Chapter 4

RILEY

➶

I leaned against the seat of my car, my heart racing a mile a minute as the events of a year ago flashed back into my mind.

I gripped the strap of my bag tightly as I hurried down the deserted street, the click of my heels echoing in the empty darkness. The usual hustle and bustle of the city had long since faded into silence, leaving me alone with my racing thoughts and the ominous feeling of being watched.

Glancing over my shoulder, I caught a glimpse of movement in the shadows, a fleeting silhouette that sent my heart plummeting into my stomach. Panic surged through me like a tidal wave, my breaths coming in ragged gasps as I broke into a frantic run.

Why did I choose today of all days to leave my car behind? I scolded myself, each step heavier than the last as I struggled to outpace the growing sense of dread nipping at my heels. Every alleyway seemed to stretch endlessly before me, masking me in its blanket of fear.

I could feel the predator's presence looming closer, their malevolent intent palpable in the air. My mind raced with a thousand scenarios, each one more terrifying than the last. Was it a mugger, a stalker, or something even more sinister?

I dared not glance back again, knowing that to do so would only confirm my worst fears. Instead, I started to run as though a demon was against me. And then I heard it—the running footsteps of someone after me, of someone trying to get a hold of me. I could feel them getting closer and I suddenly felt the hairs on the back of my neck standing in attention.

A mockery laugh rang out. "You should know by now that you can't outrun me. Or are you playing games with me? Tsk, I love to play hide and seek… so much."

Dread filled me but I managed to block out his words as all my instincts were on me running to a safe place, getting the hell outta here and going to my children.

"Try and make things easier for yourself, won't you?" His voice was laced with venom, so much that I shuddered. I could hear him picking up the pace between us, and my blood boiling so hot that I was afraid it could burn down the whole world. "Because if I get a hold of you, I'd cut you and feed your flesh to the birds who are in dire need of food."

I didn't obey. Rather… I ran more than I ever did. Although, I could feel it was useless because he was catching up to me. If he could stretch a hand then…

A loud gasp left my mouth as I felt the cold contact of his hand on my skin. His hand was on my neck, loose but at the same time firm, and in a swift motion, he turned me around.

My eyes widened in shock before everything became pitched black.

The loud blaring of a car jolted me out of my musings, and I apologized to the angry driver before taking a deep breath to calm my racing nerves.

Reaching the gated mansion, I hurried inside and ignored the maids greetings and made my way into my children's room.

The three of them were arguing, their voices raised more than usual as each of them tried to prove their points.

Oblivious to my presence in the room, they kept on shouting till when I thought I'd had enough, I grabbed my daughter and hugged her tightly from the back. I felt her body still a bit before it relaxed, and I began to sob, all thoughts about staying strong in front of my children disappearing.

Soon I felt four little hands that were gradually becoming strong, holding unto my waist. I could feel their silent questions and the fear of how to ask me about it without upsetting me more.

My heart tugged at that and I gradually released my daughter, spreading my arms out to welcome my children. They hugged me tight and held onto me until I got a hold on myself.

"I'm sorry kids," I began, pulling away but Sean's tug on my dress was like a silent command for me not to move. I obeyed instantly and searched their faces. I could see the questions, the fear and the urge to destroy anyone who dared to hurt me in their eyes. "I'm sorry for breaking down in front of you." My lower lip curved up in a pout.

"There's no need to apologize mom." He softly said, the hand holding me tightening. "It's wrong to apologize for something that was out of your control." I burst into tears at that. Sean has always acted mature from the time he was three years old, maybe it could be the Alpha blood that runs through his veins, and I felt guilt pouring through me at the thought of him being the one to act mature now.

I was not supposed to act on my feelings but somehow, I had managed to fail my kids… I failed them.

"Calling our daddy over will solve all this, mummy. Won't it?" Sierra said, her voice laced with sadness. Shocked by her question, I parted my lips, but Shane was faster.

"You are obviously sad, mummy. And I'm not buying the excuse of our daddy being too busy to come visit us anymore! Where's our daddy?"

Tears brimmed in my eyes and it took everything I had in me not to break down for the third time today in front of them today. I looked into those eyes that were probing for the truth—the truth that he clearly deserves to know—but I could not bring myself to say it.

Maybe I was being selfish right now.

But I didn't care as long as it'd keep them safe. Here with me is the safest place for them and telling them who their fathers are is not going to make their curiosity go away.

"Your father is busy but I promise you that he loves you all very much. The truth is, he always writes me letters confessing how much he misses you guys, and wanting to spend time together as family."

"Really?" Shane, who had not spoken a word since perked up.

"Why didn't you ever show us or tell us about them?" Sean said, hurt evident in his voice.

"I actually want to read them now, can I?" Sierra said with a hopeful voice.

It hurt me to lie to them like this, it seemed like I was deceiving them, but I had no option. I couldn't afford to tell them about their fathers without having to reveal everything.

I thought of what to say, but couldn't come up with an answer but luckily Clinton was there to help.

"Well," his eyes skittered to them, "Why don't you change into your pajamas, then come downstairs so that we could have that lovely cinema again?"

The faces of my kids beamed with smiles before they yelled excitedly, jumping up and down in jubilation. The cinema was a set up Clinton made in the house for the kids ever since we returned to live with him after the last attempt on my life.

I flashed him a soft smile and he winked at me before pulling me out of the kids room, and into mine where he hugged me tightly and offered soothing words in my ear.

I cried in his arms as I delayed what Alex said to me today.