Chapter 5

RILEY

➶

"So, are you going back there after all they did to you?" Clinton frowned, his jaw twitching like he was trying to control himself from hitting someone.

I watched him for a moment then buried my head back in the crook of his neck.

"Do I even have a choice?" I sighed, terribly confused on what to do because King Amos was a father figure to me, and I couldn't thank him for the good things he did for me. Maybe if I could find out who or what is behind his death, then I'd have a peace of mind?

Clinton raised my head so that I was looking directly into his eyes. His head was so close to my face that I had to slowly pull it backwards, not missing the slight sadness that passed through his eyes.

"You're aware you have a choice, right?" I tried to respond, but he cut me off with a shake of his head. "Riley, you endured a loveless marriage for three years and were betrayed in the end. Do you really want to go back to those wolves?" His voice boomed with intensity.

"They are still the fathers of my kids so mind the words you use on them!" I immediately bit hard on my lower lip in regret, sad that I raised my voice on the one man who was there for me when I had no one, unlike those selfish alphas who only thought of themselves.

I reached out a hand, "Clinton, I'm so sorry." I caressed his cheeks a bit before sighing and moving out of his arms.

I walked over to the window and gently pulled apart the flimsy curtains, allowing the cool evening air to flow into the room. The city sparkled below with headlights weaving through the streets, enhancing its beauty.

"I can't say no to Alex, and you know it," I said, turning to face him. But as I did, I stumbled on my heels, only to be caught by strong arms that swiftly pulled me back against a firm chest.

My heart raced, and from the sly grin on his face, I suspected he could hear it. As werewolves, we were blessed with heightened senses, and being an alpha, his hearing surpassed that of other wolves.

He shook his head. "You can say no to him, Riley. Even though he's your boss, he shouldn't impose such a big deal on you." His eyes narrowed, and I could see his worry there. My chest tightened, knowing he was worried about losing me to my ex husbands. But how do I explain to him that no one was getting me back? That I am fine on my own without a man in my life?

I pushed him slowly away from me.

"Alex isn't imposing anything on me. He's just…" I sighed, running my hand through my hair in frustration. "He believes in me, and that's significant, especially coming from him, you know? I just want to do him this favor because he doesn't trust his other staff the way he trusts me."

"But that's supposed to be his business, not yours!" My eyes widened in surprise. "Yes, Riley. You going back to that pack is going to change lots of things. Or do you want me to have a word with him? As an alpha, he wouldn't refuse my command."

"Everything isn't about power, Clinton." I shook my head, disappointed, because why was he trying to use his power on a man who's running his business? "Before I took that job I promised to obey him. So if he asks me to transfer there then I will do it."

Clinton raised a hand towards me, but I instinctively took a step backward.

"Besides, that's not the main reason I want to go back," I explained, observing his lips curl up in distaste.

"What is?"

"I'm only doing this because of King Amos. I want to find out if he was truly murdered and why."

"Oh, Riley, come on. You are a pathologist and not some fucking detective! You're not going to go there and put your life on the line." He announced, determined to make me see reasons with him. I fully did but wasn't life full of risks?

"I won't be the one doing the investigation but his sons are. After all, they are now the rulers of their pack and can sort this out themselves." Clinton didn't look convinced, I could see he wanted to argue it but decided against it.

"At least think about your kids." He reminded me in a low tone. "How will they cope without you here?" I looked down to see his hands clenched in a tight fists.

Sighing, I tipped my head to the side, giving him a long and knowing look. "They have you here, alpha. I'm sure they will do more than survive."

Clinton sighed heavily and approached me with purpose. He reached out and gently tucked a tendril of hair behind my ear, his rough hand surprisingly soft against my skin. Cupping my face in his hands, he gazed into my eyes, as if trying to peer directly into my soul.

"I'm glad you can see that," he began, his voice filled with concern. "But I care about your well-being and that of the kids. I don't want them missing their momma too much. If you can avoid that, why not stay back and let Alex handle the rest?"

My eyelashes twitched as I spoke. "The kids will be fine. You're already a great father to them, so it won't be too difficult for them. Plus, Miss Gomez is around, and she loves the kids as much as we do. She'll take care of them."

I desperately wanted him to agree to my going back, knowing deep down that I wouldn't do it if Clinton didn't approve. Not because he would try to restrict my movement, but because he's a good man, one I wouldn't want to hurt any more than I already had.

Clinton released me, his expression resigned as he shook his head. I watched him silently make his way to the door. Without a word, he pulled it open, then paused, turning back to face me.

"I know your main reason for going back there is to see your ex-husbands again," he stated, his voice tinged with disappointment. "I know you want them back; it's clearly obvious. But after all they did to you, would you really go back running into their arms?"

With that, he shut the door behind him, leaving me to ponder over his words.