CHAPTER 12

Silverstone Pack

Riven was still turning Ray's idea over in his mind. A contract marriage. It was unheard of among the wolves, but it was reasonable for his situation. He needed a Luna. One that wouldn't be based on measly feelings of love and attraction that could be easily betrayed, just like Flora had betrayed his love.

The relationship between himself and his Luna had to be rooted in loyalty and the loyalty had to be bounded by something they could not betray. That way, getting betrayed or heartbroken wouldn't be the case as in the case of him and Flora.

A contract sounded like the right answer.

But what female wolf would be out of her mind and as willing as him to sign a contract to be his Luna? Not just anyone would do that except the person who had something to gain. Of course, there was a lot to gain from being the Luna of Silverstone Pack, but it had to be more than that.

That made him give the idea a second thought. He was a bit doubtful whether it would work or not. 

This ruled out every female wolf in his own pack. Aphrodite and Ray's idea of going to Dylan's pack for the memorial sounded more appealing each moment. He could find someone who was willing there. His gut told him the answer was there, but his mind could not endure going back to the root of his pain. 

A knock interrupted his thoughts and Ray came in. 

"Are you still preoccupied with thoughts about the contract?" Ray demanded, staring intensely at him.

Riven was not surprised. Ray could read him better than anyone. He always seemed to read through him without having him say a word about what was bothering him. That was why he liked him. That personality alone always allowed him to open up freely to him and always see him more like a brother than a friend.

"You tell me. After all, you came up with the idea." Riven replied, trying to arrange the papers on his desk.

"It's a good idea, Riven. But if you don't want to do it, we can find another way. Aphrodite was worried. You haven't come out of your office since I mentioned it." Ray said, looking him in the eye.

"There is no other way. My gut says yes, but my mind says no." Riv replied, opening up to Ray.

"I know I can't fully comprehend the pain they caused you, but you can't allow it to affect the rest of your life. A Luna will make our pack stronger. You know that," Ray explained.

"Yes, Ray. I understand my role in all this. Thank you Ray." Riv replied, his mind admitting defeat over his gut.

Standing up, Ray clapped his hands over his friend's shoulder, giving support.

"And tell Aphrodite I'm fine." Riven continued, his lips breaking into a small smile.

"I'm sure she is on her way here ready to drag you from this room," Ray joked.

A few seconds later, Aphrodite barged it and Ray narrowed his eyes at Riven giving him the I-told-you-so look.

Aphrodite stepped closer to Riven and said loudly "That's enough brooding, Riven. Ray takes his idea back."

"No, I don't" Ray countered, narrowing his eyes.

"Your idea has had him holed up in his office all day. He doesn't like it. You take it back." Aphrodite retorted, pointing fingers as she spoke.

"He does not like it does not mean I have to take my idea back", Ray argued.

Riven rubbed his right hand over his throbbing temple. They did this all the time. Arguing over nothing was the basis of their relationship. But lately, its gotten worse.

"Why can't you just take it back? It's not as if it will be erased from his memory?" Aphrodite asked, her eyes narrowing.

"Because taking your words back is the beginning of a ruined reputation," Ray replied

"Oh, for the goddess' sake-" Aphrodite started.

"Okay. That's enough. Enough from both of you." Riven interrupted, and their gazes snapped at him.

"Have you made a decision?" Aphrodite asked curiously.

"Yes. I will do the contract on my terms. However, attending the memorial in Dylan's pack is still dangling in the air." Riv replied.

"We both know you've thought about the fact that the contract can't get you a Luna from our pack. It's unheard of." Aphrodite said.

"Only humans do that contract thing. Dylan's pack is the best setting to try it out." Ray pressed.

"At least we both agree on something," Aphrodite mumbled under her breath.

"Did you say something?" Ray asked, his eyes twinkling.

Something was going on between them. Riven could not be sure, but they were hiding something.

"I said nothing." Aphrodite retorted, causing the smile on Ray's face to get wider. Lying was not her strong point.

Turning to Riven, she continued "You cannot let those cowards continue to have a say in your life. They chose each other. You need to let the pain go. They are not worth it."

"I know," Ray admitted. Aphrodite was right. Flora and Dylan chose each other. It was time for him to choose his. Even if it was going to be based on a contract, he would choose her and she would choose him. That was all that mattered.

"Let's do it. Let's go to the memorial." Riven gave in.

"Amazing. Let's go choose a bride." Aphrodite said excitedly.

"We will begin the preparations," Ray stated, then winked at Aphrodite, and she replied by rolling her eyes.

Ray left the office to start preparations, leaving Riven and Aphrodite alone.

"You made the right choice, Brother." Aphrodite assured him, sensing his uncertainty.

He really hoped he did because this choice would shape the rest of his life and he had just weeks to prepare himself for the memorial. Prepare to see Dylan and Flora and prepare to choose and be chosen. 

"I really hope I did." He muttered, pulling his sister in for a much-needed hug.