SWNOVELS Chapter 44
Chapter 44: Going Back in Time
*Riley*
I stared at Noah as he stood in front of me. I had come so far since the last time I saw him and it looked like it was the same for him. Only that the separation seemed to impact the Evermane Alpha negatively.
He used to have a strong build, as many wolves did, with an enormous frame. His body had thinned out since then. I could tell he still had some muscle on him, but much of the healthy fat had shed away. His face had thinned out as well. Dark bags hung under his eyes to show his lack of sleep.
He seemed to be having just as rough a time with my father’s passing as I was.
“You’ve lost weight,” I observed as I didn’t know how else to greet my former lover. Especially with all the guilt swirling in my body from everything that’s happened.
He smiled at my declaration, “Thanks. You seem to have gotten even more beautiful than the last time I saw you.” I flushed in more of an embarrassing manner than a flattered one. I used to love his compliments whenever I could get them, but now I have Nicolas.
“I brought some things to help you and your people recover. I know it
isn’t much, but I hope they will help you as much as they can.” I offered him a nervous smile, while he gave me a happy one back in
return.
I should just get out all I needed to say then take my leave. Nicolas was waiting for me, and I didn’t want him to think anything unsavory was happening between us. So I turned around to take my leave through the main doors. The lycan king should be waiting just on the other side. It shouldn’t be that hard to find him.
However, my steps faltered before I could get too far. I turn around and look the Alpha in the eyes, “I am, genuinely, sorry about your father. I didn’t want him to die.”
Every muscle left in Noah’s body tensed at once, staring back at me. He didn’t seem to try saying anything at my apology. Instead just watched. me through a tense silence. Then, just as the silence started, it ended with him crying. Heavy streams of salty tears slid down both cheeks, and a s o b echoed in the room.
“I’m so sorry to all my pack members,” he cried to her, “I’m sorry for what happened to your dad! I’m sorry I wasn’t strong enough to protect any of them. I’m a terrible Alpha. I’m not made to be a leader like this.”
eas
I watched in surprise as he turned away as if to hide his crying from me. I wasn’t going to say anything about already being witness to the heavy tears happening on his end. I hesitated, glancing at the door to the room, before turning back to Noah. I walked back and rubbed his upper back in a soothing method.
Chapter 44 Going Back in
“The pack needs an Alpha, Noah. And the only one trained for that position and strong enough to do it is you. You can’t give up on your pack like this.” I remove my hand from his back, feeling guilty for even touching another man.
Noah still had his back to me, trying to compose himself. He ran a hand down his face, then up again to go through his hair. Clearly, the wolf was still stressed. I would have to try a little harder.
“My dad is dead. My brother will be taking over for him, so he will be there to help you whenever you need him, but he is new to this. You have to be by his side too. Together, you’ll be able to figure it out,” I tried again to soothe the man. I wasn’t sure if he was the same man from so long ago. I didn’t know how to comfort him now.
He turned to look at me now. His eyes were still glassy from crying. but it didn’t seem like he was still crying. At least he stopped for a little bit. However, I noticed there was a new gleam in his eyes. One that was quite familiar.
“Can we go back in time?” I flinched at his question, watching him anxiously since I wasn’t sure where he was going with this. “Back to my birthday when we had everything planned out together. I miss you so much, Riley.
I shifted a few steps back, nervously. I wouldn’t have him trying. anything. Especially not with my mate just outside the door. He noticed the movement and his hopeful look started to evaporate into despair again.
Chapter 44 Going Back in Time
“Our dads would still be alive and none of this would have had to happen. We would be happy together without any worries in the world.” he continued. As if he was trying to get me to agree with him. I didn’t want to go back though. Sure, there were ups to what he proposed, but I enjoy my life now. I wouldn’t even suggest giving that away.
I sigh, hoping he won’t start crying again, “What happened between you and my sister? I thought she was your mate, remember? That was why all of this started in the first place.” Then I shook my head. “We are not the same people we used to be anymore, Noah. I am Ni l a ‘s lycan luna. We are bound together now, happily.”
“If it’s about Ava, we aren’t together anymore,” Noah stepped back towards me as he ignored the rest of my explanation.
I frowned at his approach, thinking that I had said all that I needed to. I was taken and he was too. Now, though, I was kind of curious about what happened between him and my sister. I had to remember that it was none of my business. And asking questions might make him think I was still interested.
Even if I had wanted to say anything to him, the door to the room we were in opened. I turned to look back at it, seeing Nicolas entering the room. He did not seem happy as he approached.