Chapter 50
Fifty
Ryley
I buried myself in work so I wouldn’t have to think about meeting Blake’s parents at dinner. My stomach twisted into knots just thinking about what they will think of me. Which is ridiculous. I haven’t cared what people thought of me in a long time, but I want his parents to like me. And now it was time to leave my office to go get ready, but I was far from being ready to get ready.
What the hell do I even wear to something like this? And what is this? If I wasn’t secretly in love with him, I wouldn’t care. I shouldn’t care. It’ s not like we can be together and have this big happy family.
“It’s not a secret and we could if you would just tell him how you feel.” Lily scoffed. I ignored my wolf. I know what she wants and I feel guilty enough about not being able to give it to her. But she wasn’t there. She doesn’t know that pain, and I never want her to.
I walked out of the pack house after locking up my office. My personal life may be a mess but at least I haven’t found any more missing money. If this keeps up, I’ll be done here before the summer is over.
“And how do you think leaving here will help? Channing will miss everything he has here and so will you. Distance won’t make those feelings go away, Ryley.” My wolf scolded me as I walked into the house. The boys were sitting on the couch watching a movie. I didn’t answer my wolf. Deep down I knew she was right but I didn’t want to admit it.
“I didn’t think I’d find you two home,” I said, walking into the living
room.
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“I had some schoolwork to finish.” Channing shrugged.
“And I didn’t want to be home alone,” Aspen said.
“Okay. Well, you two have an hour before you have to get ready for dinner.” I told them and they both nodded, keeping their eyes on the TV. Boys. I thought as I made my way to my bedroom to shower and find something to wear.
When I was done getting ready, I wasn’t sure about what I was wearing. My hair was curled and my makeup was light. The dress I chose was crimson. It was tight and the skirt fell below my knees. It was high-waisted and the top hung off one shoulder. I paired it with black heels. But now, looking in the mirror, I was thinking it was too much.
#
“Mom, come on, we are going to be late,” Channing yelled. I took a deep breath and one last look in the mirror before grabbing my purse and leaving my bedroom.
“Da*n,” Aspen whistled as I walked down the stairs.
“It’s too much, isn’t it?” I questioned, stopping halfway down.
“Not enough.” He grinned. Channing smacked him in the chest.
“Mom, you look nice. Now, come on. You don’t want to be late?” I took another deep breath before walking down the stairs. Aspen opened the door and I locked it when we were all on the porch.
We all walked together and the closer we walked to the pack house, the more my stomach knotted. My palms were clammy and my heart was pounding in my chest. I’ve been in meetings with very powerful people but I’ve never been this nervous before.
“Then handle it like a business meeting. You are going to go in there
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and win these two over. You can do this Ryley,” Lily exclaimed, giving me a pep talk. It’s just a business meeting, nothing more. I can do this. I repeated to myself as I walked into the pack house. I followed behind the boys as we walked across the main floor to the dining room.
The moment my eyes met with Blake’s the room stood still. He looked the same as always but he stole my breath as I watched him, watching me. Everyone else faded away as I made my way to the head table where Blake was now standing.
“Grandma, Grandpa, this is Channing and his mom, Ryley,” Aspen introduced us, pulling my attention away from Blake.
“Alpha and Luna Orion, it’s very nice to meet you both.” I held out my hand and Luna Orion pulled me in for a hug.
“It’s so nice to finally meet you. I’ve heard so much about you and your son from Aspen.” She exclaimed. She pulled away, just enough to look me up and down.
“And please call me, Elizabeth.” She gave me a warm smile and I returned it.
“This is my mate, Blair,” she introduced her husband.
“It’s nice to meet you, Alpha Blair,” I reached out and shook his hand.
“Blair, please. It’s nice to meet you, young lady.” He smiled. Blake and his father looked so much alike. But he shared his mother’s amber
eyes.
“Have a seat, dinner will be served soon,” Blair said. Blake sat at the head of the table with his father and mother seated to his left. I sat on
the other side of Blake with the boys.
A server came by to fill the glasses with water and to take our drink
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order before dinner. I’ve been served on before at a pack house, but it has always felt weird to me. And right now is no different.
I stuck with water so I didn’t make a fool out of myself in front of the former Alpha and Luna. It was bad enough that Blake witnessed me drunk.
“So, Ryley, what do you do for a living?” Blair asked, taking a sip of his whiskey.
“I’m a forensic accountant. Blake hired my firm and that’s why I’m here.” I answered. The boys were snickering about something beside me as I took a sip of my water.
“And have you found anything?” He questioned.
“Dad, we can talk business later,” Blake scolded.
“I have, and I’m sure Blake will forward you the reports,” I answered politely. I noticed his mother was staring at me intently.
“Ryley, you don’t have a mark,” Elizabeth said.