My cheeks heated when Riff’s gaze met mine without wavering, the honesty within them shining brightly. “I’m sorry we couldn’t tell you the truth. I wanted to, but Kyler forbade it, then Marcus did too. We argued, but he feared it might break your spirit knowing the person meant to be your perfect mate rejected you and cheated as well. Then, once you proved you were anything but fragile, Marcus hesitated because between your monster and his actions you became breakable. We did it horribly, but please, give us another chance. Even if it’s just to rub in Kyler’s face how much you don’t need him.”
“I rather like that,” I chuckled, and he sighed before kissing my forehead. “It would be kind of fun.” Especially if Arctic came along. What would the hotshot think if the girl he spurned had another suitor? One who, by all appearances, might very well kick his ass. It would do him some good to learn he wasn’t the top predator, not when he was alone. Biting my lip, I wondered why the shifters took vampires on, but werewolves couldn’t. What was a shifter? How did they come to be? Werewolves were born, not made, judging by the number of teenagers who were wolves. Could they be made? If so, what were the circumstances?
“Heh, earth to Angel,” Char chuckled. Blinking, I shook my head before shyly glancing at the wolf who grinned. “Anything you want to share with the class?” My cheeks heated, and he laughed. Kissing my forehead while his sides shook with mirth, Char chucked me under my chin before collapsing on Ryker’s mattress. “Ugh, I am so freaking exhausted. Those damn bloodsuckers are cruel bastards. I’m happy to see they’re nice to Matty. Although, why did they let those humans hold them back? Are they Ryker’s favorite toys?”
“Humans? Char. Tyger and Arctic are shifters. So is Snow, the woman who Matty stayed close to,” I answered with confusion. “Tyger and Arctic give the vampires a run for their money and are faster than them too. I hoped you knew more about them.”
“Shifters?” Riff and Char echoed, glancing at each other before returning their gazes to me.
“I’ve only heard of shifters in passing. Whispers in the dark when we were pups, and the adults believed we slept,” Riff sighed contritely. “I wish I knew more than that.”
“As do I, sorry, Angel,” Char mumbled with a frown. I bit my lip, wondering if the puzzles and riddles would ever end. What would it mean for my life if they did? That I was complete? Or dead?
“That’s because shifters are a dirty secret,” Ryker chuckled upon entering his room with a slight smirk. “Therefore, your elders don’t want you to know about them. Whether from guilt or because it makes it easier, I’m not sure.”
“What’s a shifter?” Riff asked shakily. The wary trust in his eyes surprised me. Did he trust Ryker because I did? Or did he know something I didn’t?
“That’s a story for another time, children,” Ryker answered with a broad, fang-bearing grin. Bastard. He shook his head when I frowned, a soft sigh leaving his lips. “I know you’re tired of later, Angel, but please be patient. It’s not something you will enjoy learning, nor will your puppies. However, I promise I will tell you soon. I won’t have much choice. Still, I find myself reluctant to not dawdle because I hope to enjoy your company for a bit longer before you blast me with your ire.”
I scowled, but sighed after a moment, shrugging a second later and deciding to let it be. Ryker promised soon, and, deep in my soul, I felt like I would not enjoy gaining this knowledge. My soul was wary, albeit my heart ached. “What will you do about Riff and Char?” I asked without glancing at them. Their frustration danced along my awareness, as did their exhaustion and relief.
“First, they need showers, then a nutritious meal, followed by some sleep. They’ll stay in here, as will you. I don’t trust these fools to abstain from antagonizing your puppies in the hopes they can hurt them once they attack. While your young wolves will snap and snarl, I doubt they’ll attack unless they must defend you,” Ryker answered steadily. His eyes bore into mine, and I dropped my gaze with a sigh of relief upon seeing the honesty in them. I couldn’t live with myself if Riff and Char were hurt because of me. I know Tyger said Ryker never meant to keep me separated from them, but it was still lovely to hear it from the man himself.
“Now, I heard an interesting proposal about rubbing a certain mutt’s nose in his idiocy? I rather like this idea since it would be good for my bunny. Not in the sense that she’s punishing the fool. But she shall show herself she can return to the scene of the crime without breaking. Sure, it might be hard, but Angel will persevere. And, it will good for you to stay at a school for once, little one,” Ryker’s voice became so gentle my eyes snapped up to meet his once more. “You are fond of this school, and your fellow students, yes?” Warmth softened his eyes,
