Chapter 272

Chapter 272
"What's wrong, little bear?" Byron asked as we reached his car. He hadn't taken me away, just wanted to get me away from the crowd inside.

I remembered the plans Lally and I had discussed for after graduation—going to college together, sharing an apartment, living our dream life. I still couldn't believe how much our lives had changed. I wasn't sure if this change was for better or worse.

"I think Dominic overstepped with Estelle," I said, facing him directly. "Did you know he's considering letting her rejoin the pack?"

Dominic knew how much I hated her, and not only that, Estelle had done everything possible to make my life miserable.

Byron's expression shifted, almost imperceptibly. "Considering something and actually doing it are two different things, Riley. Don't get yourself worked up—it's not good for the baby."

And just like that, my stomach dropped. I wasn't sure which was worse—that he knew about Estelle and hadn't told me, or that I hadn't told him I was pregnant.

"You knew and didn't tell me." I bit the inside of my cheek. Everyone knew except me.

"You could have told me you were pregnant, bear."

"And you could have told me about Estelle," I turned to walk back. I should have told him I was pregnant. He was the first person I wanted to tell. But things don't always go according to our wishes.

"Riley," Byron called after me, but I kept walking.

I'd only made it a few steps when Erica appeared at the front door, blocking my path.

"He's looking for you," she said, her eyes darting between Byron and me. "Mom wants to take some photos of you and Dominic together."

I nodded reluctantly. I followed Erica back inside, forcing a smile as Elizabeth arranged us for photos, but my mind was completely elsewhere. I was vaguely aware of people talking to me, but their words didn't register. I kept wondering if I was overreacting.

"Baby, are you okay?" Dominic's voice cut through my thoughts, his hand warm against the small of my back.

I looked up at him, then decided to confront the issue head-on. "Why wasn't I invited to the meeting last night?"

"What?" His brow furrowed.

Elizabeth's voice interrupted us. "The cars are here. We can't be late."

Dominic leaned close. "We'll talk later," he promised, then tried to kiss my forehead. I turned my head away.

"I need to use the bathroom," I mumbled, slipping away from his grasp.

Once inside, I locked the door and sat on the closed toilet lid, waiting. I just needed five minutes alone to gather my thoughts and try not to freak out in public. I hoped they wouldn't leave without me. I wasn't in the mood to pretend everything was fine.

A knock on the door made me jump.

"Riley. You're going to be late," his voice carried through the door, worry evident in his tone.

"Are they gone yet?" I asked, not moving from my spot.

"Open the door, Riley."

"I'm using the bathroom," I lied.

"Then hurry up. We need to leave now." I could hear him trying to remain patient.

I flushed the toilet for show, then washed my hands before opening the door.

"I thought you didn't want to be late." He grinned.

"Maybe I don't want to go at all." I brushed past him, heading for the stairs.

The sleek black limousine was still waiting outside, with Nina standing by the door.

"We need to go," she said.

"I'm driving myself," I said firmly, stopping in my tracks. "I need to go home and change my shoes."

"What? No, we have to go together."

"We don't have to do anything," I grimaced, feeling my feet throbbing in the heels. "My feet are killing me. I'll definitely be on time."

Dominic stepped between us. "Nina, you all go ahead. We'll meet you there."

"I'm driving myself, Dominic," I emphasized, turning to face him. "Just me. I'll see you there."

His jaw tightened. "Not happening."

I knew he was trying to control himself, not to get angry. I was being deliberately difficult, and I didn't care one bit. I was being nice considering how angry I was with him.

"Dominic, we have to go. If she says she wants to go by herself, let her go."

I bit back what I wanted to say. She had accidentally let the news slip to me, otherwise I wouldn't have known what was happening.

Why keep it from me?

I rolled my eyes, grabbing my purse. "I'm going to change my shoes. I'll see you there."

He didn't stop me, but I knew he was angry.

I walked away, feeling his eyes on me the entire time.

---

When I arrived at the school parking lot, Dominic was already waiting. I cut the engine and unbuckled my seatbelt.

"You didn't change your shoes," he observed as I stepped out of the car.

"Oh, that. I lied," I admitted, walking past him toward the school.

On the drive over, I had thought carefully about everything.

There was no point getting upset about this. It didn't matter what I thought. He could do whatever he wanted. But if he thought I would stay here while she was around, he was dead wrong.

Dominic caught my arm, stopping me. "Don't do this, Riley."

I pulled away immediately. Right now, I didn't want him near me, let alone touching me.

"I'm not doing anything. But don't touch me. Actually, stay away from me."

I quickened my pace, and his voice boomed across the empty parking lot. "Goddammit, wait."

I spun around, meeting his eyes. "What could you possibly say to make this better?"

"This isn't my decision," Dominic explained, his voice frustratingly calm. "I'm not the official Alpha yet, Riley. This is entirely up to my father."

"Why didn't you tell me?" I demanded, trying to stay composed though my voice rose. "Why did I have to hear it from Nina?"

His jaw tightened. "Because I knew you'd react exactly like this."

"So you lied to me?"

"I didn't want to upset you, and technically, I didn't lie. I would never do anything to hurt you."

"Right." There was nothing more to say to him about this. He hadn't lied, but he hadn't told me the whole truth either.