Second Chance Mates

-21- 🌹 Don't Hide

^ Picture of Leon Butler (not Landon's wolf, Leo. This is Easton's brother)

"And I know it makes you nervous, but I promise you, it's worth it. To show 'em everything you kept inside. Don't hide, don't hide."
~Billie Eilish, 'come out and play'

~~~

*Ryland's POV*

Landon falls into a deep sleep, holding me to his firm chest. I squeeze my eyes shut, trying to force myself to go to sleep, but it's nearly impossible with this raging erection between my legs.

Please, dick, please let me fucking sleep already.

I sigh, squirming around in an attempt to get comfortable. Landon grunts and I freeze, peeking up to make sure I didn't wake him. When his heavy breathing resumes, I relax in his arms.

Damn it. It's not that I wanted to stop earlier, but River started to push forward, wanting to feel his mate. Fortunately, I was able to shield my eyes before Landon could see their red color; a clear sign of a feral wolf. I had to mentally struggle with River to shove him back before Landon's wolf could notice River's presence.

Now that the moment has passed, I feel nothing but shame and guilt. There was a time when I would have never pushed River down like I did tonight. He was my best friend, as most wolves are with their human counterparts.

I miss River.

The guilt only gets worse because I know how to bring River back. By marking my mate, and solidifying our bond. I want River back... but I also don't want to push Landon into something he's not ready for. He said it himself; he's not ready to mark someone that's not Easton. And while that sends a sharp pain through my heart, I understand that our situations are completely different.

I didn't love Roman when he rejected me, but Landon and Easton were in love when Easton died. I can't take Easton's place in Landon's heart, and I don't want to. The best I can hope for is that Landon has room in his heart for the both of us.

But until he does, I'll wait for him. Even if I'm on the brink of going feral myself, I won't pressure Landon to mark me until he's ready.

***

{Landon}
What are you doing?

I smile at my phone, typing out my response.

{Me}
Taking a break at work

{Landon}
When do you get off?

{Me}
Two hours

{Landon}
Can I come over? I miss you

I stifle a giggle, covering my mouth with my hand. It's only been a day since we last saw each other, and he already misses me? Well, I'm glad because I miss him too. It's becoming harder and harder to be apart from him. I just want to be around him all the time, soaking in his scent.

Still, that doesn't mean I can't tease him first.

{Me}
What if I don't want you to come over?

{Landon}
When don't you want me to come over?

{Me}
Someone's cocky today

{Landon}
Let me come over and you can find that out for yourself ;)

I choke.

{Me}
Fine, fine, you wore me down
I'll see you in a few hours
P.S. - I miss you too