114–After Sex! 
Nora: 
I woke up feeling excited at first, but when I didn’t find Ryker’s arms around me, my mood shifted. I began to wonder if what I did last night was the right choice. Not because I didn’t like Ryker. That was absolutely not the case, but the way things have been. I didn’t take care of any matters and decided to sleep with him. Not to mention, one of his brothers is my mate. And then there’s the title of the stepsister that I have been using before everyone to flex. How the heck would that be sorted out? And on top of it, Ryker never mentioned what his plans were for me. I just assumed he wanted me for himself because he kept saying so. 

I sighed and rolled out of bed to take a shower and attend the family breakfast. The breakfast that will make me even ponder on my actions. Once I face Lord Atwood and my brothers, I will be at the mercy of convincing myself I didn’t do anything wrong and that my wolf went into heat. That will be an excuse I will use to comfort myself. Once I had worn blue jeans and a black top, I left for breakfast and found everyone at the table. My breath got stuck in my throat when I watched Ryker raise his head and smirk before looking down. At least his good mood made me feel a little better. Once I sat down, I quickly pulled my phone out to text him. His father and the others were busy talking about some serious issues, so I was free to do whatever I wanted to do. 
Me: Why did you leave the room like a thief last night? 
I watched him swallow the bite he took out of his toast and then lean back to pull his cellphone out of his pants, only a little, to check who was texting him. Once he checked who it was, he wiped his hands 
114–After Sex 
clean and pulled away from his brothers, using his phone. 
Ryker: I didn’t leave at night. It was early morning, and if I had stayed, we wouldn’t be sitting here having breakfast. 

My cheeks tinted red, and I shot him a quick stare, but in return, he winked at me. 
“Right, Nora?” Lord Atwood’s voice brought me back to reality. 
I watched his face cluelessly and then glanced at the brothers, trying to guess what they had been talking about. 
“Were you even listening to anything we were saying?” Silas spoke up, and I held myself together, avoiding him. 
“Your school reopened,” Ryker quickly came to my rescue, “Dad wants to know if you feel comfortable going back. And if not, we can ask for some time for the students to feel better and then continue studies.” 
I was grateful for him jumping in. I was feeling really lost. 
“I am fine. I think I can join school,” I said with a smile, and Lord Atwood passed me back the same enthusiastic smile. 
“Then it is settled,” Lord Atwood uttered. 
“Ryker, you will drop her off at school like always,” he told his son, eyeing him to not make up an excuse to back down from his duties. But Ryker nodded his head so happily that it turned his brother’s head towards him. 
“Sure! I’ll go grab my gear,” Ryker quickly got up to dash back to his bedroom to get ready. I thought it was the perfect day to rejoin school. Or else, I’d stay at home, wondering if I made the right decision or not. 
31.29% 
114–After Sal 
Now that Ryker left, Cain got up too and walked away after receiving a phone call. 
“Dad! I need to talk to you about something really urgent. I think a meeting after dinner tonight?” Nash asked, and his father nodded his head. I knew Nash was entirely busy with his stuff. 
He left the table while Lord Atwood was just finishing breakfast when he turned to look at me and then at Silas. 
“How was the party last night?” the minute he posed that question, my jaw clenched. 
“Why don’t you ask your stepdaughter? I’m sure she’ll have a good tale to tell,” Silas continued to bully me, but I was keeping my decision to avoid him. 
“Why? Did something happen last night?” Lord Atwood turned hist attention to me. I now knew eyes were watching me. Silas and his father had their attention on me. 
“Actually, it was okay. I don’t really like loud music,” I shrugged, not giving the satisfaction of arguing with me. 
Silas 
“Well, at least we tried. Now I know those parties are not something you’re interested in,” Lord Atwood got out of his chair and gently patted my head, leaving for his work. 
I stayed sitting, eating peacefully while Silas had done eating and was now rocking his chair back and forth while staring at me. 
I didn’t look his way directly, but I could tell from the side–eye that he was watching me. 
“Why didn’t you tell dad what happened last night?” he inquired after 
114 After Sax 
silently examining me. 
I didn’t respond to him and continued to eat as if he didn’t exist. 
“Or perhaps you think if you didn’t tell dad on me, I will be nicer to you in the future?” he chuckled, giving an answer to his own question. 
And just like before, I avoided him once again. 
He went silent for a few more minutes before he stopped rocking his chair, ready to leave. 
“I am glad you are not talking anymore. I am so relieved now,” he hissed, getting up from the chair. His scoff and harsh tone contradicted his words. He so badly wanted to argue with me, but I never gave him that pleasure. 
I had told him last night that he didn’t exist for me anymore. 
After I too grabbed my stuff, I joined Ryker on his bike. This time, things were different. He seemed way too excited for this bike ride. 
“Come on! Hop on,” he insisted, and I jumped behind him, getting on the bike and wrapping my arms around his chest.