untamed hearts

CHAPTER 9 : TESTING THE LIMITS

Riley felt like she was walking on air after her heartfelt talk with Jax. The relief of finally being open with someone was like a weight lifted off her shoulders. For the first time, she was allowing herself to believe in a future with him—a future where she didn't have to hide or pretend.But, of course, not everyone shared her newfound peace.A week later, Riley was surprised when she received a call from her father. He was a traditional alpha, the kind who'd never really understood her, and though he wasn't in her life often, when he did show up, it was usually to voice his disapproval. This time was no different."Riley, I heard you're dating an omega," he said, his tone sharp and disapproving.She bristled at the edge in his voice, clenching her fists. "Yes, I am. His name is Jax, and I care about him."Her father scoffed. "An omega? Riley, you can't be serious. Think about your reputation—our reputation. You're an alpha. People expect strength, power. Not a fling with someone who's—""Don't finish that sentence," she cut him off, her voice laced with anger. "I don't care what people expect, Dad. Jax is kind, strong in ways you don't understand, and he means more to me than anyone I've ever met."Her father's silence was deafening, the unspoken disappointment lingering in the air. "Riley," he finally said, his tone low, "I'm warning you. Don't throw everything away for something that's just going to hurt you in the end."Without another word, she hung up, feeling a mix of frustration and sadness wash over her. She knew her father wouldn't understand—he never had. But Jax did, and that was all that mattered.When she told Jax about the conversation later that evening, he was quiet, his expression thoughtful."Are you sure you're okay with this?" he asked, concern flashing in his eyes. "I don't want you to feel like you have to choose between me and your family."Riley looked at him, her heart swelling with emotion. "Jax, you're my choice. My family doesn't get to dictate who I care about. I'm not going to let anyone take that away from me."He reached out, taking her hand, a small smile curving his lips. "You have no idea what that means to me, Riley."They spent the evening in a quiet bubble of reassurance, reaffirming what they had and the promises they'd made to each other. But Riley couldn't ignore the gnawing worry in the back of her mind. Despite her resolve, she knew that her father wasn't one to let things go, and the pressure from her family might only intensify.Days passed, and things seemed to settle down, with Riley and Jax growing closer than ever. But one night, as they were out celebrating a friend's birthday, the calm was shattered.They were laughing, caught up in the evening's excitement, when Riley noticed a group of her father's friends across the room, their eyes narrowed as they watched her and Jax. She tensed, instinctively moving a little closer to Jax, who noticed her shift immediately."What's wrong?" he asked, glancing in the direction of her gaze."Nothing," she said, forcing a smile. "Just... some people from my father's circle."But the group didn't stop at watching. A man Riley recognized as one of her father's business partners approached them, a disdainful look on his face."Riley," he said, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "Interesting company you're keeping these days."She felt Jax stiffen beside her, his hand instinctively pulling back as if unsure whether to stand his ground or retreat. But Riley held firm, her gaze steady."Yes, this is Jax," she said, her voice strong. "He's with me, and I don't owe you or anyone else an explanation."The man sneered, his eyes shifting to Jax. "An omega, though? Isn't that a little... beneath you?"Jax's face flushed, and Riley could feel the tension in him, the hurt simmering just below the surface. But before she could respond, Jax spoke up."With all due respect, sir," he said, his voice steady, "my worth isn't defined by my status. Riley and I—""Enough," Riley interrupted, her voice ice-cold. She stepped in front of Jax, glaring at the man. "If you or anyone else has an issue with me, take it up with me directly. Jax is none of your concern."The man's smug expression faltered, and he turned away with a huff, clearly taken aback by her fierce defense. Riley felt a surge of satisfaction, knowing she'd made it clear that she wouldn't tolerate disrespect—not towards herself and certainly not towards Jax.But as the man left, she noticed Jax's expression, a shadow of doubt flickering in his eyes. She reached for his hand, pulling him close."Don't listen to him, Jax," she said softly. "None of that matters. Not to me."He gave a small nod, his smile faint but grateful. "I know. It's just... sometimes, I forget how people look at us."Riley wrapped her arms around him, holding him close. "Let them look, Jax. They don't know us. They don't know what we have."Jax's arms tightened around her, and she could feel him relax, the warmth of his embrace grounding her. As they stood there, surrounded by the noise of the party but wrapped in their own quiet connection, Riley knew that they would face more challenges—some from the outside, others from within.But she also knew, more than ever, that they were strong enough to face them together. Because what they had was worth fighting for, and for the first time, she was ready to fight for someone else, no matter the cost.