Chapter 283
Chapter 283
31 – Greta
As I walked down the dimly lit hallway, the faint voices of Landon and Ryker reached my ears. “Yeah, we don’t really know exactly what happened,” Landon was saying. “The fire was massive, and everyone was running around in chaos. Peyton and I were at training when someone burst in shouting ‘FIRE!’ Suddenly, all the kids panicked. Peyton and I ran together since we’re neighbors, but the wind was fierce, and sparks were flying everywhere. I got burned on my arm, and she told me we couldn’t keep searching anymore. We already told you how we found Gabriel and Trinity. Do you think our parents could still be alive?” His voice softened at the end, the uncertainty of a little boy shining through his words.
“I hope so, buddy,” Ryker replied gently. “But you’re safe here now, and you can stay as long as you want. Tomorrow morning, I’ll have my team start investigating what happened to your pack, now that we have a clearer picture. You’ve done an amazing job protecting your pack. Your parents and your alpha would be so proud of you p>
Hearing this, I stepped quietly into Bennet’s room, where the two boys were sitting on the bed. Both glanced over at me, and I noticed the familiar mask sliding back onto Landon’s face. It made my heart ache, but at least he had allowed Ryker to see past it. “I’ve got them set up in Finn’s and my bedroom,” I said. “Do you want to stay there with us, or would you prefer your own bed p>
“Can I have my own?!” Landon’s eyes lit up with excitement.
“Of course you can, buddy,” Ryker said, giving his shoulder a reassuring pat. “Bennet’s out on patrol tonight. When he comes back, he’ll just crash next to you if that’s okay p>
“Yeah!” Landon beamed at both of us, pure joy radiating from him.
“Alright then, let’s get you tucked in,” I laughed softly. “Then I need to check on Peyton.” Landon threw his arms around me in a hug that melted my heart, then gave Ryker a cheerful fist bump. Before we even reached the door, he was fast asleep. I closed the door gently behind us and looked at my best friend. “These poor kids… and kids like Finn. None of them should have to endure any of this p>
“I know,” Ryker said, giving me a firm slap on the back. “And you don’t have to worry about Peyton. She’s on Luna duty. Apparently, her mom is a maternity healer, and the apple didn’t fall far from the tree. She actually said Kennedy is, and I quote, ‘almost ready p>
I stopped dead in my tracks. “How does she know that p>
“No idea,” Ryker shrugged, “but I’m inclined to believe her. Kennedy’s scent has been shifting as the pup grows, but it’s been almost overwhelming the last two days p>
“Really? I noticed a difference, but it hasn’t seemed stronger to me p>
“Peyton says it’s a mate thing to make sure I stay close when she’s vulnerable p>
“That’s both amazing and terrifying at the same time p>
“The really scary thing is you holding back p>
“What?!” I exclaimed, feeling like I might get whiplash from his bluntness tonight. “What are you talking about p>
“Look at him, Greta. Really look.” Ryker spun me around as he pushed open the door to my room. “This man is here for you, and you won’t let him get close p>
“You know better than anyone why I can’t let him in p>
“I know a good portion of your story, but not all of it. I’m pretty sure the parts I don’t know are what’s driving you to torture Finn p>
“I’m not torturing him. Screw you!” I muttered under my breath.
“Aren’t you, though?” He turned my shoulder so I faced the room. The soft light revealed Trinity lying across Finn’s chest, her feet resting on Gabriel. “You won’t accept him. You won’t reject him. You won’t even try to be friendly with him. You’re not much better than Amy.” ᴛʜɪs ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀ ɪs ᴜᴘᴅᴀᴛᴇ ʙʏ