The Rejected Werewolf Princess by Didiadeyemi

Chapter 88

RYKER’S P.O.V

As soon as the girls left, I saw the guilt in Riley’s expression. I wanted to assure her that she had nothing to worry about but that would have been a lie. Damien comforted her while I balanced my sleeping infant on one hand and began clearing up the picnic. It was a good day but it could have ended better. Damien and Riley came to help but they did so in silence. I could feel the tension in the air and I knew it was only a matter of time before someone broke it.

“Should I have picked a better time?” Damien whispered once Riley was out of earshot. “I didn’t want to hurt her but I figured she was going to find out sooner or later.”

“Are you asking because you want a genuine answer or because you want to make yourself feel better?” I asked and he shook

his head with a small smile.

“I almost forgot how brutal you could be, Ryker,” I glanced at Audrey out of the corner of my eye. She was playing by the stream and I wanted to make sure she didn’t run off or get hurt. “I want the truth.”

“The truth is that I don’t know,” he frowned at my response, it was clearly not what he was expecting. “Look, I know better than to comment on something that I don’t have the full picture of. Only you know the answer to that question and I think the fact that you’re torn up about it tells you everything you need to know.”

He wanted to say something but footsteps filled the air. Christine and Camilla returned but I saw an expression in her eyes that had my spine straightening. I quickly called Riley over and handed Aurora over to her. She looked like she had a million questions but I didn’t wait to hear them. I walked over to my mate and ran my hands down her shoulders. She gave me a small smile but I could see through her façade. She was shaking and her skin was a bit cold to touch.

“What happened?” I asked but she shook her head. I resisted the urge to growl because I knew it wouldn’t help. I dropped my voice so it was soft. “Talk to me, Camilla. You look like you’ve seen a ghost.”

“I thought I saw something in the woods but it was nothing, I blinked and it wasn’t there.”

for

Camilla wasn’t easily sp ooked so her reaction didn’t add up to the picture she was trying to paint. Isearched her eyes a hint of deception but there was nothing. She had convinced herself that everything was fine. I knew I was not going to get anything out of that conversation so I sighed.

“It doesn’t matter anymore, you’re fine,” I assured her and she allowed herself lean into my arms. She mumbled something incoherent and I kissed her head. I looked over her shoulder and saw Christine staring at us with a longing look that bordered on envious.

I felt bad for her but I knew the last thing she wanted was my pity so I just gave her a nod. She smiled softly and turned away from me. No words were spoken again as we made our way back to the carriages. As we walked, I couldn’t help but notice that Christine was the only person walking alone.

a corset was until I had to take it off without ripping it. I couldn’t fall asleep because I couldn’t help but think about what she had told me. I wasn’t sure if I believed her yet about whether or not it was a big deal. It was too late to go looking for the guards in charge of patrolling the forest so I went

they looked confused by my request, they nodded and rushed off to do as I asked.

out for me. The knowledge had my heart beating harder in my chest. I stroked her hair and placed a

love you,” she

back and finally allowed the sleep to

up. She looked confused as to why I was getting dressed early and when I reminded her that it was Damien and Riley’s last day, she practically leaped out of bed. We didn’t have much planned but we were spending the entire morning with them. Christine had opted out of

time with the children.

used that opportunity to get some quality time with my sister. Since she came, I hadn’t spent up to five minutes alone with her and I knew it was because

an excuse, I walked past her before she could say anything and took a seat by her dresser. I

with packing right now. If you can

with you for your entire life,” I cut her off. “You probably finished packing two days ago and checked yesterday,” the flush on her cheeks assured me that I was right. “Are you done avoiding

that I am happy we are leaving today? I really wanted to spend time with you and Camilla but things

interrupted and she flinched as if her name were a slap. “Don’t tell me that the sound

be together. They are mates after all and another part of me is happy that I have him. Am I a bad

woman and she is my mate,” Riley rolled her eyes and punched my shoulder making both of us burst out

might have a point

was stubborn and I knew she would never ask

figure it out, you are one of the smartest people I

very smart

one ever truly feels smart. You just keep moving and pray that it

the carriage, I couldn’t help but feel a pang in my chest. I would never tell Riley or Damien to their faces but I missed them. There was something lonely about the palace life. I loved being with my family but sometimes I wished

one I tasked with sending people into the woods. He hesitated but I assured him that he could speak in front of Damien. I trusted

the ordinary,” he told me. “If

“Thank

you

At least I was now certain that the forests were safe. I turned to Damien only to see a foreign expression on his face. “What is