Page 18 of Claimed by the Pack

Again, I went for the lie. “His roommate, is a woman. They have a baby together. He's working on leaving, but it's complicated. I promised him I wouldn't tell, anyone.”

My friends exchanged another glance and then Marta crossed her skinny little arms again and sat back into the chair with her lips pursed. Bonnie looked like she was trying to process it all, or maybe she just didn't believe a hot guy like Ridge would want me.

“So...this creep is married, with a baby?” Marta said, “And he let you tell some bizarre story and be embarrassed in front of the cops, us, your parents...most of the island, to protect him?”

“He didn't ask me to lie, and honestly, I did it as much for me as for him. I knew about the girlfriend before I left with him, he was honest with me. I wanted him, so I did this, and then I was ashamed of myself so I lied.”

“I don't believe you,” Marta said.

“Me neither,” Bonnie chimed in.

I know, since I was a big, fat, liar, it wasn't fair, but I did my best to turn it around on them. “So what don't you believe? That this hot guy wanted me? That any guy wanted me?”

“No! Stop that,” Marta said. “Of course he wanted you. You're gorgeous even though you have no idea. That's not what we're saying. It's just, the idea of you being with a man who is cheating is so out of character for you, and the sneaking around, not answering your phone and making up stories. None of that is in character for you.”

“I know,” I said. “I've always been the good girl. But I have urges like anyone else, and...there was just something about Ridge, I was drawn to him from that first night we met. I've never been that drawn to anyone.” At least this part was true. “I thought about him all the time and the highlight of going out, was seeing him. He was so attentive. He told me I was beautiful...I needed all of that, and I got lost in it. I'm truly sorry that I worried everyone, and that I lied. But haven't either of you ever done anything foolish because you were crazy over a man?” They were quiet for a long time before Bonnie said,

“I have, more than once.”

“Me too,” Marta said. “But I have one more question...two, actually.”

I cocked an eyebrow. “Okay?”

“Are you still seeing him?”

“No. I told him I couldn't do it, not unless he takes care of his relationship first. Question two?”

“The jumpiness, nervousness, always looking over your shoulder...what's that about?”

“That has nothing to do with Ridge,” I said, trying to think of a story as I went along. “Or maybe, it does. But I'm not afraid of him, or anyone in particular. I guess my conscience is just stronger than I gave it credit for. The guilt is eating away at me...like the Tell-Tale Heart.” They weren't avid readers like I was and they both looked at me, blankly. “Edgar Allan Poe?” Still nothing. I sighed and said, “It's a book, about a man who commits a grievous sin and then loses his mind over the guilt. Don't worry though, I'm not losing my mind. I'll be okay. I just need some time to work through it.” I stood up and the girls did too. Bonnie suddenly hugged me and then Marta hugged us both and said,

“Please don't think you can't tell us things. We won't judge you.”

I truly loved them, and I despised lying to them even more because of it. They trusted me and that caused an ache in the center of my chest. I whispered a “Thank you,” and hugged them back and then I went back to wondering just how long I was going to wake up every morning with a knot in the pit of my stomach, and fall asleep every night with the face of a man I simultaneously wanted and feared, seared into my brain.

* * *

Grayson

It was Sunday,my day off. I was relaxing at the compound, thinking about going for a run along the beach and just having a peaceful day. Then my phone rang...and the man on the other end did his best to change all that. I listened carefully to what Ridge was saying, reacting silently to a lot of it, but not speaking a word until he wrapped it all up by saying,

“Grayson, before you say no, please remember everything we've been through together...”

“Oh that's low.” Ridge was my hero, my savior, and he knew it. He's a good guy, but he's a self-centered guy and he doesn't hesitate to use what I “owe” him to get what he wants.

“I'm sorry, Gray. You're right, it sucks for me to do that to you. I just can't explain how badly I want this.”

“I know you, Ridge. When you want something, you want it badly and you'll do anything to get what you want, including pulling me into this mess. I'm 19, Ridge. I grew up an orphan wolf so all I know about any of that came from you. I've only lived as a human for a year, so I don't know much about that either. If I get expelled from this pack, I won't make it. I have to wonder how much you value our friendship when I think about you putting me in that position.”

“I'm sorry,” he said, sounding genuinely remorseful.

“Why not ask Chase?”

“Chase will be expected at work tomorrow. I heard Clay say you have this week off, that's what made me think of you.”

“Right, that and the fact that I never say no to you. Where will they think I am all week?”

“Running in the woods. You know they don't keep tabs on us on our days off. You don't have to stay all week...just a few days. Just find out if she's thinking about me, or talking about me. Find out if she hates me, or if there might still be a chance....Come on buddy. You're the right color and your eyes are blue...they'll believe you're a dog, a husky or whatever.”

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