“Do you have any plans to retire? Your oldest son… I’m sorry. You know me, I talk when I can. No filters.”
He cocked his head to the side before he let out a faint smile. “I know, and I don’t mind. But to answer your question, I think I will be stepping down soon. Maybe it’s time to enjoy my time with Graciella before it’s too late. Before I lose everyone important to me.”
Chapter 105
RILEY.
It was already pastmidnight, and Nadia was finally asleep. I knew she was tired, not just because of her pregnancy but because of what happened today, but she made sure I was never left alone. This was the first time we spent almost the whole day together without talking. I had no words and she understood.
My mate was also in mourning, but she was standing strong for us, for me. She didn’t force me to eat today like she usually does when I miss a meal. Instead, she cuddled me when tears were the only way I was communicating with her, and she bathed me patiently, taking away my mother’s blood from my body. She took away the only physical thing that was left of her in me while reminding me again and again that she would always remain in my heart.
I didn’t know losing a family would hurt like this. When I lost my father, I wallowed in pain, but it was easier. I got back on my feet right away. But I didn’t think I would be able to with my mother’s death. Maybe because, with Dad, I was able to be a good son to him, but never to Zahra.
And it was my only regret. I wished I had more time.
But I knew I couldn’t just let the pain in and shut out the whole world again. I have a family now. A bigger one—Nadia and my pup, Ellie and Bella. And my whole pack. I needed to be the Alpha that everyone expected of me.
I watched Nadia’s chest rise and fall as she slept peacefully. I leaned in and kissed her forehead before moving my head to her stomach, brushing my lips against her naked, swollen belly. I whispered loving words to my pup, telling him that his grandmother loved him and that I would make sure he grew up knowing more about her.
I saw the slight movement in Nadia’s bump, which let me know my pup was awake and could hear me. I let my fingers trail his movement beforewhispering to him again. I begged him to sleep so he wouldn’t disturb his mom, since she needed to rest. And like the Alpha that he was, my pup obliged and behaved.
I covered Nadia’s body with a blanket before I rose from our bed and slipped on my sweatpants and shirt. I knew sleep would be hard tonight and I didn’t want to force it.
I walked out of the bedroom and headed for my office.
At least here, I wouldn’t be disturbing Nadia so she could rest. I was just about to sit down when a knock came in and I smelled Bella.
“Come in,” I said, my gaze drawn to the clock above. It was almost three o’clock in the morning.
“Hi,” Bella greeted me as she stepped inside the office and closed the door behind her. Her eyes were puffy and her nose was red from crying.
I stayed standing and watched as she walked into the middle of my office. “Why are you still awake?” I asked her.
“I couldn’t sleep. Trent said, we’d make something to eat, so we went to the kitchen, but then I saw the lights were on and thought you might still be awake.”
“Where is he? He can come inside, too.”
“He’s in the kitchen. I actually wanted to talk to you alone.” She said the last words so quietly before her tears started to stream down her face.
I walked in front of her before opening my arms. Bella scooted in and hugged me as she let the dam of her tears open. She was a sobbing mess, and I was trying my best not to cry.
I was the big brother. I should be the strongest one.
“I’m sorry Mommy and Daddy died…” She mumbled against my chest.
“I’m sorry too… But I’m happy you and Ellie are safe.” And I meant it. My only consolation was that the twins came unharmed from this.
She pulled away from my chest as she shook her head. “No. You don’t understand. I’m sorry they died because of me. Didn’t you hear Mom say she saved me? Are you not going to ask what stupid thing I did and why I needed to be saved?”
I cupped her face and wiped her tears away. “Listen, Bella. Mom saved you because she loves you. And I know you would do the same thing for her if you could, right?”
“In a heartbeat.” She replied right away.
“Don’t let guilt consume you. It was never your fault.” I smiled at her, my hands rubbing her arms.
“But if I just shifted and ran away, maybe they wouldn’t need to come back for me. But I got scared, Riley.”
“It’s okay, Bella. There’s no shame in being scared. And I understand that you don’t come across wolves, let alone rogues, every day. You have the right to be scared.” I already decided that my sisters would be trained so they could defend themselves in case another attack happened. “But we will do something about it. I want you to start training…”
