Delilah leaned closer, then sat back crossing her arms over her chest. “I do not see the humor.”
“Yes, you do. They’re Dragons. One looks like you, the other like Daniel. He says he misses us, but it’s feeling more like home. Because of the Dragons. See? You get it?”
“No, I do not. I do not look like that. I am much more intimidating.”
Kaid sighed, “You certainly are, Monster. Why don’t we cancel this evening. They can finish setting up without us. I can see how uncomfortable you are.”
“No. We must go, Bam’s special night is tomorrow. Everything must be perfect.”
“And it will be. Bane and Maverik are taking care of everything, just like you said. We should stay home tonight, rest.” He hadn’t told her, but he could feel the little pains she’d been fighting all morning. It was why he’d asked the others to set up the Christmas Tree Garden with Bam, allowing him and Delilah to follow later this evening. If she was able.
“No, I want to help. I helped Maverik, and I will help Bam.”
“Alright. I’m tired, though. You mind if we go take a nap for a bit before we go?” Kaid asked, knowing if he told her she needed a nap, she’d fight him.
Delilah immediately looked relieved, “Yes, I think it is best if you rest before we go. I shall keep you company.”
“Good. Thank you, Monster. I always rest better with you at my side.”
Kaid stood, helped a hugely pregnant Delilah get to her feet, and together they headed down the hall.
“Are you not calling Riley?” she asked.
“I’ll call him a little later this evening, after we get back from helping Bam set up the wedding.”
“Tell him I like his Dragons. Tell him to kiss Cristie for me,” Delilah said.
Kaid raised his eyebrows as she walked along, not looking at him as she spoke. She’d not asked how Riley was or commented on him leaving since the night Maia had sent him away.
“I know you are making a face at me. Stop.”
“I am not. Why would you think that?” he objected.
“Because I know you. And yes, you are,” she insisted.
“It’s just, you haven’t shown any interest at all in Riley since he’s been gone. It’s been a week and not one word from you. I’m just surprised.”
“I have been preoccupied. I am a bit busy growing our youngling,” Delilah snapped.
“I know. And believe me, she can’t come soon enough,” Kaid answered.
“What do you mean by that?” Delilah stopped walking and faced him.
“Nothing. What did you want me to tell Riley, my love?” Kaid asked, hoping to change the subject.
“I want you to tell him that he should stand strong. Maia loves him still. I will fix it later when the time is right.”
“I will not tell him that! He’ll come back here and get everything stirred up.”
Delilah stood watching him for a moment, then, “Perhaps you are right. Just tell him that I like his Dragons, and we will see him soon.”
“Done. And to kiss Cristie for you,” Kaid added.
“Yes, I like the little girl. She is smart and strong.”
“I’ll tell him.”
“Good, now let us take your nap so that you will be ready for tonight.”
Kaid moved gently getting out of bed, careful not to wake Delilah. She’d been sleeping peacefully for several hours. The little twinges of pain had finally stopped enough to allow her to get some rest. He took his phone off the bedside table and quietly left the room. He poured himself a glass of tea and took a seat at the kitchen table, picked up his phone, brought up Riley’s message and hit redial. He looked at the clock on the wall as the phone rang — a little after 8:00pm, they should still be awake.
It rang a couple of times then finally Riley answered, “Kaid! How goes it? How is everybody?”
“Hey, Riley! We’re good, man. How about you?”
“We’re alright. Did you get the pictures?” Riley asked, laughing.
Kaid laughed, too, “Yes! I did. I love them. Delilah said she’s much more intimidating than your Dragon, but she likes them anyway and to kiss Cristie for her.”
“Will do. She misses everybody. We both do. But it’s nice here, too. Got a good male with us. Richie. He’s a Panther, too. We’re planning on opening Amos’ store, well, my store. And having a restaurant on one side with a store more geared toward tourists on the other. A quick stop meets a souvenir kinda place, with food on the other side.”
“That’s a great idea. But I didn’t know you could cook!”
“I can’t, but Richie can. Dude’s amazing in the kitchen. Once word gets out about his food, we should do real well.”
“What about the construction. You still thinking about that side of things as well?” Kaid asked.
“Oh, yeah. Just gotta round up a crew. As the Pride grows the possibility for more work grows. Right now, I’m only able to take on small individual jobs.”
“No worries. You’ll have a full Pride in no time. If you need anything, just let me know.” Kaid said.
“I appreciate that, Kaid. So what’s going on there?” Riley asked.
“Well, we’ve been planning Bam’s wedding. It’s tomorrow night at the Christmas Festival, and Everly doesn’t know. It’s a surprise.”
“Ahh, Delilah’s doing no doubt,” Riley chuckled.
“You know how she loves her matchmaking and wedding planning,” Kaid laughed. “And her time is getting near. The baby’s about ready, and she can barely move. But she insists on being involved in everything for Bam and Everly. Frankly, I’ll be glad when it’s all over, so I can get her to rest.”
“I hear you, she is stubborn. But I’m sure she’ll only do what she’s able. She won’t put the baby in any stress,” Riley said.
There was silence for a moment, both knowing what wasn’t being said. Riley gave in first. “How is she, Kaid?”
“She’s okay. Not good, but she’s managing. Going through the motions. Much like I expect you are.”
“I still don’t understand,” Riley confessed.
“I know. But she’s getting stronger. Maybe she’ll open up a bit more as she starts to heal; then, we’ll find out what the hell happened,” Kaid said.
“I’m not giving up on her, Kaid. No matter what she said, I’m still hers.”
“I know, Riley.” And despite his better judgment, he added, “So does Delilah. She said to tell you to hang on. She wouldn’t have said that if she didn’t think you should.”
“Really?” Riley perked up a bit.
“Yeah, really. And she’s been a bit more perceptive as our pregnancy progressed, so I believe her. I agree with her, hang on. Keep doing what you’re doing and let things play out. It’ll be as it should be.”
“Man, that’s easier said than done. But I’ll try.”
Kaid could hear Delilah stirring in the bedroom, “Hey, man, I’m gonna go now, Delilah’s waking up. But you let me know when you need me. And kiss that baby for both Delilah and me.”
“I will. And if you get the opportunity, let Maia know I asked about her. That I’m waiting.”
“I’ll do what I can, Riley. Take care.”
“Yeah, I will. You too.”
<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>
Riley hung up and sat there, breathing deep, thinking of Maia, picturing her and what she might be doing at the moment. He had no doubt she was helping the clan prepare for Bam’s wedding. Richie’s footsteps as he entered the kitchen broke his train of thought.
“I already had a shower,” Richie said. “I thought I’d clean up the kitchen and call my mother.”
“Sure, yeah, I’ll go on up, so you can have some privacy,” Riley said, pushing back the chair to stand.
“Actually, if you don’t mind, I’d like you to stay for a minute. I wanted to talk to you about something before I call her.”
“Sure, is there a problem?” Riley asked, sitting back down.
“No, not really
. I just… I miss my mother. I’d like to invite her to come be a part of our Pride. I mean, I know we’re just starting out, and it’s better to wait until we are more established and settled, but I’d like to suggest it to her now. Let her start to think about it, wrap her mind around it, so she can get used to it before it’s actually time.”
“Do you think she’d want to come?” Riley asked.
“I’m not sure. She’s been through so much hell. So traumatized. I’m not sure she’ll ever trust anything enough to leave the safety of where she lives now. But I hope she’ll want to come live with me here. Allow me to take care of her. Do you mind? If I invite her?”
Riley smiled sadly, realizing just how much Richie’s life had been governed and ruined by the fucker that he’d been unfortunate enough to have as a father. “Your mother is always welcome here. Your Mate is welcome here. I appreciate you asking me because I am trying to build a life here, a Pride to call home. But I meant what I said to Scotty in the parking lot the other day — I want a place people can belong to when they have nowhere else. The only time people will have trouble with me is if they try to ruin what I’m building or break my rules. I’m building a home. Security. Safety. And everyone here will be safe because we take care of each other. Call her, invite her. Tell her she is welcome.”
Richie smiled, “You’re a good male, Riley. The best male. Your Mate will realize that and come back to you.”
Riley tensed.
“I’m sorry, I couldn’t help but overhear. And I know you miss her. I can smell the pain.”
“It’s okay. I hope you’re right. Now, call your mom. Tell her she’s welcome.”
<<<<<<<>>>>>>>
The moonlight shone through the cracks in the blinds, causing an array of broken beams of light to splash across her bed. Maia lay unmoving, curled into her blankets — fitting she thought — broken moonlight, broken heart, broken life. Her hand slid under the pillow beneath her head. She pulled out one of the work gloves she’d hidden there and brought it to her face, inhaling deeply. They were Riley’s gloves. They’d gotten mixed in with Kaid’s a few weeks ago and made the trip back to the house. She’d been helping Delilah clean and been unable to help herself when she came across them. She knew he had more than this pair so likely wouldn’t miss them, and his scent on them made it nearly impossible for her to let them go. Her eyes filled with tears again, and she shoved the glove angrily back under her pillow.
There was a soft knock at her door, “Maia, you awake, honey?” Valerie called.
“Yeah,” was all she answered.
The door opened, and Valerie came in carrying a tray with sliced cheeses, crackers, grapes and pepperoni slices. “I’m hungry again, and I don’t want to eat by myself. Share with me?” Valerie asked.
Maia smiled, and sat up, pulling the blankets to straighten them out, so Valerie would have somewhere to set the snack tray down.
“Awesome!” Valerie mock yelled as she put the tray on top of the blanket, “I’ll be back with the Barq’s.”
Moments later Valerie returned with a two liter bottle of Barq’s root beer and two wineglasses packed with ice. “We might want more, and I don’t feel like running back and forth to the kitchen.”
Valerie filled a glass and handed it to Maia, then filled her own before leaning over to put the two liter bottle on the nightstand. She sat cross legged on the bed and reached for a cracker, a slice of cheese and pepperoni before popping it into her mouth and saying around the mouthful, “So, how’s things?”
Maia looked at Valerie crunching crackers, cheese and pepperoni and started laughing. She laughed until she coughed because she laughed so hard. “Things suck!” she finally managed to get out.
“Yeah, they kinda do. So, how can we fix the sucking things?” Valerie asked, a bright smile on her face, munching on her second mouthful.
Maia shook her head, looking off toward the window, “I don’t know. I have no idea.”
“Well, food can’t hurt. Here, try this new cheese your Dad found me; it’s got sesame seeds in it. Oh. My. God! I could live on this stuff.” Valerie paused, “Actually, I kinda do at the moment. But, just try it, you’ll see.”
Maia didn’t have time to answer, Valerie leaned over and stuffed a slice into Maia’s mouth.
“Oh, wow, that is good,” Maia said, reaching for another.
“I know, right?!” Valerie responded, reaching for another piece.
“You ready for tomorrow night?” Valerie asked.
“Yeah, just what I want to do, surround myself with couples cementing their commitment to each other while I’m still not sure why mine fell apart. But, I’m ready. It’s not their fault I’m unhappy, and I will always be there for my family.”
Maia realized that Valerie had stopped mid-chew and now wore a wrinkle between her brows.
“What?” Maia asked.
“Uuh, seems to me you’re unhappy because you renounced your Mate.”
“I thought you supported me in that decision?” Maia asked, surprised.
“Maia, honey. I absolutely do! I support you in anything you choose to do. Always. And I will absolutely whip Riley’s ass if he even tries to approach you after you sent him away. YOU are my priority. But I’ve watched you lay around here for days on end. You don’t eat, you don’t smile, you just lay here, sniffing those stinky ass gloves you think I don’t know about.”
Maia’s eyes widened.
“Yeah, that’s right. I know you have Riley’s gloves under that pillow. But, the point is, if you’re hurting this much now that you have what you want, are you sure it’s what you want?”
Maia fumbled with the edge of the blanket in her fingertips. “No. But it’s what I have to have. I heard another woman’s voice. I heard him tell her to take the shirt he had on because it smelled like him. I KNOW what I heard. And no matter how badly I want him, I will not become my mother, waiting at home for my Mate to come to me after he’s done with everyone else he has on speed dial. I won’t do it. I deserve more.” Maia’s eyes filled with tears again. “I just can’t stop loving him. I can’t stop thinking what if. Ya know?”
Valerie nodded, “Yeah, I do know. If you’re absolutely sure of what you heard, then you did the right thing. Doesn’t make it any easier, though, I know.”
“I’m sure,” Maia said softly.
Valerie looked around the room, “Well, what about some friends? Why don’t you get up and go somewhere? Call somebody?”
“Like who? I never made the effort to get close to anyone because I was too busy taking every opportunity to be near Riley and Cristie. I miss Cristie, too.”
“It’s a tough situation,” Valerie conceded. “Tell you what, tomorrow evening after we get Bam and Everly married, why don’t you take the opportunity to wander around the festival. Maybe you’ll run into some friends from school, end up connecting with some new people.”
“I don’t know, maybe, but I don’t walk around by myself,” Maia said.
But she didn’t say no, Valerie noticed, “I’ll walk around with you. I’ll send your Dad to take care of something for me, and you and I will walk around the festival for a bit.”
“Really?”
“Yes, really. Now help me eat all this, but not too much. Leave me some ‘cause Havoc and Hellion are pretty excited about this new cheese.”
When the cheese and pepperoni was all eaten, the root beer nearly gone, Valerie picked up the remnants of their midnight snack and leaned over, kissing Maia on the forehead. “Fate is going to give you what you’re supposed to have, no matter how much you try to control things. It is what it is, Maia. You’ve made your stand. You’ve got clear opportunity ahead of you. Stop trying to force things to make sense. Sit back, take a deep breath and see where your fate takes you. No matter where it is, your dad and I are beside you.”
Maia nodded, “You’re right. I’ll try.”
“Love you,” Valerie said from the doorway.
“Love you, too,” Ma
ia answered. She lay there listening to Valerie’s footsteps fade away back toward the kitchen. She reached over and tugged on the strings of the mini-blinds causing them to open. She stared up at the moon shining brightly down on her, and though she tried to fight it, her mind went to Riley, his smile, the feel of his hand on her waist as he guided her through the clearing as they walked to Bane’s house, how happy and proud she’d been when she’d believed she was his. “I wish I’d been enough,” she whispered. “Wherever you are, I wish you happiness, Riley. I hope you can find someone who’ll be enough to fill your heart forever and fill you up so much that you never need to look elsewhere.”
She pulled the gloves out from under her pillow and dropped them in the garbage can beside her bed. She turned over and burrowed into her covers again, her eyes filling with tears, “I have to let go. I’ll never move on if I don’t let go. Be happy, Riley.” Maia hid her face in her pillow and cried herself to sleep, still wondering why she’d not been enough to keep him from straying, in spite of her conscious effort to let go.
Chapter 10
Riley lay in his bed, staring up at the moon through his bedroom window. His mind, his heart, his thoughts, with Maia. “Where are you, honey?” he whispered. He reached for the soft pink tank top that still carried her scent. He wrapped it around his hand and brought it to his nose, inhaling deeply. He’d picked it up from the yard the night that Valerie had almost ripped his throat out, and he and Maverik had had their standoff. He’d come across her clothes on the way back to his truck and on impulse took it with him. His Panther had needed the comfort of her scent. He lay there, thinking of her smile, her scent, the warmth of her body on his hand as she allowed him to walk her along the paths between the homes of her clan. He looked up at the moon again, “I miss you so much. I’m empty without you. Don’t give up on me, Maia. I’m still here. I’m still waiting. Still love you.”
Riley lay there, staring at the moon ‘til almost dawn before sleep finally claimed him.
Hours later he was awakened by the sound of laughter and voices floating up the stairs to his bedroom. He could hear Cristie laughing, Richie’s rich, deep laughter and a female voice. Riley stretched, taking his time to wake up. He knew that as long as Cristie was with Richie, she was safe. And as long as she was laughing, she was okay with him being out of her sight. He got up and enjoyed a long, hot shower. Got dressed, then headed down to join his people.
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