Reads By The River Novels & Stories

Ryan I sit alone on the riverbank, watching the current sweep briskly past, pulling my fishing line along with it. The bright sunlight sparkles off the little crests and troughs of ripples in the water's surface. A light breeze teases the weeds at the edge of the riverbank and leaves in the trees of the forest beyond. Melodic strains of birdsong, sounds of the forest, and the water rushing quietly by all blend together into the soothing rhythm of peace.

FOUR YEARS LATER The softly lapping river is a constant source of joy. It gives the small family within all they need. Fresh drinking water cleans their clothes and bodies. Little Zena, a black-haired bundle of energy loves creating boats out of anything she can get her hands on, green eyes with a cat-like tilt sparkling as she works. Her little brother Finn is more reserved, he can spend hours laid beside the river, the gentle sounds of the brook helping his imagination wander into the far-off lands of adventure he hears his parents talking about.

She crosses to the window now, close enough that her breath fogs a small circle on the glass. Below her, forty-one floors down, the river runs green-black under the bridges, barges cutting slow wakes through water that never quite loses the chemical bite of the dye plant upstream. Somewhere down there a busker works a saxophone against the wind, notes snatched away half formed before they reach this high.

I was now ready. I left my room and went into the room of my pups, Rowan and River. They were reading together, a book open on the floor. As soon as they saw me, they quickly rushed toward me. "Mummy, you're here," they said, their voices excited. I crouched down and hugged them back so tightly, their small arms around my neck. "What are my boys doing?" I asked. "We were reading, mummy. Uncle Simon got the book for us. It's a book with drawings and adventures," River said, his eyes bright.

“Yeah, I guess you could say I was inspired.” Kane reached over, giving my hand a squeeze, “Sarah, that’s great. Tell me all about it.” “Well, it’s a romance and you could say that it was inspired by real life…” I trailed off, looking down as I picked up the plastic wrapped fork. Peeling the wrapper off, I scooped up some of the Spanish rice. Shoveling it into my mouth so I didn’t have to say anything. “So this Mmm, if it was anything like what you told me then I can’t wait to read it.” Kane said with a chuckle. He moved to the cabinet, pulling out two glasses. “Beer?” He asked, looking back at me.

*River* The dawn breaks with a soft glow, casting warm hues across the sky as I stand on the porch, my heart racing with the anticipation of what lies ahead. The morning air is crisp, holding the scent of dew-kissed grass and the promise of a day filled with uncertainty. Kellan approaches, his expression is speaking of both determination and concern. He has been my right hand, my beta, and my best friend ever since I became the Alpha but today, more than ever, his loyalty feels like a lifeline.

She wrapped her legs around him, fingers gripping his hair as he pressed into her, deep and slow, murmuring against her lips, “You are my only truth.” After, they ate together in silence, candlelight flickering between them like fragile hope. --- That weekend, they decided to visit the river. It had been weeks since they’d left the town’s outskirts. Isabella packed a basket of bread, cheese, and fresh figs. Auther carried a blanket, her sketchbook, and his own journal. The path was overgrown with wildflowers and memories. The river roared louder than usual from the rains, but its presence was soothing, a reminder that nature carried on, indifferent to human ache.

She’s been unpredictable lately, her moods swinging wildly between affection and hostility. We reach the river by midmorning, its waters rushing over smooth stones with a steady roar. The sight of it brings a wave of relief—a chance to wash, to drink, to regroup. The pack fans out along the bank, their spirits lifting as they splash in the shallows and fill their water skins. I wade into the river, the icy water shocking against my skin. The current tugs at my legs, strong but not unmanageable. I glance back to see Violet perched on a rock, her arms wrapped around her knees. She’s watching me, her expression unreadable.

“Sammy is getting torn apart by his father by now. Victor is surrounded by enemies who smile to his face. I cannot just sit here and read while everything burns.” “And you cannot keep acting like you are invincible,” she snapped. River rubbed his face with his hands. “Jayden,” he said carefully, “did you even finish reading that Gem of Life book.” I froze. “…No,” I admitted. Jane made a sound like she was about to scream into a pillow. “I actually read the whole thing,” River continued, and I turned to him in shock. “I wanted to understand how a human like you can do all this. And also if I could do it too.”

I might have to call him and cancel tomorrow. River is still not feeling well and I don’t want to stress her more than she already is. I walk into the room and she is sitting on the bed reading her materials for her finals. She looks so sexy wearing my clothes and my reading glasses. She kept forcing her eyes until she tried my reading glasses and that was it. I already ordered another pair for me as I am blind as I can be when it comes to reading. Without my glasses, I really struggle. What can I say? My dyslexia doesn’t help either.