untamed hearts

chapter 10 : cracks in the foundation

As days turned into weeks, Riley and Jax continued to grow closer, their bond deepening with each passing moment. But beneath the surface, Riley felt the strain of constantly defending her choices. The comments from her father, the disapproving stares from his acquaintances, and the whispered judgments weighed on her. She wasn’t used to caring so deeply about what others thought, but with Jax involved, it felt personal in a way it hadn’t before.

One evening, Riley invited Jax over for a quiet dinner at her place. She wanted a night away from the outside world, just the two of them without anyone’s opinions or expectations intruding. They cooked together, laughed, and lost themselves in each other’s presence.

After dinner, they sat by the fireplace, sipping wine, and sharing stories about their childhoods. It was peaceful, intimate, exactly what Riley had been craving. But then, Jax turned to her, his expression serious.

“Riley, can I ask you something?”

She nodded, sensing the weight of his words. “Of course. What’s on your mind?”

Jax hesitated, choosing his words carefully. “I know you’ve been dealing with a lot… defending us to people who don’t understand. And I want you to know, I appreciate it more than you know. But… are you sure this is what you want?”

Riley felt a flicker of panic, his question catching her off guard. “Jax, of course I’m sure. I wouldn’t be doing this if I wasn’t.”

“I know,” he said, his voice soft. “But I see how hard it is for you, how it’s starting to get to you. I don’t want you to feel like you’re fighting a battle just because of me. I don’t want to be the reason you feel torn.”

She reached out, taking his hand, trying to reassure him. “You’re not the reason, Jax. You’re the only part of my life that feels real right now. I don’t care what anyone thinks.”

Jax gave her a small smile, but she could see the doubt lingering in his eyes. “I just… I can’t help but feel like I’m holding you back. You’ve always been strong, independent, and I don’t want to be the thing that makes you feel weak.”

Riley’s heart ached at his words. She could tell he was struggling, feeling guilty for the trouble their relationship was causing, and it pained her to see him doubt his place in her life. She tightened her grip on his hand, looking him directly in the eyes.

“Jax, listen to me. You are not holding me back. You’re the one person who makes me feel like I don’t have to pretend. I don’t care what they think, or what my father says. You’re worth all of it.”

He looked at her, his gaze searching, but before he could respond, there was a knock at the door. Riley’s heart sank as she recognized the insistent, sharp raps. It could only be her father.

With a sigh, she stood up and opened the door, bracing herself. Her father entered, his expression stormy as he immediately took in the sight of Jax sitting in her living room.

“Riley, we need to talk,” he said, his tone leaving no room for argument.

“Dad, now’s not a good time,” she replied, trying to stay calm.

Her father’s eyes narrowed as he glanced at Jax. “I think it’s the perfect time. This has gone on long enough. Riley, do you realize what people are saying? An alpha with an omega—it’s unheard of. You’re risking everything for a relationship that doesn’t even make sense.”

Jax’s face fell, and Riley felt anger bubble up inside her. She stepped forward, placing herself between Jax and her father.

“This is my life, Dad,” she said firmly. “I don’t care what people are saying, and I certainly don’t care what you think of him. Jax is important to me, and that’s all that matters.”

Her father’s expression hardened. “You’re making a mistake, Riley. You’re throwing away your future for a fantasy.”

Jax stood, his face calm but his eyes filled with sadness. “Maybe I should go,” he murmured, glancing at Riley with a hint of regret.

Riley grabbed his hand, holding him back. “No, Jax. You don’t have to go anywhere.”

She turned back to her father, her voice steely. “If you can’t respect my choices, then I think you’re the one who needs to leave.”

Her father looked at her, stunned. “Riley… I’m only trying to protect you.”

“I don’t need your protection,” she replied, her voice trembling with emotion. “I need you to trust me. To let me live my life and make my own decisions. And if you can’t do that, then… maybe we don’t have anything left to say to each other.”

For a long moment, her father stared at her, his face unreadable. Then, without another word, he turned and left, the door closing with a hollow thud behind him.

Silence filled the room, and Riley felt the weight of what had just happened settle over her. She had just cut ties with her own father for the sake of her relationship with Jax, and the reality of it left her shaken.

Jax squeezed her hand gently, his voice soft. “Riley… you didn’t have to do that for me.”

She turned to him, her eyes filled with determination. “I did it because it was the right thing to do. I’m tired of people trying to tell me who I should be. I want to be with you, Jax. No one else.”

He pulled her into his arms, holding her close, and for a moment, they stood there in each other’s embrace, finding comfort in the warmth and security they’d found together. But in the back of her mind, Riley knew that this was only the beginning. The world wouldn’t suddenly accept them overnight, and her father’s disapproval wasn’t going to disappear.

Yet, as she stood there in Jax’s arms, she also knew that she was willing to face whatever challenges came their way. Because, for the first time in her life, Riley had found something worth fighting for, and she wasn’t about to let go.