Chapter 269

Chapter 269

With graduation ceremony just a day away, despite hoping everything would be perfect, reality proved otherwise. I wanted us all to celebrate together, but I wasn't sure if my relationship with Nina was still the same as before.

Dominic had left early for a pack meeting without inviting me. It stung a little, but wasn't surprising.

"Not like he'd let me do anything anyway," I muttered, trying to convince myself it didn't matter. But it did. I was carrying his child, yet still kept at arm's length from pack decisions.

I checked my phone again—no messages from Lally. But that wasn't unexpected. She had her own issues to deal with, and I was giving her time to sort things out.

If someone had told me earlier that my life would turn out this way, I would've laughed it off as a joke.

I should be getting ready for college, enjoying my last carefree days as a teenager. Instead, I was mated to an Alpha werewolf, pregnant with his child, and completely clueless about my future.

I felt down and couldn't shake the feeling. It wasn't that I was unhappy—I knew I belonged here, but sometimes I couldn't help overthinking.

I couldn't help falling into the rabbit hole of "what ifs." What if I had never moved to Wolf Creek? What if I were still in Malibu, would my life be completely different? Would Grandma still be by my side?

These thoughts were dragging me down, and I knew I needed to get out of the house before I spiraled further. "I need some air," I decided, pushing myself up.

---

I quickly changed into jeans and a loose top, deciding to meet Mason in town. As I was heading out, my phone vibrated.

'Hey, shorty, really sorry. Partied too hard last night and I'm dying of a hangover. Rain check?'

I sighed. 'No problem. Take care of yourself.'

Standing on the porch, I hesitated before deciding not to return inside. I could have lunch alone, maybe do some shopping to lift my spirits.

I started the car and drove into town. I ended up at the beach.

It wasn't exactly beach weather, but this was my go-to place when I needed solitude. Until Mason canceled, I hadn't realized how much I needed to be alone. I just didn't want to see anyone, didn't want to talk or socialize.

I entered the coffee house, ordered a latte, and chose a seat.

The sound of waves soothed my soul, helping me relax, reminding me of home.

This place was home now, I reminded myself, Malibu was the past. I realized that things I'd buried deep inside were starting to surface. Those suppressed emotions, the massive life changes I'd silently accepted.

Pregnancy hormones made my emotions volatile. Without warning, tears sprang to my eyes, and I felt completely overwhelmed.

"Damn hormones," I cursed quietly, dabbing at my eyes with a napkin.

Just as I was trying to compose myself, a waitress approached, setting down a slice of chocolate cake.

"I didn't order this," I said, confused.

"It's from those girls over there," the waitress smiled, pointing across the café.

I turned to see Nina, Harper, and Lally standing there.

The sight made my emotions even harder to control, tears flowing freely now. I realized how desperately I needed my friends, more than ever before.

"We're sorry," Nina said, taking the lead.

"We were wrong," Lally added.

"I'm just here for support," Harper grinned.

I laughed out loud, missing them so much. Missing the days of laughing together, hanging out, late-night talks—missing everything.

I sniffled, "I haven't been doing great."

"Because of the pregnancy," Nina grinned.

Since they already knew, what was the point of hiding it? If I denied it, I knew she would just keep pestering me.

The café grew so quiet I could hear the clock ticking.

I took a deep breath and nodded: "Yes, we're having a baby."

Nina's eyes lit up. "I knew it! Your scent is completely different. I'm going to be an aunt!" She grabbed my hands excitedly.

"Congratulations, Riley. I'm so happy for you," Harper smiled gently.

"You're going to be an amazing mom," Lally added.

Though I wanted to keep it secret, I felt relieved after saying it out loud. "It's been so hard keeping such a big secret from you guys." As for Dominic, I wasn't sure how he'd react to me telling them.

"How far along are you?" Harper asked.

"Please keep it quiet, okay? Dominic doesn't know I've told you."

Lally rolled her eyes. "Another reason for him to dislike me."

"Not this again," Nina sighed. "She thinks Dominic doesn't like her."

"Why would he dislike you?" I asked.

She shrugged. "Just a feeling."

"He doesn't dislike you," Nina explained.

"Yeah," I agreed, "if Dominic truly disliked someone, believe me, he'd make it crystal clear."

He's always been that way—if he has something on his mind, good or bad, he'll say it directly.

"Riley's right, because if my brother didn't like you, he would definitely tell you to your face."

Her comment hit the nail on the head. But I didn't want to spark another argument between them. We all knew how much they enjoyed bickering with each other.

"So, can I count on all of you to keep this secret?" I asked.

They all agreed to keep my secret. I wasn't worried—I trusted them. We stayed a while longer, chatting, drinking coffee, and eating cake.

As we shared the chocolate cake, I felt a lightness I hadn't experienced in weeks. "What was today's pack meeting about?"

I noticed Harper give Nina a look. That look seemed to say: you answer, because I'm not saying anything.

Nina sighed. "Oh, just the usual boring stuff. You know. You didn't miss anything important."

I sensed Nina was lying but decided not to push it. The truth would surface eventually.

"This might be the last time we all hang out like this," Harper said wistfully, tapping her coffee cup.

The thought made me sad too.

Nina immediately objected. "Don't say that! We still have my mom's graduation party."

"Speaking of after graduation, have you decided yet?"

Harper and Lally exchanged glances and stood up. "We'll get more coffee," Lally said, giving us privacy.