Chapter 55
Chapter Fifty-Five
Ryley
Even though I was emotionally exhausted, I didn’t get much sleep last night. And now I was lying in bed looking up at the ceiling. The sunlight was coming 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 Blake’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. Blake and I had a picnic 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. Blake has that power over me.
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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, laying in bed thinking about a boy who I wanted more than anything to like me.
My alarm 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 them last night. They went out after they went grocery shopping for me and I wasn’t home yet. I laid awake in bed until I heard them come 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 replaced 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.
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“First, it takes two to be in a relationship. And second, family isn’t always blood. Aspen, you will always be welcome 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 to keep them safe, that I would have to leave.
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“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. Blake 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 explained, taking Channing’s hand as well.
“If we had our wolves, would that sway your decision about leaving?” He mumbled.
“If I was with Blake, our relationship 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 welcome 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
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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.”
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