February 21st - Love or Lust

The past week flew by quickly. Riley kept her head down and worked hard on her studies. Dad agreed to her going out tonight as long as she kept focused. She had to let him know who she was going out with because word got out quickly about her date with Ethan last week. If she didn't tell dad about it, he probably would have heard from someone at the office. He was excited for her, though. Dates with a future leader and the possible life it could mean for her if they were meant for each other. There was still always doubt in Rileys mind, though, but why not have some fun while she still could.

All week long, she hardly had time to hang out with Lily and Ollie. She felt bad, but Ethan kept catching her at any spare time he had. Before school, in between classes, lunch, and all they did was talk. She couldn't believe the connection they had straight away and how much in common they had. She hadn't felt a crush like this in a long time. Every time he would brush his hand against her thigh or hold her hand in the hall, she just kept falling further and further under his charm. She couldn't wait for her date with him tonight.

As she was leaving her last class of the day, heading for the front doors of the school to head home, she caught Lily.

"Hey Lily, you avoiding me?"

"Riley! Oh my gosh, you and Ethan are just the cutest ever. You are so lucky that I haven't even been mad that you have ditched me and Ollie to fend for ourselves."

"I'm sorry. We just have been having a ton of fun talking and getting to know each other. I feel really bad. Walk home with me?"

"Sure, I was heading home anyways. I will just text Ollie and let him know not to wait for me," Lily said as she pulled her phone out.

"So what did you and Ollie end up getting up to on Valentine's Day?"

"Get this! I kissed Ollie. I've been dying to tell you because you wouldn't believe the reaction I got from him. Guess what he did!?"

"He kissed you back?" Riley said with the question hanging in the air. When did Lily start liking Ollie? Why hadn't she mentioned something earlier? I guess it wouldn't be terrible as maybe his crush on Riley would open him up to the possibility of others finally.

"He did, but then something changed, and he pushed me away. We really haven't talked much since then. It's been kind of lonely without you and Ollie. Brightside, my mom is happy that I have been focusing on my studies instead of gossip. He's mainly just been driving me home after school, as I think he feels bad for what he did."

"Lily, I'm so sorry. Have you always liked Ollie?"

"No, if I'm being honest, I don't think I like anyone within the pack. I'm happy with just having fun right now. I think I did it because I felt bad for how he felt earlier that day when he found out about your date with Ethan."

"Ugh, what am I going to do with Ollie. He has to move on eventually. He keeps texting me, but I've barely responded. Hopefully, he's not too mad."

"Don't worry about him when you have Ethan pining over you! I always knew you were meant for something exciting!"

The girls kept talking and laughing as they reached their neighborhood. Lily lived the block behind, and so the girls split and made their way to their respective homes. While walking down the street, Riley felt her phone vibrate, so she checked her message. It was from Ethan making sure they were still getting together and offering to pick her up. She told him not to worry as she didn't mind the walk to the pack house before dinner. To say she was excited was an understatement. She was thrilled about more alone time tonight. Dinner wouldn't provide that, but once they went back up to his place to watch a movie, that's when the fun would begin, or at least she hoped. When she finally looked up, she saw Ollie standing on her porch, and he didn't look very happy.

"Hey, Ollie! What's up?"

"Hey Riley," her said as he went in for a hug.

Riley took a seat on the bench that sat off to the side of the porch beside the front door.

"I haven't seen you much, Riley. I've missed you," he said with a sad undertone to his voice. Riley could sense there was more to this conversation than just her friend missing her.

"I've missed you too. I'm sorry I've been so busy this past week."

"I don't think you should be seeing Ethan. Look what happened with you and Nathan. Maybe you should just take some time alone like you planned."

"I'm just having fun, Ollie. That's what you should be doing. It's not that bad. You may even find someone you would want as a chosen mate if you don't find your fated one."

"I already have someone in mind, if I'm being honest," he said as he looked over at Riley with a deep blush on his face.

He then grabbed Riley's hand and held it in his for a minute before speaking again.

"If you're giving guys chances, why not give us a chance finally?"

"OH! Ollie, I thought we understood that this was just a friendship. I love you, but as a brother." Riley was starting to feel really uncomfortable and wished he would leave so she could start getting ready for tonight.

"No, I totally get it, Riley. Sorry, I even said anything." Ollie shook his head and laughed. It seemed laced with a little bit of anger and jealousy.

"Look, you will find someone who is just right for you one day. I'm sure of it."

Just then, Ollie grabbed the back of Riley's neck and pulled her in for a kiss. He kissed hard and fast. The more she pushed and fought against the kiss, the more Ollie pressed his body against hers. She didn't like this at all. It felt like a betrayal of their friendship. Who was this guy? This wasn't her Ollie. Finally, she shoved as hard as she could, and he fell off the bench.

"Riley! I'm so sorry. I, I, don't know what came over me." Ollie stood and took off. He got in his car and drove away as fast as he could. Leaving Riley sitting on the bench analyzing what just happened. She shook this awful feeling off, like something just happened between them that could not be repaired and went inside to start getting ready.

Riley decided to wear a jean pencil skirt with a slit in the front and a black tank top tucked in with a black cardigan. She left her hair down in waves and didn't apply much makeup as she wanted a more natural look. She grabbed her phone and keys and left the house, heading out to the pack house.

As Riley walked up to the front of the place, she noticed it was full of others coming and going. Which is not uncommon as the wolves loved getting together in the dining hall for dinner with everyone. Although most of the people here had their own homes, having dinner at the pack house really made you feel a part of the wolf family. She spotted Ethan in the front foyer and walked over. Ethan gave Riley a long hug and kiss before taking her hand and leading her into the dining area. It was as if he was excited to show her off. He walked in proudly and looked around while he headed to the buffet with Riley.

"I hope you're alright sitting with my parents this evening?" Ethan said as he leaned in close to Riley.

Riley suddenly felt nervous but nodded her head in agreement. Once they piled food onto their plate, Ethan led Riley over to the table at the head of the room where the Alpha, Luna, and their children sat. Ethan introduced Riley to his parents, and Alpha Roland and Luna Gloria were thrilled to meet her, or at least they acted as such.

"We have heard such wonderful things about you, dear," Luna Gloria said with Alpha Roland nodding in agreement.

"Ethan can't stop talking about you, and I've seen the list of our upcoming combat warriers from Alpha Academy, and I can see why he hasn't. You're a very smart and well trained student," Alpha Roland praised Riley.

Riley blushed as she continued to eat. She couldn't believe the Alpha and Luna had looked into her. She felt honored at that moment.

"Where's Eli?" Riley asked.

"He's away for the weekend. Dad has been having him travel more for business to meet with more packs and make connections with the other Alphas before he takes over. He should have been back already, though. I'd really like you two to meet. It's also probably dad's way of hoping he will meet his fated mate, too."

"I've never properly met him before. I'd be happy to meet him, considering he's your brother and our future Alpha."

"There will be plenty of time for that with the plans I have for us. For now, since we are done eating, I would like to invite you upstairs for that movie."

Ethan grabbed their plates and placed them on the counter where the dirty plates went when everyone is done eating to be cleaned afterward by the help. All of us wolves had a purpose in running the pack. The Silver Moon Pack especially, as we were one of the largest in the country. Riley held onto Ethans hand as they walked up the stairs to the third floor where the Alphas family lived. Riley took a moment to look around as she had never stepped foot in their place before. It was huge and looked like a home from a catalog in a town and home magazine. It was beautifully decorated but felt cozy. She followed Ethan down the hall where Ethan opened a door. She peaked in after he walked in. His room was large, and there was a king-size bed, couch, TV, a walk-in closet, and an en suite. Riley couldn't believe her eyes.

"Is this all yours?" Riley said with wide eyes.

"It sure is. I'm sorry if it's too much, we can go back to the living room if you would like. I just thought we would have a little more privacy in here."

"It's fine. Thanks again for inviting me over."

"Come on over to the couch and sit with me. We can pick a movie so you're not out too late."

Riley walked over to the couch and sat down. She sunk right in and was enveloped by such softness. She had never sat in such a comfy couch before. Ethan took that moment to move closer to Riley so he could put his arm around her. She leaned into his hard chest and immediately felt the warmth his body let out. He handed the remote to Riley to choose the movie. She chose an action movie, and they got comfortable watching.

About a half hour in, she couldn't take the closeness anymore. She placed her hand delicately on his upper thigh and started running it back and forth, hoping he would get the hint of what was on her mind. Ethans hand that was wrapped around her started to move down her chest till it started massaging her breast. She looked over at him, and his lips came in for the landing. It was fast and eager, like they both needed more and couldn't get enough. Riley moved and straddled Ethan's lap. His hands came over and gripped her waist, moving further down till he got a handful of her ass. She could feel his member growing larger and larger as she started to grind her hips into his lap. She reached for the bottom hem of his shirt and lifted it up over his head. Once the fabric was gone, she placed her hands on his chiseled chest. He had muscles for days, and she wanted to go exploring further. Ethan took the opportunity to remove Rileys top as well. His lips left hers and moved down her neck, slowly reaching her chest, where he cupped her breasts, licking and kissing the skin around the fabric of the bra. She moaned and wished she wasn't wearing a bra any longer, which she wasn't as he unlatched the hooks in the back and let it fall. He sucked on her nipples which were small, perky, and hard. He picked her up and softly placed her down on the couch so he was on top. They kept kissing and touching when all of a sudden the door opened.

"Hey Ethan, have you seen my leather jacket?!"