Riley's Torment, A Moon's Glow Novel #2

by Christina Smith

  “I might take you up on that.” He stood to leave but gave me a smile before descending the stairs.

  My stomach dropped to my heels. That was brutal. Next time, I would have Anna do it. I didn’t understand why she even mentioned the room to all the families. Usually she picked the neediest and gave us the name.

  I snuck in the busy kitchen and said a quick hello to my friend Lilly who had started volunteering around the same time as she began dating Eddie. He had been a volunteer when I started and since had become a friend. He was too busy with his internship at legal aid to continue helping, so Lilly had offered to take his place. She was taking some business courses at the local college, and it gave her time to help. I trusted her enough to run the meals when I was busy. Once I grabbed a coffee and checked to make sure Mr. Cartwright and his family were enjoying their meal, I slipped back upstairs for my next meeting. It was not as hard of a session. Frankly, I’m not sure why Anna had suggested them. It was a young couple who had both lost their jobs at the same time and were now living with their parents. There were no children involved, and despite the bulge in the woman’s stomach, she had a mother who could help her out. My next visitors were not so lucky.

  Two fair-haired boys tumbled into my office laughing with fists flailing.

  “Boys!” called out a frail woman who I knew was in the late stages of cancer. She had just been informed that she was in remission, but all the medical bills had wiped out her savings. She had no family and her husband had been killed two years ago in Afghanistan. He was a soldier, and even though she still collected his pension, it wasn’t near enough to get her out of debt and into a new house. This woman had suffered so much, and there was no way I was going to give her any more bad news.

  I stood up, ignoring the fact that the kids’ clothes were frayed and dirty. The woman’s hair was greasy and was held up by a rubber band, but when you lived in a car, there was no way to clean yourself. I couldn’t wait to take them in.

  “Mrs. Murray. It’s nice to see you,” I said, as I stretched out a hand. When she responded with a thin smile and firm shake, I decided not to beat around the bush. “I’ve read your file, and barring no problems, you and your family can move in next week.”

  Her eyes lit up and welled with unshed tears. “Thank you,” was all she could manage. But the look of appreciation was more than enough to express how she felt.

  “Would you like to see the room?” I knew that Mr. Daniels was at the job we had helped attain and his son was at school, so the rooms would be empty.

  The only response was a quick nod and a smile. I took her arm and led her out.

  “Come on, boys,” I called over my shoulder. They followed behind us as we headed to their new temporary home.

  By the time we had finished, it was lunch, so I brought them down to the dining room to have a meal and introduce them to the rest of the residents. Mr. Cartwright was in the back corner in a discussion with Susan, our career advisor. Once the Murrays had their food, I found Julia, who was eating a small bowl of soup.

  “How did it go?” she asked, as I sat down next to her with a heavy sigh.

  “Besides turning down two families? Fine.” The smell of baking bread drifted in the room, making me hungry. The granola bar I had this morning was not near enough to fill me.

  “We can’t take everyone.” She stirred the cheese and broccoli soup absently; the spoon clinked against the ceramic bowl.

  “We can once we expand.”

  “Megan,” she began with a firm tone, pulling her spoon out.

  “We can, as soon as I buy that house and rebuild.”

  She shook her head. “You can’t use your own money.”

  I sat forward in my chair. “Yes, I can. It’s called a donation.”

  She raised her spoon and pointed it at me. “How do you have that much, anyway?”

  “I inherited it from my grandmother, and she would want me to use some of it to help others.” I drummed my fingers on the table as I watched her contemplate my words.

  She sighed. “Well, it’s up to you, but you’ll have to run it by Nate.”

  As she was speaking, the hairs on the back of my neck stood up as if someone was watching me. I glanced around the room and didn’t see anything out of the ordinary. The people in the dining room were focused on their meal, not me.

  “I will tonight,” I finally answered her.

  She smiled. “Oh yes, your big night. You’re leaving early, right?”

  I nodded. “Yes, soon.” The feeling of being watched didn’t leave, and when I turned my head I caught a shadow in the French door, but when I stood up to investigate there was no one there.

  Julia came over and stood next to me, her now empty dishes in her hand. “What’s wrong?”

  I shrugged dismissively. “Nothing, I guess. Come on, I want you to meet Mrs. Murray and her boys.”

  We caught up to them in the line for food, and I introduced the family to Julia and the volunteers. Lilly took a liking to the boys and snuck them some cookies. The mother only smiled, saying nothing of wrecking their appetites. As I stood and listened to Julia discuss the rules of the house to Mrs. Murray, I noticed a man at a table, next to the Richardson’s. He looked to be about twenty with dark brown hair. He was eating soup and sneaking looks at me. Was he the one I felt watching me?

  “Julia?” I said, interrupting her.

  She looked away from the woman we were going to help and glanced at me.

  “Who’s that guy?” I nodded in his direction, not wanting to point. I looked away so he wouldn’t see me staring.

  “Isn’t that one of the people interested in the room?”

  “No.” I shook my head.

  “Then, I have no idea. He came in behind the second family. I thought he was with them.” Julia looked puzzled.

  That was strange; he hadn’t come up with the couple. When I turned to get a better look at the guy, his seat was empty, and he was gone. All that remained was his empty bowl.

  “Oh well, must be a straggler off the streets wanting a warm meal.” She shrugged. “It happens.”

  I smiled, said my goodbyes to the group, and went up to my office to get my stuff. I couldn’t worry about the stranger that had been watching me; I had a meal to prepare.

  Chapter Two

  Family

  Finally, the evening had begun, and since I had been planning it for so long, I was filled with excitement. I was wearing the same black and gray striped dress I had on the first night Nate told me he loved me. He looked incredible in a navy blue dress shirt and dark gray jeans. His pale blond hair still damp from the quick shower he had when he returned home, curled along his collar. We were seated at the table, eating the meal I had prepared. It had taken a week of cooking sessions with Mona to get the food perfect. The first batch was inedible. The chicken was raw, and the potatoes were hard as rocks, although I would never admit my food mistakes to Nate. He was a great cook, and his smile was always slightly condescending when I screwed up. He thought it was hilarious that I had never cooked before I met him. I never had the need to. I grew up in a mansion with a cook, who was also my Nanny and now more my mother than my biological one.

  "Mmmm. This is really good," Nate mumbled as he shoveled scalloped potatoes into his mouth.

  I traced the rim of the round oak table with a fingertip, staring at him over a rose scented candle. I had used his family’s old china and decorated the island and fireplace with more candles. I was going for romance, and I had to admit the place looked great. There was also music playing softly from speakers I had set up around the room. It had taken me all morning to download all the slow songs I wanted.

  "You sound surprised," I teased, with a cocky grin.

  Once he swallowed, he flashed me that slight sheepish smile. "I'm not," he protested, his lips spreading wider exposing both dimples, humor in his vivid blue eyes.

  Why didn't I believe him? He looked so striking with his eyes sparkling and the misc
hievous smile that lit up his whole face that I almost forgot that his amusement was at my expense. I shook my head as I stabbed a piece of juicy white meat.

  "Whatever," I muttered, pretending to pout.

  He reached out and squeezed my hand, and his warm touch sent tingles up my arm. His expression turned sincere. "I'm not surprised, honestly. You are capable of so much more than you ever imagined. Julia said you're doing great in my old position at Riley House."

  “That reminds me. Do you know the house next to the shelter?”

  “The red brick one with the gnomes out front?” he asked as he munched on a piece of chicken.

  I nodded. “It’s for sale. And I want to buy it and donate it. That way we can put on an addition to Riley House.”

  He shook his head. “No. I won’t let you use your own money.”

  “Nate, it’s my money, and I can use it how I want. My grandmother left me a lot when she died. I have enough.”

  He reached out and placed his warm hand on mine. “I know you want to help, but we can’t help everyone.” It was the same thing he’d been saying since I had first expressed my frustration with the Riley House’s lack of space. I ignored the heat that shot through my hand at his touch—this was not the time to think about how sexy my boyfriend was.

  “You’re right, we can’t. But you didn’t have to turn down a widower and his two children or a pregnant woman. I did, and it wasn’t easy.”

  He squeezed my hand and smiled. “Have I told you how proud I am of what a great job you’re doing? And that I’m so happy you’ve taken such an interest in the shelter?” His vivid blue eyes were proud, and love shone from his face. Unlike my parents, Nate made his love very obvious to me. And for a girl who had craved the emotion since childhood, it was a blessing. However, I knew he was trying to distract me from my plan.

  “Then let me do this. I really want to.”

  His face grew thoughtful, until he finally said. “Okay. Go ahead. I’ll support you on whatever you decide to do.”

  I pulled his hand up, and held it against my cheek. “Thank you. I’ll get in contact with my financial advisor and the real estate agent in the morning. I can’t wait to tell Julia.” Flutters of excitement bounced inside me. I couldn’t wait to expand and take in more people. I hated turning away that family today.

  He took a sip of his drink and then gazed at me. “How are the volunteers doing?”

  “Great! Lilly is such a help.” A thought popped in my head. “Did you hear that Natalie got into Harvard?” I asked, jiggling my fork against my knife, making a soft tinkling sound. Natalie was a resident of Riley House when I had first started there. We bonded over my old clothes which I had donated. Her mother got a job, and they moved into an apartment a few months ago. They were thriving in their new life, and it was because of Riley House and Nate.

  His eyes went round in surprise as he sat up in his chair. "No. When did that happen?"

  "Yesterday. She was so excited when she came in to volunteer."

  His face was filled with pride. He was attached to the residents and always loved hearing when their lives turned out well. It was like they were his children. He didn't take just anybody into the shelter. They had to want a better life, and when they did get accepted, it wasn't a free ride. They were expected to look for jobs and help out around the house. Once they were able to move out on their own, they were asked to continue to volunteer. It gave the current residents hope for their future to see others succeed. “I'm so glad. Did she get the scholarship she applied for?”

  I nodded, swallowing some iced tea. “With her grades, how could she not?”

  He took the last bite of chicken before shoving his plate away. I couldn’t help but notice it was practically licked clean. I mentally patted myself on the back.

  "Are you going to the shelter tomorrow?" he asked.

  "Yes, but not until eleven. Lauren’s coming too. She's home for the weekend."

  "I know, I saw her. Joseph will be excited."

  "Why? He's not going to do anything about it;" I grumbled, frustrated by the whole situation. Like me, Lauren was a mate to a werewolf, but she didn't know. Joe, Nate's best friend for the last fifty years, had instantly known she was his mate. He was in town helping Nate with another werewolf situation when he met her. He wanted to tell Lauren, but Nate advised him to ask her father, Will, who just happened to be Nate's great, great, great nephew. He, like Lauren was human, and they guarded Nate's secret.

  Nate frowned at me, lines formed at the creases of his eyes and the corners of his mouth. "I wish they could be as happy as we are, but Joe respects Will and won't go against his wishes." After four months, Will still refused to let Lauren be with a werewolf. He loved and valued both Nate and Joe, but he knew how dangerous being with a werewolf could be. I was an example of that. A few months ago, a werewolf named Rowan had wanted to hurt Nate. His plan had been to target me, Nate’s mate, in order to make that happen. Rowan died, trying to take me from him.

  "What is Lauren up to her first night back?" Nate asked, shifting his chair. He was clearly hoping to change the subject.

  I held my glass, swirling the ice inside, the cubes clinking together. "She went to Manic with Ally, Lilly, and Eddie." I took a sip and swallowed, feeling the cool liquid slide down my throat. "She asked us to go, but I told her we had plans." Manic was a bar—and no, my friends and I were not old enough to go, but Allison knew the bouncer who always let us in. We went for the bands that frequently played, not the alcohol that they served. That was why her uncle, the bouncer, allowed us entry.

  "Good. I want you all to myself." Nate’s voice was filled with intensity, responding to my answer. "I have something for you."

  I glanced up at him, surprised by the sudden change in his voice. He stood up and stepped toward me, his expression deep with emotion. I wondered what was wrong. I was about to ask, when he knelt down in front of me on one knee. His scent of leather and pine whirled around me making me giddy. My heart leapt.

  "What's happening?" I whispered softly, my voice almost inaudible.

  Instead of answering, he reached into the pocket of his button down shirt and pulled out a tiny white box. When he opened the lid, I gasped. Inside was an enormous diamond ring that sparkled in the candlelight. I couldn't help the look of shock that crossed my face. I was breathless, unable to speak.

  "Megan, the moment I saw those green eyes and freckles, I wanted you to be mine. Even though I pulled away from you, you were in my every thought." His voice was filled with devotion. He meant those words with all his heart. My heart swelled, and my eyes started to water.

  "For the first time in my long life, I looked forward to my future because you would be at my side.” He dropped his tone, soft and low. It held an uncertainty, and for just a second, his nerves shone in his eyes. “Will you be my wife?" As soon as the question was out of his mouth, his eyes were filled with love and longing.

  While I knew he meant every word and wanted me to marry him, he sounded unsure that I would accept. It wasn't long ago that I had a hard time adjusting to what he was. Yes, some of the traits of his wolf side bothered me a little, but once I got over it, I never questioned him again. He was the one I would love until I died. I knew that. And now he was offering me a future together. Even though I could see his nervousness that I wouldn’t accept him, I didn't even hesitate. There was no question. He was asking me to be his partner in every way and to be part of a family. His extended family, the Rileys, was a large, loving group that made my own look pathetic in comparison. I had wanted a big family my whole life, and he was willing to share his. Besides, I loved him with all my heart, and since I was his werewolf mate for life, a piece of paper was just a technicality.

  I grinned as pure bliss flowed through my entire body, filling my heart with warmth. "Yes, of course I'll be your wife," I said loudly, happiness echoed in my voice.

  In the blink of an eye, I was in his arms, and he was kissing me frantically. I sucked
in a shocked breath. After months of knowing the truth, I still couldn't get used to how fast he could move.

  He drew back, gazing at me. "Are you sure?" he asked softly, a conflict between self-doubt and hope filled his intense eyes.

  Overwhelmed with emotion, I simply nodded. I had lost the power of speech, but it wasn't needed because his lips returned to my mouth with a fervor I hadn't felt from him since I first accepted his werewolf side. This man was the most kind, giving person I had ever met. He was loved by his family and everyone at Riley House—the charity that he founded over fifty years ago. But he continually questioned why I loved him. He saw himself as a monster, just because some evil werewolf named Charlotte bit him and killed his betrothed back in 1894. Lucy lost her life, but Nate lost his humanity, causing him to kill two people in his lifetime—a fact that still haunted him. And since those regrettable incidents, he lived his life helping others, hoping to make up for the lives he took.

  If he could see himself the way I did, he would never question why I loved him. My thoughts melted away as he pulled back, trailing kisses down my neck. I inhaled sharply as his hot breath brushed my ear; his tongue skimmed my sensitive skin.

  "I love you so much," he moaned, pulling me against him so tight—he felt like a second skin. "I want to be with you."

  His words both shocked and excited me. Even though we lived together for the last few months, we still hadn't taken the next step in our relationship. Nate had been nothing but patient, and a gentleman to the core, never pressuring me. There were a few times that we had gotten carried away and almost went through with it, but I always pulled back. Not once did he become angry or even frustrated. His constant patience always surprised me.

  I still wasn't sure why I was holding back. I was eighteen and no longer lived at home. I had graduated high school and had a good job running the charity. I loved him with all my heart. And right now, his words made me question why I was waiting. It felt amazing to be loved so much by another person. Why not take the next step? Now, with his proposal, I needed to show him how much he meant to me and that I wanted to be with him in every way. I pulled away from his lips and gazed into his eyes that now flashed with longing.