GIFTED RILEY by Lacy Mierr

Chapter 30 More Than Just Dinner

*Riley*

My training had left me a wreck. Collapsing onto the bed, every musele screamed in protest. Still, a strange satisfaction bloomed in my chest. I didn’t want to stop. I was glad that I had control over one little aspect of my life.

Just as the thought settled, the door swung open with a bang, revealing Vera in the doorway.

“Do you have plans for dinner?” she asked, her tone brisk.

I blinked. “Sara usually handles dinner. Here, in my room.”

Vera raised an eyebrow. “Tonight,” she declared, “It’s in the dining. room. Wear something…not your usual.” Before I could stammer a reply, she was gone, leaving me utterly confused.

What was that about? Vera wanted to have dinner with me? But why? Did she have something to say?

–

Swallowing the lump in my throat, I quickly freshened up. I grabbed the closest thing that wasn’t gym clothes a simple dress. It wasn’t exactly ‘nice,’ but it wasn’t soaked in sweat either. Hopefully, that would suffice.

My mind swirled as I made my way to the dining room. I wondered what was going on, and what Vera had to say to me. I hoped nothing had happened, I hoped Nicolas was safe.

But when I walked into the room, I began to understand that this wasn’

Chapter 30 More Than Aust Dinner

t a social call. It was an intervention. Of what, I did not know, but I’d find out soon enough.

–

Sat at the head of the table not surprising was Nicolas, at his right. hand side was Vera and beside her was Knox, leaving the left side of Nicolas for me.

I still wasn’t ready to face him yet. Especially after everything that had happened last night. I was glad that at least he wasn’t looking at me. I feared I would shrivel up and die if his eyes were to ever meet mine. tonight.

“Well, well,” Vera drawled, the familiar teasing glint in her eyes. “Finally decided to join us. I was just about to send out a search party.”

Her gaze shifted between me and Nicolas, watching us closely. Why was Vera so fascinated by my interaction with Nicolas that she stared at me that way whenever we were in the same room?

Nicolas still wasn’t looking at me. I didn’t want him to anyways, so why did it hurt?

“Are you finally back to earth, Riley?” Vera asked, the amusement thick in her voice.

“What do you mean?”

Knox and Vera exchanged a look. I assumed it was his turn, because Knox was speaking next. “You were… not yourself.”

Vera chuckled. “That’s one way to put it. She almost devoured poor Nicolas over here.”

“I…” I couldn’t form any real words. I could feel the heat rising up my cheeks. This was the last conversation I wanted to have, especially

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with Nicolas sitting there.

“It’s not gonna get easier, sweetheart,” Vera continued, a knowing look in her eye. “But hey, at least you’ve got someone who can handle you.”

“And who handled you, Vera?” Knox asked.

Vera’s white gaze flickered to Knox, then back to me. “That’s a story for another time,” she said o l l y. “But trust me, when Riley’s turn comes, she’ll be in for a wild ride.”

She winked at me, sending a fresh wave of heat flooding my face. I could practically feel the steam rising from my head.

“Enough,” Nicolas cut in, his voice firm. “That’s not why we’re here.”

Whatever it is, I hope it’s not about me. I don’t think I can handle. another conversation about me, even if it were completely innocent.

“You’re the people I trust the most,” he paused, his eyes finally meeting

mine.

I felt his gaze in my soul. My lips slightly parted. Everyone else disappeared and all I saw was him. Finally breaking away from the spell, I cleared my throat, forcing my eyes down to the table.

Even as I stared at the table, I could still feel his gaze on me, but I couldn’t bear to look up. “My mother will be back next week, we…”

“What?” Knox and Vera asked in unison, cutting Nicolas off.

“Why would Luna Amelia be back so soon?” Knox asked no one in particular.

“Do you think… Do you think she heard something?” At the last word,

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Vera’s head turned her head to look at me. And instantly, I knew what she met. The ‘something’ she referred to was me. Has Luna Amelia heard about me?

I stared at them in confusion. I’d heard a few things about Luna Amelia. Everyone said she was the best Luna ever in the Lycan pack. She was loving, kind, fun, challenging. She was a best warrior before.

utmost love and respect for her.

It sounded like everyone here had the o

I expected that everyone would be thrilled at the news of her arrival. So, why did they look so scared? Why was Vera looking at me like she was worried about me, about my future here.

Or were the stories not true? Was she impossible to get along with? finally raised my head, staring at Nicolas, waiting for him to explain.

He rubbed his temple, his gaze meeting mine. “Mother loves to travel, and it’s been a while since she graced us with her presence.”

“Right,” I said, tension coiling in my gut. “So, what’s the problem?”

Nicolas’ jaw clenched. “Why do you think there’s a problem?”

Frustration bubbled up. Did he think I was s t pi d? That I couldn’t see the looks on their faces? “Because everyone is so tense, and you keep looking at me like that. Would someone please tell me what’s going on?”

Nicolas ran a hand through his hair, a nervous laugh escaping his lips. “My mother,” he started, then stopped, searching for the right words. “Let’s just say she’s taken a… well, an active interest in my love life lately. Every time she visits, it’s like a whirlwind of marriage talk and blind date hell.”

I managed a smile, trying to cover the jealousy that was creeping into

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my heart, but it felt strained, brittle even.

The thought of Nicolas, charming and funny, on a string of dates with women I didn’t know sent a pang of possessiveness through me. Was it ridiculous? Maybe. But the image wouldn’t leave my mind.

As if sensing my emotions, Nicolas’ hand closed over mine. I could see the reassurance in his eyes.

“But this time,” he began, his voice dropping to a husky whisper. “Things are going to be different. No more forced smiles across the dinner table, pretending to be interested in some random woman my mother dug up.” He paused, letting his words sink in.

I could feel Vera’s eyes on me, waiting for me to say something. “Okay? What does that mean?” I asked.

“This time,” he continued, his gaze holding mine with an intensity that made my breath catch, “I want…” He trailed off, his thumb tracing a circle on the back of my hand.

“This time, Riley,” Nicolas cleared his throat, trying again. “I want you by my side. I hope that you would stand with me Riles, as my mate, and as my girlfriend,” he squeezed my hand, looking deeper into my eyes. “I want you to be with me when I welcome my mother.”