Female Novel
Chapter 48
Chapter Forty-Eight RyleyAfter what happened yesterday, the feelings of self-doubt have been bubbling to the surface. Theidea I couldn’t protect the boys weighed heavily on my heart. I’ve always been able to protectChanning because we were never involved with other wolves but now things have changed. Iunderestimated the hate wolves have for outsiders. And even though I’ve known Chris for yearsthrough 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 Blake finally pulled up outside the house. Ineeded to get out of this vehicle. Blake 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 ableto trust him but the idea scares me to death. No matter how much my heart cries out for him, mylogic is saying no. I was just about to open my door and climb out when Aspen leaned forward, in between the twofront seats. “Dad, I want Channing and Ryley to come to dinner with us tomorrow. I’ve been telling Grandma allabout them and she wants to meet them.” He told his dad. Blake just looked at me. די“He asked me earlier but I told him it was up to you seeing it’s your parents.” I shrugged. I didn’twant to impose or overstep. “We will be having dinner in the pack house around seven tomorrow evening, if you would like tojoin us?” He asked me. “Only if you are sure,” I told him. We stared at each other and I could 0.00% د11:54 Chapter Forty-Eight 288 Vouchers
feel the boy’s eyes on us. The tension started to build before Blake finally answered. “I’m sure, Riley. You and Channing are always welcome.” “Okay,” I nodded before getting out of the vehicle. I needed a moment to breathe. I can’t believe Iagreed 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 theyboth went in like they owned the place. “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,” Blake chuckled. “It’s fine, really. I enjoy having him around. As long as it’s okay with you. I know you said thatnothing has changed but,” I couldn’t finish, guilt twisted my stomach painfully. Aspen was all Blakehad left of his mate and I could have gotten him hurt or worse killed. Blake grabbed my hand and spun me in against his chest before resting his hands on my hips. Hissmell was intoxicating as I looked up into his amber eyes. No one has ever had this hold on me, noteven Channing’s father. “Ryley, you have no reason to feel guilty. Aspen has been trained without a wolf and he has beentrained with Gunner. He could have handled himself. Like I’m sure Channing would have. Thankyou for protecting him and making sure he was safe. I trust that you will always take care of him,”Blake 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 towardthe pack house, wishing he would have stayed. But not having the guts to admit it out loud. 29.00% ||| Γ 11:54 Chapter Forty Eq 268 Wountere “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 exclaimed. The boys were watching tv in the living room, while I made my way upthe 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 myroom to the bathroom to start the water. While the tub was filling up, I walked back into my bedroomto get the book I was reading. When did my life become so complicated? I thought to myself as I went back into the bathroom andstripped off my clothes. I climbed into the steaming hot water, finally feeling like I can relax. “It’s only complicated because you are making it so. We could join this pack and be the Luna wewere always meant to be. Blake will protect us from our mate. And if the ba**ard is smart, he won’tchallenge him.” Lily said. “He has already claimed another, Lily. He wouldn’t be able to challenge Blake. But how do you know Blake 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, we come with a lot of baggage. And Blake 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 toldher. 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 Blakeand not fear rejection. If I told him my story and he rejected me, it would be like my mate all overagain. And my heart isn’t strong enough. So, I will put my heart back in the box I have built andthrow away the key to keep it safe.novelbin