Ryley

The enemy's howls grew louder as I neared the river, my only hope of escape. The roar of the water drowned out the wolves, but they were right behind me.

A loud growl behind me caused me to lose my footing and I rolled off the cliff. Looking up, I saw the eyes of the wolf who had betrayed me and slaughtered my pack, the man I once trusted. Before my body could hit the icy water below, I shook awake.

“It was only a nightmare.” I breathed out, trying to catch my breath. No matter how hard I try, that day will forever haunt my dreams.

Looking at the clock beside my bed, I groaned. I was due to get up in half an hour. With no chance of going back to sleep, I threw off my blanket and climbed out of bed. My body was stiff and sore from the tension of my dream but I needed to work off this anxious energy. Before dressing for my morning run, I left my room and walked down the hallway to peek into my son’s room. I let out a silent sigh of relief when I found he was still asleep. He was safe and that’s all that mattered.

I quietly went back to my room to get changed for my early morning run. When I was dressed, I put in my earbuds and started my music before pocketing my phone. Leaving the house, I made sure to lock the door. I had my wolf to protect me but my son wasn’t old enough to shift yet.

I had run a lap around the neighborhood before Channing, my son, joined me. We did this every morning before he went to school and I went to work. I was still so lost in my nightmare of last night. The run did nothing to ease my anxiety.

“Couldn’t sleep?” He asked when I removed one of the earbuds.

“I woke up early and decided to get an extra lap in,” I told him. He gave me a nod and we ran in comfortable silence. We didn’t need to speak to enjoy each other’s company.

Unlike most parents, I don’t keep secrets from him. He knows about his father and why he isn’t in our lives. His father is also my fated mate. And even though I was only seventeen and unmarked, I still got pregnant. It was my first time. And it was only after I had run did I found out I was pregnant. That’s when I knew he was my fated mate.

He was also only seventeen at the time and wouldn’t have known I was his fated. He probably still doesn’t. The last I heard was he had found his Luna a few months after the attack and they have a son. Not that his life has anything to do with mine. I may despise my mate but I love my son with everything I have. Even though life in a human city hasn’t been easy, keeping him was the best decision I ever made.

“Mom, are you sure everything is okay?” Channing asked me as I handed him a bottle of water. We had finished a lap together before heading home to get ready for our day.

“I’m okay, sweetie. And it’s my job to worry about you,” I scolded with a smirk.

“I’m a seventeen-year-old high school student, what’s there to worry about?” He chuckled.

“One, if you don’t start getting ready, you’ll be late for school.”

He cursed when he looked at the clock on the stove. He took off upstairs, leaving me in the kitchen, chuckling and shaking my head. I quickly followed his lead, I needed to get ready so I could drop him at school before I headed to the office.

It never takes me long to get ready. I keep it work formal but I would rather work from home in my pajamas. After I showered, I styled my shoulder-length blonde hair, letting it dry in waves. Applying very little makeup, I didn’t go to work to impress anyone, I was there to make sure my son had everything he needed and more. I do enjoy my job and I’ve worked hard to be where I’m at but it wasn’t my life.

When I was ready, Channing was waiting at the front door for me. The school year only had a few more weeks and then it would be just us for the summer. I was planning on taking some time off before his last year of high school and his hockey season started. Life was always busy for us so I needed to slow down and enjoy the time I had left before he went off to college.

“Ready?” He asked, handing me my bags.

“Yep, let’s go.”

Ryley

My boss was standing by the front desk as soon as I stepped out of the elevator, holding my much-needed latte. I wasn’t in the mood to deal with him today. I just wanted to get to my office and finish my workload. He was chatting with the receptionist, Marcy. My strides became more purposeful as I made my way to my office, trying to go unnoticed.

“Good morning, Miss Halliwell,” Marcy’s overly cheery voice rang out when I was almost in the safety of my office. I cringed before forcing a smile. I turned around to see my boss, Mr. Miller, and Marcy, both watching me.

“Good morning,” I told them, trying to sound chipper, even though I was anything but. I turned on my heels and headed into my office, closing the door behind me.

The relief I felt after closing my door and I was alone was short-lived when Mr. Miller, opened the door and entered my office. I silently groaned as I placed my latte on my desk before placing my purse and bag on the floor beside my chair.

“Mr. Miller, what can I do for you?” I asked him, as I removed my coat, placing it over the back of my chair.

Mr. Isaac Miller was a few years older than me. He took over for his father a few years ago when he decided to retire and spend his golden years traveling with his wife. He wasn’t a werewolf but his sister was mated to one, which is uncommon. It helped him build his accounting firm. He was trusted in the werewolf community because his sister was associated with the firm. And she was mated to a wolf. He also has some great forensic accountants working for him.

“Ryley, I need a favor,” He said, sitting in a chair in front of my desk. My body froze as I looked at him. Whenever I hear those words, my mind automatically goes to a date. If I had a dollar for the number of times I’ve been asked to make another woman jealous, I wouldn’t need to work anymore.

“What kind of favor?” I asked him, suspiciously, and he let out a sigh. It’s too early for this and I haven’t even enjoyed my coffee, I thought as I took my seat.

“Do you remember the Orion Enterprise case, I had asked you to investigate?” I remember that case drove me crazy for twenty-four full hours until I finally figured it out. The person who was stealing was good at hiding their tracks but I was better.

“Yes, I remember. Did something happen?” I asked him.

“I need you to travel to the Orion pack.” He said. Unfortunately for me, his brother-in-law scented me when I met him and his mate at a work function.

“No,” I told him firmly. I won’t go into packs. I’m a lone wolf and I don’t need that kind of drama. If I was from a lower bloodline, I would be considered a rogue but it's not uncommon for a strong wolf to not want to submit under an alpha. I’m one of those wolves.

“Ryley, I wouldn’t be asking if it wasn’t important. Mr. Orion suspects more fraud is happening within his empire and has demanded I send the person who found the person the first time. You saved his enterprise almost a million dollars.” He explained as I sipped my coffee.

“You know I have Channing. I can’t just uproot our lives. He has school and hockey.” I told him.

“Isn’t school almost done for the year? And it may be nice for him to be with his own kind,” he commented and I raised a brow.

“You know what I mean, Ryley,” he said, shaking his head.

“Yes, I know what you mean. But I have my reason for keeping me and my son away from that life.” He sighed as he ran his hand down his face.

“He is one of our wealthiest clients. I need my best on this.”

“Flattery will get you nowhere, Isaac. This isn’t just my life. And school may be done soon but what about next year? It will be Channing’s last year, I want him to graduate with his friends.” I told him.

“What if it's just for the summer? And I’ll give you a bonus now and one at the end of the summer.” He pleaded.

“If I do this, Isaac, Channing, and I need our own home. I won’t stay at their pack house. I will need my own office, and weekends and all the other days I request are guaranteed off. This is one of the last summers I have with Channing, and I won't be wasting it. Also, I will only answer to you. Mr. Orion doesn’t hold any authority over me. I will respect his pack rules but I won't be forced to submit. And I won’t start until after school is done for the year.” When I was done explaining my demands, Mr. Miller had a grin on his face. He’d be handsome if he wasn’t my boss.

“Done,” He exclaimed, standing up.

“Oh, and Isaac, I’ll need my first bonus in the form of a teal green sports car,” I called out before he could leave my office.

“Send me a picture and the specs. I’ll send over all the documents Mr. Orion has sent to me, so you can get started. Thank you, Ryley.” He said before leaving my office, closing the door behind him. I slumped back into my chair, groaning.

Channing will be getting his dream car, but is it worth going back into a world I ran from seventeen years ago?

“This could be good for him. He’ll be able to train and interact with others just like him.” Lily, my wolf said.

“I’m just trying to keep him safe. We are a Luna wolf; I won’t be forced to submit. I let someone get close to me and look at what happened to our family and pack. I can’t and won’t lose Channing.” I sighed.

“I will do everything I can to keep our pup safe.”

“I know you will. You’d kill an alpha if you had to. I just don’t want things to come to that. I don’t want to have to deal with a council that turned their backs on my family. It’s better if everyone thinks the future Luna of the Aurora Mountain pack is still dead.”

Alpha Blake

It’s been of a couple of weeks. After noticing some of the accounts weren’t adding up, I sent an email to my friend Isaac. Isaac Miller and I have been friends for a few years after one of my warriors was mated to his human sister. It’s not uncommon for a wolf to be mated to a human, even though our worlds are pretty separate. We don’t go around announcing we are wolves to just anyone.

I was surprised when within twenty-four hours, Isaac’s firm had already located the problem and tracked down the source. Isaac had some of the country's best accountants working for him. After tracking down the person who had stolen almost a million dollars from me, I asked Isaac to send the person who had uncovered the culprit. I wanted all of our finances reviewed. It’s one thing to steal from me, but no one steals from my pack and gets away with it.

I was relieved when my cell phone rang and Isaac’s name popped up on the screen. When we last spoke, he seemed hesitant to ask the person to relocate to my pack. I’m sure he’s human, but he has nothing to worry about. I have other humans in my pack.

“Blake Orion,” I answered.

“Hey Blake, it's Isaac.” He greeted.

“Isaac, I hope you are calling with good news,” I said.

“My employee has made some requests.” He said and I rolled my eyes. Of course, they would make demands, even though I offered a sizeable bonus. Plus all accommodations will be paid.

“And what are these demands?” I questioned.

“A house to live in away from the pack house. Their own office, weekends, and all requested time off. And everything has to be done by the end of the summer.” He explained. I was more surprised by the lack of demands themself.

“How big does the house have to be?” I asked, knowing already where I would house him.

“They have a teenage son, so at least two bedrooms,” Isaac answered.

“No wife?”

“It’s just the two of them. School is almost done for the year. After they will relocate for the summer until the next school year starts.” That sounded reasonable. I wouldn’t want to pull my son out of school with just a couple of weeks left.

“I agree to those terms.”

“Good to hear. I’ll send over the exact date of their arrival after I give them the good news. And Blake, if you have any issues, please bring them to my attention and I will handle the situation.”

“Will do, thanks again,” I said before ending the call. I wonder what issues he was referring to.

“Dad, who was that?” My son, Aspen asked, walking into my office. He was the spitting image of me but with his late mother’s, my fated mate's eyes. It reminds me, I always have a piece of her.

“I finished my exam. I have a few hours until the next one.” He shrugged, taking a seat.

“We will be having a couple of humans as our guests for the summer. The forensic accountant and his son.” I told him.

“Still worried there’s another thief among the companies?”

“One can never be too careful, son. I employed hundreds of people. If someone was able to get through our security, I’m sure others will try or are trying. It’s not like people don’t know how wealthy we are.” I sighed.

“Yeah, it’s one thing that’s bad about being an alpha’s son. You never really know who is your friend. And the girls only care about being Luna. It’s exhausting.” He confessed.

“Why do you think I never remated? No one could replace your mother, for one, but then all the woman wanted was to be Luna. They didn’t want a single dad. It was just easier to raise you myself.”

“Maybe you will get a second chance?” He shrugged.

“And how do you feel about that?” I asked him. I know he missed his mother, I did every day. I don’t want him to feel I’m replacing her or him.

“It would be nice to see you happy again. And I’ll be going off to alpha training next year. I just want to make sure you are taken care of.” He said and I sighed.

“I think I’m the parent here. Shouldn’t I be worried about you?” I gave him a pointed look and he chuckled.

“I would be less worried if you didn’t work so much. You need to get a hobby outside the pack businesses. Once I take over you will have a lot of free time on your hands.”

“Oh, is that how it is? Just going to throw your old man out on his ass?”

“I would feel better if you had a woman to keep you company.” He grinned.

“Scram. Don’t you have an exam to study for?” I grumbled, looking back at my paperwork.

“Maybe, but you should think about what I said. You could have a second chance out there. I just don’t want to see you a lonely old man.” He teased.

“Go study before I put you to work,” I retorted.

“Yes, Alpha, sir, “ he saluted me, before leaving my office. He left me shaking my head at his antics.

“He’s right you know, it may be worth it to visit other packs to see if we do have a second chance,” Gunner, my wolf, chimed in.

“I don’t know. I feel like I’d be cheating on Mia. She died giving us Aspen and then I just move on to someone else.” I sighed.

“She would want us to be happy. She understood the risk of her bringing our son into the world and she still took that chance.” He retorted.

“Because she lied to me about those risks, until it was too late. I love Aspen but I never would have allowed her to risk her life like that. We could have adopted.” I exclaimed. He whimpered while retreating and my stomach twisted painfully with guilt. He too lost his mate that day. My son’s birth was the happiest and saddest day of my life. And second chance or not, no one can replace Mia.

Ryley

I was finishing stuffing my clothes into my last suitcase. The last two weeks flew by and it's now the day we leave our home for the summer. Channing was over the moon when Mr. Miller delivered my bonus personally. And even though I was happy to give my son something he’s been wanting and working hard for, my stomach twisted painfully. If I’m discovered, there will be no coming back. I’d been running from that life for seventeen years and now I was about to move into the wolf’s den.

I sighed as I placed the suitcase on the floor and sat down on the edge of my bed. I regretted my decision as soon as I accepted Mr. Millers' offer. And I was hoping Alpha Orion wouldn’t agree to my demands. So imagine my disappointment when Isaac came back to my office later that day to get the exact date of when we could relocate and the details for the car. I should have been more demanding. I know The Orion pack is wealthy and I should have used that, But I wasn’t that person to demand money. It wasn’t about the money, it was about my simple life with my son.

I took in a deep breath as I tried to swallow down my fears.

“Mom, you ready?” Channing asked from the doorway of my bedroom.

“Ready,” I answered, taking another deep breath.

“Everything will be fine, Mom. I won't let anything happen to you,” Channing said, giving me a side hug, as I stood up from the bed.

“It’s not me I’m worried about. And I’m the parent here. I should be reassuring you.” I told him and he chuckled.

“I’ll always have your back, Mom. I’ll take your bag out and you can lock up the house,” he squeezed me tight before picking up my suitcase and leaving my room. Channing has always been the boy to see the glass as half full and never half empty. He was so full of life and enjoyed the unknown. I, on the other hand, feared not knowing. The last seventeen years have always been me not knowing how I was going to feed him, clothe him, or even how I was going to pay rent. I liked being in control.

I spent a few minutes going into every room to make sure nothing was forgotten. When I was satisfied everything was either off or locked, I locked the front door. Channing was already sitting behind the wheel of his car with the music blaring. I made eye contact with him before climbing behind the wheel of my SUV. It was packed full of all of our things. After finding a song I like, I started the four-hour drive with Channing following behind me. The further I drove from home, the house I worked so hard to buy, the further my stomach sunk. I couldn’t shake the feeling that something bad was about to happen.

I was thankful my windows were heavily tinted as I pulled up in front of the Orion’s pack house. I needed a moment to gather myself and to calm my nerves before exposing who I was. A lone wolf. I was in the middle of deep breathing when my phone rang through the speakers. Blowing out a breath, I answered.

“Ryley Halliwell.’

“Miss Halliwell, this is Mr. Dillinger. I need your help with a matter of a personal nature.” He said. I had worked on his accounts before, for his company, but never personal.

“Of course, Mr. Dillinger, what can I do for you?” I asked him.

“I need you to go over my personal finances. I believe my wife isn’t being truthful and I need to prove it.” He sighed.

“I’m already on a case but if you could email everything you’d like me to review, I can try to get it back to you by Monday evening,” I told him.

“Thank you, Miss Halliwell. Mr. Miller told me you were relocating for the summer and offered for someone else to handle this matter but I trust you. I know you are the best.”

“Thank you for your trust and understanding. I’m sorry for your circumstances,” I told him, sincerely. I only know him professionally, but he seems like a good man. He pays his employees well. And the turnover of his employees is very low. He can’t be that bad if his employees are loyal.

“Keep me posted.” He said before ending the call.

I’m never getting any sleep this weekend. I sent Isaac a text to let him know that I would be looking into the matter for Mr. Dillinger. My phone chimed, alerting me to an unread email. Mr. Dillinger had sent me over everything he wanted me to review.

I placed my phone in the center console before going back to my breathing.

“Let’s get this over with,” I breathed out before opening the door and stepping out of my SUV.

Alpha Blake

I was waiting on the front step of the pack house, with my Beta, Luca. Luca and I have been friends since we were kids. His father was my father’s beta and best friend. Both of our parents left to travel a few years after I became alpha. They came back for a few years to help me with their grandson, Aspen, but now they were living in a retirement community for former higher members and retired council members. It’s a little town just outside the werewolf council.

“I’m sure everything will be fine, Blake,” Luca said, as I was deep in thought.

“If not, he will find it, like he did the last time.” He reassured me. It wasn’t just about the enterprise and the finances. I was having two strangers staying with my pack. Humans were no match for wolves, physically but I didn’t want any of my members getting hurt. I know Isaac trusts him, but I don’t trust so easily, especially after learning someone close to me was stealing. I thought we were friends, he was the head of one of the departments and his betrayal hurt.

“Alpha, a dark SUV, and a teal sports car just crossed into the city limits.” Warrior Alex, mind-linked me.

“They are just coming into the city now,” I informed my beta.

The Orion pack was massive with over ten thousand members. Our pack makes up a city, and we are almost self-sufficient. I only hired Isaac’s firm because I wanted an outsider's view.

The time it took for them to arrive at the pack house, felt like an hour, not ten minutes. When they finally pulled up, I felt like I could finally breathe, until I noticed I couldn’t see inside the SUV. A young man exited the sports car quickly and I was taken aback when I scented he was a wolf.

“Alpha Orion,” the young man spoke as he approached me. He extended his hand and I shook it.

“I’m Channing Halliwell,” He introduced himself.

“Good to meet you, Call me Alpha Blake and this is my beta, Luca.” I greeted him. Channing was the same age as Aspen, and they were pretty much the same size. They also had the same dark hair color. The only difference was their eyes. Aspen had hunter-green eyes like his mother and Channing's were grey, almost silver. I’ve never seen eyes like his.

“Is Mr. Halliwell going to join us?” Luca asked, shaking Channing’s hand. Channing looked at us in confusion.

“I think you mean Miss Halliwell, my mother.” He corrected my beta.

“Miss?” I questioned. I heard a door close and a beautiful woman walked around the SUV. Her wavy blonde hair was cut to her shoulders, and she shared the same grey eyes as her son. But she didn’t look old enough to have a son in his late teens. I know wolves age slowly but she looks barely twenty-five.

She was dressed casually in tight blue jeans, a white v-neck shirt, and white sneakers. It was simple but she made it look hot. I could smell she too was a wolf but I didn’t see a mark on her neck, which I thought was odd. If she had a son, she had a mate.

“Mr. Orion,” my name rolled off her plump peach lips and I couldn’t help but wonder how it would sound in ecstasy. Her screaming my name as she withered beneath me.

“Miss Halliwell,” I greeted, shaking her extended hand. Thankfully, my mouth and brain were still working.

“Please, call me Ryley,” she said, smiling at me.

“I’m Beta Luca. If you need anything, I’m the one to ask.” He said, shaking her hand.

“Thank you, Beta Luca. If you don’t need anything, I’d like to get us both settled. I also, have another matter to finish up before starting on Monday.” She informed us.

“Another matter?” I questioned.

“Another client needed my help with a personal matter. But it should be all cleared up by Monday morning before I start working on your case.” She explained. My stomach twisted with jealousy. Personal matter?

“Very well. Luca, please show them where they will be staying. And Miss Halliwell, as of Monday morning, you will work for me and only me.” My voice came out more demanding and angry than I wanted but I couldn’t help it. I didn’t want this woman working for anyone else, personally. I turned on my heels and walked into the pack house.

“What the-?” I heard her exclaim before I closed the front door behind me.

My mind was racing with questions as I stormed into my office. I was feeling angry she would be spending her time with someone else. I only knew her name but I didn’t want to think about her with someone else.

“The only question you care about is how well she can take your shank.” Gunner, my wolf, snickered.

“Also, how does she have a son with no mark on her neck? Even I still bear our mate’s mark and she’s been gone for almost eighteen years,” I demanded and my wolf whined.

But before my mind could further drift to my fated mate, a strong scent of vanilla and wild flowers hit me. Gunner purred, having a strong urge to pounce on the scent carrier.

I felt woozy, overwhelmed by this scent. The wood in my pants hardened instantly.

I could barely open my eyes when a furious, crazily hot, Miss Halliwell, stormed in.