Chapter 25

Riley's POV

After Kirk left the room, I lay sprawled on the bed, flipping through the pages of a book. I couldn't continue with my drawing because my attention was already divided, that was why I resorted to reading. And quite frankly, reading helped take my mind off the things Kirk had said, at least for that point in time. The book I was reading was mostly about how the northern kingdom came to be, and I was quite amazed about some of the things I read.

I must have been so drowned in the book that I didn't notice time had moved so fast, not until I heard the familiar sound of the door opening. My heart leapt with joy. Norman was back. I jumped up and rushed to greet him.

"You're home!" I exclaimed, wrapping my arms around him in a tight embrace.

He chuckled, returning the hug. "Missed me that much, huh?"

I nodded, pulling back to look at him. "How was the meeting?"

He sighed, loosening his tie. "Surprisingly productive. The investors from the other packs were more receptive than I expected."

I raised an eyebrow. "Really? That's great news."

He smiled. "Yes, it is. In fact, we're throwing a party at the club tomorrow to celebrate. And I want you to come with me.”

I hesitated. "Are you sure? I mean, I'm not exactly... accepted by everyone yet."

The smile on Norman's face disappeared, now filled with that look of indifference—like he didn't care about what anyone thought about me. It was like he didn't care about their opinion. To him, it didn't count.

He brushed a hand across my face and then took my hands in his. "Riley, you're with me. That should be enough for anyone. Besides, most of the pack's elites will be there. It's a good opportunity for you to get to know them."

I bit my lip, uncertainty gnawing at me. "I don't know, Norman. What if they don't really like me?"

He squeezed my hands gently. "I will be by your side the entire time. Nothing will go wrong, I promise."

His reassurance warmed me, and I found myself nodding. "Okay, I will come."

He grinned. "Good. Also, I was thinking... it's time you moved in with me. No more staying in these quarters."

My eyes widened in surprise. "Really?"

He nodded. "Yes. It's only right."

Overwhelmed with happiness, I hugged him tightly. "Thank you, Norman."

He held me close, but then I felt him stiffen slightly. I pulled back to see a frown on his face.

"What's wrong?" I asked, suddenly concerned.

He looked at me, his eyes searching. "Why do you smell like Kirk?"

My heart dropped. Smelled like Kirk?

What was Norman talking about?

I stepped back, trying to gather my thoughts. Then I sighed as I finally understood what he was talking about. Kirk's scent must still be in the room.

"He came by earlier," I admitted. "I didn't invite him in, but he insisted."

Norman's jaw tightened. "What did he want?”

"He said he wanted me," I said quietly. "He tried to... persuade me."

Norman's eyes darkened. "Did he touch you?"

I nodded slowly. "He tried, but I pushed him away."

He took a deep breath, trying to calm himself. "Riley, you should have told me immediately."

"I know," I said, feeling guilty. "I was just... confused."

He pulled me into a protective embrace. "From now on, if he comes near you, you tell me. Understand?"

I nodded against his chest. "I promise."

We stood there in silence, the weight of the situation settling over us. I knew things were about to get more complicated.

*********

The evening of the next day, I was back to painting the black wolf I had been seeing in my dream. I couldn't finish it yesterday because Kirk had interrupted me. And, thinking about it right now, I couldn't understand what he really wanted.

What was his deal?

Didn't he understand that I'm now married to Norman? Series of questions rang in my mind as I continued painting the wolf on the canvas.

Quite frankly, I couldn't blame any of the triplets for wanting me. Any normal wolf would want its mate, at least I knew that much.

I only feel wrong by being mated to three triplets. I blame the moon goddess for making my life so dramatic. Jokes on her if she think she could fuck my life over.

I became distracted from my thoughts when a knock sounded on the door. I grunted, peeling my gaze toward the door. I dropped the brush and headed towards the door, yanking it open.

“Miss Riley,” A lady wearing the uniform of the maid smiled as I opened the door.

“The Prince asked that I give you this,” she handed out a bag toward me.

“The prince?” I asked, unable to mirror my confusion as I collected the bag from her hands.

After I collected the bag, the maid bowed and hurried off leaving me quite confused.

I didn't recognize the maid as I hadn't seen her face before. I wondered which of the prince she was talking about.

I opened the package and a red floral gown stared at me.

I gulped.

Norman had to be the most intentional man in the world. He had talked about sending a dress my way for today's event but I haven't really taken it seriously. Heck, my mind has totally escaped it.

But now, as I stared at the intricate designs and the embroidery of the red floral gown, I knew I had to be the luckiest woman in the world.

My eyes flew to the wall clock and I immediately became conscious. How time flies!

Norman would be here to pick me up soon. I don't want to keep him waiting.

The next couple of minutes saw me freshening up after which I tried the dress on.

I stared at my reflection in front of the mirror and I almost couldn't recognize the figure that stared back at me.

The dress hugged tightly to every curve in my body like it was tailored just for me. It clung to every part of me like a second skin. The slit by the side made it easier for me to walk around but despite that, I knew I couldn't wear this dress. I feel exposed. I can't go to the party wearing this.

At that instance, my phone beeped and I glanced at it to see it was Norman calling.

My hand flew to the receive button but I hesitated for a moment as I didn't know what to tell Norman.

I sucked in a breath and summoned the courage to pick the call.

“Riley, are you prepared? The driver will be picking you up soon.” Norman's voice reached my ears immediately I picked the call.

I didn't give a response. I didn't know what to tell him. He would feel disappointed if he learned I wanted to bail on him at this point in time.

“Are you there?” His loud voice reached my ears once again and I immediately sucked in a deep breath.

“I don't think I would be attending the party.”

“What!” Norman gasped from the other end and I immediately got scared wondering if I had just incited his anger.