Riley
Harry was right. Our parents were pissed off about what happened at the bowling alley and for the fact that we didn’t head home immediately.
In fact, this was such a big deal that I received a phone call from the Alpha King and Luna Queen… my biological parents.
I walk upstairs to my room feeling nervous as I call the number that Dani and Rich gave me. The only time I ever heard from my biological parents was on my birthday. So, I know this isn’t good at all.
The phone rings and I hear king Carter, my father, answer, “Rieka.”
It’s weird hearing my real name. Aside from me reminding myself who I really am, I never hear my name.
I say, “Yes sir.”
My mother, Camille, asks, “Are you alright, Rieka?”
I respond, “I’m fine, really it’s no big deal.”
Carter grumbles, “If it’s not a big deal then why did a future Alpha shift in the middle of a bowling alley? And from what we’ve been told you were involved in the altercation.”
I bite the inside of my cheek; I don’t really want to tell them about Zane and his rejection of me. I sigh, “I don’t know what to tell you.”
Camille asks in a panicked voice, “Do they know who you are?”
“No, don’t worry. Everyone thinks I’m a human that just needs to keep her mouth shut.”
I hear background noise on their end and they both get off the phone quickly. Once the call shuts off, I take a deep breath as the tension in my body releases. I didn’t notice how nervous I was about that call until it was over.
I lie down on my bed and stare up at the ceiling, one more year. One more year and I will be reunited with them and taking my place as Luna Queen.
My phone buzzes pulling me out of my thoughts. I smile softly when I see a text from Archer saying: It was great meeting you, Riley.
I smirk, man this guy seems to fall pretty fast. I set my phone on my nightstand, unsure of the best way to respond to him. Oh well, I can just talk to him tomorrow.
Archer
Stupid mate bond. It makes me feel uncertain.
Riley is a human, she doesn’t feel the connection the same way I do, and on top of that, she’s only 17. Even if she wasn’t a werewolf, she wouldn’t feel the same way I do, not until she turns 18.
I hardly slept last night because she never responded to my text. It makes me wonder if I was pushing her too hard, but all I said was that it was nice to meet her. Is that really pushing hard?
I growl in frustration as I tug on my hair in frustration. I throw on a pair of basketball shorts and head outside so I can go for a run. Maybe if I let Atticus out then I’ll be able to relax a bit.
I push my wolf as hard as I can, I don’t realize how long I’ve been running for until my mom mind links me: Hey Arch, are we having dinner together?
The sun is beginning to set, and I watch in surprise. Have I been running for like five hours?
Neither Atticus nor I feel winded, but I respond: Yeah, on my way back now.
I get back home, and my mom is sitting at the table along with Caleb and Brandon and their parents. All of the grownups talk, and I notice Brandon and Caleb look at me with concerned faces.
My mom asks, “What have you been up to today, son?”
I lie smoothly, “Just patrolling.”
She nods, and I feel my phone vibrate and it’s like time stopped as I read the simple message from Riley: It was nice hanging out with you.
I debate if I should respond immediately or not. I don’t want to come across as desperate, but this is all so new to me. I didn’t get attached to anyone whenever I visited other packs because I always knew I’d be going somewhere else. I mean… I slept around a little.
Not a crazy amount, but girls were always throwing themselves at me, and a handful of times I allowed myself to act like a normal teen and have some fun.
But I was never serious about anyone. What’s going on with Riley is different… she’s my mate and I want to make sure she knows I want something serious.
My mind is churning with thoughts of her as we finish up dinner. I stand to excuse myself when Brandon says, “Hey, do you want to play some video games or something, Archer?”
I mutter, “Yeah, sure.”
I follow him and Caleb to the game room, but I tune them out as I message Riley: Any chance I can see you again?
The phone buzzes almost immediately making me smile as I read her response: I think that’s a strong possibility. When would you want to meet?
I glance at the time and smile when I see it’s only 6. I respond: The guys and I were about to play some video games, you’re more than welcome to join us.
I wait eagerly for her response, but I’m surprised when my phone rings. I smile as I answer, “Hello?”
“So,” She asks as her voice trails off then she asks, “Is this at your pack?”
I chuckle, I almost forgot she was a human. I say, “Yeah, it is.”
“And by boys do you mean Brandon and Caleb?”
“Yeah.”
“Anyone else?”
“I mean, our parents live at the packhouse but they’re in a whole different area so I don’t think that counts.”
She sighs and says, “My parents want to meet the boy who kept me and my brothers safe. They said I could go but only if you pick me up and promise to have me back by midnight.”
My smile gets wider as I say, “I promise.”
“Okay, then I guess you can come and get me. I’ll send you my address.”
“Cool, I’ll see you soon,” I say as nonchalantly as I can. I don’t want her to know how excited she’s making me; Atticus is howling loudly in my head at the thought of seeing her again. I get up from the chair and say, “I’m picking up Riley, be back soon.”
Neither of the guys respond but I noticed they’re knowing smirks as I walked away. I roll my eyes; I don’t care if they think I’m whipped. I just need to see her again.