Chapter 0101
Cara’s POV
My first instinct is to deny Ryan’s words, to claim that I never, under any circumstances, would ever consider getting with Alaric ever again.
But when I look over and see my brother’s serious face, his expression so open and supportive, I swallow anything I was about to say.
Ryan, who was nearly as silly and mischievous as his twin Aidan, was actually having an honest discussion with me about emotions, about his trust in me. I couldn’t squander this opportunity to build real closeness, real connection with my brother.
“Ryan, I… I don’t know what to say… other than that I love you,” I say to him, my voice sounding raw and hoarse.
This moment between Ryan and I isn’t about Alaric at all, I realize. No, it’s about the strong family bonds that tie brother and sister. It’s about standing behind a person no matter what, even if they make choices that you might disagree with.
“I love you, too, sister. And I know that relationships are complex… they often don’t make sense other than to the two people inside of that relationship… so even if everyone else hates the idea of you and Alaric together, if that’s what you want, then you will have my support.”
I’m overcome with emotion at Ryan’s sincerity and kindness. He must see how flustered I’ve become because he says, “There’s a gas station coming up. Let’s stop there and I’ll drive us the rest of the way home.”
This time I don’t refuse his offer. I pull into a parking spot at the gas station and Ryan says he’s going to get us some snacks.
When he comes out a few minutes later, he has a bag full of treats with him.
“Can you believe it? They had Furballs!” Ryan says with glee, pulling out a pile of candies, sugar and chocolate spun to look like a great pile of hair that has recently been vomited up.
“And Bone Bites!” Ryan cheered as he showed me the giant hard candy formed into the shape of a femur so large it was meant to be chewed on for an hour or more.
I laugh at the silly candies, ever the favorite of werewolf pups.
Ryan smiles at me, “I’m just glad you’re relaxing and having a little fun.”
As he says it, I realize I am having fun. My shoulders soften even further as I slide into the passenger seat, letting Ryan get behind the wheel of the car.
“Thanks for the laugh… I needed that…” I say, gazing out the window watching the trees.
10
fly past as we continue on our journey home, back to Pack BloodyMoon.
“So… are you and Alaric going to……?” There is a question in Ryan’s voice as he trails off, waiting for me to confess my true feelings.
I’m conflicted.
On the one hand, I’m really not sure what my true feelings are. And on the other hand,
if I did know, I’m not sure I should share those thoughts with my brother Ryan.
“You can tell me…” Ryan adds, noticing my hesitation.
“It’s just all very complicated,” I say finally. “I honestly don’t know how I feel about him. I know I should stay away from him, but…”
“But?” Ryan asks.
“But we have so much history… my heart can’t help but think of him sometimes… I hate how indecisive I sound about this. You said I always know what to do…” I trail off again, recalling his earlier compliments to me..
“Hey, give yourself some credit, will you? Consider your complicated feelings a sign of how large your heart is a sign of how much love you have to give to the world.” Ryan says gently.
“That’s very kind of you to say,” I tell him.
“It’s not just kind, it’s true! You loved Alaric before, right?” he asks.
I nod at him, somehow still too embarrassed to bother responding to the question aloud.
“If you could forget someone you used to love so easily, then you’d be heartless. You’d be a horrible, terrible, no–good, dirty, rotten VAMPIRE!” Ryan makes a silly but menacing expression in my direction, contorting his features in a ridiculous way.
A chuckle erupts from my chest, unable to be contained. I look back at the sleeping children, confirming that I hadn’t awakened them with my laughter. Still sound asleep, I notice with relief.
We pass a sign alerting us that we are re–entering Pack BloodyMoon territory. Our journey. home is almost ov
Ryan notices this as well and says, “Listen, I’m glad we were able to have this chat tonight. I meant every word I said, but if you could do me a favor… please don’t mention this to any of our brothers.”
I raise an eyebrow curiously, “Why not?”
“You know how much Aidan loves to tease–he’d never let me hear the end of it! But seriously, we all support you, but just keep this between us for now if you don’t mind,” he
+25 BONUS
* Chapter 0101
says.
“Sure, I’ll keep this between you and I,” I say in response.
“And take some time to think about what we’ve discussed, okay? You’ve got plenty of options and opportunitles ahead of you, Cara. But what do YOU want?” Ryan adds seriously.
“I will,” I whisper.
I’ve been putting it off for far too long. I should take the time to really consider my own feelings.
I’m still mulling this over in my mind when Ryan drops us off at our little cottage. He parks the car and helps me put the kids to bed. I carry Mia and Ryan carries Ethan.
I notice the calendar on our way inside the house. “Oh, I almost forgot. Mia has another appointment at DarkWood tomorrow…” I murmur aloud, mostly speaking to myself.
Ethan stirs in Ryan’s arms. “DarkWood… I want to go…” the little boy mumbles in his sleep.
I plant a kiss on the top of each child’s heads as I get them tucked comfortably inside of their beds. I smile to myself at how wonderful they are as I turn out the light, closing the door to their bedroom behind me.
How lucky I am to be their mother. To get to watch these two little wonders grow into the people they will someday become. To have them by my side for this chapter of my life.
Many people are not so lucky as to have such amazing children… Some are forced to experience the world with loneliness…
Like Alaric…
He looked so lonely tonight, tucked into the shadows.
I feel sorry for him.
It hurts me to see him looking so sad…
And I realize I do care for him.
But I would not change the way my life has gone. I have a wonderful, beautiful family with smart, funny, and adorable children. I wouldn’t change a thing about the circumstances that have brought me here.
But I am the one who has the power to dictate my future. My talk with Ryan tonight has shown me that I am the one who can decide what happens next.
And the more I think about it, the more my heart tells me that it’s time to move on.
It’s time to move forward.
