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 Blake’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 Blake. 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 Blake 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. Blake 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 place to relax. And when Walter was with Channing I felt even more relaxed knowing he was safe.

A few hours later, 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,” Blake scolded him.

“Fine.” he whined.

“Me first.” Channing exclaimed, rushing off toward the bathroom. I turned around to pull the steaks off the grill, chuckling as they fight over the bathroom. Blake stepped up to the kitchen sink to wash his hands.

“Sorry, I should have thrown them both in the lake,” he shrugged and I chuckled.

“Did you boys have fun,” I asked him.

“I did. I don’t remember the last time I’d been fishing with Aspen.” Blake answered and I smiled.

“And both of you are welcome out here anytime you can get away, Alpha,” Walter offered.

“Thank you, Beta,” Blake said, taking a seat at the table.

“It’s Walter to you young man,” he scolded him and I chuckled, placing

the steaks on the table.

61.61%

11:49

Chapter Thirty-Two

288 (Vouchers

“Only if you knock off the alpha B.S.” Blake 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,” Blake 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 but laugh.

“Only your head.”

Chapter Thirty-Three

288 Nouchers