She snapped her head up and looked at me with a bewildered expression in her eyes. I knew why she looked familiar. Her eyes were the same deep blue as Riley’s.
“Silver Moon Pack?” I added.
She swallowed before she smiled at me sheepishly. “You know me? Although I don’t go by Zahra here. It’s Monica.”
I extended my hand to her, which she took and shook gracefully. “My name is Nadia. Nice to meet you, Monica.”
“I didn’t know somebody from that place still knew me. Especially at your age.”
I bit my lower lip, contemplating whether I should drop the bomb or add a little segue first. “I know Riley. I mean Alpha Riley.”
I saw the color drain from her face, and I was scared that she would leave, but she didn’t.
“How do you know him?”
“I’m his mate. Fated mate.”
She gasped as her hand flewto her mouth, and her eyes started to water.
I smiled weakly at her, my own tears pooling in my eyes. “I’ll be done with my shift in less than an hour. If you… If you have time to spare for me, maybe we can go somewhere and talk?”
Zahra and I walked to the nearest park after my shift was over. I handed her the coffee that I had, so we had something to drink while we talked.
We chose a bench at the farthest end. That area was almost deserted except for one couple who were cuddling under a big tree. I didn’t know how to start our conversation, and I was grateful that she was the one who broke the silence.
“You said you were Riley’s mate, but I’m not sure why you’re here. And I’m sure that’s not the reason you asked me to come with you. If I tell you everything you want to know, will you explain why you’re not with him?”
I nodded my head before I took a sip of the coffee in my hand.
“What do you want to know?” She asked.
“Why didn’t you come back for him? Are you happy with your life now?” I asked her. I didn’t want to sound offensive, but there were so many questions in my head.
“I couldn’t. And the moment I could, it was too late already. I don’t think he would want to see me. And aside from the part where Riley is involved, yes, I am happy.”
“So is it worth it? To leave him?”
“You’re judging me.”
“Then tell me so I can understand.”
“It’s a long story.”
“I have all the time in the world. I just want to understand you and Riley.”
“Do you love my son?”
“Yes, with all my heart.”
“Why are you here?”
“Perhaps I can tell you tomorrow…” I chuckled softly, tears pooling in my eyes.
“I love Riley, too, with all my heart.” She placed her coffee on the space beside her and took my hand, entwining it with hers as she clasped her other hand over our hands.
“Melvin, Riley’s father, was a good man. And I did love him. But he was not my fated mate.”
My jaw dropped open becauseRiley told me, as did Katya, that they were fated mates.
