An Unwanted Second Chance (JB Tirado) novel Chapter 66

Chapter 66

They laid there for a while as Riley listened to Kent’s breathing as it evened out. She laid there long after he. had fallen asleep, just enjoying the feel of being in his arms.

I could get used to this, Rose murmured in her mind.

Me too, Riley admitted, burying her nose into his chest to breathe in his scent. She had been fighting this bond for weeks and she was realizing how exhausting that fight was. Her body and soul yearned to be with him to the point that being away from him caused her physical pain.

There was a knock at the door that drew her attention. She glanced at Kent who was sleeping peacefully before sliding out of his embrace. There was another knock as she padded lightly across the room, cracking the door open to see Max standing in the hall.

His lips parted in surprise as he saw her standing in the door.

“I was looking for Kent,” he explained softly.

“He fell asleep about an hour ago,” she said, opening the door more so Max could see Kent sleeping in the bed. Max glanced in at Kent before looking back at her.

“That explains why he wasn’t answering my mindlink,” he said. “He doesn’t usually sleep this early.”

She shrugged. “Well, he was kind of drunk.”

Max scoffed softly, shaking his head. “Did he run his mouth? He can be a real prick when he’s been drinking.”

She shook her head, smiling slightly. “He wasn’t that bad.” She stepped in the hall, shutting the door softly so

they wouldn’t wake Kent. “What did you need him for?”

“I’m getting ready to head out to look at the rogues,” he explained. “I’m going to meet with the scouts and

spend the night with them, then I’m going to approach this woman in the morning. I just wanted to let him know, but I don’t want to wake him. Will you let him know in the morning?”

“Of course,” she said.

Max turned to go but hesitated, looking back at Riley. “Can I ask you a question?”

She shrugged. “I guess.”

“What’s going on with you and him?”

She hesitated, pulling her bottom lip between her teeth. “That’s not really your business,” she finally said.

“I know.” He rubbed the back of his neck. “And you don’t have to tell me, but I just…” He sighed. “You like him though? It’s obvious.”

“That’s also not your business.” Riley turned to go back into the room when Max caught her wrist.

“Kent’s my best friend,” he said quietly. “I’ve watched him lose both his parents, his brother, his mate. I’ve been there through all that. If you’re going to break him, you need to tell me before you do. I’m not sure how many more heartbreaks that man has left in him.”

She opened her mouth but closed it quickly, not sure how to answer him.

“I know this isn’t my place,” Max whispered, leaning closer to her. “And I know Kent will kill me if finds out, but

Chapter 66

that man loves you, Riley. I haven’t seen him come alive like this in years. I thought he would never recover what he lost when Lily died. I didn’t think he would ever really come back, but he is coming back. And that’s

thanks to you.”

She felt her heart hammering in her chest, her mouth dry as she stared into Max’s intense brown eyes.

“I’ve made issues for the two of you,” he continued. “I know that and I am sorry. I should have listened to him

when he said we could trust you. I should have trusted you from the start. I see that now. I just wanted to

protect my son. But I should have realized that you weren’t the threat. I should have never forced Kent into the position I did. I don’t think I could ever tell you how sorry I am for that. But please don’t hurt my friend

because of me. Please.”

His plea was soft, his eyes wide and earnest. She felt a thick lump in her throat as she swallowed hard.

“I don’t want to hurt him,” she finally said. “I… I…”

He released her wrist, taking a step back. “I know,” he said. “I know how you feel about him too. It’s obvious.”

She bit her lip for a moment. “I understand why you did what you did, even if I disagree with your choices. But

if I’m going to stay here, you can’t do that again. You have to trust me.”

“I do trust you.” He stepped forward and pulled her into a tight hug. “I would be honored to have you in this

pack. You would be a great luna,” he whispered into her hair before taking a step back.

“Tell him I left,” he said, walking to the stairwell.

She watched him go, listening to the door shut quietly behind him. Finally she took a deep breath, stepping

back into Kent’s room. Kent was still sleeping on the bed, his chest gently rising and falling with each breath.

That man loves you. That’s what Max had said. His words had been similar to what Leo had told her a week

ago. The thought was both thrilling and terrifying at the same time. She had loved someone once and it had ended so badly.

But Kent wasn’t Paul and she wasn’t the same girl she was nine years ago.

She climbed back into the bed and Kent stirred, opening his eyes slightly.

“Where did you go?” he murmured, his voice thick and hoarse.

“Nowhere,” she said, curling back under his arm.

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Chapter 67

Chapter 67