“Happy 8th birthday, Little Alpha. I miss you and I’m wondering if you can ask Dad if I can take you to a theme park at Harley City. It will just be for a few hours, and I’m sure you will love all the rides and games there. Any time, any day you want is okay with me. Mommy loves you.”
“Happy 6th birthday, baby. I dreamt of you a few nights ago. You were chased by wolves, but instead of running away, you stopped and tamed them all. I knew from that dream that you would be a great Alpha someday. And it makes me proud. I couldn’t wait for that day to come. Take care always and remember, Mommy loves you.”
By the fifth gift, Nadia wasalready bawling in tears. She kept apologizing and explaining that it was her pregnancy that was making her emotional, but I couldn’t blame her. I was emotional, too. I was just good at hiding it.
I let my eyes scan the open gifts around us and those that we were yet to open as I listened to Nadia read the rest of the cards in her hand.
She did try. She did try to reach me.
My heart was clenching in pain, wondering how it would have felt if I had actually received those gifts on time and found out that my mother actually cared. Would I turn out differently?
“Happy 15th birthday, my son. I had no idea if you had already shifted by now or not. But whether you did or you didn’t, please know that I am proud of you. And in my dreams, I was there when you shifted into your wolf for the first time. And my wolf, Freya, was there to run with you. I wish for the day it becomes a reality. Perhaps one day it will happen, my son. For now, I will hold you in my heart and pray to the Goddess that you will find it in your heart to forgive me for leaving you. Whatever you have heard or will hear about me, just remember one thing: Mommy loves you. And I always will.”
Tears began to trickle down my face as Nadia’s body pressed against mine. Her arms coiled around my neck as her face rested on my chest, her shoulders shaking from her own sobs.
“It’s enough for tonight,” I told her, my hand brushing through her long hair.
She nodded her head before she tried speaking in between her sobs. “I’m sorry…”
“Why? You didn’t do anything wrong.”
“I can feel your pain, Riley. And it’s breaking my heart too.”
“The only time something can be healed beautifully is if it gets broken. I will heal, Nadia. I just want you to stay with me and help with my healing.”
“I will be here. Every step of the way.” She answered in a soft voice, and I could hear the sincerity in her words.
I needed to hear that.As long as I have Nadia, I will learn how to forgive and move on from the pain. One step at a time.
Chapter 77
NADIA.
The day I hadbeen waiting for finally came. Riley decided it was time to meet his mother.
Zahra flew from Atlanta with Leandro, but we decided that she would be the only one meeting Riley. We didn’t want to overwhelm my mate with Leandro and the twins.
Zahra was already at the restaurant that Riley had booked when we arrived.
My heart was thudding loudly the moment I saw her sitting at our reserved table with a worried expression on her face. I had never seen Zahra in such a state. She was always classy, elegant, and full of confidence, even on those days when we talked about Riley. I’d always see the longing in her eyes, but I’d never seen her confidence drop as low as the one I saw in her today.
I walked toward her with Riley trailing behind me, and she stood up as soon as her gaze fell on us.
I had no idea what Riley was feeling at the moment because he had his wall up again.
My arms snaked around Zahra as she pulled me into a tight hug.
“You look lovely, sweetheart. He’s surely taking good care of you.” She whispered in my ear.
I nodded my head in response. “He does, and he’s very good at it.”
“I’m glad…” She replied as we let go of each other. Her eyes were already on Riley’s, and I could see longing flitting in them.
I took a deep breath before I turned my head to look at my mate. He was standing at least ten feet away from us, hands in his pockets with a stoic expression on his face. I couldn’t read him. He was really good at it.
Zahra cleared her throat before she spoke, a loving smile plastered on her face. “Hi. I’m Zahra.”
Riley nodded his head before he moved closer and extended a hand. “Riley. Riley Adams.”
