CHAPTER 8

Ryley

I was still fuming, unable to focus on anything but that smug son of a bitch and his demand that I work for him and him alone. I gave up on unpacking, grabbed my laptop, and got to work instead.

"Arrogant prick, demanding I only work for him," I muttered, checking my email.

"Isn't he perfect?" my wolf purred. She'd been in a lovesick haze ever since she laid eyes on Alpha Blake.

"Did you forget we already got screwed over by an alpha? He was our mate, and look how that turned out. I'm not handing myself over to another one especially one who tried to command us. We have more important things to worry about. Like Channing."

"Fine. But when he leaves for college, I'm owed a good fuck," she huffed, retreating. I understood her frustration. I'd given myself to someone once, and he'd betrayed me for it. I couldn't fall for that twice. I thought I'd loved my mate, and I don't think I'll ever be able to hand that much control to anyone again.

I was deep into Mr. Dillinger's finances when Channing wandered into the kitchen. I was working at the island, still refusing to set anything else up. The thought of settling into two months here was exhausting on its own.

"All done?" he asked, opening the fridge.

"Haven't even started. I need to finish this before Mr. Blake loses his mind," I said with a sigh.

"You really don't like alphas, huh?" he asked, pulling out sandwich supplies. Whoever had stocked this kitchen had done us a favor no grocery run needed yet.

"I don't like being told what I can and can't do with my own time. He demanded I submit," I told him, crossing my arms.

"Well, this should be fun to watch," he chuckled.

"Sorry, Channing. I know this isn't your fight to carry." My voice was sympathetic my son, after all, was an alpha in his own blood, even without a pack of his own yet.

"Don't be. A please and thank you would've gone a long way. He didn't have to talk to you like that," he said, sliding a plate my way before grabbing two cold sodas from the fridge.

"You're the best. And if he wants the best, he'd better start giving the respect he's demanding," I said, warmed by his loyalty.

"You're a wolf, but you're a Luna, Mom. His equal, whether he realizes it yet or not."

"Let's keep that between us."

"Not a soul," he said, rounding the counter to set down my soda and kiss my cheek. "I'm all unpacked. Going to eat and get ready for bed."

"Thank you for the sandwich. Goodnight, sweetie. Love you," I called after him.

"Love you too. Don't stay up too late," he called back, and I laughed. Sometimes I think he forgets who the parent is.

It didn't take long to trace the money and the accounts behind it. I forwarded everything to Miller and Dillinger. Honestly, anyone at the firm could have handled this one I think he simply wanted discretion. Dillinger is rich and powerful, and if word got out that his wife was cheating and stealing from him, it would hurt his reputation. He knows I'd never breathe a word about a client, no matter who was asking.

Once the email was sent, I cleaned up the kitchen and headed upstairs. The house really was beautiful three bedrooms, each with its own bathroom. I took the one that looked out over the lake, with a window seat perfect for watching the view.

I groaned at the sight of all my unpacked suitcases. All I wanted was to sit at that window and pretend I wasn't standing in the middle of someone else's pack. I checked on Channing sound asleep then went back to my room and started unpacking. As much as I hated the idea, I needed this place to feel like home, at least for the summer.

The moon hung nearly full above the lake. Once everything was put away, I changed into an oversized shirt and shorts, climbed into bed, and stared at the ceiling.

"Only two months, and then we're back to our normal lives," I said into the dark, empty room.

"Do you actually believe that?" Lily asked.

"Is there something you know that I don't?" She only whimpered in response.

"We've been through enough, Lily. I've worked too hard for our normal life to let it slip without a fight. Channing has enough going on with his senior year. We have to get back for his sake, not just ours. We just need to make sure no one finds out you're a Luna wolf. The past doesn't get to become the present. Not again. Not while I have any say in it.”