Chapter Two Hundred and Twenty Three
Axel had been right about Thane’s intentions.
“Yes. I did know it would come to that,” he answered simply. “I am starving; it was a long journey; please dine with me, Riley.”
I took a seat beside him. “The fact that you are okay with this never ceases to surprise me.”
“Riley, I am not okay with it, but I know what you want, and I know you want both of us. It won’t let you choose; it would be too hard a decision for you to make.”
“Well then, that makes me the selfish one.”
“I don’t deserve you, Riley. Axel is the better man, and you want to know why I would never
choose?” He questioned.
make you
“Why?”
“Because I am insecure, what if you choose to be with him? He would have never hurt you like did.” Thane says, and I was surprised at his words. He felt insecure; that was a first. He was right about it being hard to choose, but I knew who I would choose if it came to that, and I hated myself for knowing that and still holding on to Axel.
“You had a reason; you let me go because you thought that was a way to keep me safe. I had told you once, I love you more, and sometimes I just wish all I felt for Axel would disappear so I could be with the one person my heart chose. I feel so selfish wanting both of you, and yet… can’t help myself.”
“I don’t think you are selfish. Tracing back to the genesis, it is all my fault; I practically gave you to him.”
“Why did you?” I questioned.
“Love wasn’t supposed to be part of the deal; remember our little contract; we were supposed to have the best time of our lives, and then I would let you go; it wasn’t supposed to go further than that. It had all been about fun, and then…”
“Love stepped in.” I completed.
“yes and that changed everything.
“So you’ve got Bailey locked down in the cell; does that mean the war is… over?” I questioned.
“The war is never actually over. There are others waiting for the right time to attack, we have many enemies.”
“Also, Beatrix is still out there somewhere. We will find her.” I assured.
“No, there wouldn’t be any need for that. I know exactly where she will be.”
I stared at him. “You let her go.”
1/2
Chapter Two Hundred and Twenty Three
“She had been of help to the pack in times past, couldn’t bring myself to kill her.”
“Riley.” A familiar voice called. “Riley, I need your help.”
My eyes snapped open.
How had I been sleeping until noon? And why do feel so… tired?
I stared at my hands; there was a slight cut on my wrist; I didn’t remember how I got that. The door to our room swung open as Axel walked in with a wide smile on his face.
“Rise and shine, sunshine. You’ve been sleeping for a really, really long time. I’m bored.”
“I don’t know why I feel so… tired.”
“Too bad. I was hoping we could go for a run in the woods, but I guess I’ll be going solo.”
“Don’t you dare think about leaving me behind on this one. Give me a few minutes to wash up and get dressed.”
He nodded, making himself very comfortable on my bed.
I walked into the bathroom, quickly brushing my teeth. I sprayed cold water on my face, and I stripped naked. Heading into the dressing room, I took out a pair of pants and a long–sleeved crop top–nothing Luna–like, but well, it’s comfy enough, and it would also help cover the bruise on my wrist.
I was about to put on the top when I noticed the injuries on my body; claw marks marred my back, hip, and also my leg.
What the hell?
