Page 27 of Riding with the Rejected Wolf

He helps me don a spare helmet, his touch lingering on my cheek. “Ready?”

I nod, adrenaline already buzzing through my veins. “Ready as I’ll ever be.”

Silas swings a leg over the beast with effortless grace, settling onto the seat like he was born there. He looks back at me, one eyebrow raised. "Need a hand?"

I smirk, shaking my head. "I think I can manage."

With a bit of effort, I swing my leg over the bike and settle in behind him, my arms wrapping around his waist. The leather of his jacket is warm and familiar under my touch, grounding me in this new reality.

Silas revs the engine, the roar of the Harley sending a thrill through me. He turns his head slightly, his voice just audible over the rumble. "Hold on tight."

As we take off, the wind whips through my hair, and I tighten my grip around Silas, feeling the power of the bike beneath us. The sun begins to rise, casting a promising golden glow over the landscape as we speed down the road.

I lean my head against Silas's back, my thoughts drifting to everything I've been through. The fear, the running, the constant looking over my shoulder—it's all behind me now. I've discovered a new world, one filled with danger but also with love and belonging. Silas is more than just a protector. He's my mate, my partner in this crazy ride called life. And sure, he might also be a wolf. But you know what? That just adds to the excitement of it.

And while I don't know exactly what the future holds. For the first time in a long while, I feel like I have a future worth looking forward to. With Silas by my side, the possibilities are endless, and I’m going to enjoy every single moment of it. Because with Silas, I'm not just surviving. I'm living.

EPILOGUE 1: SILAS

The Ride of a Lifetime

Twelve months later…

The rumble of my Harley fades as I pull into the driveway of our new home. It's a modest place on the outskirts of town, close enough to the Pack for convenience but far enough away to give Mika the space she sometimes needs. As I cut the engine, I can't help but smile. A year ago, I never would have imagined this life for myself.

I swing my leg over the bike and head inside, the scent of Mika's cooking hitting me before I even open the door. My stomach growls in anticipation.

"Honey, I'm home," I call out, unable to keep the grin off my face. Who would have thought I'd become the type of guy to use cheesy lines like that?

Mika appears in the doorway of the kitchen, flour dusting her cheeks and blonde hair—her natural color—pulled back in a messy bun. She's wearing my old Devil's Pack t-shirt, and damn if she doesn't look better in it than I ever did.

"About time," she says, rolling her eyes but smiling. "I was beginning to think you'd gotten lost on your way back from the garage."

I cross the room in three strides and pull her into my arms, pressing a kiss to her forehead. "Never. I've got too much waiting for me here."

She leans into me, and I breathe in her scent. Even after a year, it still intoxicates me. "How was work?" she asks.

"Same old," I reply, following her back into the kitchen. "Fixed up a couple of bikes, dealt with some Pack business. Nothing too exciting."

Mika nods, turning back to whatever she's cooking on the stove. I lean against the counter, watching her move around the kitchen with the same determined focus she applies to everything in life.

"You know," I say. "When I met you a year ago, I never would have pegged you for the domestic type."

She shoots me a look over her shoulder. "I'm full of surprises, O'Hagan. You should know that by now."

I chuckle, thinking about how true that is. In the past year, Mika has continually amazed me with her resilience and adaptability. She's taken to Pack life like a fish to water, charming even the most skeptical members with her quick wit and unwavering loyalty.

"Speaking of surprises," I say, remembering the news I got today. "Kade called. Seems like there's a new threat moving in on our territory."

Mika tenses for a moment before relaxing. "And?" she asks, her voice steady.

"And nothing," I reply. "We're handling it. You don't need to worry."

She turns to face me, her expression serious. "Silas, we're in this together, remember? Your problems are my problems."

I can't help but feel a surge of pride at her words. A year ago, she was running from her problems. Now, she's facing them head-on, standing beside me.

"I know, sweetheart," I say, pulling her close again. "And I promise, if things get serious, you'll be the first to know. But for now, let's just enjoy our evening, all right?"

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