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.

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 to the ones guarding

are willing to do overtime and tell them to patrol the forest,” I ordered and although they looked confused by my request, they nodded and rushed off to do as

bed and Camilla snuggled into my side. I smiled when I realized that she was still asleep. Even in her sleep, she reached out for me. The knowledge had my heart beating harder in my chest. I stroked her hair and placed a soft kiss on the center of her head. She made a content noise cdeep in her

you,” she mumbled

back and finally allowed the sleep to take

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

time with the children.

spent up to five minutes alone with her and I knew it was because she was avoiding me. I knocked on her door and she opened it without checking. When she saw me, her eyes widened and

for an excuse, I walked past her before she could say anything

with packing right now. If you can wait a few minutes

entire life,” I cut her off. “You probably finished packing two days ago and checked yesterday,” the flush on her cheeks assured

avoiding you,” she mumbled and when I raised a brow, she sighed. “Is it weird that I am happy we are leaving today? I really wanted to

as if her name were a slap. “Don’t tell me that the sound of her name offends

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

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

have a

hug. Riley was stubborn and I knew she would never ask by herself but it was what she needed. I felt her body go lax as

you are one of the smartest people

don’t feel very smart

hummed. “No one ever truly feels smart. You just keep

we were supposed to lead them back towards 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 talking to Damien when one of the guards walked up to me. He was the one I tasked with sending people into the woods. He hesitated but I assured him that he could

the ordinary,” he told me. “If there is something specific that we should be looking for then

“Thank

you

now certain that the forests were safe. I turned to Damien only to see a