GIFTED RILEY by Lacy Mierr

Chapter 45: Conquering Jealousy

*Nicolas*

As I entered the room, I looked over at my mate and the Alpha of the Evermane pack. They were still talking before I opened the door, which had me curious. Why would a talk about giving supplies be taking so long?

I watched Noah wipe tears away from his face, then saw Riley’s uncomfortable expression. Anger surged as I put one and two together. Did he proposition my mate? Crying because she must have turned him down. That had to be the reason. Surely, she would turn him down for the relationship we have together.

Yet, I wasn’t here when they were talking. I didn’t know what happened here or what was said while I was waiting outside. That was why I came in. I couldn’t stand not knowing what was happening. Or even having my mate alone in a room with another man.

It didn’t help that this wolf was an ex-boyfriend of hers.

Riley came forward and took the tray in my hands away. It had a full teapot and teacups, a terrible excuse for me to come in and interrupt, I know. I just had to make sure that everything was going alright. She took the tray and set it aside.

“Are you both done talking? I didn’t know my interruption would stop all conversation,” I commented, my angry gaze landing back on where the Alpha refused to meet my gaze.

Riley pulled my attention as she came forward and took me by the arm. She slid her hand into the crook of my elbow and tugged me along outside of the room. “Let’s get going, Nic.” We otherwise walked in silence as we left the room and the Alpha behind.

The more footsteps we took, the more my temper began to sizzle under the surface. Leaving both me and my wolf agitated at the turn of events. That was when she turned to me with those large, beautiful eyes, and put me out of my misery.

“We talked a lot about him being upset. I had to comfort him since he didn’t feel like he could be a good Alpha anymore,” she said with a dismissive wave of her hand.

I scoffed at his melodramatic attitude, agreeing with him. That and to be confiding in my mate rather than his own? Where was the she-wolf he chose over my own? I wouldn’t care if he wasn’t trying to use it to get close to Riley over it. I looked away from her with narrowed eyes.

She paused, looking away as I did to stare ahead of us. “He also commented on going back to how it was before all of this… Before I met you…” My steps faltered, only moving still because she continued pulling me along with her. “When our dads were still alive, and we had no cares in the world.

What did you say?” I was at least happy she decided to tell me what cas going on, rather than trying to avoid telling me the conversation Itogether. It relaxed me to know she had the confidence to let me now what this inferior wolf was trying to put into her head. I had half

mind to turn back now and have my own talk with him.

She left me on edge, watching some other wolves as they passed by. “I old him I was happy with my new life. That I wanted nothing more or less than what I have right now.

I stared down at her with a slow grin. I don’t know why I was even worried about leaving them together. I should have known that my Riley wouldn’t betray me like that. In the end, it never really was her that I mistrusted. It was that mutt we left back there that was really getting on my nerves.

“I said that I had you,” she continued. “And that he had Ava. And that I would never ask to go back to that life if I could.”

I didn’t know what to say, only staring down at the woman I adored. My grin hadn’t melted away and she smiled back up at me too. I assume she was happy that I was no longer upset with what I walked. into.

“I know you’re worried because he’s an ex of mine and all, but you are my partner now. My mate,” her other hand calm to pat the top of my arm still linked with hers. “I wouldn’t do anything to hurt you or wrong you in any way, Nicolas. I swear.”

Chapter 45 Conquering Jealousy

At this point. I stopped us and turned her way. I pulled her in by the waist and I twirled her around in a large hug. She giggled at my antics, not moving away as I stilled us and pressed my head to the top of her hair. “Thank you, Riley.”

She hummed at me, resting her head on my chest as well.

We stood like that for a little while longer before we pulled away from each other. We started on our way once again, both grinning. “Do you want to stay for the next few days?”

She nodded, her expression turning serious at the question. For a second. I regretted even bringing it up. “I grew up in the Evermane pack. Even with some unpleasant memories, I had some good ones as well. If I can,” she gave me a meaningful look, “I would like to help them rebuild.”

I nodded, feeling her intense loyalty to this pack. With that gleam in her eyes, I was sure she had the power and leadership skills to make this happen. I could feel the strength she had to pull everyone together flowing off her in waves.

“I have no problem with staying by your side through it all. Just let me know if you need anything while we help them,” I responded easily and without hesitation.

She gave a thankful smile.

That was when her brother came forward, nodding his head in respect

to the both of us. Then Liam turned to Riley to address her fully. “Your room has been prepared and ready for you. I can show you both the way in a minute here.” He frowned then at his next words, “Dad’s funeral will be held tomorrow.”

I looked down at my mate, frowning when I saw her blinking away her own glassy eyes.