Riley had considered her options all weekend, and as she walked into the school office that morning, she was sure she was making the right choice. "How can I help you, Riley?" the secretary asked as she walked in. "I was hoping to speak with Dean Fellow, please, Margaret." "I will see if he has a moment to chat." Riley took a seat. She started to feel nervous. She never had to come to the office. Riley always just kept her head down and worked hard in her classes. This was a first for her. As Riley sat there, she had a nervous feeling in her stomach. Maybe things wouldn't be so easy and go her way. She was probably just wasting her time being here, waiting. Riley was just about to get up and leave. "The dean will see you now." "Thanks, Margaret." Riley stood and walked towards Dean Fellows office. Her hand paused on the door handle. She took a deep breath and entered. "Hello Riley! How's my star student and future Luna doing?" Riley chuckled, "I'm doing fine. Than
Riley woke up in Ethans arms that next morning. She felt uncomfortable. She felt like she overreacted. She needed to make it right. "How are you feeling today?" a groggy Ethan said. "I think I may have overreacted. I just have never felt this way before." "It's the mate bond. You should have seen some of the rampages my dad went on when he'd see another male hug my mom. It's okay to feel that way, Riley." "Why couldn't I have been mated to you. I feel like I know you so much better. I would have walked in and known you wouldn't be doing anything. With Eli, I guess I still don't know him." "I'm sorry, Riley. Maybe I painted a bad picture of Eli. He's actually a really good guy. Maybe not so much when he was younger. But ever since he began training to be an Alpha and he got serious, he really did change." "I guess we all have a past." "See! Now, why don't you get ready so you can get back to the pack house and make up." "You've really surprised me, Ethan! I thought you
It was the end of the week, and Riley was trying to survive the morning sickness while juggling school. Eli had helped her move some of her things to the pack house, but she wasn't ready to let go or her apartment just yet. She would go there after school and work on her homework before heading to the pack house. This arrangement gave her some privacy and time alone. Although, the halls were always filled with noise of other students or those who haven't yet found their mates. Riley sat back on her chair and rubbed her temples. She had a lot of work to catch up on, but she was making strides in finishing up all the late work. "When are you coming home?" Eli's voice chimed in her mind. "Maybe another hour or so. I have a lot of work to catch up on." "Well, don't take too much time. I miss you." With that, Riley cut off the mindlink and continued on with her studies. About an hour and a half later, she finally felt she was finished. She packed up her school bag and headed
Riley and Eli headed over to her parents' house. They decided to walk since it was a nice evening. They also ate a little too much at the Alphas. "Are you nervous about talking to your dad?" "Can't you feel how nervous I am?" Eli laughed, "Yes, I can, but I thought it would help talking it out with you." "I'm just worried about how to tell him my mother is still alive. He was a wreck when she died and to find out she's been alive this whole time. I just don't know what to expect." "I'm sure Sarah will be able to help with that, though. They are very happily mated now. I'm sure your father will understand." "I know...Eli?" "Whats up?" "Where should I stay now that we're back?" "What do you mean?" "Well, should I stay at my apartment or should I be staying with you." Eli stopped walking, which halted Riley since they were holding hands. He pulled Riley close so he could look into her eyes. He softly caressed her cheek with his thumb before answering. "You'll be
Riley jolted awake. It was dimmed, and the sun was setting. "Riley! How are you feeling?" Riley looked around, gathering her surroundings. They were traveling. Her head had been resting on Eli's lap. "Where's my mother?" "She's in one of the other cars. There wasn't enough room in here with you laying down." "What happened?" "Riley, you fainted. You don't remember?" "No...last thing I remember is grabbing my mother from the Rogue King." "Then you fainted. How are you feeling. Do you need us to stop the cars and take a break? We are almost home. Maybe another 10 minutes." "Then just keep driving. I'll be fine. I can't believe how long I've been out." "I was terrified. I didn't know what else to do besides try to get us home. You were breathing, and I've been keeping an eye on your pulse. Do you feel anything wrong? I can take you to see the doctor right away!" "No, I feel fine. Maybe it was just a lot of stress and being sick. We will see the doctor to make sure
Eli and Riley woke up from their night of celebrating and got dressed and packed up to head home. The cars would be here in an hour to take them back home. Riley couldn't wait but was nervous for the ride home as once again, she had been sick this morning. Eli didn't leave her side as she was ill, and Riley couldn't have been more appreciative of his commitment to her. Eli would make the perfect mate and father to their pup. Despite his reputation and past, he had really taken on the leadership role of Alpha. He was proving his worth. Riley just couldn't believe how fast their love story was evolving. "Do you think we will ever get bored of each other?" "Goddess, I hope not," Eli yelled back from the bedroom. "What makes you ask a silly question like that?" "Just our story, it's been such a whirlwind. I feel like maybe this has to end at some point." Eli walked over to the bathroom door and leaned against the frame. "It will never end. Don't you see how much my mother and fat