Chapter 10 – Riley Thomas
Riley Thomas
T he storm passes quickly enough. It's several days of massive snowfall followed by a few days of horribly cold temperatures. Killian drops a pink snow suit on the counter one morning after breakfast and Cove squeals loud enough to burst all of our eardrums.
I stay inside with Lily while Finn and Killian take Cove out to play in the snow.
Cannon offers to watch Lily for a few minutes and I do run out to snap a few pictures, but honestly, I need warmer clothes from storage if I'm going to survive another New England winter.
It's much colder on the island with a biting wind that cuts right through you.
Killian's mom pops in one morning to meet the girls.
Felicity Adler is so hilariously opposite from her son, that I stare open mouthed for a solid thirty seconds before I get my shit together.
First of all, she's tiny. No more than 5'3" or 5'4" max.
She's got short blonde hair and an easy smile.
She's also an omega. She carries a few extra pounds, and she's an undeniably beautiful woman, but glancing at Killian I see literally zero resemblance.
Killian chuckles. "I look like my dad."
"I didn't say a word," I hiss, swiping at his hand that pinches my chin.
"Didn't have to. Your face said it all," he says, grinning.
Okay, maybe I do see some resemblance. Felicity grins back at Killian. That smile has to be at least partially from his mother. It transforms both their faces.
"I don't know how many hours I'll be working. Is there a set rate, per child per week? Or is it an hourly fee?" I ask, taking a seat next to Felicity on the sofa.
"Let's just see how much you're making," Felicity says. "Mostly the island is dead this time of year. I'm bored out of my mind. During summer I get a bit busier, honestly dear, it's no trouble."
That is not actually helpful at all in helping me figure out a budget, but I let it go. She's doing me a favor. I can hardly complain.
Cove pouts the rest of the day after Felicity leaves. She was enamored by the grandmotherly vibe Felicity exudes.
Finn distracts her with an impromptu puppet show.
Complete with sock puppets and a variety of voices.
He puts on quite the production. Cove is entranced.
She giggles and does her own voices. I snap pictures like crazy.
For being so young, she sure can be serious.
It's good to see her smiling and carefree.
Cannon and I have a brief discussion on when I'll start at the restaurant. He drops off a couple polo shirts in various sizes.
"I'm assuming you have more belongings aside from what's packed in that SUV?" Cannon asks, scratching at his jaw. He leans over me in the hallway outside my room.
"Yes, an entire apartment full of stuff is currently in storage," I say, glancing away at his probing look.
"In storage," Cannon repeats. "Where?"
"The storage unit is like an hour away." I shrug. "It's on the mainland."
"It's not like you have to take a boat to get out here.
" He sighs. "Why don't the guys and I go with you to your storage unit once the roads clear up?
You need warmer clothes and…" He shakes his head.
"I'm trying so hard not to push. It's practically impossible.
How the hell did you even end up out here Riley? Especially during winter."
Glancing at the floor, I puzzle through what I'm likely allowed to say.
"I don't want to pressure you," he says softly. His hand brushes my cheek. "I want to be here for you. Do you see the difference?"
I nod shakily.
"My ex was transferred for work. Cove and I moved to be closer to him.
We were living in a less populated area a couple hours away from him.
Right after I found out I was pregnant with Lily, he moved me and Cove to Portland.
We had a nice little rental house that I loved.
Then, my ex decided he was done with our relationship.
My lease was set to be done at the beginning of November, so everything is in storage.
I was only here to meet with him. He said he had some things we needed to discuss. " I shrug. "You saw the rest."
"Why didn't you live with your ex?" Cannon asks. He leans close and my nose twitches as I breathe him in. He caresses my cheek tenderly.
"I wasn't the other woman if that's what you're thinking," I say, pushing his hand away.
"Christ," he growls. "That wasn't what I was implying."
"O-Okay," I whisper, chewing on my bottom lip.
"How old is Cove?" he asks. His eyes search mine.
I don't say anything as I study his face. His scent is angry or upset. It's rare to scent any emotions other than arousal from a person.
"She turned three in September," I say, glancing away.
"Were you eighteen when you gave birth?"
I nod. "Just barely," I whisper.
"Fucking hell," he growls, he yanks me into his chest.
A large hand cups the back of my head, holding it to him. His pheromones invade my nose and I have to focus on breathing through my mouth instead. I can recognize that he's not angry with me, but smelling that type of pheromone always puts an omega on edge.
"How old is your ex?" Cannon whispers the question against the side of my head.
"It doesn't change anything that's already happened," I say, sighing. "I'm pretty sure I'm not allowed to talk about that either."
"Have you had a lawyer look over those papers he sprung on you?"
He heard some of my conversation with Mr. McAnders, but not everything.
"I did," I say, nodding against his strongly muscled chest. "He's supposed to get back to me this week."
Tipping my head up, his eyes burn into mine. "Promise me something?"
"What?" I ask.
Biting my cheek, I try to glance away. Cannon tenderly grips my chin, brushing his thumb over my cheek.
"You'll never go back to him. Promise me that?" His eyes plead with me to agree.
"That chapter of my life is over," I agree. "It never should have started to begin with, but without him…"
"You wouldn't have those two precious girls." He nods. He yanks me into him, squeezing me tightly. "He's still a sick son of a bitch," he growls. He's practically vibrating with tension.
"He's something alright," I agree with a forced laugh.
"Let's get some dinner," he says, finally releasing me.
Good God, the way he stares down at me… that look of soft affection is dangerous as fuck.
What the hell Riley? You really are a dumb fool. Far too stupid to learn from your mistakes.
Shaking away those thoughts, I step back, nodding at Cannon.
It's time to focus on me and the girls. Men are handy to lift shit and kill spiders, but they aren't necessary to be happy.
Finding my independence, taking care of my girls, and standing on my own two feet are far more likely to give me true happiness than any man ever could.
Except you're an omega. Biology will eventually force the issue. You'll have a hellacious heat and no respite without alphas.
Sometimes, biology really sucks.