Chapter 67: Chapter 67

Chapter Sixty-Seven

Ryley

I thought about everything Blake and I discussed while I stood under the hot water pouring out of the shower. Blake 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.

“Blake 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. Blake could backstab me and I would never see it coming,” I told her.

“You don’t truly believe that. Blake 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

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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 stop comparing Blake to my ex. But it’s hard when Dorian was sweet in the beginning.

“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 Blake’s parents again. And I don’t know how to define our relationship. 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?” Blake 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.

“Blake, 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.

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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 thìnk 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 Blake 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

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Chapter Six

292 Nouchers

in the spotlight.

When we reached the main floor, Blake 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. Blake didn’t pay any attention as he walked me over to the alpha table where the boys were seated with Blake’s parents. I wiggled out of Blake’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,” Blair told his mate.

“Mom, Ryley’s past is her business. And she doesn’t have to explain it to anyone.”