Werewolf Boyfriend: Ryker Part 2 (complete)

“Mama, why aren’t we going?” Del whines from her car seat.

“Give me a second, baby,” I grumble. I try cranking the car again, but the engine just whines for a moment before shutting down. “The car isn’t behaving.”

I had stopped in Hearthway Hollow so Del and I could see the wolf reserve, but after breakfast this morning the car won’t start at all. I take Del back inside and start searching through the phone book to find a tow service. “Looks like we may be stuck here for a few more days,” I tell Del. “The car is going to probably need a lot of repairs.”

“That’s okay. I like it here better,” Del says with a big grin. “Are we still going to be able to go see the wolves?”

I sigh and sit down with her on the couch. “I’ll try to get us there, no worries. Once the tow truck comes, I’ll see if they know any places where we can rent a car.”

“Okay,” she says with a shrug.

“You’re not upset we’ll miss the beach?” I ask her.

She shakes her head. “Not really.”

“Oh? Why is that?” 

“I only said that place because you seemed excited to go somewhere,” she murmurs. “I just wanted you to be happy.”

I grab her up and hug her so tight. “You’re so sweet! But this vacation was supposed to be for the both of us.”

“I like it here,” she murmurs. “So is it okay if we stay here a little longer? It’s nice, and you’ve already made friends here.”

“Amelie and Shahan?” I ask. I kiss her forehead. “So you like them?”

Del nods silently.

There’s a knock at the door, and when I answer it’s Jack from the hardware store. “Oh, hey,” he waves. “I thought the name sounded familiar. We’re here for the car.”

“Thank you.” I hand over the car key. “Do you by any chance any know of car rentals around here?

Jack takes a card from his pocket. “This is the place you’ll wanna call. They’ll drive the car right over, too.”

“Thank goodness,” I sigh. “I promised to take Del to the wolf reserve, and of course, the car won’t crank.”

“Isn’t that how it always is when you promise your kid something?” Jack chuckles. “I have your number, so as soon as we know what’s going on, I’ll give you a call.”

I say goodbye and go inside to call the number on the card. As I’m waiting for someone to pick up, I see Ryker’s number laying on the counter. Before, I didn’t have the intention of messaging him at all; I was only going to be here a day or two. Now that I’m going to be spending my vacation in Hearthway Hollow, maybe it wouldn’t be so bad to call him.

I make plans for a car to be dropped off at the cabin, then send Ryker a quick text. “I’m having car issues, and Del has decided to spend our vacation here. Any tips on how to feed her would be much appreciated.”

I sit back down on the sofa, while Del colors and watches cartoons. My phone chimes again - the chef has replied. My heart thrums excitedly to see what he’s said.

“Who is this?”

I frown for a moment. “Zara. I was with Shahan and Amelie last night.”

It’s another long moment before my phone beeps again. “Sorry, I work late and sleep in. I’m not a smart morning person. Yeah of course I’ll help.”

“I’m sorry! I didn’t mean to wake you!” I quickly apologize.

“No worries. Did she enjoy the doggy bag I sent?”

I smile gently to myself. “Yeah, she loved it.”

“Great. I’m gonna get coffee. Talk to you later.”

I keep smiling, wondering if I’ll ever get to see him again while I’m still in Hearthway Hollow.

After a while the car is dropped off, and I’m given the new key. I sign a few papers for the rental and give a down payment for the first two days. As I look over the car and make sure I’m used to the controls, I see something strange in the rearview mirror. There’s something in the trees, moving around. As I turn, I see it go down the hill and onto Amelie and Shahan’s porch. It’s a wolf, and a massive one too. It goes in through the open door, and I panic. I don’t have Amelie’s number, nor do I know Shahan’s or where he works. In a moment of desperation, I dial Ryker’s number.

“Hello?” He sounds confused.

“I am so so sorry to call like this! But I just saw this wolf walk into Amelie and Shahan’s place! And I know Amelie is home alone, and Shahan isn’t there, and I don’t know anyone here!” I spew out a stream-of-consciousness that comes together sounding like a single word.

“Whoa, whoa,” Ryker starts. “Calm down. A wolf?”

“Yes! Yes! Yes!” I’m nearly screaming.

“Okay.” It sounds like he’s chuckling. “I’ll call Amelie up, and if anything is funny I’ll swing over there.”

“What?” I blurt, but he’s already hung up the phone. I attempt to dial him again, but I go straight to his voicemail. “Oh crap, I’ve really done it now.”

I glance back to the cabin. Del is still inside. I don’t want to leave her alone, but I feel like I have to go make sure Amelie is okay. Then again, what am I going to do against a wolf of that size?

As I’m panicking, I see a car pull up to the house. It parks around the side where I can see it, and Ryker gets out. He goes to the front door, and a while later comes out the back. Amelie and Shahan are with him on the porch.

“What?” I whisper to myself.

The three of them wave up at me, but I feel so stupid I have a hard time waving back. I get a text on my phone. 

“Mind if I come up?” Ryker asks.

“I feel like an idiot, are you sure?” I answer.

“I’ll have a look around the place, make sure there aren’t any wolves there. Just in case,” he texts back.

I watch as he walks up the road to the cabin. He’s wearing a dark blue Henley with the buttons undone, showing off the dark pelt on his chest. His hair is disheveled, hanging chin length around his head. It’s wavy and beautiful, something I wish my hair would look like on a good day. His beard is neatly trimmed, quite possibly one of the best-looking beards I’ve seen, peppered with gray, which only makes it more attractive.

“Good morning,” he says with a smile.

“Hi.” I wave anxiously, then grumble in shame, “I didn’t know Shahan was at the house! I never would have called.”

“Hey, no worries,” Ryker says. “I’ll look around while I’m here. Anything suspicious and I’ll make sure everything is taken care of.”

“Thanks.” My face is growing red-hot as I look at him. Something about him just sets off all the bells and whistles for me. I follow him as he walks around the cabin, his sharp blue eyes studying  the ground for a moment before looking off into the woods.

“So, uhm… Ryker,” I chuckle. “That’s an interesting name.”

“My dad loved Star Trek,” he huffs. “So yes, I am named after that Ryker.”

“I knew it!” I gasp, then snap my mouth shut. “Sorry. I just had a gut feeling. I used to watch the show when I was younger. A friend of mine used to have a bunch of VHS recordings.”

He turns back and looks at me with a smile on his face. “Believe it or not, my dad met my mom at a convention. She was working the hotel it was at, and... well, despite the fact he was dressed in a Starfleet uniform, he charmed her.”

“That’s kind of cute, actually.” I walk up onto the back porch, where the sliding glass door is. 

“I like to think so.” He leans over the railing. “I don’t think you have anything to worry about. I’m sure whatever you saw must have been something else. Shahan and Amelie didn’t see anything.”

I sigh. “Thank goodness. This wouldn’t be the first time my eyes played tricks on me.” 

Ryker motions to the door. “What’s Del doing?”

“Drawing,” I reply with a chuckle. “As long as the markers last, she’ll be busy.”

“Will they last through your vacation?” he asks.

I nod. “They should. Now that we’re going to be spending it here, I suppose I’ll have to go shopping for more supplies.” I smile up at him. “That’s why I asked you for the food help.”

“How long are you here for, then?” He leans back on the railing with his arms, making his broad chest jut out. 

“Uhm-” I try to collect my thoughts. “Three weeks,” I finally blurt out. 

“Oh.” He has a grin on his face. “That’s a long time.”

“Del likes it here, so I think we’ll find a way to pass the time.” A smile spreads across my face. “Just gotta research the town a bit and see what we can get into here.”

“I don’t think you’ll be in any trouble there. The town has lots to do. There’s the big park, I’m sure Del would like that. There’s South Paw Lake, you can take her swimming there. There’s going to be day camp for kids opening for the summer - Billy and his family started it a few years back. Kids go there and get to do crafts and all sorts of stuff. I’m sure if you asked Billy, he’d let Del join in.”

“Really?” I gasp. “She would love that!”

“I’m sure you could find ways to preoccupy yourself too.” Ryker’s words has my insides feeling like pudding. 

“Yeah, well,” I chuckle softly, “I’ve been trying to do that for a year now.”

Ryker furrows his brow and tilts his head. “What do you mean?”

I open my mouth as I try to decide what excuse to give. I sigh and shake my head, deciding I can be blunt about it. “My husband - Michael - had a heart attack last year and passed away.” I bite down on my cheek as I see the expression that washes over his face. “Del and I are fine,” I quickly counter before he says anything. “Of course we miss him, of course we’re sad. But it’s best that we find ways to move on and heal. That’s what this whole vacation was about. I wanted to show Del we could move on.”

“You’re so young, I can’t imagine,” he whispers. “I’m so sorry, Zara.”

I shake my head. “It’s okay, really.” I laugh. “I’m not all that young.”

Ryker just smiles. “Well, if you need anything while you’re here, you have my number.” He runs his fingers through his thick hair, pushing it off his face. “Oh, but the food,” he chuckles. “So, are you a good cook?”

I grimace and look away.

“I will take that as a very solid no,” he laughs. “Well, how about this?” He claps his hands together. “You go and stock up on groceries for your time here, and I have tomorrow off. I can come over and show you some tips.”

“Really?” I gasp in awe.

“Yeah, really,” he says with a grin.

“Let me pay you,” I quickly offer. “I can’t let you do that for nothing.”

He shakes his head. “No way. Not often I get to show off my skills to a willing audience,” he laughs.

“I’m a masseuse!” I counter. “Therapeutic and medical massage,” my cheeks burn. “I can give you a massage in payment.”

A shy smile flickers over his face. “A massage? Really? Would I have to get naked?”

I lose my breath for a moment. “If you wanted,” I squeak.

“Never had a massage,” he says thoughtfully. “Okay, sure. One massage for cooking lessons it is!”

I’m so excited I have no idea what to do with myself. After Ryker leaves, I get Del ready and we head into town. The grocery store is amazing, packed with everything I could possibly need. The only thing I notice that is strange is that there isn’t a meat section. An employee tells me the reason is because of the local butcher shop, which has a monopoly on the meat in town.

Del and I go to the butcher’s shop to pick up meat. Inside it’s like a little deli, very cute and quaint. The man behind the counter looks like an angel in a painting. His hair is platinum white, and he has the most amazing gray eyes.

“You’re new!” he says brightly. “What can I get you?”

“Hi, uhm, yes,” I chuckle. “We’re on vacation here. I just need to pick up a few things to get us through the week.”

“Happy to help. My name is Adam,” he replies.

“Zara,” I beam. Something about him makes me feel comfortable, like he’s the world’s friendliest puppy. 

After shopping, I put Del down for her nap. As I’m putting the groceries away I hear something strange. I look around for a moment, then hear the noise coming from outside. I go to the sliding glass door and push back the curtain. Sitting in the trees beyond the porch, I see a massive wolf.

I nearly scream, but I keep myself quiet since Del is sleeping. I’m not sure what to do. I just stand there staring at it. The wolf gazes back at me with eyes so blue it makes me nervous. It lifts its head then rises from the ground.

“Can we talk?” it says.

I almost pass out.

“Please, Zara,” it murmurs. “I don’t want to scare you, that’s why I’m doing this now.” The wolf rises onto its hind legs, taking on a more human shape. 

Against all reason, I open the door and step out onto the porch. The wolf stands below the railing, looking up at me. “I’m sorry, I…” he huffs. “I wanted to do this right, but I didn’t want to scare Del. I also didn’t want to force something on you if you weren’t ready.”

I furrow my brow as I look at him. “Ryker?” I whisper. “What's-” I look around in a panic. “What the hell is going on?”

“Let me explain.” He walks up onto the porch. “Hearthway Hollow, it’s much more than what it looks like,” he says in a gentle voice.

“That wolf I saw this morning?” I grumble.

“It was Shahan,” he says.

“Is everyone a werewolf?” I snap at him.

Ryker sighs. “Let me explain, please.” He smiles gently at me. “It’s a long story.”

We end up talking for a long time. He tells me how Hearthway Hollow is a sanctuary for werewolves, a place where they can find a home and not have to hide. There is a tradition when a were find their mate - one that requires consent at all costs. The ritual includes the were going hunting, and leaving dead animals for their intended to show that they can provide for them and their family. But since I had Del, Ryker didn’t want to scare her, let alone me. He decided to come to me as he was, and explain everything to me.

“The moment I saw you in the restaurant I was absolutely floored,” he whispers. “But you had a kid, and I thought for sure I missed my chance. But-” he laughs softly. “This morning, I was so excited when you messaged me, I literally fell out of bed and hit my head.” He looks at me with sad, soft eyes. “You just lost your husband. I didn’t want to force something on you and Del like this. Besides, you’re not going to be here long.”

“I’m not-” I hesitate and sigh. “I don’t think I’m worth it, Ryker.”

He stares at me in shock. “What?”

I chuckle. “You’re a bit younger than I am, and trust me, I have been through the wringer. I have… let’s just say that I’m not exactly mint in box.”

“No one is,” he scoffs.

“Listen,” I hold up my hand. “You deserve better than this. A widow? Single mom? Not to mention the bevy of health problems I have. I-” I stop myself from going too deep. “It’s good you did this now, so as not to get your hopes up. I’m flattered, I truly am, but I can’t help but-” 

I’m cut off as Ryker kisses me. His lips are soft and warm, and I cannot help but be pulled into him. I meet his kiss, wanting it so badly. It’s been so long, so damn long. He wraps his arms around me, hugging me to his strong, warm body.

“I think you’re beautiful,” he whispers. “And when I look at you I don’t see what you see. I like Del, she’s funny. You being a single mom? That’s not a problem for me. You aren’t used and broken like an old toy,” he scoffs. “You’re this beautiful, soft, lovely woman. And whatever issues that do exist will be worth it just to know you.”

I try to hold back the tears, but I can’t. I bury my face against his chest and sob deeply. He holds me the entire time, rubbing his hand up and down my back. He kisses the top of my head, and when I’m done crying, he wipes away my tears.

“I’m sorry,” I blubber. 

“It’s okay,” he whispers. He kisses my cheek, then smiles lovingly at me. “Let me court you while you’re here, Zara,” he says gently. “Let me treat you like a queen and Del like a princess. If this is worth it, we’ll figure it out.”

“Okay,” I whisper softly. “But you have been warned,” I sniffle.

“So have you.” He kisses me again. “I don’t intend to let you go so easily. So try all your tricks.” He chuckles. 

“Oh yeah, sobbing on your shoulder is a great one.” I try to laugh.

Ryker runs his fingers through my hair, then cups my cheek. As I gaze into those beautiful blue eyes, I realize I may not escape Hearthway Hollow - and if I do, I probably won’t be gone for very long.