GIFTED RILEY by Lacy Mierr

Chapter 26: Resisting for Love

*Nicolas*

It had been three days since that kiss and I couldn’t get my mind off of it. Whenever I found a free moment from all the b**t with the hunter situation, my thoughts went back to Riley. Just from that kiss. It could see her getting into heat. Others had talked about how they knew when their mates were going into heat and I could never understand it. Hell, I even tried to smell them but never could.

I understand now. It was a smell that only I could be triggered by. I could tell when she had just left a room, her scent would linger. I knew when the need would increase and I was beyond pleased. It only happened when she glanced at me. Though I had tried my best to avoid her, not wanting to lose control of myself, there had been a few times when our paths crossed.

I would have to look away from those eyes, those sweet lips that had stirred something deep within. I wanted her, more than I had ever wanted anything before. Well, not true. There was something I wanted more than her body. I wanted her love.

My parents had been in love. It’s not often wolves find their mates. before the bonding happens and my parents were one of the lucky few. They were role models for me when it came to this love stuff. Being the alpha didn’t leave me with many chances to express myself but with my Luna, I didn’t want to hide. I wouldn’t have to if I knew she loved

me.

Perhaps I was asking for too much, but after that kiss, maybe there was hope for me.

Chapter 26 Resisting for Love

Knox had told me they were going to start student hand to hand combat and Riley was going to be included. Before I could open my mouth to disagree, Vera insisted that it would greatly help Riley. Vera had been praising Riley a lot lately, saying that she improved seemingly overnight. That made me curious.

Sneaking into the training hall, I leaned against the wall by the door I always watched from. I frowned when I saw Mya standing before Riley. I had heard many things about Mya and most of them made me want to stop this fight instantly. She may have a wolf, but unlike most of us, she took an interest in other fighting styles, maining those of other animals. Watching her swing her arms like a wild ape and Riley barely missing them kept my attention avidly.

When Riley used her legs, mimicking a wolf trying to roll from its back to standing, she threw Mya further than I would have thought.

The smile that came to my face when Riley managed to flip Mya was genuine. Vera had mentioned how she could never get the steps right and would fumble the move. Though Mya still won, Riley did well.

I didn’t want her to see me, so I quickly left. She had indeed improved. I almost felt guilty for not allowing her to train. She’s clearly enjoying it and doing better than expected.

Heading to my office, I could see Vera standing by my door.

“Too busy to train and yet you can be here, leaning on my door frame,” I said to her once I reached the stop.

“I’m never too busy for you, my Alpha King,” she said, my dripping with mockery.

title

“How was the fight?” she asked. I glanced back at her as I made my way round my desk. Of course she knew I was catching Riley’s fight.

“You’re right. She is improving. She went up against Mya,” I said.

She nodded her head. “Mya is an odd one isn’t she?” she asked, but didn’t really want an answer.

“Yes actually. When you get a moment I want you to do a deep dive into her. Anyone who could get close to Riley needs to be thoroughly vetted. And by a moment, I mean today,” I said, clarifying.

She nodded again but didn’t try to leave. I tried to ignore her, but I had a feeling as to what she wanted to talk about.

“Something on your mind?” I asked.

She smirked but it was full of worry instead of happiness.

“Don’t you think it’s time you mark her? You know she is your Luna, and though she may not believe it fully, she did come here knowing full well just who you thought she was,” she said.

She was right, Riley may not believe it yet, but I knew. I knew I could also force the bond, but that didn’t sit right with me.

“Not yet.” I said.

“And the reason,” she said, not out of curiosity but concem. I wanted to answer because she doesnt love me, but I kept that to myself.

“I have two dead wolves and have yet to figure out who was responsible besides hunters. We don’t know which sect or why they suddenly thought to attack here instead of their usual hunting grounds. Making her my luna would put a target on her back. She may be improving her fighting skills but she’s nowhere near ready to take on hunters. Not having a wolf doesn’t help either.” I fully explained. another kind of truth.

Chapter 26 Resisting for Love

“Yes, that makes keeping her safe much harder, but I think we would be fools to underestimate her,” Vera said.

“Going up against a friend is completely different then going against someone who won’t stop until you’ve taken your last breath,” I pointed

out.

“Yes, but not all hunters are skilled yet. They train as well. If she’s going to be here, no wolf, then she needs to know she can survive on her own skills,” Vera tried to stand up for her future luna.

I was about to explain further when my office door opened up. I half stood up ready to bark at whoever dared to enter without permission. but stopped when I saw my little mate in the doorway. Her face was twisted in a frown that was trying to mask a pain she fought to keep off her face. I wonder what part of our conversation she heard.

“Are you guys talking about me?” she asked, looking between me and

Vera.