything my father was involved in. But do you know what your father was involved in? How he made all his money?¡± I questioned. ¡°He made his money in oil. Everyone knows that, even you.¡± He retorted. ¡°Interesting. I wonder if that¡¯s why, he is still running the Crimson Lake pack and you are running mine, instead ofbining them and making you, alpha of both?¡± I pondered out loud. ¡°What are you getting at?¡¯ Dorian growled. ¡°Why would youe here to ask for ke¡¯s help, when you could have asked your father?¡± He grumbled, crossing his arms over his chest again. ¡°Is it because you didn¡¯t want to look weak in front of your father?¡± He didn¡¯t answer me, so I continued to the point I was making. ¡°Your father was at my pack house when I told my father I was going to clean up his shady s*it after bing Luna, my father was into drug sales and weapons. But it was your father who was into human trafficking and the selling of body parts on the ck market. He then invested some of that money into the oil industry. I knew my father 55.01% ? 11:58 Chapter Sixty-Two wasn¡¯t perfect but at least he wasn¡¯t selling human beings.¡± ¡°You¡¯re lying,¡± he snarled, mming his fists down on the table. ¡°I have proof. After surviving the fall, I hacked into the system I created. I have all the proof I need to go to the council. And if I¡¯m going down, then so are you.¡± I threatened. ¡°I¡¯m here to demand rights to my son, but it would seem you aren¡¯t the na?ve teenage girl you once were. But I still don¡¯t think you have proof and there¡¯s a lot about the council you don¡¯t know. So do your worst,¡± he taunted. ¡°} ¡°Channing can decide who he wants in his life. And I wouldn¡¯t hold my breath if I were you. Neither one of us want anything to do with you. But if you try anything, I¡¯ll make sure the council gets everything they need to execute your father and bury you.¡± He growled, knowing it wasn¡¯t an empty threat. Walter had everything eeded to bury Dorian and his father. Without a word, Dorian stood up, leaving the room. Everyone else followed, leaving me with ke and his father. I finally felt like I could breathe again. 81.36% GUE N H Chapter 63 Chapter 63 Chapter Sixty-Three Alpha Dorian I had to get up and leave. Seeing Evelyn again had my head spinning and my heart racing. And seeing her hanging off another alpha, infuriated me. She was supposed to be mine. Without a word to anyone, I left the pack house and climbed into the passenger seat of the SUV. I needed to go before I did something st*pid, like challenge an alpha for a woman I can¡¯t even have. My ga*ma, Wes, climbed behind the wheel. The alpha¡¯s beta escorted us out of the pack. He was smart too because given the chance I would have gone back to get her and our son. ¡°I told you she was our mate. Even though you shifted early doesn¡¯t mean I wouldn¡¯t have known who my mate was. Especially, since she was standing right in front of me.¡± Fang, my wolf said. ¡°That doesn¡¯t help us now, does it?¡± I retorted. I was already furious without my wolf pointing out he was right. The night she fell has reyed in my mind every day since it happened. That¡¯s not how the n was supposed to go. I knew my father was nning the attack and the n was to get in before the warriors to get Evelyn out. I was only supposed to get intel for my father but I fell in love with her. She was a breath of fresh air, the sun shining bright. My father anticipated that, and the warriors were sent in early without my knowledge. I tried to get to her but the warriors would get in my way. He must have known I wasn¡¯t going to let them kill her. By the time I reached the pack house, she was running east with her father¡¯s 0.00% 11:59 Chapter Sixty-Three All content ? N/.?vel/Dr/ama.Org. beta. Everything changed when I watched her fall that night. I wish I would have jumped in after her. Then at least we would have been together. I was a coward and an important part of me died that night. And now I knew she was alive, caring for my son, cursing my name, was almost too much to bear. Her with someone else was a kick to the stomach. She was everything to me. I was willing to go against my father to protect her. I had so much regret from that night. ¡°And attacking her in her kitchen wasn¡¯t very smart.¡± Fang scoffed. ¡°It was a big f**ken mistake.¡± I sighed, rethinking that moment. She looked so terrified. I should have grabbed and kissed her. I should have shown her how much I have missed her. ¡°Then Lisa would have known. She may not be the love of your life or fated mate but she has been good to us.¡± Fang said. He wasn¡¯t She has put up with all my bu***hit for thest eighteen years. wrong. ¡°Dorian, how long have we known each other?¡± Wes asked, pulling me from my thoughts. Looking around, we were almost back at our pack. ¡°Since we were kids,¡± I answered. ¡°And with being friends for so long, I figure I would know you pretty well, would you agree?¡± ¡°What¡¯s your point?¡± I growled, growing impatient. ¡°Why did you lie to Evelyn? We both know Lisa didn¡¯t happen until after you believed she had died. And the n was for us to protect her. After we learned about the attack, you, me, and Jared were supposed to get her out.¡± He said. All of what he said was true. Being with Evelyn was never an act. 29.06% 11:59 Chapter Sixty Th 298 Wear hers ¡°And?¡± ¡°Why didn¡¯t you tell her the truth?¡± He eximed. ¡°And why would that have mattered? I have a mate, so I can¡¯t be with her. It¡¯s better if she hates me.¡± I growled. ¡°Evelyn made you a better man, Dorian. And your son deserves to know the truth. He believes you tried to kill his mother, to kill him. And you know that isn¡¯t the truth.¡± My ga*ma sighed. We drove in silence after that. He may be right, but it doesn¡¯t change anything. I¡¯m still marked by another and we have a son together. Her being alive doesn¡¯t undo every decision I made after I lost her. just never thought I would see her again in this life. For the rest of the drive home, I looked out the window and thought about the life I had without her. I had met Lisa years before I met Evelyn, but our rtionship was only a friendship until after Evelyn¡¯s death. I needed someone I trusted to be my Luna and I trusted her. I also needed the pain to stop and I thought moving on quickly would take the pain away. It didn¡¯t but it made it easier to live with. A few weeks after she turned eighteen, I marked her. She became pregnant with our son quickly and it was the distraction I needed to forget Evelyn. Chadwick is almost seventeen and has always looked like his mother¡¯s side of the family. And knowing Evelyn gave birth to my son, I know why Chadwick wasn¡¯t an alpha wolf. It¡¯s rare for an alpha to have two alpha sons and three was unheard of. Lisa never got pregnant again and I never pushed it. When Wes pulled up in front of the pack house, Chadwick was waiting with his mother. My heart sank. This may be my life but my heart, the part I thought was broken, craved the life I could have had with Evie. I know that makes me a sick son of a b**ch. I love my son and mate but she wasn¡¯t my fated mate. 58.31% 11:59 O < Chapter Sixty-Three ¡°What are you going to tell them?¡± Wes questioned, as I stared at my son and mate. ¡°Nothing and neither are you. No one is to say a word about what happened, only that a few of his warriors areing tomorrow.¡± I ordered. ¡°I may not understand what you are going through but I¡¯m here if you need to talk.¡± I nodded before taking a deep breath. I then got out of the vehicle to greet my family. Chapter 64 Chapter 64 Chapter Sixty-Four Ryley ¡°Now, Miss Evelyn North, how are you feeling?¡± ir asked me. My attention snapped to the former alpha. ¡°North? As in Alpha Evan North?¡± ke eximed. ¡°He was my father,¡± I admitted sadly. He may have been a hard man, but my mother and I were his world. ¡°You changed your name?¡± ke asked me. ¡®Ryley is my middle name and Halliwell was my mother¡¯s maiden name. Did Dorian tell you who I was?¡± ¡°No, those grey eyes of yours gave you away. I suspected you were Evan¡¯s daughter. I knew him from Alpha meetings. I only heard rumors about his businesses. Which is why this pack didn¡¯t get involved with his pack. I didn¡¯t want anything hanging over my head.¡± ir exined. ¡°He wasn¡¯t a bad person. He may have done some awful things but he loved me and my mother. And he cared about his pack.¡± I sighed, wiping my eyes. I wish I was given the chance to turn my pack around. ¡°I don¡¯t understand why he was here. Alpha¡¯s take the summers off from other pack business.¡± ¡°You said it yourself, he was here to ask for my help,¡± ke answered. ¡°I was bluffing. I didn¡¯t know why he was here. For all I knew you two 0.00% ||| O 11:59 Chapter Sixty Four 284 Nowthers were friends.¡± I shrugged. ¡°That may not have been smart, but it was fun to watch,¡± ir chuckled. ¡°And it was fun to do,¡± I smiled. ¡°Ryley, I know it¡¯s been years but did the pack ever have a problem with rogues?¡± ke asked. ¡°Rogues? No, my father would employ them as runners. I don¡¯t think we ever had an attack. They woulde to the borders looking for work. Why? Is that why Dorian was here?¡± ¡°He has lost twenty-five warriors to random rogue attacks. They have only managed to kill one,¡± he exined. ¡°That doesn¡¯t sound right. I may despise the man but I know he is a strong alpha. The attacks must be random. And there were no attacks to the east?¡± ¡°I think we just found our inside man,¡± ir dered. ¡°How did you know that?¡± ke questioned. ¡°The east is where I fell to my almost death. It¡¯s rough even for wolves. Also, random means they can¡¯t predict the next attack. It¡¯s what I would have done.¡± I shrugged. ¡°Your father taught you well, sweet girl,¡± ir praised me. ¡°It was more my mother. My father was the muscles and she was the brains and beauty. That¡¯s what my father always said.¡± I smiled at the memory. My parents had a beautiful love story. My grandfather wasn¡¯t a good man and he would torture my mother. When my father was in their pack with his father for a meeting, he rescued her from him. He 23.23% O 11:59 Chapter Sixty-Fout loved her so much and was willing to start a war over her. The council stepped in since he was iming she was his mate. But his love for her was unmeasurable. He did everything and anything to make her happy. ¡°Too bad ours went to sh*t. I can¡¯t believe you liked that guy,¡± Lily scoffed. ¡°Ours gave us Channing. And maybe a second chance, for an epic love story,¡± I told her, looking at ke. This could be our chance at a happy ending. And since my identity is now known, there is no point in hiding. I covered my yawn. With the events of the day, I was exhausted. ¡°Head up to bed, I¡¯ll wait for Luca,¡± ir told us. ¡°Thanks, Dad. We¡¯ll see you and mom at breakfast.¡± The thought should terrify me, especially after the dinner we had, but I was too exhausted to worry about it now. I hugged ir before ke took my hand, leading me out of the conference room and towards the stairs. Nerves twisted my stomach as I climbed up to the alpha floor. I can¡¯t believe I agreed to this. To me, this was moving too fast. I understand his need to protect me but this was over the top, wasn¡¯t it? I stumbled on a step as my entire body ached. It¡¯s been a while since I had to shift and fight to protect. And then I lost some blood. It¡¯s been one of those days where you just want to curl up under a nket. ¡°ke,¡± I gasped as he took the opportunity to pick me up. ¡°Ryley,¡± he mocked and I huffed. ¡°You¡¯re se*y when you pout,¡± he purred and I pushed my lips into a line. His warmth sank into my body and I melted into him, resting my head on his shoulder. 50.41% ||| ? 11:591 Chapte Sy-four 241 Mathers ¡°I will allow this only because I¡¯m exhausted.¡± I yawned, snuggling my face into his neck. His scent covered me in a nket offort and I found myselfpletely rxed. I felt safe with ke. I knew nothing was going to happen with him by my side. But I also know that I carry a huge burden. One I¡¯m not sure he would be willing to help me carry. ¡°Then in the morning, you will talk to him. If you want this to work, then you need to open up, Ryley. No more holding back. This is not just our future but Channing¡¯s.¡± Lily said. I heard her but I didn¡¯t answer. IProperty ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org. was having a hard time staying awake. This is how I felt sleeping next to Dorian. He had made me feel safe. And now I was going to put my trust and faith into yet another alpha, who has the power to break me. ke would never, I thought as my aches disappeared and I drifted off to sleep snuggled into ke. Chapter 65 Chapter 65 Chapter Sixty-Five Ryley I awoke with a start, sitting up in an unfamiliar bed. My mind was racing trying to remember how I ended up here. I let out a scream when the bed moved beside me. ¡°Ryley, what¡¯s wrong?¡± ke eximed, grabbing my arm before he sat up. ¡°ke, what the hell?¡± I panted, pushing against his naked chest. He fell back with a chuckle as I grabbed my chest. Once my breathing had calmed, I looked down to find myself wearing. one of his shirts. I grumbled, looking over my shoulder to see him watching me with a smirk on his face. He patted his chest. ¡°ke, I,¡± I stammered, feeling nervous. ¡°Lay down. You can tell me everything or nothing. It¡¯s your choice.¡± He patted his chest again. I sighed before lying back down. ke pulled me close as I rested my cheek on his chest. His chest hair was soft as I ran my fingertips through it. ke kissed the top of my head and I smiled. This was how I wanted to wake up every morning. Maybe not the panic scream but next to him. ¡°How are you feeling?¡± He mumbled. ¡°I¡¯m okay. Still tired.¡± I shrugged. ¡°It¡¯s still early, you can get some more sleep before breakfast.¡± He said, ¡® pulling the nket up over my shoulders. 0.00% ||| O 11:59 Chapter Sity from ¡°ke, did you change me?¡± I asked him, thankful I couldn¡¯t see his face. All content ? N/.?vel/Dr/ama.Org. ¡°Yes. I didn¡¯t look, not that it matters. I saw everything after you shifted yesterday.¡± He chuckled. My cheeks heated. I forgot I was naked in front of not only ke but a lot of people. ¡°F*ck,¡± I grumbled. ¡°That¡¯s what I said,¡± he teased. ¡°Never seen a naked woman before?¡± I retorted with a huff. I let out a squeal when ke rolled on top of me, pinning me to the bed with his body. He used his knee to open my legs before settling himself against my core. ¡°ke,¡± I panted. ¡°You are the only woman I want to see naked.¡± He purred, looking down at me. I watched his lips and he watched mine. I¡¯ve never seen this side of ke before. He was being so forward. It was scary and exciting. I closed my eyes as ke lowered his lips to mine. The kiss was gentle, his lips soft against mine. My core heated as he deepened the kiss, licking my bottom lip. I moaned softly as he slid his tongue between my parted lips. My tongue met his and my toes curled. It¡¯s been so long since I felt this way. To feel another¡¯s skin on my body. And to have lips against mine. ke rolled his hips, and I knew he could feel my wetness against the fabric of his boxers. I gasped as his hardened length, slid between my folds, pushing against my swollen c*it. 20.30% ||| J 11:59 Chapter Sixty-five 294 Nouchers ¡°F*ck, baby,¡± ke groaned, kissing my jaw and down my neck. My body was on fire from his touch as he kissed and nipped at my neck, grinding his c*ck into my soaking lower lips. His boxers did nothing to contain the heat of his c*ck. And the anticipation was bing too much for me to handle. The sex haze lifted when ke ran one of his hands up my bare thigh, getting dangerously close to my core. ¡°ke,¡± my nails digging into his shoulders. ¡°You like that, baby,¡± he mumbled against my neck. He lifted his hips so his fingertips could brush against my lips. ¡°ke, I need you to stop,¡± my voice panicked,ing out louder than Vexpected. ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± He shot up, hovering above me. I could see the worry in his eyes and guilt twisted my stomach painfully. ¡°If I did something wrong, you have to tell me.¡± ¡°ke, I need to tell you something,¡± I whispered. He rolled off of me and pulled me against his side again. His breathing was harsh and his heart was racing as Iid my head on his chest again. ¡°I¡¯ve only been with one person, one time.¡± I rushed out, d I didn¡¯t have to look at him. I shouldn¡¯t be embarrassed but I was. I had sex with Dorian one time and conceived Channing. I haven¡¯t been with anyone since. I always had so much to worry about to think about a rtionship. I was broken and I didn¡¯t want to bring anyone into my mess. ¡°Ryley, look at me,¡± ke¡¯s voice was soft. I took a deep breath before sitting up on my elbow to look at him. 42.90% ||| r 11:59 Chapter Sixty Five # 258 Woucher? ¡°Is this moving too fast? Am I moving too fast for you?¡± He asked, caressing my check. ¡°It¡¯s just so much has changed over thest few weeks. And I don¡¯t know what I¡¯m doing when ites to you and me. Us? Thest us, I had didn¡¯t work out so well and I¡¯m scared. I know you said you are here, but you don¡¯t know my story. And as alpha, you are bound by thews of the council. Are you sure this is what you want?¡± I said. ¡°Yes,¡± he said quickly and without any doubt. It warmed my heart to hear that answer but I can¡¯t move forward with him until he knows everything. It wouldn¡¯t be fair to him. He needs to know everything he is getting himself, Aspen, and his pack into. ¡°Let me exin everything and then you can decide.¡± I sat up and crossed my legs beside him, facing him. There was so much I needed to exin but I didn¡¯t know where to start. ¡°I suspect the attack happened because I told my father I was going legit when I became Luna. It was the night before the attack and Dorian¡¯s father was staying at the pack house, visiting my father. He wasn¡¯t in the room but I suspect someone told him. Dorian and I had a n. We were going to be together and merge both packs. I didn¡¯t care if he wasn¡¯t my fated mate, I loved him. I was willing to give him anything and everything and he betrayed me. His pack killed my parents, while my father ordered his beta to take me and run.¡± I stopped to close my eyes and wipe away some tears. ke rolled onto his side and was propped up on his elbow. His hand gently rubbed my leg. ¡°I know you have a past with Alpha Dorian. But that doesn¡¯t change the way I feel about you or the idea of us. I hesitated before not because of my feelings for you but because I was worried about Aspen getting hurt. I know you would never hurt him. I see the love you have for my son, and it makes me love you more.¡± He confessed. 68.06% ||| 11:59 ¡°You love me?¡± 99.76% < Chapter 66 Chapter 66 Chapter Sixty-Six Alpha ke ¡°You love me?¡± Ryley asked, and I immediately started cursing myself for using the ¡®love¡¯ word. If she wanted me to go slow, this was the opposite. ¡°Ryley, you don¡¯t have to say anything. I¡¯m willing to go at whatever speed you need and feel comfortable with. But I want you to know that I want this. I want you and Channing to be a part of my family ¡°I watched as she chewed on her bottom lip. ¡°And you also defended my mate. You understand I have a past and you aren¡¯t trying to erase it. I understand your hesitation. All the what- ifs that have filled your mind. It¡¯s hard when you experience a loss. And if your mate wasn¡¯t such a f*ck up, I wouldn¡¯t have the honor of having you in my bed, wearing my shirt, smelling like me.¡± I told her and she smiled. ¡°I would never want to take away what you had with your fated mate. That was your perfect love story. And I know if she didn¡¯t pass, you and her would still be together. And I would be happy for you both.¡± I sat up on my hand, leaning in, I pressed my lips to her. ¡°I would be happy if things had worked out with your fated mate. No one deserves what he did to you,¡± I mumbled, kissing her nose. ¡°ke is this something you are willing to go to war over? If not with Dorian but with his father. I have more than enough dirt on him. And I¡¯ m sure he knows. Now that he knows I¡¯m alive, I know he will come after me.¡± She sighed, the weight of her past was heavy on her shoulders. 0.00% ||| r 12:00 Chapter Sixty Sta All content ? N/.?vel/Dr/ama.Org. ¡°If what you said about him is true, then I would dly take him out. myself. Drugs and guns are one thing but human trafficking is a higher level of evil. Ryley, you have nothing to worry about. I will protect you and Channing from any threat thates knocking, you have my word.¡± ¡°Can I tell you something? Something only Walter knows because it was the day he met me.¡± She whispered unable to meet my eyes. She yed with her trembling hands that were resting in herp. ¡°You can tell me anything. I would never judge you, baby. I know your life wasn¡¯t easy, but I want to give you everything you will ever need and want.¡± She looked at me, giving me a small smile. ¡°This isn¡¯t a happy story. After the attack, the river took me close to a city. I was sleeping on the streets for a few nights before I was assaulted. I fought him off, but I was just so tired of fighting. So tired of living with everything that had happened. I had no one, not even my wolf.¡± She closed her eyes, taking deep breaths, before she continued. ¡°It had been cold and ice was starting to form on the river. I didn¡¯t see anyone around as it was dark. I walked out onto a bridge overlooking the river. It was snowing and the cold air blew against me. I climbed on the railing,¡± Tears were pouring down her cheeks as she relived that night. I moved up, resting my back against the headboard before pulling her between my legs. Hearing her story broke my heart. She didn¡¯t want to live anymore. This perfect woman and mother was ready to give up on life because of what her fated mate did to her and her pack. ¡°I jumped into the river. Walter was watching me. He had heard the attack and followed me to the bridge. He jumped in after me. I woke up in a hospital three dayster, where I learned I was pregnant. Walter hadn¡¯t left my side. He was in the city visiting awyer after his mate¡¯s death.¡± She snuggled into my chest as I held her tightly. That¡¯s why 29.60% ||| 12:00 she is so close to Walter, he saved her life and Channing¡¯s that night. ¡°After that I always had Walter, he was like the father I had lost.¡± She whispered and I kissed her hair. I wanted to storm into Alpha Dorian¡¯s pack and kill him for making her believe that the only way out was in death. He should have been there for her. ¡°That¡¯s when you knew he was your mate?¡± I asked and she nodded. ¡°And if I didn¡¯t have Walter, I might have given him up for adoption. But when I held him for the first time and my father¡¯s grey eyes were looking back at me, I knew I couldn¡¯t let him go.¡± She confessed. ¡°Ryley, you have nothing to be ashamed of. You were only seventeen. And I will be forever in Walter¡¯s debt for saving you that day. You and Channing deserve everything and more. And look at everything you have done with your life. You may have needed help along the way but who hasn¡¯t.¡± I told her, squeezing her ¡°Thank you,¡± she mumbled. ¡°For what?¡± I lifted her chin so she would look at me. ¡°For listening. I¡¯ve kept that buried for so long, I didn¡¯t realize how much it had been weighing me down. And thank you for protecting me, even when I didn¡¯t know how to ask,¡± she shrugged. ¡°I will also protect you,¡± I promised. ¡°I don¡¯t want to put your pack at risk. I don¡¯t want to be the reason someone dies.¡± She eximed. ¡°We will always protect our own, no matter what. I know joining a pack scares you but I promise it will be worth it. That I¡¯m worth this, and you. I know an alpha hurt you but I promise, I¡¯m not like him. I would never hurt you.¡± 68.72% Chapter 67 Chapter 67 Chapter Sixty-Seven Ryley I thought about everything ke and I discussed while I stood under the hot water pouring out of the shower. ke was showering and getting ready in another room. Saying that story out loud made it real. I know it happened, but in my mind, I could ignore it since no one else knew. I could pretend it was all just a bad dream. But now I was trusting him with it. Trust him with the raw part of me that I wish didn¡¯ t exist. My parents didn¡¯t raise me to be weak. But in that moment I felt nothing but numbness. I didn¡¯t want to live anymore. I didn¡¯t want to keep fighting just to have to fight the next day. I was exhausted. ¡°ke doesn¡¯t see us as weak, Ryley. He sees we were given a terrible situation at a young age. Most wouldn¡¯t have survived that river you fell into, but you managed to live and make it to a city. You wanted to survive. And I¡¯m sorry I wasn¡¯t there for you.¡± She whimpered. ¡°I know, I just don¡¯t want things to change between us. I¡¯m not that person anymore. I may not have known what I was fighting for back then, but I do now. It¡¯s just hard to trust anyone with your fight. ke could backstab me and I would never see iting,¡± I told her. ¡°You don¡¯t truly believe that. ke would never hurt us. He could have told us to leave his pack after our lovely mate decided to attack us, but he didn¡¯t. He also could have when Aspen was put in danger with the Shadow Moon pack. He loves us, and he trusts us with the only thing he has left of his fated mate. That should mean something to you. Him not pushing you, should mean something. He could have got angry when you stopped him this morning but he didn¡¯t. Instead, he 0.00% 12:00 listened to you and held you when you cried. So you need to stop overthinking and looking for a way out because there isn¡¯t any. He¡¯s a good man and you know it.¡± My wolf said, lecturing me. I knew she was right. I had to stopparing ke to my ex. But it¡¯s hard when Dorian was sweet in the beginning. Content is property ? N?velDrama.Org. ¡°I¡¯ll do my best,¡± I told her, as I turned off the water. I needed to get dressed for breakfast and then it¡¯s back to work. I quickly dried and styled my hair before going into the bedroom to get dressed. I didn¡¯t see my bags anywhere, so I walked into the eloset to find my clothes already hanging. I guess this will be our room, I thought with a smile. After I was dressed, anxiety hit me as I gripped the door handle to leave. I was seeing ke¡¯s parents again. And I don¡¯t know how to define our rtionship. But worst of all, what if they don¡¯t approve of me with their son? My heart was pounding in my chest, as I stood there staring at the door. I jumped when a soft knock sounded. ¡°Ryley, is everything okay?¡± ke called out. I took a deep breath before opening the door. ¡°Ready?¡± ¡°Where are the boys?¡± I asked, looking around. ¡°They already went down. They were starving and I was afraid they would start eating the furniture.¡± He chuckled. I rolled my eyes, knowing it was true. ¡°ke, before we go, can I ask you something?¡± ¡°Anything,¡± he answered taking my hands. I looked up into his amber eyes, mesmerized but the swirling colors. 29.55% 12:00 Chapter Sixty Seven ¡°What are we?¡± I blurted out. I smashed my eyes close as my checks heated. ¡°I can see dating is hard,¡± Lily chuckled. ¡°Shut up,¡± I retorted. When my chest hit his I opened my eyes to find him staring down at me, with a smile on his lips. ¡°We are whatever you want us to be,¡± he whispered, resting his forehead against mine. ¡°And what if your parents don¡¯t like me,¡± I struggled. ¡°What? They love you. And if they didn¡¯t, that¡¯s their problem. I th¨¬nk you¡¯re perfect.¡± He leaned down and brushed his lips against mine. His entire body shivered as he gripped onto me. ¡°You have no idea how badly I want you,¡± he groaned. I felt guilty for not being ready. I¡¯m a grown-a*s woman, who isn¡¯t a virgin, I should be ready. People have sex all the time. But this felt different. ¡°It¡¯s okay, Ryley, you let me know when you¡¯re ready,¡± he murmured, kissing my nose. I nodded. ¡°Now, let¡¯s go get some breakfast before our boys eat everything,¡± he said and we both chuckled. He took my hand and led me out of the apartment to the stairs. As we walked down the stairs hand in hand, others were staring and whispering. I could hear them with my Luna hearing, which is better than normal wolves. I knew ke could also hear the whispering of his pack. I know by now everyone has heard about me and Alpha Dorian. This was a reason I avoided packs before. It was hard growing up as an alpha child and being an alpha mate was no different. Always 55.29% ||| O 12:00 Chapter Six 292 Nouchers in the spotlight. When we reached the main floor, ke surprised me by spinning me into him and kissing me in front of several pack members and pack house staff. ¡°Ignore them. They don¡¯t know the truth,¡± he whispered against my lips. After I nodded, he wrapped an arm around my back and led me into the dining room. As soon as we entered, the chatting died and all eyes were on us. ke didn¡¯t pay any attention as he walked me over to the alpha table where the boys were seated with ke¡¯s parents. I wiggled out of ke¡¯s hold to kiss both boys on the cheek before taking my seat between the alpha and his heir. ¡°So, Alpha Dorian is Channing¡¯s father?¡± Elizabeth questioned, before taking a drink. ¡°He¡¯s more of a sperm donor, ma¡¯am,¡± Channing said, saving me. ¡°I see, so you knew?¡± She asked my son. ¡°I did. And I want nothing to do with him.¡± He confessed. ¡°And would that be your doing?¡± She turned her attention to me. ¡°My dear, this isn¡¯t something that should be discussed over breakfast,¡± ir told his mate. ¡°Mom, Ryley¡¯s past is her business. And she doesn¡¯t have to exin it to anyone.¡± Chapter 68 Chapter 68 Chapter Sixty-Eight Alpha ke ¡°ke, I¡¯m just concerned with what kind of pack she came from. We don¡¯t need a scandal.¡± My mother retorted. Both our boys growled before Ryley excused them both. They didn¡¯t need to be involved in this conversation. ¡°Liz, that was uncalled for. The decisions her father made were not hers,¡± my father defended. ¡°I¡¯m just watching out for our son and pack. This could very well start a war. He has every right toe back here and demand her. Her and his son,¡± she eximed. Gunner let out a murderous growl causing the entire room to go deadly silent. Ryley jumped, but I grabbed her hand that was resting on the table, squeezing it. I didn¡¯t mean to scare her. ¥ß ¡°He is marked. He has no right to her or their son. And if he wants a war, he¡¯s got one.¡± I growled, low, not taking my eyes off my mother. I love her but this isn¡¯t her ce. ¡°And you¡¯re okay with others dying so you can be Luna?¡± My mother scoffed, looking at Ryley. She tried to pull her hand from mine, but I held on firmly. ¡°This has nothing to do with being Luna, Luna Orion. I could walk back into my old pack and challenge Dorian for it back. I care about your son and grandson very much.¡± Ryley told her. ¡°If that were true, youngdy, you would stay away from them.¡± She huffed before leaving the table. 0.00% ||| O 12:00 286 Voucher¡¯s ¡°I should get to work.¡± Ryley whispered, standing from her seat. I tugged her over to me. I could see the tears wanting to fall. ¡°I¡¯ll meet you in your office when I¡¯m done,¡± I murmured, caressing her cheek, she nodded before I pecked her lips. As soon as I let go of her hand, she was gone. I let out a sigh before turning my attention back to my father. ¡°What the hell was that?¡±. ¡°Your mother and her gossipy friends. I think she was also talking with Gwen¡¯s mother. Apparently, Gwen is telling everyone how Ryley attacked her when she offered to be her friend and you did nothing to protect her.¡± He exined. My blood started to boil before my father raised a hand. ¡°You and I both saw that recording. And even after yesterday, Ryley could have lied. She could have denied who she was, but she didn¡¯t. She owns her father and her pack. This can put a target on her pack when Alpha Darius Crimson, learns she got away. And she has information about his wrongdoings.¡± He said. ¡°What will you have me do?¡± ¡°As of right now, nothing. There is nothing you can do. But I¡¯d advise you to move her here. If he gets wind of her living in another city, he wille after her. Also, stay on Alpha Dorian¡¯s good side. The attack was nned by his father, not his son. I¡¯ll look into the council and see if I can dig up anything there. I¡¯ll also talk with your mother.¡± He grumbled thatst part and I don¡¯t me him. My mother is a handful on a good day, and today was not a good day. ¡°I¡¯m going to go say my goodbyes to the boys before going to get your mother. I¡¯ll let you know what I find.¡± My father said, before standing up from his seat. He squeezed my shoulder as he walked by me. 23.61% ||| 12:00 Chapter Sixty Eight ¡°And remember ke, if it was easy, it wouldn¡¯t be worth fighting for,¡± and then he was gone. I didn¡¯t have time to think as Luca was in my head. ¡°Ga*ma Connor and his team are ready to leave.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll be right there,¡± I told him, standing from my seat. I didn¡¯t even get a chance to eat. Before leaving the dining room, I asked one of the servers to take up breakfast for two to Ryley¡¯s office. She needs to eat and my mother didn¡¯t give her the chance. ¡°She can¡¯t seriously think we will be with Gwen, can she?¡± Gunner asked as I left the dining room to meet the others outside the front of the pack house. ¡°I¡¯m not sure where her head is at. But she should be able to see how much Aspen loves Ryley. She was all excited until she found out who her mate was. Or maybe it¡¯s who her father was. I don¡¯t know, I¡¯ll have to ask my father.¡± I said. As soon as I walked outside, Connor and Luca stopped talking to stare at me. They didn¡¯t say a word as I approached them. ¡°What?¡± ¡°Nothing. A little bird said there was a pretty little blonde staying on the alpha floor.¡± Luca shrugged. ¡°You wouldn¡¯t know anything about that, now would you, ke?¡± Connor grinned, alongside Luca. ¡°Both of you knock it off, nothing happened.¡± I scoffed. 53.83% ||| 12:00 Chapter Surty Eight ¡°Did you forget how to do it?¡± Luca questioned and I punched him in the arm. ¡°Ouch,¡± he eximed, rubbing the spot. ¡°I know how it works, ds****it. She was resting. She lost a lot of blood yesterday.¡± I told them. I wasn¡¯t going to tell them we made out, half- naked. ¡°Uh huh, anyways, are we still going to Alpha Dorian¡¯s pack?¡± Connor asked. Content is property ? N?velDrama.Org. ¡°Yeah, that¡¯s still the n. I¡¯ll meet you there in a few days to discuss a new/n.¡± I answered. ¡°ke, you are handling this well, considering you are helping her ex- mate and the father of her son,¡± Connor shrugged. ¡°He¡¯s marked,¡± I growled, not liking where this conversation was going. ¡°Yeah, but he still wants her,¡± Connor said. ¡°But she doesn¡¯t want him, ke, you have nothing to worry about.¡± Luca tried to reassure me. ¡°This is also to get some intel on the takeover eighteen years ago. See what you can find out.¡± I ordered. ¡°ke, what are you thinking?¡± Luca questioned. ¡°I think there is more to the takeover than was reported. My father is looking into the council. But in the meantime, I want to have eyes on their pack.¡± I exined. ¡°I¡¯ll ask around and report back. See you in a few days.¡± Connor said 76.10% ||| O 12:00 ???????? 97.27% Chapter Sixty-Eight before hopping into one of the SUVs. I watched with Luca as the three vehicles pulled out of the driveway. This is a chance to get Ryley some answers. J Chapter 69 Chapter 69 Chapter Sixty-Nine Ryley I was finally able to breathe when the door to my office was closed. I leaned back against it, panting trying to push down the panic attack that was bubbling to the surface. ke¡¯s mother was right. If I did care about them I would leave. I wouldn¡¯t put them in danger. ¡°She was wrong about you wanting to be Luna. You were born to be Luna. And this pack would benefit from your leadership.¡± Lily huffed. ¡°Will they? This could get their loved ones killed. I could get killed and then who would Channing have?¡± I cried in despair. The thought of leaving my son with no one twisted my heart painfully. ¡°He would never be alone, Ryley. He has Walter, ke, and Aspen. They would take care of him.¡± She reassured me. But this feeling was overwhelming. I m?de my way over to my desk to start working. I needed to focus my mind elsewhere. Opening up myptop there was an email from Issac. Why wouldn¡¯t he just call me if he needed to speak with me? Especially, since I¡¯ve been trying to get a hold of him. Coward. ¡®Miss Halliwell, Please meet me in my office tomorrow morning at ten am. Mr. Miller¡¯ What the hell is this about? He knows I¡¯m four hours away and he just wants me to drop everything to go back for a meeting. I grumbled in frustration. This was not how I thought I¡¯d spend my morning. Since I 0.00% ||| 12:00 All content ? N/.?vel/Dr/ama.Org. Chapter Sixty-Nine didn¡¯t have my phone, I ced a call to him through myptop but he didn¡¯t answer. I left him another message to call me before ending the call. There was a soft knock on my office door. I sighed before calling out for them to enter. Just then a woman carrying a tray opened the door, I rushed out of my chair to help her. ¡°Thank you, miss,¡± she nodded as she ced it down on the coffee table. ¡°From the alpha,¡± she said before leaving the room. I lifted the top to find breakfast for two or one of our boys. My heart swelled knowing ke sent this up. There was only juice on the tray so I made us both a coffee before sitting down. He didn¡¯t have me waiting long before there was a knock on my door and ke came strolling in. ¡°Just in time. I made coffee.¡± I told him as he sat beside me on the couch. He leaned in, pecking my lips. I couldn¡¯t help but smile. This man had awoken all my butterflies. ¡°I¡¯m sorry for my mother¡¯s behavior.¡± He sighed, resting his forehead against mine. ¡°It¡¯s okay.¡± I brushed it off. ¡°It¡¯s not okay, Ryley. No one has the right to speak to you like that, not even my mother.¡± He said, rubbing his nose against mine. ¡°I understand her worry. If it was Channing, I probably would have acted the same way. She¡¯s just looking out for her son and grandson.¡± I shrugged. ¡°That may be so, but she went about it the wrong way. And I want you 24.62% ||| 12:00 Chapter Sixty Hins to know, I¡¯m on your side. I¡¯ll defend you even from my mother.¡± ¡°Thank you,¡± I whispered. He pecked my lips. ¡°Anything. Now let¡¯s cat.¡± He handed me a te before taking the other one. 286 Vouchers As we ate, I thought about how I was going to bring up the topic about going home. I needed to pack everything up if we were going to be moving here and Issac wanted to meet with me in person. I had a bad feeling about meeting with him. I haven¡¯t been able to get ahold of him or his sister, Isabelle. ¡°ke, I need to head into the office tomorrow morning. My boss has asked me to his office at ten am.¡± I told him. ke stopped chewing and ced his te down before shifting towards me. ¡°Issac asked to see you, in person?¡± He questioned. ¡°I received an email this morning. I¡¯m not sure where my cellphone is but I tried calling him through my laptop and he didn¡¯t answer. I left him a voicemail but I¡¯m sure he won¡¯t get back to me. I¡¯ve been trying to get a hold of him but he¡¯s not calling me back.¡± I exined. ¡°Then we can fly out this evening, pack up your house and leave tomorrow after your meeting,¡± ke said. ¡°You don¡¯t have toe with me. I can leave this afternoon. Pack up some things. Arrange for movers tomorrow after my meeting.¡± I told him and his chest grumbled. ¡°I wille with you and we will fly. I don¡¯t want you driving that far without security. And the person I trust the most with your security is on another assignment. I¡¯ll cancel all my meetings this afternoon and then we will leave. I¡¯ll ask Luca to watch the boys since my parents went home.¡± He told me. 50.08% ||| O 12:00 Chapter Sixty-Nine ¡°ke, that seems like a lot of trouble.¡± He moved my te from myp to the coffee table before wrapping an arm around my shoulders and pulling me to his side. ¡°It¡¯s not too much trouble. I need you to be safe. I can¡¯t let you leave the pack without protection. I promise I will protect you and I will.¡± I grabbed his stubbled cheek before pulling him close. My lips crashed against his. Dare I say the love I feel for this man just grew deeper and stronger? Without breaking the kiss, I climbed into hisp, straddling him. Hisrge hands went up my shirt, leaving tingles in its wake as they moved up my back. I didn¡¯t realize how badly I craved a mate until this moment. I wanted someone to fight by my side. To always have my back and to protect me in my moments of weakness. Always having to be strong, was exhausting. But I know with ke I can let my walls down a little bit. And maybe one day soon, they will come downpletely. ke let out a groan before pulling away. We were both breathing heavily as I rested my forehead against his. ¡°Baby, I have to go, but I¡¯ll see you this afternoon.¡± Chapter 70 Chapter 70 Chapter Seventy Alpha ke I groaned when Luca was in my head reminding me about the meeting this morning. F*ck, I didn¡¯t want to leave Ryley. She just opened up sexually and I wanted to see how far she was willing to take it. But ending it like that was just wrong and my balls ached. I cleaned up the tes while Ryley made me a coffee to go. I¡¯d keep her just for her coffee alone. There was nothing this woman couldn¡¯t do. When it was done, I kissed her onest time before leaving her office and heading down the hallway to mine. I was making a me*tal list of everything I needed to do before we left this afternoon. I entered my office to find Luca pacing. ¡°Finally,¡± he eximed, throwing his hands up. ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± I asked him, cing my mug on the desk. He was about to speak when he sniffed the air. He grinned and began wiggling his eyebrows. ¡°Oh, that¡¯s why you left me to deal with that grumpy old bat. You were having some morning fun,¡± he chuckled. ¡°We ate breakfast in her office.¡± I rified. ¡°That¡¯s what the kids are calling it nowadays?¡± He gave me a pointed look. ¡°We may have kissed,¡± I shrugged and he lifted a brow. ¡°Okay, more like we made out. And I was enjoying it until you popped ||| < 12:01 into my head.¡± I scoffed. ¡°Looks like she is feeling better,¡± he teased. ¡°It was a good morning until my mother decided to confront her at breakfast,¡± I grumbled. ¡°F*ck.¡± He breathed out. ¡°And now Issac has requested a meeting with her in his office at ten am tomorrow. So, you will be in charge of the pack and boys until we get back tomorrow evening. And while I deal with the grumpy old bat, I need you to get the jet ready. And get a moving truck ready. They can meet us at her house so we can start moving everything out.¡± I exined. ¡°Can he not just call her?¡± Luca questioned and I was wondering the same thing. ¡°She told me she has been trying to get a hold of him but he hasn¡¯t responded. The email request came in this more.¡± I told him. ¡°Well, I¡¯ll get started getting everything ready. Mr. Grumpy is waiting in the conference room for you.¡± He informed me. ¡°I¡¯m going but cancel the rest of my meetings.¡± He gave me a nod before leaving my office. I grumbled to myself as I took my coffee and headed to the conference room. This was going to make for an even longer morning. I couldn¡¯t wait to leave the conference room after the meeting was finally over. Some people don¡¯t like change. And when you are running a business, you have to be willing to do so for your business to seed. That¡¯s the biggest challenge when dealing with older generations. Trying to convince them to upgrade. Chapter Seventy 288 (Vouchers ¡°Done?¡± Luca asked through the link. ¡°Finally,¡± I exasperated. ¡°Good. Get Ryley and go pack a bag. The jet is waiting. I also had a moving truck and warriors already on their way. They should be arriving when you are.¡± He exined. ¡°Thanks, man, I appreciate it,¡± I told him. ¡°And I already talked to the boys. I¡¯m going to station a few warriors on the alpha floor. They feel they can handle themselves since they have their wolves.¡± ¡°Of course they do. Fine, the warriors will do. I don¡¯t think the alpha would be stu*id enough to storm my pack looking for his son. But I do think his father would hunt down Ryley.¡± I said. ¡°That¡¯s why I sent warriors and not movers. This way you both have a backup if anything were to happen.¡± He told me. ¡°You might need a raise,¡± I chuckled. He was always thinking of everything. ¡°I would never turn one down. Have fun. He ended the link and I made my way to Ryley¡¯s office. I knocked quickly before entering, finding her behind her desk, typing away on herptop. I watched as she was deep in thought about something. She must not have heard me knock or enter the room. I took a seat in front of her desk, watching her concentrate. ¡°ke,¡± she gasped, noticing me. ¡°I may have to get a chime for the door,¡± I teased. Chapter Seventy ¡°Or you could knock louder.¡± She retorted. ¡°Come on, we have to go pack a bag and get to the airport,¡± I told her standing from my seat. ¡°But I need to finish this,¡± she protested. ¡°It will still be there when we get back tomorrow,¡± I assured her. ¡°Fine,¡± she grumbled, closing herptop. She stood up from her chair before picking it up. I took it from her before taking her hand and leading her out of the office. I locked the door behind us before walking hand in hand to the alpha floor. Pack members were whispering as we walked by but I ignored them. When Ryley is ready, I¡¯ll make an announcement to the pack exining what happened. But until then, they will just have to gossip. Ryley let out a breath only after the door to our apartment was closed behind us. ¡°You would think I would still be used to all of that,¡± she sighed I ced herptop down before pulling her into my arms. ¡°When you are ready to make an announcement, I¡¯ll exin everything to the pack,¡± I told her and her breathing hitched. ¡°Only when you are ready. There is no pressure.¡± I reassured her, hugging her tightly. All content ? N/.?vel/Dr/ama.Org. ¡°Thank you,¡± she whispered as she buried her face into my chest. ¡°Anything, baby. Now let¡¯s get ready. We have a flight to catch.¡± Chapter 71 Chapter 71 Chapter Seventy-One Ryley Pulling up in front of the first house I purchased was bittersweet. It felt like a lifetime since we lived here and now it doesn¡¯t feel like home anymore. ke parked on the street in front as there was a moving truck parked in the driveway. Stepping out of the vehicle the hot summer air heated my already warm skin. Since being on the ne, I¡¯ve been feeling warmer than usual. Even having the cool air blowing didn¡¯t help. ¡°Baby, are you okay?¡± ke asked, walking around the SUV. He wrapped an arm around my waist, pulling me close. ¡°Yeah,¡± I breathed out. ke and I walked up to the house together. He stopped to talk to the group of pack members who were going to be helping me clean out the house. I walked up the steps and unlocked the door. Walking in, I immediately turned on the air conditioner. It was warm and stuffy in here and I was already sweating. I walked into the living room, taking in everything I had worked so hard for. All the blood, sweat, and tears that went into buying and furnishing this home for me and Channing. And now I was selling. Would ke want to buy a house with me? Or does he have to live in the pack house? Maybe we can build something close by. I feel like I should sell everything with the house. It¡¯s not like I¡¯m going to need any of it. Or maybe I¡¯ll donate it to a family in need. ¡°Ryley?¡± ke called out. 0.00% 12:01 O < Chapter Seventy-One ¡°In here,¡± I answered. He walked into the living room. ¡°This ce is beautiful,¡± he smiled, looking around. ¡°Thanks.¡± ¡°Where would you like to start?¡± He asked. ¡°All the frames can be packed away for the pack house. Everything else down here can be loaded and donated to a family or families in need. And we can pack up the rooms.¡± I exined. He reached out, taking my hand, and pulling me against his chest. ¡°That¡¯s selfless of you,¡± he smiled. ¡°I figured I don¡¯t need any of it. And I¡¯m sure some people could use the help. Just like I did.¡± I.shrugged, thinking it was no big deal. He crushed his lips to mine, igniting my body in a way I¡¯ve never felt before. ¡°Excuse me, Alpha ke,¡± a man cleared his throat. ke growled before pulling away, resting his forehead against mine. ¡°I¡¯ll be right back,¡± he grumbled, squeezing my hips. ¡°And I¡¯ll be here,¡± I chuckled. He pecked my lips before leaving with the man. I watched him leave before I started to gather the frames off the walls andy them on the couch. Taking the memories off the walls had tears in my eyes as I remembered each one. There was one where Channing was six years old and it was his first year of hockey. My father loved hockey and he taught me at a young age. Channing followed in our footsteps. I know my father would be proud of him. 25.69% 12:01 Chapter Severity One 288 (Vouchers The next one was of Channing, who was two years old, Walter and I at my graduation. Channing wasAll content ? N/.?vel/Dr/ama.Org. wearing my cap. It was such a proud moment for me. I was finally going to be able to give Channing the life he deserved. I held back a s*b when I picked up the frame holding the photo Walter took of me holding Channing in the hospital. I had tears in my eyes as I looked down at the baby boy who gave me a reason to live. A growl sounded behind me, startling me. When I turned, I found the same man from earlier who called ke away. I quickly wiped my tears away. ¡°Do you need anything?¡± I asked when he didn¡¯t say anything. He just stared at me. His eyes grew dark. ¡°Run!¡± Lily yelled but it was toote. The man had me pinned up against the wall. I heard the frame shatter as it hit the floor. I was fighting with everything I had but he twisted me, pinning my front to the wall. He grabbed my wrists pinning them above my head as I fought to get him off me. His touch burned my skin likeva and I let out a scream. His chest rumbled against my back, as he sniffed my neck. ¡°You smell so good,¡± he purred before licking up my neck. Tears streamed down my cheeks as I tried to pull my hands from his grip. He was strong and I never felt so weak in my life. A growl shook the window before the weight of his body was gone and I found myself on the floor. I stumbled as I tried to get up, in anticipation of another attack. I leaned against the wall when I saw ke punch the man in the face knocking him out. Or maybe he was dead, I didn¡¯t know or care. I screamed when ke¡¯s body covered mine. His chest pressed up 50.12% 12:01 Chapter Seventy-One against mine. His nostrils red as his eyes kept changing. He was fighting with his wolf for control. ¡°John, get in here,¡± ke yelled and my body started to tremble. ¡°Alpha, what the hell happened?¡± I heard someone exim. ¡°Pick up Percy and get the men out of the house now,¡± he demanded, his eyes never leaving mine. I could see him fighting with his wolf, as his body shook. I had no idea what was going on or why one of his men would attack me. I heard people moving around before the front door mmed. I let out a moan when ke grabbed my wrists, pinning them above my head. His touch had my entire body tingling with the need for his touch. My core ached as I arched my back pushing my breasts against his chest. ¡°ke,¡± my gasp turned into a moan when he buried his face into my neck, his lips brushing against my flushed skin. ¡°F*ck, Ryley,¡± he groaned, letting go of my wrists, he grabbed hold of my hips. ¡°ke, why would one of your men attack me?¡± I asked in a moment of rity. He pulled his face from my neck to look at me. ¡°He was unmated and you¡¯re in heat. Chapter 72 Chapter 72 Chapter Seventy-Two Ryley ¡°Heat? I don¡¯t understand, how can I be in heat?¡± I stammered. ke grabbed my a*s, lifting me and I wrapped my legs around his waist. ¡°ke,¡± I moan as he buries his face into my neck again. Everything was a blur as he sucked and nipped along my neck and shoulder. I let out a yip when ke dropped me on my bed. I didn¡¯t even realize he had walked us up here. I licked my lips when ke removed his shirt. His hard, defined muscles on disy for me. ¡°I know you want to wait but I don¡¯t think I can hold back,¡± he said, and I knew he was struggling. His wolf wanted control but ke was respecting my wishes. ¡°Then don¡¯t hold back,¡± I told him, biting my lip. He moved towards me before he stopped himself. ¡°Ryley I don¡¯t want to make you do anything you aren¡¯t ready for.¡± Instead of answering, I sat up on the bed and pulled him closer by his belt. I kissed along the band of his jeans. He shivered before goosebumps covered his body. I smiled against his skin, loving the effect I had on him. He gripped me by my hair before pulling my head back to look up at him. I pouted my lips. ¡°This is for you,¡± he smirked, leaning down he pulled my shirt over my head. He crashed his lips to mine forcing me back onto the bed. ¡°ke,¡± I whined when his lips moved down my jaw and he chuckled. 0.00% 12:02 Chapter Seventy-Two ¡°Don¡¯t you want to pop my cherry?¡± His head snapped up and his mouth hung open. I couldn¡¯t help but giggle. ¡°You¡¯ve never?¡± He stammered kneeling on the floor between my legs. ¡°Had a di*k in my mouth? No. Yours would be the first,¡± I smirked. He climbed up my body, leaving open-mouth kisses in his wake until he was hovering, looking down at me. ¡°And only,¡± he growled. His possessiveness sent a shiver down my spine. I relished in the thought of only being his. With my hands on his cheeks, I pulled him down, crushing my lips to his. His palm kneaded a bra- covered breast, causing him to swallow my moans. He thrusted his tongue into my mouth and when his tongue touched mine, my body shivered. Tingles covered my body and the need for him to touch me grew. We were both panting when ke pulled his lips from mine. ¡°Say it,¡± he demanded. ¡°Only you,¡± I breathed out. His eyes searched mine for a moment before he climbed off the bed and me. He stood up on the floor between my legs. I wasted no time sitting up and grabbing onto his belt. I think I was more excited than he was. While I busied myself with his belt, he leaned over me and undid my bra, freeing my breasts. After I pulled off his belt, I made work of the button and then the zipper. I slid the jeans down before gently biting his hard shaft through his boxers. I was careful not to use my teeth. ¡°F*ck, baby,¡± ke groaned, grabbing the back of my head. I smirked, before lowering his boxers. His c*ck sprung free and my tongue darted out to lick the tip. ke groaned and my panties were soaked against my throbbing p*ssy. Maybe it was the heat but his c*m on my tongue 24.44% 12:02 Chapter Seventy-Two 288 (Vouchers ignited this need to please him. I licked around the tip before taking the swollen head into my mouth. The sounds ke was making, made me want to take him deeper. To suck harder. I looked up at him through my eyshes and he was watching me. I stared at him, begging silently he would fill my mouth. I moved my hand with the rhythm of my mouth and I could feel him getting harder. ¡°I¡¯m going to c*m, baby,¡± he groaned before hot c*m filled my mouth causing me to moan around him. I kept going, making sure I licked it all before letting go. ke was left breathless as I kissed my way up his abs until I was standing, kissing his neck. ¡°F*ck, Ryley,¡± he breathed out. ¡°Good?¡± I mumbled against his neck. He gripped my hair, pulling me back to look at him. ¡°You are only allowed to do that to me.¡± He growled. ¡°Yes, alpha,¡± I purred, running my fingers over his abs and up his chest. His lips took hold of mine before he kissed his way down my body, kicking off his pants in the process. ¡°ke,¡± I gasped when his mouthtched around one of my nipples. His hand kneading my other breast. He kneeled on the floor between my legs as I sat down on the edge of the bed. His mouth never left my nipples. One at a time, he sucked and nipped before pushing me back onto the bed. I watched as ke kissed down my stomach, licking just under the waistband of my leggings. I wiggled my hips, trying to draw his attention to my aching core. I needed relief only he could give me. 54.72% 12:02 Chapter Seventy-Two 288 @louders He chuckled, kissing my covered mound. I rolled my hips, burying his face between my legs. ¡°Someone¡¯s impatient,¡± he smirked, sitting up. ¡°Maybe, but I may also spontaneouslybust if you don¡¯t touch me,¡± I huffed, frustrated. ¡°F*ck, I love it when you pout,¡± he purred before pulling down my leggings. I lifted my hips to assist him in pulling them down my bum. As soon as they were off, ke squeezed my thighs, looking at my exposed body. I should have been shy, I had stretch marks and my body wasn¡¯t perfect but his touch had me in a haze. The anticipation of his tongue against my cl*t had me uncaring of my imperfections. My gasps turned into moans as his lips touched my inner thigh. My body trembled under his touch as a tingle shot through my body. I¡¯d never experienced a heat before and I didn¡¯t know if this was normal, but I never wanted him to stop touching me. If this was the first day of the rest of my life with him, I was ready. I was ready to only be his.All content ? N/.?vel/Dr/ama.Org. Chapter 73 Chapter 73 Chapter Seventy-Three Alpha ke As soon as I removed Ryley¡¯s pants, her scent hit me stronger than before. The scent of her heat was even more intoxicated than her normal scent and I was fighting for control. My wolf wanted to mate and mark her this instant but I knew that would be moving too fast for her. I was all for having Ryley forever. And then she sucked me off and it was perfect. She was perfect. And this/moment feels surreal as I stare up at herpletely bare to me. I kissed up her thigh, enjoying the way her body trembled under my touch. Her scent and moans had me hard as stone again. I could never get enough of her. I was affected by her just as much as I¡¯m affecting her now. ¡°ke,¡± she begged, breathless. I smirked against her thigh before licking a line to her low lips. She gasped and moaned as I blew on her swollen sex. As soon as my tongue licked between her lips, her body shook with pleasure. As I licked, I inserted a finger inside her. She was tight, and I knew I wasn¡¯t going tost long when I was finally able to bury myself deep inside her. And there was something about being her first blow j*b, that made me even more possessive. In eighteen years, she hasn¡¯t entrusted anyone with her body but me. And I wanted to keep it that way. I pushed in another finger as I sucked on her cl*t, she screamed out just as her p**sy mped around my fingers. Her nails dug into my scalp, but I ignored the pain as I licked up everything she gave me. 0.00% 12:02 Chapter Seventy-Three 288 (Vouchers ¡°F*ck, ke,¡± she panted as I kissed my way up her body. She gasped as I took a nipple into my mouth, sucking and nipping before moving on to the other one. Ryley ran her fingers through my hair as I kissed my way up her chest. Her heart was pounding in her chest, her breathing erratic as she tried to catch her breath. ¡°Good, baby?¡± I mumbled against her neck, as I kissed my way up to her lips. ¡°If I were to die right now, I would die happy,¡± she chuckled. I hovered above her, smiling. Sharing this raw moment with Ryley had, my heart fluttering in ways I haven¡¯t felt in a very long time and I never wanted it to stop. With an arm under her waist, I left her up on the bed until her head was resting on a pillow. She surprised me when she pressed her lips to mine, wrapping her legs around my waist. I groaned alongside her when my c**k rubbed between her wet folds. I ground into her and she gasped. ¡°Do you still want this?¡± I asked. ¡°Please, don¡¯t stop ke,¡± she moaned, looking up at me. I gazed into her eyes, searching for any uncertainty, but I didn¡¯t see any. I crushed my lips to hers, before reaching between us to position myself at her entrance. Her moans and gasps filled my mouth as my tongue yed with hers before I slowly pushed into her confinement. Even being wet, she squeezed against me, making it hard for me to push into her. I didn¡¯t want to hurt her. She pulled away before taking a hold of my cheeks. She was breathing heavily as I looked down at her. ¡°ke, stop holding back,¡± she demanded. I hesitated before I bottomed out and Ryley let out a scream. I stilled, panicked I hurt her. 28.09% 12:02 Chapter Seventy-Three 288 iVouchers ¡°Don¡¯t you dare stop,¡± she breathed out before I could say anything. She pulled me down against her, digging her nails into my shoulders as I pulled almost out to m back in. Everything about this moment was perfect and I had to focus my mind on something else or I was going to c*m and mark her. And Ryley wasn¡¯t there yet, and I was going to make sure she came before I did. But with her moans and heat, she was making it difficult. Thrust after thrust I could feel her moving closer to the edge, Her body was trembling and her moans turned into screams as her pu**y squeezed my c**k. I groaned as she tumbled over the edge. A few more thrusts and I joined her in sweet blessing and I released deep inside her. We were both left breathless as I copsed on top of her, I rolled, taking her with me. I didn¡¯t want to lose the contact of our bodies just yet. She rested her head on my chest as she fought to catch her breath. I rubbed her back as sheid on top of me. It wasn¡¯t long until her breathing had evened out and she was asleep. I leaned down to get the nket folded at the end of the bed before covering her up. I kissed her! head as I looked up at the ceiling. ¡°That was fun and unexpected.¡± Gunner chimed in. ¡°What the hell happened? I¡¯ve never heard of a female going into heat without being marked,¡± I asked him and he just shrugged. I was going to have to ask a doctor when we got back to the pack. ¡°John?¡± I mind-linked. ¡°Alpha,¡± he answered through the link. ¡°Only the mated wolves are allowed in the house. Just move everything on the main floor out. I¡¯ll pack the upper floor with Ryley.¡± I told him. ¡°Yes, sir.¡± He answered before I closed the link. I could hear him barking orders outside before the front door opened. I knew Ryley was 58.86% 12:02 safe with me here with her. ¡°And it would seem her heat isn¡¯t as strong now,¡± Gunner said. ¡°This is so strange,¡± I told him. ¡°But worth it.¡± He snickered. I rolled my eyes before snuggling Ryley closer. I closed my eyes, enjoying the feel of our bodies tangled together after a moment of love and passion. This is something I was going to wake up to every morning, and hopefully, that¡¯s what she wants as well.All content ? N/.?vel/Dr/ama.Org. Chapter 74 Chapter 74 Chapter Seventy-Four Ryley A feeling of familiarity hit me as I woke from my sleep. Iy there, thinking about everything that had happened between ke and me. I¡¯ m still confused as to why I went into heat. And I would ask Lily but she is sound asleep, snoring in my mind. I did all the work and she gets to sleep in. And now I have to pack up the house and meet with Issac. I had a sinking feeling that whatever he had to tell me was bad news. Why ask me back if it was good news? A bang had me sitting up. Looking around the room nothing seemed out of ce. ¡°ke?¡± I called out, worried I was still in heat and it was one of the unmated wolves that came with the movers. I let out a breath when ke entered the room. ¡°I didn¡¯t mean to wake you, something fell.¡± He said,ing over to me. ¡°I was already awake. Just making sure it was you and no one else,¡± I shrugged. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, your scent is back to normal.¡± He assured me, cupping my cheeks, he kissed me. I smile against his lips, still drunk onst night. ¡°How was your sleep?¡± He asked, resting his forehead against mine. ¡°It was restful. Lily is still sleeping.¡± I told him and he chuckled. ¡°She¡¯ll probably be out for a while.¡± 0.00% O 12:02 285 ivouchers ¡°Do you know why I went into heat?¡± I asked him. I¡¯m hoping he¡¯d know more since he had Maya. ¡°I don¡¯t know and neither does Gunner. I¡¯m just d I was here.¡± He sighed. ¡°I was in heat but I was in control of my actions. And when the other wolf touched me, his touch burnedProperty ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org. my skin, painfully.¡± I confessed. ¡°Wait, that doesn¡¯t sound right. My touch didn¡¯t do that did it?¡± He looked at me concerned. And I shook my head. ¡°I was trying to get away from him when you ripped him off of me. Lily even warned me before he attacked. I had been feeling a little warmer than usual but to be fair, I¡¯ve never been in heat.¡± I exined. ¡°You never having a heat makes sense, you are unmarked and your wolf never identified her mate. I just don¡¯t understand the rest of this. In heat, a female is consumed by lust, but you said you felt in control.¡± He pondered. ¡°I was in control until you touched me. Then it was mostly. I knew what I was doing but I didn¡¯t want you to stop. My mom never exined a heat outside of a marked couple. And I just figured I¡¯d never experience one since I¡¯m unmarked and my mate has marked another.¡± I sighed. And my tummy grumbled. ¡°We can talk to a doctor when we get back to the pack today. But right now, I should probably feed you.¡± He chuckled. ¡°Did I earn breakfast in bed?¡± I teased with a smirk. ¡°You earn more than that but you need to get ready for your meeting with Issac.¡± He purred, leaning in he kissed my cheek, which led to him kissing down my neck. My gasps turned to moans as he marked my skin. The sensation wasn¡¯t as strong as it was yesterday but it didn¡¯t 22.69% ||| O 12:02 289 Voucherg stop the heat from pooling in my lower belly. ¡°F*ck, I want you,¡± he groaned into my neck, gripping my thighs. ¡°You could always keep mepany in the shower.¡± I purred, gripping his shoulders. My stomach twisted as I waited for him to answer. I¡¯m not sure why he was hesitating but it had me nervous. He pulled back, and I was about to brush it off until he spoke. ¡°F*ck it, Issac can wait,¡± he blurted before his lips crushed to mine. He ripped the nket that covered my naked flesh before picking me up. With my arms and legs wrapped around him and his lips on mine, he walked us to the bathroom. He sat me on the counter by the sink before he turned on the shower. I watched as he stripped off his clothes, and with every move of his muscles, I found myself falling deeper into a haze. His body was perfect, hard, and perfectly sculpted. ¡°F*ck, I love it when you look at me like that,¡± his voice husky as he wrapped me in his arms again. His c*ck pushed between my wet folds, causing me to throw my head back and a moan escaped my lips. I wrapped my legs around him as he sucked on my neck and shoulder. With his hands covering my a*s, he lifted me, carrying me into the shower. He closed the curtain behind us before pushing me up against the tiled wall. ¡°ke,¡± I gasped as his tip rubbed against my cl*t, causing me to shiver under the heat of the water. I moved my hips until I felt him at my entrance. Groans and moans filled the bathroom as he thrusts deep inside me, hitting this spot of pure bliss. ¡°You okay?¡± ke stopped to ask me. I was more than okay and all I could do was nod. 52.88% ||| 12:02 283 (Vouchers His movements started slow and I was enjoying the feel of him hitting every pleasure nerve I didn¡¯t know I had. He brought my or**sm to a new high and I never wanted toe down. His thrusts became more demanding, bringing me to the brink faster. My nails dug painfully into his shoulders, as I took everything he was giving me. Our sounds echoed around the room as they grew louder. Before I could scream out, ke captured my lips, swallowing my moans. My release shot through me, and my skin tingled. My limbs became numb as my c*it became over-sensitive. I swallow ke¡¯s groans and grunts as his rhythm bes erratic and he releases deep inside me. Pulling his lips from mine, we were both breathless. ¡°F*ck, you feel so good, baby,¡± he breathed out. ¡°This was worth beingte,¡± I chuckled. ¡°I¡¯m sure we can keep him waiting a little longer.¡± He purred before his lips crushed against mine again. Chapter 75 Chapter 75 Chapter Seventy-Five Ryley ke and I walked off the elevator at precisely ten a.m. Isaac was standing by the front desk, his foot tapping away. When he saw me, he frowned until he looked to my left to see ke. I told ke that even though he¡¯s technically not my boss, it could be frowned upon if we walk into the office hand in hand. I didn¡¯t know how to define our rtionship and I also wasn¡¯t ready to exin it to others. ¡°Mr. Orion, I didn¡¯t expect to see you!¡± Isaac greeted him, with a handshake. ¡°I had some business in the city and we flew out together.¡± He said. ¡°Miss Halliwell, wait in my office for our meeting,¡± he told me. And I nodded. ¡°ke, you can wait in my office, if you¡¯d like, I shouldn¡¯t be too long,¡± I told him. ¡°I¡¯ll show him, go wait in my office,¡± Issac ordered. ke¡¯s chest rumbled, as he red at my boss. ¡°Of course,¡± I nodded before walking off to Isaac¡¯s office. I thought he was acting weird but maybe he was under stress from another ount. The Orion ount was one of the firm¡¯s most significant, but I think I¡¯ m doing a good job handling it. I¡¯m even ahead of schedule. I walked into his office and took a seat in front of his desk. I was trying to figure out my finances when Isaac walked into his office, I had this sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach. Something happened, bad 0.00% 12:02 ||| O < All content ? N/.?vel/Dr/ama.Org. 17 enough to where he wanted to speak to me in person. He took a seat and let out a sigh. ¡°Ryley, I want you to know, this is not something I enjoy. You are a wonderful asset to this firm. My father gave you a chance and it paid off.¡± He said. ¡°Then why did you call me into your office instead of just returning my phone calls?¡± I asked him.. ¡°As you know, there was an opening for a partner,¡± he started. ¡°And by the look on your face, I didn¡¯t get it,¡± I finished. He shook his head and sighed. ¡°The position went to Dennis,¡± he said. ¡°Dennis?¡± I eximed, taken aback by what he just said. ¡°It was a board decision, Ryley.¡± He exined. ¡°My clients bring in more money for this firm than any other ountant and you passed me over to make Dennis partner?¡± ¡°Ryley, this wasn¡¯t personal,¡± he said and I scoffed. ¡°It sure feels personal, Isaac. I¡¯ve done everything you have asked and more but you passed me over for someone who makes this firm less.¡± ¡°The board voted,¡± he shrugged. ¡°And who did you vote for?¡± I questioned. ¡°The board argued that you were too young and less likely to take on more responsibilities with being a single mom and I agreed with them. It¡¯s not because you aren¡¯t a hard worker, it¡¯s about who will put the 25.85% ||| J 12:02 11 288 Nouchers company first.¡± He defended. ¡°Then you made a good choice, Mr. Miller. And this will be my resignation. I don¡¯t need to work for a company that doesn¡¯t value me or my dedication to my family.¡± I told him, standing up from the chair. ¡°Ryley, don¡¯t. Please.¡± He begged. ¡°Goin to your board. I¡¯m going to clean out my office. And I¡¯ll be gone in twenty. It¡¯s been a pleasure.¡± I left his office with my head held high. If he wanted me to put this firm before Channing,,he was delusional. My family will alwayse first, and that¡¯s not a weakness. I walked into my office with Isaac on my heels. I ignored him as I grabbed a box to pack up my belongings. ¡°Ryley, what are you doing?¡± ke asked, he was sitting in a chair in front of my desk. ¡°Please, Ryley, can you at least stay to finish off the Orion ount?¡± ¡°Isaac leave, now,¡± ke growled. I turned around, collecting my things as they battled it out. I knew my worth and I wasn¡¯t going to change my mind. I heard my office door m before ke¡¯s arms wrapped around my waist from behind. He rested his head on my shoulder as he pulled me against his chest. ¡°I quit, ke. They past me over for the promotion because I wouldn¡¯t put this firm above my son.¡± I sighed, resting my arms on top of his. ¡°Then I guess the Orion pack will cancel its contract. And hire you directly.¡± He said. I turned in his arms so I could look at him. 49.75% < 12:02 Chapter Seventy-Five 233 Voucherg ¡°And the pack would lose money in ending the contract early,¡± I told him and he shrugged. ¡°Money well spent.¡± ¡°But then you would be my boss, so I would have to stop sleeping with you,¡± I purred, pecking his lips. He gripped the back of my neck before I could pull away from him. ¡°That¡¯s a requirement.¡± He growled. ¡°Do you offer that to all your employees, Alpha Orion,¡± I giggled, running my hands up his chest. ¡°Only to you, baby,¡± he purred before he crushed his lips to mine. If we weren¡¯t in my former office, I would rip off his clothes. F*ck, this man had me acting like a h**ny teenager and I couldn¡¯t get enough of him. ke picked me up and sat me down on top of my desk, pushing himself between my legs. ¡°ke,¡± I breathed out, as he kissed my jaw to my neck. ¡°I told him I¡¯d be gone in twenty.¡± He grumbled before pulling back. ¡°Fine, you pack and I¡¯ll be back, I have a contract to terminate.¡± He pecked my lips and helped me off my desk before he left to speak with Isaac. I smirked to myself as I filled the box with my things. The board wasn¡¯t going to be happy and my pity self was relishing in the thought of Isaac having to inform them of how he lost the Orion case. Chapter 76 Chapter 76 Chapter Seventy-Six Alpha ke I was ready to punch Isaac in the face for the way he was speaking to Ryley. He demanded this meeting, ignored her calls, and then acted like an unappreciated jac**ss. He was more interested in talking with me than his employee. When Ryley came storming into her office I knew something was wrong. And he followed her in begging for her to finish my ount. Little did he know my ount was tied to Ryley. If she didn¡¯t work it, I¡¯d cancel it with this firm and hire her directly. While Ryley was packing up her office, I left to find Isaac. I find him sitting in his office. I didn¡¯t bother to knock. ¡°Isaac, I think you and I need to have a chat,¡± I told him, walking up to his desk. ¡°ke, this isn¡¯t a good time.¡± He said, looking at his phone. ¡°This won¡¯t take up too much of your time. With Ryley no longer working for this firm, the Orion enterprise will no longer be needing its services.¡± I told him. ¡°That¡¯s not necessary, I can have someone else out there early next week to finish the work. There is no need to pull out of the contract.¡± He eximed, standing from his seat. ¡°It¡¯s nothing personal, Isaac. I found someone I like to work with and I will continue to do so. My lawyers will contact you.¡± I left his office, feeling good about my decision to back Ryley. Even if we weren¡¯t J 12.03 Chapter Seventy Sir together. I would still hire her as our full-time forensic ountant. She¡¯s done an amazing job and she should be paid ordingly. And I know she¡¯s worth more than this firm is paying her. Content is property ? N?velDrama.Org. I smiled seeing Ryley standing outside her former office with a box in her hands. There was officially no reason for her ever toe back here. She was selling her house and will be working with me. ¡°Now hopefully, she doesn¡¯t get sick of you,¡± Gunner scoffed. ¡°I¡¯m a delight, asshole,¡± I retorted. ¡°Ready?¡± I as**d h*r, taking the box. ¡°Ready,¡± she answered with a smile. We walked to the elevator and she pushed the button.. It wasn¡¯t until we were in the elevator on our way down to the lobby did I ask her how she was feeling. I knew this was going to be hard for her since she has been working here since she got her degree. ¡°I¡¯m okay, ke, I¡¯m ready for my next adventure. Maybe I¡¯ll start a firm and employ mothers like me. Ones who need help and support. I¡¯ m not looking to get rich, I just want to be happy.¡± She looked at me and smiled. I ced the small box under my arm before pulling Ryley to my side and kissing her temple. ¡°That sounds like a great n, baby,¡± I mumbled, smiling against her skin. I haven¡¯t been this happy since before I lost Maya and I never wanted to lose my happiness again. Nothing was going to stand in the way of me being with Ryley. I pulled up in front of the house and the men were just finishing moving thest of the furniture out of the house. Ryley still had some packing in her room to do before we could leave. I had the ne on standby, so we could leave when she was finished. 24.93% r 12:02 Chuck Seventy Sirv 1 ¡°ke, can you put that box in the truck and I¡¯ll start packing up my room? I should be done soon if you keep your hands to yourself,¡± She gave me a pointed look before leaning over the console, and pecking my lips. ¡°That¡¯s not fair,¡± I pouted and she giggled. ¡°I¡¯m sure you canst a couple of hours,¡± she smiled, getting out of the SUV. I watched her walk away swaying her hips in her tight ck pants, and f*ck, was she s*xy. I knew she was doing it on purpose and she was going to pay for thatter. I readjusted myself before getting out and grabbing the box of her things from the office. I didn¡¯t notice the frame on top, with a picture of her and Channing. Channing was in his hockey gear and Ryley was wearing one of his jerseys. They both looked so happy, he must have just won. ¡°And now you and Aspen will be a part of her new photos on her desk,¡± Gunner purred, his tail thumping in my head. ¡°Maybe, but you should probably meet Lily, and see if you like her,¡± I told him. ¡°She¡¯s beautiful, I know I¡¯ll like her.¡± He smugly puffed out his chest. I shook my head as I walked over to the moving truck. ¡°How did the meeting go?¡± John, one warrior asked. ¡°Their loss was our gain,¡± I told him, handing him the box. ¡°Good, you deserve to be happy, Alpha,¡± he said, taking the box. I headed into the house and up the stairs to find Ryley going through her closet. I leaned against the frame of the door watching as she swayed her hips and hummed a tune as she worked. I could get used to this sight every day for the rest of my life. 55.16% ||| 12:03 < $3.91% Chapter Seventy Sic 1:286 Youchers My phone rang and it startled me. Ryley turned around and gave me a pointed look. I just smirked as I pulled out my phone to see Luca¡¯s name on the screen. ¡°I¡¯ll be back up to help,¡± I told her before turning around to leave. ¡°Take your time,¡± she called out. ¡°Luca, is everything okay?¡± I answered the phone, making my way down the stairs. ¡°Well, Isaac called me freaking out about how Ryley quit and his firm.¡± He eximed and I chuckled. you fired ¡°Yeah, can you get thewyers to end the contract and pay the fee? Ryley is going to be starting her own firm, but in the meantime, she will work for the pack.¡± I exp**ined. ¡°What the hell happened?¡± He questioned. ¡°They passed her over for a promotion and she quit on the spot. And packs protect their own.¡± I answered and I could already imagine his smug a*s grin. ¡°Oh, so she¡¯s pack now?¡± ¡°I¡¯m working on it.¡± = O 12:03 Chapter 77 Chapter 77 Chapter Seventy-Seven Ryley I let out a squeal as ke snuck back into my room and picked me up twas from behind. I trying to go through my clothes so I didn¡¯t have to do it when we got home. This way I had my keep and donate pile organized. ¡°ke,¡± I giggled. ¡°I¡¯m here to help, whatcha need,¡± he said, putting me down and spinning me around to face him. ¡°I¡¯m just going through clothes. I have a keep pile and a donate pile. If you could just hold up an item I¡¯ll tell you to keep or donate.¡± I exined. ¡°On it boss,¡± he grinned before pecking my lips and we both got to work. E I was lost in thought as I worked, not realizing that ke wasn¡¯t asking me what I wanted to keep. I turned around to find everything in the donate pile. ¡°What are you doing?¡± I scolded, he jumped as he had his back to me. ¡°What? I figured you could just donate it all and we could go shopping when we get back to the pack,¡± he shrugged and I scoffed, crossing my arms over my chest. ¡°Did you forget that I¡¯m now unemployed and I may be selling this house but I still have to pay for the cabin and the addition?¡± 0.00% ||| 12:03 (disida ?venty even 288 Nouchers ¡°And I hired you,¡± He announced. ¡°Just like that?¡± I questioned. ¡°You¡¯re nice to look at,¡± he said and I gasped. ¡°And you are pretty good at your job,¡± he finished, moving to me and pulling me into his arms ¡°Pretty good, huh?¡± I smirked, wrapping my arms around his neck. ¡°The best I¡¯ve ever seen,¡± he exaggerated, causing me to giggle. ¡°Then I guess I wille and work for you, Alpha Orion,¡± I purred, stepping on my toes so I could run my tongue up his neck. He growled, before he shivered, goosebumps covering his body. He squeezed me against him. ¡°That was mean,¡± he grumbled, looking down at me. I just wiggled my brow. ¡°Maybe, but you were about to donate my favorite sweatshirt.¡± I shrugged. ¡°You can have any of mine,¡± he demanded, and I shivered. I never thought a man¡¯s controlling voice was hot but ke¡¯s had me eager to please him. ¡°If you insist, Alpha,¡± I purred. I gasped as he pushed me against a wall, his body pinning mine before his lips were on mine. His kiss was demanding, and punishing as he thrust his tongue into my mouth, tasting every inch of me. I felt drunk with lust when he finally pulled away, resting his forehead against mine. He left me breathless and weak in the knees, as his body pressed against mine. I didn¡¯t want ke to stop. I didn¡¯t care that my 19.96% 12:03 O < Chispter Seventy Seven bed was already packed away in the moving truck. I¡¯d like him to take me anywhere, as long as he was inside of me. He let out a groan before resting his forehead on my shoulder. ¡°The guys are going for lunch as they wait for us to finish.¡± He grumbled. ¡°Then we should get this done so we can get home,¡± I told him and he sighed. ¡°Fine,¡± he pouted. I managed to save a few items before ke put everything in the donation box. He was convinced I could just go out and buy everything new or just take his. I think he just likes it when I smell like him. Or he has no concept of money. When the truck was packed and my first house was empty it was time to leave. It was bittersweet as ke pulled away from the house. That part of my life was over and now a new chapter was beginning. I wasn¡¯ t sure where it would lead but I was excited to see where I would end up. And I knew Channing was excited to be a part of a pack. I¡¯m not sure about joining one, I like my freedom, but I won¡¯t stop Channing from joining ke¡¯s if that¡¯s what he wants. I¡¯ll support him, either way. ¡°You okay?¡± ke asked from the driver¡¯s side. He reached over and took a hold of my hand,cing our fingers together. ¡°Yeah, it¡¯s just a bittersweet moment. The job I believed would take me to retirement is now over and I¡¯ll be selling the first house I bought. This is just such a surreal moment for me and for once I¡¯m not stressed.¡± I answered, smiling at him. ¡°And why would you be stressed?¡± He squeezed my hand, not taking 43.48% O 12:03 his eyes off the road. ¡°Money, mostly. But now, even though, I¡¯m technically unemployed, I¡¯ m not stressed. I¡¯m excited to see where this will lead. And to be my own boss. Before I was always chasing a paycheck to make sure Channing had everything he needed. But now I know if anything were to happen, he would be okay.¡± I squeezed his hand. ¡°So, does this mean you¡¯ll join my pack and be my Luna?¡± He asked as he pulled the rental SUV in front of the waiting jet. ¡°ke, that¡¯s a big step,¡± I stammered as I tried to find the right words to say ¡°You don¡¯t have to answer right now, Ryley. But that¡¯s what I want whenever you are ready to take that step with me.¡± He turned to me after putting the vehicle, in park. ¡°ke, I like what we have right now. Can we just enjoy this for now? I¡¯m not saying that I don¡¯t want those things with you, it¡¯s just too fast. I wanted to reassure him, that I want this, but I need things to happen slowly. I want to get to know him before we move into the marking stage of the rtionship. With fated mates, you know that¡¯s mate but I¡¯m choosing to be with him and I want to make sure I¡¯m making the right decision. your soul ke shut the vehicle off and climbed out, without saying a word. I was internally scolding myself for being so st**id to think that an alpha would wait around for anyone. I jumped when my door opened. ke leaned in, pressing his lips to mine. ¡°I¡¯m already all in, baby, however long it takes you to be ready, I¡¯ll be waiting.¡± He mumbled, resting his forehead against mine. ¡°I want this, ke. I want us, I just need to take this slow. 85% |||Content is property ? N?velDrama.Org. Chapter 78 Chapter 78 Chapter Seventy-Eight Alpha Dorian I was sitting in my office with my beta, Jared, and my ga*ma, Wes. It¡¯s been a rough few days for me knowing my mate was alive and living with another alpha. I know I have a mate but seeing Evelyn again awoke all the feelings I had spent years burying. I knew I couldn¡¯t be with her, so I moved on. I just never expected to see her alive and with my son. Evelyn always told me she wanted to wait for her fated mate but when she pushed me further that night, I didn¡¯t ask questions. I had wanted to be with her since the moment I met her and I wasn¡¯t going to stop her from touching me. From crossing that line. I just never thought that one time would result in her having my son. And now that I know, is alive, all I want is her. But how do I exin any of this to Lisa? I built a life with her even though it wasn¡¯t what my heart wanted. ¡°Dorian, are you even listening?¡± Jared asked, pulling me from my thoughts. ¡°Sounds good,¡± I said, not listening to what they were discussing. Both of them sighed before I heard a knock on my office door and Lisa stuck her head in. ¡°Am I interrupting?¡± She asked, entering my office. I sat up, trying to look busy. ¡°Actually, Luna, we were just about to head out to speak with Alpha ke¡¯s warriors,¡± West answered, saving me. It felt wrong being with Lisa now that I knew my mate was alive. I¡¯ve spent almost twenty years with this woman and she has given me a son. I should want her, and 0.00% ||| < 12:03 Cugner Seventy Eight 208 Vouchers love her for everything she has done for me and this pack but all I can think about is Evelyn. Wondering if that f**ken alpha is touching my mate. ¡°Babe, is everything alright?¡± Lisa had her arm wrapped around my shoulders. I didn¡¯t realize I had smashed my fists on my desk until I heard the wood groan and looked down to see my hands balled into fists. ¨¬ ¡°Yeah, I¡¯m fine,¡± I grumbled, pulling away from her, I stood up from my chair and left my office. She¡¯s used to me being moody but even I knew I was just being a d*ck. And I shouldn¡¯t have any reason to be upset with Evelyn moving on. She knew I had imed another and raised a son with her while she was raising mine alone. Guilt twisted my stomach painfully. I should have jumped in after her, I wouldn¡¯t have been an alpha but at least we would have been together. I was outside the pack house, making my way to the border before Jared grabbed my arm, stopping me. ¡°What the hell was that?¡± He yelled and I growled. ¡°Dude, we get it but this isn¡¯t her fault. She didn¡¯t ask for any of this either,¡± Wes said, standing with Jared, who agreed with him. ¡°I don¡¯t know how to handle this. She¡¯s with Alpha ke and there¡¯s nothing I can do about it,¡± I growled in frustration. ¡°Lisa may not have been your first choice or your fated mate but she has been there for you and this pack. You at least owe her your respect.¡± Wes scolded me. ¡°I know!¡± I yelled, pinching the bridge of my nose. 29.23% 12:03 Chapter Severity Figh! ¡°I know,¡± I sighed once I calmed down. Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org. ¡°This isn¡¯t fair to her but what am I supposed to do? My fated mate is ying house with another alpha. She has my son. Am I just supposed to forget about them and move on?¡± I ranted. ¡°Talk to her. It¡¯s not going to be easy but it¡¯s better than pushing her away. There isn¡¯t anything you can do about Evelyn but hopefully one day your son will reach out.¡± Jared said. I just nodded. There was too much happening and I was being pulled in different directions. Protect the pack, talk to Lisa, and forget that my mate is still alive. On top of my regr duties. I wish I never asked Alpha ke for his help. I was better off not knowing about Evelyn and our son. I may not have been truly happy but I was 1140 the life I had with Lisa but now all I wan Content. I was content with. Evie. I want to feel alive again. is the passion I had with ¡°And she is never going to forgive you,¡± Fang whined. AS ¡°Even if you told her the truth that doesn¡¯t change that you are marked by Lisa. We have a pup with her and a life.¡± He continued. ¡°Don¡¯t you want your fated mate? And our son? I¡¯m not saying we cut Lisa or Chadwick from our lives, I just want to be with them too. I want both. And that may be selfish but I don¡¯t care. She was made for us.¡± I retorted. I closed the link as I followed Jared and Wes. ¡°Alpha Dorian, there¡¯s nothing to report.¡± Alpha ke¡¯s ga*ma informed me. It¡¯s been a few days since they arrived and there haven¡¯t been any attacks. I was hoping for some insight into these attacks but if Alpha ke¡¯s men know something they aren¡¯t saying. 57.95% 12:04 Chapter Seventy ? 298 Vouchers ¡°So what do you think is happening?¡± I asked him. ¡°I¡¯m not sure, Alpha. We could have our warriors at one location and see if the other two get attacked. We will be close if anything happens.¡± He exined. ¡°That¡¯s a good n. Let¡¯s move our members to the west and I¡¯ll stay here with you and your men. This way I¡¯ll be alerted to any attacks through the link,¡± Wes said. ¡°Make it happen and let me know if anything happens,¡± I told them before I headed back toward the pack house. I needed to talk to my Luna. 89.79% 12:04 Chapter 79 Chapter 79 Chapter Seventy-Nine Ryley As soon as ke and I loaded the jet, I felt like a weight had been lifted. I knew where ke stood on our rtionship. And he was willing to go at my pace. It made me feel like I could open up to him, more. One of my greatest fears was to get elose to someone again, to love someone. And have them leave. I wanted this with ke but I didn¡¯t want to rush in and get hurt. I texted Channing and Aspen before the ne took off to let them know we were on our way home. Aspen texted back saying they were heading out with some friends and that Channing was driving. I told them to be safe and that we loved them. I smiled, looking down at my phone, thinking about everything I gained after meeting ke. ¡°The boys okay?¡± ke asked as he sat down beside me. He wrapped an arm around my shoulders, and I leaned my head against him. ¡°They are going out,¡± I told him, snuggling into him. ¡°Good, I don¡¯t think they want to hear what I¡¯m going to do to you,¡± he purred and I smacked his chest. ¡°ke,¡± I gasped when he scooped me up and ced me in hisp. He buried his face in my neck. ¡°Alpha, please buckle up, we are about to take off,¡± a female crew member announced. ke¡¯s annoyance made me giggle as I moved from hisp back to my seat beside him. I buckled up before resting my head on his shoulder. ¡°You are in so much trouble when we get home.¡± His voice was low 0.00% ||| O 12:04 ????????? and rough. I was giddy just thinking about it, my panties wet with anticipation ¡°Promise?¡± I purred and he groaned as I ran my hand up his thigh and over his crection, squeezing it. When the ne was in the air and the seatbelt light binged, ke had my seatbelt unbuckled and straddling hisp in an instant. ¡°Now, Miss Halliwell, that wasn¡¯t very nice.¡± He mumbled, squeezing my a*s. 37 ¡°It wasn¡¯t meant to be nice, alpha,¡± I purred and his chest rumbled. I¡¯m sure Lily would be purring in my head if she wasn¡¯t still asleep. keced his fingers in my hair before pulling my head back, I let out a moan before biting my lower lip. ¡°F*ck, I love it when you call me alpha.¡± We made out like teenagers until the captain announced our descent and we would need to buckle up for thending. ke was convinced he could just hold me against his chest and I would be fine. But even being alpha, you can¡¯t ignore the safety rules. I climbed out of hisp and buckled in beside him. I¡¯ve never been this way before, not even with Dorian. Sure we would make out and clearly, we had sex but this with ke felt different. Maybe it¡¯s because I¡¯m not worried about if he is my fated mate or not. I¡¯m in control and if I want this, fate doesn¡¯t have a say. I wanted to be with Dorian but I¡¯don¡¯t know if that would have happened if on my 18th birthday, I found out he wasn¡¯t my mate. At the time I believed we would have but he would have found his mate and that would have ended it. Alphas are stronger with their fated mates by their side. 23.89% [11 12:04 Chapter Sev ¸Ê The wheels touched down and I was excited to finally be home. Not only did ke promise to punish me but I got to see our boys. I still needed to tell Channing everything that had happened. Usually, we would make important decisions together but I knew he would have told me to quit. He knows how important our family is to me. ¡°Ready?¡± ke asked as the ne came to a stop. I was about to answer him when my phone went off. I grabbed my purse to see that Channing was calling me. ¡°Sweetie, the ne justnded, we will be home soon,¡± I answered the phone. ¡°Mom, I need you, Aspen needs you.¡± he rushed out panicked. I was out of my chair and rushing to the door of the jet. ¡°Channing, what¡¯s wrong?¡± I eximed. ¡°There was an ident, Aspen was driving. I don¡¯t know. But he needs, you,¡± he cried. ¡°We need to get to the hospital,¡± ke and I told each other in unison. ¡°Channing stay on the phone with me, ke and I are on our way,¡± I reassured him as I followed ke to the waiting SUV. ¡°ke, what have you heard?¡± I asked him, still on the phone with my son. ¡°Luca mind linked me, Aspen is going into surgery. There was a car ident.¡± He growled in frustration. ¡°Sweetie, are you hurt?¡± I asked into the phone, as I climbed into the passenger seat. ¡°Don¡¯t worry about me. Aspen needs you, Mom. You are the only one 50.06% 12:04 Chapter Severty/ 288 Wouchers that can save him,¡± he sobbed and my heart broke. ¡°ke, I need you to drive faster,¡± I demanded. ke drove at dangerous speeds as I tried to reassure Channing that we wereing and would be there soon. This had to be my worst nightmareing true. If anything happened to either of them, I would never forgive myself. ke pulled up to the ER. and Channing was waiting outside. I rushed out, throwing my arms around his neck. ¡°Mom, I¡¯m fine but Aspen needs you. Please, Mom,¡± Channing pleaded. I let him go and rushed into the ER, ke was already speaking with a doctor as I ran past them into the OR area. I could hear them calling out but I didn¡¯t slow. I followed his scent until I threw open a pair of doors. I gasped as I saw Aspen lying on a table with his stomach open. There was blood and machines all around him. And medical staff filled the room. ¡°Miss, you can¡¯t be in here,¡± someone yelled at me. ¡°If you want to save his life, you all better listen to me. I need a scalpel and all of you to back away from the table.¡± They hesitated but I pushed past them before taking the knife and pushing it into my forearm. I winced as I dripped the blood over Aspen¡¯s stomach. The room gasped as his wounds started to close. He may have his wolf but he is still underage. His full healing ability won¡¯t be unlocked until his 18th birthday. ¡°You¡¯re a Luna wolf,¡± I heard but I just focused on Aspen and healing him. I stumbled as I moved to Aspen¡¯s head. I could feel my limbs getting heavy and my vision was starting to blur. ¡°Aspen, please wake up,¡± I whispered, kissing his forehead. 72.69% ||| 12:04Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org. Chapter 80 Chapter 80 Chapter Eighty Alpha ke I rushed into the OR with the doctor I was speaking with and Channing. Ryley was whispering to Aspen and she was now covered in blood ¡°Mom,¡± I heard Aspen say before Ryley copsed on the floor beside the table. Her forearm was bleeding out and I didn¡¯t understand why she was bleeding. And how Aspen was awake. ¡°Mom,¡± Channing yelled, rushing to her side. A nurse was applying pressure to her arm, while Channing was trying to wake her. I just stood there watching the scene. Frozen in my spot. Aspen sitting up on the table and ripping the tubes from his body, pulled me back to the present. He rolled off the table and went to Ryley¡¯s side. ¡°What the hell happened?¡± He eximed as he too was trying to wake her. ¡°She healed you. I was so afraid you were going to die,¡± Channing cried as he held his mother. ¡°Dr. Perry, she¡¯s not healing.¡± The nurse called out. I rushed over to them, trying to process what Channing had just told Aspen. Ryley was healing him but only Luna wolves have the blood to heal. ¡°Alpha, do you know why she isn¡¯t healing?¡± Dr. Perry questioned as he moved Ryley to the table where Aspen was lying just a moment ago. ¡°I don¡¯t know. She went into heat yesterday,¡± I recalled out loud and 0.00% ||| O < 12:04 the doctor cursed. ¡°I didn¡¯t realize you marked her, Alpha,¡± he said, trying to stitch up the wound. ¡°I haven¡¯t,¡± I rified. And he looked up at me. He was probably just as confused as I was about the entire situation. ¡°Stop f*cken talking and help my mom,¡± Channing growled. ¡°Alpha, take the boys and wait outside.¡± The doctor demanded. I didn¡¯t move and neither did the boys. ¡°If you want me to save her life, then you need to get out. She lost a lot of blood only a few days ago and if I don¡¯t get this bleeding to stop, she will bleed to death.¡± The look on his face and the panic in his voice told me he was telling the truth. And he was worried. I grabbed the boys and left the OR. Even with everything running through my mind, I needed to let them do their jobs. A nurse led us into another room so Aspen could get cleaned up. I reced one nightmare with another. But I took a moment to breathe as I wrapped Aspen in my arms. ¡°I don¡¯t know what the hell happened, but you are never to do it again,¡± I mumbled. ¡°Dad, I¡¯m sorry, I swear it wasn¡¯t my fault. I was driving and the road was clear until something was right in front of us. I swerved and the car flipped a few times before hitting a tree.¡± He exined. I pulled away and looked at Channing. He was pacing the room, worried for his mother. ¡°It¡¯s the truth, ke. Aspen was pinned against the tree and that¡¯s why he was so badly injured.¡± Channing said before he leaned against the wall and began to s*b. Chapter Eighty 288 Vouchere I went to him, leaning against the wall beside him, I wrapped an arm around his shoulders. ¡°Why didn¡¯t she heal?¡± He cried. ¡°Channing, your mom is strong. She will get through this. The best of the best are in there right now working on getting the bleeding to stop. I don¡¯t have an answer for you right now, but we will get them,¡± I told him. ¡°Dad, I¡¯m so sorry,¡± Aspen cried and I motioned for him toe to me. ¡°Everything is going to be okay.¡± It felt like hours before Dr. Perry came out of the OR to speak to us. Aspen had been checked over and everything had healed. I also had the doctor check over Channing. He was so worried about my son, that he didn¡¯t have the doctor check him. Both boys were sleeping on the couches in the waiting roomContent is property ? N?velDrama.Org. while pacing. ¡°Alpha?¡± I looked up to see Dr. Perry and I couldn¡¯t read him. ¡°How is she?¡± I rushed out, my stomach in knots. ¡°When she cut her forearm it nicked the artery, which is why she was bleeding so much.¡± He exined. ¡°Why didn¡¯t her wolf just heal her?¡± I growled in frustration. ¡°Alpha, I don¡¯t know why she went into heat, but I know she was able to save your son because she is a Luna wolf.¡± ¡°A Luna wolf?¡± I stammered, trying to wrap my head around what he just said. ¡°They are exceptionally rare. I¡¯ve never met one, Alpha.¡± 50.77% 12:04 Chapter Eighty 288 Wouchers ¡°But I still don¡¯t understand why she went into heat?¡± I questioned. ¡°I don¡¯t know the why, but I can tell you the reason her wolf was unable to heal her. After a female¡¯s heat is over, her wolf goes dormant for a few days to recover. In most cases, they would still be with their mates and not in any danger.¡± He exined. ¡°She put her life in danger to save Aspen,¡± I stated, guilt twisting my stomach painfully. ¡°Alpha, I don¡¯t think she knew her life was at risk when she healed him. She did want any mother would have done to save her child.¡± I nodded. ¡°Can I see her?¡± I asked, looking at the boys, sleeping. ¡°She should be in her room. She is going to need more rest than normal because her wolf is still unable to heal her.¡± ¡°I understand,¡± I told him. He motioned for me to follow. I was feeling anxious about seeing her. I almost lost her today, after thinking I could lose Aspen. I owe her everything after saving him. ¡°You need to protect her, now more than ever, ke. She¡¯s a Luna wolf, and there¡¯s a reason why they are so rare, now.¡± Gunner said as I walked into Ryley¡¯s room. The doctor closed the door behind me and I took a seat beside her bed before taking her hand in mine. Her skin cooled my hot skin. The heart machine reassured me she was alive, with its steady beeps. ¡°I love you, Ryley,¡± I mumbled, kissing her hand. 74.92% ||| Chapter 81 Chapter 81 Chapter Eighty-One Ryley Great, I thought as I heard the excessive beeping that meant I was lying in a hospital bed, h**ked up to a heart monitor. My head throbbed to its own beat as I pushed myself to remember what had happened. I remember Aspen being hurt and cutting my arm but that¡¯s all. I hissed as I tried to move my arm. That wasn¡¯t a dream. ¡°Baby, trying not to move your arm, it¡¯s still healing,¡± I heard ke say, his hand squeezing mine. ¡®Are the boys okay?¡± I whispered, turning my head in the direction of his voice. I didn¡¯t want to open my eyes. And the way my voice grumbled from my throat, I didn¡¯t want to speak either but I needed to make sure they were both okay. The bed dipped before ke¡¯s warm hands caressed my cheeks. I leaned into his touch, enjoying this warmth. ¡°I sent them both home to rest.¡± He mumbled against my forehead. Hot tears hit my cheeks and I knew they weren¡¯t mine. ¡°Ryley, what you did for Aspen, I can never repay.¡± His voice cracked and all I wanted to do was hold him. I don¡¯t fully understand what happened or why I¡¯m lying in a bed in the hospital, but I knew I did whatever I could to save Aspen. I forced my eyes open, blinking away to adjust to the brightness of the room. I lifted my good arm to ke¡¯s cheek, brushing away a fallen tear. His eyes opened, blinking away the tears before he looked down at me. 0.00% 11:01 Chapter Eighty-One 281 Wauchwrs ¡°F**k, I¡¯m so d you¡¯re awake,¡± he breathed out before he wrapped his arms around my neck, squeezing me to his chest. ¡°I almost lost you,¡± he murmured. Lost me? I would have healed, I should have healed. I tried to reach out to Lily but I could only hear her soft snores. ¡°As long as the boys are okay, that¡¯s all that matters.¡± I stammered, my voice raspy as I tried to force the words out. He pulled back, retaking hold of my cheeks. ¡°Don¡¯t say that, baby. I need the boys just as much as I need you.¡± I smiled against his lips as he pressed his to mine. ¡°I¡¯ll get you some water and the doctor,¡± he said before kissing my forehead. I nodded before he stood up, leaving the room. When he was gone, it gave me time to think about what had happened. I looked down at my arm which was wrapped in a thick bandage. I still don¡¯t understand why I wouldn¡¯t have just healed. That has never happened before. And my wolf is still sleeping or I would ask her. I sighed, trying to getfortable. My body ached and protested every move I tried to make. Thest time I remember being this sore was after giving birth to Channing. I didn¡¯t have Lily to help take some of the pain or to heal me. I smiled when ke walked in holding a bottle of water. Lily may be sleeping but at least I have ke here. The doctor followed him in and closed the door behind him. ke sat beside me before helping me take a drink of water while the doctor looked over the machines and then my chart. ¡°Thank you,¡± I whispered when he took the bottle from my lips. The cool liquid soothed my dry throat. Chapter Tippay Ora 200 chers I leaned my head back against the pillow and closed my eyes before yawning. ¡°Luna, how are you feeling?¡± The doctor asked and my eyes shot open. ¡°What?¡± I stammered, looking at ke and then the doctor. ¡°You are a Luna wolf?¡± He questioned and I slowly nodded my head. ¡°Yes.¡± I breathed out. ¡°Ryley, why didn¡¯t you tell me?¡± ke asked and I sighed. ¡°I didn¡¯t want anyone to know. I know Luna wolves are rare. I was protecting Lily. But I couldn¡¯t let Aspen die.¡± ke wrapped an arm around my shoulders, pulling me into his side. ¡°I¡¯ll be forever grateful for what you did for Aspen. And no matter what happens, I¡¯ll protect you with my life.¡± He said and it had tears pooling in my eyes. Having this information reach the council could be devastating and now there was no turning back. ¡°Well, Luna, have you ever experienced a heat before?¡± The doctor asked, sitting down in a chair beside the bed. I looked at ke. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Ryley, I just blurted it out in the OR,¡± he shrugged. ¡°It exins why you did heal. A female wolf after a heat will be dormant for a few days to recover.¡± He said. ¡°That¡¯s why she¡¯s sleeping?¡± I breathed out. ¡°Most couples would still be held up in their room so the female wouldn¡¯t be in immediate danger.¡± He exined. ¡°That¡¯s why I didn¡¯t heal after cutting my arm?¡± I eximed and he 55.68% 11:01 nodded. ¡°You also nicked an artery ¡°But why would I go into heat?¡± I questioned. My head was pounding again as I tried to put the puzzles together. ¡°I don¡¯t have an answer for you, yet. Luna wolves are rare and not a lot is known about them.¡± The doctor answered. ¡°Okay,¡± I whispered, ¡°Maybe Lily can answer more when she wakes up,¡± ke said, reassuringly. ¡°Can I go home?¡± I asked. I noticed ke and the doctor sharing secret conversation until the doctor let out a sigh. 21 ¡°Only if you rest. Your wolf won¡¯t be active for another couple of days and you have lost a significant amount of blood this week.¡± He ordered. } ¡°I know this rtionship is new and exciting, Alpha but she needs to rest.¡± He scolded ke and I chuckled remembering the punishment I was supposed to receive when we got home. ¡°If ke promises, can I go home?¡± I pleaded. The doctor pushed his lips in a line, looking from me to ke before agreeing, ¡°The alpha can take you home and I¡¯ll see you tomorrow to check on you.¡±Content is property ? N?velDrama.Org. Chapter 82 Chapter 82 Chapter Eighty-Two Alpha Dorian ¡°So let me get this straight, instead of telling her, you f**ked her?¡± Jared scolded me. I was supposed to be telling Lisa everything but I couldn¡¯t. I didn¡¯t want to hurt her. I love Evelyn but Lisa has been by my side through all of this. ¡°Evie would have been if she didn¡¯t fall off the cliff.¡± Fang scoffed. ¡°Yeah,¡± I breathed out, answering my beta. We were sitting in my office the next morning. I knew I needed to tell her about Evelyn and my son. But I didn¡¯t know how to start that conversation. ¡°You aren¡¯t sure what you want?¡± Jared crossed his arms over his chest, leaning back in his seat. ¡°I know what I want, I just don¡¯t want to hurt the one person who has been there through all of this. She gave me a son. She took on being my Luna when she didn¡¯t have to. And now all I can think about is the life I could have had with Evie.¡± I sighed, guilt twisting my stomach painfully. For the first few years after I believed her dead, I would dream about her walking into the pack. Dreamt about her throwing her arms around my neck and her lips on mine. It was a dream that had long ago faded until now. ¡°I saw firsthand how happy Evelyn made you and it may not have been the same with Lisa but you picked a good woman. She is well respected and liked in this pack. And we have seen some of the crazy Lunas out there.¡± He chuckled at hisstment. It was true. Most 0.00% 11:01 Chapter Eighty-Two see me as winning the mate lottery with Lisa. She is beautiful, kind, hardworking, but she isn¡¯t Evelyn. She isn¡¯t my fated mate. There was a knock on my office door before Wes came in with Alpha ke¡¯s ga*ma, Connor. There haven¡¯t been any attacks and Alpha ke was supposed to being here today. How the hell was I going to act civil with an alpha who is f**king my mate? ¡°Alpha Dorian, I just wanted to inform you that Beta Luca will be recing the alpha today. There was a situation involving the Luna and the alpha doesn¡¯t want to leave her.¡± Ga*ma Connor informed me. Did she just refer to Evelyn as Luna? ¡°Oh my, I hope she is doing okay. I wasn¡¯t aware Alpha ke had taken a mate.¡± Lisa eximed, stepping into my office. ¡°She is doing better, thank you Luna Lisa. Alpha ke is being protective of his new Luna.¡± The ga*ma told my Luna. New Luna? She wasn¡¯t marked a few days ago, did she really mark him? My mind was racing as I stood up from my chair behind my desk. I walked out of my office without a word to anyone. I needed space to clear my mind. And there was only one person who I could call to get the answers I needed. As soon as I walked into the back garden, I pulled out my phone. ¡°Alpha Dorian,¡± he answered after a few rings. His voice was thick with sleep. ¡°How is she?¡± I blurted out. ¡°Babe, is everything okay?¡± I heard Evelyn ask, and my blood boiled as I balled up my fist. ¡°I¡¯ll be right back,¡± I heard him say to her before the phone went silent. I pulled it away from my ear to make sure he didn¡¯t hang up. 27.65% 11.01 ¡°Alpha Dorian, did something happen?¡± ¡°Other than you sleeping with my mate,¡± I growled. ¡°If that¡¯s why you called, I have nothing to say to you,¡± he said. ¡°I called because your ga*ma informed me that something happened to her.¡± I exasperated. ¡°All I¡¯m telling you is that she is fine. If there is anything else she wants you to know, then she will tell you.¡¯ ¡°She is my mate and the mother of my son, I deserve answers, ke. Something happened to where you don¡¯t want to leave her and I want to know why?¡± I yelled into the phone. I was growing increasingly Content is property ? N?velDrama.Org. frustrated. ¡°All I can say is that she is okay and resting. I can let her know that you called. But don¡¯t make demands of me, Dorian. I¡¯m doing this to keep the peace. And remember, I won¡¯t hesitate to kill you.¡± He growled before ending the call. ¡°F*ck,¡± I yelled into the empty garden. ¡°Dorian?¡± I whipped around to see Lisa. ¡°She¡¯s alive?¡± She mumbled, tears filling her eyes as she stared at me. ¡°And she gave you a son?¡± She cried, unable to hold back her emotions. ¡°Lisa, I wanted to tell you. I was going to tell you, to exin everything.¡± I eximed, rushing to her, I grabbed a hold of her arms. ¡°How long have you known?¡± She whispered. 57.99% ||| ¤¯ 11:01 Chapter Eighty Two 280 Nouchers ¡°A few days. I found her alive when I went to Alpha ke¡¯s pack. I didn¡¯t know she was alive or that she had my son,¡± I blurted, trying to salvage this. ¡°She¡¯s your fated mate?¡± Lisa questioned. ¡°Yes and before you ask, Fang told me she was. But I thought she was dead, Lisa. I never would have put you through any of this if I had known she was alive.¡± I told her. ¡°I love you, Dorian. And I know an alpha needs his mate but that doesn¡¯t change the life we have had together. It doesn¡¯t change that we have a son together.¡± She said, wiping her tears. She pulled away from me, walking out of the garden. ¡°Lisa,¡± I called after her. ¡°I need some time, Dorian. I gave up so much for you. And it hurts that even after almost twenty years together, you are still able to throw me away for her.¡± With that, she left me standing in the garden. ¡°F*ck,¡± I screamed before I shifted and took off into the forest. I needed to run. Chapter 83 Chapter 83 Chapter Eighty-Three Alpha ke ¡°Dad, what was that about?¡± Aspen asked me. He was standing in the kitchen as I hung up on Alpha Dorian. ¡°He wanted to know about mom?¡± Channing said,ing down the hallway. ¡°My ga*ma let it slip that I was sending my beta because I was taking care of our Luna,¡± I told them. I knew it was going to happen. Even though Ryley isn¡¯t my Luna yet, she is still a Luna. ¡°What did you tell him?¡± Channing growled. ¡°I told him, she was fine. Nothing more. And I would never put her in danger, Channing, I have already commanded everyone who has seen her heal Aspen to secrecy. No one will know she is a Luna wolf unless she tells them.¡± I reassured him. ¡°I understand that, I just don¡¯t want that f**ker in her life.¡± He scoffed. ¡°I don¡¯t either but that isn¡¯t up to us,¡± I told him. ¡°Dad, just tell her not to see him. Problem solved.¡± Aspen said. ¡°That¡¯s not how rtionships work. I don¡¯t want him in her life and I can tell her my concerns but I can¡¯t demand her not to see him. I¡¯m not going to push her away because I can¡¯t handle this situation. And both of you need to remember that she loved him. Channing you came from both of them. He¡¯s her fated mate. And as much as the idea of her even speaking to him, kills me inside, I can¡¯t order her not to.¡± I exined. I 0.00% 11:02 Chapter Eighty-Three 288 (Vouchers looked at the clock and saw it was time for them to head to training. I did try to talk Aspen into resting but he assured me he felt great. ¡°Get to training and we will all talk about thister,¡± I told them before heading back into my room to see Ryley. ¡°Is everything okay?¡± Ryley asked as I stripped off my sweatpants before climbing in beside her. I pulled her against me, her head on my chest. ¡°It was Dorian. Connor, my ga*ma who is at his pack exined I would be sending my beta in my absence and he called to question why. ¡°I answered. ¡°Oh,¡± she sighed, tracing her fingertips along my abs. ¡°Does he know about Aspen?¡± She mumbled. ¡°No. I told him you were okay and if you wanted him to know more, you¡¯d tell him.¡± I answered, running my fingers through her hair. } ¡°I¡¯m sorry, ke, I never wanted you to be involved in all of this. And he has no right to call you demanding to know about me or Channing.¡± I squeezed her close. She needed rest, not to worry about her ex. I¡¯ll handle him. ¡°Ex¡¯se with the territory, Ryley. And I¡¯ll always protect you. You don¡¯t have to do this alone.¡± I kissed the top of her head before she shifted to look at me. ¡°Thank you,¡± she smiled before I kissed her lips. ¡°Now, you need to rest.¡± I gave her a pointed look. ¡°ke, I¡¯m fine,¡± she told me before she yawned and I chuckled. 25.24% 11:02 D**hers ¡°You may be fine but you still need rest and I have the day off to spend here with you.¡± ¡°Okay,¡± she grumbled, resting her head on my chest again. It didn¡¯t take her long before her breathing evened out and I knew she was asleep. I think she only stayed awake to ask about my conversation with her ex. And he¡¯s lucky I¡¯m being patient. In my younger days, I would have ripped him apart for even looking at her. ¡°We still can,¡± Gunner growled. ¡°He¡¯s Channing¡¯s father. He may not want to know him now but one day he might.¡± I sighed. ¡°I¡¯m saying he¡¯s our ke. Alphas don¡¯t im pups that aren¡¯t their blood but I im him as ours. Both of them are ours.¡± He said. I was unable to question him further as my phone rang. I grabbed it off the nightstand and answered without looking at the screen. I didn¡¯t want it to wake her. ¡°Alpha ke,¡± I answered. ¡°How¡¯s our Luna?¡± Luca asked, chipper. ¡°Will you shut up,¡± I groaned, trying to untangle myself from Ryley so I wouldn¡¯t wake her. ¡°Hold on,¡± I told him. I ced the phone down and got off the bed. I pulled on my sweatpants before covering her with the nket: When I was done, I picked up my phone and left the room, closing the door quietly behind me. ¡°Luca?¡± I said into the receiver. ¡°Boss,¡± he chuckled. 51.11% 11:02 Chapter Eighty Three 298 Vouchers ¡°Where are you?¡± I asked, rolling my eyes. ¡°Driving to meet Connor. Apparently, the alpha was unhappy about you sk**ping out today,¡± he commented. ¡°He was more upset when he heard me in bed with Ryley,¡± I groaned and heughed. ¡°F**ken, awesome,¡± he eximed. ¡°What did you tell Connor?¡± I sighed. ¡°I told him that you weren¡¯ting because something happened with the Luna.¡± He answered. ¡°Why would you say Luna? No one is to know she is a Luna wolf.¡± K growled. ¡°I didn¡¯t say Luna wolf, I called her Luna. As in your Luna.¡± All content ? N/.?vel/Dr/ama.Org. ¡°Are you trying to start a war?¡± I questioned. ¡°There wouldn¡¯t be a war, ke. And I¡¯m sure the look on his face would have been hrious to see.¡± He chuckled. ¡°As funny as you think this is, I don¡¯t want him to know what is happening in our lives. So, can you please keep your mouth shut,¡± I ordered. ¡°Mum¡¯s the word. But you still didn¡¯t answer my question.¡± ¡°Ryley is resting. And I mean it Luca, not a word.¡± I reminded him. ¡°I got it. And ke you are quite grumpy for a man gettingid,¡± he chuckled. 75.52% 11:02 Chapter Eighty Three 288 our he ¡°Call me when you have news,¡± I told him before ending the call. I pinched the bridge of my nose as I took a few deep breaths. As much as I enjoy pushing that alpha¡¯s buttons if she was my fated mate, I wouldn¡¯t be able to let her go. Chapter 84 Chapter 84 Chapter Eighty¨CFour Ryley I awoke to an empty bed, and I wondered where ke went. He told me he had the day off to spend with me. But maybe he got bored ofying in bed. I¡¯m sure he would have woken me if anything would have happened. I still haven¡¯t seen the boys, they were sleeping when I came home and I didn¡¯t want to wake them. Yesterday, was a very emotional day and I knew they needed their rest. Stretching, I sat up, looking around the room. This would be the perfect time to be able to mind link, I thought with a sigh. I noticed my phone on the nightstand as I sat on the edge of the bed. I had missed calls from Isaac but I was more interested in the message from ke. ke: Went to spar with the boys. Didn¡¯t want to wake you. We¡¯ll be home soon. Love, ke. I smiled as I read his message. He was so sweet and thoughtful, it warmed my heart knowing I picked such a wonderful man. I reached out to Lily, as I walked into the bathroom to shower. She was still sleeping away. She better wake up soon, I had so many nagging questions to ask her. And she also could have warned me about the heat. I still would have saved Aspen, I just would have been more careful where I would have cut my arm. I turned on the shower before pulling off ke¡¯s shirt I was wearing. I loved wearing his clothes and smelling like him. His scent calmed me in a way I never expected. When I was naked, I peeled back the bandage, exposing my stitched¨Cup skin. It was red but it looked to be 0.00% 14:54 Chapter Eighty #cut 288 Nour fore healing. I hissed as I entered the shower and the hot water ran over the wound. This would be healed, if Lily would just wake up. But instead, I¡¯m dealing with healing, human style, and it sucks. My limbs felt heavy as I finished my shower. I was ready toy back down but I knew I needed to eat something. I needed food and rest. Before leaving the bathroom, I ced a new bandage on my arm before getting dressed. I pulled on a pair of sweatpants before grabbing one of ke¡¯s sweatshirts. I took in a deep breath of his scent as I made my way to the kitchen. I was just in the middle of eating a peanut butter and honey sandwich when there was a knock on the door. Who would be knocking? I cautioningly walked towards the door. I didn¡¯t have Lily right now, and I was still weak. ¡°Yes,¡± I called out. ¡°I¡¯m sorry to disturb you, Luna, but you have a visitor,¡± a man said through the door. I opened the door to find a warrior. ¡°It¡¯s just Ryley and a visitor? I wasn¡¯t expecting anyone,¡± I told him. ¡°Would you like me to ask her to leave?¡± He asked. ¡°No, I¡¯ll be down in a moment. Where am I to meet her?¡± I questioned as I put on a pair of shoes that were at the door. ¡°She is waiting outside, she refused toe inside,¡± He informed me as I stepped out of our apartment, closing the door behind me. ¡°Thank you,¡± I said as I made my way to the front. I was panting as I made it down all the stairs and to the front door. The warrior opening the front door startled me. I didn¡¯t know he had followed me. 29.56% III 14:54 Chapter Eighty¨Cfour 288 Worhers I walked outside and a beautiful woman was leaning against a ck SUV. She had golden brown hair, pulled back into a messy bun. Her eyes looked, red and puffy, like she had been crying. But I didn¡¯t recognize her. ¡°Can I help you?¡± I asked as I approached her. ¡°So, you¡¯re Evelyn,¡± she scoffed. ¡°Luna,¡± the warrior growled and I raised my hand. ¡°You may call me Ryley. I haven¡¯t gone by Evelyn in a long time.¡± I told her. ¡°I thought after I saw you, I would feel better.¡± She sighed. ¡°Feel better about what?¡± ¡°I wanted you to be ugly, to be a self¨Ccentered bitch, something to prove to my mate that I¡¯m better than you. But look at you, even in sweats, you are perfect.¡± She eximed. ¡°You¡¯re Lisa,¡± I gasped, putting the pieces together. ¡°I¡¯m Lisa, and you¡¯re my mate¡¯s fated.¡± She confirmed. I wanted to hate her. I spent years hating this woman whom I thought my mate chose over me. But looking at her, all I saw was a broken woman. ¡°I don¡¯t know what Dorian told you, but I¡¯m not here to im him. I was trying to stay dead until he came here to speak with ke.¡± I exined. ¡°And you think that matters? He¡¯s an alpha and you are his fated.¡± She scoffed, before letting out a breath. ¡°I understand, but I don¡¯t want him. He killed my family and chased me 59.53% ||| O 14:55 Chapter Eighty¨CFour over a cliff. He stole everything from me.¡± I exasperated. ¡°Is that what he told you?¡± She asked me and I nodded. ¡°Then he was lying.¡± She said before she looked behind me and gasped. I turned to see ke walking with the boys. ¡°He looks just like Dorian,¡± Lisa muttered. ¡°Mom, what¡¯s going on?¡± Channing called out. # 248 Mothers ¡°I never should havee here,¡± Lisa blurted, I turned back to her. ¡°Lisa, wait, let me exin.¡± I rushed after her as she moved to the driver¡¯s side. ¡°I gave up everything for him and he still only wants you.¡± She whispered before mming the door closed. She took off, leaving me more confused than ever. All content ? N/.?vel/Dr/ama.Org. ¡°Baby, what was that about?¡± ke asked, now beside me. He wrapped an arm around my waist, pulling me against his side. ¡°That was Dorian¡¯s Luna.¡± Chapter 85 Chapter 85 Chapter Eighty¨CFive Alpha ke ¡°Let¡¯s get you up to bed, you still need to rest,¡± I told her, kissing her temple. She gave me a nod. ¡°Mom, what did she want?¡± Channing demanded as he clenched his fists. ¡°We can discuss this after we get upstairs,¡± I said. ¡°Dad¡¯s right, Channing. And Ryley needs to rest,¡± Aspen told him. I helped her into the house and up the stairs as the boys followed behind us. I could feel her turmoil. Whatever his Luna told her was affecting her. And now, I want to know why I wasn¡¯t informed of the Luna¡¯s arrival. Once we were inside our apartment, Ryley took a seat on the couch, closing her eyes. I could tell she was still exhausted and her wolf must still not be awake. ¡°Mom, can I get you anything?¡± Channing asked her, grabbing her shoulder. She reached up and grabbed his hand. ¡°A water, please,¡± she yawned, and I sat down beside her. After Channing returned with a bottle of water and we were all seated, that¡¯s when Channing asked her again. ¡°Mom, what did she want?¡± She opened her eyes to look at him. ¡°Did she threaten you?¡± I demanded, pulling her attention from her son. She looked at me, cing a hand on my thigh. 0.00% J 14:55 Chapter Eighty Five 1280 Wauchers ¡°No, it wasn¡¯t like that.¡± She shook her head. ¡°Then what? Was she trying to set up some kind of ydate? Wanting to bring the family together or some kind of bullshit?¡± Channing eximed, and I growled at his tone. He should know better than to speak to his mother that way. ¡°Channing, I can¡¯t change who your father is or that you have a half- brother. I know you don¡¯t want to see your father, which I understand, and respect your choice. But his other son isn¡¯t to me for any of this. Just like his mate isn¡¯t.¡± She sighed. ¡°How can you say that? He was seeing that bitch while he was with you, and it¡¯s not her fault,¡± he yelled. ¡°Hey, I know you are upset but she had no responsibility regarding your father and my rtionship. He made that choice. And I¡¯m sorry my choice kept you from him. Thest thing I wanted to do was hurt you.¡± She reached out to him and he moved away. ¡°So, are you going back to him?¡± He growled. ¡°Channing, what is your problem? Our parents are together,¡± Aspen eximed. ¡°Alpha¡¯s need their fated mate. It makes them stronger.¡± Channing pointed out. He wasn¡¯t wrong but I didn¡¯t want to think about her going back to him. ¡°Sweetie, Aspen is right, I¡¯m with ke. I¡¯m not going back to Dorian. The only good thing that came from our rtionship was you. He has his Luna and a family and I have you. But I don¡¯t want you to hate him. Hate will kill you slowly from the inside. I know you feel this need to defend me, but I¡¯m okay. I have you, Aspen, and ke. I¡¯m happy. And I hope you are too.¡± She told him, before standing up and moving to sit 22.12% 14:55 O < Chapter Eighty Five 238 Wouchere Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org. beside him. ¡°I love you more than anything,¡± she mumbled, kissing his check. He nodded. ¡°I¡¯m going for a run,¡± he said, standing from his seat. He bent down to kiss his mother on the cheek. ¡°I¡¯ll go with you,¡± Aspen said before he went to hug Ryley and kiss on the cheek. ¡°Thank you,¡± he mumbled and she grabbed his cheeks. ¡°There is no need to thank me, I love you and I will always protect you.¡± She told him, kissing his cheek. My heart swelled with emotion as I watched her, lovingly stare at my son. The boy that isn¡¯t her blood but she would do anything for. Ryley¡¯s love has no limits and I¡¯m thankful, Aspen and I get to be loved by such a wonderful woman. ¡°Fine, you cane but just don¡¯t talk. I don¡¯t need your words of wisdom right now,¡± Channing told him as they left the apartment, closing the door behind them. I was watching Ryley intently as she watched the boys leave. ¡°Are you okay?¡± She asked me, turning her attention to me. ¡°I should be asking you that question,¡± I told her. ¡°I¡¯ll tell you, but first, can we talk in bed? I¡¯m exhausted,¡± she sighed. ¡°Still no Lily?¡± I asked, standing up from my seat, I helped her to stand. ¡°Not yet, and I swear I¡¯m going to scold her for taking so long.¡± She scoffed and I chuckled. 52.37% O < 14:55 Chapter Eighty five 288 Nouchers ¡°To be fair, she didn¡¯t know any of this was going to happen,¡± I defended her wolf. ¡°To be fair, I shouldn¡¯t have gone into heat in the first ce,¡± she retorted, taking a seat on the edge of the bed. ¡°I¡¯m notining,¡± I purred, leaning over capturing her lips. She didn¡¯t hesitant to kiss me back. ¡°Now, what happened that you didn¡¯t want to tell the boys?¡® I questioned, resting my forehead against hers. She let out a breath, and I could feel her hesitation. ¡°Lisa said that Dorian lied to me.¡± My heart twisted, painfully, as I tried to understand what she was saying. ¡°She told me he didn¡¯t steal everything from me.¡± She finished, looking up at me. ¡°I don¡¯t understand, why did she evene here in the first ce?¡± And she shrugged. ¡°I don¡¯t know. But I have a feeling I don¡¯t know the entire story,¡± she sighed and I sat down beside her. ¡°Would that make a difference in your decision about being with me?¡± She turned to face me before taking hold of my cheeks. ¡°What? Of course not. That ship sunk a long time ago. But it does make me wonder. Maybe, I believed things to be all wrong. And now, everything is reying in my mind. But this doesn¡¯t have anything to do with us. I like us,¡± she smiled and I kissed her again. ¡°I like us, too.¡± 76.05% O < 14:55 Chapter Eighty¨CSink Chapter 86 Chapter 86 Chapter Eighty¨CSix Ryley The next morning, I was sitting in my office. I was told by ke¡¯swyers that I wasn¡¯t allowed to work until the matter with Isaac¡¯s firm was resolved. And then I could be officially hired by ke¡¯s pack. It was weird having nothing to do but think. I may have told ke everything but I was still thinking about everything Lisa had told me. If Dorian wasn¡¯t a part of the n to overthrow my pack then why didn¡¯t he warn me? And why lie to me when he was here? And attack me in my kitchen? My mind was racing and my wolf still wasn¡¯t awake. And I had nothing to focus my mind on. So I did the one thing I shouldn¡¯t do in a situation like this, I grabbed my keys and left my office. I needed answers and I wasn¡¯t going to get them here. The boys were at training and ke was getting caught up with the work he missed yesterday so I knew my absence wouldn¡¯t be noticed. This was probably the dumbest thing I¡¯ve ever done and I don¡¯t have Lily to protect me, but this is something that I need to do, alone. I have a feeling Lisa will be more willing to speak openly to me if it is just the two of us. And I¡¯ve looked her up, she has done some wonderful things for my former pack. She is a good Luna and person. And other women may think I¡¯m nuts for wanting to get to know my ex¡¯s mate but none of this is her fault. Even if she was seeing Dorian when he was seeing me, she wasn¡¯t a part of our rtionship and had no obligation to me and my feelings. I climbed into my SUV before pulling up maps on my phone. I put in Content rights belong to N?velDrama.Org. 0.00% < 14:55 Chapter Eighty! 208 Wilcher) the address before cing it in a cup holder. When I was ready, I started my vehicle and made my way out of the Orion pack. I turned up the radio as I drove along the highway to a ce I never thought I would visit again. And I could be driving to my death. Dorian could lock me up and throw away the key, but I¡¯m praying Lisa wasn¡¯t lying. If she was, why would she show up to ke¡¯s pack to see me? None of this made sense and I¡¯ve spent too much of my life wondering what could have happened. Or what was the actual truth. I needed answers, and if going to the ce and seeing the person who almost killed me, gives me the answers I¡¯m searching for, then it¡¯s worth it. It has to be. I¡¯ve lived too much of my life in fear and I was done hiding. I see the kind of life I can have with ke and that¡¯s what I want. I¡¯m tired of lying to myself and saying I was happy with my life before ke. I was content with my life. Channing was growing up and he had everything he needed, but I was lonely. I didn¡¯t realize how much I craved a mate and pack until I was a part of one again. And I know Lily would be saying she told me so if she was awake, but I was scared. I was scared to open myself up again just to be hurt. The first time should have killed me. The fall over the cliff. Me jumping off of the bridge. But still, I¡¯m here, fighting for a life I¡¯ve been craving. My stomach twisted painfully as I pulled up to the pack gate. I rolled down my window as a warrior approached. ¡°Miss, how can I help you?¡± He asked me. ¡°I¡¯m here to see Luna Lisa,¡± I informed him. ¡°And who are you?¡± He demanded. ¡°Ryley Halliwell. She and I spoke yesterday.¡± I told him. 31.83% 14:55 Chapter Eighty ¡°Let me confirm with the Luna.¡± I nodded. It was strange to see how the smaller packs guard their gates compared to ke¡¯s pack which is run more like a city. This would take too much manpower to do in ke¡¯s pack. There are mostly just cameras up, taking pictures of tes and warriors running them. Unless it¡¯s someone important. If an alpha was to show up, he needs to check in or it could be seen as an act of war. ¡°Miss, the Luna has confirmed your visit. Please follow the road to the pack house.¡± He instructed. I thanked him before the gates opened and I drove into the Aurora Mountain Pack, now known as the Evergreen Pack. Everything looked the same as I drove to the pack house. It was like stepping back in time as the pack house came into view. This used to be my home and now it was his. He and his new family. We were meant to be together, soul mates and now we were nothing to each other. Luna Lisa was waiting for me as I pulled up and parked my SUV. As I climbed out, she approached me. ¡°I didn¡¯t expect to see you again,¡± she said. ¡°I didn¡¯t expect to ever be here again, but I need answers and I think we should talk. I¡¯m not here to hurt you or to take anything from you. I just want to know what happened eighteen years ago.¡± I told her. ¡°What would you like to know?¡± She asked. ¡°Can we take a walk? I don¡¯t want to go in the pack house and there¡¯s a ce I would like to see again.¡± I asked her and she nodded. ¡°Lead the way and we can talk as we walk.¡± She said. I started to walk to the east of the pack house and Lisa kept pace with me. I wasn¡¯t sure why but I had a feeling I was going to get more answers than I 66.07% 14:55 expected. 99.81% Chapter 87 Chapter 87 Chapter Eighty¨CSeven Alpha Dorian ¡°Who¡¯s the hottie walking with mom?¡± Chadwick asked as he stared out my office window. Jared, Wes, and I were in my office discussing what we should do about theck of attacks since Alpha ke¡¯s warriors showed up. Chadwick was supposed to be learning. He may not be an alpha wolf but he is still the heir to the pack. ¡°I¡¯m sure it¡¯s one of her friends,¡± I told him, turning my attention back to the maps. It doesn¡¯t make sense why there hasn¡¯t been an attack. I was thinking we should send his men off the packnds but have them stay close if there was an attack. ¡°Uhm, Dorian?¡± Wes stammered. ¡°Can you guys ogle the woman on your own time, this is important.¡± I scolded, turning in my chair. ¡°She isn¡¯t someone you want us to ogle,¡± he said and I stood up, storming over to the window to see what the hell they were looking at. I was already spread thin and then there was this mess with my mate. She had gone to ke¡¯s pack to see her and now she won¡¯t even look at me. So my life felt like it was falling apart and nothing I did seemed to make a difference. I tried to speak with her, to exin everything but I don¡¯t think she heard anything I was saying. She¡¯s hurt and I¡¯m the one who hurt her. But I also can¡¯t get Evelyn out of my mind. My life was a double¨Cedged sword. ¡°What the hell?¡± I gasped, not expecting to see my Luna and my mate 0.00% 12:02 Chapter Eighty Seven walking out of the eastern tree line together. They were walking towards the pack house. 228 Vouchers ¡°Dad, do you know who¡¯s with mom? I¡¯ve never seen her before and I would have remembered her.¡± Chadwick said and I growled. Jared and Wes snickered behind me. I watched as they both stopped beside an SUV before they embraced each other in a hug. Did I miss something? And why the hell would Lisa speak with her but not me? I know I fucked up, but I thought she viewed Evelyn aspetition, not a friend. ¡°You three get some fucken work done, I need to speak with I scoffed before storming from my office. What the hell y Luna,¡± either one of them thinking? And why would Evelyn show up here of all ces? My father had men everywhere. Before I exited the pack house, I could hear shoutinging from outside. And then the three I left in my office came rushing down the stairs. ¡°You are going to want to get out there,¡± Jared eximed and I rushed to the door, running out to find my father¨Cinw confronting Evelyn with warriors and Lisa yelling at them to stand down. Content rights belong to N?velDrama.Org. ¡°What the fuck is going on?¡± I growled as I rushed to the scene, with the others behind me. ¡°Dorian, tell them to stand down,¡± Lisa demanded. ¡°Daughter, I will not stand down. This bitch is here for the pack and your mate, and I won¡¯t watch as everything that was promised to us is taken away,¡± her father growled, pointing a gun at Evelyn. ¡°Mom, what is going on?¡± Chadwick asked her. I moved in¨Cfront of the gun, my chest pressed up against the barrel. 24.97% 12:02 Chapter Eighty¨CSeven ¡°You will stand down, now,¡± I ordered and he shook his head. ¡°I have orders from your father. She will die, and there¡¯s nothing you can do to stop his wrath.¡± I grabbed the gun and all hell broke out around us. As soon as Evelyn let out a scream, Fang shifted and so did my beta and gamma. Even if I didn¡¯t still love her, if anything happened to her, I knew there would be a war. I turned to see Lisa kneeling beside Evelyn who was lying on the ground. Chadwick was standing over them, protecting them. ¡°Your father will hear about this,¡± Lisa¡¯s father growled before he shifted. He and his warriors took off ¡°Stop them,¡± I yelled through the link to Jared and Wes. They took off, with some of my warriors quickly following behind them. Fang walked over to the others. Evelyn was sitting up now, but she had a deep cut under her left eye. Fang¡¯s tongue darted out to lick the wound. ¡°Dad, what is going on? Mom, who is this?¡± Chadwick demanded. ¡°I¡¯m fine, Dorian,¡± Evelyn pushed Fang away and he whimpered. ¡°You aren¡¯t fine, Ryley. We need to get you to the hospital.¡± Lisa told her, trying to help her to stand. ¡°No, I just need some ice and my phone. I need to call ke, he doesn¡® t know that I¡¯m here.¡± She confessed. She stumbled trying to walk to her vehicle. Lisa and Chadwick helped her as I returned to the pack house to shift. Once I pulled on a pair of shorts, I rushed back out to find Evelyn sitting in her SUV, and Lisa was standing on the outside of the open door. ¡°Evelyn, why are you here?¡± I questioned as I approached them. Before 52.33% 12:02 Chapter Eighty¨CSeven she answered, Chadwick came up and passed her a bottle of water and an ice pack. ¡°I needed answers. Truthful answers,¡± she sighed, leaning her head back. ¡°Ryley, I think you may have a concussion. We should have a doctor look at you,¡± Lisa pleaded, and Evelyn patted her arm. ¡°I¡¯m okay. I¡¯ve been through worse. And I¡¯ll call ke to pick me up. I didn¡¯t expect to cause so much trouble.¡± She mumbled. ¡°Lisa, your son looks so much like you.¡± She smiled, looking at my Luna. ¡°He may look like me but he is so much like his father,¡± Lisa said and they both chuckled. ¡°Chadwick, this is Ryley. Ryley this is our son, Chadwick,¡± Lisa introduced them. ¡°It¡¯s nice to meet you, thank you for the water and the ice pack,¡± Evelyn said, shaking his hand. It was like I was standing in a dream. What the hell was happening right now? ¡°I¡¯m going to give ke a call, so I can get out of your hair,¡± she mumbled as she reached for her phone. ¡°Dorian, we didn¡¯t catch them,¡± Wes informed me through the link. I cursed, knowing I was going to have to tell ke. We would have to team up to keep her and my son safe. 80.17% Chapter 88 Chapter 88 Chapter Eighty¨CEight Alpha ke I spend the morning working, giving Ryley some time to herself. After her surprise visit with Alpha Dorian¡¯s Luna, she hasn¡¯t been herself. ¡°She¡¯s had an exhausting week, ke.¡± Gunner defended. ¡°I know she has, but that doesn¡¯t mean I don¡¯t want to spend time with her. I want to be there for her, whatever she needs,¡± I sighed. ¡°And she needs space,¡± he retorted and I growled. Content rights belong to N?velDrama.Org. ¡°You¡¯re no help,¡± I scoffed before closing the link. It was now midafternoon and it was almost time for me to meet the boys for our afternoon training. It gave me time to spend with both of them. I left my office, hesitating as I walked by Ryley¡¯s office. Since I canceled a contract, I have to wait for thewyers to handle everything before I can officially hire her to take over the work she was already doing. It was a lot of legal bullshit. I knew she told me that¡¯s where she was heading this morning went I left and I didn¡¯t want to bother her. I can¡¯t imagine how she is feeling after seeing her mate¡¯s chosen mate. I just pray she isn¡¯t thinking about going back to her mate. Fated mates are sacred to us. They are the other half of our souls. I may be selfish since I got to have mine, and I also want Ryley. But I don¡¯t want her soul mate to have her. And I know that makes me an asshole but he had his chance with her and he tried to kill her. He made her feel like the only way out was death. I will never let him have her, she is mine. 0.00% ||| 10:54 I quickly went upstairs to get changed before heading to the training field to meet up with the boys. I know Channing is having a hard time with this. He never expected to meet his father but now the cat is out of the bag. He knows that Ryley is alive and has given birth to their son. This is one big mess and I can see why she didn¡¯t want to get me involved, but I was already involved the moment she walked into my office and scolded me. That was the moment I knew she was going to be mine. The boys were just finishing up their lesson with the younger kids as I made it to the field. I was feeling anxious about seeing Ryley. She wasn¡¯t on the alpha floor, so she must be in her office. I pulled out my phone to send her a quick text. She needed space, but I needed to know she was okay. ¡°Dad,¡± Aspen called out before I received anything back from her. ¡°Aspen. Channing, how are you feeling?¡± I asked him, as they both approached me. ¡°I don¡¯t know. ke, how am I supposed to be feeling?¡± Channing shrugged. Aspen sped his shoulder, reassuring him. ¡°You have us, and your mom. You don¡¯t have to go through this alone.¡± Aspen said to his newfound brother. ¡°I know that, and I¡¯m thankful for you both. I just don¡¯t know how to put it into words. And I¡¯m more worried about my mom. I¡¯ve been researching the mate bond and fated mates. Unless she is marked by another, the council can force her to be with him. And I don¡¯t know what he is capable of.¡± Channing sighed, and my heart twisted painfully. I know the council could step in, I just thought since he was marked that there was nothing they could do. ¡°But he¡¯s marked. Would the council force her to share her mate with the woman he imed?¡± Aspen eximed, and Gunner growled. 28.66% < 10:54 Chopte Fighty¨CEight 280 Voorbes ¡°I don¡¯t know, and I would have to call my father to get more information from the council. But either way, I won¡¯t let that happen, Channing.¡± I told them. ¡°Dad, have you marked her?¡± Aspen asked me and I grumbled, running a hand throw my hair. ¡°No, we are taking things slow. I¡¯m moving at a pace that she isfortable with. And she isn¡¯t ready for marking yet.¡± I exined. ¡°But you are?¡± Channing questioned ¡°Why wouldn¡¯t I be? My wolf has imed her and you. I want both of you to be a part of this family and this pack. The only reason why I haven¡¯t is because I¡¯m waiting on your mother.¡± I watched as Channing¡® seyes became misty. ¡°He imed me?¡± He whispered. ¡°It¡¯s not something an alpha wolf would ever do but things are different with you two.¡± ¡°Thank you.¡± I wrapped an arm around his shoulders and pulled him in for a side hug. ¡°You don¡¯t need to thank me, Channing.¡± ¡°But I do. You¡¯re the first guy I¡¯ve ever seen my mom with. And there have been plenty who have tried. Wherever we went there have also been guys who have hit on her and she¡¯s ignored them all. My mom sees something in you that she hasn¡¯t seen in anyone else, and I¡¯m thankful you are giving her the time she needs. She doesn¡¯t know this, but there have been hundreds of nights over the years when I would wake up to her crying in her room. She has had to be strong my entire life, making sure that I have everything I could need or want. But I just want her to be happy. She deserves that.¡± He said, and I knew I wanted 62.71% ||| 10:55 Chapter Eighty¨CEight to make her happy. There was nothing I wouldn¡¯t do for her. ¡°You¡¯re still not getting the pack,¡± Aspen chimed in. ¡°I don¡¯t need a pack to kick your ass,¡± Channing retorted and the fight was on between those two. Both were wrestling, trying to get the upper hand from one another. I just stood thereughing at the insults they were yelling at each other. This should be how our life always is. 92.24% 10:55 Chapter Eighty¨CNine Chapter 89 Chapter 89 Chapter Eighty¨CNine Alpha ke ¡°Alpha,¡± Aiden said as he walked up beside me. I was still watching the boys. So far, they were both evenly matched. But I wouldn¡¯t be surprised if when Channing joins the pack, he¡¯ll be stronger. He has an alpha and Luna wolf for his parents. ¡°Aiden, how have you been?¡± I asked my friend. I haven¡¯t seen him since the night we all went out. ¡°I¡¯ve been good. Isabe not so much. She feels guilty about what happened with Ryley. How is she?¡± He sighed. ¡°Why would Isabe feel guilty? She had nothing to do with her quitting her job.¡± I questioned. ¡°Isabe is still on the board. She fought for Ryley to get the promotion but she was outvoted. And now she doesn¡¯t think Ryley will want to continue being friends. I told her to reach out but she¡¯s scared.¡± He exined. I knew Isabe¡¯s family was a part of the firm but I didn¡® t realize she was on the board. ¡°I don¡¯t think Ryley holds any ill feelings towards Isabe. She hasn¡¯t mentioned anything. It¡¯s more been about her ex¡¯s mate showing up yesterday.¡± I told him. ¡°What?¡± He eximed and I nodded. ¡°I wouldn¡¯t worry about things with Isabe and I can ask Ryley to give her a call when I see her,¡± I told him. 0.00% 10:55 Chapter Eighty Nine ¡°It would seem she has more important things to worry about than a job.¡± He said. ¡°Yeah, I already hired her but we are just waiting on the legal shit,¡± I told him and he smirked. ¡°Oh, and how does she like sleeping with her boss?¡± He chuckled and I grumbled. ¡°Fuck off,¡± I growled. He held up his arms in surrender. ¡°I¡¯m just repeating what Luca told me. So heat sex?¡± I shushed him, not wanting the boys to hear. ¡°Shut up,¡± I eximed. ¡°Ohe on. You¡¯ve had it before. It¡¯s nothing new,¡± he pointed out. ¡°In almost eighteen years, you ass. ¡± ¡°Right, sorry. My bad,¡± he shrugged. ¡°Just keep it to yourself and stop talking to Luca.¡± I scolded him before my phone rang in my pocket. ¡°I would but I think he¡¯s more excited you¡¯re gettingid than you are,¡± he chuckled as I pulled out my phone to see Ryley¡¯s beautiful face. She was calling me. ¡°Give me a second, it¡¯s Ryley,¡± I told Aiden before turning away and answering my phone. ¡°ke, please don¡¯t get mad,¡± Ryley said. Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org. ¡°Ryley, don¡¯t get mad at what? Where are you?¡± I eximed and I heard her sigh. 23.98% 10:55 Chapter Eighty¨CNine ¡°Promise you won¡¯t get mad and I¡¯ll tell you.¡± ¡°Fine, I promise,¡± I told her, my stomach in my throat as I waited for her to tell me what was going on. ¡°I went to see Lisa,¡± she whispered. ¡°You did what?¡± I roared unable to hold back my anger. ¡°ke, I,¡± she stammered. ¡°Don¡¯t fucken ke me, Ryley. What the hell were you thinking? And where the fuck are you now?¡± I demanded. ¡°ke can you please calm down, I¡¯m hurt and I¡¯m scared and I need you toe get me,¡± she pleaded. My anger stopped instantly as she sounded on the verge of tears. ¡°Baby, where are you?¡± ¡°I¡¯m sitting in my vehicle outside the pack house. ke, I know you¡¯re mad and I¡¯ll exin everything but I need you toe get me, please.¡± ¡°Are you in danger?¡± I questioned, worried that something happened and that¡¯s why she said she was hurt. ¡°No, I¡¯m not in danger, I have Lisa here with me.¡± She answered, but that didn¡¯t make me feel any better. ¡°I¡¯ll call you back as soon as I¡¯m on my way. And I¡¯m going to have Connor there to protect you, he¡¯s one of my men who¡¯s already there.¡± I told her. ¡°Thank you, ke, and I¡¯m sorry.¡± I ended the call before I called Connor to tell him to find Ryley in front of the pack house. His job was to protect her with his life. And to report her injuries back to me 45.10% ||| r 10:55 Chapter Eighty Nine 208 Vouchers once he got there. After I ended the call, I turned my attention back to the boys and Aiden. ¡°ke, what¡¯s wrong?¡± Channing asked me. ¡°I have to go pick up your mom. I want you boys to head home and to stay there. No going out tonight. I mean it,¡± I ordered them. I waited until they both nodded before turning to Aiden. ¡°I need you toe with me,¡± Imanded. ¡°What happened?¡± He mind¨Clinked me as we walked the boys back to the pack house. I needed to get my truck. ¡°I¡¯ll exin on the way,¡± I told him. Then I mind¨Clinked my beta to let him know to watch the boys and make sure they don¡¯t leave the pack house. I¡¯m not sure what Ryley started but if she¡¯s there and hurt, it can¡¯t be anything good. Once the boys were inside, I exined everything to Aiden as we rushed to where my truck was parked. I was just about to call Ryley when Connor¡¯s call came through the speakers of my truck. I was just about to pull away from the pack house with Aiden riding shotgun. ¡°Connor?¡± I answered. ¡°ke, I¡¯m here with Ryley. I¡¯m pretty sure she has a concussion. And she is in no shape to drive. Luna Lisa is sitting with her and Alpha Dorian has his men standing guard. And he only wants to speak with you about what happened.¡± He informed me and Gunner let out a loud growl. He was growing more and more frustrated. ¡°Tell her to get some rest and I will be there soon. And make sure no one touches her. Not even a doctor. I don¡¯t trust anyone there except you and my men.¡± Imanded. 70.42% J 10:55 Chapter Eighty¨CNine Chapter 90 Chapter 90 Chapter Ny Ryley I felt like shit after I got off the phone with ke. I knew this was a stupid idea but I did it anyway and now I was paying for it. It didn¡¯t take long for ke¡¯s warriors to show up and rece Dorian¡¯s. I was leaning my head back and willing myself not to throw up when ke finally pulled up. I¡¯m sure he broke speed records to get here as fast as he did. I turned my head before opening my eyes. I was still sitting in my SUV with Lisa sitting in my passenger side. I know my cheek looked bad but it was my head that was pounding to its own beat. ¡°ke,¡± my voice came out as a whisper as I called out to him when I saw him rush around the front of his truck. My stomach twisted painfully with guilt, which wasn¡¯t helping me hold down my vomit. ¡°Ryley,¡± ke rushed over to me, taking hold of my cheeks. ¡°I¡¯m okay,¡± I breathed out. ¡°You are not okay. What the hell happened,¡± he growled. I winced as he ran his thumb over the cut. ¡°Still no Lily?¡± He whispered, resting his forehead against mine. I shook my head. ¡°Why the fuck would youe here without her?¡± He 0.00% 10:59 ||| O < Chapter Ny scolded me, and he had every right to. I didn¡¯t think about Dorian¡¯s father¡¯s influence inside this pack. I was just so desperate for answers. ¡°ke, I¡¯m sorry, I just wanted answers.¡± ¡°Evelyn, why don¡¯t you have your wolf?¡® Dorian questioned, standing behind ke. ¡°I would watch your fucken tone,¡± ke growled, turning to face him. ¡°ke, let¡¯s just go home,¡± I pleaded as I grabbed his arm. ¡°Dorian, that¡¯s enough. It¡¯s been a long day.¡± Lisa said to her mate, not standing beside him. ¡°Did you let him mark you?¡± Dorian demanded. ke took a step towards him, as I desperately tried to hold him back. ¡°Stop, Dorian. Lisa is right. It¡¯s been a long day for everyone and Ryley is in no position to deal with this right now,¡± Jared his beta said, standing beside him. ke¡¯s men, including Aiden, stepped beside ke, ready to fight. I got out of the vehicle knowing that if I didn¡¯t do something people were going to get hurt. I moved in front of ke, facing him. ¡°ke, let¡¯s just go home, please,¡± I begged grabbing his hand. ¡°Did he do this to you?¡± ke demanded, looking down at 1. me. 19.36% ||| 10:59 Chapter Ny ¡°No, of course not. And I will exin everything but I need you to take me home, please, ke.¡± He surprised me by wrapping his arms around my waist and pulling me against his chest. I rested my head against his chest as I wrapped my arms around his waist. I know I fucked up but I needed him to calm down. But with both of them being alphas, I knew it wouldn¡¯t be easy. ¡°Aiden, drive Ryley¡¯s SUV back to the pack.¡± He nodded to ke, before squeezing my arm. ¡°Connor, get back to what you were doing for tonight but tomorrow I want you back in my pack.¡± He commanded. ¡°And tomorrow we¡¯ll call and discuss everything that happened.¡± Luna Lisa said. ¡°Yes, tomorrow, after everyone has had time to calm down,¡± I turned in ke¡¯s arm to look at Lisa. Our men may be fighting but I would like to think of Lisa as my friend. Lisa approached us and ke tensed behind me. I knew she would never hurt me. We had more in common than both men knew. I unwrapped myself from ke before giving Lisa a hug which she returned. ¡°We will talk tomorrow, with or without them,¡± I told her. ¡°You think if we can get a long, the men could,¡± she chuckled. ¡°Hopefully, tomorrow,¡± I said and she gave me a smile and a nod. ¡°Thank you, Dorian.¡± I managed to say before ke 38.80% < 10:59 Chapter Ny ¨C scooped me up into his arms. I couldn¡¯t even protest as the motion made my stomach churn. I leaned my head against ke¡¯s shoulder as he carried me to his truck. I could hear Lisa and Dorian sharing words but I couldn¡¯t make it out. I know, right now, their rtionship is strained. She told me all about it when we were talking earlier in the day. She truly loves him and I hope for her sake he will forget about me. ke opened the passenger side door of the vehicle before cing me down in the seat. He rested his forehead against mine, taking in deep breaths.Content rights belong to N?velDrama.Org. ¡°ke, I¡¯m sorry,¡± I whispered and he sighed. ¡°Ryley, I don¡¯t know what the hell you were thinking. I¡¯m just relieved that you weren¡¯t killed. Do you have any idea how stupid it wasing here without protection?¡± He eximed, taking hold of my cheeks so I would look at him. ¡°I know, and I¡¯m sorry. I didn¡¯t expect any of this to happen. I just wanted to talk to Lisa.¡± I told him. ¡°Next time, youe to me before you go rushing into another alpha¡¯s pack. You are important to me, baby, and others will use you to get to me. I may not have marked you, but if anything were to happen to you, I wouldn¡¯t make it. I wouldn¡¯t be able to live with myself if I let anything happen to you,¡± I watched as tears filled his eyes as he spilled his heart to me. His words swelled my heart and the guilt of what I did twisted my stomach. ¡°I¡¯m so sorry, ke. Please forgive me?¡± I pleaded with him 60.99% ||| 10:59 86.78% Chapter Ny before I brushed my lips against his. I needed him to know that I felt the same way about him. ¡°I forgive you, Ryley. And we will talk about this tomorrow. But first, let¡¯s get home and have the doctor check you out. He still needs to check on your arm.¡± He said before he pressed his lips to mine. The kiss may have been quick, but he filled it with the love he had for me. He quickly buckled me before closing the door. He rushed around the hood of the truck to the driver¡¯s side. The truck roared to life before ke took off down the road leading out of the pack. I took his hand in mine while he paid attention to the road. I know I¡¯m going to hear about all of this tomorrow but right now I want to enjoy the calmness ke¡¯s scent gives me. r Chapter 91 Chapter 91 Chapter Ny¨COne Chapter Ny¨COne Ryley : I had fallen asleep on the ride back home. ke unbuckling my seatbelt woke me from my restless sleep. I felt guilty for what I put him through. I leaned up and kissed his cheek. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, ke,¡± I mumbled. He turned to face me, brushing his lips against mine. ¡°I forgive you, but that doesn¡¯t mean I¡¯m not mad.¡± He sighed. ¡°Please, don¡¯t hate me,¡± I whispered, my heart twisting painfully. ke had every right to kick me and Channing out of his pack. I wasn¡¯t a member and he doesn¡¯t have to protect me. ¡°I could never hate you, baby. But you need to think about joining my pack. I need to be able to link you.¡± He told me, running his thumb along the cut on my cheek, where I was hit with the butt of a gun. ¡°Okay,¡± I nodded. ke stopped and looked me in the eyes. ¡°Okay, you¡¯ll think about it or okay, you¡¯ll join my pack.¡± He questioned. ¡°Okay, me and Channing will join you pack.¡± Before I could say anything else, his lips crushed against mine. I winced as his thump pressed painfully into my cut. ¡°Shit, I¡¯m sorry, baby,¡± He rushed out, pulling away from me. I moved his thumb before pressing my lips against his again. ¡°It¡¯s nothing that won¡¯t heal,¡± I told him, pulling my lips from his. Chapter Ny¨COne 288 iVouchers ¡°Still no Lily?¡± He asked me and I shook my head. ¡°She is still snoring away. I¡¯m d one of us is getting some sleep.¡± I shrugged. ke helped me out of the vehicle. He had parked out front of the pack house. But he led me over to the pack hospital, where I should get my own private room since I always seem to be here. This was bing an almost daily thing, and I needed to change that. And Lily is getting the scolding of her life when she wakes. ¡°Are the boys okay?¡± I asked as we walked into the ER. ¡°The boys are on our floor in the pack house. I have Luca making sure they didn¡¯t leave. I didn¡¯t know what you had started.¡± He answered. Fuck. I didn¡¯t even think about that. ¡°Miss Halliwell, fancy seeing you here, again,¡± Dr. Perry greeted me. ¡°We have to stop meeting like this,¡± I chuckled. ¡°Yes, you do,¡± ke grumbled as we followed behind the doctor as he led us to a room. ke helped me to sit on the exam table. ¡°Let¡¯s take a look,¡± Mr. Perry came over to shine a light in my eyes. ¡°So, do you want to tell me how this happened?¡± He questioned. ke¡® s chest rumbled and I knew he was going to be unhappy. ¡°I was pistol¨Cwhipped with a gun,¡± I shrugged, The roar ke released caused goosebumps to cover my body. People would be terrified of him, but I was instantly turned on. ¡°It¡¯s okay, ke,¡± I reached for his hand, squeezing it. ¡°You have a minor concussion, and you should have gotten stitches,¡± 22.17% 11.48 the doctor announced. ¡°Still no wolf?¡± He asked and I shook my head. ¡°Okay. Remove your shirt and I¡¯ll check your arm,¡± he said. I was going to lift it over my head until ke stepped in to just pull my arm out of my long sleeve. I smirked up at him. I let him do it without a fight since I knew he was about to explode. When he was satisfied with the amount of my body that was still covered, he moved to let the doctor check my arm. The doctor had a smirk on his face as he pulled back the bandage. Instead of watching the doctor, I turned my attention to ke. He seemed lost in thought when I reached for his hand again. When the doctor was all done rebandaging my arm and cing a bandage on my cheek, I was able to go home. Finally. It had been a long day and I was exhausted. As soon as my shirt was back in ce, ke scooped me up into his arms. I let out a squeal. ¡°Alpha, no intense actives until her wolf wakes and heals her.¡± Dr. Perry scolded his alpha. ¡°Thank you, doc,¡± I told him. ¡°I¡¯ll see you tomorrow,¡± he called out, as ke rushed out, carrying 1. me. Content rights belong to N?velDrama.Org. ke didn¡¯t stop to talk to anyone as he carried me up to the alpha floor. When he walked me inside our apartment, the boys were still up, sitting in the living room watching a movie. ¡°Mom, are you okay?¡± Channing rushed over to me as ke ced me on my feet. Aspen also rushed over, to examine the bruise on my face. ¡°I¡¯m okay, you two. I¡¯m just tired. I¡¯ll exin everything in the 47.89% 11:48 morning.¡± I promised them. ¡°Mom, did you go to see Dad?¡± Channing questioned. ¡°I went to see his mate, Lisa.¡± I sighed. ¡°Shouldn¡¯t you hate her? She stole your mate?¡± Aspen asked, confused. ke let out a growl. ¡°I don¡¯t hate her and she didn¡¯t steal my mate. Now, it¡¯s time for bed,¡± I told them. I gave them both a hug and a kiss, while ke was in the kitchen. ¡°I love you both so much,¡± I told them before I made my way into ke¡¯s room. I guess it was now my room as well. I stripped off my clothes and went into the bathroom to have a quick shower. I know I couldn¡¯t get into bed with another man¡¯s scent on me. ke was already at his breaking point and it was all my fault. ¡°What the hell was I thinking?¡± I mumbled to myself. When I was done, I quickly dried off before walking back into the room naked. I know this was mean but I needed to take his mind off of what happened. He let out a groan as I walked around the bed to the other side. He was already lying on his side of the bed. I climbed in under the nket and moved until I was snuggled into his side. ¡°That¡¯s not nice,¡± he grumbled. ¡°I¡¯m trying to take your mind off what happened today. I¡¯m so sorry ke. I was just about to leave when all hell broke loose.¡± I exined as I ran my fingertips over the contours of his abs. With his arm wrapped around me, he pulled me closer. ¡°Let¡¯s just get some sleep. You can tell me everything in the morning.¡± 74.29% 11:48 D Chapter 92 Chapter 92 Chapter Ny-two Ryley I had a moment of d¨¦j¨¤ vu as I ran through the forest. The moon was high in the sky, illuminating the path in front of me. I almost slowed my pace until the howl of wolves rang out all around me. I quickened my pace as my eyes scanned my surroundings. I couldn¡¯t feel Lily. She still must be sleeping but why was I here? ¡°ke!¡± I yelled out, as the howling wolves became louder. I knew they were closing in and I had no way of protecting myself from a pack of wolves.¡± I let out a scream as I was tackled to the ground. I was hit from the side and was able to twist my body so I was facing my attacker. He was on top of me as I fought him. ¡°I do love it when they try to fight back,¡± his manicugh rang out. I stopped fighting and was now face to face with Dorian¡¯s father, Alpha Darius. His eyes were dark, unlike his son¡¯s bright blues. His grin, had my body trembling as I tried to free my wrists from his grip. He was stronger and I didn¡¯t have my wolf. But that doesn¡¯t mean I won¡¯t try to do as much damage as I can. If I¡¯m going out then I¡¯m going to try to take him with 1. me. ¡°I can see why my son was so infatuated with you,¡± he purred, leaning into my neck. I screamed as he bit into my 0.00% neck. I fought harder to get away but I couldn¡¯t move. Tears streamed down my face, as I kicked my legs. ¡°ke,¡± I screamed out before I shook awake. I grabbed the sheets of the bed as I grounded myself to reality, and I sat up, panting. I was drenched in sweat as I tried to wake up. It was only a dream, I repeated in my head over and over again. ¡°No, stop,¡± I yelled out, as I felt a hand grab my arm. ¡°Ryley, it¡¯s me.¡± I fought against the grip on my arm, pleading with them to let me go. ¡°Ryley, it¡¯s ke, stop fighting,¡± Lily yelled in the head. I stopped, breathing heavily. I blinked away my tears as ke¡¯s face came into focus. ¡°Baby, it¡¯s me. What happened?¡± He breathed out, grabbing hold of my cheeks. My sobs caught in my throat as I shook my head. It was just a dream, I kept repeating as ke pulled me against his chest. ¡°It¡¯s okay, Baby, I¡¯m here. You¡¯re safe,¡± he whispered, reassuring me. I could hear his heart pounding in his chest. I knew I must have scared him. It¡¯s been a long time since I woke to a nightmare this bad. ¡°I¡¯m so sorry,¡± I cried, and he squeezed me tightly against his naked chest. ¡°Was it a dream?¡± He asked me, leaning down he kissed my forehead. 22.51% ||| Content is property ? N?velDrama.Org. O ¡°Nightmare,¡± 1 sniffled, trying to get my sobs under control. ¡°Is Lily awake? Your cheek is healed.¡± He questioned, gipping my chin, so I would look up at him. ¡°Lily?¡± I called out in my head. ¡°Right here,¡± she answered. I let out a breath of relief. Now I¡¯ll be able to face whatever ising after me. I¡¯m not alone. ¡°She¡¯s awake,¡± I told him, and he let out a breath. ¡°Good.¡± He rested his forehead against mine. ¡°I didn¡¯t mean to scare you,¡± I mumbled. ¡°It was a dream, Ryley. I won¡¯t let anything happen to you and Channing.¡± He said before he brushed his lips against mine. I felt my heartbeat pick up for a different reason, as his lips lingered on mine. I pushed my lips against his as I untangled myself from the nket. He let out a groan as I climbed on top of him, pushing my body impossibly close. Enjoying the feel of his warmth against me. I forgot I was sleeping naked until his tip pushed between my slick folds. ke swallowed my moans as I rolled my hips down into him. ¡°Baby, are you sure?¡± He asked me, pulling my head back with his hand tangled in my hair. With everything that has happened over thest few days, I needed this. I needed his body against mine. I never realized how much I needed someone in my life until ke. 44.49%% 10.58 D Chapter Ny- ¡°I¡¯m positive,¡± I breathed out. He searched my eyes, as I stared in his, pleading with him to continue. He let go of my hair and moved so his back was against the headboard. I gripped his shoulders, still straddling hisp. As I rolled my hips, his tip found my entrance, and I took the opportunity to sit back. I moaned as his length filled me, only stopping when my body was flush with his. ke groaned, as his fingertips dug almost painfully into my hips. ¡°Fuck, you feel good,¡± he mumbled against my neck. I threw my head back as he moved me up his cock, just to m me back down again. He was controlling my movements as I was a moaning mess. My mind was in a lust¨Cfilled haze and I didn¡¯t feel in control of my body. ke moved his lips down my neck to my chest before capturing a nipple between his teeth. I gasped as I dug my nails into his shoulders, marking his skin. ke had my body aze and he increased his pace. I ce my hands over his, taking control of the movement. I may be new at this but I get the idea. I bounced on my knees, bringing myself down onto his cock, harder and harder. He filled every inch of me, reaching ces deep inside I didn¡¯t know I had. And I loved every moment of it. ¡°Fuck, baby,¡± he groaned as he switched nipples. His thumb circled my clit, and my entire body tensed before it was thrown over intoplete bliss. ¡°ke,¡± I panted, my pace slowing as my body became 67 57% ||| r 10.58 Chapter Ny¨Ctwo heavy. With his hands on my hips again, ke took control, mming me down, harder and harder until he groaned and grunted with his release. We were left breathless as I rested my forehead against his. Our bodies glistened with sweat, as we tried to catch our breath. ¡°How are you feeling?¡± He mumbled, kissing my healed cheek. ¡°Better.¡± 93 76% Chapter 93 Chapter 93 ||| 10:58 D O Chapter Ny¨CThree Alpha ke I moved Ryley toy beside me, as I wrapped an arm around her. We were both trying to catch our breath after the ride she just took me on. I didn¡¯t expect that this morning but I would never say no to her. When she woke up, screaming, I was in the shower. I thought someone had gotten in. I was terrified as I rushed from the shower to our room, to find her alone. I¡¯ve never seen someone have a night terror, but I guess that¡¯s what she was having. She was restless all night, and I barely got any sleep as I was up checking on her. Even pressed into my side with her head resting on my chest, she was mumbling and throwing her head around. ¡°Do you want to tell me what happened?¡± I asked, kissing the top of her head. ¡°It was just a nightmare,¡± she shrugged. ¡°Do you have them often?¡± She sighed before shaking her head. ¡°Not that bad. It¡¯s been a long time since myst one.¡± ¡°And what do you think triggered this one?¡± I questioned. ¡°It was Lisa¡¯s father who attacked me yesterday. I was just about to leave and he surrounded us with his warriors. He 0.00% < 10:59 said that Dorian¡¯s father would hear about this. He had a gun pointed at me before Dorian stepped in the way.¡± She exined and my chest rumbled. ¡°Is he the one who hit you?¡± I demanded. ¡°No, when Dorian shifted that¡¯s when one of the other men hit me with his gun.¡± She breathed out. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, ke. Everything was fine until her father confronted me. I didn¡¯t even understand what was going on. I wasn¡¯t there for Dorian. I was there to get answers from Lisa. She seemed to be the only one who was willing to tell me the truth.¡± ¡°Then I should be more worried about Dorian¡¯s fathering after you, than Dorian?¡± I asked her. ¡°Maybe. I have dirt on his pack and the dealings he has been a part of, but I don¡¯t think he would know about that.¡± She told me. My phone rang on the nightstand beside me and I cursed, remembering the meeting I had to attend. ¡°After this meeting, you and Channing wille to my office and join my pack. And if you are to go anywhere, you must have a warrior with you at all times.¡± I told her. ¡°ke, I have Lily now, I¡¯m fine.¡± She protested and Gunner growled in warning. ¡°I don¡¯t care. You are not leaving this pack house unprotected, am I clear?¡± My phone kept ringing as I waited for Ryley to answer me. ¡°I won¡¯t leave the pack house,¡± she breathed out. I silenced 20.58% 10:59 D my phone before kissing her. ¡°I know it¡¯s not something you like, but I need you safe, baby. I couldn¡¯t live with myself if something happened to you.¡± I mumbled, kissing her forehead. ¡°I know I fucked up, ke. I didn¡¯t think of the consequences. I underestimated how much Dorian¡¯s father wanted me dead. But I don¡¯t think Dorian knows what is going on. Lisa told me that he knew about the takeover but wanted to get me out but his father sent men in before Dorian could get to me.¡± She exined. ¡°And you believe her?¡± I questioned. ¡°I do. She tried to protect me from her father. The reason she left so quickly when she was here, was when she saw Channing it all became real to her. My son looks like his father and is an alpha. Her son looks like her and he isn¡¯t an alpha. She was worried about losing her family. She loves him.¡± She confessed. ¡°And how do you feel about that?¡± I asked before my phone started to ring again. I looked at the screen to see Isaac was calling. I ignored the call and went back to my conversation with Ryley. ¡°ke, you have nothing to worry about, if that¡¯s what you are asking. Me befriending her has nothing to do with Dorian. Lisa is a great Luna and our sons are brothers.¡± She said as she climbed on top of me again, straddling me. ¡°I want to be with you. I¡¯m sorry if my pace is slow as a snail. But that doesn¡¯t mean I don¡¯t want this or us. I just don¡¯t 45.24% ||| 10 59 < ¡± want to move too fast.¡± My hands found her hips, and I found myself checking her out. Everything about her was perfect. ¡°So, us living together isn¡¯t too fast for you?¡± I teased, rubbing my nose against hers. She brushed her lips against mine. ¡°Living together isn¡¯t forever, but a mark is. When I mark you, I want it to be forever,¡± she mumbled, kissing my cor. I shivered as goosebumps covered my body. ¡°Are you thinking about forever?¡± I groaned as she sucked on my neck. ¡°It¡¯s not a bad idea.¡± She chuckled. I smacked her ass,Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org. causing her to gasp. ¡°ke,¡± she growled and I chuckled. ¡°I¡¯m not a bad idea?¡± I raised a brow, as she rested her forehead against mine. ¡°You¡¯re a pretty perfect idea,¡± she breathed out. I smiled knowing I was winning this battle. ¡°That¡¯s more like it,¡± I mumbled before I crushed my lips to hers. Before I could deepen the kiss, my phone rang again. Some days I hated all the responsibilities I had as alpha. ¡°It¡¯s okay, ke. Call me when you¡¯re done with your meeting. I¡¯ll be up here waiting,¡± she said, before pecking my lips. I groaned as she climbed off of me and headed to the bathroom, swaying her hips as she walked. 71.67% O 10.59 D ¡°Fuck,¡± I grumbled before looking at my phone to see mywyer¡¯s name on the screen. ¡°I¡¯ming. I¡¯ll be in my office in ten I answered the phone and hung up before he could say anything I rushed to get ready, I needed this meeting to be done so I could join Ryley to my pack. I didn¡¯t want her to have a chance to change her mind. Chapter 94 Chapter 94 AN Chapter Ny¨CFour Ryley ke popped his head in to let me know he was heading to his office. I was in the middle of scolding my wolf when he interrupted me. With everything that has happened, she should have warned me. ¡°Why the hell didn¡¯t you tell me about you sleeping after my heat? And why the fuck did I even go into heat? Lily, I need answers,¡± I demanded, as I stood under the hot water. ¡°First, I thought you knew about a wolf sleeping after being in heat. It¡¯s something your mother should have told you. And second, I don¡¯t know why we went into heat.¡± She retorted. ¡°My mother told me a wolf won¡¯t go into heat unless marked. I¡¯m not marked. And I needed you. Aspen almost died and then I did because I cut my arm to give him my blood and I almost bled to death.¡± I scoffed. ¡°Luna wolves will sleep longer than most. Most wolves would have been up a day or two after. I¡¯m sorry, I didn¡¯t warn you, Ryley. But to be honest, I¡¯ve never been in heat before. I felt funny all day and then when that male wolf was looking at you like that, it clicked. Then things happened so fast, and then I was sleeping.¡± She exined. I let out a sigh as I washed my body. ¡°And you don¡¯t know why we went into heat?¡± I questioned. 0.00% ||| 10:59 D ¡°I don¡¯t. I wish I could answer that. But did I hear you correctly, earlier? We are joining ke¡¯s pack?¡± She asked, her tail thumping in my head. ¡°Yes, we are joining the pack,¡± I told her. I exined everything that had happened since she was sleeping. ¡°Ryley, why the hell would you go back to that pack without me? Are you insane? Did you hit your head when I was sleeping?¡± She eximed, sarcastically. I rolled my eyes at my wolf¡¯s attitude. ¡°I get it. It was stupid, okay. But I didn¡¯t expect for Dorian¡¯s dad to care if I was alive or dead,¡± I shrugged. ¡°Channing has full im over that pack. He is the firstborn, alpha wolf to Dorian. And you are his mate. You have every right to march in there and im him and his pack. Of course, his father would be worried. Not to mention the dirt you have on the man that is a death sentence. And you just walked in there like you owned the ce without me or ke to back you up,¡± she scolded. I knew I deserved it, but that didn¡¯t make it sting any less. ¡°I get it, Lily. I fucked up. I¡¯m joining ke¡¯s pack. We are also going to speak with Lisa and Dorian today. Hopefully, we cane up with a n.¡± I told her. I climbed out of the shower, drying off before wrapping the towel around myself. I had some time to kill before I had to see ke in his office. Maybe I should give Walter a call. I know he¡¯ll scold me like the others but he could see something that I don¡¯t. Or he could have information on Darius. 21 14% O 10:59 D After I was dressed, I made my way to the kitchen to make myself a cup of coffee. I noticed ke had the same coffee maker that he put in my office. I smiled thinking about everything he had done for me and Channing. ¡°He¡¯s a good alpha and an even better man, Ryley. And he wants you.¡± Lily huffed, annoyed. ¡°Thank you,¡± I mocked. As I waited for my coffee, Channing and Aspen came walking into the apartment. They were both covered in sweat from their early morning training. Tomorrow I will have to go with them. I need to get back into my morning routine. ¡°Ryley, good morning, how are you feeling?¡± Aspen greeted me. He gave me a quick kiss on the cheek. ¡°Better, thank you, sweetie.¡± I smiled. ¡°Mom, why would you go see Dad?¡± Channing growled, standing on the other side of the ind. He has his arms crossed over his chest. ¡°Sweetie, I didn¡¯t go see your father. I went to see Lisa.¡± I corrected him. ¡°His mate? Why the hell would you risk everything to go see her?¡± He retorted. ¡°Channing, I don¡¯t appreciate the attitude. I understand you may be upset, but that doesn¡¯t mean you can speak to me like that.¡± I scolded him. 46.56%, ||| O 10:59 D ¡°Fine, don¡¯t fucken tell me,¡± he scoffed before walking away. Lily let out a growl, stopping him in his tracks. ¡°When you have calmed down, I¡¯ll be willing to answer all of your questions,¡± I called out to him. He was quick to m his bedroom door. I let out a sigh as I stared down the hallway. ¡°He¡¯lle around,¡± Aspen said, giving me a side hug before he went to his room. I poured myself a coffee before sitting on a stool in front of the kitchen ind. I rested my head in my hands as I thought about the mess I had made. I didn¡¯t even get a chance to tell Channing about us joining the pack. Instead, he stormed to his room. ¡°He¡¯s worried. He doesn¡¯t want you going back to your mate.¡± Lily chimed in. ¡°So, should I go talk to him or wait until he calms down?¡± I sighed. ¡°He¡¯ll have toe out of his room sometime. Just drink your coffee.¡± She answered. ¡°Fine,¡± I grumbled, taking a sip. This was thest thing I wanted. I didn¡¯t want to hurt my son. I needed answers, but I should have thought of a different way to get them. I sat there until I heard a door opening. I turned to see Channing walking down the hallway. ¡°Sweetie, please sit,¡± I said to him. 66.03% ||| 10:59 D ¡°Mom, I¡¯m going out,¡± he grumbled. ¡°Channing, you can¡¯t leave without a warrior. Also, we have to wait until ke is done with his meeting. We are joining his pack today,¡± I told him, as I ced my empty mug in the sink. ¡°Seriously?¡± I heard Aspen eximed, walking into the kitchen from his room. ¡°As soon as ke is finished with this meeting, we will officially be a member of your pack,¡± I told Aspen. ¡°That¡¯s if Channing still wants to be a part of this pack?¡± I said, facing my son. I could see his emotions written on his face. ¡°We are really going to join a pack?¡± He mumbled, his emotions caught in his throat. I walked over to him, takingProperty ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org. his hands in mine. ¡°It¡¯s what I want, and I hope you still want that as well.¡± He gave me a nod before he wrapped his arms around me. ¡°Thank you, mom.¡± 86 18% 10:59 D O Chapter 95 Chapter 95 Chapter Ny-Five Ryley After my talk with Channing, I decided to go down to my office. I know I couldn¡¯t work on anything pertaining to the Orion ount, but I had other things on my mind. I had my house listed, and Walter had started the expansion of the cabin. And since I¡¯m not working, I should get my finances in order. I¡¯ll be able to speak with Walter tomorrow as he will be here for Channing¡¯s hockey games, this weekend. Then I will have to get him registered for school. And I still had to speak with the insurancepany about recing his car. I had a long list of things to do and I hoped it would take my mind off of everything that had happened. After Channing and I were official members of the pack, I needed to give Lisa a call so we coulde up with a n. I wasn¡¯t looking forward to having my boyfriend on the phone with my ex¨Cmate. I cringed at the word boyfriend. It sounded so juvenile. ¡°He¡¯d be your mate if you would just let him mate you,¡± Lily huffed. I pushed my lip into a line. I wasn¡¯t in the mood to deal with this right now. My name was called when I was unlocking my office door. ¡°Isaac, what are you doing here?¡± I asked, turning my head to see him standing outside ke¡¯s office. ¡°Dealing with the aftermath of you quitting,¡± he answered 0.00% O 10:59 D walking towards me. ¡°I would apologize but it¡¯s not my fault. You left me no choice, Isaac.¡± I told him, entering my office. He followed me in and I sighed as I went behind my desk. ¡°I left you no choice? My father hired you with a piss poor degree and you just expect to make partner on one of the biggest firms in the country. Did you think for one second anyone on the board would give two fucks about a girl with a night school degree?¡± He retorted and I growled. ¡°If you think for one second that I give two fucks about your opinion about me, you are sadly mistaken. Your father gave me a chance, and my clients have brought in more money for that firm than any other employee. I was asked by your biggest client to handle their ounts. Not you, not anyone on the board, but me. I was the only one who could figure it out. This girl with the night school degree. So you can take your fancy education and shove it up your ass.¡± I snapped back. Fuck, that felt good. ¡°Now, get the fuck out of my office,¡± I ordered. ¡°You only have this office because you got on your knees.¡± He eximed. There was a loud growl at my office door and I knew it was ke. ¡°Isaac, you will apologize, now,¡± He demanded, as he and a few other men stepped into my office. ¡°I don¡¯t apologize for speaking the truth,¡± he told him and I chuckled. 22.23% ||| 10:59 D ¡°You¡¯re only pissed because I wouldn¡¯t get on my knees for you.¡± The men standing around ke snicker, as Isaac red at me. He knew it was true. He has been pursuing me since I started working for his father. ¡°Issac, I would advise you not to say another word to Miss Halliwell.¡± A man told him. ¡°Everyone out, now,¡± ke demanded. His voice caused goosebumps to cover my body, and I forced down the shiver. As Isaac walked past him, he grabbed his arm. ke looked like he wanted to murder him. And I smirked. Isaac would think twice before speaking to me again. ¡°You will apologize for your disrespect towards my future Luna,¡± ke growled. When Isaac nodded, ke let him go and he left my office, closing the door behind him. ke and I were left alone. ¡°Future Luna?¡± I questioned. ¡°I didn¡¯t say how far in the future. But why the hell were you talking with him?¡± ke asked as he walked over to me. I was sitting behind my desk now. ¡°It was more like arguing. He was in the hallway when I was trying to get to my office,¡± I shrugged. He leaned against my desk, beside me. ¡°I don¡¯t want you to ever speak to him again. This is a legal battle. He¡¯s trying to say that since we are together that is the reason I ended the contract. So, I could hire you for less 45.18% O 10:59 D Chapter Nine of what I was paying his firm.¡± He sighed, and I took his hand in mine. ¡°Well to be fair, I would cost less. You consider, if you were to just hire me, I would cost about twenty percent of what you were paying the firm. It would be cheaper.¡± I told him. ¡°Then I¡¯ll just have to pay you one hundred percent of what I was paying the firm.¡± He said, squeezing my hand. I stammered at his suggestion. ¡°ke, you can¡¯t be serious? That¡¯s too much.¡± ¡°It¡¯s what you deserve, Ryley. I¡¯m sure you have worked your ass off and had to work your way up to the twenty percent he was paying you. He¡¯s just pissed that he lost such a hard-working employee.¡± He pulled me closer, my chair moving between his legs. ¡°But that¡¯s a lot to pay for one person. And I¡¯m not here for the money. I stayed for you and the boys,¡± I confessed. He leaned forward, crushing his lips to mine. My moans filled my office as he picked me up out of the chair moving me to my desk. He settled himself between my legs, not breaking from the kiss. ¡°Do you Evelyn Ryley North swear your loyalty to this pack and alpha?¡± He mumbled, kissing down my jaw to my neck. This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org. ¡°I swear,¡± I moaned, gripping his shoulders. He pulled away, gripping my cheeks as he stared into my eyes. ¡°Cut me,¡± I held out my hand. He smiled and my heart melted. I felt like putty in his hands. He took hold of my 67.21% ||| O 10.59 Chapter Nint hand before cutting my palm with a w. I winced, as I waited for him to cut his. He then ced his cut over mine, our blood mixing as the link to the pack was formed. I groaned as I closed the link in my mind. It has been so long since I had to deal with a mind¨Clink and the headache that went along with it. ¡°Are you okay?¡± ke asked me, removing his hand, he ran his tongue over my cut. ¡°I¡¯m better now, alpha,¡± I purred, wrapping my arms around his neck. ¡°Fuck, I love it when you call me alpha,¡± he groaned before he crushed his lips to mine. 90.48% ||| Chapter 96 Chapter 96 10:59 D Chapter Ny¨CSix Alpha ke I walked back into my office ready to murder Isaac for his disrespect towards my Luna. I was ecstatic on the inside that Ryley was now a part of my pack but first I needed to deal with this shit. This was supposed to be an easy termination of contract but Isaac is pushing it to be more. This has nothing to do with money and more to do with my personal rtionship with Ryley. But even if we weren¡¯t together I would still have her back. She¡¯s a wolf and we need to stick together. ¡°Mr. Orion, I would like to state for the record that whatever my client said to Miss Halliwell has nothing to do with this matter.¡± Issac¡¯swyer stated before I even sat back down. ¡°It does or he would terminate the contract. My decision to end this contract is because the ountant assigned to my case quit. She is the best at what she does and that¡¯s why I asked for her. If she no longer works at Mr. Miller¡¯s firm then I want no part in his firm. And if you would read over the employment contract that mywyer has provided, you would see I¡¯m willing to pay her as much as I was being charged for her services.¡± I pointed out. ¡°He means no disrespect,¡± thewyer tried to defend his client but I held up my hand stopping h him. ¡°But he does. If he didn¡¯t you wouldn¡¯t be here wasting my 0.00% ||| O 10:59 D time. And he wouldn¡¯t have spoken to my partner the way he did.¡± Isaac red as he clenched his jaw. ¡°Mr. Orion¡¯s offer is more than generous and is more than the original contract stated for early termination. I would take the offer before this goes to court.¡± Mywyer advised. ¡°I¡¯m going to put this in away you will understand if you leave my pack without signing. I will take you to court and single¨Chandedly take the firm for everything it has. This offer ends the moment you step out of my pack. I¡¯m done with this matter. Sign, don¡¯t sign. I don¡¯t care. This meeting is over,¡± I announced before getting up from my chair. Mywyers can deal with this. I would have been more patient if he didn¡¯t attack my Luna. ¡°Oh and Mr. Miller, you will apologize to Miss Halliwell before you leave or I¡¯ll rip up the contract,¡± I said before leaving my office. I went to Ryley¡¯s office. Opening the door, I found she was concentrating on the screen of herptop. I closed the door behind me before making my way ¨C over to the seats in front of her desk. ¡°ke, how the hell do I register Channing for school? This website has no useful information,¡± she huffed, clicking angrily on the keyboard. ¡°I¡¯ll handle it once Channing is a part of the pack,¡± I told her. She sighed, mming herptop closed. Content rights belong to N?velDrama.Org. I linked Aspen and told him to get Channing and meet me in Ryley¡¯s office. The members of my pack should have felt the link with Ryley¡¯s form and now it was time to add another. 25.41% ? 10:59 D Chapter Ny¨CSix ¡°What¡¯s bothering you, my love?¡± I asked her, as she watched me from across her desk. ¡°Everything, nothing. I don¡¯t know ke. What Isaac said is getting to me, and I know it shouldn¡¯t but I want nothing more than to punch him in the face,¡± she growled, and I let out a chuckle. She crossed her arms over her chest and pushed her lips in a line. ¡°I didn¡¯t mean tough. You¡¯re just adorable angry.¡± I shrugged. She rolled her eyes and I chuckled again. ¡°What did he say that¡¯s bothering you the most?¡± I asked her, moving to lean on the desk beside her. Sheid her head on my thigh and I ran my fingers threw her hair. ¡°I don¡¯t know. Maybe the fact that he insinuated that my education was beneath him because I didn¡¯t go to some fancy school. I had to work my ass off, working three jobs and then I did night sses. All while taking care of Channing. And then for some asshat to walk in here and say he¡¯s better than me because he was given an expensive education. The same asshat who has been asking me out for years.¡± She scoffed. Gunner let out a growl. ¡°We should just murder him, and throw his body in a pit somewhere. Fucker, hurt mate and should die,¡± he grumbled. ¡°And does his opinion of you matter?¡± I questioned, still ying with her hair. ¡°No, but, I don¡¯t know. I just don¡¯t want you to think of me like that. I may not have had the education I wanted but I 53 99% ||| O r 10.59 D Chapter Ny¨CSix made the most of it.¡± She shrugged. I kneeled on the floor, moving her chair so I was now facing her. I took hold of her cheeks. ¡°I would never think that of you. You did everything you had to. And look at the life you have given to Channing. You have nothing to be ashamed of.¡± I told her, rubbing my nose against hers. ¡°Thank you, ke,¡± she mumbled. ¡°For what, baby?¡± I asked her. ¡°For being able to make me feel better,¡± she smiled before her lips brushed mine. I smiled against her lips. Our moment was short¨Clived when the boys entered her office. ¡°Get a room,¡± Aspen eximed. I growled as Ryley chuckled. ¡°We are in a room,¡± I retorted. ¡°Should wee back?¡± Channing questioned, I looked up to see both of them cringing. ¡°No, I should add you to the pack before you go anywhere. I know you have afternoon training soon.¡± I told him. ¡°Great, what do I need to do?¡± I stood up from where I was kneeling and walked over to the boys. ¡°Give me your hand and swear your loyalty to me and the pack.¡± 80.59% 10:59 C Chapter 97 Chapter 97 Chapter Ny¨CSeven Ryley As soon as Channing was officially a member of the Orion pack, there was a knock on my office door. I sighed knowing it was Isaac. I never wanted to see him again. ke moved to open the door, and it was indeed Isaac. ¡°Mr. Miller, what can I do for you?¡± ke said to him. ¡°I came to apologize to Ryley. I was out of line.¡± I heard him say. ¡°Apology epted,¡± I called out, not wanting this to drag on more than it had to. ¡°I signed the paperwork.¡± He told ke. He nodded before closing the door. ¡°What was that about?¡± Channing asked as ke came to sit on the couch beside me. ¡°He said some shit to your mother, and I told him if he did apologize I would bankrupt hispany,¡± ke shrugged and I gasped. ¡°ke, over a few angry words?¡± ¡°At least he got to keep his life. If he was a wolf, he would be dead for what he said to you.¡± He wrapped his arm around my shoulders, pulling me against him, he kissed my 0.00% 10:59 D O < temple. ¡°Is that normal? To feel that overprotective?¡± Channing questioned. He and Aspen were seated in the chairs in front of my desk. ¡°You¡¯re an alpha wolf. And we are very protective of what we view as ours. And when you find your mate, you will do any and everything to keep her safe and happy,¡± ke exined to him. ¡°It could exin why you are more grumpy than usual,¡± Aspen said and Channing growled. Channing has always been a calm and patient child. ¡°Channing,¡± I scolded him. ¡°Ryley, this is normal for alpha wolves. They are going to be more aggressive. It¡¯s something they need to learn how to control.¡± ke said to me. ¡°It¡¯s fine, I¡¯m used to Mr. Grumpypants. I just beat him up on the training field.¡± Aspen chuckled. ¡°Speaking of training, you two are going to bete,¡± ke announced, looking at his watch. I stood up and moved toward my son. ¡°Just take a few breaths, sweetie,¡± I told him, kissing his cheek. He gave me a nod. Aspen came over to get a kiss as well before they both left my office. Hlet out a sigh as I flopped down on the couch beside ke. I think this stage of raising an alpha wolf was the worst. But I guess meeting his father didn¡¯t help. Content is property ? N?velDrama.Org. 17.31% ? 10.59 ¡°Or you almost dying,¡± Lily chimed in. ¡°It will get easier,¡± ke assured me. ¡°I feel like it¡¯s about to get worse before it gets better,¡± I breathed out. ke leaned back, wrapping an arm around my shoulders. ¡°Everything will work out. You now have a pack standing behind you. And an alpha that won¡¯t let anything happen to you,¡± He mumbled, kissing my temple. ¡°Have you noticed anything with Aspen?¡± I asked him. ¡°Not really. But Channing has an alpha and a Luna for parents. That¡¯s going to make things more intense for him. Was your mother a Luna wolf?¡± ¡°She wasn¡¯t. I know both her parents were from alphas. And both my father¡¯s parents were from alphas. Maybe that¡¯s why I¡¯m a Luna. I would have to track down my family tree to see if there were any Luna wolves in the family.¡± I told him. ¡°I can ask my father to look into it. He and my mother live very close to the council building.¡± He offered. ¡°I would like that, thank you.¡± I smiled until I thought about his mother and her hate for me. ¡°Does it bother you that your mother doesn¡¯t like me?¡± I mumbled, ying with my hands. He gripped my chin, turning my head so I was looking at him. ¡°No. I¡¯m sure after she stops listening to her friends and 38.97% 10:59 D gets to know you, she¡¯ll love you. She should be thankful that the woman I want to be with, loves her grandson as much as I do.¡± He rubbed his nose against mine. ¡°Thank you, ke. But let¡¯s deal with one issue at a time. We need to call Lisa.¡± I told him and his chest rumbled. ¡°ke, there¡¯s nothing to worry about. I¡¯m with you, and even if I wasn¡¯t, I wouldn¡¯t be with him. He has his mate.¡± I reassured him. ¡°That¡¯s not what I¡¯m worried about. If Dorian wanted to he could go to the council and demand you. Even with him being marked. With you being unmarked he can still im you,¡± He growled, and I sat there stunned. To the council, I was just property to my fated mate. ¡°So, I¡¯m expected to share my mate, but he isn¡¯t to share me?¡± I huffed, and his chest rumbled. expected ¡°You know what I mean, ke. I don¡¯t want to share or be shared. I just think this is all ridiculous.¡± I scoffed. ¡°It¡¯s something I have my father looking into. But Channing is worried that his father will force you to be with him.¡± He told me. ¡°That¡¯s why he¡¯s been more on edgetely?¡± I asked him. ¡°I can¡¯t say for sure but I think so. He wants to protect you but he doesn¡¯t know how.¡± He shrugged. ¡°And is that why you want to mark me?¡± I questioned. ¡°Baby, I want to be with you. I want you to be my Luna. And 61.04% ||| 10:59 if me marking you protects you from your fated mate and the council, then that¡¯s just the added bonus. Even if they couldn¡¯te after you, I would still want to mark you.¡± He confessed. ¡°Fuck,¡± I breathed out, leaning my head against the back of the couch. ¡°There¡¯s no pressure. We are moving at a speed that you arefortable with,¡± he reassured me, rubbing his hand up my thigh. ¡°You may not be pressuring me, ke, but if the council found out about everything. They would force me to mark him. And if they found out I was a Luna wolf, they could sell me to the highest bidder.¡± I eximed, tears filling my eyes. I had to make a decision quickly or I may never have a choice. ¡°I won¡¯t let anything happen, Baby.¡± He said, pulling me against his chest. ¡°We should give Lisa a call. I need to know if they found out anything.¡± 84.80% 10:59 D ||| Chapter 98 Chapter 98 Chapter Ny¨CEight Alpha ke I wasn¡¯t looking forward to speaking with Ryley¡¯s ex¨Cmate. Logical, it was a good idea, but I couldn¡¯t help but hate him. I never wanted him around my family again. The phone rang for what felt like forever before it went to Luna Lisa¡¯s voicemail. Ryley left a message before ending the call. I let out a breath, thankful I didn¡¯t have to deal with Dorian right now. Right now, I just wanted to enjoy the fact that Ryley and Channing are a part f my pack. This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org. of ¡°Hopefully, she¡¯ll call back soon,¡± Ryley said, leaning back against me ¡°You should give Isabe a call. Aiden said she was pretty upset with the way the board handled the promotion.¡± I told her. ¡°I¡¯ll send her a text. I¡¯m sure Isaac has already bitched to his sister about me. And I¡¯m in no mood to deal with that right now.¡± She sighed, before typing away on her phone. ¡°Are you done for today?¡± She asked me when she was done. ¡°I can be, why?¡± I questioned. ¡°I have to go make up a room for Walter. Is it okay that he is staying on the alpha floor?¡± ¡°Baby, you don¡¯t have to ask. The alpha floor is now your home.¡± I exined. ¡°But it¡¯s your home. And I want to make sure you are good with him 0.00% ||| 12:30 D staying with us.¡± She shrugged. ¡°It¡¯s fine. And while you are doing that, I¡¯m going to meet the boys at training. Then we can meet in the dining room for dinner,¡± I told her and her body tensed beside me. ¡°Or I can make us dinner.¡± She suggested. ¡°Or you can make us dessert?¡± I countered. ¡°I know you feel ufortable eating with the pack but as alpha, it¡¯s something I need to do. And I want you there, beside me,¡± I exined, grabbing hold of one of her hands, andcing our fingers together. ¡°Fine,¡± she sighed, and I squeezed her hand. ¡°Everything will be fine,¡± I mumbled kissing the hand I was holding. ¡°I¡¯ll make sure I¡¯m ready. And you can have me for dessert,¡± she purred, kissing my cheek. I groaned, grabbing her arm before she could move away. ¡°You are in so much trouble after dinner,¡± I growled low against her ear. She shivered and goosebumps covered her body. ¡°Yes, my alpha,¡± she moaned. I was rock hard, and this woman wasn¡¯t helping the need to take her upstairs and im her. I wanted to sink my teeth into her silky smooth neck. ¡°You should also have a nap when you¡¯re upstairs. I¡¯m not letting you sleep tonight.¡± My voice was husky with lust as I crushed my lips to hers. She ran her tongue along my lower lip before I pushed my tongue into her mouth, tasting every inch of her. Our kiss was interrupted when there was a knock on her office door. My chest rumbled. I swear whoever is at the door is going to die. 22.30% ||| r 12:30 D Chapter Ny¨CEight ¡°ke, I know you¡¯re in there,¡± Luca called out from the other side of the door. Ryley let out a breathy chuckle as she caught her breath. ¡°I guess I need to go,¡± I sighed, before pecking her lips. ¡°And I¡¯ll see you at dinner,¡± she purred as she rubbed her palm up my thigh, running it over my rigid member. My groan caught in my throat as she applied pressure. ¡°Fuck, baby,¡± I growled. ¡°Something to look forward to,¡± she smirked. She got up from the couch and I smacked her ass as she walked by to answer the door. She let out a squeal before turning to re at me. I chuckled as she rubbed over her ass cheek and continued to the door. I readjusted myself before my beta walked in. ¡°ke, we need to talk,¡± he eximed, and I raised an eyebrow, ¡°And I¡¯ll take my leave,¡± Ryley announced. She grabbed her phone on the coffee table before pecking my lips. I watched her walk out of her office, closing the door behind her. ¡°What?¡± I growled to my beta. ¡°First, good job on getting Ryley to join the pack. But second, your parents just crossed the border,¡± he told me and my attention snapped to him. ¡°Why the hell are they back so soon?¡± I questioned and he shrugged. I just got word from a border warrior. They should be here in about five minutes now.¡± He informed me. ¡°Fuck,¡± I huffed, standing from my seat. ¡°So, this should be fun. Your girlfriend and your mother sharing a 49.28% 12:30 Chapter Ny¨CEight space,¡± he chuckled and I red at him. ¡°How¡¯s the repairs going on the house that Ryley was staying in?¡± I asked, hopeful, we could stay there until my parents left. ¡°It¡¯s not done. You could still stay there, but the window hasn¡¯t been reced yet.¡± He shrugged. ¡°Maybe we can stay at a hotel?¡± I suggested until I remembered Walter wasing to stay with us over the weekend. ¡°Or you can stay and let your mother realize why you love Ryley,¡± my beta said as we left her office. I needed to meet my parents at the front of the pack house before going to meet the boys for training. ¡°This is all I needed right now. Ryley is stressed enough with now being a part of a pack again and now my mother is here.¡± I sighed. ¡°At least the matter with the ounting firm is over with. Now, you can hire Ryley and she can stay here forever and ever,¡± He teased and I punched him in the arm. ¡°Ow,¡± He eximed, rubbing the spot where I hit him. ¡°She is staying here regardless unless my mother chases her away. Hopefully, my father can keep her in check.¡± I told him. We both walked out of the pack house to find my parents had pulled up in front of the house. My mother rushed over to me, throwing her arms around my neck. ¡°ke, I have such good news,¡± She eximed. The look on my father¡® s face told me it was nothing good. 75 20% 12:30 D Chapter 99 Chapter 99 Chapter Ny¨CNine Ryley After leaving ke and Luca in my office, I headed upstairs to get a room ready for Walter. I also needed to get someundry done, make dessert, and find an outfit for dinner this evening. I was feeling anxious about sitting with everyone. I was now a member of the pack, not just a visitor. ¡°And future luna,¡± Lily chimed in. I let out a groan as I entered our apartment. ¡°Maybe, Lily, I don¡¯t know. I want to be with ke but do I want all the responsibilities thate with being with an alpha?¡± I sighed, as I walked from room to room collectingundry. ¡°We are a Luna by birth. I chose ke and his wolf as our mates. Not just because we could be forced to be with Dorian or another alpha, but because I love him. I love him for us. He takes care of us and our pup. And no other alpha would do that for us, I assure you.¡± She said. ¡°I don¡¯t know if I¡¯m ready for that just yet. What if ke wants more kids? And I don¡¯t think I want to live in the pack house. There is just so much for us to discuss before we can mark each other.¡± I told her. ¡°And what if ke does want to have a child with us?¡± She asked and I sighed. ¡°I don¡¯t know. I never thought I would have a chance at a mate again. So I never gave in much thought.¡± I said as I started the washing machine. 0.00% 12:30 D ¡°It¡¯s not such a bad thing, Ryley. A child to bring together two families.¡± ¡°But what if he doesn¡¯t want any more kids and I¡¯m overthinking this? Or if in a few years, I want to have another child but he doesn¡¯t.¡± I eximed. My chest became tight, making it hard for me to breathe. ¡°Breathe, nothing has been decided. You¡¯re overreacting for nothing,¡± she scolded me. ¡°Or maybe I¡¯m under¨Creacting,¡± I retorted. ¡°Ryley,¡± she sighed. ¡°Lily, I need to make sure that ke and I are on the same page before Imit to this rtionship forever. I was ready tomit to Dorian and look how well that turned out.¡± I reminded her. My phone rang in my pocket, pulling me from my argument with my wolf. I gave her a pack and now she wants a mate. I don¡¯t me her but I need to take this slow. I was about to rush into things with Dorian without knowing he was my mate, and he fucked me over, even knowing I was his mate. ¡°isa?¡± I answered the phone. Her name shed on the screen before I vered. yley, sorry I missed your call. Are you able to chat now?¡± She asked. ¡°ke isn¡¯t here. But I can talk. Is everything okay?¡± I questioned. ¡°I¡¯m sorry about my father yesterday. Dorian has been on a rampage since you left. He¡¯s convinced the reason you didn¡¯t have your wolf is because you were in heat. You didn¡¯t mention ke marking you,¡± she said. 25.30% 12:30 D ¡°We haven¡¯t yet. But I think we should discuss what would happen if your mate went to the council demanding me back,¡± I sighed. ¡°I¡¯m hoping if that does happen, you will let ke mark you. I don¡¯t know if he will or not, Ryley. He¡¯s hurt that you kept his son from him and he¡¯s angry with his father for what he did. And then ke pulled his warriors and he¡¯s worried about the pack.¡± She confessed. ¡°I understand that. But in my defense, I thought he was trying to kill me. He could have tried to find me.¡± I defended. ¡°That¡¯s true. There are a lot of what¨Cifs. But that doesn¡¯t change anything. Right now we just need to focus on the present.¡± She told 1. me. Content is property ? N?velDrama.Org. ¡°Have you found your father?¡± I asked her. ¡°We haven¡¯t. Dorian is going through the warriors to see who is loyal to him or his father. He doesn¡¯t want any part of his father or his pack. And he¡¯s worried he¡¯lle after your son. He wants to protect you but feels conflicted because of me and our son.¡± She sighed and I could hear her sorrow. ¡°I should have stayed dead. Then this all wouldn¡¯t be happening,¡± I breathed out, sitting on the edge of the bed I was in the middle of making. ¡°But then you wouldn¡¯t have ke. This will all be worth it in the end, if we survive. I¡¯m sure the only reason I¡¯m not dead is because my father made a deal with the devil.¡± ¡°We¡¯ll have to get together soon. But keep me updated and I¡¯ll do the same. And if you need anything, let me know.¡± I told her. After we said our goodbyes, I flopped back on the bed. 51.50% 12:30 D C hapter Ny¨CNine ¡°The only way out of this is to kill Dorian¡¯s father. Dorian can take over his pack and you can have your pack back or hand it over to Channing.¡± Lily said. ¡°Channing doesn¡¯t want to be an alpha. And I would never ask him to give up his dream. And if I have a pack, I can¡¯t be here with ke. But I do agree that Darius needs to die. Not only for killing my father but for everything he has done.¡± I told her. I got off the bed and quickly made it before returning the dirty bedding to the smallundry room. I¡¯m sure this room has never been used, but I prefer to do these kinds of things myself. When I was satisfied with the room, I made my way to the kitchen to see what I could make for dessert. There wasn¡¯t much here and I should probably go grocery shopping. I was in the middle of looking through the fridge when the door to the apartment was thrown open. My heart pounded in my chest when I heard her voice ring out through the space. ¡°What do you mean they are now living together?¡± Chapter 100 Chapter 100 12:30 D 80.72% Chapter One Hundred Ryley ¡°Alpha and Luna, it¡¯s good to see you again,¡± I said closing the fridge door. ke¡¯s father smiled at me, while his mother crossed her arms over her chest. She scoffed in frustration. ¡°Ryley, it¡¯s good to see you again, sorry for the interruption,¡± ir said. ¡°Don¡¯t apologize this is our floor. Not hers.¡± She huffed. I just smiled. even though I wanted to punch her in the face. This was ke¡¯s home and he invited me to live here with him. ¡°I don¡¯t think there is a room ready for you. I¡¯d be happy to make one up if you¡¯d like to have a seat in the living room.¡± I said. ¡°Are you also the help?¡± She sneered. ¡°No, just offering to do something nice. But if you can handle it, I was just on my way out.¡± I told her. ¡°You go on dear, we can handle making a bed,¡± he told him. I gave him a nod before grabbing my purse and leaving. As soon as I closed the door behind me, I let out the breath I was holding in. Great, now I have to deal with her. I rushed down the stairs and out of the pack house. I almost ran right into ke as he was walking up to the pack house with the boys and Luca. ¡°Baby, where are you going?¡± ke questioned, grabbing my arm and pulling me against him. 0.00% 12:30 D ¡°I needed to run to the store to get some things to make dessert,¡± I told him. ¡°Please say you are making cheesecake,¡± Channing pleaded. All content ? N/.?vel/Dr/ama.Org. ¡°Yes, please make cheesecake,¡± Luca begged as the three of them pouted. ¡°Yes, I¡¯m making cheesecake.¡± I exasperated. The three of them cheered and high¨Cfived. ¡°Boys go upstairs, Grandma and Grandpa are here,¡± ke told them, and my attention went to him. He knew and he didn¡¯t warn me. ¡°I know what you are thinking, baby,¡± he said through the link. ¡°Do you?¡± I eximed, backing away from him. ¡°Ryley, I¡¯m sorry. I didn¡¯t know they wereing until they were here. My father said he had to speak to me.¡± He said, reaching for my hand, but I pulled it away. ¡°And you couldn¡¯t warn me? Are we just ying house, or is your house my house as well? I should feel safe in my home. And having your mother walk in and attack me, doesn¡¯t make me feel safe,¡± I yelled. Everything was bubbling to the surface, and I needed to be alone. Not only do I have to have dinner with my new pack but now I have to eat with the woman who hates me. ¡°Ryley, of course, what mine is yours. And if you want, we can go stay at a hotel for a few nights. I don¡¯t want you to feel ufortable in your home. And it¡¯s your home, Baby. ¡± ke took a step towards me and I put up my hands to stop him. ¡°I need to run out. And maybe I¡¯ll go stay at a hotel until they leave. They are your family and you should be able to spend time with them.¡± 24.06%% 12:30 D I told him, walking to my SUV. ¡°Ryley, stop. I¡¯lle with you. You shouldn¡¯t go alone,¡± he protested. ¡°I need to be alone.¡± I climbed in behind the wheel. I let out a breath as I pulled away from the pack house. I know ke said I needed to have a warrior with me outside the pack house but right now I just needed space to think. And I¡¯m well aware I¡¯m probably overreacting but all of this was bing too much. Who¡¯s not to say that ke¡¯s mother wouldn¡¯t go to the council herself just to get me away from her son? Or could her hatred for me build resentment between us? How can we be together and have a family if his mother hates me? ¡°Fuck,¡± I screamed out as I drove. ¡°Ryley, calm down, everything will work out. And even unmarked you outrank her because of who you are. You are a Luna wolf and you need to start acting like one.¡± Lily scolded me as I parked in front of the store. ¡°Or I can go back to being single and not have to worry about parents who don¡¯t like me,¡± I retorted. ¡°His dad likes you,¡± she pointed out. ¡°Lily, I don¡¯t know what to do here. I¡¯ve never had to deal with any of this. And if it was any other woman, my inner bitch would have made an appearance.¡± I pleaded with my wolf to give me something. ¡°Is all of thising from the fact that you love ke and you don¡¯t want him to reject you? So, instead of walking in there and teaching that woman what you¡¯re made of, you ran away?¡± My wolf questioned. ¡°No,¡± I whispered. 52.93% 12.30 ¡°Fuck, maybe,¡± I eximed. I didn¡¯t want ke to reject me. I wanted to give him all of me, but how can I do that if his mother hates me? I don¡¯t want to be the reason for a rift between him and his mother. ¡°You could always go get the things you need to make your delicious cheesecake, and then put on your big girl panties and walk back in there with your head held high.¡± She suggested. I hesitated as I looked at the entrance of the store. ¡°You have to fight for the things you want, Ryley. If you want ke, then fight for him. Show her how much you love her son and grandson.¡± ¡°Baby, please talk to me?¡± ke said through the link. ¡°I¡¯ll be home soon,¡± I told him. I got out of my vehicle and headed into the store. If this is the life I want then I need to fight for it. I can¡¯t let anyone take away my choice. I may not be ready to mark him, but that doesn¡¯t mean I don¡¯t love him. I love ke Orion. 81.89%% 12:30 D Chapter 101 Chapter 101 Chapter One Hundred One Chapter One Hundred One Alpha ke I watched as Ryley drove away. I was furious with my mother. She had no right toe into my home and make my Luna feel ufortable. I stormed up the stairs, and threw open the door to our floor. The boys were sitting with my parents in the living room. ¡°ke, you scared me. Is everything okay, son?¡± My mother gasped. ¡°Boys, rooms now,¡± I demanded, as I crossed my arms over my chest. ¡°Where¡¯s mom?¡± Channing asked me, worried. ¡°She just went to the store and will be home soon. Now, both of you go get cleaned up for dinner.¡± I told them. As soon as the door to their rooms closed, Gunner let out a murderous growl. Ryley was his mate and he wasn¡¯t going to have her disrespected. ¡°Son, calm down.¡± She scoffed. ¡°I will not calm down, Mother. You can¡¯t just walk in here and make the person I chose to be with ufortable. Ryley lives here with me. She is my partner and you will treat the woman I love with respect or you will leave. Do I make myself clear?¡± I yelled. ¡°And what if I don¡¯t approve of this girl for you or our pack?¡± She retorted, ¡°Liz, this is his life.¡± My father defended. ¡°No ir, I won¡¯t ept that. We had to approve of his mate because 0.00% 11:18 Chapter One Hundred One of fate. But now if he is going to choose to finally be with someone, it should be someone who can move the pack forward and not into the ground.¡± She told him. ¡°Excuse me? Mia gave up her life to give you a grandson and you¡¯re telling me right now that you never approved of her?¡± I exasperated. ¡°She wasn¡¯t an alpha¡¯s daughter, ke. This pack deserved to have the best running it.¡± She defended. ¡°Liz, that is uncalled for. Mia was a wonderful woman, mate, and Luna.¡± My father retorted as I was taken aback by what my mother just said about my fated mate. ¡°Blood matters, ir. And do you really want the daughter of some mobster alpha in control of the pack we worked so hard to build?¡± My mother scoffed. ¡°Get out.¡± I said. ¡°What?¡± She stammered. I could feel my blood boiling. ¡°I said get out,¡± I growled. And she gasped. ¡°ke, you would put some whore before your own mother?¡± ¡°She isn¡¯t some whore, Mother. She will be my Luna and she deserves respect from every pack member, especially you, the former Luna.¡± I told her. ¡°Son, you can have your pick of anyone. Gwen is such a wonderful woman. And that bitch threatened her and you did nothing to punish her for attacking a member of your pack,¡± she eximed. ¡°Liz, I think it¡¯s best if we stay in another part of the pack house.¡± My father told her, trying to defuse the situation. 21.95% 11:18 D Chapter One Hundred One ¡°Gwen hates Aspen. You want me to be with someone who hates my son. Maybe you should take some time to get your priorities in order, Mother. My sons and mate will alwayse first. Blood doesn¡¯t matter. Now, get out.¡± I ordered, before storming into my bedroom. I mmed the bedroom door before mming the bathroom door. I ripped off my clothes before stepping into the shower. The cold water cooled my hot skin but my mind was still racing. I can¡¯t believe what my mother was saying. Would she have rejected my father if he wasn¡¯t born from two alphas? And where was all of this coming from? I never once had the feeling that she didn¡¯t like Mia. I stayed in the shower until goosebumps covered my skin and my heart had returned to a normal beat. I can understand why Ryley was so upset earlier. She didn¡¯t sign up for any of this and I was asking so much of her. To join a pack, to let me mark her, to be my Luna of thergest pack in our world. She had her own problems and I just added more stress to her. Content is property ? N?velDrama.Org. ¡°If you let her go, I will walk you off a cliff,¡± Gunner huffed. ¡°I don¡¯t want to let her go. I can¡¯t let her go. I just wish I could make things easier for her.¡± I retorted. I quickly dried off before throwing on a pair of sweatpants. I walked out of the bedroom to find Ryley in the kitchen with her back to me. She was busy mixing something in a bowl. I quietly walked up behind her, wrapping my arms around her waist. I snuggled my face into her neck, nting gentle kisses on her soft skin. ¡°ke, I¡¯m sorry about early. I shouldn¡¯t have acted like that,¡± she sighed. ¡°I should be the one apologizing. I¡¯ve been putting so much pressure on you,¡± she whipped around in my arms to look at me. 46.41% 11:18 Chapter One Hundred One ¡°But you haven¡¯t. You¡¯ve been perfect, ke.¡± She rushed out. ¡°But I have. Our rtionship has moved quickly. Then there¡¯s your ex- mate. And my mother, who by the way won¡¯t be staying here. I won¡¯t put up with anyone making my Luna ufortable.¡± I finished, resting my forehead against hers. ¡°You didn¡¯t have to do that,¡± she whispered. I lifted her and sat her on the counter. I settled myself between her legs. ¡°Yes, I did. I want to mark you, baby. I want to spend the rest of my life with you. And I don¡¯t care who doesn¡¯t like it. I will always defend you and this rtionship.¡± I told her, brushing her lips against mine. ¡°ke, do you want more kids?¡± She mumbled. I pulled back enough to look at her. ¡°Do you?¡± I asked and she shrugged. ¡°I never gave it much thought before. But if I¡¯m going to mark you, I want us to be on the same page. I can tell you, I would like to have a house, that¡¯s not the pack house.¡± She confessed. ¡°As soon as the house is repaired, we can all move in there. It¡¯s close enough to the pack house. And Luca is here.¡± I said, taking hold of her cheeks. ¡°And if at any point you want to have a child with me, I¡¯d be more than happy to give one to you,¡± I murmured before crushing my lips to hers. 77 55% Chapter 102 Chapter 102 11.18 Chapter One Hundred Two Ryley I only pulled away from ke when someone cleared their throat. I had my legs wrapped around his waist as I sat on the counter. The thin fabric of my leggings did nothing to cushion his hard cock pushed against my dripping pussy. I wanted nothing more than for him to take me here in the kitchen. Bending me over the counter and thrusting his monster into me. ke¡¯s chest rumbled as I ran my hands down his naked chest. ¡°Where did grandma and grandpa go?¡® Aspen asked. He was standing on the other side of the ind. ¡°We need a bigger house,¡± ke groaned causing me to chuckle. ¡°You two are the ones doing it in the kitchen,¡± Aspen retorted. ¡°Ew, Mom, stop,¡± Channing cringed. ¡°Why don¡¯t you two go down to dinner? We will be down soon.¡± ke told them, not turning away from me. ¡°Are you two going to be like this all the time?¡± Channing questioned. ¡°Until the day you go off to college,¡± ke answered, and both boys groaned. ¡°Fine, let¡¯s go see if the girls are down there,¡± Aspen told Channing. ¡°Don¡¯t leave the pack house,¡± ke demanded. ¡°Fine,¡± they both grumbled. I didn¡¯t speak until I heard the door open 0.00% ? 11.18 Chapter One Hundred Two and close. ¡°Is it terrible I just want you to bend me over this counter?¡± I purred, licking up his neck to his ear. His grip on my hips tightened as his body shivered. ke removed my shirt before crushing his lips to mine. The cheesecake I was making was abandoned as he unclipped my bra. I discarded it, throwing it somewhere in the kitchen. My lips never left ke¡¯s as he pulled me closer to the edge of the counter. ¡°Fuck, you¡¯re perfect, baby,¡± he grunted as he trailed kisses down my jaw to my neck. He cupped my breasts, and I let out a gasp as he rolled my nipples between his fingers. ¡°ke,¡± I moaned, panting. He nipped and kissed his way from my neck down my chest. And I was anticipating his mouthtched around a nipple. ¡°Son, we need to talk,¡± ir announced, entering the apartment. I let out a scream as ke covered my body with his. We were both breathless as I buried my face into his chest. ¡°Dad!¡± ke growled. ¡°Oh shit, sorry. I¡¯ll meet you in the hallway.¡± ir eximed, mming the door behind him. ¡°We need to start locking the door,¡± I breathed out. He let out a breathy chuckle. ¡°Are you okay?¡± He asked me. ¡°Yeah, just embarrassed.¡± I rushed out. ¡°You have nothing to be embarrassed about. He didn¡¯t see anything.¡± 21.29% 11:18 Chapter One Hundred Two 1 He reassured me. ¡°He knew what we were doing,¡± I pointed out. ¡°He would have known, regardless of walking in on us. I¡¯m just d he didn¡¯t see you naked.¡± He grumbled thest part and I giggled. ¡°You should probably go talk to him. It must be important,¡± I told him and he cursed under his breath.Content is property ? N?velDrama.Org. ¡°You can have me for dessert,¡± I purred. The growl that left his chest had me trembling in pleasure. He kissed my lips, hard before pushing away from the counter. He picked up my bra and shirt from the floor,ying them on the kitchen ind. Then he came back over to me and helped me down off the counter. ¡°I¡¯ll be back,¡± he pecked my lips before leaving to meet with his father. ¡°Fuck,¡± I breathed out, leaning against the counter. Pleasure still coursed through my body as I tried to calm my racing heart. ¡°Ryley, snap out of it. You need to finish the cheesecake,¡± Lily barked at me. I huffed, getting dressed in the kitchen before turning to finish up what I was doing before ke came in and distracted me. After I had ced it in the oven, I went into our bedroom to get ready for dinner. I needed to shower and find something appropriate to wear since his family would be joining us. And whoever else his mother was going to invite. First, I had a quick shower. After I was done, I dried my hair before putting it up in a bun. I curled some hair to frame my face. Then I got to work on my makeup. I wanted it light but enough to let her know I made an effort. When I was done, it was time to find something to 44.58% 11:18 Chapter One Hundred Two wear. 288 iVouchers This was the hard part for me. I had office attire but I didn¡¯t know how to dress for a dinner with my man¡¯s parents. Before I wasn¡¯t with him. but now that I am and his mother hates me, I have no idea what to wear. ¡°Something sexy but still covering all the goods,¡± Lily chimed in and I rolled my eyes. I still haven¡¯t gone shopping yet. It wasn¡¯t until I spotted something in the back of my side of the closet. ¡°Perfect,¡± I said to myself. I slipped on the deep blue dress, pairing it with a pair of silver heels. I was admiring myself in the full¨Clength mirror in the closet when I heard ke. ¡°I¡¯m in here,¡± I called out to him. I stepped out of the closet and ke stopped in his tracks. He eyed me with his jaw hanging open. He was still wearing his grey sweatpants, and I could see the outline of his swollen member. ¡°Is this okay?¡± I asked, shyly, as he kept staring. ¡°What?¡± He stammered. ¡°I didn¡¯t know what to wear when one has to go to dinner with their partner¡¯s parents. And his mother also hates me,¡± I said. He walked towards me, taking my hand with his, ¡°She doesn¡¯t hate you. And you look beautiful,¡± His voice husky, as he pulled me close. The oven timer went off telling me my cheesecake was done. ¡°I need to get that, and you need to get dressed,¡± I mumbled, brushing my lips against his, before leaving him to get dressed. Running my hand over his naked chest as I walked away. 72.73% ´¨ O 11.18 Chapter One Hundred Two ¡°Cheesecake and sex in the same day, it must be my birthday,¡± Lily purred. 98.64% T Chapter 103 Chapter 103 Chapter One Hundred Three Ryley I was just finishing up with the cheesecake when ke walked out of our bedroom. He was dressed in navy cks and a white dress shirt. The top few buttons were undone and the sleeves were rolled up. Lily started to purr as I checked him out. Are we going to dinner or the bedroom? He walked over to me and pulled me against his chest. ¡°Stop looking at me like that or we are never going down for dinner,¡± he growled against my ear, sending heat to my core. ¡°Or you can bend me over the counter. I¡¯m sure we can be a littlete,¡± I purred, kissing his neck. His grip on my hips tightened, as I waited for him to answer. I was hoping he¡¯d y with me before dinner. ¡°We are alreadyte, baby. And if my parents weren¡¯t waiting, I would say fuck it.¡± He grumbled and I pouted. ¡°Don¡¯t look at me like that.¡± He chuckled. ¡°You have all night to make it up to me,¡± I told him. ¡°And I intend to,¡± he mumbled, kissing my neck. I whimpered as he took my hand and led me out of the safety of our apartment. ¡°It won¡¯t be that bad, I promise.¡± He reassured me as we walked down the stairs, hand in hand. I wanted to believe him, but the closer we walked to the dining room, the more my stomach twisted. As soon as we walked into the dining room, my stomach was in my 0.00% 1040 throat as the alpha table was full of people and the only seat left was ke¡¯s. The women at the table had a smug look on their faces as we approached the table, hand in hand. ¡°Mom, you can have my seat,¡± Channing offered. ¡°Yeah, we can go sit with our friends,¡± Aspen said. ¡°It¡¯s fine, your mother can sit with me,¡± ke said. He pulled out his chair and sat down before pulling me to sit in hisp. ¡°What are you doing?¡± I linked him. He wrapped his arms around my waist as I wrapped mine around his neck. ¡°Proving a point.¡± He rubbed his nose against mine before his lips brushed against my lips. ¡°Son, is that really necessary?¡± His mother scoffed. ¡°It is, Mother. She is mine and you didn¡¯t save her a seat. So, she will sit with me.¡± ke defended me. The look on his mother¡¯s face was priceless. Gwen was sitting beside his mother with I believe her parents. The conversation had picked up but I wasn¡¯t listening as ke nibbled on my shoulder. This man was driving me crazy. ¡°Son, do you have to do that in front of everyone,¡± His mother scolded him. ¡°It¡¯s better than the kitchen,¡± I heard Aspen. ¡°That¡¯s for sure,¡± ir said under his breath. ¡°I do, Mother. It would seem that some of you didn¡¯t get the message about my rtionship with Ryley and I¡¯m just making it crystal clear. 22.44% He announced. ¡°But in front of the boys?¡± She eximed. ¡°It¡¯s nothing we haven¡¯t seen, grandma,¡± Aspen said. This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org. ¡°Dear, if you didn¡¯t want to see it, you should have saved Ryley a seat to sit with her family,¡± ir defended me. She went off on him but I wasn¡¯t paying attention. I had noticed Isabelle walking in with Aiden. She hadn¡¯t texted me back and I wanted to speak with her. ¡°I¡¯m going to speak with Isabelle.¡± I linked ke. He looked over to see where I was looking. He gave me a nod. ¡°Will you excuse me?¡± I announced to the table. Before I could stand from ke¡¯sp, he gripped my neck, crushing his lips to mine. This public show of affection was not something I was used to, or ¡°I¡¯ll be right back,¡± I whispered to ke after he ended the kiss. He left me breathless, as I stood up from hisp and walked toward Isabelle. I could feel his eyes on me the entire time as I made my way to Isabelle¡¯s table. ¡°Isabelle, Aiden, it¡¯s good to see you,¡± I said as I approached the table. ¡°Ryley it¡¯s good to see you,¡± Aiden said, while Isabelle looked on the verge of tears. ¡°Can I speak to you?¡± I asked her. She hesitated before nodding. Aiden kissed her cheek before she stood up. We walked around a few tables before we were standing off to the side of the dining room. ¡°Ryley, I,¡± she stammered, But I pulled her in for a hug. 45.01% 10:48 ¡°It wasn¡¯t your fault. Please don¡¯t me yourself,¡± I mumbled and she let out a sob before she nodded against my shoulder. ¡°Let¡¯s make ns to have dinner next week. After a shopping trip. ke helped me pack up my house so everything was donated.¡± I told her and she chuckled. She pulled away, wiping away some fallen tears. ¡°You two are so cute together,¡± she giggled. ¡°Just like you and Aiden,¡± I smiled. We said our goodbyes with the n to meet up next week. She walked back to Aiden as I watched ke deal with the people at our table. I should go back and save him but it was his mother. I heard a mother shushing her crying baby. I looked around to find a young mother trying to eat, calm down the baby she was holding, and feed a toddler. She didn¡¯t have anyone to help her and I could tell she was getting frustrated. Instead of walking back to my table, I walked over to the mother who needed a helping hand. ¡°Excuse me, is everything alright?¡± I asked, approaching her. Before she answered, her young daughter blew bubbles in her chocte milk, making a mess. I held down my chuckle. ¡°Yes,¡± she sighed. ¡°Here, let me take the baby. You can eat and feed your daughter.¡± I offered. She handed me a burping cloth before handing me the newborn. I couldn¡¯t help but coo at the tiny face looking up at me. ¡°Thank you.¡± The woman breathed out. ¡°It¡¯s no problem. I¡¯m Ryley.¡± I introduced myself, as I bounced the baby. I missed these days with Channing. ¡°I¡¯m Katy and this is my mommy,¡± the little girl announced. 69.71% 10:48 288 iVouchers ster,¡± she pouted. te is working and our boy has exined 10:48 Chapter 104 Chapter 104 Chapter One Hundred Four Alpha ke ¡°Well she¡¯s isn¡¯ting back anytime soon,¡± Channing said as I watched Ryley bouncing a baby, while its mother ate dinner. My heart swelled as I watched her bounce the baby, kissing his little head. I wanted her to have my baby. There was no doubt in my mind. She was even more beautiful with a baby in her arms. ¡°And why is that?¡± Aspen asked him. She loves babies. And when shees back to the table, she is going to start crying about how I was that little once. And how much she misses me being that little: Babies also seem to love her. She can calm down any baby she holds.¡± Channing shrugged. ¡°Dad, are you and Ryley nning on having a baby?¡± Aspen 2017 questioned. My mother spat out the wine she was drinking. e ¡°It¡¯s that or you need to get her a pet. She isn¡¯t going to do well with us both leaving next year.¡± Channing said. ¡°ke don¡¯t you dare,¡± my mother threatened after cleaning up the wine she spat. ¡°Grandma, it would be great to have another sibling,¡® Aspen told her. ¡°You don¡¯t have one now,¡± she grumbled. ¡°Dear, that¡¯s enough.¡± My father warned her. * ¡°Alpha, I didn¡¯t realize you wanted to have more children,¡± Gwen said. 0.00% 10:48 ¡°I didn¡¯t,¡± I told her. Dinner was served and I kept watching Ryley across the room. She was now seated with not only a baby in her arms but a little girl in herp. I couldn¡¯t help but smile as I watched her. She was meant to be a mother. ¡°And to watch her belly swell with our pup,¡± Gunner purred, his tail thumping in my mind. The thought makes me want to im her even more. The faster I im her, the faster she will be pregnant with my pup. ¡°Dad, now that Channing is a part of the pack, can we go out tonight?¡± Aspen asked me, pulling me from my thoughts. ¡°And where are you two going?¡± I questioned. Content rights belong to N?velDrama.Org. ¡°One of my teammates is having a bonfire,¡± Channing answered. ¡°Text me the address of this teammate and ask Ryley on the way out. If she says yes, then it¡¯s fine with me.¡± I told them. They both excused themselves, leaving to go ask Ryley. Channing was right, I don¡¯t think she is coming back to dinner. Aspen mind¨Clinked me to say they were leaving after speaking with Ryley. Then both of them left the dining room. I¡¯m sure she gave them the rundown on what not to do. ¡°So you just give this random woman permission to parent your son?¡± My mother scoffed. ¡°Mom, can we just have a nice dinner? I trust Ryley and she has every right to have a say in where the boys go.¡± I told her. Everyone was finished eating by the time Ryley came back to the table. Her good mood was contagious as she sat down in myp again, 22.00% 10:48 Chapter One Hundred Four 288 iVouchers ignoring the free seats. ¡°Sorry about that. ire needed help.¡± She apologizes to the table. ¡°Channing was telling us how you love babies,¡± my father asked her and her face lit up. ¡°I do, and I am thankful to get some baby snuggles. ire needed help and. I know how hard it is. Her mate has been working and their newborn has been colic. She just needed a moment to herself.¡± She told him. I snuggled my face into her neck. ¡°Well, you chose to not have help with your son.¡± My mother mocked, and I growled. Gwen and her family excused themself from the table as I red at my mother. I have had enough of her attitude towards the woman who will be my mate and mother of my future children. ¡°Luna Orion, you may not like me and I¡¯m okay with that. I am. But what I did and how I chose to raise my son is none of your business. And my rtionship with your son is also none of your business. I¡¯m not going to sit here and let you bully me into believing that I¡¯m not good enough for your son. Or that I¡¯m not good enough to be Luna of his pack, because I know that I am.¡± Ryley eximed. My heart swelled with pride as I watched Ryley stand up for herself. ¡°Are you both just going to let her speak to me like that?¡± She retorted. ¡°I love you Liz but if you can¡¯t take it, you probably shouldn¡¯t dish it out. And the girl is right. She is more than capable of being a Luna. We just witnessed her helping her pack, as a Luna should.¡± My father said. My mother huffed, throwing her hands in the air before getting up from the table and storming out of the dining room. My father sighed as he watched his e1 ¡°Well, I might be staying you two tonight,¡± he grumbled. 48.54% 10:48 Chapter One Hundred Four ¡°You didn¡¯t have to do that,¡± Ryley told him. ¡°I did. You are the new Luna. And even though you are chosen and not fated, you still deserve respect. You both deserve to be happy. Now excuse me, I need to go calm down my mate.¡± My father left, leaving Ryley and me alone. I snuggled her back against my chest. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, ke,¡± she sighed. ¡°Don¡¯t be, baby. You handled that like the Luna you are. And I¡¯m so proud of you,¡± I mumbled, kissing her neck. She turned in myp to look at me. ¡°Thank you,¡± she breathes out. ¡°Now, I¡¯m changing my answer,¡± I announced to her. ¡°Your answer,¡± she stammered, nervously. ¡°I want us to have a baby, or three. I don¡¯t care how many as long as you give me one.¡± I rubbed my nose against hers. ¡°Really? You want me to have your baby?¡± She questioned. ¡°If you¡¯d let me mark you, we could start tonight,¡± I purred. She wiggled in myp as she bit her lower lip. I let out a groan. She was teasing me and she was going to pay for that as soon as we got up to our room. ¡°It¡¯s something we could discuss,¡± I didn¡¯t let her finish as I crushed my lips to hers. 79.66% 10:48 0 HHP Chapter One Chapter 105 Chapter 105 Hundred Five Ryley Our moment at the table was interrupted when Luca sat down at the table. I still hadn¡¯t eaten as I was busy helping a mother in need. I knew firsthand how hard it was when you didn¡¯t get a moment to yourself. I was surprised no one else was willing to help her. She came here to eat so she wouldn¡¯t have to cook and clean up afterward. Which I would have used all the time if I had that option while Channing was still a baby. I gave re my number and told her to call me any time she needed help or just a babysitter. I may have also kissed her son¡¯s head with my saliva on my lips. He seemed to instantly calm down and I hope that healed his colic. I made a mental note to give her a call in a few days to see how he was doing. ¡°Luca,¡± ke grumbled. ¡°Oh, don¡¯t mind me, I¡¯m just waiting on the cheesecake,¡± he shrugged. ¡°Why don¡¯t I bring up my te and then I can get you both a piece?¡± I said. Before I knew it, Luca was carrying my full te of food and ke was carrying me up the stairs. ¡°I could have walked,¡± I protested. ¡°This is faster,¡± ke shrugged. When we entered the apartment, ir was in the kitchen making coffee. ke finally put me down and I went to take over for ir. I felt terrible for him. 0.00% 10:49 L ¡°Mom¡¯s still mad I see,¡± ke told him. ¡®Yeah, I¡¯ll try again in a little bit,¡± he struggled, ¡°I¡¯ll give you a piece of cheesecake to give to her. It should get you in the door,¡± I told him and he chuckled. ¡°Was dinner that bad?¡± Luca questioned. The three of them sat down at the kitchen ind as I pulled the cheesecake out of the fridge. They chatted while I waited for the coffee to finish. I also ate my dinner. I may not have been in the conversation but I feltfortable enough to listen. ke beat me to the coffee pot when it beeped to say it was finished. ¡°Cut the cheesecake, I can get this,¡± he told me pecking my lips. I didn¡® t say anything but when I turned around the other two were smirking. 1 I pulled down some tes and got them each a generous piece. I¡¯ll need to make two next time or the boys won¡¯t be getting any. I also cut a piece for ke¡¯s mother. I¡¯m hoping it will get ir out of the dog house. I slid a te to all of them before I went back to my dinner. Luca let out a groan as he took a bit. ¡°If you don¡¯t mark her, I will, just for her cheesecake.¡± He moaned before he grunted when ke hit him in the chest. ir and I let out augh. ¡°It should get you out of the dog house,¡± I told ir ¡°If she doesn¡¯t beg you for your forgiveness after tasting this, she doesn¡¯t have taste buds,¡± Luca commented as he stuffed his face. ¡°Would you like a piece for Becky? It might get youid,¡± ke told his friend. # 24.18% 10:49 ¡°I don¡¯t need cheesecake to get that woman in bed, I¡¯m irresistible,¡± he announced. ¡°Well, then it could be her after snack,¡± I shrugged. ¡°Oh, that¡¯s a good idea. Snacks keep women less grumpy,¡± Luca said. Iughed at the look ir and ke gave Luca. He didn¡¯t care as he ate the rest of his dessert. ¡°He¡¯s not wrong,¡± I told them. ¡°Well, I should get my mate her snack then. But I¡¯m probably not gettingid.¡± ir said and both men cringed. ¡°Dad, no. ¡°What, you can do it in this very kitchen but I can¡¯t talk about it,¡± he retorted. ¡°Damn, ke,¡± Luca eximed, while I wanted the floor to swallow 1. me. ¡°Well, I will let you three talk,¡± I told them as I cleaned up the empty tes, putting them in the sink. A ¡°It ¡°Good luck with your mate,¡± I told ir, hugging him. ke pulled me against him as I walked by him toward our bedroom. ¡°I¡¯ll be right in,¡± he linked before pecking my lips. I smiled, giving him a nod. ¡°Goodnight, Luca,¡± I told him. ƒÉ ¡°Night, Luna,¡± he called out as I entered our room. ¡°Well that was exciting,¡± Lily chimed in. I discarded my dress and 52,10% 10:49 heels before walking into the bathroom to get ready for bed. ¡°That was nerve¨Cracking, Lily. I know I needed to put my foot down but she¡¯s his mother. And I wish I could trust her with the fact I¡¯m a Luna Wolf and the best for her son, but I can¡¯t. I don¡¯t know what she is capable of.¡± I sighed. ¡°Ohe on, not everyone is going to like you. And even if she doesn¡® ¡°Ohe t, who cares? She¡¯ll come around when we have ke¡¯s baby.¡± Lily said. ¡°Just because we have checked off that box, doesn¡¯t mean I¡¯m ready for him to mark me so we can have a baby right away. We both would like one, and he is willing to move into the house away from the pack house. That¡¯s a start.¡± I told her. ¡°Or you can take this as a win, mark him and get babymaking. You aren¡¯t a young woman anymore,¡± she retorted. ¡°You really aren¡¯t going to let me take this slow, are you?¡± ¡°Nope. I¡¯ll give you until you move into the house with him. But after that, I will mark him, if you won¡¯t. No more waiting, Ryley. We have a pack and a man who loves us. Break down your walls and embrace this new life.¡± She said, before retreating I sighed, as I exited the bathroom. I removed my bra and panties before going into the closet to get one of ke¡¯s shirts. Grabbing a shirt, I caught myself in the mirror. I turned to my side, imagining myself with a bump. I smiled, rubbing my lower belly. The thought of being pregnant with ke¡¯s pup had me giddy. 72.79% Content is property ? N?velDrama.Org. 10:49 Chapter 106 Chapter 106 Chapter One Hundred Six Alpha ke Last night I told my father that Ryley was a Luna wolf. I needed answers about what I was dealing with. And I couldn¡¯t drop everything and go to the library at the council. He did inform me that Dorian could im Ryley even though he is marked by another. As long as there is proof she was his mate, he could force her to be with him. It¡¯s not what I wanted to hear. Now I needed to convince her to let me mark her before he takes the im to the council. Once the im has been filed, if I im her, I could be stripped of my pack and exiled. Or the council could just have me killed. ¡°This is something you need to tell her. It¡¯s not like we have time to waste here, ke. I will mark her even if the council orders us not to,¡± Gunner told me. ¡°I know, but right now she is under enough stress. We need to have breakfast with my parents and then Walter will be here.¡± I said. ¡°Don¡¯t wait too long.¡± He warned before retreating. I let out a breath as I squeezed Ryley closer. She was still sleeping. I told her she wasn¡¯t going to get much sleep and I kept my promise. After I saw my father and Luca out, I found Ryley lying in our bed with only one of my shirts on. I didn¡¯t let her sleep until the early hours of the morning. With the teasing in the kitchen to the dress she was wearing at dinner. And then seeing her with a baby in her arms. I wanted her pregnant with my child, but I needed her to bear my mark before that could happen. ¡°You okay, Baby,¡± Ryley mumbled, kissing my chest. 0.00% O 1249 D Chapter One Hundred Six ¡°Why wouldn¡¯t I be okay?¡± I asked her, squeezing her impossibly close. ¡°Your heart rate changed.¡± She answered, lifting her head off my chest to look up at me. ¡°I was just thinking,¡± I shrugged. She gave me a knowing look, but instead of saying anything is just snuggled back onto my chest. ¡°Don¡¯t think too hard, I¡¯m going back to sleep.¡± She yawned. I chuckled, rolling her on her back, I rolled on top of her burying my face into her neck. ¡°ke,¡± she breathed out, digging her fingertips into my shoulders. We were both still naked from the night before. Our room reeked of sex, our scents mingled into one. My chest grumbled when my phone rang on the table beside my bed. If it was important they would mind¨Clink me. Content is property ? N?velDrama.Org. ¡°Aren¡¯t you going to get that?¡± Ryley asked and I sighed. ¡°Nope.¡± I rushed out before crushing my lips to hers. I worked my way down her jaw to her neck as she giggled. ¡°Haven¡¯t you had enough of me yet?¡± I stopped what I was doing, and hovered above her. ¡°Never. Just wait until I mark you.¡± I purred, wanting desperately for her to say yes, now. ¡°When this mess is all cleaned up, you can mark me here,¡± she kissed my neck. ¡°And here,¡± she kissed down to my chest. ¡°ke, get out here now,¡± my mother shrilled, banging on our 28.19% 12:49 Chapter One Hundred Six bedroom doors. Ryley let out a groan before my phone started ringing on the nightstand again. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, baby,¡± I mumbled, kissing her lips. ¡°It¡¯s okay. It seems like it¡¯s important.¡± I hesitated, not wanting to get up and deal with my mother this early in the morning. ¡°ke, now!¡± She yelled when my phone stopped ringing. I kissed Ryley one more time before I climbed out of bed and threw on a pair of sweatpants. I didn¡¯t care if she smelled Ryley all over me. I was hoping she was here to apologize but her tone tells me otherwise. I opened the door and stepped out, closing the door behind me. ¡°What, mother? Are you trying to wake the entire pack house,¡± I scolded her. She crossed her arms over her chest before she scoffed. ¡°Is it true?¡± She demanded. ¡°Mother it¡¯s too early for guessing games. Why are you here?¡± I walked around her and into the kitchen to start the coffee machine. ¡°Can this little girlfriend of yours be imed by her fated mate?¡± She velled and I shushed her. ¡°She¡¯s my chosen mate and you will respect her, Mom. I¡¯m nning on marking her and making her my Luna when she is ready. And yes it is true. It¡¯s something we are going to be discussing.¡± I told her. ¡°Son, I love you, you and Aspen. But is she really who you want to spend the rest of your life with? She has a child with someone else. Her father, even though an alpha, was a mobster. Is this the life you want to mate into?¡± She asked, grabbing my forearm. ¡°I have a child with someone else. And she loves Aspen. Gunner has T 51.33% ||| O 12:49 Chapter One Hundred Six imed her son and her. And if an alpha wolf can im another alpha¡® s son then you should be able to ept her and her son into this family.¡± I eximed. ¡°ke, I,¡± she stammered. ¡°No, Mother. I love her and she will be an Orion. Her son will be an Orion. And either you ept it or you won¡¯t be in our lives. We are nning a life together and I won¡¯t have you degrading the woman who I love.¡± Without a word she left the apartment, mming the door behind her. I let out a sigh as I leaned against the kitchen ind. ¡°Dad, is everything okay?¡± Aspen asked, standing outside his bedroom door. ¡°Just your grandmother being dramatic,¡± I answered. ¡°She¡¯s worried about us.¡± He said as he took a seat on the other side of the ind. ¡°I want to believe she is worried about us, but I think it¡¯s more about her reputation. She believes Ryley is beneath her because of who her father was.¡± I told him. ¡°But Ryley is a Luna wolf.¡± He questioned. ¡°And I don¡¯t want her to know that just yet. Not until after I¡¯ve marked her. I¡¯m not sure how rare they are but there is a reason Ryley hid from our world and the council.¡± 79 24% 12:49 O Chapter 107 Chapter 107 Chapter One Hundred Seven Chapter One Hundred Seven Ryley I felt terrible that ke had to deal with his mother. She has no right toe storming into our space and attacking him. If she has something to say to me, then she should have the guts to say it to my face. This is not how I wanted to wake up after the night I had with ke. That man has more stamina than I ever experienced. And not just sexually. Even training with my father and his warriors, I¡¯ve never seen someone who just didn¡¯t get tired. And ke never gets tired. I lost count of how many orgasms we both experienced. The only reason he stopped was because I couldn¡¯t keep my eyes open. ¡°You may want to consider letting him mark you,¡± Lily chimed in, yawning. ¡°I want him to mark me, but I want this mess to be cleaned up before we take that step. A mark is forever for me.¡± I told her. Even marked, you can still reject your mate but I didn¡¯t want to ever consider that. When I mark ke, I want it to be forever, with no doubts. I got out of bed and threw on a robe before leaving our room. I wanted to see if ke was okay after I heard the front door mming. I found ke in the kitchen talking with Aspen. ¡°Is everything okay?¡± I asked when they stopped mid¨Cconversation. ¡°Good morning, Ryley,¡± Aspen said. I walked over to him and gave him a side hug, kissing his temple. 0.00% 10:471 Chapter One Hundred Seven ¡°Good morning, sweetie.¡± I walked over to ke who was pouring himself a coffee. I wrapped my arms around his waist from behind and snuggled into his back. ¡°Are you okay?¡± I mumbled. He grabbed my hands, squeezing them. He released my hands before turning around to face me. ¡°I¡¯m okay, baby. She¡¯s just being over dramatic.¡± He told me, pulling me against his chest. ¡°I think I should talk with her,¡± I told him. He pulls back just enough to look down at me. ¡°I don¡¯t think that¡¯s a good idea,¡± he said. ¡°Yeah, she was pretty mad this morning. I asked why she doesn¡¯t like you but she wouldn¡¯t answer me. You would think she¡¯d want her son to be happy,¡± Aspen shrugged. ¡°ke, I know you want to protect me, but I can handle your mother. I¡® m a Luna wolf and unless she is one herself, no one is above me.¡± I reminded him. There was a knock on the door. Great, I summoned her. Content rights belong to N?velDrama.Org. ¡°Come in,¡± ke called out and his parents walked in. I resisted the urge to roll my eyes and made everyone a coffee instead. I needed to busy myself or I was going to snap. ¡°Still acting like the help,¡± she sneered as I held out a mug of coffee for her. She was about to take it but I pulled it away. I walked over to the sink and dumped it out. ¡°I¡¯m not the help and I don¡¯t have to take your shitty attitude. Now if you¡¯d like a cup of coffee, you can ask me nicely or you can make it yourself.¡± I retorted. I was done being nice. I was raised in the same world she was but my mother would have pped me for speaking to 24.18% 10:47 anyone the way she was speaking to me. ¡°How fucken dare you?¡± She screamed, taking a step towards me. ke moved in front of me, while ir grabbed onto his mate. I moved around ke, standing in front of him as his mother red daggers at me. ¡°I¡¯ll report you to the council, you conniving bitch.¡± ke let out a growl at his mother¡¯s threat. ¡°Elizabeth, I don¡¯t think you grasp the reality of this situation. I¡¯m here and I¡¯m not going anywhere, no matter how hard you try. And don¡¯t think I don¡¯t know about your dirty little secret.¡± She let out a gasp. ¡°You know nothing,¡± she defended herself and I just shrugged. ¡°Then you shouldn¡¯t be worried. But if you go to the council about my mate, I may have to speak the truth about what you have done. Isn¡¯t that why you have been pushing for ke to get with Gwen?¡± I questioned. She stammered and I knew what the staff had told me was the truth. The pack house is full of ears. ¡°Liz, what is she talking about?¡± ir asked his mate. ¡°Grandma, this is the reason Dad doesn¡¯t want to be with Gwen,¡± Aspen said, holding up his phone. We all snapped our attention to him while he yed his grandmother the video of my altercation with Gwen in the dining room. Elizabeth gasped before covering her mouth with a hand. Tears filled her eyes as the video came to an end. ke pulled me against his side, wrapping an arm around me tightly. ¡°Did someone die?¡± Channing asked as he entered the room. The tense was palpable. 51.52% 10471 Chapter One Hundred Seven ¡°No one died, sweetie. It is time for you and Aspen to get to training. We¡¯ll see you at breakfast.¡± I told him. ¡°What the hell did I miss?¡± I heard Channing question Aspen as they left the apartment. ¡°Elizabeth, if you¡¯d like, we can speak in my office after breakfast. Or we can speak up here? But don¡¯t ever threaten me with the council again. As you like to point out, my father was mafia and he taught me a thing or two. I don¡¯t need to fight physically to bury someone and the only reason I¡¯m giving you a warning is because I love your son and grandson.¡± I told her. She looked at me before looking at her son. ¡°I will see you both at breakfast,¡± she nodded before grabbing her mate¡¯s hand and leaving. I jumped when ke wrapped his arms around my waist and snuggled his face into my neck, nting kisses. ¡°Fuck, that was hot, baby,¡± he mumbled, pushing his swollen member against my ass. ¡°It¡¯s not something I enjoy doing, but sometimes you have to y dirty.¡± I sighed. ke spun me in his arms before lifting me to sit on the kitchen ind. He settled himself between my legs before attacking my neck again. ¡°I¡¯ll give you dirty,¡± he purred, gripping my bare thighs. 78.42% Chapter 108 Chapter 108 10:47 Chapter One Hundred Eight Alpha ke The way Ryley handled herself had me so hard it was painful. I lifted her onto the counter before pulling her to the edge. Running my hands up her thighs, I gripped the hem of the robe before ripping it open. Ryley let out a gasp before her head went back and she let out a moan. I attacked her neck, my gums tingled with the desire to mark her. I ripped down my pants, fisting my cock before rubbing the tip between her wet folds. She was dripping and I mmed into her, not able to hold myself back. With every sound she made in ecstasy had me on the verge of losing control. ¡°ke,¡± she breathed out gripping my shoulders, her legs wrapped around my waist as I pounded into her harder. I may have had her most of the night and through to the earlier morning hours, but it still wasn¡¯t enough. I needed more of her and I was going to take everything she would allow me to. ¡°Fuck, baby,¡± she moaned, crushing her lips to mine. Every thrust had her nails digging into me harder. It didn¡¯t take long before she threw her head back, screaming my name as her pussy mped down around me. With a groan I released deep inside her, panting as I tried to catch my breath. ¡°That was better than coffee,¡± she giggled, breathing hard. ¡°Watching you be a badass was better than anything I¡¯ve ever seen,¡± I told her, pushing some hairs behind her ear. She mped down on her lower lip. Chapter One Hundred Eight ¡°ke, I¡¯m sorry, I know she is your mother, and if I want this to work then she will be my family,¡± she sighed and I took hold of her cheeks. ¡°And you were cing boundaries for her. Nothing you said was wrong. I am curious what you are ckmailing my mother with. Which is hot but also terrifying.¡± I said with a chuckle. ¡°It¡¯s nothing I can¡¯t handle, besides, I¡¯m surprised you haven¡¯t heard all the rumors.¡± She shrugged. I wrapped the robe around her before pulling up my pants from where they we resting on my thighs. The boys would be back soon and we needed to get ready for breakfast. Content rights belong to N?velDrama.Org. ¡°We should probably get ready,¡± I told her as I gripped her ass, lifting her off the counter. I carried her into our bedroom. ¡°Fine,¡± she grumbled. We were ready to go before the boys made it back from training. I linked Luca, he informed me the boys were working on something and would be back soon. I was being cautious when it came to their safety. They didn¡¯t know but I had warriors following them everywhere they went, just to be safe. I didn¡¯t need Dorian sending someone into my pack and taking Channing. I walked out of our bedroom to find Ryley cleaning the kitchen. It¡¯s probably a good thing to wipe down the counter. I leaned over the kitchen ind, resting against my elbows, watching her. ¡°We could always hire someone to do the housework?¡± I asked her. She turned and looked at me with an unreadable expression. ¡°I haven¡¯t had help in my house since I was in my old pack house. It¡¯s not something I want anymore. I think it¡¯s good for the boys to learn how to clean up after themselves.¡± She answered. Chapter One Hundred Eight ¡°I understand what you are saying baby, but we are all going to be busy soon with school starting and I don¡¯t want you to stress.¡± I sighed. She finished drying a cup before cing it in the cupboard. After she was done, she walked over to the ind across from me, taking hold of my hands. ¡°Then we will make time. I don¡¯t want someone doing these things around the house. And I also don¡¯t want to have a nanny when we decide to have a child. I may be an alpha¡¯s daughter but I learned it was the small things in life that make you happy. I never would have found my love for cooking and baking if I wasn¡¯t on my own. And I want our boys to be able to take care of themselves.¡± She told me. ¡°Are you going to stay home once you have our baby?¡± She smiled. ¡°I will take time off and then it will be more part¨Ctime. I feel guilty for missing so much of Channing¡¯s childhood and I don¡¯t want to do that again. If and when we decide to have a baby, I would like to stay home.¡± She shrugged. My heart swelled as I looked at the woman who was going to have my baby. It may not be now, but it was going to happen. And she wants to stay at home and be the mother I know she 1. is. Still holding on to one of her hands, I walked around the ind to embrace my mate. I kissed the top of her head as she snuggled her face into my chest, her arms wrapped around my waist. ¡°That¡¯s a perfect n, Baby. And I hope you know you can stay at home forever. If you want to stay at home and be the mother and Luna you were meant to be, I will support you. You will never have to worry about money again.¡± I took hold of her cheeks, looking down at her she had tears in her eyes. ¡°Thank you, ke, for everything. For epting my alpha son who isn¡¯t your blood and for protecting us. I can never repay you for what you have done for us,¡± her voice cracked as I rubbed my nose against hers. ¡°You can repay me with your happiness,¡± I mumbled, kissing her forehead. ¡°Now, let¡¯s get down to breakfast.¡± 19 Chapter 109 Chapter 109 Chapter One Hundred Nine Ryley We were halfway through breakfast when Walter and his son, Chris entered the dining room. I didn¡¯t expect Walter this early and I wasn¡¯t expecting to see Chris anytime soon. ¡°There¡¯s my girl,¡± Walter eximeding up to our table. ¡°Walter, I didn¡¯t expect you so early.¡± I greeted him, rising from my seat, I hugged him. ¡°ke, I hope it¡¯s okay I brought along Chris,¡± Walter said, shaking his hand, but still having an arm wrapped around my shoulders. ¡°Of course. Beta Chris, good to see you,¡± ke shook Chris¡® hand. ¡°Excited to see you y,¡± Walter squeezed Channing¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Thanks, Granddad.¡± He told him. ¡°Why don¡¯t you two have a seat and I¡¯ll get you both coffee,¡± I told them. I grabbed the coffee pitcher from the table before ke pulled me over to him. He gave me a pointed look. ¡°I¡¯m perfectly capable of getting everyone coffee,¡± I told him. His mother scoffed. ¡°Something on your mind, Elizabeth?¡± I retorted, ring at his mother from across the table. She didn¡¯t say another word as I kissed ke and headed into the kitchen to make a fresh pot of coffee. I swear that woman is going to be the death of me. 0.00% ||| 13:06 Nouched The kitchen became quiet as I walked in and over to the few coffee brewers they had set up on the far side of the kitchen. I started making a fresh pot before turning my attention to the omegas giving me strange looks. ¡°Don¡¯t let me stop you,¡± I told them, leaning against the counter. ¡°Can I help you?¡± One asked me. ¡°I can make coffee, thank you. And breakfast was delicious.¡± I told her. Her face lit up at my words. The chefs ke had employed in the pack house were excellent. And the pastries were to die for. I¡¯m going to have to start running again just so I can keep eating all the baked goods. ¡°You aren¡¯t like normal Lunas,¡± A young omegamented. The others tried shushing her. ¡°Well, technically, I¡¯m not Luna,¡± I told her. ¡°But you love our alpha and he loves you,¡± she blurted. ¡°And you are better than Gwen, whoes in here acting like his Luna,¡± A gentleman grumbled. ¡°That girl may have gamma blood but she is a pain in the ass,¡± he continued. ¡°I¡¯m sorry to hear about that. But I want you all to know that if you have any concerns, I¡¯d be happy to hear all of them. And no one should being into your workspace and making you feel ufortable. If that happens again, please link me and I will handle it.¡± I rinsed out the coffee pitcher before pouring in fresh coffee that was done brewing. I cleaned up the mess I made behind me. ¡°And to answer your question, I do love your alpha and future alpha.¡± 23.11% 13:06 ¡°Thank you, Luna,¡± the young omega called out as I exited the kitchen, heading into the dining room. ¡°Yes, you are a Luna now stop doubting yourself,¡± Lily eximed before I could even think my thoughts. I grabbed a few mugs from the drink station before walking to the table. Everyone was chatting as I poured both men a coffee and then refilled the others. I know one of the servers could do this but I feel better doing it myself. It shows the pack that you are human and not above menialbor. Like making my own coffee. ¡°Mom, I have practice before the game tonight,¡± Channing said as I retook my seat. ¡°Did you want me toe watch? I don¡¯t have much happening today. ke¡¯swyer emailed me and said I won¡¯t be able to start work until Monday. And I¡¯m still waiting on the insurancepany to approve your new car.¡± I told him. ¡°Well we have things to discuss about the cabin,¡± Walter said. This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org. ¡°Is that why you are early?¡± I asked him. ¡°It is. Chris and I have an appointment with an architect in an hour.¡± He answered. ¡°Since it¡¯s your property now, we wanted to run something by you first,¡± Chris said. I had this sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach. ke reached over and took hold of my hand, squeezing it. ¡°Is there a problem with the ns we had drawn up?¡± I questioned. ¡°Those are still a go, and they have already broken ground,¡± Walter confirmed. ¡°We would like to build another cabin.¡± Chris blurted. 51.32% O 13:06 ¡°What?¡± I stammered, feeling relieved it wasn¡¯t something more serious ¡°Ryley, I know we have had our problems but we were thinking since a lot of the equipment would be out there anyways we would start building. I can understand if you don¡¯t want to, but,¡± I didn¡¯t let Chris finish. ¡°It¡¯s okay Chris. If you or your brothers would like to build another cabin or another three, there¡¯s more than enoughnd for us all to enjoy.¡± I told him. ¡°Really?¡± He eximed. ¡°But we may want to see how we can split thend four ways so I don¡¯t have to pay for the cabins. I could lease thend out or you can purchase it. Whatever works for you and your brothers.¡± I exined. ¡°We can talk more after we have a chat with the architect, this afternoon,¡± Walter said and I nodded. ¡°Mom, we have to go,¡± Channing said, standing up from his seat, followed by Aspen. ¡°Dad, we should get going as well,¡± Chris told Walter. I stood up to hug both boys before they left. Then I hugged Walter. ¡°Thank you, baby girl,¡± he whispered squeezing me tight. Chapter 110 Chapter 110 apter One Hundred Ten Alpha ke I was surprised when Ryley gave Chris and his brothers permission to build on hernd. I don¡¯t think I would have been so forgiving, but I¡¯m also not a Luna wolf. I have my father working on any information he can dig up about Luna wolves. But not much is known about them. If there have been any born, their mates and family have been keeping them well hidden. Even with their abilities to heal others is enough for the council to take them away and lock them up. And that¡¯s all we know for sure. It¡¯s something we can see so it¡¯s easy to spot. But what else is her wolf capable of I wondered as Ryley said goodbye to Walter and his son, Chris. This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org. Ryley gasping pulled me from my thought and I was up out of my chair as she rushed across the dining room. Panic surged through me as I watched her grab hold of the pack member she was helping yesterday. The little girl was crying as she grabbed onto Ryley¡¯s leg. ¡°Elizabeth,¡± Ryley yelled out. I rushed over to her and my mother and father followed. As I approached I could see the bruise on her jaw and my blood began to boil. ¡°Ryley, what do you need?¡± My mother eximed, going into Luna mode. Ryley tried to take the baby but the woman pulled away protecting her child. ¡°ire, look at me, I would never hurt him. It¡¯s okay. I need to help you upstairs. Luna Elizabeth is going to follow right behind us. I promise you.¡± She told her. 0.00% III 13:06 ¡°Luca, get to the dining room.¡± I yelled through the link. ½ò When I turned back to the scene, my mother was holding the baby and Ryley had the little girl on her hip while helping her mother ¡°ire, I need the name of your mate,¡± I demanded. She looked at me, her face going white. ¡°It¡¯s okay. Everything is going to be okay,¡± Ryley reassured her. ¡°Dale. Dale Upton.¡± ire whispered. I watched as Ryley led them out of the dining with my mother following. ¡°We have to go, ke. Don¡¯t let her do anything stupid,¡± Walter said before leaving with his son. What the hell was that supposed to mean? ¡°ke, you need to wait until she has made a statement.¡± My father said, standing beside me. Luca rushed over to us, finally arriving. ¡°ke, what happened?¡± He rushed out. ¡°I need you to find Dale Upton. His mate showed up with her two young pups and a bruise on her cheek.¡± I told him. I left the dining room, following Ryley¡¯s scent until Luca called out. ¡°He¡¯s outside,¡± I stopped in my tracks. I changed directions, heading to the front door, my father and Luca following me. I stepped outside to find a few warriors holding him back. ¡°Where the hell is my mate?¡± He screamed, trying to fight his way through. ¡°Dale Upton?¡± I growled and he stopped fighting against my men. ¡°Alpha ke, I¡¯m looking for my mate.¡± He exasperated. 26.78% ? > 13:06 288 Mouchers ¡°Can you exin the bruise on her check?¡± I demanded, crossing my arms over my chest. ¡°What the hell did she tell you?¡± He growled. I didn¡¯t get a chance to answer as Ryley stormed out of the pack house. I¡¯ve never felt an aura as strong as hers is right now. Everyone took a step back as the anger rolled off her in waves. ¡°Dale?¡± She stopped in front of him. ¡°You may be with our alpha but you aren¡¯t the Luna yet,¡± he sneered and a murderous growl left my chest. ¡°I¡¯m not here to defend my rtionship with your alpha. I¡¯m here because you hit your mate.¡± She screamed, and he flinched. All my men took another step back. She was terrifying but I was so turned on. She could probably kill me right now, and I would die with a hard¨Con. ¡°Now, hit me,¡± she growled. Dale looked over her shoulder at me. ¡°Don¡¯t look at him, he is not going to be able to protect you. I know what you fucken did. Now, fucken hit me,¡± she yelled, and themand rolled off her. Before I knew it, he had swung and then she had him on his back. Her ws came out and dug into his neck, as he struggled to breathe. ¡°She is your mate, and she is going to forgive you because she loves you. She gave you two beautiful babies. And if you ever hurt her, or raise your voice to her again, my wolf will drag your ass to the border of the pack before ripping you limb from limb. I will leave your dead body for the rogues. Then I will find a real man to take care of her and her kids. Do you understand?¡± Her voice was lower and dangerous as she leaned over her prey. I have never seen this side of her. ¡°And it¡¯s sexy as hell,¡± Gunner purred. He puffed out his chest proud of his mate. 51.89% 13:06 ¡°Good,¡± she said, letting go of him, she stood up looking down at him. ¡°Now, when she is ready toe home, you will be the perfect mate she deserves. You will work through your issues as adults. Or so help me god. I will hunt you down if any harmes to her or those pups.¡± I saw him nod. She turned on her heel. When she walked past me, I grabbed her arm. ¡°ke, I need a moment,¡± she said through the link. I gave her a quick kiss on her temple before letting her go and she stormed into the pack house. ¡°Well, she is terrifying,¡± Lucamented, as my warriors helped Dale to stand. I looked at my father and I feel we were thinking the same thing. This could be something to do with her being a Luna wolf. ¡°Take Dale to get checked out,¡± I told my warriors. Dale didn¡¯t fight as my warriors led him to the pack hospital. ¡°Luca, handle the meeting I¡¯m nowte for, I need to go see Ryley.¡± 83.13% ||| Chapter 111 Chapter 111 Chapter One Hundred Eleven Ryley I stormed upstairs and into our apartment, mming the door behind me. I felt out of control. I¡¯m not sure what is happening to me and I¡¯m scared. I¡¯ve never been this out of control before. Even when I got Lily, I¡¯d never felt like this before. ¡°Ryley, breathe,¡± Lily said as I rushed into our bedroom. I stripped off my shirt and wiped the blood off my hands before going into the close. ¡°Lily, what the hell is happening? I¡¯ve never been able to read thoughts or see other¡¯s memories before.¡± I cried, overwhelmed with everything that had happened. Domestic abuse is not something my father put up with in his pack. He may have been a mobster but he wasn¡¯t a monster. And he made sure that everyone in his pack felt safe, until that night. I crumbled to the floor, letting my tears flow. Bringing my knees to my chest, I wrapped my arms around them and cried. Memories of my parents and old pack hit me and with everything else that has been happening, it¡¯s just too much. ¡°Lily, what¡¯s wrong with me?¡± I sobbed. ¡°You never had a pack by the time you got me. All of this must be things that a Luna wolf can do within her pack. If their walls are down, you can flip through their memories. I don¡¯t understand it, Ryley.¡± She whimpered when I cried harder. It¡¯s how I knew about ke¡¯s mom. She dropped her walls and I was 0.00% ? 10171 Content is property ? N?velDrama.Org. < Chapter One Hundred Eleven able to see into her thoughts. It scared me to death and I thought maybe I dreamt it, but it happened again with ire. And then her mate. It¡¯s something I have never been able to do before but I also didn¡¯t have a pack to mind link. Maybe it¡¯s a part of the mind link? The realization didn¡¯t make me feel better. ¡°Baby?¡± ke called out. I didn¡¯t answer, I knew he would find me. ¡°Baby,¡± he sighed as I heard him enter the closet. I felt him sit down behind me before he pulled me back into his arms. ¡°ke, I¡¯m a mess,¡± I cried. He squeezed me, resting his chin on my shoulder. ¡°And how does my Luna think she is a mess?¡± He mumbled, kissing my cheek. ¡°Ever since I joined the pack, things have happened and I can¡¯t exin them and neither can Lily,¡± I confessed. He turned me in his arms, so I could look at him. ¡°What things?¡± He questioned. ¡°It¡¯s hard to exin but when someone leaves their mind open, I can flip through their memories. And it wasn¡¯t just your mother. That¡¯s how I knew ire was telling me the truth and her mate was lying.¡± ¡°Wait, you¡¯re telling me that you can see into people¡¯s minds?¡± He eximed. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath before answering him. ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°That¡¯s how you learned about whatever my mother did?¡± I nodded. ¡°I thought I dreamt it. But then it happened with ire and her mate.¡± 23.22% O 10.185 Chapter One Hundred Eleven H I shrugged. ke squeezed me against me, holding me tight. I let the warmth of his body and this scent calm me. Since the moment I met ? him, he¡¯s had that effort on me. ¡°ke, I¡¯m scared.¡± I whimpered into his chest. It¡¯s the truth. If this is something Luna wolves have been able to do, it makes sense why they were hunted. We can heal and see liars in the pack. And I don¡¯t even know what else we can do. ¡°I¡¯m here, baby. No one is going to hurt you,¡± he said, hugging me tightly. ¡°I¡¯m sorry about what I did earlier. I don¡¯t know what happened. I feel so out of control.¡± I confessed. ke took my arms and wrapped them around his neck before turning my hips so I was straddling him. ¡°You are every part my Luna to this pack. You may not bear my mark yet but you will. And what you did was not only sexy as hell but it proved how much you care for the pack. This may not have been your original pack but it¡¯s your home now. I¡¯m your home. And everything that is mine, is yours.¡± He rumbled as his hands squeezed my ass cheeks. Tears blurred my vision as I stared into his amber eyes. I found no doubt. He meant every word he spoke to me. ¡°I love you,¡± I whispered, resting my forehead against his, my hands in his hair. The words felt right as they fell from my lips. A life with ke and our boys was all I wanted in this world. There¡¯s been something between us from the moment I locked eyes with him. I may have been in denial, but it¡¯s nothing that I want to hide from anymore. 1 know I can trust him with my life. With my son¡¯s life. And I want to be truly happy. ¡°I love you, baby,¡± he mumbled before his lips brushed against mine. I forgot I wasn¡¯t wearing a shirt until his hands rubbed up my back, tugging at my bra. 46.10% Èý 10:10 Chapter One Hundred Eleven ¡°Fuck, I wish I had more time,¡± he groaned, kissing my cor. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, ke, I know you have to work,¡± I moaned as his kisses became more aggressive. My hips rolled down, grinding my aching pussy into his swollen cock. There were too many clothes between us. My gasp turned to moans as he bucked his hips up, hitting my sensitive heat. ¡°ke,¡± I cried out. I needed him like I needed my next breath. He stood up and carried me into the bedroom before throwing me on the bed. He climbed on top of me, stalking his prey. I licked my lips, watching his eyes fill with lust. He crushed his lips to mine, settling himself between my legs. His lips quickly moved down my jaw to my neck. ¡°I will see you back on this bed after this fucken meeting is over.¡± He growled the demand and goosebumps covered my body. ¡°Yes, Alpha,¡± I purred. Grabbing my wrists, he pushed my arms above my head before crushing his lips to mine again. The kiss was not enough before he jumped off me and the bed. I instantly missed the feel of his body against mine. He didn¡¯t turn back as he rushed from our room. I knew why, and I didn¡¯t me him. He had work and I was a distraction. I let out a breath when I heard the front door close. ¡°ke and Ryley sitting in a tree, K¨CI¨CS¨CS¨CI¨CN¨CG,¡± Lily sang in my head. I just shook my head and got out of bed to find a clean shirt. I needed to check on ire before I could speak with ke¡¯s mother. 75 73% ? O Chapter 112 Chapter 112 a Chapter One Hundred Twelve Ryley This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org. I quickly went to check on ire and the kids before heading to my office to see ke¡¯s mother. ire was still shaken up about what happened and I can¡¯t me her. Your mate is supposed to be your protector, lover, and best friend, not someone you should fear. She told me she was going to spend the night here and then tomorrow she would talk to him after he had calmed down. I didn¡¯t tell her that I threatened him or that I would follow through if he was to ever hit her again. That can be our little secret. I walked into my office to find Elizabeth sitting on my couch, looking at her phone. I wasn¡¯t ready to have this conversation with her, but I think I can help her with her problem. The n could backfire if she truly hates me, and I¡¯m hoping she doesn¡¯t. I want my kids to have a rtionship with their grandparents. ¡°First, I demand to know how you found out,¡± she growled before I even sat down. ¡°Before, I exin that, I want to give you some advice,¡± I said and she scoffed, crossing her arms over her chest. I took my seat, watching her intently. Maybe she does hate me and this will just send her right to the council and away from her son. ¡°I think you should just tell them the truth. Both of them would never look at you any differently,¡± I sighed. ¡°And how the fuck would you know? How the hell did you even find out?¡± She yelled, standing up from the couch. 0.00% 10.22 ||| O < ¡°Her father is ckmailing you because you don¡¯t want this information to get out. And now he is demanding that ke mark his daughter. I can tell you right now, Elizabeth, that is never going to happen. ke is mine. So, the way I see it, you have two options, tell your family the truth or kill him. Because I¡¯m never giving ke up. And ke would never agree to this. Aspen will alwayse first.¡± I told her. She sat back down and red at me. She may hate me but she knew I was right. ¡°And are you going to tell me how you found out?¡± She asked again and I shook my head. ¡°No, but I¡¯m not judging you, Elizabeth. Your past is your business. But I won¡¯t have you dragging ke and Aspen into this. And I know you don¡¯t like me, but I love your son and grandson.¡± We stared at each other for long moments before she let out a sigh. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Ryley. I just don¡¯t know how to tell my mate about all of this. And I thought if I pretended like I didn¡¯t like you, my son would move on to someone I approve of.¡± She confessed, sounding defeated. I reached out my hand and ced it over hers. ¡°You have nothing to worry about, expect them finding out he was ckmailing you. And this has been hard on your mate. He wants to make you happy.¡± I told her. Tears filled her eyes as she looked at me. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Ryley, for everything. I was just so ashamed,¡± she cried into her hands. I moved to sit beside her, wrapping an arm around her shoulders. ¡°Elizabeth, it was nothing I couldn¡¯t handle. I was ready to fight for my rtionship with your son. I understand why you did what you did, but your family isn¡¯t going to look at you any differently, just like I don¡¯t. I read all about your Luna days and how you did so much for this pack.¡± I told her as she sobbed. Our rtionship was weird but I 27.85% ||| 1022 wanted ke¡¯s mother to like me. And it hurt my heart to hear her cry. ¡°Please, forgive me,¡± she sniffled looking over at me. ¡°Of course, I forgive you, Elizabeth,¡± I reassured her. She threw her arms around my neck, squeezing me tight. ¡°Thank you. And you are perfect for my son.¡± She whispered. ¡°Thank you,¡± I said as I hugged her back. She pulled away, cing her hands on my shoulders. ¡°If you don¡¯t have ns, I was going to go shopping, if you¡¯d like toe. We could get lunch?¡± She offered. I sighed knowing I had a lunch date with ke but he was going to have to wait until tonight after the game. Since he donated most of my clothes, I did need to go shopping ¡°I would like that.¡± I smiled. ¡°Great, I¡¯ll meet you out front in half an hour,¡± She eximed, before leaving my office. I groaned and slumped into the couch. I looked forward to my dirty lunch with ke. but I couldn¡¯t say no to his mother. And I instantly regretted my decision. Not because I didn¡¯t want to go shopping but because I was horny as hell. ¡°What the hell has gotten into me,¡± I breathed out into my empty office. If ke wasn¡¯t in a meeting I would link him to meet me in his office so he could bend me over his desk and fuck me until I couldn¡¯t move. I grumbled pulling out my phone and texting him. I told him to meet us at the game since I didn¡¯t know when we would be back. ¡°Lily, what the hell is wrong with me?¡± I asked her, as I didn¡¯t move from the couch I was sitting on. 63 24% 10 22 Chapter One Hundred Twelve ¡°Must be hormones. But it¡¯s most likely that sexy Alpha who makes us feel so good,¡± she purred. I smiled thinking about ke. It¡¯s not just what he does to my body but what he has done for me. I¡¯ve had to be strong for so long that I have forgotten how it feels to have someone care for me. And I wasn¡¯t ready to give up the security ke made me feel. I just hope the council doesn¡¯te knocking. 1 92.15% Chapter 113 Chapter 113 Chapter One Hundred Thirteen Alpha ke I internally groaned when my phone dinged with Ryley¡¯s message. My dick has been hard since she told me she loves me and now I have to wait even longer to be inside her. All because she and my mother made up. ¡°It¡¯s not a back thing,¡± Gunner chimed in. ¡°It is when all I want to do is make her scream my name,¡± I scoffed. Luca¡¯s foot nudged mine under the conference table. I was only half listening. He gave me a pointed look and I cleared my throat. ¡°Continue,¡± I motioned, so this meeting would hurry up and end. Since I had Ryley, I didn¡¯t want to bury myself in work anymore. I wanted to retire and live my life with her by my side. I wanted a simpler life. Maybe it¡¯s because I¡¯ve been doing this for so long, or because I have been doing it without my Luna, but I wanted more time to spend with my family. Once the meeting was over, I left the conference room, heading to my office with Luca. I needed him to fill me in on what the meeting was all about since I was only half listening. Walter and Chris were waiting by my office door when I approached. ¡°Hey ke, have you seen Ryley?¡± Walter asked me. ¡°She went shopping with my mother,¡± I answered as I opened my office door, motioning for them to all enter. Luca gave me a pointed look as he walked passed me and I just shrugged. I had no idea what was 0.00% ? 09:53 going on with those two. ¡°So, they are getting along?¡± Walter asked, cautiously. ¡°I would hope so unless shopping means something else,¡± I questioned. ¡°So no more baby talk?¡± Luca smirked as he took a seat and Walter gasped. I growled, wanting to punch Luca in the face. Walter is like a father to her and he just announced something like that, fuck. ¡°ke, have you marked her?¡± He eximed. ¡°Dad, is that not a good thing?¡± His son questioned. I watched as Walter¡¯s eyes moved from me to his son and then back to me. He was worried about something but he didn¡¯t want to say. ¡°Channing and Ryley have joined my pack. And before she would take our rtionship any further, she wanted us to be on the same page. Kids were one of those topics. My mother was the first to bring it up though,¡± I admitted as I took the seat behind my desk. ¡°I don¡¯t want to push you, ke, but you need to mark her. And a child wouldn¡¯t be such a bad thing. It would force the council not to step in.¡± He said, taking a seat in front of my desk. ¡°Dad, what are you talking about?¡± His son sat down beside him. Luca leaned forward, his elbows on his knees as he watched from the couch in my office. ¡°Even with your mark, the council could still force you to reject her. Shees from a power family and you know Channing is a strong alpha already. He could argue that you stole his mate so you would be stronger.¡± Walter exined and Gunner let out a growl. My jaw ticked with tension. ¡°Someone needs to start exining, who is her mate?¡± Chris blurted. 24.83% O 09:53 Chapter One Hundred ¡°Alpha Dorian Woods,¡± I growled. His brow pinched together. ¡°Alpha Dorian?¡± I saw the moment it clicked in his head. ¡°He¡¯s Channing¡¯s father?¡± He looked at Walter and he nodded to his son. Gunner let out another growl and all three of them looked at him. I crossed my arms over my chest. ¡°My wolf doesn¡¯t like when you refer to Channing as his son,¡± I told them. The three of them lost their eyebrows in their hairlines as the realization hit them. Channing may not be my blood but he is my son. ¡°Gunner imed him?¡± Luca eximed, standing from his seat. I nodded. ¡°I¡¯ve never heard of anything like this?¡± Chris said. All content ? N/.?vel/Dr/ama.Org. ¡°That¡¯s because it has never happened. I spent days at the council library researching anything and everything about this topic and I never came across something like this. Alpha wolves don¡¯t im pups that aren¡¯t their blood, especially one who is born an alpha,¡± Walter rambled, but I already knew this. Not the part about this never happening before, I can¡¯t honestly be the first, can I? ¡°ke, what are you saying here?¡± Luca asked, leaning on my desk. beside me. ¡°It means when I mark her and herst name changes, so does his. My wolf has made this clear. Channing is his and will do anything to protect him.¡± I confirmed. My heart was racing with the thought of my mark on her neck and her name changing. Luna Evelyn Ryley Orion. ¡°And if you breathe a word of anything of this to anyone, I will hunt you down. I don¡¯t need the council breathing down my neck just yet.¡± I growled, pointing at Chris. I didn¡¯t know if I could trust him. We shouldn¡¯t have included him in this conversation. 53.07% 09:53 ¡°I swear I won¡¯t,¡± he held his hands up in surrender. ¡°Son,¡± Walter growled. ¡°Dad, I swear. This could start a war, and no one wants that.¡± ¡°Now, what about this n to build more cabins?¡± I asked, changing the subject. I know Ryley was worried about money and this project would be pricey. Walterid it all out for him. He included ns and even showed me the ns for the existing cabin. But if Ryley and I were to have more kids, it wouldn¡¯t be big enough. Looking at the clock, I knew we had to head over to the rink to see Channing. ¡°Mike it all, but we need to double the existing cabin,¡± I told Walter. ¡°Really?¡± He questioned.) ¡°I would build her a new one but I don¡¯t know if she would go for that.¡± I told him. A knowing smile crept to his face. He knew I would do anything for her, even build her a mansion in the mountains just for her. I don¡¯t care about cost. Her happiness was all that mattered to me, that and her safety. 82.74% Chapter 114 Chapter 114 00:53 O Chapter One Hundred Fourteen Alpha ke The game was about to begin and Ryley still hadn¡¯t arrived yet. I wonder what was taking her so long. She said she has never missed a game before and I doubt she¡¯s going to start today. When she walked in, my heart skipped a beat. She was in an oversized jersey, the same one her son was wearing on the ice but it was in white, instead of dark teal. Halliwell is on the back with a big number three. Her tight jeans hugged her curves just right. I was already suffering before she turned my way and smiled. Fuck me. She could ask me for anything with that smile on her face. She hurried up the stairs of the bleachers. Her eyes were on me the entire time but all eyes were on her while she made her way to me. I had to hold back a growl when one of the spectators she walked by whistled at her as he checked her out. I internally groaned when she pushed her ass into my face before sitting between me and Walter. Chris was sitting on the other side of his father. ¡°That was mean,¡± I wrapped my arm around her waist and whispered to her after she was done greeting Walter. She shivered but I knew it wasn¡¯t from the cold. She looked at me before she leaned over and brushed her lips against mine. ¡°I missed you today,¡± she mumbled. I barely heard it over the crowd as the game was about to start. ¡°I always miss you,¡± I told her, staring into her stormy grey eyes. She smiled, and I smiled with her. She seems less guarded than before and 0.00% O 09.53 I liked it. The music yed loudly before the team got into position for the puck drop. Number three was ready at the face¨Coff. I haven¡¯t seen him y but I knew he was good, really good. He was new to the team and earned his ce like the other boys on his team. As the puck dropped, Ryley was out of her seat to cheer on her son. I stood up with her, wrapping my arms around her shoulders pulled her close. I wanted everyone to see that this was the woman I was with. She was mine. The first period was almost over when I noticed Aspen standing by the ss, watching. I knew he came here with Channing but I didn¡¯t see him when I arrived. ¡°Aspen, you okay?¡± I asked him. I didn¡¯t have to be near him to know he let out a sigh. Content rights belong to N?velDrama.Org. ¡°Is Ryley with you?¡± He asked through the link. ¡°I ¡°Turn around and look up.¡± I told him. He turned around and scanned the crowd of people on the bleachers before finding us near the top. He¡® climbed up the stairs and made his way towards us while Ryley was cheering loudly in my arms. Aspen squeezed his way between her and Walter. When Ryley noticed him, she pulled him in for a hug and kissed his cheek. It warmed my heart to see her sofortable with my son, that she loves him just as much as I do. When the first period ended, it was zero, zero. After I sat back down I pulled Ryley down into myp. Aspen had taken her spot and there was no more room except for me. Which I didn¡¯t mind until she started to rub her ass against my already¨Cgrowing cock. Watching her passion as she cheered on our son had me tempted to take her out to my truck 27.15% 09:53 during the twenty¨Cminute break between periods. ¡°Mom, is there something wrong with me?¡± Aspen sighed, resting his head on Ryley¡¯s shoulder. My head snapped to my son, but Ryley didn¡® t seem to notice him calling her mom or she didn¡¯t care. She was resting her head on his and looped an arm around his. ¡°I want the whole story when we get home, but there is nothing wrong with you. If they can¡¯t see how wonderful you are, then fuck them.¡± She told him, and he sighed. ¡°Sometimes, I hate being an alpha¡¯s son.¡± I looked around them to see Walter watching the two of them as well. ¡°I know it is. It¡¯s not as morous as others might think but you should be proud of where youe from and everything your family has built. Don¡¯t let others shame you into thinking that you didn¡¯t earn your position, because I know you will. It sucks when others hold you to a different standard. But I know you will be the best alpha.¡± She reassured him and I swear my love for this woman grew tenfold. The second period started and we were standing again. I pulled Ryley back against my chest before burying my face into her neck. She snuggled back into me, resting her arms on top of mine, wrapped around her waist. ¡°Thank you,¡± I mumbled against her skin. She turned her head and kissed my cheek. ¡°We are a family.¡± She murmured, kissing my cheek again. I squeezed her tight as I rested my chin on her shoulder and we watched the game. This right here, is how our life should always be, her wrapped up in my arms. Our boys may almost be men but I love watching her with them, to be the shoulder they need in this stage of their lives. Being a teenager is never easy and it¡¯s good to have someone to talk to about it. She makes being a parent look effortless. 56.14% 09:53 ||| O < I wanted to have a child with her, not because of what Walter warned me about but because Ryley is such a great mother. She deserves to have a mate by her side this time around and I was going to stand by her side every step of the way. ¡°I think we should have a baby,¡± I whispered before nipping at her earlobe. She stopped mid¨Ccheer to stare at me wide¨Ceyed. I couldn¡¯t stop the chuckle that filled my throat. ¡°ke, I,¡± she stammered, unable to find the words to say. ¡°Just think about it. But first, you need to get a New Jersey,¡± I told her. ¡°What? Why?¡± She looked down to see if something was wrong with 1. it. ¡°It has the wrongst name.¡± Chapter 115 Chapter 115 Chapter One Hundred Fifteen Chapter One Hundred Fifteen Ryley This was the best hockey I have watched to date. Not because we won, or that my son got a hat trick, three goals this game. No, it was that ke was holding me the entire game. Even if he mentioned babies and myst name. All of this is moving quickly, maybe too quickly but it just feels right. But it will only be right if Channing can take his name as well. I need me and my son to have the samest name, and it¡® s something I will have to discuss with ke. And I also didn¡¯t miss Aspen calling me mom. It warmed my heart but also made me want to rip apart the girl who had hurt him. Aspen is perfect and I hate that he thinks lowly of himself because of some girl. The closer he gets to the age of eighteen, the more likely his wolf will be able to identify his mate. He just needs to wait to find his perfect one. His soulmate. All of us were waiting in the lobby for my boy to finish with his team after such a great win. I love watching him y. I love that he loves it as much as my dad did. He taught me to y and I love that I get to share that love with Channing. I think moving here and ying for such a great team will be good for him. It means we will be busy in the fall for his travel hockey but I wouldn¡¯t change it. ¡°Walter, did you figure out the cabin stuff?¡± I asked over the crowd. The five of us were standing in a small circle, while ke had his arms wrapped around me. He nced at ke before turning his attention back to me. ¡°We have.¡± He said, cautiously. Chapter One Hundred Fifteen Content rights belong to N?velDrama.Org. ¡°But it¡¯s a surprise,¡± ke chimed in. I turned in his arms to look at him. ¡°It can¡¯t be a surprise. I need to pay for it.¡± I told him and he grinned. ¡°It¡¯s been already paid for,¡± he said, nonchntly, before pecking my lips. ¡°ke, that¡¯s too much,¡± I eximed. ¡°Isn¡¯t what mine is yours and yours is mine?¡± He shrugged and I grumbled. Not because it bothered me, but because he was right. ¡°It¡¯s still too much,¡± I pouted and he chuckled. ¡°I swear you¡¯re going to love it.¡± He smiled, kissing my cheek as I pouted. I understand his position but I didn¡¯t want him to think that I was only here because he had money. I don¡¯t need anything fancy, I just want a house where we can raise our babies and have our boys. ¡°He wanted to make sure there was room for the pups,¡± Chris chuckled. I looked over my shoulder to find Chris and his father grinning. ¡®You told them?¡± I turned back to ke. ¡°me Luca for that.¡± He defended. ¡°Ryley, this is a good thing. And I¡¯m d I won¡¯t be the one getting yelled out,¡± Walter chuckled. ¡°Fair warning,¡± he told ke. And I huffed. ke wrapped me in his arms again ¡°No warning needed.¡± He whispered against my cheek. I know Walter was right, but it was a long hard labor. And the human meds only Chapter One Hundred Fifteen 1288 (Vouchers worked for so long and I didn¡¯t have my wolf. I¡¯m praying this time. around will be easier. ¡°How was shopping with Grandma?¡± Aspen asked me, changing the subject. ¡°It was good. I think I reced my entire wardrobe,¡± I told him, ring back at ke. He was the reason I needed to go shopping in the first ce. ¡°And everything¡¯s okay?¡± Walter questioned. I told him all about what his mother was doing and saying about me. ¡°It was a big misunderstanding, but we worked it out.¡± I smiled. It was good to have the support of ke¡¯s family. The lobby went crazy as the yers started exiting the rink area. My eyes locked with Channing¡¯s and he broke through the crowd of girls to hug me. I could see the res of the girls he ignored. They must not know that I¡¯m his mother. ¡°That was such a great game,¡± I eximed, stepping back from him. ¡°Couch guaranteed me a spot on the fall team,¡± he grinned. ¡°That¡¯s awesome, man,¡± Aspen sped his shoulder. ¡°You deserve it. That was such a great game.¡± ke praised him. Channing hugged me again, and I felt so proud of my son. He has worked so hard for this. ¡°Thank you, Mom,¡± he whispered, kissing my cheek. He pulled away to greet, Walter and Chris. I had tears in my eyes as I watched him. He was truly happy here. Chapter One Hundred Fifteen ¡°I¡¯m so proud of our boy,¡± ke said as he wrapped me in his arms again. I brushed away my fallen tears, not wanting to embarrass Channing. This was his moment and he deserved to celebrate. Some of his teammates started to yell Channing¡¯s name. ¡°Youing?¡± He asked Aspen. ¡°You want me to?¡± Aspen retorted and Channing sighed. ¡°Dude? I won¡¯t go unless youe as well.¡± Channing told him. ¡°Fine,¡± Aspen sighed. ¡°Mom, we are going out.¡± Channing turned to tell me. ¡°You know the rules.¡± I gave him a pointed look. ¡°Yeah. Yeah.¡± He hugged me again before Aspen did. ¡°Try to have fun and we will talk tomorrow,¡± I whispered to him. He gave me a nod before following Channing into the crowd. ¡°You two hungry?¡± Walter asked as we made our way to the exit. ¡°Starving.¡± I breathed out and ke chuckled beside me. We walked hand in hand out to the parking lot. ¡°I know a great little ce. I¡¯ll text you the address and we can meet there,¡± ke told him. ¡°Sounds good, see you guys there,¡± Walter said before he and Chris walked over to their vehicle and ke led me to his truck. His mother was nice enough to drop me off at the arena. ke opened the truck door for me before helping me up into his truck. I could hear pack members whispering but I ignored them. Chapter One Hundred Fifteen 288 (Vouchers Rumors weren¡¯t going to steal away my happiness. ¡°You are in so much trouble when we get home,¡± he growled before his lips crushed to mine. Heat pooled in my core as I wrapped my arms around his neck, pulling him closer. This was the life I wanted and I will do anything to protect it. 11-22 Chapter 116 Chapter 116 288 (Voucher 1 Chapter One Hundred Sixteen Ryley We didn¡¯t get back to the pack house untilte. We stayed until the restaurant closed and then we had drinks with ke¡¯s brother¨Cinw. Not that I was drinking. The men were. It was a great time and I found myself warming up to Chris. This was the first time where we had a conversation without either one of us getting angry. It was nice to see him open up to me. I texted the boys when ke pulled up in front of the pack house. I needed to remind Channing that he does have hockey tomorrow afternoon. ¡°What the?¡± ke growled, pulling my attention up from my phone. Luca was standing out front waiting for us. There were also a few warriors hanging around the driveway. ke parked this truck before getting out and confronting Luca who was quickly moving toward the vehicle. I hurried up and sent my text before getting out of the truck. ¡°What do you mean he¡¯s demanding to see her?¡± I heard ke growl. I looked around wondering who he was talking about. There¡¯s only one person who would be demanding to see me, but I haven¡¯t heard anything from Lisa. I walked around the truck, looking around. ke was still talking to Luca, but I couldn¡¯t make out what they were saying. It wasn¡¯t until my eyes locked with his that I let out a gasp, covering my mouth with my hands. Tears filled my eyes as I looked at someone I believed was killed with other members of my pack. Chapter One Hundred Sixteen It had been seventeen years and he looked the same as he did thest time I saw him. I begged him to let me stay and fight. I didn¡¯t want toTM lose my best friend. The son of my father¡¯s beta. ¡°Hey Stormy,¡± he said, calling me by the nickname he gave me. I hadn¡¯t realized I had walked over to him. ¡°Eli, I don¡¯t understand,¡± I choked, my body trembling. Before he could reach out to me. ke was blocking him. His chest rumbled pulling me out of my shock. ¡°Alpha ke, it¡¯s good to meet you. I¡¯m just here to bring my Luna home.¡± Eli told him. ¡°Luna?¡® ke growled, his grip on me tightened. ¡°I exined it all to your beta. Luna Evelyn is a part of my pack and I¡® m here to bring her home.¡± He said bluntly. ¡°You¡¯re the one that has been attacking Dorian¡¯s pack,¡± I eximed, moving around ke¡¯srge frame. ¡°It¡¯s our pack, Stormy. But I was surprised when I saw you walking out to the spot where I believed you died with the now Luna.¡± He scoffed, crossing his arms over his chest. ¡°I was in hiding. I believed he wanted me dead,¡± I yelled. ¡°You should have known, he was your boyfriend,¡± he retorted. ke let out a growl as he balled up his fists. ¡°ke, it¡¯s fine, I deserve it,¡± I told him, grabbing his arm. I knew Eli was watching. I don¡¯t know if he knew ke and I were a couple. ¡°Baby, no you don¡¯t,¡± ke said and I shook my head. 23.33% 1024 n Chapter One Hundred Sixteen 288 (Vouchers ¡°Eli lost his family because of the choices I made.¡± My emotions. cracked, and tears began to stream down my cheeks. The guilt was overwhelming as I looked at Eli. ¡°I am so sorry, Eli.¡± I cried. ke wrapped me in his arms as I buried my face into his chest, seeking out thefort only he could give me. I heard Eli sigh. ¡°Stormy, I¡¯m not here to make you feel bad about what happened. I¡¯m here to bring you home.¡± I turned out of ke¡¯s chest to look at Eli. ¡°Home? I don¡¯t understand.¡± I sniffled. ¡°Our pack. Everyone who was able to escape.¡± He answered. ¡°You started a new pack?¡± ke asked him. ¡°We did,¡± Eli told him. ¡°And who is your alpha,¡± ke demanded, squeezing me tight. The act didn¡¯t go unnoticed by Eli. ¡°We have a Luna, and Stormy here is her daughter.¡± I gasped, thankful ke was holding me. My knees felt weak as I absorbed what Eli had just said. ¡°My mother?¡± I breathed out, trying to wrap my head around that my mother was alive. ¡°You don¡¯t think your father didn¡¯t have a backup n, did you? You know the kind of shit he was into.¡± He exined. I pulled away from ke. My body trembling but I needed answers. ¡°Then why would he separate us?¡± I demanded. ¡°To make sure one of you survived.¡± He eximed. He pulled me Chapter One Hundred Sixteen against him, wrapping his arms around me. His familiar scent wrapped around my senses. Fuck, I¡¯ve missed him so much. ke let out a growl, not liking me in the arms of another man. ¡°Mom, what the hell is going on? Who the fuck is this?¡± Channing growled from somewhere behind me. Eli pushed me away like I was burning his skin, sending a ping to my chest. ¡°Mom? You have a son?¡± Eli yelled and I flinched at his anger. I understand it, but it didn¡¯t make it hurt any less. I knew he wanted to be with me, but then I met Dorian. I didn¡¯t want to be with Eli because I didn¡¯t want to lose my best friend if things didn¡¯t work out between us. Our friendship wasn¡¯t something I was willing to lose. ¡°Evelyn, you fucken slept with him?¡± He demanded, but clearly, he could see that I had. I have his son. ¡°Yes,¡± I said. All content ? N/.?vel/Dr/ama.Org. ¡°He was your fucken mate. Is that why you were there talking with his Luna?¡± He sneered, pacing alongside his truck. ¡°Fuck off, you don¡¯t get to speak to my mother like that,¡± Channing growled, him and Aspen came up beside me. Eli stopped and was staring at my son. I knew what he was thinking as he watched me. ¡°What happened to wait until you found your mate?¡± He questioned, crossing his arms over his chest. ¡°I don¡¯t need to exin myself to you. And I won¡¯t say that I regret it. He gave me Channing. But I understand that you¡¯re hurt and I¡¯m sorry for that.¡± I told him. ¡°Mom, who the hell is this guy?¡± ¡°Channing this is Eli. I grew up with him. His father was my father¡¯s 66.28% 10:26 D Chapter One Hundred Sixteen beta.¡± I introduced them. ¡°I should go. Your mother will be in touch,¡± Eli announced, moving to open his truck door. ¡°Eli, wait,¡± I reached out, grabbing his arm causing him to stop but he didn¡¯t turn around. ¡°I¡¯m sorry that I hurt you. But I¡¯m not sorry for my son. He is the reason I¡¯m still alive. You have no idea how it was for me to believe everyone I loved was dead and I was the cause of it. I¡¯ve missed you every damn day since.¡± He shook off my arm, got into his truck, and drove away. I watched as my heart twisted painfully in my chest. 90.95% Chapter 117 Chapter 117 10.26 D Chapter One Hundred 288 (Vouchers Chapter One Hundred Seventeen Alpha ke ¡°Mom?¡± Channing called to her. Ryley was still watching the truck as Eli drove away from the pack house. ¡°Luca, make sure he leaves,¡± I mind¨Clinked him. ¡°Baby?¡± Ryley held out her hand to stop anyone from approaching her. I wanted to give her space but I also wanted to know what she was thinking. ¡°Boys, why don¡¯t you both head up.¡± I told them. Before they could answer. Ryley shifted, the clothes she was wearing ripped, and was now on the ground beside Lily. Lily was beautiful as she shook out her fur before turning around to face us. ¡°Ryley needs a moment.¡± Lily said in my head before she took off running. She ran in the direction of the forest area behind the pack house away from the city. ¡°Mom,¡± Channing yelled, but she didn¡¯t slow down. ¡°It¡¯s okay, Channing, just give her some time,¡± I told him. ¡°ke, what the hell happened?¡± He demanded. ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± I answered him, honestly. ¡°They aren¡¯t leaving, are they dad?¡± Aspen asked, walking up to me. I balled up my fists. I wasn¡¯t angry with his question just at the thought that she might leave and take Channing with her. She wouldn¡¯t leave, would she? 10.26 D Chapter One Hundred Seventeen ¡°No one is leaving. You two go upstairs and I will handle this.¡± I told them. I heard Channing telling Aspen that he isn¡¯t leaving even if his mom does. I know that would break her heart. I let out a breath pinching the bridge of my nose when Luca approached me. ¡°He left the city and our territory,¡± he informed me. ¡°What the hell just happened?¡± I sighed, looking at my best friend, hoping he could give me some answers. ¡°I don¡¯t know, ke. He came right to the pack house demanding to see Ryley. I thought everything he was saying was a lie, to be honest. I thought he would leave and I could ask her about itter. I didn¡¯t want to interrupt your evening with her. I never thought he was telling me the truth.¡± he exined. And I sighed. Every time I think I have her ready to mark me, something like this happens and she pulls away. A heartbreaking howl rang out and I knew it was Ryley. I couldn¡¯t imagine what she was going through right now, but I also couldn¡¯t let her leave. She is mine and I can¡¯t let her go. I excused Luca and my men before walking to the back of the property I pulled up a seat on the patio as I waited for Ryley to finish with her run. ¡°If she isn¡¯t back in one hour, I¡¯m going after her and I will mark Lily I¡® m not losing her or Channing.¡± Gunner growled. I sighed, leaning back to look at the stars. I smiled remembering the night at the cabin with Ryley exining all the constetions to me. Every moment with her was better than thest and I knew I had to do everything in my power to make her stay here. To be with me so we can be a family. 22.00% E 10:26 D Chapter One Hundred Seventeen It wasn¡¯t that long until I heard rustling at the tree line. Lily stepped out, shaking her fur before shifting back to Ryley. I pulled off my shirt as we approached each other. She stopped in front of me, her red eyes looked up at me with so much pain. It broke my heart to see her like this. She lifted her arms so I could ce my shirt over her head. When her body was covered. I pulled her against me, wrapping my arms around her waist. I don¡¯t know how long we stood under the stars but IThis text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org. only pulled away when her body started to tremble. It was a cool, clear night, and she was only in my shirt. ¡°ke, I,¡± she stammered, looking up at me. I took hold of her cheeks, she had fresh tears filling her beautiful stormy eyes. ¡°Don¡¯t. Don¡¯t you dare think for one second that this changes anything between us. I¡¯m not letting you go without a fight, Baby. You and Channing are a part of this family. I want to mark you. I want you both to change yourst name. And I want you to have our babies. This right here, this is my forever and I won¡¯t let you go. Ryley. ¡± I pleaded with her. She let out a sob before she nodded her head in my hands. I let out the breath I was holding in and pulled her close. I leaned down and scooped her up into my arms and walked us into the pack house. It was well after midnight now and the house was quiet Ryley wrapped her arms around my neck, snuggling her face into my neck. Her soft kisses against my neck sent tingles through my body. I haven¡¯t felt this way since my mate and I refused to let it go. She was it for me. Thest puzzle piece to my iplete life since my mate died. Walking into our top apartment, it was quiet. The boys must have gone to bed, I thought as I walked to our bedroom. ¡°I love you,¡± Ryley whispered against my skin sending a shiver down my spine. She rxedpletely and her breathing evened out and I knew she had fallen asleep. I had just walked into our bedroom. I let 51.99%%% 10:26 Chapter One Hundred Seventeen 288 (Vouchers out a sigh as Iid her down in our bed. Before I could move away her hand grabbed mine. ¡°Please, don¡¯t go,¡± she pleaded. I leaned down and kissed her forehead. ¡°I¡¯m just getting ready for bed. I¡¯ll be right back.¡± I mumbled against her skin. She nodded before I moved around the bedroom and bathroom to get ready for bed. As soon as I climbed in next to her, she cuddled into me, throwing one of her legs over mine. I wrapped my arms around her, holding her tight. ¡°I love you, baby,¡± I whispered, kissing her head. ¡°I love you,¡± she mumbled, kissing my bare chest. ¡°Please don¡¯t ever let me go.¡± AA 714. 10 545 Chapter 118 Chapter 118 Chapter One Hundred Eighteen Ryley It¡¯s been a few days since I found out Eli and my mother were alive. I was supposed to start working again but it was hard for me to focus on anything. My mother still hadn¡¯t reached out and I don¡¯t know how to contact either one of them. My past was catching up to me and I didn¡¯t know how to deal with it. I wished for years for my mother to be alive and prayed she would find me. Now it was real and she still hasn¡¯t reached out. How do you not want to see your child? If it was me with Channing, I would have been here finding him not sending my second inmand. Content rights belong to N?velDrama.Org. I sighed, sitting at my desk, I massaged my temples. I have a never¨Cending headache and I feel so exhausted. Even sleeping beside ke, wrapped in his scent hasn¡¯t given much rest. Guilt twisted my stomach as I thought about Eli. He was my best friend. We grew up together and we spent so much time together. He was my first kiss. I always believed he would be my mate but when I met Dorian I couldn¡¯t help but be attracted to him. And now I know why, he was my mate. Closing my eyes I saw the hurt in his eyes when he knew Channing was my son. I always told him I wanted my first time to be with my fated mate. But that night I took things too far. And I can¡¯t regret it. I could never regret Channing. But that didn¡¯t stop the guilt of hurting my best friend. And now I was hurting ke. Everything about us feels. different and I don¡¯t know how to fix it. I don¡¯t want him to let me go but I also don¡¯t want to drag him down with me. And if dividing inhe now O > Chapter One Hundred Eighteen my mother does have a pack then it would be mine as well. How would ke and I make it work if I have to run a pack? I mmed myptop close unable to concentrate on anything but my problems. ke wanted me to change myst name and now I feel like such a burden. And I can¡¯t get my feelings or thoughts in order. I¡¯m a wreck. I took deep breaths, trying to pull myself together. I know I could never let my mother see me this way and I¡¯m sure my father is rolling in his grave. I was raised to be a strong, intelligent woman. I don¡¯t show weakness. The public only sees the side of me I want them to see. The reality hit me like a brink. Would my mother be proud of me? I wanted to share so much with her. She has missed so much of my life and Channing¡¯s. But is she ashamed of me? Is that why she hasn¡¯t reached out? Because I had a child with the enemy? My body trembled as tears fell down my cheeks. I betrayed them. I betrayed my entire pack. I was supposed to protect them but I failed. I failed my family and my best friend. I jumped up from my chair, it hit the wall behind me when the door to my office was thrown open. Men in council uniforms filled my office. ¡°ke,¡± I screamed through the link. ¡°Miss Evelyn Ryley North?¡± A man asked. I crossed my arms over my chest refusing to answer. ¡°Does Alpha ke know you¡¯re here?¡± I demanded, watching the men step closer to me. I was terrified but I wouldn¡¯t show 1. it. Dividing into pages now ||| Chapter One Hundred Eighteen ¡°He is being informed as we speak. You are toe with us to the council.¡± The same man spoke. ¡°Never,¡± I growled. He motioned to his men to grab me but I fought back with everything I had. I punched a few in the face before a fist hit me in the nose and I hit the wall behind me. Two men grabbed me and threw me against the wall while another cuffed me with silver around my wrist. I refused to scream, the burning was painful, taking the air from my lungs. ¡°You have no right to do this!¡± I spat out when the men turned me around to face the one in charge. ¡°Luna wolves belong to the council.¡± He growled as I fought the hold of the men. ke was standing in front of the house yelling at someone when I was pushed out of the pack house. ¡°ke,¡± I yelled, his attention snapped to me. There was murder in his eyes as he looked at the men around me. ¡°ke, please,¡± I begged through the link, trying to pull myself away from the council¡¯s men. ¡°Jerry, let my mate go, now,¡± ke roared, turning back to the man he was yelling at when I was shoved out of the pack house. All the men flinched at his anger. They were ying with fire and ke was about to burn them all. ¡°ke, you know I can¡¯t do that. Even if she was marked, she is still a Luna wolf and she isn¡¯t your fated. I¡¯m sorry but she needs toe with us.¡± I heard the man say. Dividing into pages now O Chapter One Hundred Eighteen 289 (Vouchers ¡°ke, take care of Channing,¡± I told him through the link. I didn¡¯t want the council to know about my son. ¡°Her son¡¯s father will being to get him soon,¡± the man said as his men were moving me to a vehicle. I fought harder to get away from the men. I needed to protect my son. Dorian can¡¯t have him. ke¡¯s skin ripped and I knew he was close to shifting and taking everyone out. I knew he would protect me with his life. ¡°ke, stop. I love you and I need you to protect the boys.¡± I pleaded with him. My eyes filled with tears as his eyes met mine. He was furious but there was also pain. ¡°Don¡¯t let him take Channing,¡± I begged before I was shoved into the back of an SUV. A man on either side of me, caging me in. I could hear Lily whimpering as the vehicle pulled away from the pack house, ke and our boys. Dividing into pages now O Chapter One Hundred Neen Chapter 119 Chapter 119 Chapter One Hundred Neen Alpha ke Gunner was on the verge of shifting as I watched the SUV drive away with my mate. She was in silver cuffs like some kind of prisoner and not the Luna that she is. ¡°ke,¡± I heard Luca call out before I turned and hit Jerry square in the face. I¡¯ve never felt a fury as I do right now. The council took away my mate and they were going to pay. Council warriors surrounded me while Luca fought to get to me. Jerry held out his hand to stop them while he wiped the blood from his split lip. ¡°Who the fuck told you?¡± I roared unable to hold in my fury any longer. I was ready to clean out the council and anyone who stood in my way of being with Ryley. ¡°What the hell is going on? Where is Ryley?¡± Luca eximed over the chaos. I know Ryley wanted me to protect the boys but I couldn¡¯t let the council have her. She was mine and I don¡® t care about the reasoning. She may be a Luna wolf but they had no right to take her. ¡°ke, I wish I could help you. I do. But my hands are tied. She is a Luna wolf and we need to handle this ording to thews in ce. There hasn¡¯t been one born in years.¡± He sighed, looking at me with pity. I didn¡¯t want his pity I wanted blood. I rushed towards him but it was Luca who stepped in front of him, holding me back. §º O Chapter One Hundred Neen 218 Vouchers ¡°I¡¯m sorry, ke,¡± Jerry said before he and his warriors got into their vehicles and drove away. My body was vibrating with the need to shift and rip something apart. How the hell can this be happening? And who the fuck would tell the council about her. ¡°ke, I understand but you need to protect the boys. I¡¯ve just been informed Alpha Dorian has crossed the border.¡± Gunner let out a murderous growl. ¡°Found out who outed her to the council and contact Walter. We are going to need anyone and everyone if we are going to take down the council. She is mine and I won¡¯t let her go without a fight,¡± I growled. Luca nodded just as an SUV pulled up in front of the pack house. As soon as Dorian stepped out of the vehicle, all I saw was red. ¡°What the fuck is wrong with you?¡± I yelled, throwing him up against the SUV, my hands wrapped around his throat. ¡°I didn¡¯t tell. I didn¡¯t even know,¡± he screamed but it was short- lived as I punched him in the face. The back of his head bounced off the door of the vehicle. ¡°You gave her up and she is mine. She will never be yours again. And if I don¡¯t get her back, you are the first person I¡¯ming for,¡± my threat was a promise. ¡°I¡¯m here for Channing. The council called me this morning.¡± He sighed and I smashed him against the vehicle again. ¡°And you didn¡¯t think to warn her,¡± I yelled in his face, unable to focus on anything but the rage. I thought my mate dying was the worst pain I had felt but this was worse. I was the strongest alpha in our world but it did nothing to protect her when she needed me the most. Chapter One Hundred Neen ¡°Dad?¡± I heard Aspen behind me. ¡°What the fuck is he doing here?¡± Channing growled out. I released him, taking a few steps back needing air. How was I going to exin any of this to the boys? ¡°ke, where is mom?¡± I turned to look at him. My heart twisted painfully knowing I couldn¡¯t protect his mother. ¡°Son, you need toe home with me,¡± Dorian told him. My eyes snapped to Dorian before I punched him in the face, again. The force threw him back into the SUV. ¡°Leave before I kill you,¡± I growled in his face, my fists around the cor of his shirt. ¡°He¡¯s my son,¡± he groaned and Gunner let out a murderous growl, followed by deadly silence. ¡°He¡¯s my son. And as soon as I have Ryley back and she has my mark on her neck, they both will have myst name. Now, get the fuck out of my pack,¡± I threw him against the vehicle one more time before letting him go. I turned around and walked towards my boys. Both looked at me with concern. ¡°He¡¯s my blood, ke. You can¡¯t keep him from me. His mother isn¡¯ting back.¡± He called out. I whipped around, my nostrils red as I fought against Gunner shifting and ripping this alpha apart. I could feel my skin ripple with the need to shift. ¡°ke,¡± Luca was quickly in front of me pulling my focus. ¡°We will get thewyers to deal with the issue with Channing but right now they need you,¡± Luca said. ||| §à ? Chapter One Hundred Neen ¡°Make sure he fucken leaves,¡± I ordered before turning around again. I grabbed both boys before dragging them into the safety of the pack house and away from Channing¡¯s sperm donor. I didn¡¯t stop until I was in my office, the boys following me. I pulled out my phone to text mywyers. I needed to get a temporary order of custody before Dorian could order one. I knew he wasn¡¯t listed on Channing¡¯s birth certificate. ¡°Dad, where¡¯s Ryley?¡± Aspen pleaded. I looked up from my phone. I could see they were both concerned and confused. There wasn¡¯t any way I could sugarcoat this. They needed to know the truth. ¡°The council took her. But I swear I will get her back. I promise you both. I will get her back and as soon as I have her, I will mark her.¡± All content ? N/.?vel/Dr/ama.Org. ¡°How the fuck did the council find out?¡± Channing growled, his body trembling. I walked towards him, gripping his shoulder. ¡°I will find out but right now I need to protect you. I need to get an order of custody and then I need to head to the council building to get your mother. There is nothing I won¡¯t do to get your mother back, I promise you. I promise you both. I will do everything, including wiping the entire council out.¡± ||| Chapter One Hundred Twenty Chapter 120 Chapter 120 Chapter One Hundred Twenty Ryley One monthter. I¡¯ve been stuck in this room for thest month without any contact with anyone outside the council members and their staff. They won¡¯t let me call Channing to make sure he is okay and I didn¡¯t get to say goodbye to either of them. I know legally Aspen was in ke¡¯s custody but what about Channing? All the members would say is that he is with his father. All I could do was pray that ke was able to protect him and keep him away from Dorian. I sat in a chair I had moved over to the window. I had sliver cuffs on my wrists to stop me from shifting. They were right to do so. If I had the chance I would shift and this ce would be ripped apart. With the silver, I could only hear Lily whimpering and whining. So thest month has been lonely. I had no one and I didn¡¯t know what was going on outside these four walls. My room was small with just a bed and a chair. There was an open shower and a toilet on the other side of the room. There was no privacy. I was a prisoner without the bars. There were also cameras around the room. Someone was also watching me, even though there was nowhere for me to go. The door to my room opened but I didn¡¯t both look. The smell of spices churned my stomach and I fought the urge to vomit. They were feeding me, but I hadn¡¯t been hungry. I was a trophy and I was about to be sold to the highest bidder. Chapter One Hundred Twenty 288 (Vouchers Being a Luna wolf, I should be with the strongest alpha, which is ke. I don¡¯t understand why they would have taken me. I was already with the strongest alpha, but no one would tell me anything, no matter how much I begged and pleaded. Tears rolled down my cheeks as I heard the door to the room close and the lock banged into ce. ¡°Lily, I need to get us out of here,¡± I spoke to her. I didn¡¯t dare say it out loud as I knew they were listening. My stomach grumbled and with a sigh, I stood up and walked over to where the tray was ced on my bed. As soon as I lifted the lid off the tray, bileunched up into my throat and there was no stopping the vomit. I dropped the lid and covered my mouth until I was over the toilet, thankful I had made it. I heaved and heaved until there was nothing left and still I heaved some more. When there was nothing left and my stomach ached. I leaned against the wall, catching my breath. ¡°What the hell?¡± I breathed out quietly to myself as I leaned my head against the wall. I¡¯ve been more nauseated over thest few weeks but I thought it was just nerves. I was always able to keep it down before today. The door to my room quickly opened and the tray was reced by another before the help was gone again. The smell of food was more nd and it didn¡¯t turn my stomach. I got on my knees to wash my hands and to rinse my mouth. out. Then on all fours, I crawled over to the bed and grabbed the bottle of juice before leaning my back against the mattress. I broke out in a cold sweat as I sipped the juice slowly, hoping it Chapter One Hundred Twenty would calm my tummy. When I found the strength I moved the tray to the floor before climbing into bed. I¡¯ve been spending my time sleeping or staring out the only window in the room. Nurses woulde to take blood every few days. Before I would fight them, demanding to know what the hell they were doing but now it was just easier to let it happen until I was able to get out of this room. Then maybe I can escape. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Lily. I should have stayed dead. It doesn¡¯t matter how much I love Aspen and ke. I should have never put you and Channing at risk. I¡¯m so sorry,¡± I told her crying into my pillow. I could hear her whimpering. I know the silver was causing her pain. My wrists were raw. I never wanted this to happen to us. I should have forced myself to leave. My heart twisted painfully in my chest. I love ke and now that I do, being away hurts so much more than I can bear. And there was nothing he could do. He had a pack to protect and a son. I hope he keeps my son safe and away from his father. A bang had me jumping up. I was panting as I looked around the room. I must have fallen asleep. ¡°Good, you¡¯re awake.¡± A nurse said and I groaned throwing myself back against the bed. I didn¡¯t want to see anyone right now. My stomach twisted painfully with being empty and my head was pounding. ¡°I see you didn¡¯t eat,¡± she tsked. ¡°And what the fuck do you care? If you gave two fucks, you would help me get the hell out of this ce instead of lecturing me about my eating habits. Now take your blood and get the fuck out,¡± I snapped. > Chapter One Hundred Twenty 288 (Vouchers ¡°That¡¯s not very Luna¨Clike?¡± A man¡¯s voice said from behind the woman. I didn¡¯t even notice there was someone else in the room with us. Content is property ? N?velDrama.Org. ¡°Said from the council holding said Luna prisoner.¡± I retorted, rolling my eyes. I couldn¡¯t wait to rip these silver cuffs off and tear the council apart. They have no right to keep me prisoner. They wouldn¡¯t dare to keep an alpha wolf locked up. ¡°Come, there¡¯s a meeting and you are expected to be there.¡± He said, motioning me toe to him. I sighed before swinging my legs over the side of the bed. Standing up, I swayed on my feet. The nurse grabbed my arm but I yanked it away. I didn¡¯t want these people to touch me. Each and every one of them disgusted me. ¡°Leave her,¡± he said to the nurse. I straightened up and held my head high, fighting the urge to throw up again. I didn¡¯t want their help or pretend sympathy. If they cared about what happened to me, they would help get me out of here and back to my son. But that wasn¡¯t the case, I was the property of the council. I followed behind the councilman as he opened the door and led me out of my prison. I had this sinking feeling I was walking to my death. ||| Chapter One Hundred Twenty¨COne Chapter 121 Chapter 121 Chapter One Hundred Twenty¨COne Alpha ke It¡¯s been one month since I saw her. One month. Gunner and I have been losing our minds over this situation. I had thewyers draw up an order of custody which Dorian fought but with his name off the birth certificate and Walter¡¯s testimony, I won temporary custody of Channing. And with his age it shouldn¡¯t have been an issue but Dorian wasn¡¯t going to let his son remain in my pack without being forced by the courts. And since then I¡¯ve been driving back and forth to the council demanding to see Ryley. My father and Walter have stayed here to find a way around theirws over Luna wolves. It¡¯s a fairly neww. Before they would just find their mates but with their numbers almost at zero the council wants to control who they are with. If her mate had marked her, she wouldn¡¯t be in this mess. Fated mates are sacred and not even the council can step in. But I¡¯m not her fated mate. I¡¯m just the alpha wolf who fell in love with her. Now, I¡¯m standing in the meeting room waiting in front of the council. I¡¯m demanding to see her under the fact that she is my pack member. The council won¡¯t recognize our rtionship. Even if I would have marked her, they would have forced me to reject her. I don¡¯t know what they have nned for her but it can¡¯t be good. Her scent invaded my senses before I saw her. The door beside the council seats opened and she was ushered inside. She looked so pale, almost sickly. She was wearing a matching grey sweatshirt and pants. When her eyes met O > Chapter One Hundred Twenty¨COne 1 mine, hers filled up with tears. I was finally able to breathe now that I knew she was okay. Gunner let out a growl when I noticed she had silver cuffs on her wrists. ¡°Alpha Orion, I already warned you,¡± the head councilman scoffed. I pushed my lips in a line, not taking my eyes from hers afraid she would disappear and this would just be a dream. ¡°Her scent is off,¡± Gunner informed me. ¡°Ryley, have they hurt you?¡± She shook her head. ¡°Channing,¡± she sobbed before she covered her mouth with her hands. The tears were flowing down her cheeks now. ¡°He¡¯s safe with me,¡± I reassured her. ¡°As you can see Alpha Orion, Miss North is well and unharmed.¡± ¡°This is what you call well and unharmed?¡± I snapped. My skin rippled with the need to shift. Gunner had enough of being away from his mate and so have I. She wasing home today and I don¡¯t care if I have to kill them all. My eyes snapped from Ryley¡¯s to the warriors standing on the balcony above the council meeting room. They had their guns pointed in my direction. I smirked, knowing full well I was able to give up everything to get her out of there. They underestimated me and it would be their downfall. ¡°Take the silver off,¡± I demanded. ¡°The silver is there for our protection.¡± My attention snapped ||| O Chapter One Hundred Twenty¨COne to the head councilman. 1 ¡°You¡¯re afraid of one wolf? The council of wolves is afraid of one wolf? If that¡¯s the case then she should be in your seat.¡± I retorted. He sneered. ¡°Alpha Orion, the council will not warn you again. Miss North is well taken care of in our care.¡± Another one spoke. ¡°If that were true you wouldn¡¯t have her wolf suppressed with the use of silver. She would be here by choice, not force.¡± ¡°The council doesn¡¯t need to exin our actions to anyone,¡± he growled and I gritted my teeth. ¡°You do if the council wants my pack to hand over any more fucken money. I refuse to enable a council who kidnaps women.¡± ¡°You would abandon our society for a lone wolf who only recently joined your pack?¡± One gasped. Before I could answer, my attention was pulled towards Ryley. She was heaving as she held her stomach. I jumped over the railing I was standing behind uncaring if the warriors opened fire. The need tofort my mate was the only thing I could think of. I pushed the councilman who was standing too close to her back before taking hold of her. ¡°Baby, are you okay? Did they hurt you?¡± I rushed out trying to get my emotions under control. The feel of her skin under my fingertips had my heart racing. It felt like a lifetime, not a month. ¡°ke,¡± she whispered, looking up at me, my hands on her cheeks. Her eyes were red and puffy from crying and I could ||| Chapter One Hundred Twenty One 1 see the pain in her eyes. My heart twisted painfully from the guilt of not being able to protect her. ¡°I¡¯m so sorry, baby,¡± I pleaded, resting my forehead against hers. ¡°Alpha Orion, move back or the council will have no choice but to use force.¡± ¡°Please touch me.¡± Her hands were nted by her side. This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org. ¡°I don¡¯t want the silver to hurt you.¡± She cried. Ignoring everyone in the room, I grabbed hold of one of her wrists. She hissed at the force and I gritted my teeth at the sting of the silver. With my hands on the silver cuff, it broke under my will to free my mate. I could hear the cocking of the guns above me but I didn¡¯t care as I tossed the pieces of silver to the floor before breaking the other one. I could feel Lilying to the surface like a wave, her scent hitting me full force. But it was different. Her scent and my scent seemed to have mixed. My eyes went wide with the realization before dropping to my knees. I lifted her sweatshirt, pushing my ear against her stomach. ¡°ke,¡± Ryley gasped. I smiled knowing the council would never be able to dispute the fact she is my mate ever again. It didn¡¯t matter that she didn¡¯t bear my mark. She was staring at me when I looked up at her with a smile on my face. She pinched her brow together, confused. ¡°Alpha Orion,¡± the head councilman yelled. ¡°I think I¡¯ll be taking my mate home now,¡± standing up, I turned to face the council. < Chapter One Hundred Twenty¨COne 288 (Vouchers ¡°We have been through this,¡± he exasperated but I interrupted him. ¡°She doesn¡¯t bear my mark yet she is pregnant with my child,¡± I announced. The council broke out into chaos but I didn¡¯t care about them. I turned my attention back to my mate and the mother of my unborn pup. ¡°I don¡¯t understand,¡± Ryley mumbled against my lips as I brushed mine against hers. ¡°As soon as Lily is strong enough she will confirm it but I heard the heart beating.¡± I smiled. Fresh tears filled her eyes before she buried her face into my chest. Her body rxed in my arms as I held her tight. I was never letting her go again. She was my second chance. III O Chapter One Hundred Twenty Two Chapter 122 Chapter 122 Chapter One Hundred Eighteen 1 298 Vouchers 288 (Vouchers. 288 (Vouchers. 1 Chapter One Hundred Twenty¨CTwo Ryley After ke announced to the council I was carrying his child, chaos broke out. The head councilman demanded that all the blood they took from me be tested. ke wouldn¡¯t let anyone get close to me as he held me tight. He kept apologizing but I knew it wasn¡¯t his fault. He had to protect his son and pack. And I¡¯m thankful he was able to protect my son. I don¡¯t know who told the council about my wolf but they were going to pay. I must have fallen asleep in ke¡¯s arms. The next thing I knew I jumped, panting, grabbing on to him for dear life. I didn¡¯t want him to let me go. ¡°Baby, it¡¯s okay. I¡¯m just taking us home,¡± ke mumbled. I sighed in relief. He leaned down and kissed my forehead. I realized I was sitting in the passenger seat of his truck. ¡°Home?¡± I whispered, tears filling my eyes. I never thought I would ever see ke again, let alone get to go home. I get to hold my boys again. My heart swelled with emotions, relieved this was finally over. ke buckled me before closing the door. He went around the front of the truck and climbed in behind the wheel. The truck started with a roar before ke turned up the heat. Before buckling himself he reached into the backseat and grabbed a jacket of his. Heid the jacket over me like a nket. Breathing in his Chapter One Hundred Twenty¨CTwo 1 scent, my body rxed into the heated seat. ke buckled himself before taking my hand in his. He squeezed it as he drove away from the council building. ¡°How are the boys?¡± I asked him. We haven¡¯t talked much since he told the council I was carrying his child. I¡¯ve been so overwhelmed with everything that I just needed him to hold 1. me. ¡°They have been worried about you. Channing finished out the summer hockey season, but he wasn¡¯t happy to y without his biggest fan in the stands. Both have started school as well,¡± ke sighed and my tears were back. I¡¯ve never missed a game before this. Guilt twisted my stomach painfully at the pain I caused my son. I should have been there for him. ¡°Hey, don¡¯t you dare me yourself for this? He doesn¡¯t me you and neither do I. And as soon as I find out who told the council about your wolf, I will kill them,¡± ke growled, and he squeezed my hand tightly. ¡°Thank you for keeping Channing safe,¡± I rested my head on the seat, turning to look at ke. I squeezed his hand a few times. ¡°He¡¯s mine, baby. Just like you are mine, and I know you would have done the same for Aspen.¡± He quickly looked at me before turning his eyes back to the road. ¡°Always.¡± ¡°Ryley, I want you to know that I never gave up. I was either in court fighting with Dorian over custody of Channing or I was at the council demanding to see you. I¡¯ve never been more scared in my life. I thought I was never going to see you Chapter One Hundred Twenty¨CTwo again.¡± He confessed bringing my hand to his lips. 288 (Vouchers ¡°I can never repay you for what you did to protect Channing and me,¡± I told him. ¡°You can agree to be my Luna and mark me,¡± he shrugged. He sounded uncertain of himself. ¡°I¡¯d be honoured,¡± I said watching him physically rx as he brought my hand to his lips again. He didn¡¯t say anything, but he didn¡¯t have to. I knew after I had rested and gained some strength back, he was going to be mine. I must have fallen asleep again. The feeling of safety will do that. Lily was still softly snoring in my mind. I knew she needed her rest. Being forced to submit under silver for a month could not have been easy. Plus she was keeping our pup alive. The council could have killed our child and I was going to make them pay for what they did to me. ¡°Baby, we¡¯re home,¡± ke mumbled kissing my forehead. Being with ke was home to me. I love our boys and they will grow up and have their own lives but ke is my life now. He¡¯s my mate even though I had no idea I could have a second chance. They are so rare. Almost as rare as a Luna wolf. I smiled at the irony before opening my eyes to look at ke. ¡°I love you, so much.¡± I smiled, meaning every word I spoke. He leaned over the console, resting his forehead against mine, taking hold of my cheek. His touch sent tingles through my body. ¡°More than anything, baby,¡± he mumbled before his lips. brushed against mine. ¡°If you didn¡¯t need rest and to get checked by a doctor I would ||| r Chapter One Hundred Twenty¨CTwo take you right here in my truck,¡± he sighed. I giggled, knowing he was holding back. He wanted to mark me but didn¡¯t want to hurt our baby. ¡°I want you just as much.¡± ke pecked my lips before getting out of the vehicle. I watched him as he walked around the front of the truck. It was dark now, and I covered a yawn with my hand as he opened my door. ¡°Mom?¡± I heard Channing and my tears returned. The happiness and relief were overwhelming as ke helped me out of the truck. ke stepped to the side and my boys came into view. A sob broke through as I motioned for them both toe to me. My dam broke as I wrapped them both in my arms. I felt so small sandwiched between them. ¡°Boys be gentle,¡± ke scolded. They both pulled away and looked down at me concerned. ¡°I¡¯m okay, I promise,¡± I told them, wiping away my happy tears. ¡°You smell different,¡± Channing pointed out, his nose scrunched up. ¡°Were you two doing the nasty? You smell like dad,¡± Aspen eximed. ke wrapped his arms around my waist and pulled me back against his chest. ¡°Let¡¯s get inside and get your mom settled,¡± ke said. I gasped as I looked behind the boys. I didn¡¯t even realize ke wasn¡¯t parked outside the pack house. ¡°Wee home, baby,¡± ke kissed my cheek. ¡°Thank you, ke.¡± ||| J Long Time, No See 1 whatever they were doing, Cara spent most of the time with me and my mother. Sadly, Cara¡¯s mother died during birth and my mother raised Cara like she was her own daughter. Other than that, we were a pretty happy family. Or so I thought. As kids, there was stuff you didn¡¯t notice because, well, you were busy beings kids, right? My father, Gaetano, was always a busy man but he did remember to spend time with me from time to time, not as often as I would have liked, but it was better than nothing. And then, one day, Cara and I were being nosy as always and tried to eavesdrop on my parents because it sounded like they were fighting. We had sneaked down the stairs to get a better look and listen to what was going on but we couldn¡¯t hear anything. But what happened next shocked us both. Content rights belong to N?velDrama.Org. My mother, Jacinta, pped the fuck out of my father that night. We stood still, shocked to witness what had just happened before we ran back to our shared room, and pretended to be asleep so we wouldn¡¯t be caught. The next day, my mother had our bags packed and we left. I remember crying so hard that day because Cara wasn¡¯ting with us. My mother tried to take her with us, but Uncle refused to let her go. It pained my mother to leave Cara behind like that and I was sure she had her reasons to leave. However, the reason for that was still unknown. My father and I didn¡¯t stay in touch after that even though I tried to call him because I missed him, but he never once called me. He then changed his number, and I got the message. We moved to Florida, while my father stayed in California. I O < Chapter 123 Chapter 123 Chapter One Hundred Twenty¨CThree Alpha ke I was in the kitchen making tea while Ryley was having a shower. The repairs to the house she was staying in were finished and I moved the boys and myself in. I also had the basement finished so the boys could have their own space. Which is good, because I don¡¯t think they want to hear their mother screaming my name. This is one thing she asked for and I was going to give her everything she wanted and needed. ¡°We are having another pup!¡± Gunner eximed in my head. His tail has been thumping since we heard the heart beating. I never wanted another child until Ryley. Now that it¡¯s happening and she¡¯s finally home, I can¡¯t stop smiling. ¡°Is everyone okay with Mom?¡± Channing asked, walking into the kitchen he took a seat across from me at the ind. ¡°She will be now that she¡¯s home,¡± I answered, pouring the steaming water into a mug. ¡°Did they hurt her?¡± He whispered and my attention snapped to him. He was looking out the window, misty eyes. ¡°I know they had her in silver cuffs and they were taking her blood. I don¡¯t know much about it since I didn¡¯t want to overwhelm her.¡± I told him. He gave me a nod not meeting my gaze. I know he has been worried sick about his mother. Both of them have been. And being an alpha wolf just heightens those feelings. I¡¯ve had 0.004 to be the strong one, the reassuring one. But even I had my doubts about bringing her home. ¡°Mom should be down in a minute. I knocked when the shower turned off to make sure she was okay.¡± Aspen informed us as he walked into the kitchen and sat down beside Channing. He sped Channing on the shoulder. ¡°She¡¯s going to be okay. She¡¯s the strongest wolf I know.¡± He said trying to reassure his brother. I know Channing mes himself for asking his mother to stay in a pack. He didn¡¯t understand the risks until they came knocking. But I¡¯m also to me for that. I wanted her to stay and it got her kidnapped by the very council that is supposed to protect Content is property ? N?velDrama.Org. 1. us. Ryley walked into the kitchen wearing one of my shirts and a pair of sweatpants. Her hair was still damp and she looked so much better than the woman I saw at the council. She was glowing as she wrapped an arm around both of our boys. ¡°Aspen, I love it when you call me mom.¡± She mumbled kissing his head. Aspen beamed as he wrapped her in a hug. She held him tightly while kissing Channing¡¯s head. ¡°ke would like you to change yourst name when I change mine.¡± I heard her tell him. His attention snapped to me. ¡°I¡¯d like to adopt you,¡± I said. ¡°And I¡¯d like to adopt you,¡± she said to Aspen. Channing stood up and walked around the kitchen ind. When he was standing close enough I pulled him into a hug. I know his situation was different than Aspen¡¯s. Channing¡¯s father was still alive but that didn¡¯t change how me and my wolf felt about him. He was ours. Ryley was ours. And it was time for us to be a family. 22.97% When Channing was back sitting by Aspen, I motioned for Ryley toe to me. It was time to tell the boys. I pulled her against my chest with my hands under the shirt. I buried my face into her neck, breathing in her new scent as I rubbed my hands over her lower belly. ¡°Boys, your father and I have some news. And it¡¯s the reason he was able to take me from the council.¡± Ryley started. I looked up to see the boys watching us, confused. ¡°We are having a baby,¡± she said and I squeezed her tightly. The boys were silent as they looked at us and then at each other. I could tell they were thinking the same thing. ¡°But you¡¯re unmarked?¡± Channing questioned and Ryley nodded. I chuckled as their eyebrows met their hairline. ¡°He¡¯s your mate?¡± Channing eximed. ¡°It would seem so,¡± she giggled. ¡°Dad, how can this be? I¡¯ve never heard of anyone getting a second chance.¡± Aspen asked me. ¡°They are rare. But I¡¯m also a Luna wolf. Not much is known about us. And if there was more information, it was either hidden or destroyed.¡± Ryley answered him. ¡°I don¡¯t care how it happened, I¡¯m just thankful that it did. Since she is unmated and pregnant with my child, it means I¡¯m her mate and the council can¡¯t do shit.¡± I grumbled. This is happy news but I was still so angry about the whole situation. ¡°Mom, does that mean Dorian can no longer im you?¡± Channing sounded desperate as he pleaded with his mother. ¡°He doesn¡¯t have a im over me. And soon he won¡¯t have a im over 50.50% 12.08 Chapter One Hundred Twenty¨CThree you either.¡± She told him. ¡°But that doesn¡¯t exin who told the council and why they took you. If they wanted the Luna wolf to be with the strongest alpha, that would have been Dad.¡± Aspen pondered. I had to agree with him and I¡¯ve asked myself the same question over thest four weeks. It just doesn¡¯t make sense. Who would be powerful enough to have the entire council in their pocket? Ryley covered a yawn before reaching for her mug of tea. I knew she was tired from the day and growing our pup. ¡°How about we pick this up in the morning? You two can stay home from school and we can spend the day together.¡± I suggested. ¡°I would love that. I want to hear all about hockey, school, and training. Everything and anything I missed when I was away.¡± Ryley said and both boys nodded. After saying goodnight to the boys, I climbed the stairs behind my Luna up to our room. I never understood the need to live away from the pack house until now. This was my family and they were my pack. My family was always going toe first. I stopped at the top of the stairs and looked at the doors of the other two bedrooms. ¡°We are going to have to turn one into a nursery.¡± I smiled, picturing Ryley holding our baby. I looked away from the doors to my mate. Her gorgeous face had a beautiful smile. Without saying a word she took my hand in hers and led me into our bedroom. Chapter 124 Chapter 124 Chapter One Hundred Twenty¨CFour Ryley I woke snuggled into ke. I let out a sigh of relief that I was actually out of that ce and home with ke and our boys. That was a nightmare I never wanted to live again. ¡°How are you feeling, baby?¡± ke asked before kissing my head. ¡°So much better,¡± I answered snuggling impossibly close. I never wanted to let him go. He pulled me closer, kissing my head again. ¡°As much as I wish we couldy in bed all day, the doctor is waiting for us.¡± He said and I grumbled. ¡°Five more minutes,¡± I pouted like a child. I didn¡¯t want to move. This was my happy ce. ke was my happy ce and I never wanted to leave. ke moved away from me before I heard the nightstand drawer open. He was looking for something. ¡°What are you doing?¡± I huffed, sitting up on my elbow, annoyed my pillow had moved. He leaned back with a yful smirk on his lips. ¡°What?¡± I questioned. He didn¡¯t answer as he snuggled back into me. I rested my head back on his chest. His heart was beating hard against my ear. ke took my hand in his before bringing it up to his lips. I smiled at the sweet gesture. ¡°I love you so much, baby.¡± He mumbled, kissing my head as he held 0.00% 12.08 my hand. ¡°I love you, ke,¡± I kissed his bare chest. Something cold hit my fingertip before ke pushed it down my finger. I gasped, sitting up on my elbow. What the hell was he doing? I watched him kiss my hand before he ced it over his heart. I looked down at the nowrge diamond ring he had ced on my wedding finger. ¡°ke, I don¡¯t understand,¡± I stammered, tears filling my eyes as I looked up at him. H ¡°I want you to be my wife, Ryley. My Mrs. Orion. I don¡¯t need anything fancy. I just need you.¡± I didn¡¯t wait to climb on top of him, crushing my lips to his. I didn¡¯t care about a ring. All I needed was him. I would have signed the papers if he would have handed them to 1. me. ¡°Is that a yes,¡± he mumbled against my lips. I smiled, my lips never leaving his. Nodded my head as tears streamed down my face. Our kiss became more demanding as I rolled my hips down into his hard shaft. I was dying for him to be inside me. ¡°Fuck, I want you,¡± he groaned, as he pulled me back by my hair. I bit my lip as I stared down at my fianc¨¦. He hissed as his cock slid between my folds. My gasps turned into moans as I pushed my hips down harder, chasing the feel of him. ¡°I need you,¡± I moaned. His chest rumbled under my palms. ¡°We need to get you checked. And then after we spend the day with our boys, I¡¯m going to take you on every surface of this house,¡± he growled. All he did was turn me on even more. I could feel more of my juices coating his cock, ready to take him. 22.89% Content is property ? N?velDrama.Org. 12 08 Chapter One Hundred Twenty¨CFour ¡°Fine,¡± I grumbled, not happy about leaving the bedroom unsatisfied. I tried to move off of him but he held me firm, pulling me down until my breasts pushed up against his chest. The hair on his chest causes my nipples to pebble and I let out a small moan. ¡°Do you think I¡¯m happy about letting you leave this room without my mark on that pretty little neck of yours?¡± He growled, rubbing his nose up the column of my neck. I shivered as goosebumps covered my body. I tilted my head to give him better ess to my neck. ¡°Do you think I want to leave this bed without your mark on me?¡± I questioned before I gasped. He bit down into the sensitive skin of my neck just above where his mark wouldy. ¡°Change of ns. First, you get checked out and then I bring you home. And when you are fully marked and satisfied, then we can go out with the boys,¡± he announced. I looked at him and giggled. I would say we have time but I never know if the council will just show up, again. ¡°Baby, what¡¯s wrong?¡± ke rushed out, as my body stiffened above his. My breathing became harsh as I fought to take in a breath. I closed my eyes, willing myself to breathe. Panic filled me at the thought of losing my family. Losing ke again. ¡°Baby, breathe,¡± I heard ke repeat over and over as I wed my way back to him. ¡°Open your eyes, please, Baby,¡± he demanded and when I opened my eyes, I was staring into his deep blue ones. He let out a breath and rxed against me. I was no longer lying on top of him. He was sitting up with me sitting between his legs. ¡°What happened?¡± He mumbled, taking hold of my cheek. ¡°I don¡¯t know. I was thinking we had time and then my mind wandered 51.03% 12.08 to the council and I panicked. The thought they coulde in here and take me again terrifies me.¡± I confessed. He wrapped his arms around me and pulled me flush against his chest, resting his head on mine. ¡°No one is ever taking you away from me again. No one. I should have fought the council the first time. They had no right toe into my pack and take a pack member. The council is there to keep the alphas in check, not our packs. I¡¯m so sorry I failed you,¡± he leaned down and kissed my cheek. ¡°You didn¡¯t fail me, ke. You protected our son. And you fought to see me. I didn¡¯t know I was pregnant. And I don¡¯t know how long Lily could have held on. I couldn¡¯t speak to her and she is still sleeping now.¡± I told him, not ming him for what happened. He isn¡¯t to me. He has only shown me love since the moment I stormed into his office. ¡°I love you, my alpha. Now let¡¯s go see our baby. 82 83% Chapter 125 Chapter 125 Chapter One Hundred Twenty¨CFive Alpha ke Ryley and I walked down the stairs hand in hand after we got ready for the day. I was over the moon that she agreed to be my wife and we would be seeing our unborn pup today. With Lily still sleeping, it was up to us to protect her and the baby. She had thest month of holding on and now it was my turn. The smell of food being cooked and the bang of dishes had me shaking my head. I knew the boys must be up making a mess. We¡¯ve been eating at the pack house or take out most days. I haven¡¯t cooked a meal in our kitchen yet. I looked on in horror as Ryley and I walked into the kitchen. It was a mess. ¡°Mom, how are you feeling?¡± Channing eximed, he was standing in front of the stove. ¡°I made grilled cheese,¡± Aspen announced with a grin as he held up a te. I don¡¯t think I¡¯ve ever seen him so proud before. Ryley gasped letting go of my hand. I turned my attention to my pregnant fianc¨¦e to see her hand covering her mouth and tears running down her cheeks. I nced around the kitchen, maybe I missed something. ¡°Mom, are you okay?¡± Aspen asked, walking up to Ryley. ¡°I¡¯m so proud of you.¡± She cried, bringing him in for a hug. It was a sweet moment even though I was confused as hell. Was all of this over a grilled cheese sandwich? When they parted she kissed his cheek before walking for Channing, also kissing his cheek. ¡°How are you feeling?¡± He asked her. ¡°I¡¯m so much better.¡± She smiled at her son. ¡°I can see that,¡± he smiled back, pointing to her hand, and the massive rock I put on earlier this morning. ¡°She said yes,¡± I eximed, wrapping my arms around her waist from behind. I tugged her back into my chest. She looked up at me from over her shoulder and I pecked her lips. Nothing could kill my high today. We all sat at the dining room table. Channing had cooked bacon, eggs, and pancakes. Aspen made a grilled cheese just for Ryley. Apparently, that was the first thing she taught him to cook. And it¡¯s the only thing he can cook. But she ate the sandwich, giving my sonpliments as she ate. It warmed my heart to see her so proud of him. He was beaming After we finished, we left the boys to clean up the mess and made our way over to the pack hospital. I was feeling anxious the closer we walked to the hospital. I should have brought her herest night when we arrived. Fuck. What if something happened? Ryley squeezed my hand, pulling me from my spiraling thoughts. ¡°Everything is fine, ke. I haven¡¯t had any bleeding or pain.¡± She reassured me. I let out a breath before giving her a nod. She had done this before, but I was still worried. Dr. Perry greeted us as we entered the hospital. He rushed us back into a room, closing the door behind us. ¡°Congrattions is in order, Luna, Alpha,¡± he grinned. Ryley started to tremble as I helped her to sit on the exam table. ¡°I¡¯ve had silver on me for a month and I can¡¯t talk to my wolf,¡± she admitted to the doctor. ¡°Have you marked her?¡± Dr. Perry asked me. I shook my head. ¡°I didn¡¯t want to do anything that would hurt her or the baby,¡± I told him and he let out a chuckle. ¡°Alpha, your scent is strong on Luna. Have you heard the heart beating?¡± He questioned and I nodded. ¡°Even under silver, Luna, your wolf is strong. I have no doubt she was making sure the silver didn¡¯t affect the pup.¡± He exined. ¡°Is she sleeping?¡± He asked Ryley. ¡°She¡¯s been snoring since ke broke the silver off. Before that, I would hear her whimpering.¡± She said. ¡°Like I said, she is strong. Most wolves would have been unable to hear their wolves after being suppressed by silver for that long. Now, let¡¯s check on the baby.¡± He announced. Ryleyid back and lowered her leggings exposing her lower belly. I stood on the other side of the table while the doctor set up the ultrasound machine. I rested my hand on her stomach. She rested her hand on mine, the diamonds on her ring, shining bright. My eyes traced up her body before staring into her stormy eyes. Ryley was looking up at me, smiling. I leaned down, kissing her forehead, resting my forearm above her head. ¡°Alpha, you are going to have to move your hand,¡± I pulled it away Chapter One Hundred Twenty¨CFive Content is property ? N?velDrama.Org. quickly and he chuckled. He squeezed a gel on her tummy before pushing in a wand with one hand and pressing buttons on the machine with another. I waited anxiously to hear and see something, anything to confirm the pup was still growing strong. Ryley¡¯s fingertip pushed against my jaw, bringing me back to the moment. Guilt twisted my stomach painfully. I wanted a child with her but what if something happens? I can¡¯t raise another baby by myself. ¡°Everything will be okay, ke,¡± She mumbles stroking my cheek. I closed my eyes, pushing away the guilt. A heartbeating filled the room. At first, it was low but then it increased into a strong and steady thump. My eyes shot open to the screen that was now facing us. Tears swelled in my eyes as I witnessed our pup growing strong inside its mother. Inside my mate and soon¨Cto¨Cbe wife. ¡°Everything seems to be in order. The heartbeat is strong. And measuring six weeks in human pregnancy. Nine in wolf. Only another twenty¨Ctwo more weeks to go.¡± Dr. Perry announced. I pulled my eyes away from the screen to stare down at my mate. She had tears running down her cheeks as she watched our baby. I nuzzled my cheek against hers. ¡°Good job, momma wolf,¡± I kissed her cheek, and her smile widened. ¡°It¡¯s our baby,¡± she choked out. ¡°All ours, Baby.¡± Chapter 126 Chapter 126 Chapter One Hundred Twenty¨CSix Ryley The doctor exined everything I already knew before handing me an envelope with a picture of our little pup. This all feels like a dream. One minute I was in hell and the next I was with the love of my life. We are engaged and I¡¯m growing his child. He even took the time to move us into a house because I asked him. I didn¡® t want to live in the pack house and he made it happen. My heart swelled with so much love as we walked back to our house tucked into his side. He is everything I always wanted. What I was afraid to have. ke tore down the wall around my heart, brink by brink. Walking up to the house, there was another truck parked beside ke¡® s. I would know that truck from anywhere. I let go of ke and rushed into the house. I heard ke calling out behind me. ¡°Baby girl,¡± Walter eximed before I rushed into his waiting arms. I¡® ve missed him so much. And there was so much I needed to tell him. ¡°She¡¯s alive,¡± I choked into his chest as I hugged him tightly. ¡°Who¡¯s alive?¡± He questioned, concerned. I don¡¯t know if ke told him about my mother or Eli showing up here the day before I was taken. All content ? N/.?vel/Dr/ama.Org. ¡°My mother, Eli and I¡¯m not sure who else,¡± he pulled away to look down at me. ¡°Eli, as in your father¡¯s beta¡¯s son?¡± I looked up and nodded. ¡°F*ck,¡± he breathed out, pulling me back into his chest. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, baby girl,¡± he mumbled, kissing the top of my head. ¡°Let¡¯s talk in the living room,¡± ke said. Walter led me into the living room and we sat down on the couch with ke sitting on the other side of me. Aspen and Channing were seated on the loveseat. ¡°I¡¯m so d you are safe, baby girl,¡± Walter kissed my temple, his arm wrapped around my shoulder. ¡°How did you know I was back?¡± I asked him. ¡°I called himst night, Mom,¡± Channing answered. ¡°Thank you,¡± I smiled. ¡°It would seem the two of you have good news,¡± he chuckled, holding up my left hand. ¡°We are getting married,¡± I told him. ¡°And we are having a pup,¡± ke chimed in. ¡°Also, ke is adopting me,¡± Channing said. ¡°And Ryley is adopting me,¡± Aspen beamed. ¡°Hold up, ke marked you?¡± He looked down at me confused. ¡°He hasn¡¯t.¡± ¡°It¡¯s why I was able to get her away from the council,¡± ke told him. ¡°You¡¯re her second chance,¡± he eximed to ke. I know this was a lot of information to throw at him all at once, but I was excited to tell him everything. ¡°It would seem that way. Not that it matters. I was getting her out of there and marking her even if she wasn¡¯t carrying my child.¡± The conviction in his voice had tears blurring my vision. ¡°ke,¡± I ce my hand on his chest. He pulled me away from Walter, tucking me into his side. ¡°Baby, why are you crying.¡± he leaned down as I softly cried on his shoulder. ¡°Because I¡¯m pregnant and hormonal. And the three of you are being too sweet.¡± I cried. ke¡¯s chest rumbled with a chuckle. And normally I would be annoyed but I know I¡¯m being ridiculous but I can¡® t help it. ¡°ke, have you been looking for Eli and her mother?¡± Walter asked my mate. ¡°I have Aiden working on finding them.¡± He answered and my head shot up. ¡°Aiden?¡± I questioned. ¡°He¡¯s the best tracker I have,¡± he shrugged. ¡°What?¡± I yelled, jumping up from the couch, I started to pace the room turning back to ke. ¡°Are you insane?¡± I growled. ¡°Babe, it¡¯s not a big deal. It¡¯s his job to get answers while being discreet.¡± He reassured me. ¡°Oh my god. What if something happens to him? Or worse,¡± I mumbled, my heart and lungs constricted painfully. I would never be able to live with myself if something happened to him. I rested my hands on my knees, trying to draw in a much¨Cneeded breath. ¡°Baby, I need you to breathe,¡± ke was standing in front of me now. He took both my hands and ced them on his chest, forcing me to stand my full height. ¡°Call him back,¡± I pleaded, looking into his eyes. ¡°Mom, don¡¯t you want answers?¡± Channing asked me. ¡°I do, but not if someone could get hurt getting them. I¡¯ll just have to wait until he contacts me again.¡± I answered him, not taking my eyes away from ke¡¯s. I needed him to understand I was serious. ¡°Baby, nothing is going to happen to Aiden. Besides, I need to find the person who threatened to take my Luna away. He ims you have a pack. That you are the Luna of his pack. I¡¯m not letting you go, Ryley.¡± ke took hold of my cheeks. ¡°I¡¯m not going anywhere. I just can¡¯t have anything happening to Aiden. I would never forgive myself. Eli has been killing warriors in Dorian¡¯s pack,¡± I eximed. ke growled. ¡°Boys, let¡¯s give these two some privacy,¡± Walter announced. ke didn¡¯t speak until the front door clicked closed behind them. ¡°I don¡¯t give a f*ck about Dorian or his pack,¡± he gritted out, his jaw ticking. His grip on my cheeks tightened. ¡°ke, I,¡± I stammered. ¡°I never want you to say his name again. You are mine. Channing is mine.¡± I brought my hand up to his jaw, running my fingertips through his scuff. He closed his eyes, leaning into my touch. ¡°This has nothing to do with him. But I don¡¯t want to see Aiden get hurt because he went too far to get information for us.¡± I confessed. ¡°I understand you¡¯re worried about Aiden but I wouldn¡¯t have assigned him to this if I didn¡¯t believe in his abilities.¡± ¡°ke, I don¡¯t like this. I should be the one who handles this.¡± I told him. He growled before my chest crashed against his. His hands. squeezed into my hips. He lowered his head, his lips brushing against mine. Goosebumps covered my body and I fought the urge to shiver. ¡°No,¡± he said firmly before his lips crushed to mine. I gasped and he took the opportunity to push his tongue into my mouth. The kiss was full of need and lust and before I knew it, I was gasping for breath. My legs were wrapped around ke¡¯s waist as he carried me up the stairs. My forehead rested against his. ¡°I love you.¡± I mumbled, kissing down his neck. He let out a groan when I kissed over the spot where he would bear my mark. I licked over it before I sunk my teeth into the sensitive flesh. ke hissed and groaned but I didn¡¯t stop until I felt the bond snap into ce. He was officially mine. I smiled as I pulled my teeth out of his flesh, licking over the mark to seal it, Chapter 127 Chapter 127 Chapter One Hundred Twenty¨CSeven Alpha ke My knees buckled as Ryley pushed her teeth further into my neck. I stumbled into our room and quickly twisted my body so my back hit the bed, my feet still on the floor. I shivered and goosebumps covered my body. I groaned as Ryley pulled her teeth from my neck, running her soft tongue over her mark, sealing it. ¡°Couldn¡¯t wait?¡± I chuckled. She sat up, looking down at her handy work. Her eyes met mine, she bit into her lower lip before shaking her head. She grabbed hold of my shirt before ripping it open. Buttons went flying but it didn¡¯t slow her down. She ran her hands over my chest sending a shockwave through my body. I bucked my hips knowing damn well she could feel my painfully hard cock through my jeans. She let out a moan, digging her nails into my flesh. ¡°F*ck, Baby,¡± I breathed out, enjoying the pain with the pleasure. Ryley pulled her blouse over her head, throwing it somewhere in the room. Then she reached behind her back, unclipping her bra and tossing it aside as well. She leaned down, her tongue darted out as she ran it up my chest. With her bare breast pushed against my chest her nipples pebbled against me. She didn¡¯t give me time to think as she crushed her lips to mine before grinding into me. Moans and groans filled the room as I fumbled with removing my shirt, never letting my lips leave hers. Everywhere her skin touched mine the tingles lingered. Our bond was a ze with just her mark on my neck. Once my shirt was off, I flipped us. ¡°ke,¡± Ryley squealed. I chuckled as I kissed down her jaw, my hand squeezing her breast as I ran my thumb over her pink nipple. Her moans fuel me as I kiss down her neck along her cor. Nipping and marking her milky flesh with my marks. She was mine and everyone was going to know. I leaned back on my knees, shuffling off the bed to rid myself of my jeans and boxers. Ryley quickly removed her leggings and panties. Sheid back down, watching me as I finished undressing. She licked her lips and pushed her breasts together as my ridged cock sprung free. I fisted it, the head angry begging for release. It¡¯s been over a month since I¡¯ve had her and I haven¡¯t touched myself since. Ryley moved to her knees as she came over to the edge of the bed where I was standing. Her lips trailed up my chest over her new mark on my neck. I shivered as tingles flooded every nerve. She throws her arms around my neck, crushing her lips to mine. I pushed her back on the bed, not breaking the kiss. It was soft and sensual. I wanted her to feel how much I love her, not how badly I wanted to f*ck her. This was different. This was us finally bing one. My second chance. Her second chance at happiness and I was going to give her the world. ¡°F*ck, baby,¡± I growled as she wrapped her legs around my thighs pulling me down against her dripping core. ¡°I need you,¡± she moaned. I reached between us, rubbing the head of my cock between her folds, coating myself in her wetness. She gasped, throwing her head back into the pillow as she dug her nails into my arms. Moving to her entrance, I pushed in slowly. She was tight as we -became flush. ¡°ke,¡± Ryley panted as I stilled. My breathing was heavy as I resisted the urge to release. Everywhere our skin touched, tingles engulfed my nerves. Iced my fingers with hers before slowly pulling out. My lips found hers as I slowly thrust into her. I wanted this moment tost. Our hips moved together, chasing the feel of each other as our pleasure built. My balls tingled and I knew I wasn¡¯t going tost as Ryley¡¯s pussy mps around my cock. I kissed from her lips to her jaw before lifting to look down at her. Her eyes were hooded as she moaned, her nails digging into my hands as I held them to the bed. ¡°F*ck, you feel so good, baby,¡± I groaned as I kissed down her neck, sucking on the spot that would bear my mark. ¡°ke,¡± she screamed as I sunk my teeth into her milky flesh. The coppery taste hit my tongue as Ryley¡¯s walls held my cock in a vise grip. I groaned and grunted as I forced myself deeper before releasing. My release was hard and it had my head spinning as I pulled my mouth from Ryley, running my tongue over my mark. Goosebumps covered her body as she panted beneath me. My breathing was heavy as I brought my lips to hers. ¡°I love you, Ryley.¡± Her eyes snapped to mine, the connection I felt now hitting me full force. ¡°I love you, my alpha,¡± she purred, lifting her lips to mine. I rubbed my nose against hers before I flipped us, without losing contact. I wasn¡¯t ready to let her go. To let the other people of the world see her. She was mine. With my mark on her neck, the ring on her finger, and my pup growing inside her, still wasn¡¯t enough to cage the beast inside me. I¡¯d burn this entire world to the ground if they thought about taking her again. Ryley rested her head on my chest, breathing heavily. ¡°How are you feeling?¡± I asked her, running my hands up her bare All content ? N/.?vel/Dr/ama.Org. back. She rested her chin on my chest, looking up at me. Her grey eyes sparkled as I took in her smile. ¡°Perfect.¡± ¡°Thank you, ke,¡± she whispered, before pressing her lips to my chest. ¡°For what, baby?¡± I asked her with a chuckle. Was she thanking me for the s*x? She looked up at me again, her eyes misty. Her smile could melt ciers. ¡°For being the man I needed.¡± Chapter 128 Chapter 128 Chapter One Hundred Twenty¨CEight Luna Ryley My heart pounded in my chest as I came down from the orgasmic high ke took me on. When his teeth sunk deep into my neck, every nerve in my body exploded. It was unlike anything I had ever felt before. There¡¯s no doubt he made love to me. It was slow, sensual, and intimate. Everything about our sex life has always been hard and fast but this is something I will always remember. The love I felt when he marked me as his. The sun shining through our window caught my diamond ring just right, making it sparkle and shine. It was beautiful. It was bigger than I would have chosen for myself but ke chose it. It¡¯s simple with its bigger middle stone with two smaller but still big stones on either side of the middle one. I¡¯m guessing it¡¯s tinum, knowing ke. I smiled as I looked down at my ¨C hand. ¡°ke?¡± ¡°Mmm,¡± his throat made the sound as he drewzy circles along my back. I looked up at him, resting my chin on his chest. His blue eye caught the light just right letting me see the swirl of different shades of blue. ¡°Let¡¯s get married,¡± I blurted out. He chuckled as he raised an eyebrow. ¡°Baby, that¡¯s why there¡¯s a ring on your finger,¡± he teased and I rolled my eyes. Dividing into pages now ¡°I mean tomorrow, or even today,¡± I rified. My stomach twisted painfully as I waited for him to answer. Did he not want to get married so soon? Maybe he changed his mind? Doubt filled me as I waited for him to say something, anything. ¡°Do you not want a big wedding?¡± He questioned and I shook my head. ¡°All I need is you and our boys. Walter and your parents. Now, that I think about it, I may need a few days to get everyone here.¡± I chuckled, sitting back, his hard cock was still buried inside me. He groaned with my movement. Taking my hands he pulled me down against his chest. I smirked, rolling my hips. ¡°How about we have a small ceremony in the garden on the weekend? We can invite only the most important people to us. And then we can have dinner at Under the Full Moon.¡± I smiled as he pecked my lips. ¡°That sounds wonderful. Under the setting sun.¡± I eximed, excitement bubbling inside me. I don¡¯t remember a time when I was this excited about anything. ¡°Whatever you want, baby,¡± he voice husky as I slowly rolled my hips down into him. I moaned when he hit just the right spot. I gasped when he rolled us and thrust hard. ¡°ke,¡± I moaned, my nails digging into his shoulders as my legs wrapped around his thighs. He crushed his lips to mine before thrusting faster, more frantic than before. ke swallowed my moans and screams as I quickly came undone beneath him. It didn¡¯t take him long before his release Content is property ? N?velDrama.Org. Dividing into pages now followed mine. He roared before he flipped onto his back and tugged me into his side, my head resting on his chest. We were both left breathless as wey tangled up in each other. ¡°We should go meet up with the boys,¡± I breathe out, snuggling closer to ke. He chuckled at myck of effort to get out of bed. I didn¡¯t want to shower and get ready to go anywhere. I felt exhausted but I wanted to spend time with my boys. I have missed so much this past month. ¡°How about you go have a bath and I will get everything organized.¡± He said. I lifted up on my elbow to look up at him. I had a feeling there was more that he wasn¡¯t saying but I decided not to push him. I pecked his lips before climbing out of bed and heading into our ensuite. When the tub was filling with water, I brushed out my hair. I smiled as I looked at my mark in the mirror. It was already healed. I brushed my fingertips against the raised, pink skin. I never thought I would have any of this. A mark. Another child. And now I have both. ¡°You¡¯ve been busy,¡± I heard Lily. She let out a yawn. ¡°Lily!¡± I eximed, happy to finally hear my wolf again. ¡°Hello, momma wolf,¡± she giggled. ¡°We are having a pup, Lily. We saw them today on an ultrasound.¡± ¡°I¡¯m sorry I wasn¡¯t able to tell you before all that shit went down. But I did everything in my power to make sure they lived.¡± She whimpered. ¡°I know you did. And I¡¯m so proud of you. Your strength is Dividing into pages now unmeasurable. The best wolf anyone werewolf could ask for,¡± I praised her as I climbed into the tub. I rxed in the warm water. ¡°And you finally let him mark you,¡± she squealed. ¡°You were right about him. He was my second chance. I wish I would have imed him sooner but it did get the council off our backs. Me being pregnant before he marked me proved he was my mate.¡± I told her. ¡°True, but if you would have marked him before finding out you were pregnant, it would have also proven he was your mate and they wouldn¡¯t have been able to take you in the first ce.¡± She retorted. Thinking about it, she was right. An ultrasound would have proven I was pregnant before. Ugh. I was there for a month for nothing. I climbed out of the tub, wrapping a white fluffy towel around myself. I towel¨Cdried my hair before stepping out into the bedroom. ke was sitting on the bed looking at his phone. His hair was damp like he had showered. And he was dressed in ck cks and a white buttoned shirt. The first few buttons were undone, his hard chest peeking out and the sleeves were rolled up to his elbows. I licked my lips as I watched him. ¡°If you keep looking at me like that, we are never leaving this room.¡± He smirked, looking up from his phone. ¡°And where are we going?¡± I asked, walking over to him, I dropped the towel. I giggled as he hissed out a breath. ¡°I¡¯m taking you out and the boys are meeting us there. Now, go get dressed before I throw you on this bed and fuck you until you can¡¯t walk,¡± he growled, and heat pooled in my core ¡°Fine,¡± I pouted before turning to walk toward the closet. I didn¡¯t get far when his hand came down on my ass. I yelped, jumping away from him. ¡°ke,¡± I scolded. ¡°That was for teasing me, my Luna.¡± Dividing into pages now Chapter 129 Chapter 129 Chapter One Hundred Twenty¨CAme Chapter One Hundred Twenty¨CNine Alpha ke Ryley walked out of the closet wearing an off¨Cthe¨Cshoulder sweater dress with ankle boots and I wanted nothing more than to rip it off. I didn¡¯t want to leave but I had a surprise for her. And the boys needed to spend some time with her even though I wanted to be greedy and keep her for myself. Ryley smirked before heading into the bathroom to finish getting ready. In the meantime, I was getting some work done on my phone. It had been a few days since I¡¯d heard from Aiden. Usually, I would be concerned but now I was worried for Ryley¡¯s sake. He¡¯s done this before and came back unharmed but I had a nagging feeling in the pit of my stomach. When Ryley was ready and looking hot as hell, we made our way over to the restaurant. She thinks we are meeting Walter and the boys but I have a surprise for her. She was my Luna and soon¨Cto¨Cbe wife. The mother of our boys and is growing our unborn pup. She is my everything and I want to give her everything I have and more. I pulled the truck up in front of the restaurant. I brought the hand I was holding to my lips. She looked over at me, smiling. My mark on her neck was on full disy. ¡°I love you, baby,¡± I mumbled against her skin. ¡°I love you, ke.¡± I kissed her hand one more time before climbing out of my truck. I made my way over to Ryley¡¯s door, helping her down. I pulled her close before brushing my lips against hers. She wrapped her arms around my neck, deepening the kiss. When I finally pulled back, we were both breathless as I rested my forehead against hers. ¡°I don¡¯t want to share you,¡± I breathed out. She let out a breathy giggle. ¡°I don¡¯t want to share you, but you are the alpha.¡± ¡°And you are the Luna. My Luna.¡± I reminded her, pecking her lips. She looked up at me with a smile on her face. ¡°Now, let¡¯s get inside. I need to feed you and our pup.¡± I eximed. She giggled as I took her hand. I opened the door for her. The inside was dark as she entered in front of me. ¡°ke, what?¡± She stammered before the lights were turned on. ¡°Surprise!¡± The room shouted. Ryley let out a scream before covering her mouth. I chuckled, wrapping my arms around her waist from behind. Our boys, Walter, my beta, and his mate, Isabe and Jeremy were all waiting to surprise Ryley. ¡°Surprise, Baby,¡± I whispered against her ear. ¡°Mom,¡± Aspen eximed, wrapping his arms around her neck, and pulling her away from me. The fact that Aspen was calling Ryley¡¯s mom, did not go unnoticed. Jeremy came over to me while the others fussed over their new Luna. ¡°I¡¯m happy for you and Aspen. Just don¡¯t ever forget about Mia.¡± He shrugged. I looked at him before sping a hand on his shoulder. ¡°Never. Not that Ryley would ever let me forget. I think she would have been Mia¡¯s biggest fan.¡± I told him. Jeremy will always be my brother. I loved his sister and nothing has changed that. 10:10 Chapter One wenty¨CNine ¡°Good. It¡¯s good to see Aspen happy. I know it¡¯s something my sister would have wanted.¡± He sped my shoulder before going over to Ryley and congratted her. She wrapped him in a hug. ¡°Well, it would seem it all worked out in the end.¡± My beta said walking up beside me. ¡°It would seem,¡± I told him, never taking my eyes off my mate. ¡°She¡¯s pregnant,¡± I blurted. He choked on his whiskey as I chuckled. We have only told Walter and the boys. ¡°How?¡± He stammered. I rolled my eyes, turning my attention to Luca. I raised a brow. ¡°Fuck, I know how it happens. I just mean, how do you know already? Didn¡¯t you just mark her?¡± He rified. ¡°Do you remember when she went into heat when we went to clean out her house?¡± I asked him. ¡°Yeah, even the doctor couldn¡¯t exin it.¡± Hemented. ¡°That¡¯s when she got pregnant.¡± ¡°But that would mean,¡± I watched as his brain put the pieces together. ¡°She¡¯s your second chance,¡± he eximed, grabbing my shoulders. ¡°You lucky son of a bitch,¡± he shook me and Iughed. ¡°You have no idea.¡± The evening went by quickly. Great food, drinks, and friends. And Ryley insisted on helping Jeremy since he cooked for all of us. She was in the kitchen with him when Isabe approached me. 10 10 ¡°Alpha, have you heard from Aiden?¡± She questioned. She seemed nervous, scared even. ¡°I have him on an assignment,¡± I told her. ¡°I know but he gets me a burner phone so he can still text me but I haven¡¯t heard from him in a few days and I¡¯m worried.¡± She exined. The knot in my stomach I had buried surfaced. ¡°I¡¯ll have another tracker look into it,¡± I assured her. The door to the restaurant opened, mming against the wall from the force. Snapping my head towards the entrance, Aiden stubbled in covered in blood. He looked pale as I took him in. Isabe let out a gasp before rushing to her mate. Jeremy and Ryley came rushing from the back of the restaurant. ¡°Luca, call an ambnce.¡± I ordered, grabbing hold of my fiancee before she could rush in and y doctor. ¡°ke, let me go.¡± She screamed, fighting against me. ¡°Ryley, stop, you are pregnant and I won¡¯t lose you or our baby,¡± I growled, holding her shoulders, tightly. I stared down at my mate as I pulled her against my chest. I ran my thumb over her exposed mark. My mark. ¡°Lily¡¯s awake. Let me help him,¡± she pleaded, her eyes full of tears. I could hear the sirens of the approaching emergency vehicle. ¡°Please,¡± she whispered, begging me to let her help. ¡°Aiden, stay with us,¡± I heard Luca yelling behind me. I took her hand in mine before slicing it with my w. 70577 10.10 Chapter One Hundred Twenty¨CMine ¡°Not too much. I won¡¯t lose you.¡± I growled. ¡°I promise,¡± she yelled before pushing past me to help with my best tracker. I was right behind her, watching the scene unfold. Luca was performing CPR before Ryley kneeled beside him pushing her bleeding hand against his wounds. Luca stood up to give Ryley more room to heal. I moved to stand beside him, he was now covered in blood. This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org. ¡°ke, this isn¡¯t good.¡± Chapter 130 Chapter 130 Chapter One Hundred Thirty Luna Ryley It¡¯s been two days since the surprise party and I¡¯m still mad at ke. Aiden almost died. Because of me. I knew something bad was going to happen and I was right. Call it Luna intuition. So, here I am still mad as hell at my mate and future husband, but I¡¯m out dress shopping. The boys are at school and ke is working. I should be working but ke insisted I take some time off after everything that had happened. And our garden wedding is three days away. I¡¯m in this beautiful shop by myself looking for the perfect dress to marry the man I¡¯m current Recharge sessful! have asked Isabe toe with me but I knew she wouldn¡¯t leave Aiden¡¯s side. And I also didn¡¯t want to face her. Her mate almost died because of me. She may be human and doesn¡¯t truly feel the weight of our bond but she loves 1. me. The news of ke taking me as his Luna spread like wildfire, so the dress shop was willing to have me in on short notice to dress me in one of their designs for the grand Luna ceremony. Little did they know that this dress was for our wedding. We were officially going to be married, not just with a Luna and Alpha ceremony. The two women working the boutique, started by offering champagne which I politely declined. We haven¡¯t announced the pregnancy yet. One step at a time. The women were excitedly pulling big, puffy dresses off the racks. I shook my head at all of them. I wanted something simple. Chapter One Hundred Thirty After about the twentieth dress, they let me wander the store to find something I would like. It wasn¡¯t about the money either. I just want simple but elegant. ¡°I know you¡¯re upset with our mate but he just wants to get you answers. And to keep you happy. It¡¯s not his fault someone got hurt looking into your past life,¡± Lily whimpered. I sighed as I looked through the endless racks. ¡°I know it¡¯s not his fault. But he doesn¡¯t understand how dangerous this is. He doesn¡¯t understand that I can¡¯t let others get hurt because of all my past bullshit.¡± I let out a gasp when the most beautiful gown I¡¯d ever seen came into view. ¡°It¡¯s the one!¡± She squealed and I agreed. The long silk dress was smooth under my fingertips. I pulled the champagne¨Ccolored gown off the rack. It had thin straps with a cowl neckline. It also had a flowing Content is property ? N?velDrama.Org. train. ¡°Beautiful choice, Luna,¡± One of the owners said behind me. I jumped, not realizing how close they were. ¡°I¡¯ll try this one,¡± I told her. ¡°Any others?¡® She asked, taking the gown. ¡°Nope. This is the one,¡± I answered, following behind her to the changing rooms. The dress fit me like a second skin. My hips are wider than before. And the dress did nothing to hide my non¨Cexistent bump. I ran my hands over my lower belly as I admired myself in the mirror. ¡°Perfect,¡± Lily purred in my head, and I agreed. This was everything I dreamed of when I would dream of getting married. I used to think of myself walking towards Dorian. My father walked me down the aisle. ¡°Our father would have loved ke, Ryley. He just wanted someone to love and protect you. To take care of his baby girl. And ke does that. I know you are mad at him right now but you have to know how much he loves you.¡± I ran my fingertips over my exposed mark. I knew Lily was right. My father wanted me to be happy and ke makes me happy. The happiest I¡¯ve ever been. And he epts Channing. ¡°ke,¡± I called to him through the link. I chewed my bottom lip as I waited for him to answer. I¡¯ve missed him. I have been so focused on something that he couldn¡¯t have controlled. He wanted to get me answers. To find Eli and my mother. ¡°Baby, are you okay? Did something happen?¡± His panicked voice filled my head. ¡°Something did happen, I miss you. And I¡¯m sorry for thest few days,¡± I admitted. ¡°Baby, I miss you. And you have nothing to apologize for, I understand.¡± My heart swelled as tears filled my eyes. Damn hormones. ¡°Where are you? I¡¯m just finishing up,¡± he told me. ¡°I should be home soon, I¡¯m just going to finish getting my dress and then I¡¯ll be home,¡± I answered. ¡°I¡¯ll be waiting. I love you.¡± ¡°I love you,¡± I told him before closing the link. I quickly got changed, eager to get home to my mate. I paid and made my way out of the boutique to my vehicle parked out front. I opened the back when goosebumps covered my body and the hairs on the back of my neck stood up. I quickly looked around, trying not to look panicked as Iid the garment bag down. I hurried to the driver¡¯s side down and climbed in. I shivered as I started the SUV. I must be missing ke more than I realized. I turned up the heat as I felt cold, thinking I must be over¨Ctired as I hadn¡¯t been sleeping well thest couple of nights. Cold metal pushed into the base of my neck. ¡°Don¡¯t fucken scream. Give me your fucken hand,¡± a male growled. He was in the back seat of my SUV. My heart raced as he mped on a band. I let out a hiss as the silver burned my wrist. The connection to my mate and wolf was gone. ¡°Now, Luna, you will follow my instructions or your son will die. Do you understand?¡± I nodded as tears pricked my eyes. ¡°Good, now let¡¯s lose your tail before we leave the city. Wouldn¡¯t want your mate to track you down.¡± Chapter 131 Chapter 131 Chapter One Hundred Thirty-One Chapter One Hundred Thirty-One Alpha ke My meetings were finally over and now I was waiting in my office with Walter. He wanted to stay the week to help Ryley get things ready for our wedding this weekend. I was relieved when she mindlinked me during myst meeting, telling me she missed me. Thesest few days have been rough. I know she felt guilty for what happened to Aiden but that¡¯s his job. And I¡¯m not sorry for protecting my Luna. Ryley should understand this growing up with a Luna mother. I know her father would have done anything to protect his Luna and I¡¯m no different. I¡¯m not losing another mate no matter the cost. ¡°Did Ryley say she would be here soon?¡± Walter asked, pulling me from my thoughts. ¡°It¡¯s been about an hour,¡± I replied, looking at my phone. ¡°Maybe she found another dress to try on,¡± he shrugged. ¡°Maybe,¡± I sighed. ¡°Now, did you two talk about anything wedding-rted?¡± I pushed my l i p s into a line because the truth is we haven¡¯t really spoken since the party. ¡°I¡¯m going to take that face as a no.¡± He chuckled. ¡°Honestly, the most she has spoken to me since the party was an hour ago when she linked me. And I¡¯m not going to Dividing into pages now Chapter One Hundred Thirty-One apologize for trying to keep her safe.¡± I grumbled. ¡°I understand, ke but you can apologize for how your actions made her feel. And she¡¯s pregnant. Her emotions are going to cloud her judgment. Her reaction may be irrational to you but seems rational to her. It¡¯s a give-and-take. You should know this,¡± he told him. ¡°I¡¯m a little out of practice when ites to being in a rtionship. I haven¡¯t been in one since Mia.¡± ¡°The basics are still the same,¡± he chuckled and I sighed.. ¡°I¡¯m working on it.¡± ¡°ke you need to get to the east exit checkpoint,¡± Luca mindlinked me. Content is property ? N?velDrama.Org. ¡°Dad, where¡¯s mom, I can¡¯t link her and she won¡¯t pick up the damn phone,¡± Channing stormed into my office with Aspen following behind him. ¡°Luca you are gonna have to handle it, I need to find Ryley,¡± I answered him before closing the link. I tried to open one with Ryley but I couldn¡¯t find her. My heart raced as I picked up my cell phone off my desk, calling her. It went straight to voicemail. ¡°ke, it¡¯s Ryley.¡± I don¡¯t remember how I got into my truck, all I know is the boys and Walter were with me as I sped to the east exit checkpoint. My mind was racing with scenarios. What the hell did Luca find and why can¡¯t I link my mate? Gunner has been growling and my knuckles were white as I gripped the wheel. Dividing into pages now Chapter One Hundred Thirty-One I pulled up just beyond the borders on the east checkpoint. My lungs constricted painfully as Ryley¡¯s SUV came into view. Luca was standing close by barking orders at the warriors. ¡°Dad, what¡¯s wrong? Where¡¯s mom?¡± Aspen asked me from the back seat. I struggled to breathe as I got out of the truck. I rushed over to the vehicle, smelling a scent I didn¡¯t want to smell. Blood. And I knew it was hers. I could smell myself in it. Our baby. ¡°ke, don¡¯t touch anything. I¡¯m getting a team down here to gather forensics.¡± Luca ordered before grabbing my arm and stopping me. ¡°Blood,¡± I mumbled, unable to process what the f*ck was happening. I just spoke to her. We had made up. Where the f*ck is she? Gunner let out a murderous growl causing everyone to stop in their tracks. ¡°Where the f*ck is my mate?¡± I roared, unable to contain my anger any longer. And someone better give me a goddamn answer before I rip everyone here apart. ¡°ke?¡± I heard Aiden. I snapped my head in the direction of his voice. He was standing behind Walter and the boys. ¡°I think I may know who took her.¡± I shook off Luca¡¯s hold. ¡°Then you better start talking because if anything happens to my mate and pup, I won¡¯t be responsible for what Gunner unleashes,¡± I growled, my jaw aching under the pressure. I heard gasps all around but I ignored them. I couldn¡¯t hide that she was pregnant, even if it was early in her pregnancy. My Dividing into pages now Chapter One Hundred Thirty-One pack needs to understand the severity of the situation. I¡¯m not losing another Luna or a child. ¡°ke, I can¡¯t understand what you are feeling right now, but we are doing everything we can to find Ryley. When was thest time you heard from her?¡± Luca questioned. I looked at him, seeing concern in my best friend¡¯s face. We have been friends for so long, that I sometimes forget that he is more than just my beta. ¡°Just over an hour ago,¡± I admitted. ¡°How did she sound?¡± ¡°She seemed in a hurry to get home. She¡¯s been upset with the entire situation with Aiden.¡± I exined. ¡°Alpha, I didn¡¯t mean to cause any problems with you and Luna. I just wanted to make it to my mate. She texted me about the party on the burner phone I gave her. I knew the risks.¡± Aiden said, stepping closer to myself and Beta. I haven¡¯ t spoken to Aiden since that day. I told him to take a few days off to spend with his mate. If Ryley hadn¡¯t given him blood, he probably would have died. Taking everything he had found with him. ¡°I know you didn¡¯t, Aiden. And Ryley knows the risks. She grew up an alpha daughter. But this shit with the council, then you, plus being pregnant. She is under enough stress. I¡¯m not ming you for what happened. But I need answers now. I won¡¯t lose another mate.¡± ¡°I followed any lead I could on Eli, trying to find his pack and Ryley¡¯s mother. That¡¯s when I was taken. I can¡¯t be sure but I think it was Alpha Darius¡¯ pack who ambushed me. I didn¡¯t see the alpha but I did hear some of the warriors talking when Dividing into pages now Chapter One Hundred Thirty-One they thought I was knocked out.¡± Aiden exined. H ¡°And what did you hear?¡± Luca asked him before I could. ¡°They mentioned a rumor of him looking for a Luna wolf. At first, I thought it was Ryley, but she was at the council so why would they be searching for her if he had people inside the council?¡± Aiden continued. ¡°Right now, I don¡¯t care about the why, just the where. Luca, get men together, we are visiting Alpha Darius.¡± I ¡°Dad, we areing with you,¡± Channing eximed. Aspen was nodding his head, standing beside his brother. ¡°And don¡¯t forget about me. She may not be blood but she¡¯s my daughter.¡± Walter added. ¡°ke, we move out in one hour,¡± Luca ryed. ¡°Have them meet us there. If he does have my mate, no amount of his wolves will be able to hold Gunner back.¡± Dividing into pages now Chapter 132 Chapter 132 Chapter One Hundred Thirty¨CTwo Chapter One Hundred Thirty¨CTwo Luna Ryley ¡°Pull over,¡± the man demanded as soon as I crossed the border of the pack. I did what he said as the gun pushed painfully into the back of my neck. ¡°Cut the engine and give me your keys and phone,¡± again I did what the man demanded. I¡¯ve been trained to deal with these kinds of situations. My father had my mother and I run through different scenarios to keep us prepared. What I wasn¡® t prepared for was the sharp pain in my neck. I let out a gasp as my limb became heavy. My sight blurred as I slumped back into the seat. I heard banging and yelling but I couldn¡¯t move. ¡°Finally, you guys were supposed to be here waiting,¡± a man yelled much closer to me. The voices became muffled before my world went ck. I gasped as my body shook violently when freezing water was dumped over my head. I struggled to cover my stomach, fighting with everything I had to get free and protect my unborn pup. I blinked but the room was bright and I couldn¡¯t see anything. My heart was pounding in my chest as I tried to focus on if I was hurt. The cold water had my entire body on fire with pain. ¡°Good, you¡¯re finally awake.¡± A voice I¡¯ll never forget broke through my thoughts. I tried to focus on the figure in front of me but my head was pounding and my body shivered from Dividing into pages now III O Chapter One Hundred Thirty¨CTwo the cold water. My cheeks were gripped tightly together before my head was shoved to the side exposing ke¡¯s mark. A growl echoed through the room. ¡°I can¡¯t believe you let that cunt mark you. You are my Luna wolf,¡± Dorian sneered as his face came into focus. I held down the bile that was threatening toe up from the sharp movements of my head. ¡°Dorian?¡± I mumbled, confused. I looked at my fated mate before looking at the men around the familiar room. I found Wes and Jared. That¡¯s when it clicked. Everything that was said was a lie. And like an idiot, I believe them. I wanted to believe Dorian, the man I was fated to wasn¡¯t a monster. But he turned into my worst enemy. ¡°Dorian, I,¡± I stammered before my head wiped to the side. My cheek burned as my head pounded in my skull. I winced as a metal chair dragged around the concrete floor. Dorian sat down in front of me. I jumped when his hands came down on my thighs, letting out a whimper. My father always told me not to show fear to the enemy but right now I couldn¡¯t control it. I was terrified for my unborn child, my boys, and ke. ¡°Now, mate, here¡¯s what¡¯s going to happen I will let you keep that thing in your womb if you reject the alpha who marked what¡¯s mine. And you better get my son here or so help me, Evelyn, I will rip that thing out of you,¡± he yelled thest part. He didn¡¯t need to yell for me to know how serious he was, I could see it in his eyes. ¡°I never believed my father when he would obsess over your Dividing into pages no Chapter One Hundred Thirty¨CTwo mother being a Luna wolf. It¡¯s why he pushed me to pursue you. I never thought I would be fated to a Luna wolf. But here we are, and you will submit.¡± He said when I didn¡¯t say anything. I just stared at the person who I would have given everything to. We share a child. I shouldn¡¯t have been shocked by this but I was. ¡°I don¡¯t understand, why are you doing this?¡± I cried, unable to hold back my despair. I flinched when his hand cupped my cheek. His touch caused my skin to crawl and I fought the urge to move away. ¡°Because Evelyn, you are mine and no other male will have you but me.¡± He growled, standing up from his seat like we were done with this conversation. But I was far from done. ¡°And what about Lisa? About Chadwick?¡± I screamed. ¡°They aren¡¯t an issue, sweetheart,¡± he leaned over me.Content is property ? N?velDrama.Org. ¡°Lisa was a cheating bitch and her son wasn¡¯t even mine. And with them gone my real mate and son will be the family I should have had before you fucken ran from me.¡± I was left speechless. ¡°Now, let¡¯s get that mark off of you so you can officially be mine,¡± he murmured before his lips crushed against mine. I bit down on his lip before my head whipped to the side again. I winced as he pulled my head back by my hair. ¡°I can¡¯t wait to punish you for that,¡± he ran his tongue over the bite. His fingers dug painfully into my upper thigh while his. thumb dug into my mound. I tried to shift my hips back. further into the back of the chair but I couldn¡¯t move under his grip. I didn¡¯t have my wolf and he was an alpha. I couldn¡¯t out¨C strength him, but I could outsmart him. pages now. Chapter One Hundred Thirty¨CTwo ¡°It would seem your ex¨Cmate has shown up without his army. He¡¯s about to find out that my army just doubled.¡± He taunted with a chuckle. ¡°Dorian, please don¡¯t do this, please,¡± I begged. He leaned over me, a hand on the back of the chair I was tied to. I shivered when his warm breath blew against my ear. ¡°And why would I do that, Evie? I almost have everything. Soon I¡¯ll have the biggest pack and the only known Luna wolf as my fated mate. If you didn¡¯t run, he wouldn¡¯t have to die,¡± He whispered thest part, before pushing off the chair to stand to his full height. Dorian snapped his fingers and his men followed behind him. as he went to leave the room. I fought against my restraints, the chair banging against the floor. I can¡¯t let him kill ke. And I know Channing wouldn¡¯t give up without a fight. ¡°Dorian, don¡¯t do this!¡± I yelled, as I fought harder, the zip ties digging painfully into my wrists. The door banged loudly behind thest warrior, leaving me alone. Tears rolled down my cheeks as my sobs ripped from my chest. ¡°Please don¡¯t do this.¡± Dividing into pages now Chapter 133 Chapter 133 Chapter One Hundred Thirty-Three Alpha ke I pulled up to the border gates of the Crimson Lake pack. I had Luca and Aiden in my truck while Walter had the boys with him in his truck following behind us. My hands ached as I unclenched the steering wheel. My gamma, Connor was getting men ready to head out and they shouldn¡¯t be that far behind us. Ryley has been missing for a few hours now and I can¡¯t feel her. Whoever has her must have put silver on her and I don¡¯t want to think about what it is doing to our unborn pup. It¡¯s bad enough that she had silver on her for a month, and now this. I just pray her wolf is strong enough to keep them both safe. Knuckled against the driver¡¯s side window forced me from my thoughts. I pushed open my door, hitting the warrior standing there wanting to talk to me. I was an intimidating person and would use it to get what I needed out of these warriors. ¡°Alpha Darius,¡± I growled. Both warriors took a step back, which was smart. Gunner wanted to shift and rip through the pack looking for our mate. ¡°And who are you?¡± One stammered. I didn¡¯t realize I had taken a step towards the punk until Luca stepped in front of me. ¡°Alpha ke Orion,¡± He answered him. Both nched before looking at each other. ¡°Just one sec,¡± the other one said. All content ? N/.?vel/Dr/ama.Org. My body vibrated as I waited for them to say something, anything. It¡¯s been too long now and I can¡¯t feel her. My skin rippled with the need to shift. ¡°ke, I know you need to find her. We are all worried and I wouldn¡¯t tell you to calm down if it,¡± he trailed off as a convoy of trucks sped up to the gate from inside the pack. A man got out of one of the trucks, before rushing over to speak to the warriors at the gate. I watched him, intently, trying to ce where I¡¯d seen him before. He looked familiar but I don¡¯t know why. I don¡¯t have any dealings with the Crimson Lake pack. ¡°Alpha Orion, is there something I can help you with?¡± The man asked as he approached me and my Beta. ¡°Where the f*ck is you alpha?¡± I spat out, I clenched my fists ready to punch this f*cker in the face. I¡¯m not here to y games. ¡°I¡¯m not at liberty to say, Alpha ke. We have been called into Evergreen as reinforcements. My blood ran cold at the mention of Ryley¡¯s ex¡¯s pack. ¡°Reinforcements, for what?¡± Luca questioned him. My mind was racing and I couldn¡¯t get the words out. He had to be a part of this. He¡¯ s the only one who would benefit from getting Ryley. ¡°He knows she¡¯s a Luna wolf,¡± Gunner growled. ¡°I¡¯m only going to say this once,¡± I growled, interrupting my beta and this a s s h a t. ¡°You step foot in that pack and I will rip you and your army apart,¡± I threatened. ¡°Alpha, this doesn¡¯t have anything to do with the Orion pack,¡± he retorted, but I ignored him. The longer I stay here to argue with him, the longer that f*cker has my mate. ¡°Call Connor and devort the men to the Evergreen pack,¡± I ordered Luca, before rushing to the driver¡¯s side of my truck. ¡°Alpha ke, you have no right to interfere in a direct order from our alpha.¡± he yelled. The growl that left my chest had the area deadly quiet as I turned on my heel and approached him. He nched as the full weight of my aura hit him. ¡°If anything happens to my Luna, I will rip this pack and Evergreen apart, and not even the council will be able to stop me. Is your piece of shit alpha someone you want to die for today? Because I promise you won¡¯t be leaving Evergreen in one piece,¡± his Adam apple bobb e d as I gritted out the words. He nodded before I turned back and walked towards my truck again. ¡°Alpha. I have a brother in Evergreen.¡± he stammered. I turned to look at him. ¡°Then you better pray he isn¡¯t involved in the kidnapping of my Luna.¡± I climb e d in behind the wheel. My truck roared to life before I turned around and sped away from the Crimson Lake pack. Walter and the boys followed closely behind me. ¡°ke, we should have locked down that pack. They could warn Evergreen about our arrival,¡± Aiden eximed from the backseat ¡°Let them. Nothing they have will stop Gunner and we don¡¯t have time.¡± I told him. ¡°I think he will call the gamma.¡± Luca chimed in and it clicked. ¡°That¡¯s his brother.¡± I breathed out. I should have felt guilty about what I was about to do, but I didn¡¯t. His alpha took something of mine and I Chapter One Hundred Thirty-Three was going to kill anyone who knew. He should have stopped his alpha if he didn¡¯t want to die by my ws. ¡°ke, we need a n. The warriors are about ten minutes out.¡± Luca said as I sped down the highway as fast as I could. We still had about thirty minutes. ¡°I¡¯m going to rip the pack apart until I find her. She is carrying my child. Luca, and I can¡¯t feel her. ¡°My body shook with a fear I have only felt once in my life. The day I lost Mia. I can¡¯t lose another mate. I won¡¯t be able to live if I lose Ryley and our child. ¡°ke, we will find them,¡± Luca sped my shoulder pulling me from my wicked thoughts. ¡°You¡¯re right, we will. Even if I have to rip every pack apart including the council. I will find her.¡± Chapter 134 Chapter 134 Chapter One Hundred Thirty¨CFour Luna Ryley After the room was empty and I had let my sobs of emotions out, it was time to get to work. Little did that fucker know that I¡¯ve been trained to get out anything. And my father also trained me to handle silver. It sucks and it¡¯s worse now since I have Lily but I can bear it. ¡°Lily, just keep our pup safe.¡± I told her before standing up as much as I could before throwing myself and the chair to the concert floor. I groaned as the chair broke against my back. I was able to get my legs free and I chewed through the zip ties on my wrists. Now that I was free it was time to get the hell out of this room. I needed to get to ke before Dorian killed him. Or Channing and Aspen. I pray he left the boys at home. I knew he would find my vehicle. But I¡¯m hoping he doesn¡¯t run straight into the trap that Dorian has set for him. Taking me wasn¡¯t just about making me his, it was about taking down the most powerful alpha in our world. I was ke¡¯s weakness as he is mine and Dorian was using that to his advantage. He says I could keep my child but I know he would never let me keep another man¡¯s child I rushed to the only door and tugged on the handle to find it locked. ¡°Fuck.¡± I grumbled in frustration. I needed a n and I wish I could speak to Lily. Looking around the room, the walls were bear. I¡¯m sure I was in one of the rooms in the basement my father used to use for interrogations. I don¡¯t remember how many he had down here or if I was ever in this 0.00%Content rights belong to N?velDrama.Org. 10:37 one. I was never allowed down here, but I was curious about what my father did. When he was away I would explore down here. And my father always had hidden rooms around the pack house. I know of one that was in his office. My father always nned for the worst. And thinking back, I¡¯m not sure why. Sure, he was a mobster, but he was a powerful man and alpha. Surely he would have fought them with his wolf. I¡¯m sure some of it had to do with Mom and me. And right now. I wish I could remember everything he had told me about the pack house and the exits. But then again, Dorian has been living here for eighteen years, he could have found them. I walked around the empty room, looking for anything out of ce on the walls and floor. There was only me and the broken chair, but maybe there was a backup n hidden just in case my mother or I were locked in the basement. I know I was grasping at straws but I¡¯m praying my father had a n for every scenario. After looking at the walls twice, I walked to the middle of the room and kicked the broken chair in frustration. ¡°Fuck, Dad, really?¡± I yelled, my voice echoing off the walls. I didn¡¯t care if anyone heard me. If someone came in I could use the only freaking door. ¡°Voice recognized,¡± I heard before the floor gave way from under my feet. I fell with a gasp, hitting the ground with a thump. Pain shot up from my ankles to my hips. ¡°Wee, Evelyn,¡± theputer voice said as lights flooded the space I fell into. ¡°What the fuck,¡± I eximed as I looked around the room to findputer monitors and equipment. ¡°This is the Aurora Mountain safe room. It was installed many years ago. Every room can ess this space as long as the right voice is recognized.¡± The voice exined. I stood up and limped over to the stack of screens. Every part of the pack house and surrounding area was on one of the monitors in front of me. ¡°How is all of this still working?¡± I breathed out as I took the only office chair in front of the panel that controls everything in this room. ¡°I¡¯m not sure,¡± the voice answered. I rolled my eyes. This technology was above anything I had seen twenty years ago. It made me wonder what other stuff my father was involved in if he had this installed. ¡°God damn it.¡® I yelled as I watched ke and his pack sped up to the pack house. I know his truck and Walter¡¯s. ¡°Are you fucken kidding me?¡± I screamed at the screen when Channing and Aspen climbed out of Walter¡¯s truck. What the hell is ke thinking about bringing the boys into this? I swear if I survive. I¡¯m killing him. More trucks pulled up behind ke¡¯s and I wish I could hear what was being said. Dorian was standing in front of the pack house with warriors around him. My stomach twisted painfully as I watched, knowing what was going to happen. ke rushed into Dorian¡¯s house where he had the home advantage. ¡°Miss Computer voice, I need to get out of here,¡± I eximed as I paced the small room unable to watch the screens and ignoring the pain in my ankles. ¡°The only way out is to activate ¡®girls under attack¡®. Is that a yes or a no?¡± She asked. ¡°It¡¯s a yes,¡± I screamed. I needed to get out there to protect my family. I 10-371 can¡¯t be stuck in here watching. ¡°Activating ¡®girls under attack¡®. The yard bombs have been activated. Ny seconds until the first bomb goes off. And Five minutes until the pack house explodes.¡± ¡°What,¡± I stammered, unable to understand what theputer had just told me. ¡°Bombs? Pack house exploding? But I¡¯m in the pack house,¡± I yelled thest part at her. Great, now everyone is going to die and it¡¯s all my fault. I watched the monitor that was showing me the front of the pack house where my mate and ex¨Cmate were arguing before everyone started looking around panicked. ¡°Safe room will keep you safe, Evelyn. Your father will always keep you safe.¡± Chapter 135 Chapter 135 Chapter One Hundred Thirty¨CFive H Chapter One Hundred Thirty¨CFive Alpha ke ¡°Tell Connor to meet us at the entrance of the pack. We¡¯ll go in all together.¡± I ordered. Luca was typing on his phone while I sped towards the Evergreen pack. My knuckles were white and my jaw ached. I was trying not to let my mind wander but my stomach was in knots thinking about what he was doing to my mate. If he has her in silver, I won¡¯t feel him touching her. I opened a link between me and the boys. ¡°We are going to war. S Luca, or myself.¡± I told t ys to listen to Connor, Recharge sessful! ¡°Yes, sir,¡± they both answered. ¡°And Channing, I¡¯m not sorry for what I¡¯m about to do. You are mine and always will be.¡± I closed the link to focus on driving. I was already pushing my truck to its limit. ¡°He may be his sperm donor but he is our son, ke. He stole our mate. Our second chance and he won¡¯t live another day.¡± Gunner growled. I was willing to keep that fucker alive for Channing¡¯s sake but now I can¡¯t let him live for taking my Luna and child. I just pray he hasn¡¯t hurt either of them. I pulled up beside Connor¡¯s truck which was pulled off the side of the road. I rolled down my window to speak to him. Dividing into pages now Chapter One Hundred Thirty¨CFive ¡°Go straight in behind me to the pack house,¡± I ordered. He gave me a nod before I pulled away from the truck. I elerated before hitting the gate at the border. It crumpled under the weight of my truck. I checked my mirrors to see Walter was still behind me. And the others were behind him. ¡°ke, what¡¯s the n?¡± Luca eximed beside me. ¡°Rip the fucken pack apart is the n. I know he has her. Why would he be bringing in reinforcements from his father¡¯s pack if not.¡± I retorted. I was regretting not ripping him apart when he came to my pack and demanded Channing. My son. The fucker was going to learn today why I¡¯m the strongest alpha in our world. The pack house came into view with his warriors surrounding it. I parked my truck further down the driveway and got out. Rounding the front of my truck I watched as Dorian was exiting the pack house with his entourage. Luca and Aiden. stepped in front of me stopping my advancements. I didn¡¯t care how many men he had. Gunner would rip them all apart to find his mate and pup. ¡°Channing,e here son.¡± He motioned for my son toe to him when he was standing in front of his warriors. Gunner let out a murderous growl. ¡°My son,¡± I growled out. And the fucker smirked. ¡°I don¡¯t think you understand, Alpha ke. If I don¡¯t get Channing and my mate, your spawn dies. I will rip it from her womb and stomp it into nothing.¡± He threatened. When the wind changed directions, Ryley¡¯s and our child¡¯s scent hit me. Closed my eyes, breathing in their scent. He has them and into pages Chapter One Hundred Thirty¨CFive now he wants Channing. Ryley would never forgive me if I handed over our son to save her life and this fucker knew this. Channing moved to stand beside me with his brother standing on the other side of him. ¡°Dad, what am I supposed to do? I can¡¯t let him hurt mom or the baby.¡± He asked me. Dorian roared, Channing, feeding his rage when he called me dad and not him. I¡¯d puff out my chest with pride if Ryley¡¯s life weren¡¯t in this asshole¡¯s hands. ¡°You are my fucken son, and your mother is my Luna wolf. That¡¯s what the goddess had nned. It never involved him,¡± Dorian screamed, pointing a finger at me. He had his chance. and he wasn¡¯t going to take mine. Grabbing Channing¡¯s arm, I pushed him behind me. ¡°Let go of my fucken son!¡± ¡°Never. Ryley and Channing are mine. And none of this will matter when I rip you to shreds,¡± I retorted. And the fucker smirked. ¡°If I die, she does, and your child.¡± ¡°Lies,¡± I gritted out. My heart pounding in my chest. ¡°Are you willing to take that risk? Did you honestly think I would let you walk in here without having a backup n?¡± ¡°Your father¡¯s pack isn¡¯ting to help you, I made sure of that,¡± I told him. ¡°My pack would never disobey me!¡± He yelled, his face red and the vein in his neck bulged. He thought he had back up but even if he did, he would never win against me. Dividing into pages now One Hundred Thirty¨CFive ¡°They will when the strongest alpha threatens them. They didn¡¯t want to die protecting your ass.¡± The ground began to rumble, stopping our back and forth. I looked at Dorian and he looked shocked as he screamed to his beta. ¡°Dad, what the fuck?¡± Aspen eximed as the rumbling became more intense. I looked at my beta and gamma who both looked concerned¨Cmore than usual in a saturation like this. All content ? N/.?vel/Dr/ama.Org. Chaos broke out around us when bombs nted in the ground around us started to explode, sending soil and grass into the sky. It was everywhere and then it was nowhere. The yard was aplete mess as the bombs stopped. There were craters and vehicles on fire as I looked around my truck. Thankfully, none of our men were hit, but a few of our trucks weren¡¯t so lucky. ¡°Dad, bombs?¡± Aspen loudly breathed out. Bombs weren¡¯t something in our training. ¡°It¡¯s going to be okay, boys. We just need to get into the pack house and I can find your mother. I won¡¯t let anything happen to her.¡± I told them. I located Connor before making eye contact with my beta. Both were watching me. I held up three fingers counting down from three. When I hit one, my men and I rushed out from our cover to attack the enemy. And this was one war we were going to win. Ryley, I¡¯m coming. Dividing into pages now Chapter 136 Chapter 136 Chapter One Hundred Thirty¨CSix Luna Ryley I watched in horror as bombs went off around the yard. I couldn¡¯t see who had been hit but I know a couple of the Orion trucks were now on fire. They were blown into the air from the force of being parked on top of a nted bomb. It was chaos. But as fast as they started they ended. I let out a sigh of relief when the dust was able to settle. The relief was short¨Clived when my pack came out from where they were covered. Dorian¡¯s wolves had already shifted and were ready for ke¡¯s attack. My heart was in my throat as I watched my mate and sons shift. ¡°Fuck!¡± I screamed, mming my palms down on the desk. ¡°I need to get the fuck out of here,¡± I growled. ¡°You can¡¯t, Evelyn. Once it¡¯s safe, thetch will release not before. Your father was very careful in his calctions.¡± ¡°It¡¯s my mate and sons out there,¡± I yelled at her. ¡°My job is only to keep you safe.¡± She said in her generic How the hell can any of this be happening? I didn¡¯t have time to think as theputer announced more yard bombs would detonate. My head snapped up to watch the screens. It was a blood bath as my new pack took over my old pack. Dividing into pages now O < Dorian may have had home advantage but ke and his men were trained as ruthless killers. It didn¡¯t matter that they were outnumbered. They were taking the enemy wolves down with ease. I held my breath when the first of many bombs went off again. The frontwn was covered in tiny craters and the driveway was no more. What the hell was my father thinking? As I watched my mate and sons dodge bombs and enemy wolves. It was pure chaos as I watched with my anxiety hitting a new high. It¡¯s one thing to be in the fight, it was nothing to watch from the sidelines unable to help. I couldn¡¯t warn them about approaching wolves. All I could do was watch and pray that nothing happens to my family. ¡°Lily, please keep our pup safe,¡± I whispered to her as I rubbed my lower belly. Lily let out a whimper and I knew she was in pain from the silver. ¡°Two minutes, Miss Evelyn,¡± theputer said. ¡°What more bombs?¡± I yelled, rubbing a hand over my chest. I don¡¯t think my heart can take any more of this. ¡°The packed house will explode in two minutes,¡± she rified. ¡°Great, I¡¯m going to fucken die!¡± I eximed, throwing my hands in the air. I let out a chuckle that turned into augh. and I couldn¡¯t stop. I¡¯m sure I sounded crazy as Iughed so hard, that more tears streamed down my face. In less than two minutes, I surely will be dead. ¡°The metal structure you are in is impact¨Cproof. But first, it will drop lower into the ground before the biggest bomb explodes. Everything was calcted to perfection, Miss Evelyn Nothing will go wrong.¡± Theputer answered. I I rolled my eyes, knowing I was insane for talking about a nonliving object the way that I was. She was programmed. And I¡¯m talking to her like she was real. I finally lost my mind. ¡°And is there a backup n if something goes wrong?¡± I asked her. ¡°Nothing will go wrong. I¡¯ve already run diagnostics and everything is ready.¡± She answered. ¡°Have you been running this entire time?¡± ¡°I have, Miss Evelyn. Your father needed to make sure your mother and you were safe.¡± She told me. ¡°Then why didn¡¯t this go off eighteen years ago?¡± I questioned. This could have protected all of us. I wouldn¡¯t have lost anyone or my pack. My mind was reeling with the possibilities of what could have been if my father had used this then. ¡°By the time we knew of the attack, it was toote, and too many of our men would have been killed. Also, your father wanted everyone to think your mother and him were dead. He was tired, Miss Evelyn. He wanted to live his life in peace with his mate.¡± She exined, and now I was really confused. What she was saying didn¡¯t make sense. If he wanted peace he could have just cleaned up his act, couldn¡¯t he? He didn¡¯t have to die to be at peace with his mate. My heart twisted painfully as I thought about everything my father gave up for me and my mother. To others, he was a Dividing into pages now O < ruthless man but to me, he was my hero. He did everything to make sure my mother was given the respect she deserved and no one got away with disrespecting her. Watching him love her, made me want to find my mate. I believed my fated mate would love me like he loved her. But it took me finding my second chance to experience a love like they shared. My attention snapped to the screens as a gunmetal wolf as I knew was Gunner was fighting arge ck wolf I knew was Dorian. ¡°Channing, don¡¯t you fucken dare!¡± I screamed as I watched Bliz stalking toward them. Theputer started to count down and the room began to shake, knocking me off bnce. ¡°Three, two, one,¡± and I held my breath as I was free¨Cfalling. It happened in slow motion as I was floated and then my back hit the top of the shelter. I let out a groan, hitting the back of my head on the metal before I was sent falling to the floor with a thud. The room continued to shake but I quickly was drawn into darkness until I felt nothing. Dividing into pages now C¨°ntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org O Chapter 137 Chapter 137 Chapter One Hundred Thirty¨CSeven Chapter One Hundred Thirty¨CSeven Alpha ke My pack and I fought off the enemy wolves with ease. Dorian kept throwing more and more wolves at us prolonging the inevitable. He was going to die and it was only a matter of time. I wasn¡¯t going to let him leave this ce alive. More bombs went off causing my pack to fight as they dodge. Where the hell did all these bombse from? Gunner growled as the rm on my truck went ring before an explosion from underneath it forced in on its side. The rm onlysted a few more seconds before the engine exploded and mes engulfed my truck. ¡°Damn it,¡± I yelled. ¡°We can buy a new one,¡± Gunner groaned as he fought through the wolves that kepting. It¡¯s not that I couldn¡¯t but I liked that truck. ¡°Those wolves are never¨Cending,¡± Luca eximed through the link. ¡°I have more men on route,¡± Connor confirmed. ¡°Good, we will need them for clean up. Make sure the boys are safe. It¡¯s time for me to end this,¡± I told both of them. Gunner dodged a few wolves before he was now in front of Dorian¡¯srge ck wolf. He was covered in blood but I wasn¡¯t sure how much of it was his know none of my wolves have been killed. I would have 288 iVouchers felt the link snap. I could see why Eli and his men could easily kill his men. Gunner shook out his blood¨Ccovered fur before sending up a quick howl to inform his wolves that the battle was almost over. The faster Gunner kills this fucker, the faster I can find my mate and pup. Gunner lunged, pouncing on top of Dorian¡¯srge ck wolf. They rolled, both trying to get the upper hand. Gunner let out a roar when sharp teeth pierced his shoulder. ¡°That¡¯s the only one that fucker is going to get,¡± Gunner growled as they came to a stop. Gunner stood up on his hind legs before throwing himself on his back, on top of Dorian¡¯s wolf. He let out a yip, as I gritted my teeth not to make a sound. His teeth dug deeper into my flesh before he let go. Gunner whipped around, not taking his eyes off of his prey. This war was about to end. Gunner snarled, but before he could advance, there was a catastrophic wave of pressure. The force sent us to our backs. Explosions had been happening since the fighting started but nothing like this. Gunner was quick to his paws, looking around through blurry eyes. The force was worse than the others. And when the pack house came into focus, I knew why. I quickly shifted back and stared in horror at the scene in front of me. The pack house was now engulfed in mes. Another st had me staggering back. The enemy was forgotten as I watched my mate and pup go up in mes. ¡°Dad. DAD!¡± Aspen grabbed my arm, pulling my attention. ¡°The alpha is dead,¡± he informed me. I looked over to see Dividing into pages now Content rights belong to N?velDrama.Org. Manning¡¯s wolf ripping apart his father. ¡°Channing,¡± I yelled to him. His now red wolf snapped his attention to me. The enemy was dead, but that didn¡¯t matter now. Before I knew what I was doing, I was running towards the zing building. She can¡¯t be dead. ¡°I can¡¯t feel her,¡± Gunner whimpered. ¡°ke,¡± Luca rushed in front of me, the mes burning my skin. But I didn¡¯t care. I needed to get inside. ¡°Luca, move,¡± I demanded. ¡°I can¡¯t. The boys need their father. They have already lost enough.¡± I looked around at the carnage from the battle. But I couldn¡¯t care about anything but my mate and unborn child. I was supposed to protect them and I lost them. I lost another mate. 1 My knees buckled under the weight of my loss. There was noing back from this. I lost them and it will forever be my shorings. I¡¯m the strongest alpha and I couldn¡¯t protect them. ¡°They¡¯re gone,¡± I choked out. ¡°I know, buddy. I¡¯m sorry. But I need you to back up.¡± Both Channing and Aspen grabbed my arm on either side. need to help.¡± I pleaded with my best friend. I needed to do something. I can¡¯t just stand here and watch the fire consume my mate. She would have wanted you to keep the boys safe, ke. The boys need you¡± ¡°Go, Luca,¡± we got him.¡± I heard Aspen say. ¡°Dad, there¡¯s nothing you could have done,¡± Channing said and that¡¯s when my dam broke. I grabbed onto the only part of my mate I had left. ¡°I¡¯m so sorry, son,¡± I sobbed, begging him for forgiveness. There was nothing else I could do. I know the fire was burning too hot for anything to survive but it didn¡¯t stop the need to run in there and to look for my mate and child. I should have done things differently. I should have gone after my mate and had my men take on the warriors and Dorian. There were so many what¨Cifs that I was going to have to have to live with. Even though right now I don¡¯t know how I¡¯m going to live without her. I must be the unluckiest son of a bitch alive. I found my fated mate to lose her, to be gifted with a second chance to lose her and our child. ¡°Dad,e on, we need to move back,¡± Channing¡¯s voice cracked and I looked at him. He had tears running down his face. His bare skin was red from being so close to the raging fire. We both helped each other to stand, with Aspen helping us both. We are all going to need each other. My eyes never leaving the fire as we backed away. The fire burning my future to ash. Dividing into pages now ** Chapter 138 Chapter 138 Chapter One Hundred Thirty¨CEight Alpha ke I lost track of time as I watched from the tailgate of Walter¡¯s truck. Firefighters were doing their best to get the fire under control. When Channing became alpha, all the fight ceased, and clean¨Cup began. Not that me and the boys were much help. I couldn¡¯t wrap my head around the fact she was gone. This all had to be a bad dream and I would wake up soon and she would be wrapped up in my arms. Both boys had their heads resting on a shoulder as we watched together. It was moments like these where you ask someone how much they can live through and it¡¯s not much more than this. I may have the boys but they don¡¯t need me anymore. In a few months, they will move on with their lives while mine died. Ites down to, do I want to continue to live without her. Because I don¡¯t think I can. Gunner hasn¡¯t stopped whimpering and my tears have only stopped for a moment or two. The pain in my chest was raw and it was only getting worse. Nothing was ever going to be able to ease this pain. I knew from the second she stormed her sassy ass into my office that she was going to be mine. She was mine. ¡°Alpha ke, I¡¯m sorry to disturb you but there are a few people who wish to speak with you.¡± One of my warriors announced. ¡°Get Luca or Connor,¡± I demanded, more than what was needed but I wanted to be left alone. ¡°It¡¯s a Beta Eli and a Luna ine North,¡± he stammered. My attention snapped to him. North? As in Ryley¡¯s mother? Now she decides to show up. ¡°Where?¡± I growled and he pointed behind me. ¡°Dad, who are they?¡± Aspen sniffled. ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter. You both stay here and I¡¯ll be right back.¡± I kissed both their heads before hopping off the tailgate. I quickly wiped my cheeks before rounding the truck. I stopped in my tracks as I stared at an older version of Ryley. My heart twisted painfully and my sadness turned to rage. I stormed up to both of them and their warriors ready for a fight. If they hade to take Channing, they would face my wrath just like Dorian did. ¡°Now, you decided to show up,¡± I sneered, not holding back. I didn¡¯t even bother to introduce myself. ¡°Alpha ke, I¡¯m,¡± she said but I held up my hand. ¡°I know who you are. And you see that fire?¡± I pointed back to the pack house, still burning. ¡°That¡¯s where your daughter and grandchild lost their lives. I don¡¯t know why after a month of knowing your daughter was still alive you bothered showing up, but both of you can fuck off.¡± ¡°ke?¡± I heard Walter. ¡°Show these people to the gate. I don¡¯t want to see them again.¡± Imanded before turning my back. want to know my grandson,¡± Luna North eximed, ¡°And that will be his decision. But that won¡¯t be one he will be making today. He is my son. And your daughter was my mate. And you had a second chance to know what an amazing woman she grew to be, and you didn¡¯t take it.¡± I turned around to face her. Her blue eyes were red and puffy and tears streamed down her face. I should be consoling her, but I can¡¯t see past my grief to care about hers. ¡°Now, my sons have lost their mother. Anything else you have to say, you can say it to my beta.¡± ¡°Or to me,¡± Walter stepped in sping my shoulder. ¡°I got this. Get back to the boys.¡± I gave him a nod before turning around and leaving. I didn¡¯t care what either one of them had to say. Eli was my mate¡¯s childhood friend and I saw firsthand how knowing he was alive affected her. The guilt she felt. And then for him to not even bother to show up again to talk to her. It took everything I had not to turn around and rip him apart for hurting my mate. She may be gone but she didn¡¯t deserve the venom he spat at her. ¡°ke!¡± I heard Luca yelling from across the yard. A bunch of paramedics were rushing in his direction. I ran to catch up with him. Some of the building was still on fire and ash covered the ground like snow. ¡°I can¡¯t find a pulse,¡± I heard someone yell. ¡°She¡¯s cuffed in silver,¡± I heard another. Content rights belong to N?velDrama.Org. ¡°Get the silver off and start CPR,¡± another yelled. I wasn¡¯t prepared for what I saw. Ryley was lying on the ground behind the pack house covered in ash, Ryley,¡± I screamed pushing the medics out of the way. ¡°Alpha, we have to work,¡± one growled at me but I ignored him. They can work around me because I¡¯m never letting this woman out of my sight. I grabbed the cuff of silver on one of her wrists and broke it off while a paramedic started to do chest compressions. ¡°Ryley, baby, breath. I need you toe back to me,¡± I pleaded with her. ¡°Everyone get out of my way,¡± I heard a woman screech. ¡°If you want your Luna to live, you will get the fuck out of my way,¡± she growled as she pushed the medic doing chestpression. I watched as she cut her hand before she opened her daughter¡¯s mouth forcing her blood inside. Seconds felt like hours as she covered her daughter¡¯s body in her blood trying to heal her. My heart stopped when Ryley began to cough. I pulled her against my chest, holding her tightly. My eyes met her mother¡¯s. ¡°You¡¯re a Luna wolf,¡± it was a statement, not a question. I have seen firsthand what Luna wolves can do. She nodded before leaning down and pushing an ear into Ryley¡¯s belly. ¡°Still beating strong but she needs a hospital.¡± She told me. ¡°Thank you,¡± I whispered to her before I scooped up my Luna and ran to the nearby ambnce. I wasn¡¯t going to lose her or our baby. Chapter 139 Chapter 139 Luna Ryley My head was pounding in sync with the excessive beeping that just wouldn¡¯t stop. Why is no one stopping the beeping? I wanted to yell but I couldn¡¯t get my body to do what I wanted it to do. It felt heavy and I couldn¡¯t move. The only thing keeping me from panicking is the warm hand holding mine. I knew it was ke. He¡¯s the only one who can send tingles through my body with his touch. When I managed to open my eyes, the room was dark and my mate was sitting in a chair beside the bed I was in. He had his head resting against my hip, gently snoring as he held my hand in his. Events from earlier came rushing back but I chose to ignore them for now. Right now I just needed my mate. By the time ! ran my fingers of my other hand through ke¡¯s dark hair, I was exhausted. ¡°Lily, please keep our pup safe,¡± I whispered as I closed my eyes. I could hear her snoring. It didn¡¯t take long before I was asleep again. I awoke with a start when a loud bang startled me. I groaned as I looked around the bright white hospital room. Blinking until everything came into focus. ke was no longer sitting beside me and I could hear Lily snoring in my head. ¡°Alpha or not, you have no right to keep my daughter from me,¡± I heard a woman scream. A growl had my heart Dividing into pages now ||| O Chapter One Hundred Thirty¨CNine pounding in my chest and the monitor I was hooked to, to beep frantically. ¡°She is my mate and until she¡¯s awake to make decisions for herself, no one but me and our boys will step foot in her room. I don¡¯t trust anyone. Your beta shows up and the next day the council is taking her. You should be thankful someone loves your daughter enough to protect her. As I¡¯ve said before, you are wee to stay in my pack. And I¡¯m thankful you healed her when you did, I am but I¡¯m not putting her life at risk again.¡± I heard ke say. Healing me? Daughter? Was he talking to my mother? But why was she even here? The pounding in my head returned as I tried to ce the pieces of what had happened together. I didn¡¯t have to wait long before ke stormed into the room. He quickly took the seat beside me again and grabbed my hand. He leaned forward bringing my hand to his lips. I hoped he would have noticed I was awake but he seemed deep in thought. He was grumbling to himself and his pout was adorable as I watched him. I squeezed his hand before his head shot up from resting in his other hand. ¡°Everything okay, handsome?¡± I whispered, unsure of what happened to my voice. I still felt weak but I didn¡¯t know why. I know that yesterday must have been traumatic and I wish I could remember more than just the bits and pieces. ¡°Baby?¡± ke eximed, springing to his feet. He leaned over the bed, taking hold of my cheeks. ¡°Fuck, baby, you have no idea how grateful I am that you¡¯re awake ¡± He mumbled, kissing my forehead. My words turned Dividing pages now O Chapter One Hundred Thirty¨CNine into coughs as I tried to ask him what had happened. He sat down on the edge of the bed before bringing a ss of water to my lips. When the ss was empty I felt like I could speak again. ¡°ke, where are the boys? And our baby? Lily is snoring,¡± I rushed out. ¡°The boys are both okay, baby. And our baby is growing strong.¡± He told me and I let out a breath. ¡°I don¡¯t understand, why was my mother here?¡± I asked him. ¡°Ryley, what is thest thing you remember?¡± He sat back, still holding my cheeks. ¡°I, I remember going dress shopping. And then I remember Dorian kidnapping me. But I don¡¯t know how I ended up here.¡± I answered. This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org. Before he could say anything, there was a knock on the door before Dr. Perry came in. ¡°Alpha, Luna, it¡¯s good to see you awake.¡± He smiled as he approached us. Goosebumps covered my skin when he let his walls down. Looking through his memories, I let out a gasp. ¡°Baby, are you okay? What¡¯s wrong?¡± ke¡¯s panicked voice pulled me from the doctor¡¯s open mind. ¡°Alpha, the body shakes are normal when people areing out of shock. Luna, are you in any pain?¡± I pulled my hand away before he could touch me. ¡°ke,¡± my voice was a trembling whisper as I fought through the panic of what this man did to me. He almost cost us our pages now ||| O < Hundred Thirty¨CNine child. I gripped ke tightly, needing to feel safe. 288 (Vouchers ¡°Baby, what¡¯s wrong?¡± ke took hold of my cheeks, forcing me to look at him and away from the man who almost took everything from me. ¡°It was him,¡± I leaned forward and whispered into ke¡¯s ear. Just high enough so only ke could hear. I let out a scream when ke had the doctor pinned against the wall in the blink of an eye. ¡°What the fuck did you do?¡± ke screamed in his face with his hands wrapped around his neck. Blood began to run when ke¡¯s ws seeped out, digging deeply into Perry¡¯s neck. I jumped and let out another scream when the door to my room was thrown open and Luca stormed in. ¡°Take this fucker to the cells and don¡¯t let him speak to anyone,¡± ke growled, throwing the doctor at Luca. His shirt was covered in blood and his face was a deep red. He coughed as Luca grabbed him. Luca gave me a smile and a nod before he left, dragging the traitor with him. ¡°Ryley, how are you feeling? Does anything hurt?¡± ke rushed over to me and started to pull back the nket. ¡°I feel okay. But ke, he called the council. He helped Dorian.¡± I confessed. I reached for my mate¡¯s hands before his anger could erupt. ¡°Fuck, baby, I¡¯m so sorry,¡± he cried as he wrapped his arms around me, sitting beside me again. I weed his embrace Dividing into pages now ||| O < as I held him tightly. ¡°It¡¯s not your fault, ke,¡± I mumbled into his chest. ¡°It is my fault. You have been out for two weeks. I didn¡¯t know if you were ever going to wake up. And to learn the doctor who I trusted, betrayed me. He could have killed you.¡± ke¡¯s voice cracked and hot tears hit my cheek. His guilt bled into me as I held him tighter. ¡°And our pup,¡± he whispered and my heart broke. How could I have been here for two weeks? What happened to Dorian? I was questioning if what I thought happened even happened as Iforted my mate. If I¡¯ve been out for the past two weeks, it means he would have been strong for our boys and himself. And right now, it was my turn to protect him. Dividing into pages now Chapter 140 Chapter 140 Alpha ke The rage and guilt I felt over having a traitor overseeing my mate¡¯s care was all¨Cconsuming. He could have killed them both and I never would have known if not for Ryley¡¯s special ability. She doesn¡¯t need tomand to get the truth, all she needs to do is search when they leave their minds open. As long as they are pack members she can find out the truth. And I¡¯m thankful she woke up when she did to tell me the truth about Perry. The thumping of our baby¡¯s heart pulled my attention back to the present. After Ryley checked all the other doctors and staff, I wanted to make sure our baby was okay. I didn¡¯t trust anything Perry had told me over thest two weeks. ¡°Babe?¡± Ryley¡¯s soft fingertips caressed my cheek as I watched the screen with our baby. Their heart was beating rapidly as they kicked their tiny legs. ¡°As you can see Alpha, Luna, everything with your baby is great. The pup is around twelve wolf weeks along. And even though Luna has been put under a lot of stress early on, the baby is still strong and healthy. But, please Luna, take it easy on your wolf and Alpha for a bit,¡± the doctor chuckled. ¡°She is never leaving my sight,¡± I growled low in my throat. ¡°I won¡¯t leave his side. I promise,¡± Ryley giggled as she rubbed my cheek. We both watched for a few more minutes while the doctor printed off a photo for us. Dividing into pages how Chapter One Hundred Forty After Ryley¡¯s stomach was cleaned, I helped her sit up on the bed. She was still weak after everything that had happened and a lesser wolf would have died. ¡°Luna, I want you to go home to rest. Your body and wolf have been through so much and it¡¯s also growing a tiny human. Don¡¯t rush. And if you need anything, don¡¯t hesitate to reach out. The pack is here to help with anything and everything you need. Also, I¡¯d like to see you back here in a few days or sooner if you aren¡¯t feeling better.¡± She exined. We both thanked her before I scooped up my Luna. I know she was about to protest but instead, she leaned into me and rested her head on my shoulder. ¡°Babe?¡± She mumbled against my neck causing goosebumps to cover my body as I fought the urge to shiver. ¡°I love you,¡± she pecked my neck as I walked out of the pack hospital and towards home. ¡°I love you,¡± I squeezed her tightly against me, breathing in her scent. The relief of having her alive, still carrying our child, was overwhelming. And I wish I could focus on her and our family right now but there is so much clean up I¡¯ve been ignoring. And there was so much to tell her. The house was a mess when I walked Ryley through the threshold. I had hired someone to clean but with two teenagers and a father who hasn¡¯t been home for the past two weeks, it was still a mess. ¡°Dad?¡± I heard Aspen call out from the basement. ¡°Boys,e upstairs.¡± My voice carried through the house. ¡°Thank you for keeping them safe,¡± Ryley mumbled before her Dividing into pages now Chapter One Hundred Forty lips brushed against mine. I shivered, squeezing her impossibly close. 286 Vouchers I heard the boys thumping up the stairs or banging the walls. I¡¯m not sure what they were doing as the basement door flew open and our boys rushed into the living room. ¡°Is mom,¡± Channing¡¯s words died as he took in his mother in my arms. ¡°Mom!¡± They both rushed her as I put her down. ¡°Oh my boys,¡± she cried as she embraced them both. I let out a sigh of relief that my family was all under the same roof again and we were all safe. Ryley reached for my hand and pulled me into the family group hug. ¡°Did you find my vehicle?¡± Ryley squealed out from being squished. ¡°Yes, we did why?¡± I questioned as I pulled back. ¡°Well if there¡¯s going to be a wedding this weekend, I kind of need my dress,¡± she giggled. My hesitation had her frowning. ¡°Unless that has changed,¡± her voice trailed off. The boys let her go and I pulled her against me. ¡°Of course it is. More than anything. But,¡± I sighed. ¡°But, what ke?¡± ¡°Mom, I have to tell you something,¡± Channing said nervously, moving back and forth on the balls of his feet. He shoved his hands in his pockets. We haven¡¯t had time to deal with the Dividing into pages now Chapter One Hundred Forty 288 (Vouchers aftermath of Channing killing his father or that Dorian had killed his father and now both packs were technically Channing¡¯s. I also didn¡¯t want to tell her that we found Lisa and her son dead. They were both pushed into the river where she had fallen in all those years ago but they weren¡¯t so lucky. Their bodies washed ashore a few dayster. I¡¯ve had Aiden looking into finding Lisa¡¯s family. They didn¡¯t deserve what Dorian did. And I know Ryley would want to honor them and make sure they areid to rest in peace. ¡°Baby, I think you should sit,¡± I pulled her with me to sit down on the couch next to me. ¡°And I¡¯ll go make Mom a cup of tea,¡± Aspen announced as he rushed to the kitchen. I didn¡¯t me him. I was feeling nervous about telling Ryley everything that had happened. She looked over at me, crossed her arms, and pushed her lips in a line as she waited for one of us to speak. ¡°Baby, I want you to know that I didn¡¯t intend for this to happen,¡± I said as I took hold of her hands, unwrapping her arms andcing our fingers together. ¡°Oh my god, is it Walter? Did something happen to him?¡± She eximed as tears filled her eyes. ¡°No, Mom, nothing happened to Granddad. He had to go. oversee something at the cabin, or he would be here,¡± Channing rushed out. She let out a breath as she rxed. She took a deep breath before turning to face Channing who was sitting on the coffee table across from her. Aspen was leaning against the wall, closest to the kitchen. Channing took a deep breath after I gave him a nod. Dividing info pages how One Hundred Forty ¡°Mom, I killed Dorian.¡± Dividing into pages now Chapter One Hundred Forty¨COneAll content ? N/.?vel/Dr/ama.Org. Chapter 141 Chapter 141 Chapter One Hundred Forty¨COne Luna Ryley I stared at my son as I processed what he had just told me. ¡°You did what?¡± I yelled, standing from my seat. I moved around the coffee table where Channing was sitting and started to pace. ¡°Baby, please sit,¡± ke said and my attention snapped to him. ¡°And you just let him do something like that. How could you let him kill someone, especially his father,¡± I screamed before my lungs constricted and it was hard to breathe. I know I should be grateful that he¡¯s dead and I never have to deal with him again but Channing shouldn¡¯t have been the one to kill him. And now he¡¯s an alpha. ¡°Mom, it¡¯s okay. It¡¯s not that bad,¡± Channing defended. ¡°Not that bad,¡± I mocked. ¡°Are you just going to give up your dreams to be an alpha now?¡± I questioned. ¡°We haven¡¯t decided anything yet, baby. We had been so worried about you. When the pack house exploded,¡± ke¡¯s voice faded as I was hit with a memory. ¡°I was in the basement and then I was in a bunker under the house. My father had it installed. But when the explosion. happened, something broke through the roof of the safe ||| Chapter One Hundred Forty¨COne room and I needed to get out.¡± I recalled before looking at ke. ¡°It¡¯s why you were found outside the pack house.¡± ke stood up and approached me. ¡°Yeah, it¡¯s a blur and I don¡¯t remember how I got outside,¡± I mumbled shaking my head. ¡°Mom, there¡¯s more,¡± Channing murmured and I looked at him. He was sitting with his back to me. I looked at ke. ¡°There isn¡¯t an easy way to tell you any of this. I know I should have been the one to kill him but once the pack house exploded, I couldn¡¯t move. I knew you were inside, Baby.¡± ke confessed, pulling me into his arms. He snuggled his face into my neck. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. This wasn¡¯t the life I wanted for my son. I always knew he would be a strong alpha. Apassionate alpha but I didn¡¯t want him to feel forced into something he didn¡¯t want. I always believed I didn¡¯t have. a choice. I was born to be Luna and I grew up believing that was just my life and nothing was going to change. And I was lost when it did. ¡°Channing, what else happened?¡± I opened my eyes and asked my son. It¡¯s better to get it all out and then we cane up with a solution as a family. ¡°Dorian had killed his father and was also the alpha of his father¡¯s pack.¡± I took a sharp intake of breath. He¡¯s not just the alpha of one pack but of two. ¡°Baby, please breathe. None of us knew what that fucker had done until after he was already dead.¡± ke said. My heart Dividing into pages now Chapter One Hundred Forty¨COne sank and my stomach twisted painfully. ¡°Something happened to Lisa and Chadwick.¡± My voice cracked as I remembered what Dorian had told me. ¡°I¡¯m so sorry,¡± ke said as he wrapped his arms around me. So much death for nothing. And it should have been me and Channing. I may have been his fated but he had marked her. In all ounts, I was the other woman. Guilt twisted my insides. Content rights belong to N?velDrama.Org. ¡°I need a moment,¡± I stammered as I moved out of ke¡¯s embrace and towards the stairs. ¡°Mom?¡± Aspen reached out. He was by the kitchen. ¡°Just a moment,¡± I told him before I walked up the stairs to my bedroom. Nothing they were going to say was going to make me feel any better about what happened. And it shouldn¡¯t. I came back to this world and people lost their lives. Good people. ¡°Mom,¡± Channing called out. I held up my finger to say I needed a minute, as I climbed the stairs. As soon as I was in my room and the door was closed, I let out a scream before sobs consumed me. I didn¡¯t make it to the bed as my legs gave out and I rested my head on the side of the mattress. ¡°Baby,¡± ke was beside me before I knew he was in the room. I know I said let¡¯s get everything out but this was too much. I didn¡¯t expect him to actually do something like this. How could he? ke scooped me up and sat down on our bed with me Chapter One Hundred Forty¨COne straddling his waist. I rested my head on his chest. I don¡¯t know how long I cried as ke rubbed my back and whispered sweet words to me. None of his words made me feel better. ¡°Please say that¡¯s it, ke, because I don¡¯t think I can take anymore?¡± I cried. ¡°Everything else can wait, Ryley. I have Aiden looking into finding Lisa¡¯s family since her father was killed in the battle. I will make sure they are remembered.¡± He answered as he held me tightly. ¡°I don¡¯t think Chadwick was Dorian¡¯s son,¡± I sniffed as I remembered what Dorian had confessed to me before he left me in the basement. ¡°Ryley, what are you saying?¡± ¡°It¡¯s something Dorian said to me. He called Lisa a cheater and he imed Chadwick wasn¡¯t his son.¡± I recalled. ¡°Then Lisa found her mate before she agreed to be with Dorian. I¡¯ll let Aiden know and he will find him. And her family.¡± I nodded against his chest. ¡°My mom is here,¡± ke let out a sigh. ¡°She is and I wouldn¡¯t let her see you.¡± ¡°I understand, ke. You don¡¯t know her and truth is, I don¡¯t either.¡± I confessed. My sobs had dried up but my chest was still heavy. ¡°I¡¯m not saying you have to see her, but she has been at the hospital every day demanding to see you and Channing. I Chapter One Hundred Forty¨COne W wouldn¡¯t let her see him either. I didn¡¯t want her to take him away from me if anything happened to you,¡± he choked on thest word and I looked up from ke¡¯s chest to see tears in my alpha¡¯s eyes. These past two weeks have been hard on my mate and I wanted to take it all away. To help carry the burden. ¡°Thank you for protecting us,¡± I whispered, moving to rest my forehead against his. I ced his hands on my belly. ¡°All of us.¡± Chapter 142 Chapter 142 Chapter One Hundred Forty¨CTwo Alpha ke After Ryley fell asleep. I made my way out of our room to the living room. I left my phone on the coffee table. And I needed to update Aiden ¡°How is Mom?¡± Aspen asked as I was texting out a message. He came upstairs from the basement. ¡°She¡¯s sleeping.¡± I answered. ¡°Did she say anything?¡± Channing said, stalking up behind his brother. ¡°She feels guilty about what happened,¡± I told them. ¡°About what I did?¡± Channing mumbled. ¡°About what he did to his family, Channing. She knew both of them. And if she believed he was going to hurt them, she never would have let them stay there with him. Family or not, your mom is a protector. You may not understand, and hell. I don¡¯t either but I do know that neither of them deserved to die.¡± I exined as we all took a seat around the living room. ¡°How mad is she?¡± Aspen asked me and Channing scoffed. C¨°ntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org ¡°How can you be worried about how mad she is when you hid in the kitchen the whole time?¡± ¡°Of course I did! I¡¯m her favorite and I expect to stay that way.¡± Aspen eximed. I shook my head as they argued over being Mom¡¯s favorite. Too bad she loves them both equally. 0.00% 12:58 Chapter One Hund ¡°Boys, quiet. Don¡¯t wake your mother,¡± I scolded them. After updating them on everything Ryley had told me when she awoke, I checked in with Luca. He has been running the pack with Connor and my father. I realized how much work I used to do when I didn¡¯t have Ryley when I needed three people to cover my duties. ¡°It¡¯s time to cut back. ke. We have a mate and a family. A pup on the way. They all need us.¡± Gunner said as I made my way back up to our room. I¡¯ve been away from my mate for too long. Before I entered, my phone chimed with a message. Aiden had texted back to confirm the information that I sent him earlier. And he would keep me updated. I ced my phone on the nightstand before leaning over and kissing my fianc¨¦e on the forehead. She was sound asleep and I found myself watching her. This beautiful, smart, and wonderful woman was mine. All mine. I kissed her again before walking into the bathroom to have a quick shower. I had been living at the hospital for the past two weeks and it was nice to shower in our shower. And the moment I crawled into bed beside my pregnant mate, I was home. I pulled her back flush to my bare chest with a hand on her lower belly. She didn¡¯t have a bump yet. but I knew he or she was in there, growing bigger. ¡°I love you,¡± I mumbled, my lips pressed against her neck. Her sleepy moan made me chuckle as she snuggled back into me. ¡°Mine,¡± I whispered as I held her and our baby close. A bang had me sitting up with a start. I quickly looked at my phone to see it wasn¡¯t even after midnight yet. The banging continued, stirring Ryley beside me ¡°I¡¯ll be back, stay here,¡± I told her before kissing her cheek. I pulled on a pair of sweatpants before leaving our room. 21.45% 12:58 ¡°Alpha, open this door and let me see my daughter!¡± Ryley¡¯s mother screamed as she banged on the front door. ¡°Dad, what the hell?¡± Channing yawned as he met me at the bottom of the stairs. ¡°Stay in the house,¡± Imanded before opening the front door and stepping outside. ine almost punched me in the face as I pushed her back with my chest. She wasn¡¯t alone as I looked around her. ¡°Finally,¡± she huffed, as I closed the door behind me. ¡°Connor. I need warriors at my house.¡± I linked him before turning my attention to my furious future mother¨Cinw. ¡°ine, what are you doing?¡± I growled, as I walked, forcing her to back down the front steps. ¡°I¡¯m here to see my daughter. I know she is awake and I demand to see her.¡± she scoffed ¡°It¡¯ste and she is asleep. She is still recovering and growing our pup.¡± ¡°And I¡¯m done waiting to see my daughter. You have no right to keep her from me.¡± She retorted. ¡°And you thinking to my house in the middle of the night demanding to see her was a good idea? Did you not think that she would be sleeping?¡± I exasperated. This conversation is getting old I¡¯m trying to be as patient as possible, but she came to my house. ¡°What the hell do you want with my mother?¡± I heard Channing behind me. Fuck. ¡°Son, your mother is my daughter,¡± her voice gentler than it was 63 15% O 1258D Chapter One Hundred Forty¨CTwo 288 Wouchers towards me. ¡°And yet she doesn¡¯t want to see you. Why?¡± He pushed. ¡°Well, I don¡¯t know why she wouldn¡¯t want to see her mother after eighteen years. I believed her to be dead,¡± ine huffed. ¡°And she believed you were dead but vet you didn¡¯t contact her after your beta came to my pack. What, you were too busy to see her then?¡± I used. She didn¡¯t answer but the guilt in her eyes told me everything. She was too busy, with what, I don¡¯t know or care. I let out a breath when my men showed up and Connor was the first to approach me. I wanted this to be over so I could return to my mate. I let out a curse when I heard the front door open. Don¡¯t be Ryley. I repeated until I heard her voice. ¡°Mom.¡± I turned to see her and Aspen standing on the porch. ¡°Evelyn, my baby girl,¡± ine cried. I stepped in her way before she could rush to her long¨Clost daughter Connor stepped in and pushed her back so I could approach my mate. ¡°Baby, you don¡¯t have to deal with this right now.¡± I told her as she walked down the stairs and stepped into my side. I wrapped an arm around her waist. She held onto me as she watched her mother. ¡°Evelyn, please talk to me,¡± her mother pleaded through her cries. ¡°I go by Ryley now.¡± Chapter 143 Chapter 143 12.500 Chapter One Hundred Forty¨CThree Luna Ryley I met Aspen at the bottom of the stairs by the front door. I know ke told me to stay but this was my mother and I should be the one dealing with it, not ke. And as much as I wish I didn¡¯t have to face my past, it was time. It was time for answers. ¡°Mom?¡± Aspen grabbed my arm when I walked towards the door. ¡°It¡¯s okay, sweetie,¡± I reassured him. He nodded before opening the door and stepping out before me. He was protecting me and the act brought tears to my eyes. I¡¯m supposed to be protecting him. He¡¯s my pup. My mother was crying as I walked down the stairs and into ke¡¯s arms. It was like looking at a ghost as I watched her cry and plead with me to talk to her. But when she called me Evelyn something snapped. ¡°I haven¡¯t been Evelyn in a very long time.¡± ¡°Sweetie, I know you¡¯re upset and you have every right to be but there is so much that you don¡¯t know. Please just let me exin?¡± She begged. I looked behind her to see Eli leaning against a car. ¡°You¡¯re right, you do need to exin. But it all could have waited You didn¡¯t have toe to my house and make a scene.¡± I told her. ¡°This isn¡¯t your home and these wolves aren¡¯t your family. We are. Now, it¡¯s time toe home and lead our pack ¡°My mother said and ke growled. I stared at my mother, the stranger in front of me. Connor was doing a good job at keeping her back and I was thankful. 0.00% O 12.58 D 289 Vouch ¡°Please give Gamma Connor your contact information and I will contact you when I¡¯m ready,¡± I turned towards the house with ke¡¯s fingersced with mine. Our boys were watching from the porch. ¡°Evelyn, you were never his first choice. How can you pick him over your blood? Over the people who raised you?¡± She shouted. Rage reced shock as I whipped around and everyone took a step back. Even without Lily, I could feel my aura thundering out of me. ¡°I would never expect ke to choose me over his fated mate. He lost her and if there was a way for me to go back in time to save her I would. Not just for him but for Aspen. Even if I had to give up everything I have with him now. I still wouldn¡¯t hesitate to give him back his fate. My fated mate might have been a disaster but his was perfect. And family isn¡¯t always blood. You may be my mother but you are a stranger. So, no, I¡¯m not leaving my family and home. Now leave.¡± I growled. My mother gasped but I refused to care. All content ? N/.?vel/Dr/ama.Org. ¡°What do you think your father would say about how you are acting? You are a North.¡± She retorted. ¡°My father is dead. And I¡¯m standing up for my family and my pack. I don¡¯t know if you realize this. Mother but I thought you were dead. For thest eighteen years, I haven¡¯t had a pack. Did none of you look for me?¡± I eximed. ¡°If so many people lived, then why did no onee to find me? Do you have any idea how terrified I was? I had no one and I believed the person I loved killed everyone I cared about!¡± I screamed. My body was trembling as ke wrapped his arms around me. I closed my eyes, breathing in his scent to calm me. ¡°Stormy, things didn¡¯t go as nned,¡± Eli said, stepping beside my mother. 25 35% 12:58 hapter One Hundred Forty¨CThree ¡°I order you not to say another word, Eli,¡± my mother growled. ¡°If you don¡¯t tell her then I will. She should have been included in this from the beginning.¡± He retorted. ¡°Eli, what isn¡¯t she telling me?¡± I asked him, ignoring my mother¡¯s threat. ¡°Your father¡¯s alive.¡± Eli didn¡¯t finish as my knees buckled. ke caught me, holding me tightly against his chest. ¡°Stormy, I¡¯m sorry. I didn¡¯t agree with the n but I was ordered not to speak a word.¡± He rushed out as tears streamed down my face. He tried to approach, but Connor pushed him back. ¡°He handed over the pack,¡± I whispered, trying to put the pieces together. ¡°Dad, what does that mean?¡± Aspen asked ke. ¡°Evelyn, your father did what he did to protect me from my mate and council.¡± ¡°You¡¯re his fated mate.¡± I gasped and she shook her head. ¡°Being a Luna wolf isn¡¯t always a blessing, baby girl. Alpha wolves are cruel and sometimes it leaves us no other option.¡± She defended. My chest constricted painfully as I tried to breathe. There was so much 1 didn¡¯t know or understand about what happened to my pack that fateful night. ¡°Baby, look at me,¡± ke took hold of one of my cheeks so I would look at him. His other arm was holding me from copsing to the ground. ¡°Breathe, Baby, you need to breathe. I¡¯m not going anywhere and ? O 12:58 Chapter One Hundred Forty¨CThree neither are you. I won¡¯t let you go,¡± he leaned his forehead against mine. His words had me able to take in a much¨Cneeded breath. 288 (Vouchers ¡°Alpha, you won¡¯t have a choice if her second chancees knocking. Alpha¡¯s will go mad without their Lunas.¡± My mother said. My attention snapped to her. ¡°Then it¡¯s a good thing she has already found hers,¡± Channing spoke. ¡°Evelyn, is this true?¡± She gasped. My mind was racing with all this new information and I couldn¡¯t think straight. I needed a moment to figure this out. ¡°ke is my second chance. And even if he wasn¡¯t, I love him. Nothing you have to say is going to change the way I feel about him. He and our boys are my home and I¡¯m not going anywhere.¡± I proimed. ¡°Evelyn, please,¡± she pleaded. ¡°It¡¯s Rylev, mother. Evelyn died a long time ago. Now, it¡¯ste and our boys have school in the morning. Gamma Connor will see you and your pack out.¡± ke scooped me up without another word and followed our boys into the house. I still had so many questions but mentally, I couldn¡¯t take anymore. I may never be ready for their answers. I knew this wasn¡¯t over and the thought of seeing my father again had my stomach twisting painfully. Chapter One Hundred Forty¨CFour Chapter 144 Chapter 144 Chapter One Hundred Forty¨CFour Alpha ke ¡°Dad. I don¡¯t understand, the alpha¡¯s alive?¡± Aspen asked as I sat Ryley down on the kitchen ind. Her body was trembling as she hesitated to let go of me. ¡°It means my father handed the pack over to Dorian. It wasn¡¯t won. He handed over my pack.¡± Ryley mumbled. ¡°Mom. what the fuck is wrong with your family?¡± Channing eximed, taking a seat. I wrapped my arms around her when her body started to shake with sobs. ¡°Channing.¡± I scolded. ¡°No, he¡¯s right, ke. This is so fucked up. Seventeen years I was raised to be the Luna of that pack for it to be handed to someone else. I med myself for their deaths. For falling in love with the enemy to realize I was the one in the dark.¡± She cried. The alpha in me wanted to hunt them all down and rip them apart for hurting my mate. And the other half wanted to take her away from all of this. Ryley is too good of a person to be treated like this. ¡°Let¡¯s get you some water and in bed. You are still recovering. Has Lily woken up yet?¡± I leaned down, resting my cheek against hers. ¡°She¡¯s still snoring,¡± she sniffled. ¡°Mom, I¡¯m sorry, I,¡± Channing stammered from his seat behind Ryley. She turned to look at him. I stepped to the fridge to get her a water bottle and some space tofort our son. 0.00% III O 1258D Chapter One Hundred Forty¨CFour 288 Voucher ¡°Alpha, the perimeter is secured. Men will be stationed around the house until new orders are issued.¡± Connor linked me. ¡°Thanks, Connor,¡± I linked back. ¡°And ke, Ryley is a good woman who loves you unlike anything I¡® ve ever witnessed and she deserves to be happy.¡± He closed the link. He was speaking to me as his friend and not his alpha. I looked at my mate, who had our boys wrapped in her arms. ¡°Boys, we should all get some sleep.¡± After saying goodnight and it was just me and Ryley in the kitchen, I stepped between her legs and ced the bottle of water down beside her on the kitchen ind. She rested her head on my shoulder. ¡°Baby, what your mother said about you not being my first choice.¡± I stopped speaking when Ryley brought a finger to my lips. She lifted her head and looked at me. ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter, ke. I know what she was doing. She was trying to ce doubt in my head about us. But I understand that you had a love story before me. It brought you Aspen. Just because my fate wasn¡¯t kind, doesn¡¯t mean I wouldn¡¯t want you to have yours. I love you. ke, and I want nothing more than for you to be happy.¡± My heart swelled as I looked down at the beautiful woman sitting in front of me. She was everything I didn¡¯t know I needed. The goddess gave us both a second chance and I wasn¡¯t going to waste another moment. I cupped her cheeks before bringing my lips to hers. Fuck, I¡¯ve missed her. The thought of losing her made me homicidal. She was perfect in every way and she was mine. ¡°You are never allowed to leave me,¡± I mumbled against her lips. She giggled, rubbing her nose against mine. ¡°Never,¡± she whispered. I kissed down her neck as I grabbed one of her 19.82% 12:58 Chapter One Hundred Forty Four heavy breasts through the sweatshirt she was wearing. She moaned as I rubbed my thumb over her hardened nipple. ¡°ke,¡± she gasped, as I kissed up her neck. ¡°Fuck. I want you,¡± I groaned against the shell of her ear. She shivered and I pulled her closer to the edge of the counter. I hesitated before pulling myself from her neck, resting my lips against her forehead. My heart was pounding in my chest and my dick was painfully stiff but I know my mate needed rest. ¡°Baby, you should rest,¡± I mumbled. kissing her forehead. ¡°We could rest together,¡± she breathed out. I looked down at her biting her lower lip. Ryley wrapped her arms around my neck before pushing her hips flesh to mine. I let out a groan as she wrapped her legs around my waist. I crushed my lips to hers before lifting her off the counter. She didn¡¯t have to tell me twice as I carried her up to our bedroom. Stepping into our bedroom, Ryley pulled back enough to remove her sweatshirt. Her swollen breasts bounced in my face before her lips were back on mine. ¡°Fuck that was mean,¡± I grumbled against her lips. ¡°It¡¯s only mean if I don¡¯t let you y with them,¡± she purred. I leaned down and ced her on the edge of our bed before getting on my knees between her legs. I was at the perfect height to y with her breasts as I took a nipple in my mouth. ¡°ke,¡± Ryley moaned as she ran her fingers through my hair, keeping me firmly against her chest. Pushing her back against the bed, I trailed kisses down her stomach to 12:58 D Content rights belong to N?velDrama.Org. Chapter One Hundred Forty¨CFour 263 Vouchers the waistband of the sweatpants she was wearing. I chuckled as she quickly wiggled out of them as much as she could. I pulled them off the rest of the way and discarded them behind me. The scent of her sex was stronger than before and fuck, was I not going tost long I ran my tongue up her creamy thigh as I moved her legs over my shoulders. I was taking my time teasing and sucking everywhere except where I knew she wanted me. ¡°ke.¡± she pleaded, as she tugged on my hair. ¡°Shit. I love it when you beg, Baby.¡± I ran my tongue through her lips before circling her clit. Curse words left her mouth that I hadn¡¯t even heard of before she screamed my name when I sucked her clit into my mouth. She was soaking as Ipped everything she gave me. I quickly removed my sweatpants before climbing on top of my mate. She wrapped her arms around my neck as I pushed us further up the bed. ¡°Fuck, baby I¡¯m not going tost.¡± I growled as I pushed the head into her dripping folds. ¡°It¡¯s a good thing we have the rest of the night,¡± she gasped as I pushed inside her. So wet and tight as my hips became flush with hers. ¡°So good, baby,¡± I groaned against her neck. My thrusts were slow and even as I let the pressure of my orgasm build. It was close but I needed Ryley toe first. And from the way, her walls squeezed against me and her screams became louder, I knew she was close. ¡°Fuck, ke, harder,¡± she gasped, digging her nails into my shoulders 12:58 Chapter One Hundred Forty¨CFour as I fought the urge toe. My slow and even pace became hard and rough before Ryley withered beneath me, my name on her lips. My teeth sunk into her neck before I grunted out my release. We were both left breathless as I pulled my teeth from her neck. She shivered as I licked over the mark of overiming my mate ¡°How can you feel so fucken good,¡± she breathily giggled as she looked up at me in a lustful haze. ¡°Ready for round two?¡± I purred as I rolled my hips. My cock was still hard inside of her. ¡°I¡¯m ready for whatever you want to give me,¡± she pulled me down, crushing her lips to mine. E 12:58 Chapter One Hundred Forty¨CFive Chapter 145 Chapter 145 Chapter One Hundred Forty¨CFive Luna Ryley Content rights belong to N?velDrama.Org. I tip¨Ctoed out of our room before the sun came up. I didn¡¯t want to wake ke after the night we had and the two weeks of him not sleeping at the hospital. I couldn¡¯t sleep any longer and decided to make myself a tea. After turning on the kettle, I noticed the time. It was almost time for the boys to be up for school. I wasn¡¯t sure if they were going today but I decided to prepare breakfast. Even if they weren¡¯t going. I know the two of them would be hungry. ¡°You¡¯re up early,¡± Channing yawned behind me as I was flipping pancakes. ¡°Even after all thatte¨Cnight fun,¡± Aspen eximed and I mentally facepalmed. Even in the basement, the boys could still hear us. ¡°I¡¯ll put noise¨Ccanceling headphones on the list, now pancakes,¡± I turned around and handed them both a te stacked with food. I quickly turned back around and was thankful they didn¡¯t say anything more. I was loud but I didn¡¯t think I was that loud. I was finishing up the pancakes when strong hands wrapped around my hips. Tingles spread throughout my body as ke¡¯s hands settled on my lower belly under my shirt. ¡°Good morning, Beautiful,¡± he purred against my ear causing me to shiver. ¡°Dad, stop, it¡¯s bad enough we had to hear you going at it, but we don¡¯t want to see it,¡± Aspen cringed. I turned in ke¡¯s arms. 0.00% O 12:58 Chapter One Hundred Fonty Five ¡°I put noise¨Ccanceling headphones on the list.¡± I shrugged and he grinned ¡°Good, they are going to need them,¡± his lips captured mine as he pulled me impossibly close. ¡°Time for school,¡± Channing eximed. ¡°Wait. I haven¡¯t made lunches.¡± I rushed out, pulling away from ke. ¡°It¡¯s fine. Mom I¡¯ll buy lunch,¡± he answered. I started to panic at the thought of when was thest time I put money on his card ¡°Mom, Dad gave me a card, stop worrying. Love you,¡± he kissed my cheek ¡°I love you more than him.¡± Aspen chuckled also kissing my cheek. I watched them leave the house before I turned to ke. ¡°You gave him a card? With money,¡± I huffed. ¡°Babe, it¡¯s not a big deal. It¡¯s our money and I monitor the cards. And for thest two weeks Channing¡¯s spending is nothingpared to Aspen He¡¯s a good kid. ¡± ke assured me as he wrapped me in his arms again. ¡°I don¡¯t want you to stress about anything, baby. And if that means, no more working, then so be it You have the most important job of growing our pup.¡± his words had tears in my eyes It was hard to let go of the control. I always had to worry but now I have a partner who can carry some of the worries with me. ¡°Okay, but I¡¯d still like to work, but maybe not as much. Are you going to work?¡± I asked him, finally noticing he was dressed for the office. ¡°If next week you are feeling better then you can start working again. But you need this time to rest and n the wedding. I do have to go work but I have a surprise for you.¡± ke said before kissing my forehead. I watched as he walked towards the front door. ¡°ke, I don¡¯t need anything,¡± my voice died out when he opened the door and Walter walked in. ¡°Baby girl,¡± I rushed into his waiting arms. ¡°Walter,¡± I wrapped my arms around his neck. I felt so relieved that he wasn¡¯t hurt after everything that had happened at Dorian¡¯s pack. ¡°You are never allowed to scare us like that again.¡± he squeezed me tighter. ¡°I promise, never again,¡± I told him ¡°Now, we have a wedding to n.¡± He eximed and I giggled. The butterflies were back at the talk of marrying ke. But these were good butterflies. The ones that are so excited they want to burst out of you. I pulled back and smiled at Walter before smiling at ke. ¡°Stay with Walter until I¡¯m home. There are men outside that will apany you if you need to go anywhere.¡± I almost argued, but then again, I needed him to know I was safe. It¡¯s not the same freedom I had before but I would rather have ke and our family. Even if it was going to take some time to get used to the Luna treatment again. ¡°I will have someone with me at all times,¡± I promised him. He pulled me into his arms before pressing his lips to mine. ¡°Good. Here¡¯s a card, get whatever you need or want for the wedding or anything us.¡± He handed me a ck card. I looked at the shiny new card, shaking my head. ¡°I can¡¯t take this. This is too much. It¡¯s one thing to pay for Channing O 12 50 Chapter One Hundred but for me, ke.¡± I tried to give him back the card. ¡°Baby, it¡¯s just money. You are growing my child, at least I can do is give you the wedding you want. And everything else you might need. You are also my Luna, and I want to take care of you,¡± I sighed knowing I had lost this battle. I shouldn¡¯t fight it, but I still want to be an independent person. ¡°Fine.¡± I grumbled, rolling my eyes. ¡°Did you just roll your eyes?¡± He chuckled. ¡°Maybe, but I hope you know that I¡¯m not going to be going crazy with buying designer stuff and all that. I may be a Luna now, but I still can¡¯t pay four hundred for a shirt.¡± I huffed. ¡°I¡¯m not expecting you to change, baby. Besides, I like you in my clothes,¡± he pulled me close and whispered in my ear. ¡°Good. I love you,¡± I kissed his cheek. ¡°I love you, baby, I have to go but mind link me if you need anything or if anything happens.¡± He kissed my lips before he was out the door and I already missed him. I watched from the front window as he walked towards the pack house. ¡°Miss him, already,¡± Walter asked, wrapping his arm around my shoulders. ¡°I do,¡± I sighed. ¡°He¡¯s missing you just as much, Ryley. But he has been off for the past two weeks and there are things only an alpha can handle. Now, go get ready, we have a wedding to n.¡± Chapter 146 Chapter 146 Chapter One Hundred Forty¨CSix Alpha ke I was sitting in my office going over everything with my father. I didn¡¯t want to be here and I was missing Ryley. I was feeling anxious about getting back to her and making sure she was safe. ¡°Son. I know you¡¯re worried about Ryley but Walter is watching her. Connor is also watching over her. She is fine. And you have lots to get caught up on,¡± my father said from the other side of my desk. I sighed, knowing he was right. There was so much for me to sign and look over. I also had to deal with Perry. He was still in the cells and I wanted to deal with him personally. ¡°ke, you have a visitor,¡± Luca mind¨Clinked me. ¡°I¡¯m not taking visitors. I thought you were handling that?¡± ¡°Um, well, yes, I did say that, but he has asked for you.¡± He stammered. What the hell is wrong with my beta? ¡°Fine, just send him in,¡± I told him. ¡°Apparently, I have a visitor,¡± I told my father as I massaged my temples. I¡¯ve been here for an hour and was ready to leave. There was a bang on my door and I called out for them to enter. I didn¡® t expect the man to duck his head before entering my office. He was built like a mountain as he towered into my office. I didn¡¯t recognize the man and I would have remembered a man built like him. ¡°Alpha Everett North,¡± my father eximed, standing from his seat. I did the same.This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org. 0.00% O 12.580 Chapter One Hundred Fonty¨CSix ¡°Alpha ine Orion, I didn¡¯t expect to see you,¡± his deep voice rumbled through my office. This mountain of a man was Ryley¡¯s father. Fuck. ¡°We could take him.¡± Gunner scoffed, pushing out his chest. I¡¯m sure we could but we most likely wouldn¡¯t survive. ¡°I didn¡¯t expect my daughter to be mated to your son,¡± Alpha North said and it snapped me from my thoughts. ¡°I¡¯m her fated mate, Alpha. ke Orion,¡± I introduced myself. I stepped around my desk and held out my hand to him. ¡°I was told Dorian was her fated.¡± His voice was serious. Gunner growled as I red at the alpha. I never wanted to hear the fuckers name again. ¡°She is mine, Alpha,¡± I growled, before pulling my hand back. My father quickly stepped between us. He may be a mountain but I wasn¡¯t going to back down when it came to Ryley. She was mine and always will be. Time stood still as we red at each other. I can see why he made a great mobster. He was built to intimidate. I¡¯m sure he got what he wanted with just a look but this was my family. And he walked into my pack. If he wants to see my mate and son, then he will have to go through me. I¡¯m not risking either of them, even for family. ¡°I¡¯m here to see my daughter,¡± he announced. ¡°That¡¯s something I will have to discuss with my mate. She is at home recovering. If you leave me your number, I will ry the message,¡± I told him and he growled. ¡°Are you denying me my daughter?¡± He demanded. 24.74% L Chapter One Hundred Forty¨CSix 288 vouchers ¡°As I told your mate, Ryley is capable of making her own decisions when ites to the people in her life. But I¡¯m going to protect her at all costs, even from family.¡± ¡°Her name is Evelyn,¡± he corrected ¡°She goes by Ryley now, and has since she washed up outside the city.¡± I retorted. ¡°Son, maybe you should call Ryley and let her know what¡¯s going on?¡± My father said. I stared at her father before turning to mine. ¡°Let me be clear, Alpha North, if you try anything. I won¡¯t hesitate to rip you apart. Father or not, I¡¯m not losing my mate.¡± I growled. He red at me before his face softened and he nodded. I¡¯m sure he wasn¡¯t used to people making demands of him, but I didn¡¯t care. And I can¡¯t believe I¡¯m doing this. ¡°Luca, get more men stationed around my house,¡± I ordered through the link. ¡°Baby, are you still home?¡± I closed the link with Luca and linked my mate. ¡°I am. I¡¯m still getting ready. Is everything okay?¡± She asked me. ¡°I¡¯ll see you soon,¡± I told her before closing the link. ¡°Follow me,¡± I announced before leaving my office. Luca met us at the front door. He looked up at the alpha before turning his attention back to me. I motioned for him to follow as I walked out of the pack house towards our home. More men were surrounding the house as I approached with my beta, father, and soon¨Cto¨Cbe father¨C inw. I was thankful for the security upgrade as I climbed the stairs of the porch. No turning back now, I 52.901 1258 Chapter One Hundred Forty¨CSix told myself as I opened the front door and stepped inside. ¡°ke, you can¡¯t be done already?¡± Walter called out. He was sitting at the kitchen ind. His eyes went wide and I knew Alpha North stepped in behind me. ¡°ke, did you decide to take the day off?¡± I heard Ryley yell out from upstairs. She came down the stairs, stopping when the front entrance came into view. She let out a gasp, covering her mouth with a hand Tears filled her eyes and I climbed the stairs to meet her. ¡°Dad?¡± ¡°My stormy.¡± he called her and she choked back a sob. ¡°Baby, let¡¯s talk in the kitchen.¡± I took hold of her hand. Her eyes snapped from her father to me, now standing a few stairs below her ¡°I don¡¯t understand?¡± She stammered, her hand trembling in mine. I climbed thest few stairs until I was standing on the one below the one she was standing on. ¡°He came to my office, but you don¡¯t have to speak to him. It¡¯s up to you, baby,¡± I told her. I needed her to know that she was in control He was just going to have to live with whatever his daughter decided. ¡°Yeah?¡± I asked when Ryley nodded her head. ¡°Are you sure?¡± And she nodded again. ¡°Okay, let¡¯s talk in the kitchen.¡± Chapter 147 Chapter 147 Chapter One Hundred Forty¨CSeven Luna Ryley I busied myself in the kitchen while the others took a seat at the dining table. My mind was racing with questions but ultimately I wanted to know why. Why was my whole life turned upside down? I didn¡¯t realize I had stopped moving until I jumped when ke¡¯s hands wrapped around my waist and he snuggled his face into my neck. I had my hands on the counter by the coffee machine, bracing myself as I tried to take in much¨Cneeded air. ¡°Breathe, baby, I¡¯m right here,¡± he mumbled against my neck. I inhaled and exhaled a few times, calming down my racing heart. ¡°Better?¡± I nodded, as I grounded myself. I didn¡¯t need to fall apart now. I had to be the strong Luna I was born to be. Or some shit like that. I know if Lily was awake she would be scolding me. ke grabbed mugs and I poured the coffee and helped him take everything to the table before taking a seat beside him. I felt my father watching me the entire time and I took a seat across from him. He looked the same, but older. I smiled knowing that Channing had his eyes. ¡°Where¡¯s your boy?¡± He asked, taking a sip of his coffee. ¡°School,¡± I answered. ¡°So, you and Dorian?¡± ¡°Yep,¡± I popped the ¡®p¡®. 0.00% Chapter One Hundred Forty¨CSeven 289 Vouchers ¡°Then he was right about you being his mate.¡± ¡°Is that what he told you? Because I didn¡¯t know until after the attack,¡± I retorted. ¡°It¡¯s what got the n in motion. Your mother is a Luna wolf, like you, Stormy, and she also wasn¡¯t my fated mate,¡± he confessed. ¡°She told me that when she was here. So, the beautiful love story you both told me was a lie.¡± ¡°It wasn¡¯t a lie, Evelyn, it just happened a little differently.¡± My body trembled as my mind raced through events I remembered from my earlier years, before the attack. ke wrapped his arm around my shoulders, pulling me closer to him. ¡°Then, please, exin, because I can¡¯t for the life of me figure out why you and mom would abandon me like that. Or why you would hand over our pack to someone other than me? I worked my ass off to make you proud and you just gave it to someone else. Someone who I believed killed my family and tried to kill me.¡± I said in despair as tears ran down my cheeks. I was quick to wipe them away. ¡°Evelyn, I was always proud of you. But I needed to have your mate there to protect you. And that was Dorian. I didn¡¯t expect my Beta to take you and run.¡± He growled. ¡°Alpha Everett, you need to start at the beginning,¡± ine said. ¡°ine wasn¡¯t my fated mate, she was Darius¡®, and he was my friend. He was about to make his long¨C term girlfriend Luna when they met. I was there the night they met and after they rejected each other, I imed her. Neither one of us knew she was a Luna wolf. Your mother never confessed that to me until after she had given birth to you. There was a mother and pup who your mother saved the day you were born, Stormy. It was then I started to research everything I could 19 69% 12:58 Chapter One Hundred Forty¨CSeven 288 Vou find on Luna wolves and everything I found, I hid. I wanted to protect you and your mother.¡± ¡°Dorian said his father was obsessed with mom. But why if he rejected her?¡± I asked him, remembering what Dorian had told me when he took me. ¡°Alpha males will go mad without their Luna wolves. He had his mate which slowed down the madness but when she died, he became desperate for mine. He wanted his fated mate back. And I wasn¡¯t about to hand over my mate, fated or not.¡± He answered. I didn¡¯t say anything as I put the pieces together. Darius believed my mother was dead and his wolf stopped the obsession, but why not just kill Darius? If he was the problem, then why not end it? ¡°Why didn¡¯t you just kill him?¡± ke questioned. ¡°Because, young man, I wanted out. It was bing harder and harder to keep ine¡¯s secret. I thought if I handed over my pack to my daughter¡¯s mate, then she and the pack would be protected. And I would be able to protect my mate.¡± ¡°Stormy, I saw you were happy with him, that¡¯s the only reason I set up this n. I never would have if I would have known what I do now,¡± he told me. ¡°Why not just tell me? Include me in your n.¡± ¡°You weren¡¯t supposed to know we were alive. Your mother and 1 thought it would be for the best, to keep you both safe. If the council found out that she was a Luna wolf, then they would assume you were as well. We just wanted a normal life and we couldn¡¯t do that running a pack.¡± He responded. ¡°So you abandoned your daughter,¡± Walter scoffed and my father growled. ¡°Who the fuck are you?¡± My father retorted. ¡°I¡¯m the man that was raising the daughter and grandson you left behind, you selfish prick. Did you even bother to look for her after you found out she went over that cliff? Or did you just believe the fucker who just two weeks ago tried to kill her?¡± Walter stood from his chair and yelled at my father. I screamed as my father stood up and flipped the dining room table before stomping up to Walter. He was shaking in rage as he red down at the man who took care of me and my son. ¡°Alpha Everett, this is our home and you will respect it,¡± ke ordered, stepping in between the two men who raised me. My father for the first seventeen years, and Walter for thest seventeen years. ¡°She is my daughter, my blood, not yours,¡± my father shouted, ignoring ke¡¯s warning. ¡°No. you need to know what your actions could have cost you. She was ready to give up when I found her, and if I didn¡¯t her and her son would be dead. I don¡¯t know who the fuck you thought you were protecting, but it wasn¡¯t your daughter. The one person who you should have protected at all costs.¡± Walter stormed out, mming the door behind him. ¡°Dad, I think you should go,¡± I cried, and his attention snapped to me ¡°Stormy, I¡± he stammered and I held up my hand. ¡°He¡¯s right, I was ready to give up. And without him, I would most likely be dead. I understand your need to protect mom, but what about me? You never gave me a chance to prove myself. To be the Luna you were raising me to be. You just left when you thought you could pass Chapter One Hundred Forty¨CSeven me onto my mate.¡± I left the kitchen and walked upstairs to my bedroom, leaving the mess behind. I needed time alone to clear my head. Hundred Forty¨CEightThis text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org. Chapter 148 Chapter 148 Chapter One Hundred Forty¨CEight Alpha ke I watched as my mate rushed up the stairs and away from the scene her father caused. ¡°Mate is under too much stress,¡± Gunner growled and my heart twisted painfully I shouldn¡¯t have brought him. I know she needed answers but those answers could have waited. I turned back to see the aftermath. My kitchen was a disaster and the alpha had misty eyes as he watched where his daughter ran away. When my father and beta tried to turn over the table, the alpha snapped out of it. ¡°Shit, I¡¯m sorry. This wasn¡¯t how I wanted things to go.¡± he said as he helped turn the table back over. He could have done it himself. ¡°Alpha Everett, I¡¯m telling you this because I don¡¯t want my mate to have to relive it. Walter saved her life. She was ready to give up after a few days on the streets. She had just been attacked in the city and she couldn¡¯t handle the guilt of what happened to her pack. She walked out on a bridge and jumped. Walter jumped in after her, saving her She woke up in the hospital three dayster, with Walter never leaving her side. He has been like a father and grandfather to Channing Both you and your mate need to give her time and this extra stress isn¡¯t good for her or our baby.¡± ¡°She pregnant!¡± He eximed. ¡°She is. And she has also been through hell. First the council and then her mate. She will reach out when she is ready ¡°I told him. He let out a sigh before nodding 0.00% O 12:59 Chapter One Hundred Forty¨CEight 288 Voucher ¡°This wasn¡¯t how I thought this would go. I believed she would have been happy with Dorian.¡± Gunner let out a growl. ¡°Just to be clear. Ryley and Channing are mine. And both will have myst name after this weekend. That fucker almost cost me everything.¡± My chest rumbled at the memory of what happened at his pack only a few weeks ago. ¡°Your wolf has imed another alpha¡¯s son?¡± He questioned. ¡°He has and hers has imed mine. And I¡¯m aware alpha wolves don¡¯t im other alpha¡¯s pups but both my wolf and I agree that Channing is ours.¡± I exined. He sped me on the shoulder. ¡°Thank you for taking care of them.¡± He nodded before heading towards the door. ¡°ke. I have someone on their way to clean this up. We should head back to the pack house.¡± Luca said. ¡°I should check on Ryley,¡± I told him. ¡°Give her some space. Just link her and tell her you love her.¡± My father advised. ¡°ke, we may have a problem.¡± My gamma linked me. I rushed outside to see Alpha Everett approaching Walter who was standing by his truck. I knew why Connor called me out here. I was the only one here who could take on the massive alpha. He flipped my dining table like it was nothing. ¡°Alpha Everett,¡± I called out as I rushed over to them. He put his hands 1. up. ¡°I don¡¯t want to start anything. I want to apologize and to thank the 26.76% 1254 Chapter One Hundred Forty¨CEight 288 wouchs man who took care of my daughter and grandson.¡± ¡°Ryley is the most genuine person I¡¯ve known. And she deserves to be happy. She has dealt with so much. She has a good thing here with ke and her boys. I don¡¯t know what you were thinking but I want to believe you didn¡¯t do what you did with malicious intent.¡± Walter told him. ¡°I would never purposely hurt my daughter. I wanted to keep her safe. I knew the council woulde after her but if she was with her fated there was nothing they could do. He was her fated. I just didn¡¯t expect things to happen the way it did. And that¡¯s my fault.¡± He confessed ¡°Alpha ke, when she is ready, tell her to call me.¡± he pulled out a card and handed it to me before walking towards the pack house. ¡°Well that was fun,¡± Luca breathed out when the alpha was out of sight ¡°Dad, you could have warned me that her father was a giant,¡± I eximed and he and Luca both chuckled. This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org. ¡°Scared?¡± Luca teased and Gunner growled. Luca held up his hands in surrender. ¡°I thought he was dead, son, or I would have told you more about him.¡± My father confessed. ¡°Ryley would have never let him hurt you or the boys,¡± Walter added. ¡°We have more work back at the pack house. Are you still able to stay with her?¡± I asked him. ¡°Of course, I¡¯ll check on her and make her some tea. I¡¯ll try to get her out of the house to take her mind off of everything that happened. Talking about the wedding makes her happy.¡± I smiled. I was excited 51.61% 4470 12:59 Chapter One Hundred Forty¨CEight 288 Vouch for the wedding this weekend. Hopefully, there¡¯s time to get everything done in time. ¡°Go inside, someone will be here shortly to clean up the mess in the dining room.¡± I told him. He nodded before heading back into the house. ¡°Baby, I love you. If you need me, I¡¯m here.¡± I linked her, as we walked back to the pack house. ¡°I love you, ke. Thank you. I need some time to myself.¡± She replied. ¡°Walter is there if you need someone to talk to. And if you need me, just link, and I¡¯ll be home.¡± I told her. ¡°I promise.¡± I closed the link, missing my mate. This can¡¯t be easy on her. I understand what her father was hoping for but it didn¡¯t happen that way. Maybe things would have been different if she had been involved in the n or his beta hadn¡¯t run with her. Maybe he didn¡¯t like the n. I remember his son, Eli said he didn¡¯t like it. But whatever the case may be, she didn¡¯t deserve any of it. She deserves to be happy and I just want to make sure she is. That she never has to worry about anything ever again. And one day when the boys take over, we can spend the rest of our lives together, raising our little pups. 78915 12.59 Chapter One Hundred Forty¨CNine Chapter 149 Chapter 149 Chapter One Hundred Forty¨CNine Luna Ryley I sat in the window seat of our bedroom and watched theke and forest behind the house. I was thinking over everything my father had told me. I do understand. I would do anything to keep ke safe but I don¡¯t think I would be able to give up my children. Even if they had found their mates and were happy. I would never be fully happy without them in my life. A man like my father just couldn¡¯t walk away from his life as a mobster. I know I told him, I was cleaning up the packs but it would have put a target on my back. Powerful people don¡¯t like it when their money stops. But Dorian and I had a n. We were going to merge our packs and be the strong leaders we were raised to be. The worst part besides feeling abandoned by my parents was that I loved Dorian. He brought out this side of me that I hadn¡¯t shown anyone until ke. I was too scared to love someone as much as I loved Dorian. I believed I was fated to my enemy. To the person who took my parents and pack from me. ¡°Ryley, are you okay?¡± Lily yawned. I pulled my knees to my chest and sobbed. Hearing her broke my dam and I no longer had to be strong After rying everything to Lily and making sure our pup was safe. I was able to calm down. I had been without my best friend for a few days and needed to unload all this stress. I didn¡¯t know how I was going to have my parents back in my life. I didn¡¯t know how I was going to be able to run two packs while being a Luna to ke¡¯s. ¡°Ryley, take some time for yourself. Focus on what needs to be taken 0.00% ? 12:59 Chapter One Hundred Forty¨CNine care of, which is marrying ke and taking care of our pups. Everything and everyone else can wait.¡± She reassured me. ¡°Baby girl, are you okay? I made tea,¡± Walter knocked and called out to me from the other side of the door. ¡°Come in.¡± I replied. I quickly wiped my face with my shirt. Walter walked in carrying a mug. ¡°Oh my sweet girl,¡± he put the mug down before rushing to sit with me. He pulled me into his arms and held me tight. ¡°How are you feeling?¡± He asked me and I shrugged. ¡°It¡¯s a lot.¡± I mumbled, pulling back. ¡°It¡¯s is, but if anyone can handle it, it¡¯s you, baby girl.¡± He assured me I looked at him and smiled. He has always been the one cheering me on. He believed in me when I didn¡¯t believe in myself. ¡°Thank you, Walter, for everything you ever done for me. You¡¯ve given me hope when I had nothing. And when I marry the love of my life. I want you to walk me down the aisle.¡± I took his hands in mine ¡°I would be honored,¡± he leaned in and kissed my forehead. ¡°But if there is going to be a wedding this weekend, then we need to go out. There is so much to do before Saturday evening ¡± He chuckled ¡°I guess I should get ready again,¡± I sighed, knowing I looked like a hot mess. Walter left my room and I got ready again. The little makeup I had on was gone and my cheeks were tear¨Cstained from my crying. It had been a long, emotional morning, but I wasn¡¯t going to waste the day. I needed to get things ready for the wedding. 30.32% O 1259 Chapter One Hundred Forty¨CNine As I walked down the stairs to meet Walter, I heard him talking with Channing. ¡°Channing, what are you doing home?¡± I asked him when they both came into view from the stairs. ¡°I just forgot a book. I had time before my next ss and came home. Is everything okay? There was someone here cleaning the kitchen.¡± He asked me. ¡°Everything is okay. My father came by for a visit and things got a little heated.¡± I exined. ¡°Mom, what happened? Did he hurt you?¡± Channing rushed out, as he met me at the bottom of the stairs. ¡°ke was with me, and Walter. No one was going to hurt me. Physically, anyway.¡± ¡°I¡¯m sorry. Mom, this must be rough.¡± He gave me a side hug and I hugged him back. I could never not be in his life. I would kill anyone who dared try to take him away from me. And that¡¯s going to be the hardest thing to live with moving forward. ¡°It would be worse if I didn¡¯t have you, Aspen, and ke. As long as I have you three and this little bean, I¡¯ll be just perfect,¡± I told him as I rubbed my lower belly. ¡°Not going anywhere, Mom, but we do need to talk about me being an alpha now,¡± he sighed. ¡°I don¡¯t mean to put more on you than you already have.¡± ¡°Just hand the pack over to me, Channing, and I will deal with it. I would never force you to be an alpha if your heart wasn¡¯t in it.¡± 58.41% 12:59 ?? O One Hundred 2881 ¡°And how do I do that? Is it really that simple?¡± He questioned. ¡°It is, you just cut your palm and renounce the pack to me. Then it will be my responsibility, not yours.¡± I replied. ¡°Let¡¯s do it,¡± he said, cutting his palm. I did the same and he renounced the pack to me. Multiple links opened up and I quickly closed them. The pack would have felt the power shift. And now I had a massive headache. ¡°Thank you, Mom,¡± Channing hugged me before he left to head back to school. ¡°Baby, what just happened?¡± ke linked me. I know he would have felt it as well since he is my mate and we are marked. ¡°I took over the pack from Channing,¡± I answered. ¡°Baby, I could have done that. You are under too much stress,¡± he sighed. ¡°I¡¯ll be fine, ke. Lily is now awake. I¡¯m going out with Walter. I love you.¡± ¡°I love you too. See you tonight.¡± 83 88% O 1259 < apler One Hundred FiftyThis text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org. Chapter 150 Chapter 150 Chapter One Hundred Fifty Luna Ryley Wedding day I smile to myself as I wait in my champagne silk wedding dress. My hair is curled and pulled over one shoulder with ivory lilies holding it in ce. My makeup was light with just a hint of color. I¡¯ve never felt more beautiful than I do right now. I was waiting by the back door of our house, waiting for our guests to be seated and for the ceremony to start. There were only about ten people we were sharing this moment with but it was perfect. After today. Channing and I would be Orions and I would have the family I always dreamed of having. And a mate who loves me. While I was waiting, it gave me a few moments to think about how my life has changed. Never did I think I would get married, let alone be pregnant again. I was happy with it being just me and Channing but this was so much better. After experiencing my life with ke, I couldn¡¯t go back to the life where I didn¡¯t have him. This journey may have been hard but he makes it all worth it. Everything I¡¯ve gone through has been easier with him by my side. I¡¯m incredibly lucky to have such a wonderful second chance. I didn¡¯t invite my parents. I haven¡¯t spoken to them since my father¡¯s visit. I love them but I need to focus on my family. Maybe in the future, we can all sit down ande to peace with everything that had happened but it won¡¯t be until I¡¯m ready. I¡¯m not a young girl anymore and I don¡¯t need them. Even though the decision wasn¡¯t easy. I have to remind myself not to feel guilty about the decision that they made. 0.00% 12:59 Chapter One Hundred Fifty ¡°Ready, baby girl?¡± Walter stuck his head in. He gasped when he saw me for the first time in my dress. ¡°You look so beautiful,¡± He walked in and kissed my forehead. He looked down at me with misty eyes. ¡°I¡¯m so proud of you. Ryley, and you deserve to be happy. To have this wonderful love story with a mate who loves you. And ke loves you. I¡¯ve always thought of myself as your father and it gives me peace of mind knowing he will always protect you and your pups with his life.¡± His words had my eyes misty. ¡°I¡¯ve always thought of you as a father to me. And I¡¯m so thankful you think of me as your daughter. I wouldn¡¯t have made it this far without you.¡± My voice cracked. ¡®Oh, don¡¯t cry, baby girl. We still have to get you married. Let¡¯s not keep ke waiting any longer.¡± I nodded as I wiped away the few fallen tears. I wrapped my arm around his before he led me out into the garden. The cool evening air chilled my hot skin as I walked into the garden lined with fairy lights. The sky was changing from beautiful pink and purple to navy as the sun was setting behind theke. Ivory lilies lined the aisle and the archway ke was standing under. He was wearing dark cks and a white shirt with a few buttons undone. It was informal but this was also his day and I want him to befortable. And he looks sexy as hell. It didn¡¯t matter what he wore, as long as he said I do. This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org. ¡°If we weren¡¯t already pregnant, we would be tonight,¡± Lily purred. My eyes locked with ke¡¯s and everyone faded away. It was only him and me as I walked down the aisle towards my fated mate. My second chance at an epic love story. 38.02% Èý O 1259D Chapter One Hundred Fifty ¡°You are beautiful, baby,¡± ke kissed my cheek as I walked into his waiting arms. Our boys were standing on either side of the arch. ke and Walter shook hands before ke took my hand in his and we walked to stand under the archway together. I smiled at the man who would soon be my husband. The man who became my whole world without me realizing it. He¡¯s the father to our boys and the baby I¡¯m carrying. And I couldn¡¯t have asked for a better partner. He took my hands in his as we looked at one another. The officiant. cleared his throat and began. ¡°We are all here today because two people fell in love. Regardless of their pasts. they stand here together to proim their love for each other and their family. To blend these two families to be one. Fate works in mysterious ways but we can all agree these two were meant to be and we are all here to bear witness to the love they have for one another.¡± 77.60% Chapter 151 Chapter 151 Chapter One Hundred Fifty¨COne Luna Ryley Twenty weekster I was walking around theke behind the house. Well, more like waddling Baby was due any day now and I was hoping this would convince them toe out. I felt huge and everything ached. And I¡¯ve been bored out of my mind since ke won¡¯t let me work. I¡¯ve been off for thest four weeks, and the nursery is done and waiting for our pup to arrive. We decided to have both packs move to the city. It¡¯s still a work in progress but I was able to get all the finances in order. We are just waiting for more housing. But everything seems to being together. I stopped to take a few deep breaths as my stomach tightened. I¡¯ve been having contractions off and on but they never get worse. And they would go away. C¨°ntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org ¡°Luna, is everything alright?¡± Connor asked me. ke assigned his gamma to be my personal guard when I wasn¡¯t with him. ¡°Yeah, just taking a breather.¡± I sighed. ¡°Do you need to sit and rest? We could walk back now. Here, drink some water.¡± He passed me the water bottle he was carrying. I took a long sip. ¡°Maybe we should head back.¡± We both turned around and headed towards my home. About halfway there, a contraction hit so strong I doubled over, takingbored breaths. 12 59 Chapter One Hundred Fifty¨COne 258 Vouchers ¡°Fuck, Luna, what¡¯s wrong?¡± Connor kneeled in front of me. The poor guy looked terrified. ¡°I think I¡¯m finally in realbor,¡± I chuckled as the pain had subsided. ¡°Okay, what do I do?¡± He eximed in a panic as I started to walk again. I needed to get home and to the hospital. It wasn¡¯t far but I wasn¡® t giving birth on a path in the woods by ake. ¡°Just walk with me. Labor can take hours. Just breathe,¡± I told him. I chuckled at the irony. ¡°Lily, how is everything?¡± I asked my wolf. ¡°We are inbor. but it¡¯s still early. I¡¯ll take as much as I can.¡± she hissed as another contraction hit. I stopped to take deep breaths until it subsided again. ¡°ke,¡± I called to him through the link. ¡°Baby, what¡¯s wrong?¡± His panicked voice filled my head. ¡°I¡¯m out for a walk by theke, and I¡¯m inbor.¡± I felt him close the link ¡°I linked, ke,¡± I said to Connor as we walked slowly towards home. ¡°Luna, are you sure you are okay?¡± ¡°I¡¯ll be better once this baby is out of me,¡± I joked, before letting out a hiss. Fuck, this hurts. ¡°Ryley,¡± ke eximed as he ran upon us. ¡°ke, what are you doing?¡± I gasped as he scooped me up into his arms. 24.83% O r Chapter One Hundred Fifty¨COne 298 Vouchers ¡°I¡¯m getting you to the hospital. What the hell were you thinking walking so far from home?¡± He scolded as he rushed down the path toward home and the hospital. ¡°ke,bor can take hours, even days. I would have made it, and walking would have kept my mind off the pain,¡± I exined, before I groaned in pain again. ¡°Just breathe, baby. You got this.¡± ke assured me, as he kissed my cheek. ¡°Lily, why aren¡¯t you helping?¡± I scolded my wolf once the pain calmed down. ¡°I am helping. Baby just wants toe out.¡± She whined. I knew she was in pain because I was. ¡°Damn it. this hurts,¡± I gritted out as ke rushed into the hospital. By the time I was in a room and changed, I was unable to speak. The pain was too much and all I could do was try to breathe through the contractions that didn¡¯t seem to stop. ¡°Luna, it¡¯s time for you to push.¡± the doctor said from between my legs. ¡°I think I¡¯m done.¡± I groaned and ke chuckled before kissing my forehead. ¡°Our pup is almost here, baby. You are doing so well. Don¡¯t you want to meet them?¡± ke encouraged me. He has been great this entirebor but he can¡¯t take the pain. And it was overwhelming. ¡°Just take deep breaths and with the next contraction, I want you to push as hard as you can, Luna,¡± I nodded to the doctor. ¡°You got this, baby, you are the strongest person I know,¡± ke told me before I pushed with everything I had left in me. 47 79% 1259D Chapter One Hundred Fifty¨COne I was exhausted and drenched in sweat by the time our pup came into the world. ¡°It¡¯s a girl,¡± The doctor announced as she held up our baby. I cried as I looked at our daughter. She started to scream unhappy with the world. around her. ke cut the cord and the doctorid our baby girl on my bare chest. She sniffled as she calmed down. She had dark hair like her daddy ke was looking at her with tears in his eyes as I rubbed her back. I couldn¡¯t see her face but I was enjoying her tiny body against mine. ¡°She is beautiful, baby. You did so good.¡± ke kissed my forehead as he rubbed his daughter¡¯s cheek. ¡°And what should we name her?¡± I asked him. We didn¡¯t find out what we were having, and we couldn¡¯t decide on names. We wanted to wait until the baby was born. ¡°I think we should call her Evelyn, after her mommy,¡± ke said and I smiled up at him. ¡°Evelyn Mia Orion. It sounds perfect.¡± Tears rolled down my mate¡¯s cheeks as he closed his eyes. I knew this was going to be an emotional day for him. ¡°It¡¯s perfect, just like my girls.¡± ke smiled down at me before he leaned down and kissed me. ¡°Words aren¡¯t enough to say how much I love you,¡± He whispered. ¡°My heart feels the same way about you.¡± Chapter 152 Chapter One Hundred Fifty-TwoExclusive content ? by N?(v)el/Dr/ama.Org. Luna Ryley Wedding day I smile to myself as I wait in my champagne silk wedding dress. My hair is curled and pulled over one shoulder with ivory lilies holding it in ce. My makeup was light with just a hint of color. I¡¯ve never felt more beautiful than I do right now. I was waiting by the back door of our house, waiting for our guests to be seated and for the ceremony to start. There were only about ten people we were sharing this moment with but it was perfect. After today, Channing and I would be Orions and I would have the family I always dreamed of having. And a mate who loves me. While I was waiting. it gave me a few moments to think about how my life has changed. Never did I think I would get married, let alone be pregnant again. I was happy with it being just me and Channing but this was so much better. After experiencing my life with ke, I couldn¡¯t go back to the life where I didn¡¯t have him. This journey may have been hard but he makes it all worth it. Everything I¡¯ve gone through has been easier with him by my side. I¡¯m incredibly lucky to have such a wonderful second chance. L 1724 I didn¡¯t invite my parents. I haven¡¯t spoken to them since my father¡¯s visit. I love them but I need to focus on my family. Maybe in the future, we can all sit down ande to peace with everything that had happened but it won¡¯t be until I¡¯m ready I¡¯m not a young girl anymore and I don¡¯t need them. Even though the decision was casy I have to remind myself not to feel guilty about the decision that they made ¡°Ready, baby girl?¡± Walter stuck his head in. He gasped when he saw me for the first time in my dress. ¡°You look so beautiful.¡± He walked in and kissed my forehead. He looked down at me with misty eyes ¡°I¡¯m so proud of you, Ryley, and you deserve to be happy. To have this wonderful love story with a mate who loves you And ke loves you I¡¯ve always thought of myself as your father and it gives me peace of mind knowing he will always protect you and your pups with his life¡± His words had my eyes misty ¡°I¡¯ve always thought of you as a father to me. And I¡¯m so thankful you think of me as your daughter. I wouldn¡¯t have made it this far without you.¡± My voice cracked. Oh, don¡¯t cry, baby girl. We still have to get you married. Let¡¯s not keep ke waiting any longer,¡± I nodded as I wiped away the few fallen tears. I wrapped my arm around his before he led me out into the garden. The cool evening air chilled my hot skin as I walked into the garden lined with fairy lights. The sky was changing from beautiful pink and Chapter One Hundred Fifty-Two 208 Wouchers purple to navy as the sun was setting behind theke. Ivory lilies lined the aisle and the archway ke was standing under. He was wearing dark cks and a white shirt with a few buttons undone. It was informal but this was also his day and I want him to befortable. And he looks se xy as hell. It didn¡¯t matter what he wore, as long as he said I do. ¡°If we weren¡¯t already pregnant, we would be tonight,¡± Lily purred. My eyes locked with ke¡¯s and everyone faded away. It was only him and me as I walked down the aisle towards my fated mate. My second chance at an epic love story. ¡°You are beautiful, baby,¡± ke kissed my cheek as I walked into his waiting arms. Our boys were standing on either side of the arch. ke and Walter shook hands before ke took my hand in his and we walked to stand under the archway together. I smiled at the man who would soon be my husband. The man who became my whole world without me realizing it. He¡¯s the father to our boys and the baby I¡¯m carrying. And I couldn¡¯t have asked for a better partner. He took my hands in his as we looked at one another. The officiant cleared his throat and began. ¡°We are all here today because two people fell in love. Regardless of their pasts, they stand here together to proim their love for each other and their family To blend these two families to be one. Fate. works in mysterious ways but we can all agree these two were meant to be and we are all here to bear witness to the love they have for one another.¡± 6324 1724 Chapter One Hundred Fifty Two 211 Wouchers 1724 Chapter One Hundred Fifty Three Chapter 153 Chapter One Hundred Fifty-Three Luna Ryley Twenty weekster I was walking around theke behind the house. Well, more like waddling. Baby was due any day now and I was hoping this would convince them toe out. I felt huge and everything ached. And I¡¯ve been bored out of my mind since ke won¡¯t let me work. I¡¯ve been off for thest four weeks, and the nursery is done and waiting for our pup to arrive. We decided to have both packs move to the city. It¡¯s still a work in progress but I was able to get all the finances in order. We are just waiting for more housing. But everything seems to being together. I stopped to take a few deep breaths as my stomach tightened. I¡¯ve been having contractions off and on but they never get worse. And they would go away. ¡°Luna, is everything alright?¡± Connor asked me. ke assigned his ga mma to be my personal guard when I wasn¡¯t with him. ¡°Yeah, just taking a breather.¡± I sighed. fll 17:25 ¡°Do you need to sit and rest? We could walk back now. Here, drink. some water.¡± He passed me the water bottle he was carrying. I took a long sip. ¡°Maybe we should head back.¡± We both turned around and headed. towards my home. About halfway there, a contraction hit so strong I doubled over, takingbored breaths.Exclusive content ? by N?(v)el/Dr/ama.Org. ¡°F uck, Luna, what¡¯s wrong?¡± Connor kneeled in front of me. The poor guy looked terrified. ¡°I think I¡¯m finally in realbor,¡± I chuckled as the pain had subsided. ¡°Okay, what do I do?¡± He eximed in a panic as I started to walk. again. I needed to get home and to the hospital. It wasn¡¯t far but I wasn¡¯ 1 giving birth on a path in the woods by ake. ¡°Just walk with me. Labor can take hours. Just breathe,¡± I told him. I chuckled at the irony. ¡°Lily, how is everything?¡± I asked my wolf. ¡°We are inbor, but it¡¯s still carly. I¡¯ll take as much as I can,¡± she hissed as another contraction hit. I stopped to take deep breaths until it subsided again. ¡°ke,¡± I called to him through the link. J 1725 Chapter One Hundred Fifty Three ¡°Baby, what¡¯s wrong?¡± His panicked voice filled my head. ¡°I¡¯m out for a walk by theke, and I¡¯m inbor.¡± I felt him close the link. ¡°I linked, ke,¡± I said to Connor as we walked slowly towards home. ¡°Luna, are you sure you are okay?¡± ¡°I¡¯ll be better once this baby is out of me,¡± I joked, before letting out a hiss. F uck, this hurts. ¡°Ryley,¡± ke eximed as he ran upon us. ¡°ke, what are you doing?¡± I gasped as he scooped me up into his arms. ¡°I¡¯m getting you to the hospital. What the hell were you thinking walking so far from home?¡± He scolded as he rushed down the path toward home and the hospital. and ¡°ke,bor can take hours, even days. I would have made it, walking would have kept my mind off the pain,¡± I exined, before I groaned in pain again. ¡°Just breathe, baby. You got this.¡± ke assured me, as he kissed my check. Chapter One Hundred ¡°Lily, why aren¡¯t you helping?¡± I scolded my wolf once the pain calmed down ¡°I am helping. Baby just wants toe out.¡± She whined. I knew she was in pain because I was. ¡°Da mn it, this hurts,¡± I gritted out as ke rushed into the hospital. By the time I was in a room and changed, I was unable to speak. The pain was too much and all I could do was try to breathe through the contractions that didn¡¯t seem to stop.. ¡°Luna, it¡¯s time for you to push,¡± the doctor said from between my legs. ¡°I think I¡¯m done,¡± I groaned and ke chuckled before kissing my forehead. ¡°Our pup is almost here, baby. You are doing so well. Don¡¯t you want to meet them?¡± ke encouraged me. He has been great this entirebor but he can¡¯t take the pain. And it was overwhelming. ¡°Just take deep breaths and with the next contraction, I want you to push as hard as you can, Luna,¡± I nodded to the doctor. ¡°You got this, baby, you are the strongest person I know,¡± ke told me before I pushed with everything I had left in me. I was exhausted and drenched in sweat by the time our pup came into the world. 55.815 Chapter One Hundred Fifty-Three ¡°It¡¯s a girl,¡± The doctor announced as she held up our baby. I cried as I looked at our daughter. She started to scream unhappy with the world. around her. ke cut the cord and the doctorid our baby girl on my bare chest. She sniffled as she calmed down. She had dark hair like her daddy. ke was looking at her with tears in his eyes as I rubbed her back. I couldn¡¯t see her face but I was enjoying her tiny body against mine. ¡°She is beautiful, baby. You did so good.¡± ke kissed my forehead as he rubbed his daughter¡¯s check. ¡°And what should we name her?¡± I asked him. We didn¡¯t find out what we were having, and we couldn¡¯t decide on names. We wanted to wait. until the baby was born. ¡°I think we should call her Evelyn, after her mommy,¡± ke said and I smiled up at him. ¡°Evelyn Mia Orion. It sounds perfect.¡± Tears rolled down my mate¡¯s cheeks as he closed his eyes. I knew this was going to be an emotional day for him. ¡°It¡¯s perfect, just like my girls.¡± ke smiled down at me before he leaned down and kissed me. ¡°Words aren¡¯t enough to say how much I love you,¡± He whispered. ¡°My heart feels the same way about you.¡± 77 40% Chapter 154 Epilogue Alpha ke It was Evie¡¯s first Christmas Eve and the cabin I had built for Ryley. waspleted. The boys were back from school for the holidays and we were all at the cabin. Walter and his family were staying in theirs, and we were nning on having Christmas dinner together. Even my parents were staying with us. It¡¯s not like we didn¡¯t have the room. I made sure this cabin would be big enough for us and all our future pups. Ryley and I have been married for over a year, and Evie is eight months old. I¡¯m not sure where the time has gone. As soon as she was born, months turned into days. And now, our first Christmas ast a family. it was I looked around the decorated living room as I waited for Ryley toe back down. She was putting Evie down as I started a fire in the firece. The boys were hanging out with Walter and a few of his grandsons so it was just going to be me and my wife this evening. I was looking forward to some much-needed alone time with my mate.C¨°ntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org Our pack has grown with the addition of the two packs. Work has been. crazy and then we have a baby to care for. The boys are both eighteen now. Aspen is training to be an alpha while Channing is in premed on a hockey schrship. He could go pro if he wanted but his heart is set on being a doctor. And we are so proud of both our boys. ¡°Finally,¡± Ryley huffed as she flopped beside me on the leather couch. She snuggled into my side as I wrapped an arm around her. 17:25 ¡°Fighting the sleep?¡± I chuckled. ¡°I knew she was tired and she knew it too, but she didn¡¯t want to close her eyes.¡± She eximed and Iughed. Our daughter didn¡¯t want to miss anything. She was the cutest handful. She had my dark hair but her mother¡¯s stormy grey eyes. She was the perfect mix of both of us. ¡°Tomorrow, the boys will be here to help. You know how much she loves her brothers.¡± I squeezed her close, kissing her temple. ¡°ke. I spoke to my mom earlier and she asked if she and my dad coulde out the day after Christmas. I told her I would talk to you about it. I didn¡¯t want to give her an answer if you had ns for us.¡± She sighed, resting her head on my shoulder as we watched the fire. Ryley has been working hard to have a functioning rtionship with her parents and her friend, Eli. I¡¯m not his biggest fan, mostly, because he¡¯s in love with my wife, but I trust her. They havee a long way and have given Ryley the space she needs to heal. ¡°As long as you¡¯re okay with it, baby, I¡¯m okay with it. I don¡¯t want you to feel like you have to since it¡¯s the holidays.¡± I replied. ¡°I want them here. I want us all to be able to be a family. Somedays are easier than others but it¡¯s getting better.¡± She shrugged. ¡°Then invite them. It will be good to spend time with all our families.¡± I mumbled, kissing her hair. She moved so she could look at me. ¡°Thank you, for everything, ke. I love you so much,¡± she leaned in and kissed me. I smiled against her lips. ¡°How about you show me how much you love me?¡± I pulled her into myp so she was straddling me. I mmed her down, grinding my aching c ock into her core. §° ¡°Hold that thought, I have a present for you,¡± I groaned as she kissed me before climbing off myp. ¡°Baby, can¡¯t it wait?¡± I grumbled and she chuckled as she walked back from the tree. It was in the corner of the living room, decorated to perfection. She smiled as he handed me a small wrapped box with a big gold bow. I sat forward and Ryley sat down beside me. ¡°Baby, you didn¡¯t have to get me anything. I have you and our babies. I have everything I could ever need or want.¡± I told her. ¡°Please, just open it.¡± she pouted. I sighed before opening the top of the box. I looked at her before looking inside the box again. She was grinning as I stared in the box. ¡°ke, please say something?¡± Ryley pleaded as I couldn¡¯t form words. I just stared at the photo of an ultrasound. ¡°You¡¯re pregnant,¡± I breathed out, ¡°I¡¯m pregnant, daddy wolf.¡± ¡°You¡¯re pregnant,¡± I eximed as I wrapped my arms around her, pulling her on myp again. My lips found hers as I kissed the most perfect woman and she was mine. She was giving me another pup. ¡°So, you¡¯re happy?¡± She questioned, pulling her lips from mine. ¡°Happy? I¡¯m ecstatic. I wasn¡¯t expecting this, but it¡¯s the best present you could have given me.¡± I kissed her again. Ryley rested her forehead against mine. We were both breathing heavily and I just wanted to take her upstairs and im her all over 214 NoucherE again. ¡°I love you, my alpha,¡± she mumbled, kissing my forehead. ¡°I love you, my luna.¡± I brought her lips to mine again before I stood up from the couch, to carry my Luna to our bedroom. My phone rang out and I groaned. Who the hell would be calling met now? I sat back down and pulled it out of my pocket. Luca¡¯s name. shed on the screen. ¡°Why is Luca calling?¡± ¡°Answer it, there could be something wrong?¡± Ryley insisted.. ¡°Luca?¡± I answered. ¡°ke, I¡¯m sorry to interrupt, but we have a situation here,¡± my heart sank and my stomach twisted. ¡°What happened?¡± ¡°The council is here.¡± To be continued¡­. 87 82% Chapter 155 Book Two Chapter One Luna Ryley ¡°Dad,¡± ke called out for his father as he removed me from hisp. ¡°ke,¡± I stood up from the couch, grabbing his arm. ¡°Baby, don¡¯t fight me on this. Stay here and I will handle the council.¡± ¡°No.¡± I retorted. ¡°Son, what¡¯s wrong?¡± ir questioned as he rushed down the stairs with his mate. ¡°Luca just called. The council showed up at the pack. I need to get the boys and you need toe with me ¡± ke exined. ¡°I¡¯ming with you.¡± I demanded, crossing my arms over my chest. ¡°No, you¡¯re not. I¡¯m not risking you or our child. You will stay here. with Evie and the boys until I call for you. Am I clear?¡± hemanded. and I huffed, ¡°This is our pack. ke.¡± He sighed before pulling me against his. chest. ¡°I¡¯ll go get the boys and inform Walter,¡± his father said as ke rested his forehead against mine. ¡°I¡¯ll check on Evie,¡± his mother said. ¡°I need you safe, baby,¡± he mumbled, caressing my lower belly. My belly wouldn¡¯t pop for at least another eight weeks. 1725 ¡°And I need to be with you. We know nothing of why they are showing up now and I won¡¯t let them hurt you. ke. I can heal you. Please, don¡¯t make me sit here and wait,¡± my voice choked and tears fell down my cheeks. He took hold of my cheeks, wiping the tears away with his thumbs. I had so much to lose but I wouldn¡¯t let it go without a fight. The council. is after me and I won¡¯t let it hurt my family. ¡°Baby girl?¡± I heard Walter say as everyone entered our cabin. ¡°Mom, what¡¯s wrong?¡± Channing questioned. ¡°The council is at the pack. Luca called,¡± ke informed them without taking his eyes off me. ¡°And I¡¯m pregnant,¡± I whispered. ¡°What?¡± Aspen and Channing eximed in unison. ¡°Your mom is pregnant. She is also staying here, while I deal with the council.¡± ke said. ¡°ke?¡± I yelled. ¡°Mom, he¡¯s right. You need to protect Evie and the baby,¡± Channing said. ¡°I need to protect my mate.¡± I retorted. ¡°Baby, Gunner and I will be fine.¡± ke tried to reassure me. ¡°Channing, you go with Dad and I¡¯ll stay with Mom and Evie. This could be a trap to get you away from Mom,¡± Aspen said and my heart. twisted painfully. ¡°ke, if something happens to you,¡± I cried, unable to finish. He 18 74% 1725 wrapped me tightly in his arms. ¡°Nothing is going to happen to me, baby. I¡¯ve been looking into the council and I knew they woulde knocking. I can handle this and be back before morning to see our baby girl¡¯s first Christmas,¡± he mumbled, his cheek against mine. ¡°I don¡¯t like this and I can¡¯t lose you,¡± I pleaded with him. ¡°This is my pack, baby. I¡¯m not going to let them walk in there and threaten my pack members. They did that with Perry behind my back and never will it happen again.¡± I took a deep breath before nodding. I hated this and my stomach was in knots. He took hold of my cheeks so I would look at him. ¡°Now, you will stay inside until I return.¡± He said firmly with no room to argue. ¡°I have my boys out patrolling as we speak. And I will join them. shortly,¡± Walter informed my mate. ¡°Good. Aspen will stay inside with the girls.¡± ¡°Please,¡± I begged, gripping his forearms. ¡°I will be back soon.¡± he kissed my lips before going to get ready to leave. Channing wrapped me in his arms. ¡°I¡¯ll keep him safe. And congrattions. We will celebrate when we get back.¡± He kissed my cheek. ¡°You be safe,¡± I grabbed his arm before he could move away. ¡°I will, Mom.¡± ¡°Keep them safe,¡± he hugged his brother while I waited for ke. 40935 Book Two Chapter One ke came down the stairs dressed, ready to leave. And I was panicking about letting him go. I knew all too well that the council were monsters and I didn¡¯t want him to get hurt like I did. ¡°Baby, everything will be okay,¡± he pulled me into his arms.Content rights belong to N?velDrama.Org. ¡°You don¡¯t know that,¡± I choked, swallowing down my so bs. ¡°I¡¯ll be back before morning. I love you, more than anything.¡± He mumbled, kissing my lips. ¡°I love you.¡± Before I knew it, he was out the door with the others and I was rushing to the window. ¡°Please keep them safe,¡± I whispered, watching two of my boys get into ke¡¯s truck. ir also got in and I was thankful they weren¡¯t going alone. ¡°Congrats, Momma wolf,¡± Aspen kissed my temple as he wrapped an arm around my shoulders. ¡°I don¡¯t like this, Aspen. I have a bad feeling.¡± I told him as we watched the truck drive away. ¡°My dad would burn down this entire world to get back to you. He will be okay, Mom,¡± he reassured, squeezing me tightly. ¡°I hope you¡¯re right. I will burn the council and every pack that stands. with them to the ground if anything happens to them.¡± I promised. ¡°Ryley, sweetie, let me make you some tea. I know you are worried but you are growing a baby and taking care of your daughter. ir will keep them safe.¡± Liz came over and grabbed my hand, giving me a small smile. 64 13% ¡± O 17:25 ¡°And it¡¯s such good news. Tomorrow we will celebrate.¡± I nodded. The perfect moment was overshadowed by the council. The same council who could have killed our daughter. I should have taken them down when we learned of themmanding members to find Luna wolves. ¡°Come on, Mom. Dad will kill me if you don¡¯t try to get some rest,¡± Aspen pulled me away from the window and led me over to the couch in front of the burning fire. ¡°I¡¯ll make tea,¡± Liz said, leaving for the kitchen. I sat down, staring at the mes dancing in the stone firece. ¡°They will be okay, Ryley,¡± Lily whined, unconvincing. ¡°They better.¡± 17. Chapter 156 Book Two Chapter Two Alpha ke My father was riding shotgun while Channing was in the backseat. I watched her in the window as I pulled away from the cabin. The path. was now smooth as I had apany pave a road to the cabin from the main road. Guilt twisted my stomach painfully as I lost sight of her and the cabin. She¡¯s pregnant and there wasn¡¯t a chance in hell I was letting the council get a hold of her this time. ¡°Lily will keep them all safe,¡± Gunner growled.Content rights belong to N?velDrama.Org. ¡°I know she will. But this should be us celebrating as a family. She is giving us another pup.¡± I retorted. My knuckles were white as I gripped the steering wheel. I f ucking hate the council and heads were going to roll for this. ¡°Dad, are you okay?¡± Channing asked from the backseat. ¡°No. Your mother is pregnant and I have to leave to deal with this g odd amn council. The same council that could have killed our daughter.¡± I ranted, unable to hold in my rage. Having Lily has made me a calmer alpha until s hit like this happens. Then I be homicidal. I have too much to lose now. And as powerful as Ryley is, there is still a target on her back because she is a Luna Wolf. One of only two we know of. She and her mother. I dug my phone out of my pocket and quickly looked for Alpha Evertt¡¯s contact while keeping an eye on the road. It was winter and the snow covered everything in a nket. The call rang through the speakers of Book Two Chapter Two the truck while I waited for him to answer. ¡°ke, Merry Christmas. It¡¯s good to hear from you,¡± he answered. ¡°Evertt. I need you and your men to head out to the cabin. Ryley is there with everyone.¡± I rushed out. ¡°And where the f uck are you?¡± he growled. ¡°I¡¯m on my way back to the pack to deal with the council who just showed up. I have my father and Channing with me. Walter is there with his family, and he has his sons patrolling while they wait for me to return.¡± I told him, ignoring his tone. This is about keeping his daughter and grandbabies safe. ¡°This could be a trap, ke.¡± ¡°And that¡¯s why I¡¯m calling you for backup. I can¡¯t leave my pack unprotected and I would feel better if you could drive up there to keep my wife and daughter safe. I will be back before morning. I just need to tell them to f uck off.¡± I scoffed. ¡°I¡¯ll be there within the hour. Let Walter know I¡¯ming. I don¡¯t want any surprises.¡± he ended the call and my father pulled out his phone to call him. ¡°Dad, Mom is going to be safe.¡± Channing gripped my shoulder reassuringly. ¡°Either way. I¡¯m burning that council to the ground.¡± When I finally pulled the truck up in front of the pack house, council. warriors were standing guard as my Beta yelled at two of the councilmen. I looked on with pride as Luca tried to handle the situation. It¡¯s the day before Christmas and we shouldn¡¯t be dealing with this. Even my warriors have a different schedule over the holidays. so they all get to be with their families. Most of the single warriors. 1725 Book Two Chapter Two volunteer to work Christmas so the mated ones can spend it with their pups. I parked my truck and we all got out. I could see the relief on Luca¡¯s face as I rushed over to him. ¡°What seems to be the problem?¡± I demanded, taking the spot beside my Beta. My father and Channing came to stand with us. ¡°We got wind of you hiding another Luna Wolf. Alpha ke. Also, the council would like to test your daughter,¡± he didn¡¯t get to finish as Gunner let out a murderous growl. I gripped the f ucker by his cor, lifting him off the snowy ground. Council warriors pointed their guns at me and my men got ready to fight. My pack was and my Luna. These men wouldn¡¯t get loval to m very far if they chose to fire. ¡°Let me make this clear. The council will never touch my Luna again. And my daughter will never be subjected to your f ucking tests. And if another Luna Wolf is hiding here in my pack. she is under my protection. Now get the f uck out of my pack.¡± I growled. throwing the f ucker back before I ripped him apart. He stumbled back into his partner. ¡°Under thews.¡± he coughed. ¡°I don¡¯t give a f uck about yourws. And I will no longer be paying for the council who almost killed my mate and daughter. If you wanted a f ucken war, you got one. Now get the f uck out.¡± I yelled. Gunner shifted, ready to attack. If they thought my wolf would be more understanding, they were wrong. Gunner bared his sharp teeth with his hackles raised. ¡°We¡¯ll be back.¡± The other councilman said and Gunner growled. snapping his massive jaw. I could smell their fear, even when they ¦°¦© were trying to hide it. ¡°I don¡¯t think that would be wise,¡± my father called out as the men rushed to their SUVs, their warriors following. I waited until the SUVs pulled out of the driveway before shifting back. The cold winter air cooled my hot skin.. ¡°ke, 1,¡± I head up my hand to stop Luca. ¡°This wasn¡¯t your fault. Go inside and be with your family. I¡¯ll clean up this mess and be back the day after tomorrow. If you can, get more warriors at all the entrance points. Pay them double for their time. I don¡¯t want any more surprises.¡± I told him. ¡°I will. I know a few that could use the extra pay. How¡¯s Ryley?¡± He asked and I gave him a knowing look. ¡°Oh she¡¯s pis sed and pregnant,¡± Channing breathed out. ¡°Sir?¡± A warrior handed me a pair of sweatpants. I pulled them on with Luca staring at me. ¡°You could have f ucken told me!¡± he eximed, throwing his arms up. ¡°I just found out before you called. She gifted me an ultrasound. Not even the council couldn¡¯t ruin this news. picture.¡± I smil ¡°ke, get back to her. I will clean this mess up. She has to be worried out of her mind.¡± Luca demanded. ¡°And you need to make sure she is safe. This could have been a distraction to get to her.¡± he sighed. ¡°I called her father. Also, Walter is there with his sons. They are patrolling.¡± ´¨ Book Two Chapter Two ¡°And Aspen is with Mom and Evic.¡± Channing finished. ¡°Still, get back there and I will see you in a few days.¡± He patted me on the back. ¡°And ke, congrats, buddy.¡± Chapter 157 Book Two Chapter Three Luna Ryley Time hade to a stop. My husband and our son had left over an hour ago and it has felt like a lifetime. My body hasn¡¯t stopped trembling since they walked out the cabin door. Anxiety and fear twisted my stomach painfully as I try to drink this dam n tea. ¡°Mom, can I ask you a question?¡± Aspen broke the silence. We were both sitting on the couch watching the fire burn in the firece. ke¡¯s mother had gone to her room. I know it¡¯s hard for her to be away from ir. ¡°You can always ask me anything. No matter how embarrassing you think it might be.¡± I replied, resting my head on his shoulder. ¡°I met someone,¡± he breathed out. I tried not to let the bubble of excitement pop. ¡°Oh, and how are you feeling about that?¡± I asked instead, dying to know all the details of my son¡¯s love life. He hasn¡¯t had a good run at it so far. It would seem his brother is the go-to for thedies. Channing is a handsome young man but so is Aspen. ¡°I met herst time I was home with Landon. We went to a party and she was there with a friend.¡± Landon is Lucas¡¯ son who went off to Alpha training to learn more about being a beta. ¡°And what is your question, my love?¡± I wanted to know more but I could hear the hesitation. Love was hard for him. He is such a wonderful young man. Smart, charming, calm, but furiously protective. When he finds his mate, she is going to be the luckiest wolf alive. 1726 ¡ö- ¡°When someone says they are busy, can they always be busy and not be avoiding you?¡± ¡°She could just be busy. I know I also was at your age. There was no way in hell I had the time to date, even if I wanted to.¡± I told him and he sighed. ¡°She texts, but I think I want more when she doesn¡¯t.¡± ¡°Well, can you tell me more about her?¡± I asked, softly. ¡°She isn¡¯t from our pack. Or hasn¡¯t joined yet. I don¡¯t know, she doesn¡¯t like to talk about it. She works a lot, if what she is telling me is true. I don¡¯t know, Mom. It just seems like I like her more than she likes me but she doesn¡¯t want to tell me the truth. And I¡¯ll be away for another six months, training.¡± My boy sounded so defeated, that I wanted to find her and punch her in the face for hurting my sweet Aspen. ¡°I think you should meet up with her when we get back and say to her what you told me. If she doesn¡¯t want to be with you, there¡¯s nothing you can do. I can see you like her but sometimes it isn¡¯t enough.¡± I wrapped an arm around his shoulders before kissing his temple. ¡°But dad fought for you, how do I know when to give up?¡± ¡°I¡¯m not saying what you wou give up, I¡¯m saying you tell her how you feel and from this. And it wasn¡¯t like I didn¡¯t like your father from the first moment I met him. I was scared. Once I got to know him, I knew he could break me and I wasn¡¯t going to be able to survive if he did.¡± I exined. ¡°I¡¯ll try to talk to her,¡± he sighed. ¡°You are perfect, my sweet boy. Your mate is going to be the luckiest. wolf.¡± I kissed his head. I jumped when there was a bang on the front door. Aspen immediately. 24.431 1726 stood up from the couch. He stalked towards the door. My heart was in my throat as I nned out a path to get to Evie if this was the council. ¡°Stormy, open up, it¡¯s Dad,¡± my father called out. ¡°What the hell is he doing here?¡± Aspen turned and whispered to me. I stood up and inched closer to the door. He would never work for the council but maybe they threatened Mom. ¡°Stormy, ke called me. I have men patrolling with Walter¡¯s.¡± I inched towards the door, hesitating as my hand wrapped around the handle. ¡°He¡¯s here, with Eli,¡± Aspen informed me. He was looking out the window. I unlocked the door, opening it to find my father and my childhood best friend. A gust of window air blew in, cooling my hot skin.. My father ducked his head, hisrge frame filling the doorway, before he wrapped his strong arms around me. ¡°It¡¯s okay, Stormy,¡± he mumbled, using my nickname. He was also a stormy since we shared the same gray eyes. Eli stepped inside and Aspen quickly closed and locked the door. ¡®Are you okay?¡± My father took hold of my cheeks so I would look up at him. My lip trembled and my eyes filled up with tears. ¡°ke will be okay, baby girl,¡± He wrapped an arm around my shoulders and led me over to the couch. I couldn¡¯t speak as fear twisted. my stomach. I looked at my phone and still, there was nothing from him. ¡°What the¡± Eli growled, he leaned forward and picked something off the floor. Whatever it was was blocked by the coffee table. He was 51.86% 17:26 seated in a chair and Aspen was sitting on the other couch. ¡°Are you pregnant?¡± he gasped and that¡¯s when I noticed the box in his hand. It was the box I had gifted to ke with the ultrasound picture of our newest addition. ¡°Stormy?¡± My father questioned. But I couldn¡¯t take my eyes off Eli. ¡°I am. I surprised ke with the news before Luca called.¡± ¡°And we are so excited to meet our new brother or sister,¡± Aspen eximed. ¡°That¡¯s such good news,¡± my father squeezed me in for a hug. This wasn¡¯t how I wanted to announce my pregnancy but thesest few hours have thrown me. I¡¯m exhausted from worry and my stomach has been churning since he said he was leaving. And it¡¯s not just the baby¡¯s protests. ¡°Congrats, Stormy. Alpha, I¡¯m going to go check on the men,¡± Eli stood up and moved towards the door to leave. ¡°Wait,¡± I called after him. I stood up and rushed over to him, wrapping my arms around his neck. ¡°Thank you foring.¡± I told him. He removed my hands from around his neck before stepping back.Exclusive content ? by N?(v)el/Dr/ama.Org. ¡°Lock the door behind me,¡± he demanded before he walked out the front door. Eighteen years of space did nothing but tear our friendship apart. I. wanted to go back to the way things were between us, but I knew it would kill ke. It would kill me to see him friends with another woman. So, I fought back the tears and locked the door. Chapter 158 Book Two Chapter Four Alpha ke It was well past midnight when I pulled the truck in front of the cabin. Men were stationed outside the front door. When I got out, I was greeted by Walter. ¡°Things went well?¡± ¡°No. I basically dered war on the council,¡± I sighed, pinching the bridge of my nose. ¡°It will be alright, son,¡± he sped my shoulder. ¡°Channing, go check on your brother,¡± I told him. I didn¡¯t need him to worry while he was away for college. He nodded before heading into the cabin. ¡°They mentioned another Luna Wolf hiding in my pack. But when they mentioned testing Evie, I lost it. They are never getting their hands on my daughter.¡± I growled. ¡°And we will protect them. Both of them.¡± He reassured. ¡°She¡¯s pregnant.¡± He gasped. ¡°She told me before I received the call from Luca. I want that council gone by the time that babyes into the world. I¡¯m tired of them trying to control my family.¡± ¡°And I will help any way that I can,¡± he said. ¡°I want you to join my pack. I need more people I can trust with their safety.¡± ´¨ ¡°Done. ¡°ke, what did the council want?¡± Everett asked, walking up to the truck with Eli. I pushed my lips in a line, holding in the growl that was creeping up my throat. I knew Ryley was with me. We were married. and she bore my mark but f uck, I hated that guy. ¡°Nothing good,¡± my father answered. He was standing on the other side of my truck. ¡°It¡¯s not good, Everett. They think another Luna Wolf is hiding in my pack. I don¡¯t know if it¡¯s true, but if it is, I told them she was under my protection and to f uck off.¡± I exined. ¡°They came all that way to confront you about another Luna Wolf?¡± Eli questioned. ¡°No, they came because they wanted to test my daughter,¡± I snapped. ¡°What the f uck?¡± Everett eximed. ¡°We are at war, Everett. I understand if you don¡¯t want to be involved. I know they don¡¯t know about ine, but I would be more careful. They seem to have people everywhere.¡± I warned him. ¡°And I will do anything to protect my mate. daughter, and granddaughter. I made that mistake once before and I won¡¯t be making it again.¡± I gave him a nod. ¡°Thank you. If you are feeling up to it, you and ine are wee to join us for dinner tonight.¡± ¡°Even if I wasn¡¯t, do you think ine would miss the chance to spend Evie¡¯s first Christmas with her?¡± he chuckled. ¡°She¡¯ll need a second room for all the stuff she bought her.¡± ¡°Take your men and go get some rest. Thank you foring on such 16.97% 300 Mouchers short notice.¡± ¡°We will keep them safe. See you in a few hours.¡± He gathered up his men while Walter, my father, and I went into the house. Channing and Aspen were sitting at the kitchen counter. ¡°Dad, I¡¯m not going back to alpha training.¡± Aspen informed me. ¡°That¡¯s not an option, son.¡± ¡°But,¡± he tried to protest but I held up my hand. ¡°We will talk about thister. It¡¯s bedtime.¡± Imanded. I was exhausted and I just wanted to curl into bed beside my wife. ¡°Where¡¯s your mom?¡± I asked Aspen. ¡± ¡°Couch,¡± he replied. I walked into the living room to find my mate wrapped in a nket. I noticed the ultrasound photo on the coffee table. I sat down beside her and picked it up. Our baby still looked like a tiny bean.. ¡°ke.¡± Ryley grumbled, half asleep. ¡°I¡¯m here, baby.¡± I leaned down and kissed her forehead. She wrapped her hands around my neck. ¡°Never do that again. I was so worried.¡± she cried, rubbing her face. into my neck. ¡°I¡¯ll try not to, but it¡¯s bedtime.¡± I picked her up. She was still wrapped in the nket as I carried her upstairs to our room. ¡°I love you so much,¡± she mumbled, nting kisses along my neck. My grip tightened. ¡°You need to rest, baby. It¡¯s been a long night.¡± I kissed her forehead. 39.87L 17:26 Book Two Chapter Four 28 Nouchen ¡°If youy me on my back, I¡¯ll be technically resting,¡± she purred, running her warm, wet tongue up my neck. I groaned as I opened the door to our room. ¡°You are not making this easy.¡± ¡°I¡¯m supposed to be making it hard,¡± she giggled, as she sucked my carlobe into her mouth, rolling it between her teeth. She yelped when I threw her on the bed, bouncing to a stop with her head on the pillows.Exclusive content ? by N?(v)el/Dr/ama.Org. I ripped the nket around her, away, as I crawled onto the bed, stalking her. She watched me, biting her bottom lip. She was supposed to be sleeping but instead, she had to wake the beast inside me. ¡°You, my Luna, are such a naughty girl,¡± I growled as I hovered above. her. Forcing my knees between her legs I rolled my hips so she could. feel what she was doing to me. The sweatpants I¡¯m now wearing did nothing to conceal the monster between my legs. ¡°F uck, babe,¡± she moaned, arching her back and pushing her full breasts into my chest. ¡°I need you, ke,¡± she panted, looking up at me with her stormy gray eyes. I moved back onto my knees and removed my shirt. Ryley sat up just enough to remove hers before she ran her hands down my hard chest, leaving a trail of tingles in her wake. I quickly removed my pants and helped her pull off the leggings she was wearing. Her arousal hit me and my c ock throbbed painfully. I tugged on it hard as I ran the head through her dripping folds, before finding her tight entrance. She cried out when I mmed into her, groaning as my hips became flush with hers. I put one of her legs over my shoulders before leaning over her and cing my hands on either side of her head. 17.261 ¡°ke,¡± she moaned. Each thrust of my hips was harder than thest. and her pus sy mped down around me. She was gasping for breath as her nails dug into my forearms. ¡°Always so f ucking wet for me, baby,¡± I groaned, leaning down I nipped at her shoulder. ¡°ke,¡± she moaned my name over and over as her walls became at vise. I grunted as I thrust harder. The head of my coc k swelled and I knew I wasn¡¯t going tost much longer. My alls tingled with the need to release. ¡°Cu m for me, baby,¡± I demanded. She screamed out her release and with that, I came deep inside her. I grunted and groaned as I was left with that, I came de breathless. ¡°Feel better?¡± I panted, kissing her forehead. ¡°So much better,¡± she breathed out, her eyes closed. I rolled off of her and pulled her against my side. She rested her head on my chest. I covered us with a nket before snuggling into my mate. O Chapter 159 Book Two Chapter Five Luna Ryley I awoke naked and wrapped in ke¡¯s strong arms. I smiled, snuggling closer to him. I¡¯m so relieved that he¡¯s safe. We didn¡¯t get to talkst night about what happened, but I didn¡¯t need words. I needed him. I heard Evie up in the room beside ours and sighed. I was hoping for some more time in her father¡¯s arms before having to get out of bed. I untangled myself from ke¡¯s tight hold and quietly got out of bed. I pulled on a robe before leaving our room and entering hers. She was standing in her crib, bouncing. She let out a squeal when she noticed me. ¡°Good morning, my baby girl. Merry Christmas,¡± I picked her up and snuggled her to my chest. She was getting so big. Slie began to suck on my bare chest and I knew she was hungry. I quickly changed her diaper before sitting down in the rocking chair by the window. Shetched on and I watched the sunrise, holding our baby. She was beautiful with her dark brown hair and big gray eyes. I rubbed her chubby check and she closed her little eyes. She had quite an exciting day yesterday and I knew another one wasing. It¡¯s our first Christmas as a family and I was excited. The holidays mean so much more when you have someone to share it with. I remember all the Christmas¡¯ when it was just Walter, Channing, and me. We would go skating and cook dinner together. After we would. watch Christmas movies while we ate homemade pies. And I can¡¯t wait to share all of that with ke and Aspen. And now our daughter. Evie was fast asleep by the time I was done feeding her. Iid her back down before going to get dressed. I needed to get breakfast made and ´¨ 1821 Voters dinner prepped. Walking through the house to the kitchen, the house was so quiet. This is how Christmas morning has been for thest few years but when Channing was younger he would be the first one awake. He would rush to the kitchen and turn the coffee maker on before going to see what Santa left in his stocking. Then when the coffee was done brewing he would wake me and Walter. I smiled at the memory as I pushed the button to start the coffee marker. While the coffee was brewing. I walked into the living room to get the fire started. This ce was a Christmas wondend and I was going to give myself ten minutes with my cup of coffee to enjoy the c rackling of the fire. By the time I had the fire roaring, the coffee was ready. I poured myself a cup and sat down on the couch with my feet on the coffee table. Moments like these are overdue in my life but I wouldn¡¯t change it for anything. Being a Luna and a mother is busy but I have ke this time around. I¡¯m not alone. ¡°Told you.¡± Lily chimed in. ¡°Yeah. Yeah.¡± I rolled my eyes. It wasn¡¯t long until Walter joined me on the couch with a mug of coffee. He sat back beside me with his feet on the coffee table. I leaned my head on his shoulder and he kissed my head. ¡°Merry Christmas, baby girl.¡± ¡°Merry Christmas,¡± I mumbled. ¡°ke and Evie must still be asleep.¡± ¡°They are. Evie was up but after a feeding, she was asleep again. So I figured I would make breakfast and get a head start on dinner.¡± I told ÏÉ 1726 him.Exclusive content ? by N?(v)el/Dr/ama.Org. 1 ¡°ke invited your parents to dinner tonight, did he tell you?¡± I scrunched up my face, not expecting that. ¡°No, but we didn¡¯t talk about what happenedst night. My nerves. couldn¡¯t take much more of it. Was it bad?¡± I asked him. ¡°I think ke should exin everything to you. But he did ask me to join your pack, to which I agreed.¡± I sat up and looked back at him. ¡°What?¡± ¡°I should have done it when you first joined. There are only a few of us that ke trusts with your life Ryley. And now you have a daughter who is most likely a Luna Wolf. I need to be there to protect you both.¡± He wrapped his arm around my shoulders and tugged me back against him. I smiled when he kissed my forehead. ¡°As long as you are sure this is what you want.¡± I sighed. ¡°I get to watch over my daughter and granddaughter. It¡¯s what I want, baby girl.¡± ¡°And I want you there.¡± I told him. We sat in silence, listening to the crac kle of the fire. I knew my ten minutes were up, but I didn¡¯t want to move. Walter will always be afort. He knows me better than I know myself and I¡¯m so thankful for him. ¡°Good morning,¡± I greeted Aspen as he walked in and sat on the coffee table in front of me. ¡°What are you doing up so early?¡± ¡°I haven¡¯t slept. I need you to speak to Dad for me.¡± My stomach twisted.. 64 70% O 17260 ¡°Aspen, what are you talking about? Is this about the girl you were telling me about?¡± ¡°No, this is about the war with the council. I¡¯m not going back to Alpha training. I¡¯m staying to protect you, Evic, and the baby,¡± he said. ¡°I don¡¯t understand,¡± I leaned forward and took hold of his hands. ¡°I¡¯m not leaving you. The council is going to being after the pack. Training is just going to have to wait.¡± 01:551 Chapter 160 Book Two Chapter Six Alpha ke I awoke to an empty bed. I groan as Ryley¡¯s space is cold. Evie must be up already, I thought as I sat up. But I didn¡¯t hear any noiseing from her room. I pulled on my sweatpants fromst night and peeked my head into her room. She was still sound asleep. I smiled looking at my sleeping daughter. She may have my dark hair but she looked like her mother. I quietly closed her door and went back into our room to shower. I needed a moment to clear my head and get everything I would tell Ryley in order. I didn¡¯t want to worry her about the council, not now, but they weren¡¯t going away. Yesterday they proved they would show up anytime and as much as I love it out here, we needed to get back to the pack. I didn¡¯t need their army showing up when I wasn¡¯t there. ¡°You need to tell our mate the truth, ke. There¡¯s no way around this. We are going to war.¡± Gunner growled. ¡°She pregnant. I don¡¯t want her to worry about this.¡± I retorted. ¡°So, you are willing to lose our mate? That¡¯s what will happen if you lie to her about this. They threatened our daughter, nothing is scarier than a momma wolf protecting her pup. I won¡¯t lie to Lily,¡± he snapped. I sighed, letting the hot warm run over my stiff body. I knew he was right but I wanted to protect my family. I can¡¯t lose them. Ryley¡¯s body protected our daughter, but what if this time it can¡¯t? I couldn¡¯t live with myself if anything happened to our child. I quickly washed before getting out of the shower. I needed to speak with my mate. I felt guilty for not telling her everything after I was 0.00% O 17:26 Book Two Chapter Six home, but I didn¡¯t want to stop our moment. She needed release a the hours she spent worrying. after I dried off and wrapped the towel around my hips before walking into our room to get dressed. That¡¯s when I heard my little princess. She was up and babbling to herself. I pulled on a pair of sweatpants and grabbed a shirt before leaving my room to get my Evie. She let out a squeal when I opened the door. ¡°Good morning, my little piggy,¡± I cooed as she gripped the crib railing, bouncing. I pulled on my shirt before I picked her up. ¡°Merry Christmas, my pretty little girl. Should we go see Mommy?¡± Iid her down on the change table to get her ready for her first. Christmas morning. ¡°Mum, mum, mum,¡± she mumbled and I sighed. ¡°Dada,¡± I repeated. She has been saying mum for a few weeks now, but I was hoping her first word would be dad. I still remember Ryley¡¯s face when she said mum for the first time, bragging that she was Evie¡¯s favorite. Evie kept on mumbling Mum as I got her changed and into a new Christmas sleeper. It was pink fleece with rainbow snow kes. When she was ready, I picked her up and left her room to find Mommy. Evie started pulling on my scruff, so I started to tickle her chubby tummy. She squealed inughter as she fought to get away from the tickles. When I walked into the living room, the atmosphere changed. Walter was sitting on the couch with Aspen and I could hear banginging from the kitchen. ¡°What did you tell her?¡± I demanded, looking between the both of 30.17% 17:26 Book Two Chapter Six 1288 Mouchers them. ¡°Mum, mum,¡± Evie squealed and I knew Ryley had entered the living room. ¡°Baby, what did they tell you?¡± I let her take Evie into her arms before I pulled them both against my chest. ¡°Baby?¡± I asked again, rubbing my nose against hers. ¡°Mom, let me take her,¡± Aspen stood up from the couch. I was surprised he was awake this early. ¡°Booboo,¡± Evie reached for her oldest brother. ¡°I have some fruit cut up for her on the counter.¡± Ryley told him, handing our daughter to him. With her arms free, I wrapped my arms. around her shoulders and pulled her flush against my chest. ¡°ke, I¡¯m scared,¡± she mumbled, her body began to tremble. ¡°I won¡¯t let anything happen to you or our family.¡± I kissed the top of her head. ¡°Then why does our son feel like he should be home protecting us?¡± She looked up at me, her chin resting on my chest. ¡°And I don¡¯t want him going back there. Our pack members are too exposed there and it¡¯s no longer safe. Aspen isn¡¯t going back there until this mess with the council is cleaned up.¡± Tears filled her beautiful stormy clouds. ¡°Baby, do you think I don¡¯t have men in the Alpha training? I would never put Aspen in danger. He has had loyal men around him the entire time he has been there. He needs this training.¡± I told her. ¡°Tell me what the council wanted?¡± She demanded. I led her over toCopyright by N?v/elDrama.Org. 58 631 O 1726 the couch and sat her down while I sat in front of her on the coffee table. ¡°They believe I¡¯m hiding another Luna Wolf,¡± she gasped and I took hold of her hands in mine. ¡°They also wanted to test,¡± I didn¡¯t finish as Lily let out a murderous growl which I¡¯m sure woke everyone in the cabin. ¡°They wanted to test our f ucking daughter,¡± she yelled. I could feel the furying off her in waves. ¡°Told you,¡± Gunner snickered. ¡°Baby. Baby, it¡¯s okay. I would never let the council get hold of Evie. I told them to f u ck off and if a Luna Wolf was hiding in my pack that she is under my protection. I¡¯m done dealing with them and their st upidws against Luna Wolves.¡± I squeezed her hands. ¡°No one will touch any of our babies. Aspen is staying home.¡± ¡°And I will make sure Channing has a security team with him at all. times. I promise all of you will be safe.¡± 83 78% THI Chapter 161 k Two Chapter Seven Future Alpha Aspen I ce my baby sister in her high chair before grabbing the te of cut-up fruit. Evie banged her palms against the tray as soon as she saw the food. ¡°Shush, Evic, I want to hear what mom and dad are talking about?¡± I ced a few slices of banana and blueberries on her tray before pulling out a chair for me to sit down in front of her high chair. My stomach twisted as I strained to listen to my parent¡¯s conversation. I knew my father wasn¡¯t going to be happy about me leaving alpha training. But in all honesty, everything they are teaching, I already know. I spent the few years before my dad met Ryley and read every book in our library that pertained to anything alpha wolves. I was hoping it would make my father see me. I didn¡¯t realize how depressed he was until we met Ryley. She made him into a better alpha and an even better father. Evie giggled andughed as she threw blueberries at me before. squeezing a slice of banana before her fingers and stuffing her entire fist into her mouth. ¡°There¡¯s an easier way to eat that princess,¡± I pushed my lips into a line. ¡°I will have men with Channing around the clock while he is away for school. I won¡¯t let anything happen to him,¡± I heard my father. What about me? I¡¯m not going back. If the council ising after Mom and Evie, I¡¯m staying to protect them. And nothing will change my mind. My phone chimed in my pocket. I ced a few pieces of strawberries 17:27 1 in front of Evie before pulling it out to see a text from Tessa. I smiled even though I shouldn¡¯t get my hopes up. T: Merry Christmas, Handsome. Wish I could spend the day with you. X XX I grinned as I read the message over and over. Me: Merry Christmas, Beautiful. I¡¯ll be back tomorrow. xx x I slipped my phone back into my pocket when my parents walked into the kitchen. I turned back to Evie to hide the smile I couldn¡¯t rid myself of. I¡¯ve been trying to break through to Tessa since I met her. She¡¯s only seventeen, and Shadow, my wolf hasn¡¯t said anything but I feel so connected to her. She¡¯s unlike any other girl I have met. ¡°Aspen,¡± I flinched at my father¡¯s harsh voice.. I turned in my chair to see my father¡¯s imposing stare. It was then Evie threw a piece of lifeless strawberry covered in baby drool. It hit me in the cheek and my father smiled as Evie giggled smacking her palms excitedly against the tray causing the few blueberries left to go flying. ¡°Babe, stop. Aspen is right to be concerned. The council has already proven they have people everywhere,¡± my mother defended me. I peeled the strawberry carc a ss off my face while watching my parents stare at one another. I knew my mother was going to win, she always does. ¡®Apsen, you aren¡¯t going back to Alpha training. But you will continue it after this cr ap with the council is over. You are taking over three packs now, and you need to be ready,¡± my father finally said. I resisted the urge to roll my eyes. ¡°Where do you think we are going?¡± She questioned him, and I swallowed my snicker. She¡¯s not wrong. I wasn¡¯t going to be taking over for a few more years. 77 34% ÏÉ 172) D 121 Wouchers ¡°Sweetie, can you go wake Channing? Breakfast is almost ready,¡± Mom let out a yelp as a loud cra ck of skin-hitting skin echoed through the kitchen. ¡°ke, what the hell?¡± she yelled, rubbing a hand over her backside. That was my queue to leave. I didn¡¯t want to witness anything they were about to do. ¡°You¡¯re on your own, princess,¡± I stood up to leave. ¡°For your attitude, missy,¡± I heard my father say as I quickly walked out. ¡°Is everything alright?¡± Walter asked me when I walked into the living room. ¡°I¡¯m not going back to Alpha training, but you may want to rescue Evie.¡± I told him, heading towards the back bedrooms. My phone chimed in my pocket again and I pulled it out leaning against the wall outside Channing¡¯s room. T: I workte, but maybe you cane see me? My heart pounded against my chest as I reread the text message. This could be my big break into her life. Since I met her she has kept me at arm¡¯s length and it was driving me crazy. I wanted to know everything about her. Spend every free moment with her. Me: Let me know the time and ce. I¡¯ll be there. I quickly typed out the message. I jumped when Channing¡¯s door opened and he stepped out. ¡°Why are you just standing there?¡± He yawned. ¡°I was about toe wake your as s up. Breakfast is ready,¡± I rushed 57 83% 1727 out, quickly pocketing my phone. He gave me a pointed look before he shrugged. I haven¡¯t told him about Tessa. He¡¯s my brother and I love him but girls love him. It¡¯s nothing to be an alpha. They love the hockey all-star. ¡°Why are you up so early?¡± he questioned as we walked to the kitchen together. ¡°I needed to talk with Mom,¡± I replied. ¡°Aspen, I want to take you skating after we open gifts,¡± Mom said as we walked into the living room. She was wrapped around my father. ¡°Should you be skating?¡± he grumbled and she smacked his chest. ¡°I¡¯m pregnant, not broken.¡± she rolled her eyes. As much as I hated their public disy of affliction, I was happy my father had Ryley. I¡¯m thankful we both have her. ¡°Besides, I need some time with him,¡± she smiled.Exclusive content ? by N?(v)el/Dr/ama.Org. ¡°What, no love for me?¡± Channing eximed. ¡°I told you I was her favorite,¡± Iughed when I dodged his fist. ¡°Booboo,¡± Evie squealed. She was sitting with Walter on the couch. ¡°Come on, it¡¯s time for breakfast.¡± Chapter 162 Book Two Chapter Eight Luna Ryley ke¡¯s parents and Walter joined us for breakfast. It was nice to be surrounded by family. The boys were feeding Evie, giving me some time to eat. Even though the three of them were just making a mess. Pancakes and eggs were all over her. I don¡¯t think she got any of it in her mouth. ke took my hand in his before bringing it to his lips. ¡°You okay?¡± I smiled at him and nodded. I was okay. A little stressed but that¡¯s to be expected after yesterday. ¡°How are you feeling. Ryley? Any morning sickness?¡± Liz, ke¡¯s mother asked me. ¡°Nothing yet, but I¡¯m sure it¡¯sing.¡± ¡°Hey, don¡¯t look at me.¡± Channing protested. I had the worst morning sickness when I was pregnant with him. Most days I felt like I was going to die. ¡°Oh, you were worth it,¡± I told him and he groaned. ¡°Alphas.¡± Liz scoffed and Iughed. ¡°What? I¡¯m adorable,¡± Aspen protested. ¡°But you were also a pain in your mother¡¯s as s,¡± ke said. ¡°Maybe it has something to do with being pregnant with an alpha wolf? I never considered it before since I had nothing topare it to. ODON fl OExclusive content ? by N?(v)el/Dr/ama.Org. 1727 I had some morning sickness with Evie, but nothingpared to Channing.¡± I pondered. ¡°So, if you don¡¯t have crazy morning sickness, we are getting another sister.¡± Aspen imed. ¡°That¡¯s not true. Dad already has an alpha son so it could be a boy just not an alpha wolf.¡± Channing corrected. ¡°ir, have you ever heard of an alpha having two alpha sons?¡± I asked him. ¡°I haven¡¯t but I also never met a Luna Wolf until you, my dear. And having another alpha to run the pack wouldn¡¯t be a bad thing,¡± he shrugged. ¡°I¡¯m not running the pack.¡± Channing groaned. ¡°Don¡¯t be so dramatic. I never asked you.¡± Aspen retorted. I was surprised by his tone. I jumped when there was banging on the front door. ¡°Who could that be?¡± I looked at the time on the stove. It was just after ten a.m. ¡°I¡¯ll get it.¡± ke said, standing from the table. ¡°Aspen, what was that? And Channing no one is saying you have to be an alpha. It¡¯s just an idea,¡± I told them. What the hell was going on with these two? ¡°Oh, my babies. Merry Christmas,¡± I jumped when my mother¡¯s voice. filled the kitchen. I thought they wereing for dinner. I looked at Walter. I squealed when my mother threw her arms around my neck, giving me 17.271 Naucher 2018 Vouchers a tight side hug. ¡°Hi, Mom,¡± I sighed, patting her arm. She moved on to the boys and Evie while my father took her ce. ¡°Hi, Stormy,¡± he kissed my check. ¡°Hi, Dad.¡± I greet him before kissing his cheek. ¡°I¡¯m going to help ke bring in the gifts,¡± he said before leaving the kitchen. My mother had Evie out of the high chair and was snuggling her granddaughter. ¡°Are we toote for the gift opening?¡± My mother asked. ¡°We were just finishing breakfast. Did you and Dad eat?¡± ¡°A coffee would be lovely. I made sure to feed your father before we left. You know how he gets.¡± she replied. ¡°He¡¯s such a grumpy old bear when he¡¯s hungry,¡± she cooed to Evie and she giggled. ¡°Mom, I thought you and Dad wereing for dinner?¡± ¡°You know me, I couldn¡¯t wait to see my grandchildren.¡± She brushed it off. ¡°Boys, if you¡¯re done, take Grandma into the living room.¡± they both stood up from the table and took their empty tes to the sink. My mother walked back over to me. ¡°Thank you for inviting us,¡± she whispered before following the boys. out of the kitchen. I sighed, resting my head in my hands. I love them but the resentment is still deep. Walter ced his hand on my arm and I looked up. 172) ¡°Why do we three go in the tong wem? U clean up ke¡¯s guments and even Water Tested aust tundided they go pend time with their grandiale 7 genuo moke meiter ger of wore the flore clearing the dishes off the tolle P the time like dumped up behind me. I was washing dishes in the air, and everything had been cleaned up. The buried his tee to seek plening will kisses uld have helped be mumbled? hurrent h tem Bike Thus we will hand for me.¡± I nigbed and bis arms wrapped around my waist nyhter Tmors hub * ¡°It¡¯s tint venue fach. I want them to be a part of our kids¡¯ lives, it¡¯s just hard for me I understand everything but it affected my life so much¡± ¡°I love the person all those band times created. And You never would hana me Walur. We cand change the past, but I will always be here to help you is there a thing I can do¡± He rubbed his cheek against ¡°You can ?¨ºs the ?nhes ¡± ¡°On #t,¡± he quickh grabbed a tea towel and begun to dry the clean dishes while i fmibod washing. We worked in silence as I listened to The coffee maker brewing while I tried to put some of the overwhelming thoughts way I¡¯ve been in therapy since my almost death to work, thongth all these issues. You would think over a year of Theraps would b??c mail of my issues worked out but we haven¡¯t even stretched the surface yet But I swallowed at doom, like fabogos do, and finnsbed cleaning the kachum.. Thum i made mugs of coffee for everyone Book Two Chapter Eight 288 (voucher ¡°Why don¡¯t you three go into the living room? I¡¯ll clean up.¡± ke¡¯s parents and even Walter hesitated until I insisted they go spend time with their grandkids. I got up to make another pot of coffee before clearing the dishes off the table. By the time ke stepped up behind me, I was washing dishes in the sink, and everything had been cleaned up. He buried his face into my neck, nting soft kisses. ¡°I could have helped,¡± he muinbled. ¡°I needed a moment, ke. This is still hard for me,¡± I sighed and his arms wrapped around my waist tighter. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, baby.¡± ¡°It¡¯s not your fault. I want them to be a part of our kids¡¯ lives, it¡¯s just hard for me. I understand everything but it affected my life so much.¡± ¡°I love the person all those hard times created. And you never would have met Walter. We can¡¯t change the past, but I will always be here to help you. Is there anything I can do?¡± He rubbed his cheek against. mine. ¡°You can dry the dishes.¡± ¡°On it,¡± he quickly grabbed a tea towel and began to dry the clean dishes while I finished washing. We worked in silence as I listened to the coffee maker brewing while I tried to put some of the overwhelming thoughts away. I¡¯ve been in therapy since my almost death to work through all these issues. You would think over a year of therapy would have most of my issues worked out, but we haven¡¯t even stretched the surface yet. But I swallowed it down, like I always do, and finished cleaning the kitchen. Then I made mugs of coffee for everyone. O 1727 Book Two Chapter Eight 208 Vouchers ¡°Your mother doesn¡¯t know yet,¡± ke whispered to me while he helped me carry the mugs into the living room. Evie was ying on the floor in front of the Christmas tree with her brothers. I smiled. watching them being so gentle with her. ke sat down in a chair and pulled me into hisp. I looked at all the new presents under the tree. I looked at my mother and she shrugged. ¡°Mom, ke, and I have some news to share with you.¡± ¡°Oh my g od, you¡¯re pregnant,¡± she eximed. ¡°How did you know?¡± ke asked and she rolled her eyes. ¡°A mother always knows. But I knew it couldn¡¯t be bad news since you two are madly in love. Pregnancy was the only logical answer.¡± she exined and Iughed. ¡°I would have thought the same thing.¡± 87.12% Chapter 163 Book Two Chapter Nine Luna Ryley I felt like I could breathe again when ke pulled up in front of our house. I love being at the cabin but it was overwhelming with everyone there for the holidays. ¡°Baby?¡± ke brought ourced hands to his lips, kissing mine. ¡°Just d to be home,¡± I breathed out. Evie was sleeping in her car seat with Aspen sitting beside her. Channing went home with Walter to help him pack. He was moving here, indefinitely. With everything going on with the council, he wants to keep me safe. Aspen was supposed to go with him, but he said he had something to do tonight. I think it has something to do with the girl he told me about. ¡°I¡¯ll take Princess inside,¡± Aspen said. He unclipped his sister and exited the backseat of the truck. I watched as she slept on her brother¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Hey, you don¡¯t have anything to worry about. There are more warriors around the house. You, Evie, and our baby are safe here. Connor will be here when I¡¯m not.¡± ke brought his hand to my cheek and I looked at him. ¡°It¡¯s not just that, ke. I¡¯m worried about the boys. Something is going on with them,¡± I sighed. ¡°I¡¯ll talk with them and sort it all out. They know better than to stress. you out.¡± He caressed my cheek. I nodded. ¡°Let¡¯s get you inside. I have to get to the pack house.¡± ke opened his door and got out of the truck. I opened my door before he could. 1727 ¡ö Book Two Chapter Nine ¡°I should be with you.¡± I protested. Warriors were watching us as they helped carry our bags in. ¡°No, you need to rest,¡± he said firmly. ¡°Connor is here and you will stay in the house until I return.¡± ¡°So you get to dictate when I get to be your Luna?¡± I retorted and he growled. I shook my head and mmed the truck door. He tried to grab me but I moved my hand as I rushed into the house. ¡°Ryley?¡± he called off me, but I didn¡¯t want to talk to him right now. I may be pregnant but I¡¯m more than capable of keeping me and this baby safe, even from the council. I passed Aspen on the stairs up to the second floor. ¡°Mom?¡± ¡°I¡¯m fine. Can you listen for your sister, please? ke is going to the pack house.¡± ¡°Yeah, I got her.¡± ¡°Thank you,¡± I told him before I went into my bedroom and closed the door quietly. I didn¡¯t want to wake Evie, even though I wanted to m it and scream at the top of my lungs. I went into the bathroom to start a bath. ¡°Ryley, do you really think that was necessary?¡± Lily scolded as I pulled off my clothes and climbed into the warm water. ¡°How was it not? I¡¯m his Luna and this is important. These decisions. should be made together. This isn¡¯t just his pack or his family. They are mine as well. And just because we¡¯re pregnant doesn¡¯t mean he gets to shut me out,¡± I ranted. 26.534 ¾Ñ ¡°And this has nothing to do with you being hormonal? Or the fact, that Channing hasn¡¯t spent any time with us since he has been home¡± she countered ¡°Yes. I¡¯m hormonal. And yes. I have noticed Channing doesn¡¯t want to do anything with me. But that has nothing to do with ke shutting me out.¡± I eximed. I sank my head under the water and screamed The water turned cold. forcing me to get out of the tub I dried off and pulled on a pair of pajamas. I wasn¡¯t going to he leaving the house anyway. I brushed out my now longer blonde hair and put it up in a bun before heading downstairs. All our bags and gifts from Christmas were stacked by the front door. I sighed. knowing I was going to have to put all of that away and find space to put all of Evie¡¯s new toys and clothes But first. I¡¯ll make a cup of tea. I found Aspen in the kitchen and Evie in her highchair The smell of toasted bread and cheese hit my nose and my tummy grumbled ¡°I made one for you,¡± Aspen said. Evie let out a squeal when she saw me, banging the tray. Pieces of grilled cheese went everywhere ¡°Thank you.¡± I walked over to Aspen and kissed his check. He has been such a big help with his baby sister. ¡°Did you say thank you to your big brother¡± I kissed Evie on the head ¡°Booboo,¡± she yelled. ¡°She was a good girl. We started to y with some of her new toys before she got a little grumpy I knew she was hungry Aspen ced a few more pieces on her tray and handed me a te I sat down at the table with Evie beside me in her highchair Aspen handed her a sippy cup full of milk which she took and brought to her lips. ¡°Your dad still isn¡¯t home?¡± I mumbled around the bite of the sandwich. ¡°No. I should go meet him. I also have ns for tonight so I won¡¯t be home untilte. Are you going to be okay?¡± he asked me. ¡°I¡¯ll be fine. I have Evie and all her toys to keep mepany. Hot date?¡± He grinned and I knew he was going to see the girl he was telling me about. ¡°Something like that,¡± he sighed. ¡°You go have fun. You deserve it. And thank you for being such a big help with your sister. I really appreciate it.¡± I told him. ¡°I¡¯ll be around more often now since I¡¯m not going back to alpha training.¡± He stood up from his seat. ¡°I have missed you. You and Channing.¡± ¡°I know. And I¡¯m not going anywhere now.¡± he leaned down and kissed my cheek. ¡°I¡¯m going to go get ready. I¡¯ll also talk to Dad. You have every right to know what¡¯s going on.¡± He left the kitchen after kissing his sister on the head. ¡°It¡¯s just me and you, princess.¡±Copyright by N?v/elDrama.Org. Chapter 164 Book Two Chapter Ten Alpha ke ¡°For f uck sake,¡± I growled after Ryley stormed into the house. ¡°Well that didn¡¯t go well,¡± Connor approached me. ¡°Where the hell is Luca?¡± I demanded and he put his hands up in surrender. ¡°Packhouse organizing patrol. I would ask you how your time away was, but you seem a little grumpy.¡± I pinched the bridge of my nose. ¡°She¡¯s pregnant.¡± I linked him. ¡°No f ucken way,¡± he eximed. I looked at him before shushing him. ¡°Not a word,¡± Imanded. He pushed his lips in line. ¡°I won¡¯t but you know she¡¯s right and Luca is going to tell you the same thing, ke.¡± ¡°If I wanted your da mn opinion, I would have asked for it,¡± I retorted. before marching off towards the pack house. F uck, that woman is going to be the death of me. I stormed into the packhouse, and up to my office where I found Luca. He was in there talking with Aiden. ¡°Get out.¡± Imanded. ¡°ke, what¡¯s wrong?¡± Luca eximed. ¡°What¡¯s wrong is that Ryley is already pis sed off and his involvement. 1727 will only pis s her off more.¡± I yelled, pacing my office. ¡°ke, slow down. Why is Luna pis sed?¡± Luca questioned. I grumbled as I stopped pacing and looked at them. Luca was standing behind my desk while Aiden was sitting in a chair in front. ¡°She thinks she should be here and I said no.¡± Luca pinched the bridge of his nose. ¡°Don¡¯t f ucking give me that, Luca. You know why she can¡¯t be here. The council is after her and our daughter. They are both staying in that go dda mn house until the council is destroyed.¡± ¡°ke, calm down. I know you are worried but Ryley can handle herself. She would never let the council get her or your daughter.¡± Aiden assured. ¡°Ryley is pregnant. Aiden. I won¡¯t let the council get her again. They areing after me because I¡¯m stopping the payments from this pack. They came here two days ago using me of hiding another Luna wolf and they wanted to test Evie. Now, if you get hurt. Ryley will never forgive herself. So, no you are not involved in this.¡± I told him. ¡°Then I will be here, protecting our Luna and your daughter. ke. I will work alongside Connor. I don¡¯t need to go sneaking around to be useful. There aren¡¯t too many of us that you trustpletely.¡± He said. ?¡±Aspen is staying home and so is Landon. I¡¯m not sending them back to training until after the council has been handled.¡± ¡°ke, what the f uck do you think is happening here?¡± Luca asked. ¡°I have no idea, Luca, but I¡¯m not sending the boys back there. The council has people everywhere. I would rather be safe than sorry.¡± ¡°So is Channing also staying home?¡± Aiden questioned. I shook my 18 421This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org. Book Two Chapter Ten head. ¡°I need a team to protect him at school. He¡¯s at a human school, but I know the council is still watching him. I need a bigger team there.¡± I exined. There was a knock on the office door before Aspen stepped inside. ¡°Mom is not happy with you, so I would bring chocte home,¡± he smirked and I red at him. ¡°This is not a time for jokes, Aspen. This threat is very real,¡± I snapped. ¡°And you don¡¯t think mom can handle herself. If it came down to you. or her protecting me, I would want her. She may be pregnant and hormonal but she would kill anyone who would dare threaten her family. Us. And you are the only one who doesn¡¯t see it. She should be here and you holding her back will only make her resent you,¡± he retorted before mming the door behind him as he left my office. ¡°It would seem you are very good at pis sing people off today, Alpha,¡± Aiden shook his head. ¡°For f uck sake,¡± I grumbled as I walked over to my chair and flopped. down. Luca took the chair beside Aiden. ¡°Why don¡¯t you tell me what I need to know, since I can¡¯t do anything right today.¡± ¡°As far as we know, the council hasn¡¯t stepped foot back into the pack. Also, we have informants all around the pack and no new wolves have shown up. I¡¯m not sure why they decided to show up when they did, but the pack hasn¡¯t done anything wrong. ording to the Luna wolfw, they are not allowed to test any female wolf they suspect to be at Luna wolf who is under the age of eighteen. That is thew they wrote.¡± Luca said. ¡°They showed up to prove they could. They knew I would never 1727 Bock Two Chapter Ten 200 Vouchers. consent to that or give up any Luna wolf in my pack.¡± I rubbed my temples to try to rid myself of the slow pounding in my skull. ¡°ke, we will take them down. We have the resources to storm in right now and take them down. They are the ones who should be watching their backs. You stopping any money from our pack will crip ple them. So, they have two choices, try to take you out, or surrender.¡± My Beta exined. ¡°They could use my family against me, Luca. They know I would surrender to their terms if they got hold of any of them. They know they are my weakness.¡± ¡°And the pack will keep them safe, ke. No one is walking into the pack without us knowing about it. And I have no doubt Ryley would. take anyone out who dared enter your house. We will protect them. Now, go get some chocte for your pregnant Luna, and apologize for being a caveman. Tomorrow, we can go over patrol scheduling and start getting the warriors ready for what¡¯sing¡± There was a reason Luca was my beta and this was why. ¡°I¡¯lle up with a schedule with Connor. Either his team or mine. will be at the house at all times. ke, we will keep them safe.¡± Aiden assured me. I sighed, knowing I had the hardest job between the three of us. ¡°Then I better go handle my Luna.¡± 1727 76.70% Chapter 165 Book Two Chapter Eleven Future Alpha Aspen F uck, my father can be such an idiot and hopefully, he listened to my advice. ¡°He wants to keep his mate safe, Aspen, you can¡¯t fault him for that.¡± Shadow, my wolf, chimed in. I shook my head and got into my truck. I couldn¡¯t let my father ruin my mood. ¡°But he doesn¡¯t have to be such a di ck about it.¡± I parked my truck in front of the diner Tessa worked at. I could see through the bay windows. her in her uniform serving a table. She was gorgeous with her auburn hair pulled back in a high ponytail. She had the brightest green eyes I had ever seen with swirls of gold. She was curvy, which I loved. Just the thought of her naked and on top of me with her swollen breasts in my face had me rock hard. We had only made out, but I was dying to take things further with her. I had never wanted a woman like I wanted her. §Ñ She smiled at me through the window, holding up a finger. I was earlier, but I wanted to be here to pick her up. It was chilly out and with a new nket of snow, I didn¡¯t want her to walk home. I was going to gift her my first car if she doesn¡¯t get her own soon. It was at little sports car my father gifted me on my sixteenth birthday after I got my driver¡¯s license. I drove it for a year before I wanted a truck and it¡¯s been sitting in the garage at the pack house ever since. I smiled when she came out of the diner and headed for my truck. She was bundled up in a thick winter coat but she made that puffy thing look sex y as hell. 1728 Book Two Chapter Eleven ¡°Hey you,¡± she smiled as I leaned over and opened the door for her. ¡°Hey gorgeous,¡± I greeted her. She bit her lower lip as her cheeks. turned this perfect pink color. ¡°How was work?¡± I asked her as she threw her bag in the back and buckled her seatbelt. ¡°It was good. Long. Thesest few days have been long and busy. How was time away with your fantily?¡± ¡°It was good. My mom is having another baby. And my father and brother are driving her insane. So, all in all, a good time,¡± I told her. ¡°That¡¯s so exciting. Not about your brother and the alpha. But I know you must be so excited, you talk so much about your baby sister.¡± She grabbed my arm that was resting on the center console. ¡°I am excited. I also have some good news, but first are you hungry?¡± ¡°Starving, Aspen. I don¡¯t think I¡¯ve eaten in thest few days.¡± ¡°Okay, food first, and then I will tell you the good news.¡± I backed out. of the parking space and started the drive to her favorite burger ce. I had asked her friend and roommate beforehand. I didn¡¯t like her not eating. I took for granted all the things I never had. to work for. I always had food to eat and things I wanted. And here. Tessa was working three jobs to cover rent. I had everything to give her but the most she would take was a meal and only if we ate together. After going through the drive-thru I parked out by the park that overlooked ake. Tessa was in the passenger seat eating all the fries out of the bag but I didn¡¯t care. I was just happy she wanted to see me. ¡°So, what¡¯s this good news?¡± she mumbled with her mouth full. 27211 ÏÉ 17 28 Two Chapt Book Two Chapter ElevenThis text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org. 288 Voucher ¡°First, I wanted to ask you something?¡± She stopped chewing and looked at me. ¡°Okay, shoot.¡± ¡°Why don¡¯t you and Sarah move into the pack house? There is plenty. of room and food. You won¡¯t have to work so hard for the basics.¡± I asked. ¡°I would rather do this on my own, Aspen. And with you leaving, I¡¯ wouldn¡¯t know anyone there,¡± she rambled. ¡°I¡¯m not leaving. Also, I don¡¯t live there. There is a house just up the road from the pack house where I live. I could move into the pack house alpha floor if I wanted to, but my family doesn¡¯t live there.¡± ¡°Oh. I just assumed.¡± She looked out the window. ¡°Wait?¡± she looked back at me. ¡°You aren¡¯t leaving?¡± she questioned. ¡°Nope. Landon and I are both staying. My father has some business he needs to take care of and I didn¡¯t want to go back there anyways.¡± I took a hold of her hand. ¡°I¡¯m d you o aren¡¯t leaving. I¡¯m sorry I¡¯m always so busy. I do like seeing you,¡± she bit her lip. ¡°I like you, Tessa. And I like seeing you.¡± I leaned over the console and pushed my lips against hers. Before I could pull back she wrapped her arms around my neck. I unbuckled her seatbelt before lifting her over the console and into myp. I found the button and the seat tilted back. All without breaking the kiss. I unzipped her coat and moved my lips down her jaw to her neck as I pulled it off. Thest time we got this far she stopped me. But this time she rolled her hips and tugged at my hair. Her moans had me ready to explode. 17:28 Book Two Chapter Eleven She worked on the buttons of my shirt as I moved back to her lips. I pushed my tongue into her mouth, tasting every inch of her. I left her breathless before lifting the white shirt she was wearing over her head. She pushed me back against the seat with her hands on my chest. ¡°Aspen, I¡¯ve never,¡± she breathed out. ¡°It¡¯s okay, I haven¡¯t either,¡± I confessed. Her intense green eyes searched mine.. ¡°And why would someone like you want someone like me?¡± She bit her bottom lip. Her hands never left my bare chest as I took hold of her cheeks and pulled her flush against me. ¡°I like you, Tessa. If you need to stop, then we can stop. We can do anything you want to do as long as I¡¯m doing it with you.¡± ¡°But what if you find your mate?¡± She whispered and tears filled her eyes. ¡°I haven¡¯t yet. I may never find her. But that doesn¡¯t mean I don¡¯t want. to try with you. I want this. I want you.¡± I caressed her cheeks before pecking her lips. ¡°Do you want toe back to my ce?¡± Chapter 166 Book Two Chapter Twelve Alpha ke I walked into the living room to find my mate ying with our daughter on the floor. There were toys everywhere and Evie was standing, trying to walk. I leaned against the door frame and watched as she tried to walk from the couch to her mother sitting cross-legged a few feet away. ¡°You can do it, baby girl,¡± she cheered her on. ¡°Dada.¡± she squealed when she saw me. I looked at Ryley and she was looking at me. Tears filled my eyes. This was the first time Evie called me anything other than mama.Exclusive content ? by N?(v)el/Dr/ama.Org. ¡°That¡¯s right. Princess. I walked over to her and scooped her up. I tickled her chin with my beard and she giggled a squeal. ¡°Were you trying to walk without me?¡± I pulled back and pouted but all she did was pull on my beard with her tiny little fingers. I turned to find Ryley cleaning up the toys. I walked over to her, still holding on to Evie. I needed to fix this. Ryley should be involved in this but I¡¯m so fearful she will end up back in the council¡¯s ws. She has been through enough with the council and with almost dying. I want her home and safe. I wrapped an arm around her waist and pulled her into my side. ¡°Mama.¡± Evie babbled. ¡°Yes, ke,¡± she ced her hand on my chest and tried to push me away. O . ¡°Baby, stop,¡± I pulled her closer and rested my forehead against hers. She sighed but stopped fighting me. ¡°I don¡¯t want you involved in this. I almost lost you to the council once. You and Evie. I¡¯m not risking you and our unborn child. I need you to stay here and protect our babies.¡± ¡°And what about our boys and pack? I¡¯m their Luna, I shouldn¡¯t be hiding away while they fight this war with the council. This is my fight just as much as it is yours,¡± she eximed. ¡°The boys have their wolves. I know they can take care of themselves. And I will take care of the pack. Your job is to grow our baby and to take care of this one,¡± Evie leaned over and kissed her mother. ¡°I love you, my baby girl,¡± Ryley kissed her back. ¡°Then, if I¡¯m to stay here then I want to know what¡¯s going on. If I follow all your rules, then I need to know the n. I have to be involved in this ke. They took me from you and held me against my will. They threatened our daughter. I will not sit back and let them get away with it.¡± she demanded. I knew I was going to have topromise or she would just learn everything from Aspen. ¡°I will involve you in the nning, but you will stay on the sidelines. I mean it, Ryley. I don¡¯t care if I¡¯m dying. You will stay here and protect. our kids.¡± Tears filled her eyes and I pulled her close. ¡°Nothing is going to happen to me, baby,¡± I reassured her, kissing her forehead. Her body began to tremble before she broke down into s obs. I led her over to the couch and sat down. Evie was in myp and Ryley was pulled against my side. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, baby. Nothing is going to happen to me.¡± I held both my girls while Ryley cried on my shoulder. F uck. I didn¡¯t mean to upset. her. 22.671 1728 288 Vouchera ¡°Why would you say that?¡± She choked as she pulled back to look at me. ¡°You know I can¡¯t live without you,¡± she cried. I pulled her back against me. Evie had her head snuggled into one side of my chest, while her mother had the other side. I kissed both of them on the top of their heads. ¡°I didn¡¯t mean to make you cry, baby, and nothing is going to happen to me. But I need you here, protecting our babies.¡± She nodded her head. ¡°Okay?¡± ¡°Okay,¡± she whispered and I held her tighter. ¡°Thank you,¡± I mumbled, kissing her head again. ¡°Have you eaten?¡± ¡°Aspen make me a grilled cheese before he left,¡± she sniffled. I knew that wasn¡¯t enough. She was growing our baby and taking care of another. ¡°That¡¯s not enough. I¡¯ll have one of the warriors run out to get us something. What do you feel like?¡± I asked her. ¡°A cheeseburger and fries,¡± she snuggled her cheek into my chest. ¡°Sounds good, baby. Find us something to watch and we can have a movie night.¡± Evie started to suck on my shirt and I knew she wanted. her mother. ¡°Come here, baby girl, before you suck a hole in Daddy¡¯s shirt.¡± She took her from me and she immediately started to suck her chest. I grabbed a few pillows while she got Evietched. After she wasfortable and our daughter was nursing, I handed her the remote, ¡°I¡¯m going to go talk with Connor and get our food. I¡¯ll be right back,¡± I told her, kissing her forehead. She grabbed onto my shirt before I could pull away and pulled me down, Her lips met mine. O 17:28 my lips. ¡°Never, ever, Baby.¡± I pecked her lips. I kissed Evie¡¯s head before I left the house to find my ga mma. ¡°Connor.¡± I called out. He was standing in the driveway talking to another warrior when I exited the house. I walked down the steps of the porch and he met me halfway. ¡°How is everything?¡± he asked me. ¡°Better. I need you to send one of the warriors to pick up food for us. Also. Aiden is going to be helping you. He was talking with Luca earlier. I don¡¯t want him in the field so he volunteered to help you.¡± I exined. ¡°Good. He hasn¡¯te to see me yet, but we wille up with a schedule to watch over Ryley and Evie. Nothing is going to happen to them.¡± he assured me. I thanked him and gave him our food order before going back into the house. He¡¯ll bring it in when it arrives. I walked into the living room to find my mate and daughter sleeping. I smiled as I covered them both with a nket. I kissed both of them before shutting off the TV. I pulled out my phone and headed into the kitchen to get some work done. 17:28 Chapter 167 Book Two Chapter Thirteen Tessa I was nervous about having the future alpha in my ce. I don¡¯t know why I invited him over, I just blurted it out after he told me he was a virgin. How can someone as se xy as him be a virgin at eighteen? And I certainly don¡¯t understand how he can be interested in me. I may be living in his pack, but I¡¯m not a member. I¡¯m average looking at the best of times. And I¡¯m chubby. There is no gap between my thighs and my stomach isn¡¯t t. The only thing going for me is my round a ss and big breasts. But I guess when the lights are off that¡¯s all that matters. I unlocked the door to my and Sarah¡¯s apartment. Stepping inside, I was sure he was going to run for the hills. We lived in a cardboard boxpared to the pack house. The living room and kitchen were all one room and we only had a small couch. We didn¡¯t even have a TV. We would watch movies on a small tablet Sarah saved up to buy. It was old and took forever to load, but we didn¡¯t have much time for movies anyway. ¡°This is nice,¡± Aspen said, standing behind me. I snorted augh, trying not to feel embarrassed. ¡°Let me give you the tour. This is the kitchen and living room. My room is thest door on the left and the bathroom is across from mine. The first door on the left is Sarah¡¯s room.¡± ¡°And where is Sarah tonight?¡± He asked. I looked over my shoulder to see him watching me. I unzipped my coat and threw it on the couch. ¡°She¡¯s at work.¡± I shrugged. I bit my bottom lip as I watched him walk O 1728 Book Two Chapter Thirteen 218 Wouchers around the small space. He looked so out of ce and I was feeling nervous about continuing what we were doing in his truck. I could feel how much he wanted me, but I still didn¡¯t know why. I was wearing a in white shirt and jeans with a tear in my left knee. They were worn and faded. Everything I owned was second-hand except for a few pairs of panties. They weren¡¯t anything special and surely not se xy. ¡°Do you feel safe here?¡± he asked, the couch groaning under his weight as he sat down. I sat down beside him and he wrapped an arm around my shoulders. ¡°I¡¯ve never had a problem.¡± I shrugged. ¡°Would you tell me if you did?¡± He questioned. ¡°Probably not.¡± I sighed. ¡°But only because I¡¯m a big girl and can handle myself,¡± I quickly defended. ¡°You don¡¯t have your wolf. Has anyone trained you?¡± I yed with my fingers in myp. I didn¡¯t want to get into any of this. So, instead of answering, I climbed into hisp and kissed him. He groaned as his hands ran up my back under my shirt. I fought the urge to shiver as goosebumps covered my body and my nipples pebbled. This bra did nothing to conceal them. ¡°Are you trying to distract me, Miss Morrison?¡± he mumbled against e, Miss Morrison?¡± he mumbled against amy lips. I didn¡¯t say a word as I pushed my tongue into his mouth. His chest rumbled and my core heated in a way I had never felt before. My hands fumbled with the buttons of his shirt as I tasted every inch of his mouth. Even after I was left breathless, I still wanted more. He kissed down my jaw before pulling my shirt over my head. I rubbed my palms down his bare chest as his lips assaulted my neck and shoulder. He unclipped my bra and I let him slide the straps down my arms 29.20% O 1720 co k Two Chapter Thirteen 2811 Mouchers before he tossed it to the side. I gasped as his hands cupped my breasts before he sucked one of my nipples into his mouth.Copyright by N?v/elDrama.Org. ¡°Aspen,¡± I moaned as I tugged his hair. He switched breasts and I rolled my hips needing something to soothe the ache between my legs. Sure. I have touched myself before, but it never felt like this. ¡°I want you. Tessa.¡± he mumbled as he dragged his tongue up my chest to my neck. F uck. I know I should stop. I shouldn¡¯t want the future. alpha. But I couldn¡¯t tell him to stop. ¡°Please, don¡¯t stop.¡± I panted. He cupped my cheeks and forced me to look at him. ¡°I want you. Aspen.¡± I crushed my lips against his. The couch groaned as he stood up and I wrapped my legs around his waist. His hands kneed my as s as he carried me. His length pushed. against me and I was scared but also excited to have him inside me. He was big, like the toys Sarah likes to show me online. He ced me down on my bed before pulling his shirt over his head. I sat up and ran my palms down his chest and abs. His body was perfect and I was instantly self-aware of the rolls of my stomach. ¡°F uck, you¡¯re perfect,¡± he groaned as he pushed me back onto the bed. He kissed down my chest and stomach as he undid my jeans. I knew I was soaked and butterflies exploded in my stomach. I shouldn¡¯t be embarrassed about how much he turns me on. He looked like a Greek g od, sculpted to perfection. For I gripped his hair and gasped when he opened the fly of my jeans and kissed the thin fabric of my panties. I was ready to explode. One touch from him and that¡¯s all it would take. O ¡°Are you sure about this?¡± I looked down at him. He was kneeling on the floor between my legs. ¡°Yes,¡± I breathed out. He stood up and hovered over me momentarily before bringing his lips to mine. The kiss was slow and sensual as our lips molded perfectly together. I knew I would never regret what I was about to do with him. Even when he does find his mate, at least I can say I was his first and he was mine. Chapter 168 Book Two Chapter Fourteen Future Alpha Aspen I awoke with a smile on my face. My back ached and my feet hung off the end of Tessa¡¯s small bed but you wouldn¡¯t hear meining today. She was sleeping, snuggled into my side, still naked from the night before. The nket she had on her bed barely covered both of us and I swear my neck will never recover from sleeping on her lumpy pillow. But, looking down at her with the lighting through her window, this moment was perfect. She is perfect. I brushed some of her hair from her face. ¡°Tess, what the hell are you still doing in bed? We need,¡± Sarah barged into her room. Tessa jumped up. almost falling off her bed but I pulled her down on top of me. ¡°Oh, I¡¯m sorry.¡± Sarah squealed. ¡°I didn¡¯t see a thing.¡± She mmed the door shut. ¡°You go girl,¡± she peaked her head back in and I chuckled. ¡°I¡¯m so sorry.¡± Tessa, looked down at me with her hands on my chest. Her cheeks turned the cutest shade of pink. ¡°I¡¯m not,¡± I bucked my hips and she gasped. ¡°Aspen.¡± There was nothing between us as she rolled her hips, coating me with her wetness. ¡°F uck, I want you.¡± I breathed out, my hands on her hips. She stilled her hips, leaning back she wrapped her arms around her stomach. ¡°But it¡¯s morning and you can see me.¡± She mumbled. T ITExclusive content ? by N?(v)el/Dr/ama.Org. ¡°Of course, I want to see you. Shadow has great night vision. I saw every inch of youst night.¡± I took hold of one of her cheeks. ¡°Hey, what¡¯s wrong?¡± I watched her eyes fill up with tears. ¡°My body isn¡¯t perfect and,¡± she hesitated, ¡°Baby, I think you¡¯re perfect. Every inch of you is perfection. You are smart and funny. And I¡¯ve never been so hard in my life,¡± I smiled when she chuckled. I caressed her cheek. I grabbed her wrists and pulled her flush against my chest. My chest rumbled as I slipped between her folds again. ¡°You like that,¡± she purred, rolling her hips. Her lips brushed against mine and I moved my hands to her hips. ¡°F uck, Beautiful.¡± I breathed out before she crushed her lips against mine. She licked my bottom lip and I pushed my tongue into her mouth. I swallowed her moans as she rolled her hips harder. When I couldn¡¯t take the teasing any longer, I lined up my tip with her entrance and she sat back.. ¡°Aspen,¡± she gasped as our hips became flush. ¡°I love it when you say my name, baby,¡± I bucked my hips and she moaned my name louder. I knew Sarah could hear us but I didn¡¯t care. Everyone was going to know this woman was mine. She sat back with her hands on my abs. Her movements started slow, working her hips in a steady rhythm. She closed her eyes and threw her head back as she rode me like a pro. I cupped her breasts and she moaned louder as I rolled her pink nipples under my thumbs. I almost lost it when she moved one of her hands to her pu ssy. Watching her take what she wanted from me, was the sex iest thing I¡¯d ever seen. 25665 ¡°F uck. Aspen,¡± she gasped, looking down at me. I licked my thumb and pushed her fingers out of the way while I circled her c lit. Aspen she moaned until she was screaming my name. Her walls mped around me and her movements slowed. I sat up, bucking my hips until I grunted my own release. We were both left breathless and I¡¯m surprised we didn¡¯t break the bed frame. I kissed her forehead andid back down, taking her with me. With her head on my chest, I covered us with the nket before running my fingers along her back. This is how I always want to start my day, I thought as I kissed the top of her head. Tessa hissed as she moved her hips and my semi-hard di ck slipped out of her. ¡°F uck, Tessa, I¡¯m sorry. I should have made sure you weren¡¯t sore.¡± ¡°It was worth it,¡± she kissed my chest. ¡°Even so, I should have made sure. I don¡¯t want to hurt you.¡± I told her. She moved her chin to my chest and looked up at me. ¡°You didn¡¯t hurt me, far from it,¡± she smiled and I kissed her nose. There was a knock on her bedroom door, interrupting us. ¡°I¡¯m sorry for being the bearer of bad news, but Tess you have to get ready for work,¡± Sarah called out from the other side of the door. I chuckled when Tessa groaned and buried her face in my chest. ¡°Come on, you go get ready and I¡¯ll get us breakfast before I drop you off.¡± I kissed her head again. $7.03% 1728 12 ¡°You don¡¯t have to do that,¡± she mumbled. ¡°I want to.¡± She sat up and kissed my lips. ¡°Thank you.¡± Tessa slipped out of her room to have a shower while I got dressed. When I walked out of her room, Sarah was sitting on the couch. She smirked when she saw me. ¡°So, when did this start?¡± She questioned as she took a sip of her hug. ¡°Last night,¡± I shrugged. ¡°I¡¯m going to go get breakfast for me and Tessa, do you want something?¡± I asked her. She stood up and marched up to me. ¡°If you hurt her, I will kill you,¡± she poked me in the chest, before moving around me. ¡°Is that a yes for breakfast?¡± I called out. ¡°Yes, thank you,¡± she huffed before I heard a door m. ¡°Sarah, what the hell?¡± I heard Tessa scream and I chuckled as I left the apartment. I¡¯ll let her exin everything to her friend. 17 28 Chapter 169 Book Two Chapter Fifteen Tessa It¡¯s been a week since I let Aspen fully into my life. I couldn¡¯t be happier. He is such a gentleman. I came home from work that night and found a new bed in my room. It was bigger and way morefortable than the one I had. I¡¯m actually surprised we didn¡¯t break it from all our naked activities. It was covered in rose petals, with a note from him. ¡®Now, there¡¯s more room and less fear of us ending on the floor, x Aspen.¡¯ I kept the note. I loved his carefree sense of humor. Sarah was impressed with him as well. After the first night, he made a point to feed me and take me to work. She was hesitant about me dating the future alpha, but he wasn¡¯t like any other alpha I have known. She was also enjoying the bed when he didn¡¯t spend the night. ¡°Stop daydreaming.¡± Sarah nudged me. I was waiting behind the counter of the diner we both worked at waiting for my food order. I just smiled and bit my bottom lip. ¡°You make me want to puke,¡± she faked a gag and I chuckled. ¡°Jelly.¡± I taunted and she huffed, going back to her half of the tables. My face lit up when Aspen walked in, followed by Landon, the future. beta, and someone else I didn¡¯t know. I was thankful we weren¡¯t busy and I could take my time with him. He leaned his elbows on the counter while the other two took an empty booth. ¡°Hey, gorgeous,¡± he purred, wiggling his brow at me. 1778) ¡°Will you stop? I¡¯m working,¡± I scolded with a smile and his face lit up. ¡°F uck, you¡¯re se y in that uniform.¡± I snorted augh, before pping a hand over my mouth. ¡°You are so delusional,¡± I rolled my eyes and heughed. ¡°Go sit down and I¡¯ll be right there,¡± I told him when my food was ced in the window by one of the cooks in the kitchen. He grabbed his chest like I offended him I shook my head but I couldn¡¯t stop smiling. I finished up with my tables, making sure everyone had a refill. Sarah caught me behind the counter. ¡°Who is the other guy?¡± she whispered. I shrugged. I know it wasn¡¯t a good thing to get the attention of the future alpha. This could all blow up in my face, and then Sarah and I would be forced to keep running. I walked over to the booth and Aspen pulled me to sit beside me. Landon and the other one were sitting across from us. ¡°Going on break?¡± Sarah called out and I red at her. Aspen moved my hair and kissed my neck and I moved my re to him. He had wrapped an arm around me. ¡°I¡¯m working, stop.¡± I scolded, with a chuckle. He gave me to cutest pout. ¡°Not going to introduce us, brother?¡± The one I did know said. I turned my attention to the two men across from us. ¡°Tessa, this is my brother Channing. Channing this is Tessa.¡± I extended my hand to shake his. ¡°It¡¯s nice to meet you,¡± I smiled. I looked behind me and Sarah 23.71% 17.28 m mouthed Oh my go d, to me while fanning her face. ¡°I think he broke Sarah,¡± Aspen whispered and I burst intoughter. Landon and Channing turned around and she ducked under the counter. ¡°I can see you have a hold over my brother,¡± Channing smirked. ¡°If you are being held against your will, blink twice,¡± he chuckled. ¡°What?¡± I stammered, looking at Aspen. He seemed to be having a silent conversation with his brother. Landon startedughing. ¡°He¡¯s kidding. Tessa, don¡¯t worry, these two are always joking around,¡± Landon told me. ¡°Good to know.¡± I smiled at Landon. ¡°Same as always?¡± I asked him. ¡°I¡¯ll take a little bit of Sarah too,¡± he grinned and Iughed. ¡°I¡¯ll let her know.¡± ¡°If you two are finished with whatever this is, I need to put in your order.¡± I looked between the brothers. ¡°I¡¯ll take what he¡¯s having.¡± Channing broke eye contact with his brother first. I looked up at Aspen. ¡°Usually, please.¡± he smiled down at me. He pecked my lips. ¡°I¡¯ll be right back, and I¡¯ll bring Sarah,¡± I winked at Landon. Before I could wiggle out of the booth, Aspen pulled me close and whispered in my ear. I know the wolves across from us could hear him. ¡°You are mine tonight,¡± I bit my lip as my core heated. I mped my thighs together. Sarah saved me by calling for me. I pecked Aspen on the lips before leaving the table. ¡°Bro, you have it bad,¡± I heard Channing say and I grinned as I walked towards Sarah. She gave me a knowing look and I shrugged. I sent her over with their drink order while I handled the rest of the tables. Most were getting ready to leave. Sarah was still at their booth chatting by the time their food was in the window. ¡°Now, who¡¯s taking a break,¡± I smirked as I ced down the three orders of burgers and fries. Sarah stood up from her seat beside Aspen. ¡°I¡¯ll get started on the nightly stuff. Hopefully, we can get out of this ce earlier. Bye boys,¡± she walked around me, giving me a smirk and patting my shoulder. Great, what did she tell them? I didn¡¯t get a chance to ask her before Aspen pulled me down to sit beside him again. ¡°How was work today?¡± he asked, wrapping an arm around my shoulders.Copyright by N?v/elDrama.Org. ¡°It was good. the coffee shop was busy so that part of my day went by quickly.¡± I looked at my watch. ¡°Now, only a few more hours to go.¡± I smiled as I looked at him. I rested my check on my hand, resting my elbow on the tabletop. ¡°And what have you three been up to?¡± ¡°Handing out with Channing before he heads back to college,¡± Aspen mumbled, his mouth full of food. I looked at his brother. ¡°Exciting, what are you taking?¡± I asked him. ¡°Pre-med.¡± ¡°You want to be a doctor?¡± ´¨ ¡°This guy is going to be a surgeon,¡± Landon eximed. ¡°It¡¯s not as exciting as it sounds.¡± Channing shook his head. ¡°Your parents must be proud. An alpha and a surgeon in the family.¡± Aspen pulled me close and I turned to look at him. His brother was hot, but nothingpared to the future alpha holding me close. I¡¯ve known him for over a month now, and even though it was too soon to say the three little words. I knew I was falling in love with him. 92 224 1729 fll Chapter 170 Book Two Chapter Sixteen Channing I was happy for my brother, I was, but I couldn''t help but be jealous of him as well. Everyone thinks I have it all with my hockey and school but it was hard being away from my family, especially my mom. I know she''s happy and she deserves it, but I miss her. Everything has changed so much and I''m having a hard time dealing with it. Aspen had dropped me off after we ate. He was going to pick Tessa up from work and spend the night with her. I grumbled in frustration as I walked up the front steps of the house. "You should be happy for him. We always get the attention and he found someone who only has eyes for him," Bliz, my wolf chimed in. "I should be living it up at college, but there''s so much to worry about here. And I miss my wingman," I sighed, entering the house. Mom and Dad were having a heated decision, which didn''t surprise me. She''s pregnant and he''s trying to keep her safe. What could possibly go wrong? "You promised you would keep me in the loop, ke. This isn''t keeping me in the loop," she growled at him. "What the hell do you want me to do? Put you and our child in danger? That''s not going to happen. I''d rather you be mad at me than put you at risk," he retorted. I on the other hand can see both sides. My mother has always been strong. If you were going to war, she is someone you would want on your side. But then ke won''t be able to concentrate on the battle. He 0.00% ||| §à < Book Two Chapter Sixteen would be so worried about his mate, that others could get hurt or killed. It was something my mother was having a hard time understanding. "Channing, sweetie, how was your time out? Did you eat?" My mother turned her attention to me when I entered the kitchen. "It was good. And yeah, I ate," I went to the fridge to get a bottle of water.This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org. "Where''s your brother?" Dad asked me. "He stayed out tonight," I shrugged. He pinched the bridge of his nose before his phone rang. "I have to go," he pulled my mother close but she kept her arms crossed over her chest. He sighed before k*ssing her cheek. He gave me a nod, before leaving the house. "You could be a little more understanding. He just wants to keep you safe, Mom. That''s not a bad thing." I told her. "I''m the Luna, Channing, I should be his equal. I''m not fighting him because he wants to keep me safe. I''m fighting him because I''m his Luna and I deserve his respect. It is also my job to keep the pack safe and he isn''t letting me do my job," she huffed. I reached into the higher cupboard above the fridge and pulled out a chocte bar for her. I slid it across the kitchen ind and she caught it. "Chocte, really?" She gave me a pointed look. It was the secret stash we boys had for when she was grumpy. "Come on, let''s go watch a hockey game. We haven''t done that this season," I offered. She grumbled but she followed me into the living room. I grabbed the remote, and she sat down beside me on the couch, resting her head on my shoulder. 31.31% §à 14:25 I shouldn''t be helping my father deal with his wife and mate. He knew what he was getting himself into. But this was more for my mom than for him. She was pregnant and over-emotional. She cried like a baby when I left for college. I know all she wants to do is help, but right now she can''t be putting herself in danger. I would lose my mind if anything happened to her. I also know shees to all of my home games. She may think she is being sneaky but I see her. I''m not sure if she thinks she is cramping my style or something, but I like it when she''s there. Everything has changed, but her being there, supporting me, means not everything has. And I''m having a hard time with the change. My mom always said she would move when I picked a college to be closer to me, but after meeting ke, I knew that would have to change. She''s his Luna and he can''t pick up his pack and move. I''m only a few hours away but it''s still a lot to deal with. Hockey keeps me busy and then sses. I know she trying to give me space to grow, but I miss it when it was just the two of us. I love our family, but sometimes it was simpler when it was just the two of us. And the irony isn''t lost on me. I wanted to have a family and now, I want some time with my mom. "Mom, I have a game next weekend. I want you toe." I asked her, as we watched. I haven''t invited her to a game for fear she wouldn''t be able to show up. I didn''t want to get my hopes up. "Really?" She looked over at me with misty eyes. "Really, mom, please don''t cry," I pleaded. She quickly wiped her eyes and sniffled, before putting on a smile. "I would love to watch you y, sweetie." 64.11% 14:25 ||| O Chapter 171 Book Two Chapter Seventeen Alpha ke Fuck, I hate leaving my mate when she is so upset. I promised her I would keep her informed but things changed when I received a call from her father. He was now waiting in my office and asked me not to involve his daughter. He wasn''t the one who was going to feel her wrath, it was me. And that''s going to make for a very unbearable Alpha. I walked into my office and Everett stood up from his seat. My father was with him. My mother and he had moved back to the pack and away from the council. He informed me, that more than a few others had moved back to their packs. It was no secret that I was going up against the council for what they did to my Luna and unborn child. "How is she?" Everett rushed out. "Pis sed, but what did you expect? She is eight weeks pregnant and her mate is keeping secrets," I retorted. He growled but I wasn''t in the mood. My wife was pis sed and she had no idea her father was even here. "They know about ine," he confessed and I stopped before I reached my chair behind my desk. "What?" I looked at him. "Our pack is small so finding the people who used descenter was easy but not before one reported back to the council. I''ve moved her to somewhere safe but I need a ce for my pack, ke. And if they had people in my pack, they have people here. They areing and they won''t stop," he exined. I cursed, pinching the bridge of my nose.C¨°ntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org O < 09:31 Book Two Chapter Seventeen 288 iVouchers Things just went from back to worse. "Luca, my office now," I demanded through the link. "You and your pack are wee here. But I don''t know how I''m going to be able to hide any of this from Ryley. I''m going to have to triple- check my staff and track down anyone who has been caught selling this s hit. Did anyone contact you from the council?" I questioned. "We didn''t give them a chance to. We killed their people and left everything behind. I moved ine into hiding and Eli is with her. If we are going to war, ke, we better do it quick.'' "1 There was a knock on my office door and Luca walked in with his son, Landon, following behind him. "Where''s Aspen?" I asked him. "He''s out." I gave him a pointed look. I know he wasn''t at home so where could my son be running off to? He doesn''t tell me much these days, but I''m sure his mother knows. ¡°Alpha Everett, what are you doing here?" Luca shook hands with my father-inw. "We have a situation, Luca, and it''s not good," I told him. "Landon, I''m going to need you on the streets to find out everything you can on who is selling a spray or pills that mask your scent. It''s to blend into a pack that isn''t yours. And with a pack this big, it''s easy for them to blend in." I ordered. "Yes, Alpha," he nodded. "You think the council is hiding inside our pack," Luca questioned. "I know they are. They came into my pack. They know about ine 21.37% O 02 Book Two Chapter Seventeen being a Luna Wolf. The only thing stopping them from taking my daughter is her second chance mate." He pointed at me. "But how does the council know you aren''t her fated mate? Her fated mate is dead. Is there anyone alive to confirm?" Luca asked him. "I don''t know but I wasn''t willing to risk it." "We need to figure out when Luna Wolves start to experience their special abilities. If we knew when it started, we could track down any hiding in my pack. They probably don''t even know about the powers they have. Ryley didn''t know she was able to see through people''s memories until she joined my pack. So that must have started after she got her wolf." I told them. "I can ask ine what she remembers and maybe her wolf'' can help us with some of those answers. I don''t want Ryley to worry about any of this. She has enough to deal with." I agreed with him. She has more than enough to deal with. Channing is going back to school soon and she is going to be stressing over his safety. "Then the first step is to find anyone who isn''t a pack member. I know there are wolves here who are not a part of my pack but I didn''t mind as long as they weren''t causing/trouble, but now, they could be working for the council. I won''t risk it." "That''s going to take weeks, ke. And we are going to need more men. Unless you are going to knock on every door of every house in the city," Luca pointed out. "If that''s what I need to do, then we start tomorrow morning. I will not let the council win this. They have no right toe into my pack and threaten my family," 1/growled. I was ready to storm the council and kill off the members myself. I knew stopping payments was going to cause some blowback, and I should have expected this. We increased men at the borders/and are stopping everyoneing in and out of the 42.38% 09 Book Two Chapter Seventeen city. "ke, you may need to think about asking Ryley for her help in this. With onemand, they will open their minds and she can see if they are telling the truth." My father said. "You want to use my daughter?" Everett yelled. "In a controlled environment, Everett. I would never put my daughter-inw or my grandchildren in danger. I''m not saying, Ryley will walk around unprotected, but people trust her. If we moved against the pack, it would look bad. We want to handle this calmly and without notice that there is an issue. She can identify a pack member without saying a word to anyone. Son, I know this isn''t what you want to hear, but we can''t risk scaring the entire pack without proof the council is here." he rified. I flopped back into my chair. "Luca?" I looked at my beta. What my father said made sense, but what if this was a trap? I can''t risk my pack, but I won''t risk Ryley. "You can''t seriously be thinking of risking my daughter''s life?" Her father bellowed. "She may be your daughter, Everett, but she is my mate, my wife. She is carrying my child." I retorted, standing from my seat. "I know what she would say, ke, and it''s not the answer you want to hear. She can help. We can start small, like trips to the mall and different stores, even restaurants. The Alpha and Luna are on a date, while Ryley is secretly working on making sure the pack is safe," my beta replied. It sounded good, in theory, but something could go wrong. "And if something goes wrong?" I questioned my stomach in knots. I didn''t want to think about the oue if something happened to her and our child. 69.63% < Book Two Chapter Seventeen 288 iVouchers "We won''t let anything happen to her. To everyone, it would look like an outing and we will have eyes and ears everywhere. Everything will be nned out." He assured me. "I don''t like this, ke," Everett shook his head. "I''m not deciding right now. Landon, see what you can find, discreetly. Dad, you and Lucae up with a model that I can look over. And Everett, let''s get your pack moved in." 93.96% O Chapter 172 Book Two Chapter Eighteen Future Alpha Aspen After dropping Channing and Landon off at the pack house, I drove back to the diner to pick up Tessa and Sarah. I didn''t want either one of them to walk home tonight. It was below freezing and neither one of them had their wolves to keep them warm. I had pulled up and parked when Landon was in my head. "Alpha is looking for you." "I''ll talk to him when I get home," I replied. "Aspen, something serious is going on. You need to be careful and be on the lookout for wolves who are not a part of the pack. The council is getting crafty," he warned me. "I''m picking up the girls now and will be staying at their ce all night. You can debrief me in the morning and then we can start our hunt." "Just be careful, Aspen," he said before closing the link. I sat in my truck, thinking about what Landon said. I was going to have to get Tessa a car. I didn''t like her walking around with a threat hanging over our heads. The more I spent with her, the more I understood my father''s overprotectiveness of his mate. The council hurt her and he was going for blood.Exclusive content ? by N?(v)el/Dr/ama.Org. "Hey Handsome," Tessa opened the passenger door pulling me from my thoughts. "Is everything okay?" She asked, climbing up into the seat. Sarah was climbing into the back seat. 0.00% 12:47 "Yeah, just work. I brushed it off. "You two hungry? Pizza!" "I love that I don''t have to put out for food," Sarah teased. "Sarah." Tesse gasped and I chuckled. "You can walk." "Now, Now,dies, I was buying food, even without S*x." Tema smacked me in the chest and I groaned. Her checks burned and she was trying not to smirk, which had me grinning I backed out of the parking space before taking her hand in mine. This was my girl and I wanted everyone to know she was mine. Making our way into their apartment, Sarah rushed off to have a shower first, leaving me with Tessa, who went to change. I took a seat on the tiny couch and pulled out my phone to order pizza for us. I didn''t mind having to feed Sarah as well. Tessa came in after changing out of her uniform and sat down beside me. I throw an arm over her shoulders and she snuggled her check into my chest. "Your brother seems nice," she mumbled, while I finished the order on the app. "Yeah, he''s alright. A bit grumpy since he went off to college.* "Can I ask you a question?" she stammered. I pocketed my phone and focused my attention on the woman in my arms. "You know I''m an open book for you," I reminded her. "It''s just you and your brother don''t look alike," Iughed before she could finish. She pushed off my chest to look at me. "What?" she furrowed her brow. 22.75% "If you want to get technical, he''s my stepbrother. Our parents are second-chance mates. It''s a long story but basically, his mom got pregnant when she was young and then was forced out of her pack. She stayed away from packs until thepany she worked for sent her here. They didn''t know they were second-chance mates until she got pregnant with my sister. There''s a bunch of other things in there but that''s the gist of it." I exined. "Oh," she exhaled. "Did you really not know? I thought everyone knew how the pack gained another Luna." "I don''t pay much attention to things like that, I''m sorry." she shrugged. She snuggled back into my chest. "What happened to the other Luna?" she whispered as she drew circles on my abs. "My mother passed away a few days after I was born." I k*ssed her head. "I''m so sorry, Aspen," she gasped. "Thank you. It''s hard because I never knew her. But Ryley has always treated me like her son from the moment we met. She was also my second chance." I squeezed her tightly. "Does your father feel the same way about Channing? He''s an alpha wolf, right?" "And my father epted him as his own. My father adopted him and she adopted me. They also got married. It would be a perfect rtionship if my father wasn''t so stubborn." I told her. "They must really love each other if they fell in love without knowing they were mates," she shrugged. 46.51% ||| §à 12:47 Rock Tee Chapter Eightpers "We almost lost her, twice. First, the council took her and suppressed her Luna wolf under silver. She was pregnant with my sister at the time but didn''t know. Then her ex-mate, Channing''s father kidnapped her and she almost died when the pack house exploded. Her mother was able to save her daughter and granddaughter. Luna wolves can heal with their blood. Mom, also saved my life when Channing and I were in a car ident. She gave up her identity when she saved my life but she was willing to do anything to save me." "She sounds like such a wonderful Luna." "I would like for you to meet her." Her b*dy tensed. "Whenever you are ready. There''s no pressure." I finished. "Shower''s free," Sarah called out. Tessa pulled back and looked up at me again. "Go shower, the pizza will be here soon." I pecked her I*ps. "Okay," she breathed out before pecking my l*ps and standing up from the couch. I watched as she walked down the small hallway to the bathroom. "With everything going on, I want her to move into the pack house," Bliz grumbled. "I can''t force her to move, no matter how much I want her to. Something is happening and until the council has been dealt with, it won''t be safe for her to stay here." I sighed. There has to be a way to keep her safe without her knowing. I cringed at my thoughts, hearing my father in my head. I need to get a few warriors to watch over her and Sarah until this mess is cleaned up. The buzzer rang and I knew it was the pizza. I walked out of the apartment to the front doors to retrieve the food and drinks I had ordered. 71.04% 12:47 ||| §à < 258 Vouchers This would be easier if they would just move into the pack house. wo Chapter Eighte 98.84% §à Chapter 173 Book Two Chapter Neen Luna Ryley "So, you want me to help?" I raised a brow, looking around the conference table. ke had told mest night when he got home that he wanted me to attend a meeting. I was curious but also annoyed that he now wanted me involved. Now, I was sitting around a table with my mate, his beta, and my father-inw. I was surprised my father was also here. I wasn''t surprised at the council sneaking around. "Stormy, I don''t want you involved in this," my father sighed. "Let her be the Luna she is meant to be," my mother retorted. She was on speaker. "Thanks, Mom. But I''m not sure how much help I can be. I can only see something if they let their guard down," I said. "Sweetie, do you remember the first time you healed someone?" She asked me. "I think it was with Channing. He had fallen and scraped his hand. I licked my thumb and cleared away the blood and it healed. Why?" "You were five and Eli was Seven. Eli had fallen off his bike and scraped up his knee. You went to him and licked it." I cringed and my fatherughed. "It healed in seconds. I could already sense you were going to be a Luna wolf, but that confirmed it." She finished. "And I didn''t even scar," Eli chimed in. 0.00% §à 10 28 288 iVouchers "I can''t believe I licked your knee. Why on earth would I have even done that?" I eximed. "Your father was alwaysing home with some kind of injury and you would watch me heal him." My mother replied. "Okay, so I can sense other Luna Wolves, but how am I supposed to flush out the council? Will Lily let me know when I see one? And Mom, I want you here. I don''t like not knowing where you are," I told her. "I will," Lily said. "The council is looking for me. I can''t put you and my grandchildren in danger." "Lily will rip them apart." I could feel her nodding her head. "It''s something we should have done before I left that ce," I grumbled. ke took my hand and squeezed it. "I''m keeping your mother safe, Stormy," Eli assured me and ke mumbled under his breath. "Sweetie, just focus on looking through the pack. You may not find the council but you may find someone who knows something." "I''ll give it a try, Mom. Thank you. Stay safe. And Eli, I will," he finished for me. "Rip me apart, yeah I know, Stormy." He brushed off my threat and I knew he had rolled his eyes. I pushed my I*ps in a line not liking his attitude. "Babe, I''ll call you after we havee up with a n. Eli, keep my mate safe," my fathermanded. ¡°I''m a Luna Wolf, I can take care of myself," my mother scoffed and I snickered. She gave my father the same attitude I give ke when he 21.924 OThis text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org. 10:28 0 Book Two Chapter Neen 288 IVouchers is being overbearing. "I wonder where you got that attitude from," ke mumbled and I smacked his chest. "Maybe if you weren''t so unbearable, I wouldn''t give you so much sass," I huffed and Luca chuckled. "That''s my girl. Give them hell. I love you." She ended the call and I smirked at ke. "Ryley, I don''t like this. I know I set this up but I spent the night thinking it over and I can''t put you in danger. You''re carrying our child and I almost lost you enough times tost a lifetime." He sighed. "I''m pregnant, not broken. I can still shift and I want to help. I can go shopping with Becky and Isabelle. It would look like just some friends going out and I will connect if I see anyone suspicious." I turned my chair towards him and took hold of his hand. "And it would be nice to get out." ke''s chest rumbled and I knew I was going to win this battle. "We both need to keep the pack safe. This isn''t just on your shoulders, the pack is my responsibility as well. Pregnant or not." "I hear everything you are saying, baby, I do, but if anything were to happen to you and our child." He couldn''t say it. "You are the only one keeping me sane," he brought a hand to my cheek and I smiled at him. "And you will be right outside if anything happens. No one knows I''m pregnant. We can leave a team here to watch Walter and Evie." "I will also stay here, but I would like you to take a few of my men to keep me informed." My father told ke. "Fine," ke finally exhaled. He pulled me out of the chair I was sitting in to sit on hisp. He rubbed his nose against mine. "But you 45.69% ||| §à Book Two Chapter Neen will listen to Becky, Ryley. I''m giving you some space so this feels real, but I need you to listen." He ced a hand on my belly and I covered his hand with mine. "I''m not going to risk our child. I promise to listen," I told him. "Luca, ask Becky to get ready and see if Isabelle can meet us at the closest mall. We will start there and if everything goes well, we will move to the surrounding malls and shopping centers." ke ordered, not taking his eyes off of me. "She said to give her an hour. I''ll go get the men ready," he informed us. "I''ll go see Walter and Evie." My father said. The conference room emptied, while I sat on my mate''sp. When the door finally closed, ke crushed his I*ps to mine. I wrapped my arms around his n*eck and ran my fingers through his hair. His grip on me was almost painful as he dominated my mouth with his. He didn''t want me to go and I never wanted him to. He left me breathless as he pulled back and rested his forehead against mine. "This is hard for me, baby. I don''t want to live without you. I can''t live without you." He murmured and my heart swelled as tears filled my eyes. I could feel his fear and even after a year, it was still so raw. "You will never live without me, my alpha. Ever. I will alwayse back to you." I pecked his l*ps. "I will be there in the shadows the entire time." He assured me. "I wouldn''t expect anything else." 75.07% 10 28) O Chapter 174 Book Two Chapter Twenty Future Alpha Aspen My head was buzzing with mindlinks but there was no way I was stopping to answer while my face was buried between my girl''s legs. It also didn''t help that my phone was also buzzing. Landon should know I''m with Tessa and I''ll answer when I can. "Fuck, Aspen. Yes, right there," she moaned as he tugged on my hair. F uck. This girl was perfect-my girl.. I knew she was close as her tights squeezed my head. I chuckled as I sucked her c lit into my mouth and she came undone on my face. She screamed my name and s it, I could get off on the sound. I gently circled her clit to prolong her pleasure before k*ssing up her b*dy and settling myself between her legs. "Holy crap," she panted. "God, you''re beautiful," I mumbled, k*ssing her n*eck. My phone went off again and I swear I was going to break it. "Do you need to get that?" Tessa exhaled. "I don''t want to. I would rather be inside you," I rolled my hips and coated my dick in her wetness. "Aspen," she gasped. The buzzing of the mindlink went off again and I sighed "What is it?" Tessa questioned. G00% 1033 O Book Two Chapter TwentyThis text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org. "Mindlink, give me two secs.'' "About fucking time, where the hell are you?" My father growled as soon as I opened the link. "I''m busy," I grumbled. "Fuck, don''t tell me. Meet me at Kingston Mall. You have thirty minutes." he closed the link and I grumbled. "Bad news?" Tessa pulled me back to our current situation of me between her legs ready to pound her. "I have five minutes before I have to have a shower and head out," I sighed. She pushed up and k*ssed my adam''s apple causing goosebumps to cover my b*dy as I fought the urge to shiver. "Then we better make the most of those five minutes." she purred. I thrust into her, not wasting another moment. I showered with Tessa and I''m d I had brought an overnight bag with me, just in case. I didn''t need to show up smelling like S*x. I felt guilty for not being able to drive her to work after our night together but even before the thirty minutes were up, my father was in my head and my phone was buzzing. I made a note to send her flowers as an apology, even though she said she understood. I pulled up to the mall and parked my truck, before linking my father. "Here, now where are you?" "Park parking lot, behind the trees." I furrowed my brows as I looked around, before looking up a map of my location on my phone. Why the hell would he be over there? I thought as I studied the map. I pulled my truck out and headed towards the park parking lot. Sure as 10.09% 111 < 10:330 Book Two Chapter Twenty s hit, I found my father''s truck. He was standing with Luca and Landon. There were also I few SUVs and warriors. I parked my vehicle and looked around but I couldn''t see the mall from here. They were approaching my truck when I got out. "Do you want to tell me where you werest night?" My father demanded. "Not really. So, what are we doing here?" I questioned. I wasn''t going to tell my father about Tessa just yet. Besides, I''m sure there would be a lecture about waiting for your mate and she''s only seventeen. He crossed his arms over his chest as he red at me. "If you don''t need me, I have things I need to do," I told him. "Your mother and Becky are in the mall, shopping," Luca stepped in. "You let mom go to the mall?" I looked at my father. "We think the council has people in the pack. Ryley is going to be looking through people''s minds, and get a sense of them. Also, she can sense a Luna Wolf. The council is using something to mask the wolf''s scent, and we need to track down the dealers," he exined. "So are you kicking out all the non-members?" I asked my father. "I need to know why they are here and follow up. I don''t care unless they start trouble, but they went after Ryley''s mother. The council got into their pack and learned she was a Luna Wolf. I will not let them stay if they are putting your mother and sister at risk. Now, you and Landon will poke around and find the dealers." My father ordered. "And who is watching over Mom? Isn''t that why we are here, hiding?" if res could kill, I would be dead. ¡°I just mean, I understand that she can help and she is strong like an alpha, but this is unlike you, Dad. Does it really matter if the council is sneaking around? They know mom is a Luna Wolf and no doubt she would kill them if theye 43 80% 10:33 Book Two Chapter Twenty near her again." "What the fuck are you saying?" he snapped. "I''m saying that they don''t matter. We could march up to the council building and wipe them out, ending this. What information are you worried about them obtaining?" "I''m not worried about information they may find. I''m worried about your mother. I don''t doubt they would walk back in here and take her, your sister, and your grandmother. I want those council f u cks to know they can''te into my pack. So, we are going to track them down and kill them," he eximed. "You should ask Walter to call his son to see if they have had anyone from the council contact them. It''s no secret to the other packs that you are no longer endorsing the council. Now, would be a good time to have some ails." I shrugged. "You could be more helpful if you would answer me when I call you. This is just as much your pack as it is mine." "And I will make myself more avable." I agreed. He stared at me before nodding. "You and Landon start hunting for the dealers." He grabbed my arm before I could climb into my truck. "And next time answer me. We are going to war and I need to know you are safe." He let my arm go after nodded. Landon climbed into the front passenger seat while I started my truck and buckled in. I pulled out of the parking stall and let out a breath when my father was out of view. "I was trying to warn you," Landon confessed. "Next time call Sarah, I was busy," I grumbled. 74772 O Chapter 175 # 105 PA Book Two Chapter Twenty-One Luna Ryley Becky and I were wandering through a store in the mall. I was looking for some new work clothes since I will be heading back into the office soon. Not that these clothes will fit me for very long. I''m only going to work part-time but I have so much work to catch up on regarding the pack''s financials. But I''m excited to get back at it. "Oh, this is cute," Becky eximed for the tenth time in this store. I chuckled knowing ke was going to have one hell of a bill. He assured her everything was covered under work since she was protecting me. "Oh that is nice," I looked up from the rack of clothes I was shifting through. "We need to do this more often," she dered. "Next store we can go shopping for Evie." She let out a squeal of excitement. # "Gosh, I''m so d I have a friend with a baby girl. I get to go shopping and she is just the sweetest baby," she cooed. Evie is such a good baby. She may fight going to sleep but when she''s out, she''s out until morning. I was halfway through the rack of tops when my stomach clenched and I could feel the vomit creeping up. "Ryley, are you okay?" Becky questioned. I shook my head as I knew it woulde up if I opened my mouth. 0.00% 09:38 She immediately asked the associate for the washroom before rushing me back. It was only for employees but being the Luna, no one was going to deny me. Becky held my hair back as I emptied my stomach. She rubbed my back until the heaving stopped. "I should mind link ke." "Don''t you dare. He will storm in here and make me leave. I''m having a good time besides this," I told her. "Has this happened lots?" I shook my head. I cleaned myself up and we exited the washroom. "I''ve been nauseous, but this was the first time it came up. I was really sick with Channing." I exined as we went back to our shopping. "I''m going to pay for our things and then we can get you a tea." I nodded.Exclusive content ? by N?(v)el/Dr/ama.Org. I stood by the store entrance and looked at the people walking around the mall. I knew there were warriors everywhere and I was safe. I noticed a young woman who was looking around flustered. She was pulling at her long blonde hair as she paced by another store. She looked upset and I felt drawn to help her. Without thinking I left the store and walked over to the woman, who was more like a teenager. "Is everything okay?" I approached her. When she looked up at me her eyes went wide like she had seen a ghost. "No, nothing," she rushed out. "Are you sure? My name is Ryley and if you need help, I can help you. With anything." I told her. She swallowed and shook her head. 22.87% 09:38 Ferenity Chess "Do you know my son, Aspen? You seem to be about his age." I smiled "I''m sorry, but I have to go," she ran off before I could get another word in. "Should we go after her?" Connor linked me. "No. She''s not a threat." I replied. "There you are, woman. Don''t do that. ke will kill me if something happens to you." Becky eximed, walking up beside me. I was still watching in the direction where the girl ran off. "Are you sure you''re okay?" She grabbed my arm. "Let''s go get a tea." She linked her arm with mine and we walked to the food court to the cafe. She had already given the bags to one of the warriors. After we ordered, we sat down at a table where I could people-watch. Most people were aware of who I was to the pack but with so many members, it was impossible to know everyone. "Did the girl smell off to you?" I asked Lily. "Maybe. She wasn''t a Luna wolf but I could smell a different scent on her." "I wonder if she had been around one?" I pondered. "Are you sure everything is okay, Luna?" Becky ced down my tea before taking the seat across from me. "Everything is fine, Becky. Thank you," I took a sip of the tea and it helped calm my stomach. 48.45% 09:38 Two Cha Twenty Cha "Are you going to find out what you are having?" I shook my head and she groaned. "Just tell the doctor to tell me. I promise only to tell Luca," she pleaded and I chuckled. "You can''t wait another twenty weeks," I teased. "Meany," she pouted. I smiled as I sipped my tea and people watched. It was nice to be out, even under the circumstances. "We should just storm into the council and kill everyst one of those fucks." Lily growled. "And then our mate would lose his mind. I don''t doubt we could take them out but we have to be smart about this. There are still other packs that follow the council. We should work on building allies." After we drank our teas. we headed to the other side of the mall where there was a baby and kids clothing store. Did Evie need anything? No. Was I going to buy her new clothes? Yes. But mostly I was going to get a few bigger sizes since I''m not going to be up for shopping after the baby is born. Walking into the store, goosebumps covered my b*dy as the hairs on the back of my n*eck stood up. Looking around, I didn''t see anyone suspicious. "Keep an eye out," I linked Becky. "We should leave," she said but I shook my head. ''No, I need to get a few things." 0.40% 09:38 Rock Twp Chaptic Twenty One We walked around the store and the uneasy feeling went away until rm bells were going off in my head. "Someone is here," Lily growled, "Lily," I yelled when she forced me to shift in the middle of the store. I heard Becky screaming before I came face to face with a man I recognized from my time at the council. Lily let out a murderous growl before she was coated in red. Had F Chapter 176 Book Two Chapter Twenty-Two Tessa I had a goofy smile on my face even after Aspen had to leave. He was so apologetic for not being able to drive me to work, that my heart swelled with something I knew couldn''t be love yet. But I wanted it to be. I wanted to love him and for him to love me. I skipped as I got ready for work. It was less dreadful since I have seeing Aspen to keep me motivated. He was the light at the end of a very long day. I was daydreaming about the S*x Aspen and I had this morning as I locked the apartment door. Sarah came running down the hallway and pulled me from my d*rty thoughts. She was panting as she stopped in front of me. She braced herself with a hand on the wall. I crossed my arms over my chest, waiting for her to tell me what was going on. She went out this morning to meet with our guy who sells us descenter pills. We were almost out and we needed them to blend into the pack. "Sarah, I need to get to work. Aspen was called away and couldn''t drive me." I tried to walk past her but she stopped me.Copyright by N?v/elDrama.Org. "We have to leave. My guy didn''t show up and the Luna was at the mall. I asked around and the pack has warriors looking for the dealers. We have to go now, Tessa." She eximed. She went to open the door while I stood there in shock. I didn''t want to leave. I didn''t want to run anymore. I had Aspen. "We can find someone else," I rushed out as I followed behind her and 0.00% ||| 09:38 Chacon Tweity Twb 320 closed the door. "And what if we get caught? Do you really think the alpha will have any choice but to give us back? He won''t go to war for us, Tess. I know you like Aspen but we need to move on." She demanded. Tears ran down my cheeks as I looked at my best friend. My best friend, who without question, ran away with me. Packs on the other side of the country are run differently than they are here. Women born in ranks. don''t have a say in who their mates are. We go to whomever our father''s deans worthy. And the man who my father had lined up for me was a monster. He was also fifteen years my senior. "Hey, I know you don''t want to leave him, but right now we don''t have a choice." She gripped my arms and I didn''t realize I had closed my eyes. She was standing in front of me with misty eyes. "Let''s pack what we need." I cried as I packed a backpack and dressed in my warmest clothes. Sarah and I were headed to the bus station to get on the earliest bus out of there. I don''t know where we are going but for the first time, I didn''t care. After meeting Aspen, I pushed him away for this reason but I couldn''t help the pull I felt towards him. He made it easy to forget all about my shitty life before him. And now the pain in my heart was too much to bear as I watched Sarah unhook both our keys and set them on the table. "I know, babe. Come on, we need to leave." I walked beside her on autopilot as we left the apartment building for thest time. When we left our old pack, I couldn''t wait to leave but now, this felt like home. Aspen felt like home. And I was stuck between a rock and a hard ce. Why did my life have to be soplicated? 32.13% 09:38 Tw Chapter Twenty Top Sarah and I rushed to the bus station with everything we needed on our backs. We took whatever money we had saved, which was much but would get us away from this ce. When we got to the station, I le her buy the tickets and took a seat on one of the benches. I pulled my hood up over my face to block it from the cameras. I looked out the big bay windows as the snow started to fall. More tears rolled down my cheeks as my heart twisted painfully with what I was about to do. My phone chimed in my pocket and I pulled it out to find a message from him. From the man, I wanted so badly to love me. "Babe, give me your phone." Sarah sat down beside me and grabbed my phone before I could message him back. It was probably a good thing before I told him everything. She quickly removed the SIM card before giving me back my phone. I watched as she destroyed the card. "The bus leaves soon and is boarding. We are going to one small town before we switch busses," she exined but I was only half listening. I knew the n. We would bus jump for a few days before finding a city we could blend into. "Come on, Tess, I''ll buy you some snacks before we leave." She wrapped her arms around my shoulders before k*ssing my temple. I nodded, knowing she was trying to make me feel better, but not even chocte could fix the hole in my chest. 69.71% C < Chapter 177 Book Two Chapter Twenty-Three Alpha ke "Becky?" I heard my beta say before my ga mma, Connor, was in my head. "It''s Luna." I didn''t have time to think before Gunner shifted and took off toward the mall. "Where?" I demanded Connor through the link. "North side." Gunner picked up his pace as he dodged traffic and leaped over parked cars. Pack members s cattered when he''d raced by. Gunner was massive and scary as hell. Even more so when he was worried about his mate. What the hell could have happened? I tried to reach her through the link but she wouldn''t reply. He crashed through the north doors and I could hear screaming before the scent of blood hit my nose. F uck, don''t let her be hurt. "Luna, I need you to calm down," I heard Connor tell my mate before Gunner turned the corner and her beautiful wolf came into view. She was covered in blood as she gripped a man in her teeth and shook him. He was already dead. The store was painted in blood. Connor tried to approach her and she dropped the b*dy to growl at my gamma. Without hesitation, Gunner rushed over to our mate and started to lick the blood off her muzzle. Lily whimpered, before looking down and baring her teeth at the corpse. Gunner nuzzled her head with his before 0.00% 12:55 §à < Book Two Chapter Twenty Three 788 Vouchers he continued to clean off the blood from her fur. Even covered in blood she was the most beautiful wolf. "Alpha," I looked up to see Becky holding on to her mate. "This way,'' she pointed towards the back of the store. Gunner pushed Lily to follow her and Luca. Becky opened a door to a washroom and Gunner followed behind his mate. When the door finally closed I shifted back. "Baby, shift," Imanded, kneeling in front of Lily. As soon as she shifted back, n*ked and covered in blood, she rushed to the toilet and threw up. "Lily, why the hell would you do that?" she panted, in between retching. I sat on the floor beside her and rubbed her back. "Baby, are you okay?" I mumbled against her bare shoulder when her stomach calmed down. Her b*dy was sticky with sweat and blood and she was trembling. "He was there," she exhaled. I watched her eyes fill with tears and I pulled her against my chest before she broke into sobs. I wanted to know more, but I kept my mouth shut and held my mate. "There''s clothes outside the door. I have warriors clearing the mall, now." Luca relyed. "Find out who the man was. Ryley said he was there." I ordered. Once Ryley calmed down, I retrieved the clothes and helped her dress. While she rinsed her mouth out and cleaned up some of the blood, I pulled on the clothes that Luca had left for me. The only downside to shifting. "That man was at the council, ke. I remember him. Lily didn''t give him a chance to do anything. She shifted and you know the rest," she breathed out. I pulled her against my chest and wrapped my arms around her. 24.21% O 12:550 Book Two Chapter Twenty Three 258 Vouchers "Let''s get you home," I k*ssed the top of her head. I can deal with this after I get my mate home safe and sound. I don''t know what I was expecting today, but this wasn''t it.This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org. "F ucker is lucky Lily got to him first. I wouldn''t have made it a quick death." Gunner scoffed. I agreed with my wolf. I would have enjoyed torturing that piece of shit. I tugged her into my side as we walked out to the front of the store. Mostly everything had been cleaned up but the b*dy was still where Lily had left him, but a white sheet now covered him. A phone began to ring and I looked to Luca who was speaking with Becky, who rushed over to Ryley. I watched as Luca kneeled beside the b*dy and removed the sheet. The ringing became louder and he dug around in the man''s pockets to retrieve a phone. I let Becky console my mate while I walked over to my beta and he handed me the phone, which I answered. "Toby, is the job done?" a gravely male voice demanded. "Toby was killed by Luna Orion," I growled. "Know the Orion Pack ising for you next." The phone went dead and I handed it to Luca, "find the caller, that fucker is from the council," I pointed at the bloody mess of a corpse. He nodded. "Your truck is waiting outside the north doors." I held out my hand for my mate and she rushed against my side. I wrapped my arm around her before leading her outside to my truck. "How are you feeling? How''s our baby?" I asked her when we were seated in the vehicle. I was debating taking her to the hospital to get checked out. I grabbed her hand and brought it to my I*ps before ripping out of the parking lot. 55.03% §à < Book Two Chapter Twenty-Three 283 Vouchers "I''m okay, ke. Baby is fine but is giving me some morning sickness. It started when Becky and I were shopping. And then the blood," she gagged before covering her mouth. "I''m taking you to the hospital," I told her. "ke, I''m fine," she protested. "I''m not taking any chances, baby. It was a stressful day and I''m sorry for putting you through that. I promise I will find out how cker got into our pack. He shouldn''t have been able to get close to you." I k*ssed her hand again. "It''s not your fault and Lily handled it. I like being able to help with the pack. I like being a hands-on Luna, where the pack sees me. Now, they know not to mess with me," she smiled. "I would kill them all, baby." 86.22% || 12:55 Chapter 178 Book Two Chapter Twenty-Five Luna Ryley I snuck into the house to shower before seeing Channing and Evie. I also needed a moment away from my over-dramatic husband. I love him but he¡¯s driving me insane. I understand the situation was stressful but I handled it. I can handle myself just fine with or without a man by my side. ¡°You know it,¡± Lily grumbled. She was equally as frustrated with her mate as I was with mine. After I was cleaned up and dressed, I headed downstairs. I gasped when I saw my mother holding Evie. ¡°Mom.¡± ¡°Mama,¡± Evie squealed. ¡°Baby girl,¡± my mother¡¯s eyes filled with tears and I rushed to console her. ¡°I¡¯m so d you are safe,¡± I squeezed her as tightly as I could with Evie between us. ¡°I was so worried about you,¡± she cried. I pulled back to look at her. ¡°If you think any of these alphas are scary, Lily is like a nightmare,¡± I smiled when she chuckled. ¡°Despite what any of them said, I had things handled. I just can¡¯t handle the taste of blood,¡± I gaged. ¡°How¡¯s the baby?¡± She rushed out as I took Evie from her. My mother¡¯s hands found my shirt-covered belly. 0.00% 12:211 ¡°Baby is good, making mommy sick, but good. We already got checked out.¡± I told her. Evic snuggled into me as I rubbed her back. ¡°Mom,¡± Channing eximed as he walked through the front door. He quickly wrapped me in a hug. ¡°I¡¯m okay, sweetie,¡± I reassured him. ¡°I know you are, but it doesn¡¯t stop me from worrying.¡± He mumbled and my heart swelled. I have missed my boy so much thesest few months. ¡°I think Princess missed you,¡± Channing smiled as he pulled back. Evie was already asleep. ¡°I missed her and my boys.¡± It wasn¡¯t long before ke and my father came into the house. ke kissed me before kissing our sleeping princess. Sometimes I forget how little she still is. And now we have another on the way. ¡°How are you feeling? Have you eaten?¡± He asked as he wrapped an arm around my shoulders, kissing my temple. The thought of food made my stomach churn and I resisted the urge to gag. ¡°I¡¯m okay,¡± I told him as I rested my head on his chest. He may drive me crazy but I still loved him. He was my home. Aspen¡¯s panicked voice filled my head and my heart stopped. ¡°Mom, what¡¯s wrong?¡± Channing questioned. ¡°Where are you?¡± I linked Aspen. ¡°Mom, she¡¯s gone. I don¡¯t know what to do?¡± He cried. ¡°Text me the address.¡± I ended the link. ¡°Mom, I need you to take her,¡± Book Two Chapter Twenty Five I gently handed my sleeping baby to my mother. ¡°Baby, what the hell is going on?¡± ke demanded. ¡°It¡¯s Aspen,¡± I eximed, before rushing to get my purse where I left my phone. ¡°Slow down. What are you talking about?¡± My mate grabbed my arm forcing me to look at him. ¡°I don¡¯t know. He needs me and I need to go,¡± I shouted. I pulled out of his hold and grabbed my purse before marching outside to my vehicle. I tried to open the driver¡¯s side door but ke mmed his palm on the window. Lily let out a murderous growl. She was anxious to get to her pup. ¡°You need to exin before you go anywhere,¡± kemanded and I crossed my arms over my chest. ¡°I don¡¯t know what happened. He needs me and I¡¯m going, ke. Now, f ucking move before Lily makes you,¡± I promised. This need to protect my son was so strong I was ready to rip my mate apart to get to him. Aspen needed me and I wasn¡¯t about to let him down. His face softened as I red at him. ¡°I¡¯ll drive,¡± I furrowed my brow. ¡°I¡¯m not letting you go alone, baby. Now, get in before I change my mind.¡± I quickly kissed his cheek before I rushed around the SUV to the passenger side. Once I was seated I looked at my phone, he had sent me a text message with the address. I told it to ke and he took off with SUVs following behind us. ¡°What would he be doing on that side of the city?¡± He questioned. Book Two Chapter Twenty-Five ¡°I know he is seeing someone, but I don¡¯t have any details.¡± I shrugged. My stomach was in knots the entire drive and even more so when ke pulled the vehicle in front of the apartment building. I jumped out of the SUV and rushed into the building before ke could stop me. All I cared about was finding my boy. ¡°Aspen,¡± I called out before I saw Landon standing down the hallway. ¡°He¡¯s in here,¡± he replied and I marched into the open apartment door to stop in my tracks. I took a deep breath and her scent hit me. C¨°ntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org ¡°Luna,¡± Lily confirmed. ¡°Mom?¡± Aspen exited one of the rooms. The apartment was small and he filled up the space. ¡°Oh, thank the goddess you are okay. What happened?¡± I breathed out. ¡°Ryley, what the hell? Anyone could be in this f ucking building,¡± ke growled behind me but I ignored him. I was too worried about my son and Lily literally just killed a man. I can take care of myself. ¡°I don¡¯t know what happened, but Tessa is gone, Mom. She left without a word.¡± Aspen¡¯s panicked voice broke my heart. I wrapped my arms around him. ¡°Tessa is the girl you told me about at Christmas?¡± I asked, knowing the answer. ¡°Yes. She and her friend, Sarah, live here. I was trying to get them to move to the pack house but she refused. I¡¯m worried the council took her, Mom, she wouldn¡¯t have left without a word.¡± ¡°Did you know she was a Luna wolf?¡± I looked up at him when he pulled back. ¡°What are you talking about? How do you know? Have you met her?¡± He demanded and his father growled behind me. ¡°Lily can scent other Luna wolves, Aspen. There are three scents, yours, hers, and someone I met earlier today at the mall.¡± ¡°I don¡¯t understand, the only other person who lives here is Sarah,¡± he said. ¡°Is she young, blonde, and very pretty?¡± ¡°That would be Sarah,¡± Landon answered from the door. ¡°Baby, what the hell is going on?¡± ke questioned as I watched Aspen. ¡°We had a Luna wolf hiding in our pack and now she is gone. We need to send out a team to look for them.¡± I turned towards my mate. ¡°They could be in danger.¡± Chapter 179 Book Two Chapter Twenty-Six Future Alpha Aspen ¡°You are not going,¡± my father yelled for what seemed like the hundredth time. I shook my head as I paced the living room. ¡°I don¡¯t care what you say, Dad, I¡¯m going,¡± I retorted and he growled. ¡°Will you two stop?¡± my mother demanded. ¡°ke, I think it¡¯s a good idea if Aspen goes. She could be in trouble and she trusts him.¡± she defended. ¡°Not enough to ept his help,¡± he scoffed and it was my time to growl. ¡°ke, that¡¯s enough. She¡¯s scared. I didn¡¯t tell you sh it about my life either,¡± she retorted. We were back at the house, sitting around the living room. My grandparents were also here with Mom¡¯s friend Eli. ¡°Baby, that¡¯s not the same and you know it.¡± Dad defended and Grandma scoffed: ¡°She may not know she is ¨¤ Luna wolf but something happened to cause her to run. ¡°I didn¡¯t know I was one until Lily told me.¡± My mother said. ¡°She doesn¡¯t have her wolf. Bliz would have sensed it.¡± ¡°I don¡¯t care why she ran, I care that I¡¯m at war with the wolf council that I¡¯m at war with the wolf council and I¡¯m not letting my son go on aq? goose chase for someone he 0.00% ? < 11.47 Book Two Chapter Twenty-Six barely knows,¡± my fathermanded. ¡°And I don¡¯t care what you think. I¡¯m going, with or without your help. You would have never let Mom go, so why is this any different?¡± I demanded. ¡°He has a point, ke,¡± Grandpa said. ¡°Is she your mate?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± I confessed. ¡°But that doesn¡¯t change how I feel about her. And you didn¡¯t know Mom was your mate until she was pregnant with Evie. But you still went after her.¡± ¡°Aspen, I was also protecting Channing.¡± She pulled away from him and stood up from her seat on the couch. ¡°So, you came to the council because of Channing?¡± ¡°Baby, that¡¯s not what I meant,¡± he tried to reach for her but she stepped back. ¡°I need a moment,¡± she mumbled as she marched into the kitchen. ¡°For f uck sake,¡± my father pinched the bridge of his nose. ¡°So were you only helping her to get rid of Channing?¡± Eli demanded and my father let out a growl. My father moved towards him, but Grandpa stopped him. urderous ¡°Did you even f ucking love her?¡± my father. I took a step back a up from his seat to confront into my brother. I stood he mumbled. ¡°Well, this is a mess, s,¡± he ¡°Both of you stop!¡± I yelled. ¡°This is about finding Tessa and Sarah. You two can kill each other once I¡¯m gone.¡± This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org. 20.89% 11:46 Book Two Chapter Twenty-Six 6 ¡°I asked Aiden to go with you,¡± my mother said as she stood in the doorway. ¡°Go pack.¡± I rushed to her and wrapped her in a hug. ¡°Thank you,¡± I exhaled, kissing her cheek. I hurried out of the living room to my bedroom to pack a bag. She and Sarah have a good head start and we need to catch them before it¡¯s toote. Luna Ryley ¡°Baby,¡± ke started but I held up my hand to stop him. I was too emotional right now to deal with what he said. ¡°Stormy, I¡¯m going to go with him. I will keep him safe,¡± Eli said and ke growled. ¡°That¡¯s up to your alpha,¡± I looked at my father. ¡°Eli will keep him safe,¡± my father nodded. ¡°Thank you. Aiden should be here soon. I¡¯m going to check on Evie,¡± I walked towards the stairs and Channing stopped me. ¡°I¡¯m okay, go help your brother and I will be down in a minute,¡± I told him. I walked up the stairs, ignoring the chatter of the living room. What ke said hurt even though I know he didn¡¯t mean it like that, but his words stung. It¡¯s probably the hormones, but dam n, it had me questioning if we would still be together if I wasn¡¯t pregnant with his child. ¡°Ryley, ke loved us before the council took us,¡± Lily said and I sighed as I opened our daughter¡¯s bedroom door. She was still napping and I was thankful, she could sleep through all the yelling. I gently closed the door before strong arms wrapped around my waist and ke snuggled his face into my neck. ¡°I didn¡¯t mean it like that, Baby. Channing needed you and so did 44.38% ||| 11:47 1 Book Two Chapter Twenty-Six Aspen. We all needed you. I knew I loved you from the moment your sassy as s stormed into my office and fought mymands,¡± he chuckled against my neck. ¡°I would have fought for you, despite our boys,¡± he mumbled, nting kisses on his mark. I turned in his arms to face him. ¡°Please, don¡¯t cry,¡± he cupped my cheeks.¡± ¡°I¡¯m just over-sensitive, ke. I know you didn¡¯t mean it.¡± He pressed his lips to mine. ¡°I love you, so much, my Luna,¡± he mumbled against my lips. ¡°I love you.¡± He wrapped his arms around me and I snuggled my face against his hard chest. ¡°We need to let him go,¡± I murmured. ¡°I know,¡± he sighed. I pulled back to look up at my husband. ¡°He loves her. He may not be ready to say it, but I can see it.¡± ¡°We are at war, Ryley, this could be a trap. The council could have her because of the rtionship she has with Aspen. They might not know she is a Luna wolf,¡± he rested his forehead against mine. ¡°But she is a Luna wolf and we need to protect her, ke. She might not be Aspen¡¯s mate, but she is still important. They both are.¡± I pleaded. ¡°I will get men on it from here to give them an idea of where they went.¡± ¡°Check the bus stations. The closest leave to when I saw Sarah Check the bus atzioni. The closed e the mall. They will probably buff u down. Also, check easy ces where they going to need money,¡± I rushed Chapter 180 Book Two Chapter Twenty * Wowherz Book Two Chapter Twenty-Seven Alpha ke I stormed out of the house to confront Eli while my wife helped our son pack. I was fuming at the allegation of me not loving my wife. Ryley is my mate, wife, and the mother of my pups, of course, I love her. Ryley¡¯s father stepped in my path and Aiden stepped up beside him. I closed my fists wanting so badly to hit that f ucker in the face. ¡°I swear if you let anything happen to my son, I will hunt you down and rip you apart, regardless of who the hell your alpha is,¡± I promised, looking around Aiden¡¯s frame. I would do it now if I could. I pushed against Aiden when the f ucker smirked. Did he forget that this was my f ucking pack and he was a guest here. ¡°ke,¡± Ryley yelled. She and Aspen were standing on the porch. I pushed away from Aiden and my father-inw, turning away from the house. I took deep breaths as I closed my eyes to calm myself. I didn¡¯t know if it was because that f ucker said I didn¡¯t love her or that he was going on this mission with my son. Or was it that my mate trusted him? Whatever it was, I hated it. And I loathed him. Ryley surprised me when she wrapped her arms around my waist and rested her head on my chest. I wrapped my arms around her, weing herfort. She has to know this isn¡¯t easy for me. I¡¯m not ready for my son to run off by himself and he is going with someone who is in love with my mate. I was torn about letting him leave at all. Book Two Chapter Twenty Seva ¡°It will be okay, babe,¡± she reassured me. ¡°I know this is hard,¡± she choked and I squeezed her tighter before kissing the top of her head. ¡°Is she worth all this?¡± I heard Channing questioning his brother. ¡°Is that your way of guilting me into staying?¡± Aspen retorted and Channing growled. ¡°If you are so worried, you don¡¯t have to go back.¡± ¡°F uck you,¡± Channing eximed, I turned to see him pushing Aspen. ¡°Hey,¡± Imanded. Ryley jumped at the sound of my voice and I wanted to strangle both of them. They both stopped and looked at me. ¡°That¡¯s enough. Both of you have your reasons for leaving.¡± ¡°At least I¡¯m not leaving with a guy Dad hates,¡± Channing said smugly. ¡°Channing,¡± Ryley gasped, pulling away from me. ¡°Sorry,¡± he grumbled to his mother. ¡°Eli, you will watch what you say from now on. ke is my mate and husband,¡± Ryley demanded and it was my turn to smirk. ¡°What the hell did I do?¡± He eximed and she pointed at him. ¡°You know what you did. You¡¯re a grown-as s man, start acting like it,¡± she growled and her father chuckled. ¡°That¡¯s my girl,¡± he praised. ¡°Now, the n is to track down all the buses leaving the pack. These two are going to bus jump for a few days before settling down. Look into bars and other businesses that would hire young pretty women on the spot. They will be looking for quick cash,¡± Ryley said and Aspen growled. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, sweetie, I¡¯m not saying this to hurt you, but it¡¯s something I would have done. How do you think I got through school? Tips are good when you are pretty,¡± she shrugged and I growled. ¡°ke, stop. I worked the bar, not the pole,¡± she sighed. That didn¡¯t make me feel any better. ¡°We will talk about thatter.¡± I murmured. ¡°ke, we have a lead,¡± Aiden said, I turned to find him looking at his phone. ¡°Where?¡± Aspen demanded. The only time I¡¯ve seen Aspen like this is when ites to Ryley. He must really care for this girl if he¡¯s willing to go against me. ¡°Follow it, but Aspen, you will call me at every turn. And you will listen to Aiden. This is what he does and he¡¯s the best.¡± I told him firmly. He gave me a nod before he came over and hugged his mother who had tears running down her face now. ¡°Be safe,¡± she mumbled. ¡°I will, Mom, I promise,¡± he pulled back and kissed her forehead. ¡°Bring them home,¡± she patted his chest. With the bags already packed into Aspen¡¯s truck, I stood beside my Luna and watched our oldest son drive away. If I didn¡¯t have to deal with the council I would be going with him. Ryley let out a sob beside me and I pulled her tightly against me. I knew this was going to be hard for her. And we will be saying goodbye to Channing in a few days. ¡°Mom,¡± Channing called out to her. ¡°I¡¯m okay. It¡¯s a little overwhelming,¡± she cried. ¡°About what Aspen said,¡± he sighed as he approached us. He was going to say more until Ryley stopped him. ¡°You are building your own life and I¡¯m so proud of you. Lily is so proud of you. We are going to be okay here, all of us,¡± she rubbed her lower belly ¡°We are so proud of you, son, and you will have nothing to worry about when you are back at school,¡± I told him, while he hugged his mother. ¡°Thanks, Dad.¡± He smiled as he held his mother tight. ¡°There¡¯s a game on if you¡¯d like to watch with me?¡± He asked her and she sniffled. ¡°And I will get you some chocte,¡± she chuckled a so b. ¡°I would love that.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll go check on Evie and meet you in the living room.¡± He told her before heading into the house. I didn¡¯t wait to pull her into my arms. ¡°I want you to rest, baby, it¡¯s been a long day,¡± I mumbled, as I snuggled into her neck. ¡°I¡¯m worried about Aspen. I don¡¯t want to see him get hurt.¡± I kissed her temple as I held her to my chest.This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org. ¡°Me too, but there¡¯s nothing we can do but support him in this. Whatever happens, we are here for him. For both our boys.¡± Chapter 181 Book Two Chapter Twenty-Eight Luna Ryley Saying goodbye to Aspen was hard, but he calls me every day to update me. After a week they still haven¡¯t tracked down the girls but they also haven¡¯t run into the council, so that¡¯s good news. I still don¡¯t like him out there without me. I know he¡¯s eighteen and can handle himself but as a Luna wolf, I can heal him. And that¡¯s what¡¯s worrying me the most, is not being there if he needs me. But, today, I have to push my worry aside because, today, Evie and I are watching her big brother y hockey. It was like pulling teeth to get my mate to agree to let me go, but after seeing his daughter in the little jersey I bought to match mine with the Orion name on the back, he couldn¡¯t say no. I was standing in the crowded bleachers with Walter. The second period was about to start and Evie was already asleep in the snuggly strapped around my chest. It was passed her bedtime. Warriors were surrounding us, blending into the crowd, and Channing¡¯s team of warriors was also there. I knew we were safe and this was the first game my son openly invited me to and I wasn¡¯t going to miss it. I just finished texting ke when the teams came out from intermission. The crowd went wild for the home team and my heart swelled with pride. This is something Channing always wanted. We would talk about it after his games when he was younger. He loved the game of hockey. I caught Channing eyeing the crowd and I waved an arm in the air. I was surprised when he saw me in the crowded arena but he gave me a nod before going to the center for the puck drop. < 12.48 Book Two Chapter Twenty-Eight I held my sleeping daughter tightly as I bounced her in the busy lobby of the arena. The game was now over with a win for us and I was beaming with pride. I wish ke had been here to see him. He has been meeting with other alphas with everything going on with the council. He couldn¡¯t get away no matter how hard he tried. ¡°How are you feeling?¡± Walter asked me again as we waited. The nausea has been worse thest couple of days and it¡¯s been hard to keep anything down, even with medication. ¡°I¡¯m still okay,¡± I told him. Even if I were dying, I would still be here watching my son. But I missed being pregnant with Evie, she was so easypared to this little bean. I kissed the top of her head as I bounced her. I was so thankful for the family ke and I have. As much as this little bean I¡¯m growing is making me sick, I can¡¯t wait to meet them. The lobby went crazy as the home team entered from the locker room. I couldn¡¯t see my son through the crowd but I knew he would find me, he always does. I just wanted to hug him before we had to leave. ke was anxious about having us back at the pack as soon as possible. I understand his worry. I worry every time he has to leave the pack without me. ¡°Mom, Grandad,¡± Channing shouted through the crowd of fans. He was taller than most and I was finally able to see him. He wrapped me in his arms before kissing my cheek and Evie¡¯s head. ¡°I¡¯m so d you were both able toe.¡± ¡°I wouldn¡¯t have missed this,¡± I smiled at him. I have missed him so much since he left earlier this week. After Aspen left on his mission, Channing and I had been spending more time together. ¡°Great game, son. So proud of you,¡± Walter praised him before hugging him. 29.46% III O 12:48 Book Two Chapter Twenty-Eight ¡°Thanks, Grandad.¡± ¡°We have another one tomorrow night if you can both make it,¡± he shrugged. ¡°I will try to be there, but your father has been anxious about us leaving the pack. Maybe tomorrow, we can both be here to cheer you on,¡± I told him. ¡°I understand, Mom. I love Evie¡¯s new jersey,¡± he smiled as he wrapped an arm around my shoulders. ¡°She watched most of the first period, but we have had a busy day,¡± I said as he lightly brushed his fingers through her hair. ¡°She¡¯ll be your second biggest fan soon enough,¡± I smiled. I will always be the first. ¡°Thanks, Mom,¡± he squeezed me and my heart swelled. It¡¯s not easy when your children grow older and you don¡¯t realize how hard it is until it happens to you. Some of Channing¡¯s teammates were calling him over and I knew it was time to leave, even though I didn¡¯t want to. Channing hesitated to pull away from me. ¡°Go, we need to get back to the pack. I¡¯m so proud of you, son,¡± I hugged him the best I could with his sister strapped to my chest. ¡°Be safe and text me when you¡¯re home. Hopefully, I will see you all tomorrow,¡± he mumbled as he returned the hug. He hugged Walter before kissing my cheek and his sister¡¯s head again. ¡°I love you.¡± ¡°I love you,¡± I heard him say before he got lost in the crowd. ¡°Come on, baby girl, we need to get back.¡± Walter wrapped an arm around my shoulders before leading me out of the arena. I walked over 61.03% ?? This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org. 12:48 < Book Two Chapter Twenty-Eight to the waiting SUV with a few warriors standing around. I would say it was overkill if I didn¡¯t know firsthand what the council was capable of. Walter helped me unstrap Evie and I ced her in the car seat. She stayed asleep as I buckled her in. Walter climbed in on the other side and a warrior closed the door behind me. Once we were ready to go, I pulled out my phone to text ke. I knew one of the warriors would have notified him, but I missed him. Stu pid hormones. ¡°Everything is going to be okay,¡± Walter reassured me. I knew it would be, but I will feel better once we are in the safety of the pack and I¡¯m wrapped in my husband¡¯s arms. ¡°And the council is dead,¡± Lily grumbled. ¡°Yeah, that too.¡± Chapter 182 Book Two Chapter Twenty¨CNine Future Alpha Aspen Three monthster¡­ It¡¯s been three months and we still haven¡¯t found Tessa or Sarah. I felt like my life wasing undone. My mother is close to giving birth. The council is pushing my father more and more each day to attack. And here I was, trying to find someone who clearly didn¡¯t want to be found. Aiden, Eli, and I were staying at a rundown motel while we waited for another possible lead. I was impressed with their hiding skills but also annoyed that we couldn¡¯t find them. ¡°This is not the first time they have run,¡± Bliz chimed in, while Iy on the bed in my room, looking up at the ceiling. ¡°But why run from me? What were they running from before?¡± I questioned for what felt like the hundredth time. I realized I didn¡¯t know anything about Tessa¡¯s past. I was afraid if I pushed her she would walk away from me. But she did anyway. I believed we were on the same page, and that we could fall in love. What did I do wrong? Banging on the door pulled me from my depressing thoughts. I jumped off the bed to open the door finding Eli on the other side. ¡°I think we found something,¡± he pushed past me and entered my room. Knots twisted my stomach as I waited for him to continue. ¡°I think we have a lead on Sarah. My contact hasn¡¯t seen anyone who looks like Tessa but a hot blonde like Sarah is easy to notice.¡± I growled causing him to chuckle. ¡°Rx, Alpha.¡± 0.00% ´¨ O 12:48 §Ô Book Two Chapter Twenty¨CNine Copyright by N?v/elDrama.Org. ¡°What¡¯s the lead?¡± I exhaled. My patience was growing to non¨Cexistent since this all began. I have heard it all but nothing seems to lead to anything but a dead end. ¡°It¡¯s a bar in a small town in the middle of nowhere. They did not make it easy to find. With the number of busses and big cities, I¡¯m d we had some men on the ground,¡± he breathed out, slumping down into one of the chairs. ¡°Is he sure it¡¯s Sarah?¡± I asked, tired of chasing my tail. ¡°Tessa would be there if it was Sarah.¡± ¡°It¡¯s better than nothing, Aspen. We have been sitting in this motel for days waiting on a location.¡± He was right but we have been running in circles for months. ¡°I know,¡± I yelled, as I paced the small room. ¡°I know,¡± I mumbled. He leaned forward and rested his elbows on his knees. ¡°I understand this is hard. I¡¯ve been there myself,¡± he confessed and I knew he was speaking about Mom. He has been telling me stories about their childhood and how things changed when she met Dorian. It made me wonder if I was doing all of this in vain. If I¡¯m not her fated mate, then she has one out there and I¡¯m Eli in my Mom¡¯s story. ¡°She¡¯s a Luna wolf, Aspen. She will be with an alpha.¡± Bliz sighed. That may be true but I may not be that alpha. ¡°Get packed, we can go check it out. The town isn¡¯t far from here,¡± Eli said before leaving my room. I sat on the edge of the bed with my head in my hands. Now, I understand how Dad was feeling that month without Mom. The not/knowing was slowly killing me. I¡¯vee to terms with the fact that she may not care about me, and I just want to know if she is okay. Even if she tells me to fuck off after I find her. O 12:48 r Book Two Chapter Twenty Nine ¡°Let¡¯s get this over with,¡± I sighed before getting up from the bed. I found Eli standing by my truck as I left the room with bags in my hands. ¡°Have you told Aiden?¡± I asked as I threw my stuff into the back seat. ¡°He hasn¡¯t answered. It¡¯s only a few hours away if you want to go for a drive?¡± He suggested. I couldn¡¯t leave without letting Aiden know where we were going. I walked up to the room beside mine and banged on the door. When he didn¡¯t answer, I opened up the mind link. ¡°Give me a second,¡± he said before I got a chance to say anything. He closed the link and I stepped back to stand with Eli. ¡°He said to give him a second,¡± I told him. I wonder if he was having a hard time being away from his mate. I know she is human and doesn¡¯t feel the bond the same way but I¡¯m sure she misses him. It¡¯s been a long three months. I can tell he has been more on edgetely. I turned when a door was thrown open with a bang. Aiden marched out of his room with all his stuff. ¡°We¡¯ve been called back to the pack,¡± he rushed as he threw his stuff in the back. ¡°Get in.¡± I looked at Eli as Aiden climbed into the driver¡¯s seat. We rushed around the truck and climbed in with me riding shotgun. Aiden didn¡¯t waste any time as he burned rubber out of the parking lot. ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± I questioned. ¡°I don¡¯t know much, Aspen. Luca called and ordered us back. I¡¯m sorry.¡± 55.22% ||| 12 48 O < Book Two Chapter Twenty¨CNine ¡°What the hell does that mean? What aren¡¯t you saying?¡± Eli demanded and Aiden sighed. 1288 (Vouchers ¡°Fuck,¡± he pped the steering wheel before gripping it tightly. His knuckles were white by the time he looked over at me. My stomach sank as I watched him. It was bad and he didn¡¯t know how to tell me. ¡°Luna is missing, Aspen,¡± he blurted. ¡°What?¡± Eli and I yelled. ¡°I don¡¯t know the details. Luca called and your father is losing his mind. He is ready to storm the council. I don¡¯t know what happened.¡± My mind was racing. She was very pregnant with my sister or brother and couldn¡¯t shift. ¡°How? I don¡¯t understand. How were they able to get to her?¡± I demanded. ¡°I can¡¯t answer any of that.¡± ¡°Fuck,¡± I exhaled. I leaned back in my seat and pulled my phone from my pocket. I called my father and when he didn¡¯t answer I called Walter. Someone had to know something. ¡°Do you think Channing knows?¡± I asked while the phone rang. ¡°I¡¯don¡¯t know, but I wouldn¡¯t say anything until we speak to Luca back at the pack.¡± ¡°Aspen, are you okay, son?¡± Walter finally answered the phone. ¡°Where is Mom?¡± ¡°I, we,¡± he stammered, ¡°don¡¯t know.¡± Chapter 183 ok Two Chapter Thirty¨COne Alpha ke ¡°Someone better find her now,¡± I screamed at the tech team looking through CCTV footage. Ryley wasn¡¯t in our home and no one saw her leave. I was about to lose it if someone didn¡¯t bring me something. Anything. I ¡°ke, Aspen just pulled up,¡± Luca poked his head into the room. I rushed from the room and out of the pack house to see my son, who had been gone for thest three months. I don¡¯t know who he got himself involved with, but I couldn¡¯t worry about that right now. ¡°Dad, where is she?¡± He demanded as he jumped out of his truck. ¡°We don¡¯t know,¡± Luca answered beside me. ¡°How the fuck did you lose her?¡± Eli eximed. I clenched my fists wanting to hit the bastard in the face. Luca stepped between us before I could. ¡°Poking the Alpha isn¡¯t going to help. We are looking through the footage now. She was working in her office, when she informed my mate she wasn¡¯t feeling well and was going to lie down. She¡¯s not at the house and we can¡¯t reach her through the link or her phone,¡± my beta exined. I felt numb as I listened. I fucking lost her. ¡°Evie?¡± Aspen questioned. ¡°She¡¯s with Becky and Walter,¡± he replied. I haven¡¯t been able to go seeExclusive content ? by N?(v)el/Dr/ama.Org. 0.00% 12:13 Book Two Chapter Thirty¨COne tt my daughter as guilt twisted my guts. She would be wanting her mother and I couldn¡¯t give her that. ¡°ke, we are going to find her.¡± Aiden gripped my shoulder pulling me from my dreadful thoughts. ¡°Dad, does Channing know?¡± My attention snapped to our oldest son. ¡°We haven¡¯t informed him yet. He has exams this, week.¡± Luca told them. ¡°Dad?¡± Aspen crossed his f 4 and charms over his chest ¡°There¡¯s nothing he can do right now, son.¡± ¡°Alpha, we found something,¡± a warrior linked and I took off running back into the pack house. My heart was pounding in my chest as I entered the surveince room. Anxiety twisted in my gut as I looked around at the screens. ¡°Alpha,¡± myputer expert nodded. ¡°What did you find?¡± I rushed out as the others came into the room behind me. ¡°I found her.¡± He pointed to the bigger screen above him before hitting the keyboard in front of him. I watched as my mate walked out of the pack house. She looked exhausted as she rubbed her swollen belly. She was due in just a few weeks. I growled when a young woman approached her. I didn¡¯t recognize her. ¡°Who is she?¡± I demanded as I watched my mate walk to an SUV with 22.60% O 12:13 Book Two Chapter Thirty¨COne the woman. Ryley what the hell are you doing? Where the hell are all the warriors? Why was no one watching her? My blood boiled as I watched my wife go limp and she was pushed inside the back seat of the vehicle. The woman kept her head down and there wasn¡¯t a clear view of her face as she climbed into the passenger side. Someone else must be driving. ¡°Dad.¡± Aspen gripped my shoulder and I jumped: My body was trembling in uncontroble rage. Someone drove into my pack and took my mate and child. ¡°We are going to get Mom back.¡± He started barking orders taking over for me. My lungs constricted as my mind raced with scenarios of what they could be doing to her. It¡¯s been hours. Did the drug they used hurt our unborn child? ¡°ke,¡± I heard my name but I barely heard it as my ear rang loudly. How can this be happening again? We had a n. Everything was in ce to keep her safe. I blinked, Aspen¡¯s faceing into focus as he had me by the shoulders, shaking me. ¡°Dad, I need you to snap out of it, you can¡¯t fall apart now. Mom and the baby need you,¡± he pleaded. ¡°I failed,¡± I mumbled. ¡°I fucking failed them,¡± I screamed, unable to hold in my anguish. I pulled away from him and paced the room. ¡°Dad, you didn¡¯t fail them. Mom and Lily are going to keep the baby safe while we figure out where they have taken her.¡± He assured me but even 44.12% 12:13 Book Two Chapter Thirty¨COne I saw the doubt in his eyes when I looked at him. They will me me if we don¡¯t find them alive and she will me me if anything happens to our baby. ¡°Luca, we are leaving now. Aiden keep me informed of everything you find,¡± I ordered as I stormed from the room and headed to the front door. ¡°ke, slow down, we need a n,¡± Luca grabbed my arm but I ripped it away. ¡°I¡¯m going to the council and ripping them apart until someone tells me where she is. I know it was them and this time nothing is going to stop me.¡± I growled as I tore open the door and headed for my truck. ¡°We need men,¡± Luca called out, but nothing was going to smooth this burning rage inside me. I didn¡¯t need an army to take them down. Nothing they did was going to stop me this time. I climbed behind the wheel of my truck and started the engine. I looked to the passenger seat when Aspen ripped open the door and hopped in. ¡°I¡¯m not letting you go alone.¡± He clicked his seat belt. I didn¡¯t say a word as I sped away from the pack house. What could I say? I didn¡¯t know what was going to happen. I¡¯m sure this was a trap but I didn¡¯t care what happened to me. I needed Ryley and our baby to be okay. Everything else at this moment didn¡¯t matter. Aspen¡¯s phone rang as I kept my attention on the road ahead. In a few hours, she will be back in my arms, I told myself. ¡°Luca has men ready and they are following. He wants us to stop before the council to go over a n,¡± Aspen ryed. ¡°Tell him to catch up. I¡¯m not wasting time stopping. We have no idea what they injected her with and how it may affect the baby. This ends now: Chapter 184 Book Two Chapter Thirty¨CTwo Tessa It¡¯s been three months since I ran away with Sarah, leaving Aspen behind. Every night without him, I lose a little bit more of my soul. I was willing to risk everything to go back to him, even if he sent me back to my betrothed. Anything to make the pain in my chest go away. I rubbed my tiny bump as I thought about what Aspen would think if he saw me now. Would he be happy I¡¯m carrying his child or would he be furious I ran from him? I tried to tell myself that I had no choice. I had to keep Sarah alive. Without her, I wouldn¡¯t have gotten away in the first ce. But nothing eased the guilt or the heartache. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, little one, I don¡¯t know what to do,¡± I whispered as I looked out the window of the back garden of the motel. The older couple who owns it loves to garden and the building may be older but they keep it in great shape. The gardens make this ce even more beautiful. Content provided by N?velDrama.Org. I jumped when the door was thrown open and Sarah rushed in. She was panting as she rested her hands on her knees. My stomach clenched as I knew what this would mean. We were going to have to leave this ce. ¡°We leaving, aren¡¯t we?¡± I asked as I watched her catch her breath. ¡°It¡¯s not like that, Tess,¡± she panted. ¡°Alpha Connolly has Luna Orion,¡± she exhaled and my blood ran cold. Why the hell would he have taken her? Aspen¡¯s mother. She¡¯s pregnant. 0.00% 12:13 Book Two Chapter Thirty¨CTwo ¡°Sarah, I don¡¯t understand. How do you know this?¡± I stammered, heart bleeding for Aspen. He must be losing his mind with worry. my I gasped when a tall figure stood in the doorway of our small room. One hand over my mouth and the other over my tiny bump. He was an alpha and nothing I could do would save me from him if he attacked, but I had to try. ¡°Baby sister,¡± he stepped into the small space and closed the door behind him. $ ¡°It¡¯s not what you think,¡± Sarah rushed as I stepped back until I hit the wall. Scanning the room, I tried to find another way out. ¡°Why would you do this? Why would you bring him here?¡± I shouted and my brother flinched. ¡°Dad¡¯s dead,¡± he said, but that didn¡¯t erase everything the pack had put me through. They all just stood there while he handed me over to that monster. ¡°I want you both toe home,¡± he wrapped an arm around Sarah¡¯s waist and pulled her back against his chest. I looked between them, not believing what I was seeing with my own eyes. ¡°That¡¯s how you were able to get us away.¡± I pointed at my brother. ¡°He was helping.¡± Sarah nodded. ¡°I know this is a lot, Tess, but I need you to trust me.¡± ¡°Trust you,¡± I snapped. ¡°You have lied to me this entire time. You have been with my brother. I thought you were my friend.¡± I cried, tears streaming down my cheeks. 23.60% 12:13 Book Two Chapter Thirty¨CTwo 288 (Vouchers ¡°Sis, I understand, but the fewer people who knew about us the better. Dad would have never let her live if he knew.¡± Titus exined. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Tess, I¡¯m so sorry, but I couldn¡¯t risk anyone finding out.¡± She cried. My brother spun her and hugged her tightly against his chest. I haven¡¯t seen this side of him in so long. Always afraid our father would find out and I would be punished. I exhaled as I took a seat at the two¨Cperson table in the room. My head pounded with the new information. ¡°Did she tell you everything?¡± I questioned as he and Sarah sat on the edge of her bed. ¡°I know you are pregnant, Tessa. I also know the father is a future alpha from the other side. What I don¡¯t understand is why you ran?¡± ¡°That doesn¡¯t matter now, does it?¡± I scoffed, crossing my arms over my chest. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Tess, I didn¡¯t know your father had died or I would have told you to tell Aspen everything.¡± Sarah sniffled. ¡°So, what¡¯s the n now?¡± I sighed. I wasn¡¯t happy about my best friend lying to me about being with my brother but I knew she was trying to keep me safe. Even though she should have told me the truth. ¡°He knows you are a Luna wolf,¡± my brother stated. ¡°What are you talking about? I don¡¯t even have my wolf yet. How would he know about my wolf when I don¡¯t?¡± ¡°Luna wolves will start to show their abilities even without their wolves, 45.94% 12:13 Book Two Chapter Thirty¨CTwo 288 (Vouchers sis,¡± he stood up from the bed and took steps towards me as he cut his hand with a w. ¡°What are you doing?¡± I gasped, blood dripping from his palm. ¡°Lick it,¡± he pushed his hand towards my face. ¡°Are you mad? I¡¯m not licking blood,¡± I gaged, my stomach wasn¡¯t handling this well. ¡°Then spit and I will prove to you what you are, Tessa,¡± he smirked. I pushed my lips into a line before pooling saliva in my mouth and I spit it in his hand. The gash closed, leaving nothing but healthy skin. ¡°How?¡± I breathed out. ¡°I can¡¯t answer that, but I know that¡¯s why Connolly wanted you and Dad sold you for a high price. And when you ran it fucked with his n and he went after the only Luna wolf he knew of.¡± ¡°Luna Orion,¡± I gasped and he nodded. ¡°I caught word she is pregnant. But you are as well and I won¡¯t risk you.¡± ¡°I need to get her out of there. If I did it before, I can do it again. Luna Orion is Aspen¡¯s mother. Adoptive mother.¡± My brother pinched his brow. ¡°Long story,¡± I waved it off. ¡°But I need to do this. I don¡¯t think they even know who has taken her. They have been at war with their council. It¡¯s why we had to leave.¡± ¡°Let¡¯s get you both back to the pack and we will figure out a n to get Luna Orion out of there safely, with her child. I still have people on the inside that will keep her safe, for now.¡± 69.03% 12:13 Book Two Chapter Thirty Two ¡°Okay,¡± I mumbled. 288 Nouchers ¡°Good, get packed. The jet leaves within the hour,¡± he kissed Sarah before he left our room. ¡°Tess,¡± I held up my hand to stop her. ¡°I understand why you did what you did, but right now we need to focus on getting Aspen¡¯s mother back. I can not break his heart again.¡± She nodded before going around the room and stuffing things into her bag. I did the same as I thought of a n to get her away from that monster. I knew what I had to do and this time I wouldn¡¯t run. Chapter 185 Book Two Chapter Thirty¨CThree 288 iVouchers Book Two Chapter Thirty¨CThree Future Alpha Aspen I cringed as the front of my father¡¯s truck met the metal gate of the council building. The sound of metal on metal caused goosebumps to cover my body as I threw my arm out to brace myself on the dash. ININ H ¡°Dad,¡± I shouted as the truck came to a halt in front of the building. Warriors surround the truck. Our warriors used their vehicles as shields as they caged in the truck and almost hit the warriors in the way. My father jumped out of the truck and it was then I noticed the head of the coucil standing on the top of the stairs. A ck blur flew over one of the SUVs before tackling the councilman. ¡°Damnnit, Dad,¡± I growled getting out of the truck. I rushed around the front of the truck and through two SUVs before seeing my father¡¯s wolf surrounded by council warriors. He was ripping apart the head of the coucil without a care in the world that they could open fire any second. ¡°Well, that was easy,¡± Luca exhaled beside me. ¡°Yeah, but what if he was the only one who knew where mom was?¡± I sighed as Gunner sat back and let out a howl. ¡°Everyone stand down,¡± Imanded as I rushed up the stairs. My father was now the head of the council. 0.00% 12.07 Book Two Chapter Thirty¨CThree ¡°He can¡¯t just storm in here without an official challenge in ce. What he has done is an act of war,¡± a councilman argueding out of the council building. Gunner growled as the member approached us. ¡°And taking his mate wasn¡¯t an act of war,¡± Luca retorted. ¡°I admit we made a mistake but does that mean we should all be killed?¡± He gasped. Gunner got down, ready to pounce on the poor bastard. ¡°If you tell us where she is, then maybe I will stop him from killing you,¡± I said, crossing my arms over my chest. ¡°She? What are you talking about?¡± He questioned. ¡°Search the building. I want everyone who is inside to be brought ¡®out here for questioning,¡± I told Connor who was standing on the other side of me. ¡°Yes, sir,¡± he replied before barking orders to the men. ¡°Luna Orion was taken from our pack earlier today and we want her back,¡± I demanded. The councilman looked nervous as he looked between me and my father¡¯s massive ck wolf. ¡°I¡¯m sorry that happened,¡± he stammered, ¡°but it wasn¡¯t the council.¡± Gunner let out a murderous growl and he paled before stepping back. My father shifted back, covered in blood. ¡°You will give me back my mate, now,¡± he screamed as he pointed at him. Even I took a step back. I¡¯ve seen him crazy before but he had reached a new level. 18.68% 12:07 Book Two Chapter Thirty¨CThree ?? ¡°Alpha Orion, Luna Orion is not here,¡± he stuttered. ¡°She hasn¡¯t been here since you imed her as your second chance.¡± I stepped in front of my father before he could attack. ¡°We may need him.¡± My father stormed down the stairs, back to the vehicles, hopefully, to find pants as I ordered our men to take everyone down the the parking area. I didn¡¯t need anyone falling down the stairs before, we got a chance to interrogate them. My father stepped up beside me after our warriors had cleared out the building and their warriors were disarmed. Everyone made up two lines. ¡°We are looking for information on the whereabouts of Luna Orion,¡± I called out. My father let out a murderous growl with the mention of his mate. I knew this was going to be difficult for him but we needed information first before we could kill anyone. Everyone I could see took a step back away from us, but themotion down the line caught my attention. I marched over there and was surprised when a young girl pushed through and wrapped her arms around my waist. A furious older man followed her. ¡°Please, help me,¡± she begged. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Alpha,¡± the man spoke and reached for the girl with the death grip on me. ¡°Step back,¡± I ordered the man. ¡°She is a child, Alpha, she didn¡¯t mean any disrespect,¡± he pleaded. 38.67% A 12:07 Book Two Chapter Thirty¨CThree ¡°Don¡¯t let him take me,¡± the girl cried as she held on to me tighter. I looked at my father before looking down at the girl. I brushed some hair from her face to see bruises. She winced when I unwrapped her arms and kneeled to see her more clearly. I pulled up the sleeves of her shirt to see track marks. ¡°Please,¡± she mumbled and I looked up into her big brown eyes, filled with tears. ¡°I won¡¯t let them hurt you again,¡± I spoke softly to not scare her, even though I have never felt a fury like this before. ¡°But I need you to stand with that man,¡± I pointed to Luca who stepped forward. I couldn¡¯t trust my father with this since I didn¡¯t want the poor girl to see everyone getting ripped apart. ¡°No, please,¡± she pleaded. ¡°My name is Aspen and he is Luca. I trust him. No one is ever going to hurt you again.¡± I assured her. ¡°I just don¡¯t want you to see this.¡± She hesitated before nodding. ¡°That fucker is dead,¡± Bliz growled in my head ¡°It¡¯s okay, Sweetie,¡± Luca held out his hand and I nudged her towards him. When she was out of sight I grabbed the fucker by the throat. His eyes bulged out as his face turned red. ¡°Now, someone is going to tell me what you have been doing to that poor girl,¡± Imanded. ¡°Alpha, Hailey is a Luna wolf. She had wandered into a pack and was 58.82% 12:07 Book Two Chapter Thirty¨CThree ?? 288 iVouchers brought her,¡± a staff member stepped forward. The man in my grip gargled as I crushed his throat before ripping it out. His limp body fell to the ground with a thump. Everything took a step back and my skin rippled with the need to shift. Luna wolf or not, how the hell do you justify testing a child? ¡°Separate the staff and warriors from the members,¡± I ordered. ¡°If they would do this to a child, they would take your mother again,¡± my father grumbled stepping up beside me. ¡°This council needs to be cleaned up and even if Mom isn¡¯t here, this was long overdue,¡± I red at the remaining members. ¡°Luna Orion isn¡¯t here,¡± a man shouted. She may not be but I know what she would do if she was here and saw that poor girl. We had men at the pack tracking the SUV she was put into so we had time to deal with this shitshow. ¡°Dad, Mom would never allow this. We can¡¯t just leave,¡± I told him. Exclusive content ? by N?(v)el/Dr/ama.Org. ¡°I¡¯m going to sniff around inside to see if I can pick up her scent.¡± He gripped my shoulder. ¡°I trust you.¡± He took off towards the front doors of the building, leaving me to deal with this corrupt council. Little did they know, I was just as brutal as my father. ¡°Who knew about the girl?¡± I demanded. When no one stepped forward, Bliz forced the shift. He shook out his white coat before bearing his teeth. Everyone here was guilty and the punishment was death. Chapter 186 Book Two Chapter Thirty¨CFour Luna Ryley I jumped when the door opened with a bang. I must have fallen asleep. I stood up and readied myself when someone walked into the room. ¡°Luna, you¡¯re awake. Good. How are you feeling? I brought you I some breakfast,¡± the young maid smiled. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, who are you?¡± I questioned as I held my belly. ¡°Lily, keep them in there,¡± I pleaded as I watched the maid put down the tray. I took in a breath and pushed it out as my belly tightened. I can not go intobor in this ce. ¡°I¡¯m Shea and Alpha Connolly has assigned me to your care, Luna Orion. Anything you need, please ask. He wants you to be asfortable as possible.¡± ¡°Well, I¡¯m still here, so not toofortable,¡± I retorted. She smiled awkwardly as she sped her hands together in front of her. ¡°I understand this must be difficult for you, Luna Orion, but everything will be okay,¡± she smiled and winked. Her face fell when I gripped my belly. ¡°Drink some water and rest. I¡¯ll be back soon.¡± 0.00% 11:40 Book Two Chapter Thirty¨CFour I let out a groan as soon as the door clipped closed. ¡°Lily,¡± I took harsh breaths as I leaned against the bed. ¡°Drink some water and rest. I¡¯m doing everything I can,¡± she whined. As soon as the tightness subsided, I picked up the tray and sat on the bed. I sipped the water and ced my feet up. ¡°Baby, Momma needs you to stay in there a little longer,¡± I mumbled as I rubbed over my bump. I felt a few kicks and I smiled. ¡°ke, I really need you right now,¡± I whispered. It didn¡¯t take long for me to fall back asleep. Being in a constant state of fear and panic is exhausting. When I woke, I reached for the bottle of water and found a sealed one and a new tray of food. Shea must have been in earlier. ¡°I didn¡¯t want to wake you. She came in and switched out the trays. I didn¡¯t feel any danger,¡± Lily yawned. ¡°I don¡¯t know if we can trust anyone here. And I¡¯m not going to risk our baby being born here. He will take them away as soon as they are out.¡± I sighed. ¡°But then we can shift and I can rip him apart. Right now, there is nothing I can do to help,¡± she said. I was on the verge of tears with frustration. Both ns are such a risk. He could kill my baby before I could get a chance to shift. But how can I fight back without the baby getting hurt inside me? 18.07% A 11:40 Book Two Chapter Thirty¨CFour 1 I yelled when the door was thrown open. Alpha Connolly marched in with Shea following behind him, keeping her head down while carrying a garment bag. I looked at the alpha and he wore a smirk on his stupid face. I¡¯ve never wanted to punch someone so badly before. I stood up from the bed and clenched my fists to my side as I sized up the alpha. If I wasn¡¯t pregnant, I would rip his throat out. ¡°What can I do for you, Alpha?¡± I grumbled. ¡°Do I need to remind you of your ce, Luna Orion?¡± I red at him as he took a step towards me and I stepped back. He smiled at the action, knowing I was scared and there was no hiding it. I had to protect my child. ¡°Now, with that settled, you will join me for dinner. Shea will help you get ready with a dress I¡¯ve chosen.¡± He forced Shea to step forward with a tight grip on her arm. ¡°I don¡¯t know what you think this is, Alpha Connolly, but I¡¯m in no condition to join you for anything, nor do I want to.¡± This time when he took a step towards me, I didn¡¯t step back. The chuckle that left him had a shiver running down my spine. I gasped when he gripped my cheeks with his fingers. ¡°As much as I¡¯m going to enjoy that fighting spirit of yours, I¡¯m also going to enjoy breaking it. No one is coming for you, Luna, so you better get used to me.¡± He leaned in and sniffed my neck. as he dragged his nose along my skin. ¡°Fuck, you smell good, even with that bastard¡¯s scenting from you.¡± 41.25% 11:40- Book Two Chapter Thirty¨CFour 1 I gasped when he spun me around and shoved me against the wall. I throw my palms out to stop my belly from hitting the wall. The alpha gripped my hips before rubbing himself against me. I screamed when he sunk his teeth into my shoulder. I was left gasping as he removed his mouth. ¡°You can scream, baby, but no one is going to help you unless I allow it. Now, get cleaned up. You have one hour, unless,¡± he growled and thankful didn¡¯t get to finish his threat. I¡¯m sure it was the ridged thing pushed against my ass. ¡°Alpha, sorry to interrupt,¡± a man cleared his throat. ¡°One hour, Ryley,¡± he grumbled before taking a step back. ¡°Shea, get her ready,¡± hemanded. I jumped when the door mmed shut. ¡°Luna,¡± Shea called out. When her hand touched me, I jumped away. My body was trembling and my knees buckled. Shea caught me and helped me to sit on the bed. My lungs constricted, and breathing became difficult. ¡°Luna, I need you to take big deep breaths for me. You have having a panic attack and it¡¯s not good for the baby. Breathe,¡± I looked at her, feeling even more panic as I thought about going intobor here. ¡°It¡¯s okay, I know you are scared but I¡¯m going to help you, I promise,¡± she assured me. I don¡¯t know if she meant she was going to help me get out of here or with the panic attack. 67.32% 11:40 Book Two Chapter Thirty Four 1 ¡°Let¡¯s get you into the shower. We can¡¯t leave the alpha waiting.¡± C¨°ntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org She helped me to stand and led me into the bathroom. She left me leaning against the counter as she started the shower before getting me a cold bottle of water. ¡°Drink, please, you and your baby need it. We don¡¯t need you going intobor before we can get you out of here.¡± ¡°He will kill you,¡± I choked as I looked at the young woman who smiled at me. ¡°There is more than your alphaing, Luna. We just have to be patient.¡± Chapter 187 Book Two Chapter Thirty¨CFive Tessa The entire flight home, I was sick. Even after my stomach was empty, it would keeping up. By the time the ne hadnded, I felt worse. My head was pounding and my body ached. I was also worried about Aspen and my heart twisted painfully for him. I missed him so much. ¡°Sis, you okay?¡± My brother held out his hand as I struggled to descend the ne¡¯s stairs. ¡°Yeah, just tired,¡± I mumbled. I took his hand and he caught me when my knees buckled. ¡°We need to get you to the hospital, Tess,¡± Sarah said as my brother scooped me into his arms. ¡°I need to go to his pack. We have to get Luna Orion out of there. I don¡¯t know how much time she has left in her pregnancy,¡± I protested. ¡°And how do you think she will feel if you risk her grandchild,¡± she retorted. ¡°I can heal her. I need to be there. I can rest in the car on the way to the pack. We need to get her out of there now,¡± I argued. 0.00% 11:40 Book Two Chapter Thirty¨CFive ¡°First, hospital,¡± my brother ordered. ¡°Then I will call Alpha Orion.¡± ¡°No,¡± I shouted. ¡°Tess, we are going to need his help,¡± Sarah said as my brother sat me down in the back of one of the SUVS waiting for us. ¡°He can¡¯t know yet. He will never let me help if he knows. And I¡¯m the only one that can heal her.¡± I pleaded with my friend. ¡°Your both know what kind of a monster he is. What if he hurt the baby? I can heal him. We need to go now. I will try to eat anything and drink whatever on the drive there. Please, I can¡¯t let him lose. another mother,¡± I cried. ¡°Quick trip to the pack and then we will leave. You need something to help keep the food down.¡± My brother said as he buckled me in. ¡°Thank you,¡± I breathed out. ¡°Don¡¯t thank me yet, sis. We still need to get her and her baby out of there,¡± he kissed my forehead before closing the door. Sarah climbed in beside me and my brother took the front passenger seat. Sarah gripped my hand as the SUV sped down the road from the airport to our pack. I still haven¡¯t been able to ask her about how she got together with my brother. I thought she didn¡¯t have her wolf yet. Did his wolf im her? I know she came from a family of ranked wolves but she doesn¡¯t like to talk about how she ended up in our pack. 15.25% 11:40 O Book Two Chapter Thirty¨CFive I sighed as I rested my head against the window. I closed my eyes and my thoughts went to Aspen. My heart twisted painfully at my memories of us. I¡¯ve missed him, more and more over thesest three months. I was anxious about seeing him again. Would he reject me for running and taking his child with me? Would he believe I didn¡¯t know when I left? Or that I didn¡¯t want to leave. I was protecting his pack against Connolly and my father. I didn¡¯t know he was my mate. But even if he wasn¡¯t, I wouldn¡¯t have been able to live with myself if anything happened to him because of me. I quickly wiped away the tears as the SUV came to a stop. Sarah squeezed my hand and I looked over at her. ¡°It¡¯s going to be okay,¡± she assured me. I forced a smile. I never thought I would see Aspen again so I never told her my fears. He probably hates me and has moved on with someone else. I choked back a sob at the thought. ¡°Breath, babe, breath,¡± she wrapped her arms around me. ¡°I fucked up, Sarah. He could be with someone else,¡± I sobbed as she held me tight. ¡°A man who looks at a woman like that, would never just move on, Tess. I know Aspen loves you. And I know you love him. It¡¯s why you couldn¡¯t stay away from him. Your souls were pulling you two together.¡± ¡°Is that how it is with my brother?¡± I asked, looking up at her. She bit her lip as her eyes drifted to the front seat. 35,90% C¨°ntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org 11:41 §à Book Two Chapter Thirty¨CFive ¡°I love Titus. Since arriving at the pack, I have always felt something. Something I couldn¡¯t ignore no matter how hard I tried. Our rtionship didn¡¯t happen overnight, Tess. But after your father sold you and was pressuring him to take on a mate from another pack, he knew we couldn¡¯t stay. I couldn¡¯t watch him be with another and I couldn¡¯t let my best friend be forced to be with that monster.¡± She forced a smile. I know leaving my brother must have been hard and knowing he was being forced to be with another must have been unbearable. ¡°I was never with anyone else,¡± my brother stated. ¡°No matter how hard my father pushed me to be like him, I couldn¡¯t.¡± He reached back and took her hand. I was happy for my brother and best friend, but then I was sad for myself. Would Aspen feel the same way? I was his first and he was mine. This child I¡¯m carrying proves he is my fated mate. But I ran. I hurt him. Would he be able to forgive me? ¡°The doctor is here to check on you and after the warriors are. packed we will be heading to the meet¨C up point. I want you to rest while we drive. You are going to need it if you are going to meet Luna Orion at the wall,¡± Titas said before getting out of the vehicle. The wall. The same ce I ran to when I escaped with Sarah. My door was opened and a doctor I had known my entire life. stepped forward. ¡°Miss Tessa,¡± his eyes went wide when he noticed my small bump, but he cleared his throat. 58.37% A 11:41 Book Two Chapter Thirty¨CFive 1 ¡°The alpha has said you are experiencing morning sickness. How far along are you?¡± ¡°Fourteen human weeks,¡± I told him. Wolves are pregnant for thirty weeks, so I¡¯m almost halfway there. He nodded. ¡°Can you please lift your shirt? Let¡¯s find the heartbeat and then I will give you something for the nausea and the dehydration.¡± I did what he asked and he pulled out a little machine. Sarah had bought one. so we could listen to the heartbeat. We couldn¡¯t risk me going to the hospital in a human town. I smiled when the thumping became loud through the speaker. ¡°Baby¡¯s heart is beating strong. When you return, we should do an ultrasound, but for now, these will help with the nausea.¡± He wiped off the gel before reaching into his bag. He handed me a pill bottle and some drink packets. ¡°Take these three times a day, and mix this with a water bottle. It will also help. You should be feeling better in no time.¡± He assured me. I thanked him and Sarah reced him at the open door. ¡°Let¡¯s get cleaned up and then we should be leaving.¡± I climbed out of the vehicle and followed her into my childhood home. 81.90% Chapter 188 Book Two Chapter Thirty¨CSix Future Alpha Aspen The only ones left of the council were the staff and most of their warriors. All the active council members were dead and now, it was time for the cleanup. But we had more important things to do. I was standing with my father as he barked orders to his men while we got ready to head back home. Mom wasn¡¯t here and we needed more information before heading out again. Luca was with the girl that found me and I had great pleasure ripping the fucker who hurt her apart. All I saw was my sister. I would rip everyone apart who would dare hurt her like that girl. ¡°Luca, where is she?¡± I asked when he came to stand beside me. ¡°She¡¯s sleeping in the back seat of the truck. Poor girl has been through hell before this. She thought she was escaping but wound up in this hell,¡± he growled. A few SUVs pulled up in front of the building and that must have been the backup Luca called in. We only needed help with the cleanup. Everything else had been handled. ¡°Alpha Phil, Beta Chris,¡± I greeted as they stepped out. ¡°What a mess,¡± Alpha Phil exhaled. 0.00% 11:41 Book Two Chapter Thirty¨CSix ¡°Ryley?¡± Beta Chris rushed out. . ¡°She isn¡¯t here. We did find an orphan that they were testing on. She¡¯s a Luna wolf.¡± I told them. ¡°Fucking monsters,¡± Beta Chris growled. ¡°You don¡¯t have to worry about them. They are all dead.¡± My father stated. He shook the alpha¡¯s hand and then his beta¡¯s. ¡°So, then why are we here?¡± the alpha questioned. ¡°Cleanup. Ryley isn¡¯t here and we don¡¯t have time to waste. If your need anything just ask the men I¡¯m leaving here. We need to get back to the pack so we can track her down,¡± my father said. ¡°I¡¯ll stay here with a few of our men to get this ce cleaned up. Alpha Phil, you should head back to the pack and get more warriors ready, just in case.¡± Beta Chris told his alpha. ¡°I can¡¯t answer any of your questions, Alpha Phil. And we also don¡¯t have a n. None of your men are in danger and I would be grateful for your help here,¡± my father told him. ¡°We will have men ready if you need us. Also, we will help clean up with mess. Go find your Luna and bring her home,¡± he nodded to my father. He yelled out to one of the staying warriors while I gave the alpha and beta a nod before rushing to my father¡¯s truck. I was feeling anxious about getting out of there and finding my mother and sibling. 17.51% 11:41 Book Two Chapter Thirty¨CSix 1 I looked in the back seat after I climbed into the passenger seat of the truck. The girl was lying down with a nket covering her. I wouldn¡¯t have been able to guess her age. Maybe ten years old. A phone rang, pulling my attention from the girl to the console where my father left his phone. Looking at the screen, an unknown number shed. ¡°Hello?¡± I answered it. This could be a ransom for Mom and I wasn¡¯t about to let it go to voicemail. ¡°Alpha ke?¡± A male voice asked. ¡°Yes,¡± I lied. ¡°I¡¯m d I reached you, Alpha. I¡¯m Beta Rory. My alpha asked me to reach out and ry a message to you,¡± he said. ¡°And who is your alpha?¡± I demanded. ¡°My apologies, alpha. Alpha Titus Morrison.¡± I didn¡¯t hear anything after Morrison. That¡¯s Tessa¡¯sst name.. ¡°Alpha, did you hear me? We know where Luna Orion is.¡± ¡°Wait, what?¡± I yelled. ¡°Alpha Connolly has her, alpha. We are doing everything we can to get her out safely,¡± he said calmly. ¡°And why the hell would you help us? We don¡¯t know each other.¡± ¡°I¡¯m just following orders, alpha. Alpha Titas has only given me so 37.39% 11:41 Book Two Chapter Thirty¨CSix much information to share. He would speak to you himself but he is on his way there now. The n is to get her out, quickly and quietly. After she is safe, then we will go to war with you.¡± ¡°How do you know he has my Luna?¡± I questioned. ¡°The alpha has informates inside the pack. The alpha was sold his sister and after the death of their father, our pack is no longer an ally. His sister ran away and we have a way into the pack. We are hoping this act will align our packs and we can take down a mutual enemy.¡± The beta stated. ¡°And how do we know this isn¡¯t a trap?¡± This sounded too good to be true and I refuse to give my father false hope. ¡°Tell your son, his mate is here, helping. This isn¡¯t the only thing bringing our packs together. I will text you the airport location and I will be there to pick up you and your men. See you soon, Alpha ke.¡± The call ended but I couldn¡¯t remove the phone from my ear. Mate? My mate? Does he mean Tessa? Is this Alpha Titus her brother? My mind was racing with questions as my father opened the door and climbed in behind the wheel. ¡°Son?¡± His phone chimed against my ear. ¡°What happened?¡± ¡°I just got a call from a beta iming to know where mom is,¡± I replied. ¡°Tell me on the way and call Luca. He needs to hear this,¡± my father ordered as he started the truck and sped away from the 54.56% 11:41 Book Two Chapter Thirty¨CSix council building. 1200 (ouchers I called Luca and once he was on speaker I told them everything, including the bit about me and him saying my mate was there. ¡°So, Tessa and this Alpha Titus share the samest name?¡± Luca asked me. ¡°They do. And the only way he would know about me and Tessa is from her or Sarah.¡± ¡°Their father was the alpha when I lived there,¡± the girl yawned from the back seat. I whipped around to see her sitting up. ¡°Is that why you left?¡± I questioned. ¡°I escaped when he sold me to another alpha. Luna wolves are worth a lot of money. His daughter was also sold.¡± ¡°Tessa?¡± she nodded. ¡°Do you know who she was sold to?¡± she shook her head. ¡°Let¡¯s just get back to the pack. We cane up with a n and leave from there,¡± Luca said. ¡°We need to worry about getting Ryley back. If they want my help to take down this alpha, I will do anything, once I know my wife and child are safe,¡± my father growled. ¡°I¡¯ll call and get the ne ready to leave, ke. Send me the information the beta sent,¡± he ended the call and I quickly sent 76.01% 11:41 C¨°ntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org Book Two Chapter Thirty¨CSix him a text with the information. By the time we pulled up in front of the packhouse, my anxiety had hit a new high. Tessa was there and she was about to put herself in danger to help my mother. I had so many scenarios in my mind, I couldn¡¯t think straight. Could her brother keep her safe? Mate? The beta said she was my mate. ¡°Let¡¯s go, son. We don¡¯t have time to waste.¡± We exited the truck with a new location, and hopefully, time was on our side. 92.76% Chapter 189 Book Two Chapter Thirty¨CSeven Luna Ryley I kept my chin held high as I walked down the stairs in this high- waisted white flowy gown. I would have found it beautiful if I wasn¡¯t walking to my captor. The dress was sleeveless with a v- neckline and my swollen breasts were ready to pop out of the thin fabric. I refused to wear the heels that came with the dress. I didn¡¯t need to fall. There were people all around and Alpha Connolly met me at the bottom of the stairs with his hand held out to me. I took his hand, hating myself for allowing him to touch me. ¡°Beautiful,¡± he mumbled, kissing my cheek. I forced a smile, loathing the bastard for putting his lips against my skin. I bit my lip when my stomach tightened. I didn¡¯t need him. knowing and I refuse to give birth here, without my mate. ¡°Come, you must be starving,¡± with a hand on the small of my back, he led me out of this room and into a dining room. It was intimate settling with just the head of the table on the left of it set. I looked around but didn¡¯t see any of the people from earlier. Were they staff? He pulled out the chair and I took a seat before his at the head of the table. Once he was sitting, he took my hand in his. 0.00% 11:41 Book Two Chapter Thirty¨CSeven ¡°I know this isn¡¯t ideal, Ryley. But I was promised a Luna wolf and I won¡¯t settle for anything less when ites to my mate.¡± He looked at me with his piercing blue eyes. ¡°If you can¡¯t promise me my baby will be safe, I would rather kill myself,¡± I told him. I quickly covered my belly with my hands when a murderous growl rumbled from his chest. He ripped my hand back and pulled me towards him. My bump dug painfully into the oak table. I whimpered as his ws ripped into my hand. ¡°I¡¯m not a monster,¡± he growled. ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± I cried, fighting his grip. Fear took hold when he stood up from his seat and forced me to stand. With one arm he swept the table and dishes and sses went crashing to the floor. I mmed my eyes closed and my body trembled when he lifted me and sat me on the table. Tears streamed down my cheeks as he pushed the skirt up and he wrapped my legs around his waist. ¡°Please,¡± I begged as he wrapped his fingers around my throat. ¡°This isn¡¯t a negotiation, Luna. You give me what I want and I will keep that bastard alive. You will remember your ce.¡± I gasped when he ran his hand up my bare thigh and slipped it under my panties. He groaned his satisfaction. I felt like I could breathe again when he removed his fingers from my core. He sniffed them and smiled. 21.78% 11:41- Book Two Chapter Thirty¨CSeven ¡°Shouldn¡¯t be long now.¡± I clenched my jaw as my belly tightened again. ¡°Lily, do something,¡± I yelled at my wolf. ¡°Let¡¯s get you to the hospital.¡± He pulled down my dress before he scooped me into his arms. ¡°I¡¯m trying, but you are too emotional, Ryley. I can¡¯t stop it,¡± she whimpered. ¡°No. this can¡¯t be happening. I need ke.¡± I cried to her. ¡°I¡¯m giving you a week to heal and spend with the child. Then the child is being sent back to its father and you will be mine. Do you understand?¡± I cried out when he dug his ws into my thighs. ¡°I understand,¡± I whispered. ¡°Good girl.¡± The alpha walked into what looked like a hospital. One week. I had one week to get the hell out of here with my newborn. ¡°He¡¯ll be ripped apart by then,¡± Lily growled. ¡°This way, Alpha,¡± a nurse came rushing over to us. He followed behind her and into a room with a bed. ¡°She¡¯s inbor. Give her anything she requires. Make sure she isfortable.¡± Hemanded as he laid me down on the bed. 45.41% 11:41 Book Two Chapter Thirty¨CSeven ¡°I¡¯ll be back in one week, Luna,¡± he kissed my forehead before he left, leaving me with the nurse. ¡°Get me Shea,¡± I demanded. I groaned when another contraction hit. ¡°And a fucking doctor,¡± I yelled. She scurried from the room and Iid back, taking in harsh breaths. A sob escaped as I held my bump. ¡°ke, I need you,¡± I cried as my heart twisted painfully. ¡°Luna,¡± Shea rushed to my side. ¡°I need to get out of here, now,¡± I growled as I struggled to sit up. ¡°Luna, you are in no condition,¡± she whispered, but I shook my head. ¡°I¡¯m not giving birth here. Get me something to slow down thebor, anything. And then get me out of here,¡± I begged, gripping onto her. ¡°Luna, I hear you are having a baby,¡± a woman walked into the room. ¡°I¡¯m not. I think I just needed some rest. I still have three more weeks.¡± I rushed out. ¡°I¡¯ll be right back,¡± Shea mumbled in my ear. She removed my hands and hurried from the room. ¡°I¡¯m Dr. Nics. Will you allow me to check to make sure?¡± she 63.32% 11:410 Exclusive content ? by N?(v)el/Dr/ama.Org. Book Two Chapter Thirty Seven 11 288 (Vouchers smiled. But I knew better. She answers to the alpha and wouldn¡¯t help me. No matter how much I beg. ¡°This isn¡¯t my first baby. I know my body. I¡¯m just going to rest and it will help.¡± I told her. ¡°I¡¯ll get you some water and I¡¯ll be just outside, okay? And if it bes too much, let me know.¡± She bowed her head before leaving the room. I don¡¯t think she believed anything I was saying but I didn¡¯t care. I was not giving birth in this ce. The doctor came back in with a few bottles of water before leaving me alone again. I quickly grabbed a bottle and took small sips as I slowed down my breathing. My heart was racing and I was scared. I missed my baby girl and boys. I missed my husband. I gasped when a strong contraction hit. ¡°Please, baby, I need you to stay in there a little longer¡± I pleaded. Shea came into the room and closed the door behind her. She put her finger to her lips. ¡°Put these on, Luna.¡± She handed me a pair of sweatpants. ¡°I have a way out, but we need to leave now. They will be waiting for you.¡± 81.25% Chapter 190 Book Two Chapter Thirty¨CEight Tessa I was feeling anxious as I suited up at the back of the SUV. This was an all¨Cck mission. I also was wearing a bulletproof vest. It will at least buy me some time if a wolfes after me. Everything else I was wearing was a special fabric to protect against wolf bites. I was less worried about myself and more worried about Luna Orion. My brother had received word that she had gone intobor. but was desperate to get out of there. There was no setting up at n now. Sarah and I were getting ready to head out to get her under the cover of darkness. ¡°Ready?¡± I asked my best friend as I threw a backpack over my shoulders. ¡°Let¡¯s do this,¡± she nodded. ¡°You¡¯re going to need this,¡± Titus came around the SUV and handed me a handgun. ¡°Also, my Beta has spoken to Alpha Orion. He is on his way here now.¡± I exhaled before biting my bottom lip. My stomach twisted with the thought of seeing Aspen again. The medicine the pack doctor gave me helped and I was able to keep down a meal. But it wanted toe back up with the thought of my baby¡¯s father. 0.00% 11:41 D Book Two Chapter Thirty¨CEight ¡°Thanks,¡± I mumbled as I ced the gun in the thigh holster. ¡°I know you are anxious about seeing him again, sis, but from everything Sarah has told me, you have nothing to worry about. He¡¯ll be mad, but he will quickly get over it.¡± He kissed my temple before moving on to Sarah. He kissed her hard and I walked away. I needed a moment to clear my head. I was heading back into the ce I escaped from. And this time, there was more at stake. My hand quickly went to my bump. I was doing this for Aspen. I repeated to myself as I took deep breaths. ¡°Come on, we need to get going,¡± Sarah gripped my shoulder. Content provided by N?velDrama.Org. ¡°Be safe, sis.¡± ¡°You too.¡± I told him before Sarah and I took off towards the treeline. There was a forest off the back of the packhouse. My brother had the area cleared out so we could get to the back gate and get Luna Orion out safely. I was just praying her baby would stay put until we could get her out and to a hospital. Sarah and I jogged in silence as we entered the forest. We quickly found the path that led to the back of the packhouse. It was dark and we were running by the light of the moon. We didn¡¯t have much time, but we were constantly stopping and listening. This was hell as we had to take this slow, knowing someone was 16.94% A 11:411 Book Two Chapter Thirty¨CEight desperately waiting for us. I smirked to myself when I was able to see the castle through the trees. He was so cocky, he didn¡¯t realize my brother could pay off his warriors. Asshat. Relief filled me as I touched the stone wall. Now to find the gate. ¡°I think its this way,¡± Sarah whispered and pointed to the left. We slowly walked in that direction. We couldn¡¯t split up, so hopefully this was the way to go. ¡°Luna, I know you are in pain, but I need you to wait for the others. It¡¯s not safe out there,¡± I heard a woman mumbling. ¡°We are hear,¡± Sarah quietly called out. ¡°Open the gate.¡± I cringed when the gate creaked as it was opened. ¡°Shea, you need toe with me. He will kill you,¡± someone groaned. ¡°I¡¯ll be safe. Go. It¡¯s not much longer now.¡± I looked inside the gate to see Luna Orion clutching her bump and her breathing was forced as she gripped the wall with her other hand. ¡°We got her,¡± I said. ¡°Sarah take the other side.¡± ¡°You must hurry. Good luck,¡± Shea said behind us as Sarah and I helped the Luna. The gate groaned behind us and Luna Orion let 36.44% 11:41 Book Two Chapter Thirty¨CEight out a breath. ¡°Thank you,¡± she cried. ¡°You can thank us once you are safe,¡± Sarah told her. It was slow going as Luna Orion was in fullbor and could only take a few steps before she needed to stop. ¡°I know this can¡¯t be easy, but we need to get further into the forest and away from the castle.¡± I brushed some hair from her face. She was drenched in sweat as she groaned through another contraction. ¡°I can¡¯t. Baby ising and I can¡¯t do this without ke,¡± she cried. ¡°Okay, I know this is going to be hard, but I need you to be quiet. Sarah, let¡¯sy out a nket.¡± I slid the backpack off. ¡°Tessa, we can¡¯t do this here.¡± I looked at the Luna, and her pants were soaked in blood. ¡°We don¡¯t have a choice. This baby needs toe out now.¡± As Sarahid out a nket, I helped Luna out of her sweatpants. Sarah and I helped her to sit down. I moved to between her legs. and lifted the skirt of the dress she was wearing. I gagged when I saw the head crowning. ¡°I should be doing this,¡± Sarahmented. 53.04% 11:41 Book Two Chapter Thirty Eight ? 258 Fouchers ¡°Just get another nket,¡± I snapped. ¡°Luna Orion, with the next contraction, I need you to push.¡± ¡°You must be the Luna wolf my son is in love with,¡± she chuckled before she groaned. ¡°Push. Push. That¡¯s it.¡± I praised her. ¡°Get the scissors and the mp,¡± I told Sarah when she passed me the nket. ¡°Fuck, this hurts,¡± the luna exhaled. ¡°Almost there. Just one more big push,¡± I encouraged. Panic filled me when howls of angry wolves filled the silence. ¡°It¡¯s okay, Luna. Let¡¯s just focus on bringing your baby into the world. Now push.¡± She bore down with everything she had left and I was quick with the nket to pull the tiny infant from their mother. ¡°It¡¯s a boy,¡± I looked up at the luna. ¡°A boy,¡± she panted. Sarah quickly ced the mp and cut the cord. I handed the baby to his mother before he could start crying. ¡°Hi, baby boy,¡± she cried. The wolves howled again, but this time closer. They could probably smell the blood. 68.80% 11:41 O Book Two Chapter Thirty¨CEight ¡°Sarah I need you to get back to my brother. We need help,¡± I told her. She hesitated but I pushed her to leave us. ¡°Hurry.¡± ¡°Tessa,¡± the luna mumbled, getting my attention. ¡°I need you to take him. Find his father.¡± She looked up at me with tears in her eyes. ¡°I¡¯m not leaving you,¡± I eximed. ¡°I¡¯m the only one of us that can take on an alpha wolf. Take him and run. I¡¯ll slow down the wolves.¡± ¡°I can¡¯t leave you. Aspen needs you,¡± I cried. She caressed my cheek with her free hand. ¡°He has you and your unborn child. He¡¯ll be okay.¡± A sob escaped me before she ced the bundle in my arms. She stood up and blood gushed from her before she pulled out the afterbirth. ¡°I love you,¡± she kissed her boy¡¯s head before looking at me. ¡°Go.¡± She shifted into the most beautiful wolf I had ever seen. The wolf licked her pup before rush off toward the sound of the howls. I held the baby to my chest and rushed in the direction of Sarah, hoping, she had made it to my brother by now. Luna Orion needed help. My blood ran cold when I heard a heartbreaking howl. Chapter 191 Book Two Chapter Thirty¨CNine Alpha ke I didn¡¯t wait for the vehicle to stop before I jumped out. The flight was torture. I didn¡¯t receive any new information about my mate. Even afternding and being greeted by the beta, he had nothing new to share. ¡°Alpha Orion,¡± a young alpha stepped forward. Content provided by N?velDrama.Org. ¡°Where the hell is my wife?¡± I demanded. ¡°Titus,¡± a woman yelled. The young alpha turned away from me. ¡°Sarah,¡± Aspen eximed beside me. My skin rippled and Gunner growled when the scent of her blood hit me. Looking at the young woman, she was covered in my mate¡¯s blood. ¡°They need help,¡± she panted as she gripped the alpha. ¡°Why are you covered in her blood?¡± I growled, taking a step forward. The alpha stepped in front of her and Aspen stepped in my way. ¡°Dad, Sarah would never hurt Mom,¡± Aspen defended. ¡°She gave birth,¡± she cried. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, there was no way to stop it. 0.00% 11:41 Book Two Chapter Thirty¨CNine Tessa is still with her.¡± ¡°Where?¡± she pointed behind her but my mate¡¯s howl caused goosebumps to cover my body. Gunner forced the shift before taking off towards the sound of Lily¡¯s growls. I didn¡¯t care about anything else but getting to my mate. She gave birth and shifted to protect our child. ¡°I won¡¯t let anything happen to them,¡± Gunner growled as he pushed himself harder. I could feel her rage through the bond before I heard a yip. When I hit the clearing, Ryley was no longer shifted. Her naked body was covered in blood with a ck wolf standing over her. Gunner didn¡¯t waste time watching the scene. He didn¡¯t make a sound as he tackled the alpha from behind. They rolled and he bit into the enemy before throwing him off of him. He sneered as he backed up to his mate, not taking his eyes off the alpha who had hurt her. ¡°Luna,¡± I heard a woman scream behind me. The alpha wolf in front of me shook his head before he turned his attention to movement behind me. He got up and sneered. Sizing him up now, I was bigger and we had more to fight for. He 16.70% 11:421 Book Two Chapter Thirty¨CNine wasn¡¯t leaving here breathing. It was the cry of our pup behind me that pushed me to lunge. before the fucker had a chance. The woman had our child. When our bodies collided, he bit down into my shoulder but I ripped my ws down his side across his belly. He howled in pain. but I didn¡¯t stop. I didn¡¯t care that my shoulder was bleeding or the pain when I moved. All I saw was red as my pup cried for its mother. Blood, teeth, and ws were all I saw as I protected my mate and child. This moment was why Gunner was the strongest alpha in his generation. He sunk his teeth in deep and ripped. Even after the alpha went silent and stopped moving. He didn¡¯t stop. He was making sure this fucker couldn¡¯t hurt our family again. He threw the body to the side and sent up a howl when the power shifted to us. When we turned back to our mate, the young woman was holding a bundle in one arm and holding up her bleeding hand to my mate. I shifted and rushed to her side. ¡°I¡¯m so sorry, I¡¯m trying to give her my blood. I can heal her,¡± she cried. I pushed my ear against her chest. Her heart was beating, but it was slow. She had lost too much blood. 36.83% 11:42 Book Two Chapter Thirty Nine ¸Ê 103 in buchens ¡°Ryley, baby, I need you to open your eyes.¡± I held her to my chest as I smacked her cheek. ¡°Our baby needs you.¡± ¡°ke,¡± she mumbled. I ¡°Baby,¡± I choked as I held her tightly against me. ¡°Oh, thank god, it worked,¡± the young woman exhaled. ¡°Where¡¯s our boy?¡± she opened her eyes and looked up at me. ¡°Boy?¡± ¡°He is right here, Luna. He¡¯s safe.¡± I looked at the woman. ¡°ke this is Aspen¡¯s mate,¡± Ryley said as I stared at the woman. ¡°You¡¯re the Luna wolf?¡± ¡°That¡¯s what I¡¯ve been told,¡± she stammered. ¡°ke, we have time for thatter. Tessa, can I see my baby?¡± I moved her between my legs and she rested her head against my chest before Tessa rested the bundle in my mate¡¯s arms. My emotions choked as I looked down at him. ¡°He is perfect,¡± I kissed her cheek. ¡°Luna Orion, do you need more blood?¡± Tessa mumbled. My mate looked up at the young woman and held out her hand for hers, which she took. 58.50% 11:421 Book Two Chapter Thirty¨CNine 1 ¡°I¡¯m okay, now. Thank you. Thank you for everything you and Sarah did. And wee to the family,¡± she smiled. Tessa let out a sob. ¡°I don¡¯t deserve your kindness. He took you because I ran,¡± she cried. ¡°We are not to me for the choices of madmen, Tessa. I¡¯m d you got away from him and I¡¯m d you found Aspen.¡± ¡°ke,¡± Luca called out, as my wolves surrounded us. ¡°Tessa,¡± I heard Aspen. I watched as Tessa¡¯s body tensed, kneeling beside us. ¡°Everything will be okay,¡± Ryley reassured her. ¡°But he needs to know,¡± she mmed her eyes shut and nodded. ¡°We need nkets,¡± I ordered as my mate shivered in my arms. ¡°Mom?¡± Aspen approached us. ¡°We are okay, sweetie. It¡¯s been a long day,¡± she smiled up at our son. ¡°Aspen, I,¡± Tessa stood up and looked at our son. Without a word, he pulled her into his arms. Three months of searching he finally found her. A warrior handed me a nket and I wrapped it around my wife. ¡°You ready to go home?¡± I kissed her forehead. 75.64% 11:42 Book Two Chapter Thirty¨CNine ¡°You¡¯re my home, silly,¡± she looked up at me. ¡°But I do miss our baby girl and boy.¡± ¡°Luna, thank the goddess,¡± Luca kneeled in front of us. ¡°I have an ambnce on standby. First, lets get you and baby checked out and then we can take you home.¡± ¡°We have another alpha wolf in the family,¡± I beamed at my beta. 94.09% Chapter 192 Book Two Chapter Forty Future Alpha Aspen Once I checked on Mom, I pulled Tessa into my arms. Everything faded away as I held her tightly against me. For three months I have waited for this moment. ¡°Are you hurt?¡± I asked as blood soaked through my clothes. ¡°It¡¯s not mine,¡± she mumbled with her face burrowed in my chest. ¡°I¡¯m so sorry,¡± she cried. Her body shook as sobs consumed her. ¡°We can talkter. Let¡¯s get you cleaned up,¡± I told her. She pulled back and looked up at me. There was so much pain in her green eyes. She took my hands from her hips and moved them to her stomach. ¡°I¡¯m pregnant.¡± ¡°Mate,¡± Bliz howled in my head. His tail was thumping as he yipped in excitement. ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I didn¡¯t know when I left. I didn¡¯t want you to get hurt,¡± she rushed out but I didn¡¯t let her finish as I crushed my lips to hers. I couldn¡¯t smell it through all the blood, but her scent was mixed with mine. There was no doubt this child was mine. 0.00% A 11:42 Book Two Chapter Forty ¡°Tess,¡± Sarah called out. I pulled my lips away and rested my forehead against hers. ¡°You should have told me. I would have protected you.¡± ¡°But you didn¡¯t know I was your mate. I didn¡¯t want to drag you into my family mess,¡± she cried. ¡°I love you, Tessa. I have spent thest three months searching for you. Mate or not. Baby or not. I love you,¡± I confessed. I wrapped my arms around her and held her tightly as she sobbed. ¡°I¡¯m so sorry.¡± She gasped when I lifted her into my arms. I wasn¡¯t going to let her walk back. She has been through enough. I kissed her forehead when she rxed and rested her head on my shoulder. I still didn¡¯t know the whole story, but it wouldn¡¯t change how I felt about her. She was mine. And she was carrying my pup. Fuck. She must have been terrified when she found out and I wasn¡¯t there. She shouldn¡¯t have had to do this alone. ¡°Aspen,¡± she whispered, caressing my cheek. I turned my head and kissed her palm. ¡°Let¡¯s get you and baby checked out and then we can talk.¡± ¡°Okay.¡± 16.08% 11:42 Book Two Chapter Forty 1 Sarah walked beside me and we walked out of the forest together. The rendezvous point was just up ahead. The area was chaotic as I stepped up to the open hatch of an SUV. I ced Tessa down and helped her take off her vest. ¡°We are going to need a medic over here,¡± I called out. ¡°Aspen, I told you, I¡¯m fine. None of this blood is mine,¡± she eximed, but I ignored her. She was pregnant and as much as I appreciate what she did for my mother, she shouldn¡¯t have put herself in danger. ¡°Sis, there you are.¡± Alpha Titus came up beside me. ¡°I¡¯m okay. I only cut my hand to help Luna Orion, but I think her saliva healed it.¡± She held up her hand. ¡°You¡¯re her brother and you just let her go in there. Pregnant.¡± I growled. ¡°No, Aspen. I made him. I was the only one who could heal your mother.¡± Tessa grabbed me as I red at her brother. Sarah stepped between us and the alpha stepped back with his arms. wrapped around her waist. ¡°Aspen, don¡¯t me him. This was our n,¡± she pointed between her and Tessa. ¡°She¡¯s right, Aspen. I couldn¡¯t let him hurt your mother. He wanted me,¡± my attention snapped to Tessa. ¡°What do you mean he wanted you?¡± I demanded. 33.31% 11:423 Book Two Chapter Forty 1 ¡°Aspen,¡± Landon called out. ¡°Sarah?¡± Alpha Titus growled before pushing Sarah behind him. ¡°Everyone stop,¡± Tessa yelled, standing up, she ced her hand on my chest. ¡°I did this. I was not going to let him hurt your mother and sibling. Neither one of them had a say. If you want to be mad at someone, then you¡¯ll be mad at me.¡± ¡°But.¡± ¡°No, buts, Aspen,¡± she red up at me. ¡°I couldn¡¯t let you lose another mother,¡± my heart twisted painfully. She was willing to give up her life and the life of our child for me. ¡°Don¡¯t say that,¡± I pulled her against my chest and she wrapped. her arms around me. ¡°Did someone call for a medic?¡± A man stepped forward. ¡°I did.¡± The others stepped back to give him some room. ¡°Miss, how far along are you?¡± he asked my mate. ¡°What?¡± Landon eximed. C¨°ntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org ¡°Landon, I¡¯ll exin. Let¡¯s give them some space,¡± Sarah said as I helped my mate to sit back down. ¡°Fourteen human weeks,¡± she answered. ¡°Is this your first pregnancy?¡± She nodded. ¡°Anyplications?¡± he questioned as he took her blood 53 04% 11:42 Book Two Chapter Forty pressure. 1 ¡°I¡¯ve been nauseated, but I haven¡¯t been able to see a doctor.¡± My chest rumbled and she squeezed my hand. ¡°I heard the heartbeat yesterday.¡± ¡°Okay. Your blood pressure is a little high and with being almost half done with the pregnancy, I want to take you to the hospital to get checked. Have you experienced any cramping or bleeding?¡± ¡°No,¡± I let out the breath I was holding in. ¡°That¡¯s good. I have an ambnce waiting. Are you able to walk?¡± I didn¡¯t wait for her to answer him as I scooped her in my arms. ¡°Aspen,¡± she gasped, ¡°I can walk.¡± ¡°And I don¡¯t want you to.¡± I kissed her nose. ¡°Are you the father?¡± The medic asked as I followed him. ¡°Yes,¡± I replied. Tessa caressed my cheek and I leaned into her touch. I never expected any of this when I would dream of finding her again. It exins why I felt this pulled towards her from the first moment our eyes met. She was always meant to be mine. ¡°You cany her down,¡± the medic said as I stepped up into the back of the vehicle. ¡°No need.¡± I told him as I took a seat. Tessa chuckled in my arms. ¡°I swear I¡¯m okay, Aspen,¡± she looked up at me. 70.42% 11:42 Book Two Chapter Forty סËÞ ¡°This is for me, baby, it¡¯s been a long three months.¡± I settled her in myp before running my hand under her ck shirt and over her growing bump. The medic closed the doors and settled in his seat before the ambnce took off towards the hospital. I was feeling anxious about seeing my child. She said she hadn¡¯t been to the doctor yet. ¡°Baby¡¯s heart rate is steady, Aspen.¡± I closed my eyes to see Bliz smiling. The thumping of his tail was giving me a headache. Tessa ced her hand over mine and gasped when something hit my palm. ¡°Was that?¡± I opened my eyes and looked down at my smiling mate. ¡°Baby¡¯s first kick.¡± 89.37% Chapter 193 Book Two Chapter Forty¨COne Luna Ryley Baby and I were finally able to rest after the doctor gave us both a clean bill of health. ke hasn¡¯t left my side and was snuggled beside me on the bed in the hospital room as our boy nursed. I closed my eyes and rested my head against his chest, enjoying the feeling of security. ¡°Have you thought of a name?¡± he mumbled, kissing my head. ¡°Oakley,¡± I opened my eyes and looked up at my mate. ¡°I think it¡¯s fitting since he came into the world under an oak tree.¡± He chuckled as he leaned down and kissed me. ¡°It¡¯s perfect, baby. He¡¯s perfect. I love you so much.¡± He rested his forehead against mine. ¡°I love you.¡± A knock on the door pulled our attention. Aspen walked into the room, holding Tessa¡¯s hand. I smiled at the two of them. ¡°Mom, how are you feeling?¡± Aspen kissed my cheek before kissing his brother¡¯s head. He sat down in the chair beside the bed and pulled Tessa onto hisp, resting his hand over her bump. 0.00% 11:42 Book Two Chapter Forty¨COne 1 ¡°Tired.¡± I yawned and ke snuggled me back into him. ¡°Tessa, how are you feeling? How¡¯s the baby?¡± I smiled. ¡°Baby?¡± ke eximed. ¡°Dad, Tessa is my mate and we are having a baby,¡± Aspen told his father. ke¡¯s body tensed and I waited for him to lose his shit. I¡¯m sure this isn¡¯t what he expected for his eighteen¨Cyear¨Cold son. ¡°Youngdy, how far along are you?¡± ¡°Almost twenty wolf weeks, alpha.¡± ¡°And you risked not only your life but the life of your child when. you rushed in there to save my mate, why?¡± She bit her lip and looked at me before turning her attention back to my mate. ¡°I don¡¯t want to upset, Luna Orion,¡± she mumbled. ¡°Please call me Ryley, Tessa, we are family now. And I won¡¯t be upset. I know why you did what you did,¡± I assured her. ¡°Aspen, told me what happened to your first mate, his mother, and how much Ryley meant to him. When my brother found us, and told me about the situation, I couldn¡¯t let him lose another mother,¡± Aspen squeezed her tightly against him and kissed her cheek. ¡°I know she was pregnant and how cruel her captor was. My father sold me to him. It was my fault he took her,¡± she choked and tears filled her eyes. ¡°This isn¡¯t your fault, Tessa. Did he hurt you?¡± 15.50% 11:42 Book Two Chapter Forty¨COne She shook her head. ¡°He didn¡¯t get the chance. Sarah got me out. That¡¯s how I knew how to get you out. I didn¡¯t know that my brother was helping Sarah with my escape. Our father was not a nice man and I also didn¡¯t know that he had died when I ran from your pack.¡± She confessed. ¡°Did you believe I wouldn¡¯t protect you? Is that why you ran from our son?¡± ¡°I didn¡¯t want anyone getting hurt because of me. I didn¡¯t know I was pregnant when Sarah and I ran. And I didn¡¯t know my father was dead until a few days ago.¡± ¡°I will always protect you,¡± Aspen mumbled as he held his mate close. I smiled as I watched the two of them. ¡°Did you know you were a Luna wolf?¡± ke questioned. ¡°I found out a few days ago. My brother knew. I still don¡¯t have my wolf, Alpha.¡± ¡°Babe, I think that¡¯s enough questions for one day.¡± I patted his chest. ¡°How¡¯s baby doing?¡± ¡°Kicking up a storm now,¡± she smiled. ¡°I think it¡¯s happy that Daddy is here.¡± ¡°Daddy is happy to be here,¡± Aspen snuggled her closer. I was so happy for both of them. Content provided by N?velDrama.Org. I rested against my mate and yawned as I looked down at our baby boy. He was no longer feeding and was sleeping peacefully, 35.11% 11:42 Book Two Chapter Forty¨COne with his chubby cheek against my breast. 1 ¡°You need to get some rest, baby. I can take him,¡± but I refused to let him go. ¡°Did you name him yet?¡± Aspen asked. ¡°Oakley,¡± ke told him. Tessa giggled. ¡°That¡¯s fitting.¡± Aspen furrowed his brow. ¡°He was born under an oak tree.¡± ¡°He also looks a lot like his oldest brother,¡± I said. ¡°I swear, I¡¯m never going to get a child who looks like me.¡± ¡°I¡¯m just that good,¡± ke smirked. ¡°Maybe the next one,¡± he chuckled. ¡°He¡¯s beautiful,¡± Tessa hugged me. ¡°Thank you.¡± ¡°Good job, Momma Wolf,¡± Aspen kissed my cheek before kissing his brother. They left the room and I rested my heavy head against ke¡¯s chest once more. I was exhausted as I closed my eyes. I groaned when a phone rang out loudly in the room. ¡°Sorry, baby.¡± I didn¡¯t open my eyes, but I felt ke move around. ¡°It¡¯s Channing,¡± he said before answering. 53.53% 11:42 Book Two Chapter Forty One ¡°Hey Dad, where¡¯s Mom? I can¡¯t get a hold of her.¡± ¡°She¡¯s resting. How did your exams go?¡± 11 288 Pouches ¡°Passed everything. I¡¯m on my way home now. Is Mom okay? I know the pregnancy has been rough.¡± I smiled, hearing our son. I reached up and took the phone from my mate. ¡°Hey, Sweetie, I¡¯m so proud of you.¡± ¡°Thanks Mom. How are you feeling?¡± ¡°Tired. Your brother was born a few hours ago,¡± I told him. ¡°What? Why didn¡¯t you call me?¡± he eximed. ¡°Is he okay?¡± ¡°It¡¯s a long story but I promise to exin everything when we get home.¡± ¡°I¡¯ming to see you now. Does Aspen know?¡± ¡°Channing, we aren¡¯t at the pack. Something happened while you were at school.¡± ¡°And you didn¡¯t think to tell me,¡± he yelled interrupting me. ke growled and snatched the phone from me. ¡°It was my call, Channing. Do not speak to your mother like that.¡± I grabbed the phone back before hitting the video call button. Channing¡¯s face came into focus as I held up the phone. ¡°Mom, what the hell is going on?¡± he demanded. 67.37% 11:421 Book Two Chapter Forty¨COne ¡°We are safe and I promise to exin everything when we are home.¡± I moved the camera to face his new baby brother. ¡°I¡¯d like you to meet someone.¡± ¡°He¡¯s beautiful, Mom,¡± he sighed. ¡°When will you be home?¡± ¡°We are leaving in the morning. We should arrive early evening.¡± ke answered him. ¡°You should have called me.¡± Our son grumbled. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, sweetie. Just know we are safe and I can¡¯t wait to see you. I miss you so much.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll be home in a few hours. Is Evie with you?¡± ¡°She¡¯s with Grandma, Walter, and Becky,¡± ke said. ¡°Okay. I love you, Mom. Get some rest.¡± ¡°I love you.¡± He ended the call and I sighed. ¡°You should have told him.¡± ¡°I didn¡¯t want him to worry. He had exams.¡± My stomach twisted with guilt. ¡°Get some sleep, baby, you need it.¡± ke moved down on the bed and wrapped his arms around me, after turning off themp beside the bed. ¡°I love you,¡± he kissed my head as I snuggled back into his chest. 83.27% 11:42 Book Two Chapter Forty¨COne 1 ¡°I love you,¡± I snuggled into him as I cradled our newborn in my arms. I closed my eyes, feeling safe and loved. 98.20% 11:42 Chapter 194 Channing ¡°What the fuck?¡± I yelled as I hit the steering wheel. I had just hung up the phone with my mother. I was pissed that no one decided to call me when my mother¡¯s life was in danger. I may be at school but that doesn¡¯t mean they should keep me in the dark. I picked up my phone from the passenger seat and called my brother. It rang for what felt like forever until he finally answered. ¡°Brother?¡± ¡°Where the hell are you and what the fuck happened with mom?¡± I demanded. ¡°Channing, calm down. Mom and our brother are fine.¡± ¡°Now, they are fine but where the hell did they go? Huh? Didn¡¯t feed me B.S.¡± I snapped. ¡°Where are you?¡± he sighed. ¡°On my way home now, but I spoke to Mom and Dad. They told me nothing. So, I called you. I know you are searching for Tessa but Dad still would have called you.¡± ¡°Channing, a lot has happened in thest few days. Dad didn¡¯t want to call you since you had exams. Dad took down the council.¡± 0.00% 11:24 Book Two Chapter Forty¨CTwo ¡°Fuck,¡± I eximed. ¡°We found a young Luna wolf there. I lost it,¡± he choked. ¡°All I saw was Evie. She was so scared. She ran up to me, begging for help.¡± ¡°And where is the girl now?¡± ¡°She¡¯s with Becky. Are you almost home? I¡¯ve been worried about Evie.¡± ¡°I¡¯m just leaving campus now and will be home in a few hours. Are youing home or are you still looking for Tessa?¡± I asked him. ¡°I found her.¡°. ¡°What? When?¡± ¡°We are staying in her pack right now. She¡¯ll being back with me tomorrow. I know Mom is anxious about getting back home to our sister.¡± ¡°I¡¯m d you found her.¡± I didn¡¯t know what else to say. He has been searching for her for months. He¡¯s in love, but she may not even be his fated mate. ¡°Look, I know you aren¡¯t happy you weren¡¯t informed about Mom, but she wouldn¡¯t have wanted you pulled away from your exams. She knows how important this is for you. And now that school is done for the next four months, you will be able to spend lots of time with her. I don¡¯t think Dad is ever letting her go back to work.¡± He chuckled at thatst part. Content provided by N?velDrama.Org. ¡°Yeah,¡± I exhaled. ¡°We will exin everything when we are home. And congrats. Drive 17.52% 11:25 Book Two Chapter Forty¨CTwo safe,¡± ¡°Congrats?¡± ¡°On passing. I knew you could do it. Love yeah,¡± he hung up before I could get another word in. I blew out a breath as I sat behind the wheel of my car in the apartmentplex parking lot. ¡°At least they are safe,¡± my wolf Shadow grumbled. ¡°Do you think I¡¯m making the right choice? I¡¯ve always wanted to be a doctor but I don¡¯t like not being there to protect Mom.¡± ¡°I want to keep our mother safe, just like you do, but Dad can handle it. If this is what you want, then you have to be able to live with the fact that you won¡¯t be involved in the pack business.¡± ¡°She¡¯s our mother, not pack business,¡± I snapped. I pulled out of the parking stall and started the drive home. I turned up my music to drown out my raging thoughts. If anything were to happen to her, and I wasn¡¯t there to help, I would never forgive myself. When I pulled my car in front of the house, Granddad was waiting for me. I was relieved when a young girl came out of the house, carrying my sister. I couldn¡¯t tell how old she was, ten maybe. She must be the Luna wolf they saved from the council. ¡°Channing,¡± Granddad greeted me when I climbed out of my car. ¡°Bou, bou,¡± Evie squealed, when she saw me. I¡¯ve missed this baby girl so much. She was almost a year and a half now and every time I see her 38.42% 11:24 288 iVouchers Book Two Chapter Forty¨CTwo she has changed so much. ¡°Victoria, sweetie, it¡¯s okay.¡± Granddad motioned for the girl toe to him. She looked nervous as she watched me. She walked down the front steps before cing Evie down on her own feet. She rushed over to me and I picked her up. ¡°This is Evie and Aspen¡¯s brother, Channing. No one here will hurt you, sweet girl,¡± Granddad reassured her. She stood beside Walter staring up at me with her big brown eyes. Her shoulder¨Clength hair was the color of honey. ¡°You must be the girl my brother has told me all about,¡± I smiled at her. ¡°He killed the man that was hurting me,¡± she whispered and I wanted to dig that fucker up and kill him again. There¡¯s a special ce in hell for people who hurt children. ¡°Let¡¯s get you inside, I¡¯m sure you are hungry,¡± Granddad sped my shoulder. Evie had wrapped her arms around my neck and was squeezing me tightly. THE ¡°Mommy?¡± She pulled back and looked at me as I walked into the house. ¡¨ THE H ¡°Tomorrow, sweetie,¡± I kissed her cheek. ¡°How much have you heard?¡± He asked me as we sat down in the living room. ¡°I should be asking how much you know. I called Dad and Aspen before I left the city.¡± 61.88% 11:25 Book Two Chapter Forty¨CTwo ¡°So you know she is safe?¡± ¡°And that she gave birth to our brother, yeah. I also know Aspen found Tessa. But what I don¡¯t now is who took her and why?¡± I grumbled. ¡°Walter, may I go up to my room?¡± Victoria quietly asked him. ¡°You go on up, I¡¯ll call you when dinner is ready,¡± he told her. She hurried up the stairs and out of sight. Evie wasn¡¯t leaving me. She was cuddled into my chest as she rubbed my cheek with her little hand. ¡°I don¡¯t now all the details. I¡¯ve been here with Evie and then Victoria arrived after they raided the council.¡± ¡°How old is she and how long was she being held?¡± ¡°She¡¯s twelve. She was sold to an alpha a few months ago but escaped. She ran from the other side thinking she would be safe here, until she was found and taken to the council. They tested her and found she was indeed a Luna wolf. We may not have found your mother there, but I¡¯m d ke took down the council. That sweet girl has been through enough.¡± Chapter 195 Book Two Chapter Forty¨CThree Future Alpha Aspen I sighed as I ced my phone back on the bedside table. ¡°Is everything okay?¡± Tessa called out from the bathroom before she walked into the bedroom. ¡°My brother. He is just worried about Mom. We didn¡¯t tell him anything since he had exams.¡± I answered while she sat on the bed beside me as Iy on my back. She was wearing a silk camisole and shorts to bed. I couldn¡¯t resist running my hand up her delicious thigh. ¡°I told him, we would see him tomorrow.¡± Tessa gripped my wrist when I slid my hand under the fabric of the shorts. ¡°I think we should talk first.¡® ¡°Well that doesn¡¯t sound good,¡± I muttered. We had juste back to the pack house from the hospital where she had an ultrasound done. This was real as I watched our pup moving around. Their heart was beating strong and everything looked good. After, we went to see my mother, father, and new baby brother. Now, I just wanted to curl up in bed with my mate. ¡°It¡¯s not bad, Aspen. We just haven¡¯t talked about everything that had happened.¡± she sighed. I moved my hand to her bump and she ced a hand over mine. 0.00% 11:26 Book Two Chapter Forty¨CThree ¡°And what is it you would like to say? You¡¯re my mate, Tessa, and we are having a baby.¡± ¡°With the council gone and the threat to your mother over, you will be going back to alpha training.¡± ¡°That¡¯s what you are worried about? I¡¯m not leaving the pack or you. I don¡¯t care what my father says.¡± I reassured her. ¡°Is there anything else?¡± She bit her bottom lip and I knew something was bothering her but she didn¡¯t want to ask. ¡°Were you with anyone else?¡± She stammered. I watched as tears filled her eyes and she couldn¡¯t look at me. ¡°Baby,¡± I sat up and caressed her cheek. ¡°Never. As soon as you were gone, I was chasing you. Three months I spent on the road trying to find you until my father called.¡± ¡°I¡¯m so sorry,¡± she cried and I pulled her against me. ¡°You don¡¯t have to apologize. I don¡¯t want you to doubt me or the feelings I have for you. Even if you weren¡¯t pregnant, I still would want you. I would have protected you.¡± Iid back against the headboard and took her with me. I kissed her forehead as she cuddled into my side, resting her head on my chest. I¡¯ve missed having her in my arms. And the moment I saw her covered in all that blood, I was scared. I thought I was going to lose her and my mother. ¡°I didn¡¯t want anything to happen to you. I also didn¡¯t want to put your father in a position where he would have to decide. But he just took your mother instead,¡± she sobbed. I moved over on the bed and took her 24.30% 11:26 Book Two Chapter Forty¨CThree with me, before covering us with a nket. ¡°I would have protected you and I will for the rest of my life, baby. My father and mother would have protected you. My mother especially. She is the strongest wolf I know. Thank you for what you did to save her and my brother,¡± I snuggled her closer. ¡°But I don¡¯t want you to risk yourself or our baby ever again.¡± ¡°I didn¡¯t want anyone getting hurt because of me,¡± she whispered. ¡°You sound a lot like my Mom when my Dad was trying to convince her to stay with him. Her ex¨Cmate was still alive then and she didn¡¯t want us getting hurt. But my dad was all in. There was no way she was getting away from him. And when the council took her, I¡¯d never seen him scared before. She became his weakness, but he fought with everything to get her back.¡± I told her. ¡°They sound perfect for each other,¡± she sniffled. ¡°That¡¯s everything I will do for you. Since the moment I met you, I wanted your attention and now I know why. You were always meant to be mine.¡± ¡°And you¡¯re mine.¡± ¡°Always, baby,¡± I kissed her forehead. ¡°We are a family,¡± I said while I caressed her bump and I felt a little kick. ¡°Baby really like daddy,¡± Tessa rested a hand on mine. ¡°And Daddy loves his momma and him.¡± C¨°ntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org ¡°We don¡¯t know it¡¯s a boy. What if it¡¯s a girl?¡± she gasped. 55.21% 11:26 Book Two Chapter Forty¨CThree ¡°I would love a little girl who looks just like her momma,¡± I smiled. ¡°I have a feeling its a boy since I¡¯ve been really sick,¡± she sighed. ¡°Do you feel better now?¡± ¡°Since I¡¯ve been reunited with you, I haven¡¯t felt sick,¡± she rested her chin on my chest and looked up at me. ¡°Maybe that was baby¡¯s way of saying it wanted daddy,¡± I chuckled. ¡°Probaby. I miss Daddy just as much,¡± she kissed my bare chest before resting her head again. It didn¡¯t take long before her breathing evened out and she was asleep. ¡°She has been through enough. Now, it¡¯s our turn to take care of her and our pup,¡± Bliz chimed in. ¡°I¡¯m never letting her go and I would have killed that alpha if he would havee to the pack looking for her. I¡¯m d that fucker is dead but I wish I was the one who killed him.¡± Chapter 196 Book Two Chapter Forty¨CFive Sarah ¡°Something on your mind, baby?¡± Titus mumbled, kissing my head. It was the morning after the raid and we were finally able to have some time alone. From the moment my eyes met his, I loved him. But I still don¡¯t have my wolf and his wolf hasn¡¯t imed me. And I haven¡¯t gotten pregnant. I was worried I wasn¡¯t his mate and he was going to leave me when he did find her. And my best friend was leaving today, leaving me torn. Exclusive content ? by N?(v)el/Dr/ama.Org. ¡°Baby?¡± He squeezed me closer. My naked body was tangled up with his and I¡¯ve missed being here, in his arms. ¡°What¡¯s going to happen after they leave?¡± I asked, tracing circles over his abs. ¡°What do you mean?¡± I sighed at his question. ¡°You know what I mean, Titus. Tessa is leaving with Aspen and with your father dead, there is no one holding us back from going public.¡± I gasped when he rolled me onto my back and he was nowying on his side. ¡°Why do you say it like you no longer want me?¡± I couldn¡¯t meet his eyes as he looked down at me. 0.00% 11:17 Book Two Chapter Forty¨CFive ¡°I want you. But what if you find your mate?¡± I whispered, as my bottom lip trembled. He gripped my chin and forced me to look up at him. ¡°When your wolf wakes up, I will mark this pretty little neck of yours,¡± I shivered as he kissed my cor. ¡°But, what if,¡± he kissed me quiet before resting his forehead against mine. ¡°There is no what if, Sarah. I¡¯m all in and have been even when you were gone taking care of my sister. My father pushed me to be with hundreds of women but I never gave them a second nce. None of them were you, baby.¡± ¡°Titus,¡± tears filled my eyes as I looked into his green ones. I leaned into his touch when he caressed my cheek. ¡°Everyone will know you are the Luna of this pack. My Luna.¡± He said before pecking my lips. ¡°Is this because my sister is leaving today with her mate?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t want you to leave me too,¡± I confessed. ¡°Never, baby. And if I didn¡¯t have a pack to lead, I would go anywhere you wanted us to. As long as we are together.¡± ¡°I love you,¡± I smiled at him. ¡°I love you,¡± he leaned down and brushed his lips against mine. ¡°I wish we could stay in bed all day but my sister will be leaving soon and I have an alpha to speak with.¡± After we were ready, Titus kissed me before going to find Alpha ke 18.20% 11:17 Book Two Chapter Forty¨CFive and I went to find Tessa. I knocked on her bedroom door and waited. I know how anxious she was about getting back to him. She was also nervous about telling him she was pregnant. I think that¡¯s why she has been so sick. Her body was craving her mate. When she finally stepped out into the hallway, I wrapped my arms around her. ¡°Gross, you smell like my brother,¡± she cringed and I giggled. ¡°And you smell like Aspen,¡± I pulled back and smiled at her. ¡°You weren¡¯tining when he was buying you breakfast too,¡± she huffed and Iughed. ¡°It¡¯s good to see you,¡± I looked behind my friend at her mate. ¡°You too, Sarah,¡± he nodded. ¡°Where¡¯s Titus?¡± Tessa asked as I locked our arms together and started to walk towards the dining room. ¡°Speaking with Alpha ke.¡± ¡°I should be there,¡± Aspen said behind us. Walking into the dining room, it was empty expected for Titus and Alpha ke sitting at the alpha table. Titus held out his hand for me toe to him, which I did. ¡°Alpha ke, this is my Luna, Sarah,¡± he introduced us while wrapping an arm around my waist. 40.80% 11:17 Book Two Chapter Forty¨CFive ¡°Thank you for saving my mate and child,¡± he said. ¡°Your gratitude should go to Tessa. Nothing was going to stop her from getting them out safely,¡± I smiled. Titus pulled me in for a kiss before motioning me to sit beside me. ¡°Dad, where¡¯s Mom?¡± Aspen asked as he sat down beside his mate. Tessa took the seat beside mine. ¡°She and your brother are with Luca. I needed to have a few words with the alpha before we headed for the airport.¡± I gripped Tessa hand, not wanting to say goodbye to her. ¡°Alpha ke has something he would like to discuss with you,¡± Titus squeezed my other hand. I looked at the alpha curiously. Aspen looked so much like his father. ¡°As you know I killed an alpha and have acquired another pack. For the sacrifice you made to save my mate and child, I would like to give you the pack,¡± I gasped before removing my hand from Tessa¡¯s and covering my mouth. ¡°Dad?¡± ¡°It¡¯s only fair, son. Tessa will be the Luna of our pack. And now, Sarah will be Luna of her own pack. She may not be a Luna wolf, but that doesn¡¯t change what she did for your mother and brother.¡± ¡°Are you sure, Alpha ke? I have no idea how to run a pack or lead anyone.¡± I told him. ¡°Sure you do,¡± Tessa took my hand. ¡°You saved me and kept me alive. 60.13% 11:17 Book Two Chapter Forty¨CFive 288 iVouchers You worked so hard to keep me safe. You deserve this, babe.¡± She squeezed my hand and her brother squeezed the other. ¡°I don¡¯t know what to say, Alpha ke,¡± I looked back at him. ¡°You don¡¯t have to say anything, you¡¯ve earned this, Luna Sarah. Not only did you save my mate and child but you kept my daughter¨Cinw and grandpup safe.¡± Tears filled my eyes. ¡°Thank you.¡± Alpha ke excused himself saying he needed to help his Luna, leaving 1. us. ¡°Luna Sarah, I like it,¡± Tessa giggled. ¡°What the hell just happened?¡± I eximed. . ¡°Looks like you don¡¯t need my brother after all,¡± she teased and I pushed her shoulder. ¡°This was probably my Mother¡¯s idea. She is the strongest wolf I know and she believes in you, Sarah. She wouldn¡¯t put you in a position to fail.¡± Aspen said. ¡°I¡¯ll be by your side, Baby, you have nothing to worry about,¡± Titus reassured me. ¡°To Luna Sarah, my best friend and sister,¡± Tessa wrapped her arms around my shoulders. ¡°I love you.¡± Chapter 197 Book Two Chapter Forty-Six 288 iVouchers Book Two Chapter Forty-Six Luna Ryley I was sitting by the window nursing Oakley while ke went to speak to the alpha. Luca was close by but I needed time to process everything I had been through. I had never been that scared before. The thought of that monster hurting my baby. I choked back a sob as tears rained down my cheeks. I held him a little tighter as I watched him. ¡°Luna?¡± ¡°I''m okay,¡± I cried, quickly wiping away my tears. Luca pulled up a chair and sat down beside me. He gave me a pointed look, knowing full well I wasn''t okay. And I wasn''t, but I had to be strong. ¡°I was scared too,¡± Lily whimpered. ¡°He touched me,¡± I whispered. ¡°And I can¡¯t tell ke. I don''t want to hurt him.¡± Luca reached over and gripped my forearm. ¡°He would never me you for that monster''s actions. You were trying to keep you and your baby safe.¡± I nodded as I sniffled.. "I was so scared, Luca. I''ve never felt fear like that before.¡± I confessed. ¡°We were all scared. ke stormed into the council and ripped it a part to find you. He was never going to let you go without a fight, Luna. The pack would have fought to the death to get you back safely. You and this 0.00% 11:01 Book Two Chapter Forty¡ªSix little guy.¡± He reach over and rubbed Oakley''s cheek. 288 iVouchers ¡°I know none of this was his fault, but that fear. Everything that happened is finally sinking in and I don''t know how to deal with it." ¡°Is everything okay?" ke asked as he entered the room, interrupting my over sharing ¡°I''m d you are safe,¡± Luca gave my arm a squeeze before rising from his sit. ¡°I''ll go get the warriors ready to leave.¡± He told ke before he left. ke took Luca''s seat beside me and I quickly wiped away more tears that had fallen. ¡°Baby,¡± he cupped my cheek, wiping tears away with his thumb. ¡°I''m okay,¡± I mumbled, but he too gave me a look that said he didn¡¯t believe me. ¡°How did Sarah take the news?¡± I asked instead. ¡°I think she is still in shock, but it was the right call, my Luna. Now, can you tell me why you are crying?¡± Oakley was finished nursing and I put my breast away before lefting him to my chest to burp him. He was almost three weeks early but he was still a big boy. He''s the size of his sister when she was born at full term. ¡°I was scared, ke, paralyzing fear. I was so terrified for our child,¡± my dam broke and I broke down into sobs. ¡°Baby, 1.¡± ¡°It''s not your fault,¡± I trembled. ¡°None of this is your fault.¡± I assured 20.49% 11:01 Book Two Chapter Forty¡ªSix him. ¡°It is my fault, baby. I should have protected you. His people should never have been able to set foot into my pack without me knowing and they took you. He threatened you and our child. It''s my fault and I wouldn''t have been able to live with myself if anything happened to either of you.¡± His eyes became misty causing my heart to ache for my mate. This wasn''t something that only I went through. He wasn¡¯t dealing with the monster but he was battling demons. ¡°I''m sorry, babe, I shouldn''t have brought this up right now. Can we go home?" I pleaded. ¡°Of course, baby,¡± he leaned over and kissed my forehead before standing. I grabbed his hand before he could move away. ¡°I love you, so much. Thank you foring to my rescue.¡± I smiled up at him.Exclusive content ? by N?(v)el/Dr/ama.Org. ¡°Always. I love you,¡± he leaned down and brushed his lips against mine. ¡°I''m going to get everything ready, do you need anything? Any help with our little man?¡± He rubbed his son''s back. ¡°I''ll be okay. The alpha had someone bring up so much baby stuff. I''m going to bath him and get him ready to leave. We even have a carseat for him.¡± ¡°Good. Link me if you need me. I shouldn''t be long and there are warriors outside the door.¡± He kissed my forehead again before leaving the room. ¡°I can''t wait for you to meet your sister and brother, Channing. They are both going to love you as much as I do,¡± I stood up and looked down at 42.19% o) 11:01 Book Two Chapter Forty¡ªSix 288 iVouchers Oakley and he was staring up at me with his big brown eyes. Just like his Daddy''s. He even had the dusting of dark hair like his Daddy. I don¡¯t think this boy got anything from me. ¡°You are just the cutest,¡± I cooed as Iid him on the bed to get him undressed for a bath. This should get him sleepy and then after another feeding, he should sleep well. When I was in the middle of getting him dressed in a little blue sleeper there was a knock on the door. ¡°Luna, there is a Sarah here to see you,¡± a warrior cracked opened the door to annouce. ¡°Let her in,¡± I told him. I quickly zipped the sleeper and picked up my boy. ¡°I''m not distrubing you, am I, Luna?¡± Sarah stepped into the room and the warrior closed the door behind her but leaving it ajar. ¡°Not at all. Have a seat,¡± I motioned to the chairs by the window. Oakley was already sleeping so I sat down with him with his head on my shoulder. ¡°He is such a beautiful boy,¡± she smiled as she took the seat beside me. ¡°Thank you. I''m d you''re here. I wanted to thank you for everything you have done for us. ¡°I wanted to thank you for the pack. I don¡¯t deserve it and I''m not even a Luna wolf. I can''t run a pack,¡± she ranted. ¡°But you can. I saw the way the alpha her looks at you. You may not have a Luna wolf but you are every bit his Luna.¡± I told her. 66.43% 11:01 Book Two Chapter Forty¡ªSix ¡°I''m not his fated and then I would have no one,¡± she whispered. ¡°I don¡¯t think that matters to him and you will never be alone, Sarah. You will always have us and Tessa. I know her leaving can''t be easy and you are wee to visit our pack whenever you wish. I owe you both great debt, saving me and my boy.¡± I reach out and squeezed her hand. a ¡°Can I call you?" She stammered. ¡°You know, if I have questions about being a Luna?¡± ¡°You can call me anytime. We never would have given you something that I know you couldn''t handle. You are such a wonderful person and I hope we can be friends.¡± 11:01 89.57% The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!