Filed To Story: Their Bullied and Broken Mate by Teri Petry
As much as I tried to enjoy the game, my mind kept wandering to Riley’s wolf ritual. I have heard so many negative things that I think I was letting it get to me. I kept trying to tell myself that other people’s experiences can’t be compared to our own. It was then that I was thankful to now have Dakota.
As much as I loved Franz, and I missed him terribly, sometimes, he was impulsive and didn’t always listen. Dakota was more patient and treated me as if we were a team and not two separate entities. I prayed that when Sterling got older and Franz came forward, that the wolf would treat my son with the respect he should. Sterling would definitely be raised to respect his wolf.
“Dakota?” I called to him. “I’m here,” he replied.
“I’m going to need you on the same page with me during this ritual. I can’t lose her, I just can’t,” I plead with him.
“Maddix, we will not lose our mate. The goddess has assured me that she will help me control the frenzy that could cause me to go too far. She has also already introduced me to the wolf she has chosen for our mate. However, I can’t tell you about her yet. It will work out, just as our mate has said,” he stated.
It brought a little calmness to my worried mind, and I started to think about my mom. I still hadn’t approached her to apologize, and she had already left with Adelina and the others. I knew her and my dads were more than likely in bed, so I messaged Phoenix to check on her.
Me: You awake bro?
Phoenix: Yea, trying to get settled. It feels weird being back here.
Me: I’m sure there’s going to be an adjustment. You were so young that I’m surprised you even remember.
Phoenix: Since being back, I’ve remembered more than I care to. What’s up with you? You’re up late.
Me: Was watching the game I recorded earlier. Couldn’t sleep. This whole thing with Riley has done my head in. I think I’ve worked it out though. How’s mom? Still mad?
Phoenix: You worry too much. You always have. Your worry will cause you to make mistakes. Remember that. Mom, well, she’s mom. Overly bossy, and even more hovering. I don’t think she was ever mad, Maddix. I think you just triggered her. It had been a long time since she had thought of those people.
He was right. I knew he was. “Those people” were my parents and uncles. Even though they were cruel as hell, it didn’t change who they were. I have always tried to make sure not to be like “those people”, but they were my DNA. I may be wired and raised differently, but it had to be inevitable that their attitudes would come out in me. Right?
Just another thing I had to think about. Maybe, just maybe, I should talk to Peter as well. My family was going to end up making the kind therapist a very wealthy man.
I decided to go to bed and cuddle my wife. However, when I got to our room, I had to figure out a way to maneuver myself into our bed. Riley was on her side of the bed, and between her side and my side was my sweet baby boy and his slightly older sister. Adopting Willow has never been a regret, just like accepting my mate has never been a regret. These two beautiful girls have only enhanced my life. I’ll be damned if a “King” separates us.
*RILEY POV*
It’s finally Friday, and we are going to Ruby Meadows. The full moon is in two days, and we want to find the perfect spot for the ritual.
Maddix is still nervous, but even though I continue to reassure him that it will be fine, he is still being a worry wart. Hell, his own wolf had told him to stop worrying.
New Book: Returned To Make Them Pay
On her wedding anniversary, Alicia is drugged and stumbles into the wrong room—straight into the arms of the powerful Caden Ward, a man rumored never to touch women. Their night of passion shocks even him, especially when he discovers she’s still a virgin after two years of marriage to Joshua Yates.