Chapter 32 Quiet Moments

Chapter 32 Quiet Moments
Chapter Thirty Two

Annie’s POV – Quiet Moments

The knock on my door was soft, hesitant. I knew it was him before I even turned my head. Riley. Always careful, always aware. I pushed myself up from the chair where I had been sitting, staring out the window, trying to make sense of my thoughts. My wolf stirred beneath the surface, alert and restless. Even with the warmth of the room, a chill ran through me.

“Annie?” his voice was low, controlled. Calm, but I could hear the edge of worry hidden beneath.

I turned slowly, trying to hide my racing heart. “Yes?”

He stepped inside, carrying a small tray with a bowl of steaming food and a cup of water. His eyes scanned me quickly, as if reading my every thought. Relief softened his expression when he saw I was unharmed. But I knew the moment wouldn’t last. Not while Celeste was around. Not while danger always seemed to hover close.

“I brought this,” he said quietly, placing the tray on the small table beside me. “You need to eat.”

I managed a small smile, forcing my voice calm. “Thank you.”

His eyes didn’t leave mine. “Annie… I want you to be careful.” His words were quiet, but the intensity behind them made my chest tighten. “Your sister… I don’t trust her.”

I let out a small sigh and looked down at the food. “I know.” My voice was soft, almost a whisper. “I’m only playing along with her. I’m watching. I’ll know what she’s doing.”

Riley took a slow step closer. “Playing along?” he repeated, his tone both curious and cautious. “Explain.”

I looked up at him, meeting his intense blue eyes. “I can’t expose her yet. Not until I know what she’s planning. I’ll see who she talks to, where she goes… I’ll know everything. And then I’ll decide what to do.”

He studied me for a long moment, his gaze sharp. I could feel him weighing my words, trying to read the truth in my eyes. “You’re serious about this,” he said finally. “You’re not… pretending to be careful. You’re actually thinking this through.”

I nodded. “I have to be careful. I can’t let her or anyone else use me—or this pack—to their advantage. I won’t let Caleb win. Not now, not ever.”

He exhaled slowly, relief and frustration mixed in his eyes. “Annie… you’re amazing, you know that? Your strength… your mind… your wolf… everything about you is incredible. But sometimes, I wish you’d let me help more. Let me protect you.”

I looked down at my hands. “Riley… I know you do. And I trust you. But this… this is my fight too. I need to be strong for myself. For the pack. For you.” My voice trembled slightly. “I can’t just sit and be protected. I need to be part of this.”

Riley’s eyes softened, and he reached out, gently brushing a strand of hair behind my ear. His hand lingered near my face, and the warmth of it made my heart beat faster. “I know,” he whispered. “And I wouldn’t ask you to be anything less. But… promise me you won’t let her catch you off guard. Promise me you’ll be careful.”

“I promise,” I said, lifting my head to meet his gaze. “I will be careful. I’ll play along, but I’ll be ready for anything.”

A small, rare smile tugged at his lips. “Good. I like that. My warrior. Always ready.”

I chuckled softly, a sound that surprised both of us. “Always,” I said, feeling a spark of warmth inside. Despite the tension, the danger, and the uncertainty, hearing him say that made me feel… stronger.

For a long moment, we simply stood there, silent. The weight of unspoken words hung in the room, thick and heavy. I wanted to tell him everything—how scared I felt, how angry I was at my sister, how frustrated I was with the situation—but I couldn’t. Not yet. Not until I had all the pieces.

Riley tilted his head slightly, reading my hesitation. “Annie… you know you can tell me anything, right?” His voice was soft, almost a caress. “I’ll never judge you. I’ll never let anyone hurt you. Not Celeste. Not Caleb. Not anyone.”

I swallowed hard, my throat tight. “I know,” I whispered. “And I believe you. I just… I need to do this my way first. I need to see what she’s planning.”

He nodded slowly, as if he understood exactly what I meant. “Alright,” he said, his voice firm. “But remember… I’m here. Always. Even when you don’t see me.”

My heart beat faster at his words. I wanted to reach out, to pull him close, to let the fear, the tension, and the longing spill out. But I stayed still, letting the moment linger, letting the words sink in.

Riley finally placed a hand gently on my shoulder, giving it a reassuring squeeze. “Eat,” he said softly. “Then rest. You’ll need your strength.”

I nodded, and for the first time in a long while, I felt a flicker of calm. The storm inside me hadn’t disappeared—but it felt manageable with him here. With his presence, his care, and his trust, I could face whatever came next.

As he turned to leave, I called out softly, almost afraid to hear his answer. “Riley…”

He stopped, looking back at me.

“I… I’ll be ready,” I said. “No matter what she tries.”

He smiled, a small, knowing smile, and nodded once. “I know you will. My warrior.”

I watched him leave, feeling a strange mixture of relief, admiration, and longing. Alone again, I sat down and took a deep breath, steadying myself. My wolf stirred, calm now, ready. I knew this game with my sister would be dangerous. But with Riley by my side—watching, protecting, believing in me—I could face it all.

And this time, I would win.