Chapter 4

I woke up sprawled across Riley's chest. I had no idea how I got there, but it was very comfortable. I snuggled closer and felt Riley's arms close around me tightly. "Morning." His chest rumbled as he spoke. I picked up my head and looked at him with sleepy eyes. "Morning," I replied. I plopped my head back on his chest with an oof from him and refused to move. I was perfectly content.

We stayed like that for a while, before my bladder decided to lodge a protest. I grumbled as I pushed myself up from him, causing him to let out a little groan as I put some of my weight on his stomach. I grimaced, "sorry," I mumbled as I dashed to the bathroom.

I did my business and went to the sink to wash my hands. I looked in the mirror and grimaced. I had dried drool on the corner of my mouth, and that caused me to blush, picturing poor Riley's chest covered in drool. My hair needed a comb through it. I cupped some of the water in my hands and splashed it on my face. That felt great and helped me look better. I ran the comb through my hair and thought I looked decent enough to face him.

I stepped into the bedroom and found Riley still lying in bed, his hands behind his head, his bare feet crossed, and his eyes closed. I gulped at the sight of him looking so gorgeous. Would I ever get used to how good looking he was? I doubted it.

I didn't know what to say, so I just stared at him.

"You going to just stand there staring at me, or are you going to come here?"

I jumped when he spoke. I looked at his face guiltily and saw he had cracked one eye open and was watching me watch him. I blushed and headed to the bed. I sat on the edge. He took an arm and laid it on my lap, palm up. I placed my hand in his.

"How are you feeling today?" He asked, and I knew he meant the run-in with my sisters yesterday.

I shrugged, "still in shock, I guess. I never thought, hoped to see them again. I know you, Devie, and the Pack will keep me safe, but it doesn't stop the fear of going back from surfacing. You don't know the hell I went through before running away. The things they did to me." I shook my head. "I don't want to think about them. I want them to stay in the past where they belong, and if they dare show up in my present or future again, then I will deal with it. I won't let them ruin this new life I have. I will never be their victim again." I was determined to never be at their mercy again, be it physical or mental.

Riley sat up and moved so that I was cradled between his legs and my back was against his chest. His arms came around me, and I felt surrounded by him. It felt good and right.

"You're not a victim. You are a survivor. A fighter. Don't ever think otherwise." He urged. I looked up at him and saw how fierce his expression was. I didn't want him to worry about me, but I also knew instinctively that he would worry no matter what I said or did. I leaned up and kissed his chin. He gave me a quizzical look.

"What was that for?"

"Being here with me, worrying about me," I replied.

He looked at me tenderly and with a look I couldn't identify. "There is no other place I would rather be." Then he kissed me. It was a sweet, gentle kiss. One I didn't want to stop. But it did. This stopping business needed to stop soon.

He pushed me up, "Get dressed. Once Devie gets here, I am going to my place to shower and change, but I will be back." He swatted my butt as he got up. He started to leave but stopped when I called him back. I went up to him and hugged him tight. I laid my head on his chest and listened to his heartbeat.

I then let go and went into the bathroom to shower. I took a long shower, using my new soaps and shampoo. I finally got out of the shower, after the hot water ran cold, smelling and feeling like a new woman. I wrapped a towel around my body and used another to dry my hair, then I combed it and just let it finish air drying.

I walked into the bedroom in just the towel, expecting Riley to be gone by now, but I was wrong. I should have known he was here, but I was lost in thought. He was making the bed. He must have already been to his place because he was wearing different clothes this time.

He was wearing another pair of black slacks, but this time he had a blue silk shirt with a blue tank under it. He looked yummy like usual. I stood in the doorway, not wanting to draw attention to myself and the fact I had only the towel on. But I guess because of the bond, or some other sense, he noticed. Gees, why couldn't I have noticed him here before coming out? I wondered.

He finished the bed making and stood up. He looked right at me, and I blushed because of what I saw in his gaze. He looked hungry, and I didn't think it was for food. He started to come around the bed but stopped himself. He closed his eyes and clenched his fists, then next thing I knew, he was gone, faster than I could blink.

My shoulders slumped. I should have known he would disappear. But I had been hoping. I sighed, turned to the dresser, and got dressed. I picked out one of the matching bra sets in pink, a pair of black shorts, and a pink t-shirt that had Hello Kitty on the front. It was nice to have clothes that fit properly now. I slipped on a pair of my new flip flops and headed into the living room.

Now that I was focused on him, I could tell he was still in the house. I could also hear Devie in the kitchen, so I wasn't surprised to see her when I walked in.

They were working on what looked like breakfast. Whatever it was smelled delicious and reminded my stomach that it needed sustenance and that it hadn't eaten the night before.

"Morning," I said shyly.

Devie turned to look at me with a smile, "morning hon. Those clothes look great on you. Nice to have something that fits good, huh?" I smiled back at her and nodded.

Riley turned to look at me with a smile as well, and a bit of the hungry look still lingered. "Morning again, Sunshine."

He held out an arm to me, and I instinctively walked into it. He curled me close to his side and kissed the side of my head. I leaned into him, curling my own arm around his waist. I felt safe and secure in his arms. Part of me never wanted to leave, and part of me was really getting used to this.

He gave me another kiss on the side of my head then swatted my bottom, "go sit down, we'll bring breakfast to you." I started to protest, but his and Devie's looks were firm, so I gave up and went to sit on the couch.

Riley came over carrying two plates, and Devie came over with three glasses and a gallon of orange juice. She then went back to grab her plate and our utensils. Riley handed me my plate, and I saw it was a very thick omelet covered in cheese. I wondered if it was stuffed with anything, cause it was too thick not to be. I soon had my answer when Devie handed me a fork, and I cut into it.

I saw it was stuffed with cheese, bacon, and sausage. No wonder it was so thick. I was sure it was going to taste as well as it looked. I took a bite and was surprised. It tasted even better than I thought. Or I was just hungry.

Devie poured us all a glass of juice before sitting on the chair and digging in. Riley, of course, sat next to me and was already diving into his omelet.

"This is really, really good." I praised around a mouthful of food. I swallowed and took a drink of my juice. I rarely got to have orange juice, and this was a delicious delight.

"Thank you," Devie replied. "I love to cook, and having someone to cook for is a blessing." She gave me a huge smile, and I couldn't help but smile back at her.

Too soon, the omelet was gone. I almost wanted another one, till I felt how full her omelet made me. But I would like another glass of juice. So I grabbed the jug and refilled my glass, then I offered it to Riley and Devie, and with their nod, I refilled their glasses as well.

I sat back on the couch with my glass and patted my tummy. "That was major delicious. You must teach me how you cook so well. I can barely make soup. Cooking was one chore Mother wouldn't let me do." I blinked when I realized what I had said so casually but mentally shrugged my shoulders. Oh well, done and over with, can't take the words back now.

Riley paused with his glass halfway to his lips for a moment but then continued. I tried to focus on that bond he said we had, and with some effort, I could feel the sudden rage he felt at the mention of Mother but how he quickly suppressed the feeling.

This bond thing was weird. I don't know if I am going to like someone knowing my thoughts or feelings at any giving time, even if it was Riley. I would have to learn how to conceal those few things I didn't want known. He didn't need to know the details of what went on, and I didn't want to remember them anyhow.

I tried to change the subject, "so what are we doing today?" I asked the room.

Devie answered as Riley was still drinking. "Well, I thought we could finish setting up your little house and just chat. I didn't really think of anything for today. Yesterday was the big thing that needed to be done."

A relatively relaxing day. OK.

I sipped on my orange juice and wondered what they wanted to chat about. I finished my glass and got up to put the dishes away. Riley placed his hand on my wrist, "no, we will do that." He said. I shook my head, "No, you guys prepared it, so I will clean it. It's only right." I replied.

I went into the kitchen and started the dishes. Riley followed me, and as soon as I put a dish in the drainer, he was grabbing it and drying. We worked in silence, and once done, Riley spun me into his arms and kissed me, quickly and deeply. Then he was on his way back into the living room, leaving me breathless.

I swear the man was trying to kill me with want and frustration. I stuck my tongue out at him as if he could see it. Devie did and laughed. Riley shot her a look, and she just laughed harder. He looked back at me over his shoulder, and I just stared at him innocently. His eyes narrowed. I just smiled. I guess I had a bit of a playful side I never expected.

I followed him to the couch and plopped down on it. "What should we do first?" I asked. Riley pulled me close to him, his arm around my shoulders, I leaned my head on his chest.

"Hmm, put the rest of the stuff up, put up the curtains, and things like that, I would say," Devie answered.

Just then, Riley's phone rang. He reached into his pocket and drew it out. He frowned when he saw the caller id. "Yeah?" He demanded. I could hear the other person talking. They were mentioning a breach in the perimeter that was just discovered. Riley was not happy, and this better hearing was nifty but a bit nosy.

"Why wasn't it discovered sooner?" He growled. I could hear the other person stammer and say that the person who was supposed to patrol that area had been knocked out and no one had known until morning when he was supposed to have checked in.

"I will be there in a few minutes." He hung up and turned to me. "I am sorry, Sunshine, but I have to go." I nodded in understanding. He gave me a tight hug and a quick kiss. Then he turned to Devie, "keep her safe." He demanded.

She nodded. "I will." She promised. With that, he was gone. I sighed in disappointment.

"Well, I guess it's just us girls," Devie said. I nodded glumly. "Let's get this stuff put up, shall we?"

She once again set her phone up to play music, and we proceeded to place new curtains. It took us a couple of hours to put them up. Once they were hanging, they gave me a little bit of security. Now I wouldn't have to worry about people looking in.

We found places for the bedding I had acquired and for other odds and ends we had bought.

We stopped for lunch. We had thick juicy sandwiches and soda. Once we were done, we just laid back on the couch with our feet propped on the coffee table. We were singing along to the music when Riley finally came back. He seemed to still be mad from the phone call.

Devie and I both stood up when he came in. She went to her phone and turned off the music while I went towards Riley. Some part of me was wanting, needing, to soothe him.

I put my arms around his waist and my head on his chest. He stood stiff for a few moments but then relaxed and wrapped his arms tightly around me. I lifted my head, "what's wrong?"

He growled. "Someone breached the perimeter near here again. Knocked out one of the patrollers but ran away before getting here. Something must have spooked him." His arms tightened around me. "I don't think it is safe for you to stay here anymore. I think we need to move you to somewhere more secure and more guards. That wolf is determined to find you."

I pulled back in alarm. "Where am I supposed to go? I thought you guys could keep me safe." He pulled me tighter to him. "We can, just this shack is close to the outer skirts of the compound. We need to get you closer to the middle, deeper into the compound. It's the safest area there is."

I wasn't sure I believed him. If that thing could get so close not once but twice, what would stop him a third time?

Devie growled and hit the arm of the chair in frustration. "That damn bastard better not ever show up when I am around. I will wear his fur as a jacket if he does."

"Where am I supposed to go?" I repeated. Riley looked at Devie then at me and answered with a sigh. "My place. Outside of the Alpha's it is the safest place there is in the compound."

"Wait, your place?" I said in disbelief and pulled away from him to start pacing the floor. "I just got this place habitable." I protested. I crossed my arms over my chest and rubbed my hands up and down my arms. I didn't want to have to move. I just got settled, well sorta. But this place was starting to grow on me. I was afraid to move to Riley's, temptation would be constant, even more then it was now.

Riley stood in my path. I stopped and glared up at him. "Look, this isn't something I am suggesting lightly. I don't want you to feel pressured. I promise I will still go slow and do only what you want. I have an extra bedroom you can have if you want to. Just please come. I want you safe."

I sighed and threw my hands up in the air, knowing I had no choice. "Fine. I'll go but don't expect me to be happy about it. I was starting to like this little shack." I stalked off into the bedroom and closed the door. Wanting a few moments alone. Luckily the bags I had emptied of the clothes the day before were still in here, so I started the process of placing the clothes back into them.

I was halfway done when I heard a knock on the door. Devie poked her head in. "You all right girlie?" I looked at her with a frown. "I don't even know." I sat on the bed, "ever since I ran away, my whole world keeps getting turned upside down. I am afraid it won't ever stop." I started to cry. She quickly sat on the bed beside me and wrapped an arm around my shoulders, drawing me close.

"Shh girlie. Everything will be fine in the end. You'll see." She soothed. I sniffled and nodded. "I hope you're right, but all these changes so close together are getting to be too much," I told her. She patted my shoulder, got up, and went into the bathroom. She came back with some tissue and handed it to me. I wiped my eyes and nose. I stood up and sighed. "Feels like yesterday I unpacked, and now I have to pack again. Oh, wait, it was yesterday." I said sarcastically. Devie sniggered.

"C'mon girlie, let's get you packed." She grabbed some clothes from the dresser and folded them into a bag. We worked in silence and had my things from both the bedroom and bathroom repacked into the shopping bags.

We took the bags into the living room and set them by the door. Riley wasn't anywhere to be seen. I started to ask Devie when I felt him through the bond coming closer at a fast pace. I realized he must be in a vehicle to go so quick.

We started work on packing up the food that we had bought. No sense in it going to waste. We had just started when I heard a car pull up. I looked up when the car door slammed closed, and in the next blink, Riley came into the house. I stopped what I was doing to look at him. As soon as he came in, his eyes were on me. He headed straight to me, never looking anywhere else.

Riley cupped my face in his hands, "I'm sorry it came to this. I truly wanted more time before moving you again." He gave me a gentle kiss, then backed away. He started picking up some of the bags and took them outside, I assumed to whatever vehicle he drove here.

It was only then that I noticed a young boy with him. He looked to be about sixteen years old. He was cute with brown hair and brown eyes. He was nearly as tall as Riley and lanky. He was trying not to stare at me, I could tell, but he wasn't very successful at it.

Riley came back in and noticed the boy just standing there. He grabbed the boy around the neck and rubbed the top of his head with his knuckles. "Make yourself useful and grab some bags to take out to the truck. They aren't going to load themselves."

The boy blushed and nodded and set about doing what Riley said. Once the boy was out of the room, I asked Riley what I was dying to know. "Who is that boy?"

Riley looked embarrassed, something I didn't ever expect to see. "That is my little brother Jaime. He nagged me about getting away from Dad for a while. He's been cooped up there since he got back from his trip to D.C. with his school."

"Oh," was all I could say.

Riley came into the kitchen and picked up some of the bags we had already packed. He stopped and placed a kiss on my nose as he passed. Causing me to blush because the boy was back and looking our way.

Devie started helping take out bags too, which left me with nothing to do except go over the place to make sure I didn't forget anything. I am glad I did because I nearly forgot the backpack that was in the corner of the bedroom. I couldn't leave that behind. It held everything I had taken from my former life. Things I thought I might need out here in the big world.

Riley came into the bedroom, "we got all the bags packed up. Anything else you need?" I shook my head no and headed towards him. He stopped me before letting me pass. He pulled me into his arms, "I need this," was all he said before he kissed me deeply and thoroughly. I immediately slid my arms around his neck and leaned into his kiss. I had been wanting this all day, despite my fears and anger over having to move.

The kiss ended slowly. He placed his forehead against mine, and we just stared into each other's eyes. I loved looking into his eyes. They could be so expressive at times like now. They were full of something I couldn't identify and tenderness. I knew he would keep me safe just by looking into his eyes.

Someone cleared their throat, I couldn't see past Riley, but he seemed to know who it was. "Yes, Jaime, we'll be along in a minute." I blushed at being caught wrapped in Riley's arms by a virtual stranger. We reluctantly pulled apart, and Riley led the way into the living room.

"Anything else you need from here?" He asked. I looked around and shook my head, my backpack firmly in my hands. He held the door open for me, and out I went for the second time in two days. The suburban was back and fully packed once more. This time with an extra person who was in the front passenger seat. Riley motioned for Jaime to get into the back and helped me into the front again by picking me up and placing me on the seat. Devie had apparently left already for parts unknown.

I felt self-conscious with Jaime sitting behind me. I don't know why I was on edge with him. Maybe because he was new or because I didn't do too well with siblings? Either way, I felt like I was on eggshells around him. I hoped it would soon pass, though. For both my sake and Riley's.

Riley got in and quickly got us into motion. We drove the opposite way we did the day before. This time we were heading deeper into the compound. It was set in a circular way. The houses and some shacks were all set up to surround a huge two-story house that was located smack dab in the middle. This was the Alpha's house. It was also the command center and welcome center for visitors. There was a clearing behind the Alpha's house, but I couldn't see it clearly. It looked huge.