Chapter 4 FINDING A MATE (II)

Chapter 4.

FINDING A MATE (II)

Megan sat up in bed, thankful that it was a dream and nothing more.

Her phone rang off, and she thought about last night; the fight, her walk, her thoughts, and the dream.

As she sat there, lost in her thoughts, the doorbell rang. Megan sighed, not in the mood to deal with anyone at that moment. She threw her legs over the edge of her bed, walked barefoot to the door and opened it.

Ryan was standing there with a sympathetic look on his face. She remembered her thoughts about him the previous night and blushed. Ryan didn't miss it and raised a brow. Megan stepped aside to let him through.

"Hey," he said softly, stepping inside and closing the door behind him. "How are you doing?"

Ryan knew exactly what Megan was going through and had tried to be there for her every step of the way, and for that she was extremely grateful.

Megan shrugged, not wanting to burden Ryan with her worries. "I'm fine," she lied, trying to put on a brave face.

Ryan didn't buy it, though. He could see the pain in her eyes and knew she had been thinking again especially after their ordeal with Jake the night before. He knew exactly how she felt. He had been through it himself; the recurring tears, the wrenched heart, the mockery and laughter, the endless feeling of inadequacy, it was what drove him from his hometown to come and start afresh here, unfortunately, the news had gotten here somehow, but it still was not as bad as back home. No one knew him here, so it was easier to ignore.

"You don't have to pretend with me, Meg," he said gently, using the nickname he had given her years ago. "I know it hurts, but it will get better. I promise."

Megan sighed, feeling deflated. She didn't want to cry in front of Ryan, but she couldn't hold it back any longer. She just felt tired ...of everything.

She collapsed onto the couch, burying her face in her hands as sobs wracked her body.

Ryan sat down next to her, pulling her into a comforting embrace. He didn't say anything, he just held her as she cried, letting her know that he was there for her.

After a few minutes, Megan's sobs subsided and she pulled away from Ryan, wiping her eyes. "I'm sorry," she said, feeling embarrassed for breaking down that way.

Ryan shook his head and patted her gently. "Don't be sorry. You have nothing to be sorry for. I'm just glad I could be here for you."

Megan gave him a small smile, feeling grateful for his friendship. "Thank you, Ryan. I don't know what I'd do without you."

Ryan returned the smile. "Anytime, Meg. You know that."

There was a somewhat awkward but comfortable silence for a few moments before Ryan spoke up again. "You know, there's something I've been meaning to discuss with you."

Megan raised an eyebrow, curious. "What is it?"

Ryan took a deep breath, his heart racing. "Well I've just been thinking..."

When he didn't say anything, Megan looked up at him "I am listening"

"Well, seeing that there is nothing for us here..." he trailed off, his voice a bit shaky about the suggestion he was about to make. He decided to just say it any way. She was either going to accept or reject it. He had been rejected before, so that won't be a first. He held both her hands and looked into her eyes.

"Let's just leave", he blurted out. Megan's eyes widened in surprise.

"What? You mean leave the house?" she wasn't sure she understood what he was saying.

" No, I mean to leave this town. Let's just go, start a new life, and maybe we'll find other mates", Ryan sounded excited now that it was out. He had been thinking about it while he was hunting last night after seeing Megan to her house.

"I-I don't know," she stammered, feeling a blush creep up her cheeks.

She had never thought of Ryan in any way other than as a friend before now, but now that he had said it, she realized that she he probably had more feelings for her than she cared to admit. She didn't say anything.

Ryan smiled and shifted in his seat nervously. "I didn't want to say anything before because I didn't want to ruin our friendship, but now... I thought maybe we could explore this."

Megan chewed on her bottom lip, considering his words. She had always trusted Ryan and felt safe around him. Maybe this was what she needed. Maybe if she stayed on a bit longer she would get another mate. She was confused.

"I don't know. Where would we go? Won't the pack be sent to look for us? ", Megan stood up, her head spinning with so many questions.

It sounded exciting; a fresh start, but what were the consequences? It was a bit too much for her to digest all at once.

Ryan sensed her reluctance and his smile faltered to a half smile. He stood up.

"I didn't mean to overwhelm you. I'll just let myself out and if you need to talk..." He made for the door.

Megan's head was reeling, she didn't want him to leave. As scary as the idea was, it seemed appealing.

Ryan had his hand on the door handle when she stopped him.

"Wait!" She said quietly but firmly, she had not made her decision but she knew something for sure, there was an attraction between them, one unspoken and that was what she wanted to explore right now.

She went to him and kissed him on the lips, then drew back shocked at herself. Ryan was too shocked about her reaction but it was something he had thought of more than once and he drew her close to him and returned the kiss in full.