6,408 words. The beginning of Part 3. From me to you. That there is love. 

Chapter Casting:

Thomas "Tommy" Ackles is Matt Bomer as seen the video on the side. 

Richard "Richie" Crowley is Goncalo Teixeira as seen in the pic on the side.

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{PART 3- Danyel Maynard, Richard Crowley & Third Person}

::CHAPTER 21::

Richard's POV

I was still jetlagged but I figured I could sleep later. Nye's aunt and uncle had spotted me when I'd pulled up the driveway. I'd planned to nap before going over but they made me promise to come over for dinner tonight − with my guest. Tommy had flashed her a charming smile and introduced himself. She was won over in a heartbeat. She had always been a sucker for good manners in a young man.

Once most of our bags were unpacked, I checked my phone to see that it was about time to head over. "We can shower after dinner. Just go as you are," I called out when Tommy started unbuttoning his shirt. He shrugged and fixed himself before following me out the door.

I walked in without knocking and no one was in the least bit bothered by it. I hadn't knocked at this house since the first time I'd babysat for Nye. There was a flutter in my stomach and I rubbed my palms over my slacks. Usually I'd be in jeans, but we'd both come straight from a conference before making the drive to Rondesdale. Aside from taking off our ties and blazers, we were still dressed in button down shirts, vests and trousers.

It was weird to think of me getting butterflies over this. It was a home away from home but I knew why I was nervous walking around this still familiar house. Not much had changed inside. There was a new TV and the curtains were changed but it was pretty much the same.Yet I looked around and kept half expecting to see a gangly, little kid running down to meet me almost tripping over himself for a hug. I didn't hold my breath for that.

Nye and I hadn't talked in a while and, as far as I knew, he was still pissed with me. I didn't know if he'd be happy to see me or irritated. I rubbed my palms against my pants again.

"He'll be back in a bit," his aunt pat my shoulder, "Why don't you and Tommy help me set the table?" Tommy agreed and struck up conversation with them. I didn't have that talent with people. This whole thing was awkward to me. I hadn't spoken to them in so long that I had no clue what to say. Tommy acted like he'd been talking with them for years.

He bonded with Nye's uncle over sports teams and fishing while impressing Nye's aunt with his business savvy, his maid's old recipes and the story of how he and I got the company. The three chattered along like best buds and I could hear them laughing loudly in the kitchen over something Tommy had just said. I rolled my eyes. Even they couldn't resist him.

The wait was the worst part of this thing. Dinner smelt amazing but my stomach was in knots. "You'll be fine," Tommy murmured in my ear. I noticed that he said you'lland not it'll.He knew the situation and we both knew this could go south almost instantly. I might be fine but none of this would be fine until I got past the awkward, reunion stage.

A loud bang out in the hallway made everyone turn. Laughter and shuffling in the front was followed by low swearing. "Not again," Nye's aunt sighed, "I'm sorry you had to see this." I ignored her apologies and went to the front of the house.

In the hallway was a sight to behold. A pair of men was standing in the doorway, clearly tipsy and doubled over laughing.

One was very blonde with silver strands catching the light from the lamp nearby. His irises were rings of white that belonged to a wolf, not a human. There was no doubting that this was the Alpha's son. He was one hundred percent Chosen. His chiseled features were held in high relief as the light bounced off his milky skin. I didn't think twice about his skin and hair being akin to his wolf's pelt.

The years had been good to him. He had always been an adorable child but he'd grown into an even more spectacular man. "Orion White," I muttered smiling to myself. It was nice to see him again. Orion's head rose at the sound of his name, blinking in a drunken haze.

Now that Orion no longer blocked him from sight, the second man was left in plain view. I took a step back eyes wide. This wasn't the kid that I'd left behind. Four years couldn't have possibly been long enough to change him this much.

He wasn't that lanky, geeky looking teen anymore. Nye had grown. He was tall...and with muscle if you would believe it. His skin was tanned, contrasting with Orion's. His hair, unlike the long but neat cut it last was, now was shorter and yet less tame. Everything about him seemed less tame for that matter. His cheek was scarred. Undoubtedly by a fight with his Packmates. His hair was a brilliant bronzed-brown. It paled and darkened with the change from moonlight to bulb light as the door closed behind them. I knew I was staring but I couldn't stop myself.

So much had changed. Even his eyes. His irises glowed with color; two rings of golden-topaz shot with gleaming amber. His chin was sprinkled with stubble that aged him five years and probably allowed him to enter the bar without being carded. I would never have guessed that the man stumbling in front of me was sixteen. A boy only about to turn seventeen in a week. No one would take him for a child; a teenager, a pup, my kiddo. Not with his teasing grin, all too aware of his lure.

Nye was every bit the predator.

He was handsome. Handsome and yet feral. There was an animal lurking just beneath the surface. It was as lethal as I expected he was. Basic human instincts told me that he was dangerous but I was fascinated more than scared. I couldn't seem to wrap my mind around a dangerous Nye. Not the Nye I knew.

But this wasn't the little boy I'd left behind. It was clear to anyone. He was more in tune with himself. This Nye knew what needed to be done in order to make a person bend to his will. It was all in his eyes − even as glazed as they were with alcohol.

It unsettled me to see him drunk. I was having trouble connecting this guy who looked like twenty-one or twenty-two with the boy I'd expected him to look like at sixteen. I knew the Chosen aging rate was almost as swift as the canine aging rate during the early years. I guess a part of me still kept thinking of him as human.

"You're here," he took a few steps toward me and I blinked.

"Your voice..."

"Is different," he finished when I'd trailed off not knowing how to describe it.

Different was an understatement. Sure when I had left Nye's voice was no longer squeaky and childish, but it hadn't been mature either. His voice was now low and heavy, the threat of animal influence in his vocal chords. It wasn't a wolfish sound but it was far from completely human.

"You've changed too," he nodded to my clothes and pointed to my hair, "Neat Richie is frightening."

"You think I'm frightening? Well if this isn't the pot calling the kettle's bottom black," I rolled my eyes with a chuckle.

"I suppose," his eyes shifted to Tommy and gave him a quick once over, "Who's this?"

"Tommy. Remember I told you about hi−."

"I remember."

"Nice to finally meet you," Tommy held out a hand, "You're...not what I expected."

"Join the club," he gave the hand a short shake that left Tommy nursing it afterward.

"So," I offered a smile.

"So," he repeated not returning it.

"Do I get a hug or..."

The change was subtle but it made me step back. There was a sudden chill to his gaze and a stiffness to his shoulders. His eyes darkened and his jaw clenched. He glanced at Tommy and then at me, his mouth curling into a scowl.

"I'm tired," he said and added for his aunt's sake, "And I'm not that hungry. I think I'm going to head to bed early."

It was meant to be a slap and I'd be a liar if I said it didn't sting. So he hasn't forgiven me then. "I'll see you at school tomorrow," Nye said to Orion. The older boy nodded and kissed Nye before leaving. I stared at the closed door for the longest while.

Nye and Orion are a thing? Since when is he into guys? They'd been friends when I left so I'm guessing that not-so-friendly goodbye kiss meant things had shifted between them. Nye had never been the friends with benefits type. Of course, how much did I know about him anymore to assume that?

It bothered me that he'd never called or brought it up. He hadn't come to me to ramble about their first date or first kiss or anything that friends would usually tell each other. I'd have pretended that it bugged me to hear all that slumber party crap, but he'd know I was happy for him. I knew he would have wanted someone to talk about that stuff with. He'd want someone to go to for advice or to vent to when things got antsy between them.

It made me wonder who had taken that role instead of me. Kevin? Kenny? Some new friend I didn't know about? I looked up at the sound of his aunt's voice.

"If you'd come straight home instead of getting wasted at Earl's then you wouldn't be so tired and whatnot," his aunt stuffed her fists onto her hips, "You'll wash up and come to dinner with the rest of the family."

"But−."

"Don't you answer me back, Danyel Maynard. I invited Richard over so you two could catch up.You're joining us for dinner and that's that."

He didn't seem too pleased but he went to wash up either way. When he got back he took the only empty seat which, unfortunately for him, was directly opposite mine.

Tommy had Nye's uncle roaring with laughter over some story about his cross country trip. Tears were streaming down the man's face while his wife was muffling her laughter behind her hand. I'd heard the story before and, even if I hadn't, things were too tense to find much funny.

Nye had barely touched his food but he'd been poking his mashed potatoes with a fork for the last five minutes. He never looked up and I could see the tense lines in his body. He may not be openly paying attention to anyone else in the room but he was obviously aware of me.

I had the urge to reach out across the table. Just to comfort him. It bothered me more than anything that we were this far away from each other. It didn't make any rational sense why something like that would bothered at all but it did. By now he would have hugged and kissed me and probably refuse to let go of my arm all night.

The old Nye would have made Tommy move so he could sit beside me, arm-to-arm, pressing against my side. He would be rambling a mile a minute wanting to know everything I did and telling me everything that he did. He'd have ruffled my hair and I'd make him fix it. Everything would be normal and there'd be no tension. It was a Chosen reaction, but his lack of touch so far made me uneasy.

He looked up then, eyes locked onto mine as if he'd heard every thought.

I thought about flashing a smile but then decided against it. His gaze was uninviting of any degree of friendliness. Tommy nudged me. "Hey, you good?" he whispered even though everyone at this table could hear us. I nodded. "You sure?" he asked. I forced a smile and he shook his head. He could see through it. "We'll talk when we get back to the house," he said and squeezed my hand in a friendly gesture.

I felt the gaze on me long before I looked up. Nye's eyes were narrowed at my hand before it shifted to Tommy and then me. I glanced at Tommy but he wasn't bothered with me. He was busy staring at Nye with the edge of a growing smirk on his face. He was not so secretly pleased about something and I planned on finding out why by the end of the night. A happy Tommy was usually a cause for concern.

It seemed to finally dawn on Nye that the only thing tying him to this dinner was dinner. He grabbed the fork and began wolfing down the food until there was nearly no sign that anything had ever touched the plate. "It's Uncle's night to do the dishes and I have homework to do so I'm heading up. Very nice to meet you," he said and turned to me, "Later, Richard."

I flinched at the sound of him saying my name. My full name. There was disapproval in every syllable and a cool distance to his tone. I didn't like it.

He didn't give me the chance to respond and I doubted that I'd know what to say even if he had. He was upstairs before I could think of anything.

His aunt and uncle hugged me and shook Tommy's hand telling him that he was welcomed anytime. He thanked them both and complimented the dinner and their home with all the charm that anyone could ask for before leaving with me.

As soon as I closed my front door behind us he spun to me with a huge, shit eating grin. I didn't even want to know but, at the same time, I really did.

"You didn't tell me that you and Nye were a thing," he said.

"Whoa! No. We were never a thing. There never will be a thing. No things for anybody."

"Liar, liar caviar on fire," he scoffed, "You can't tell me that there was never something there."

"Yes, I can. Because there isn't. Do you know how old he was when I left? He's only sixteen, Tommy."

"Sixteen, my ass. That is no sixteen year old," he jabbed a finger in the direction of the house, "All sexy and broody, he looks more like someone who went to college with us. He could be our age with a little more scruff."

"Hey! Nye's off limits, Tom. I'm serious. I don't want to find out about you taking advantage of him because I swear to you, I'll never forgive you for it."

"Me take advantage of him? Not only is there a slim chance of anyone taking advantage of that big, ball of fury but I'm pretty sure I don't have a chance in hell with him. Kid has his eyes set on someone else."

"Yeah, his boyfriend. Orion."

"Oh please," he laughed, "Blondie? Sure he's cute, but really? I doubt those two ever had the tension between them that you two had."

"That tension's called pissed-the-hell-off. Anyone who was there tonight could tell that he hates me right now."

"Yes, but why does he hate you? Why does he look more hurt than pissed? Why did he get all cold when he saw me touching you? And don't get me started on those little peeks he's been sneaking you all night."

"What exactly are you trying to say?"

"He likes you, you idiot."

"And now this conversation's over. We have an investor flying in tomorrow and the last thing I need is you napping on us. Go on and get some rest."

"You're seriously dropping this when it's right in front of your face?"

"There's nothing there. You're not used to me and Nye together. Our friendship's always been kind of intense. He's pissed at me. That I know."

"Sure. If you mean 'pissed' like I'm-pissed-with-you-but-I-really-want-to-tear-off-your-pants-and-ride-your-di−."

"Dude!" I clamped a hand over his mouth, "No. Ew. This is Nye you're talking about. Ahmose, what's wrong with you?"

"Admit it, he's hot though."

"Good night, Tommy."

He didn't seem too pleased but he went over to the downstairs room anyways. I went to my old bedroom. It lacked the homey feel it once had. It was cold and wasn't lived in but I still felt the nostalgia that came with childhood memories.

Removing the dusty plastic that covered everything, I gave the room a quick sweeping and mopping before settling in. I'd cleaned Tommy's new room before we'd left. It hadn't taken too long. With the plastic covering all the furniture, it was just to remove them and clean the floors.

I threw the sheets into the wash and had it spin dry so that we could use them tonight. It would have been so much easier to stay at a hotel in town. We'd have staff taking care of us with minimum amount of work. Except I didn't want to.

I wanted to be here in this house. Admittedly I also wanted Nye here with me. He'd spoilt me and Tommy hadn't helped. I was used to physical comfort and touch affection. It was more of a habit for the Chosen but I didn't care. I'd been hoping for a reunion with an excited Nye happy to see me and a bear hug or five.

Because that's who we were. That was our relationship. We hugged. We kissed. We were physical with our affection. I didn't know how to deal with a distant Nye. It bothered me and it hurt. It was an almost physical ache. I hadn't realized how much I'd missed until I was actively denied it.

Leaning forward, I was able to sit on the bed and look over into Nye's room. It was a testament to how far we'd drifted apart that I felt like I was invading his privacy by just looking at him like this. We'd spent school breaks talking through windows and slipping into each other's rooms without invitation and opening shower curtains without warning to show the other something or talk. This was nothing in comparison, but I still felt as if I shouldn't. I didn't look away.

He was walking up and down the room running his fingers through his hair. No, not walking. Pacing. Stalking. There was something animalistic about his gait. There was a lope to it. Like a wolf, really. Still, it was a natural thing on him. From his voice to the scars on his cheek, he wore the animal so close to his skin that it was as if he was the animal. It was admittedly a beautiful thing.  

It was unnerving. He'd always been a sweet kid. Cute. Adorable even. But I'd never thought of beautiful and Nye in the same light. It didn't matter that I could now. I couldn't bring myself to even consider him as anything more than I always had; a friend.

It was one thing to notice and admire but it was another thing to feel anything because of it. Tommy was right. He didn't look like any human sixteen year old. He actually looked a fraction older than many Chosen sixteen year olds. It didn't matter. I wasn't letting Tommy near him like that.

Whether or not he hated me, I would protect him in any way I could. It didn't matter if he was old or strong enough to fight his own battles.

I got up and walked over to my window. His was open too. I knew he'd hear me if I spoke. I wanted to talk to him but where to start? An apology? An explanation? A lame joke? I said none of them.

Instead I asked softly,"Do you hate me?"

"...I won't answer that," he said with his back to me knowing who he was talking to without looking.

"How do I fix this?"

He huffed with a bitter laugh. "Sometimes I almost hate you so much for making me like this. I'm so close to hating you and I can't stop it," his voice was venomous but it was cracking around the edges, "And other times it's amazing that I still lo−."

"You what?" I frowned when he cut himself short.

"Nothing," his voice wavered, "Go to sleep, Richard."

"No."

"'No' what?" his head turned to the side but I couldn't read his expression.

"No, not Richard. I was never Richard to you."

His jaw clenched but he didn't respond. Walking to the opposite wall he turned off the lights. His room fell into semi-darkness with the window facing the road allowing the streetlights to cast enough light that I could make out his shadow. He, assuming he couldn't be seen, raised a hand and brushed at its cheek angrily. He marched over to the window and closed it before drawing the curtains so that I couldn't see him anymore.

He couldn't hear me now that his windows were closed. I fell back onto my bed and frowned. Damn it, Richard. You really really screwed up. Hurting him was bad enough but tears was a whole other level. I'd never wanted to be the one to bring him to that point.

If only I could get him to talk to me. If I could just tell him how sorry I was and tell him that we were still good and that I was on his side. That we were still Pack. If he gave me the chance I'd apologize as many times as he wanted. I'd kiss him full on the mouth because he, more than anyone else, knew what that meant between us. He knew the importance of being a Pack even without actually being Pack. I just needed him to listen.

I swore that I'd find a way to get him to hear me out before I left. I could only imagine the damage it would do if I left this place with things as cold as they were between us. There'd be no reconciling anything.

The next morning, I woke up to the smell of toast, egg and sausages. Wait...Tommy can't cook. I went downstairs to see Tommy peeling foil off two plates. There was a little breakfast platter on each and I could see the melted cheese on the eggs. Man, I missed Aunty's cooking.

My eyes went over to the kitchen counter where Nye was busy taking a thermos out of a kit. "This is the hot chocolate. Aunty says to bring her dishes back later," he told Tommy who nodded and flashed him a grateful little smile.

"It smells great."

"Tastes even better," Nye said.

"I bet," Tommy poured a capful of hot chocolate, "Tell her that we said thanks."

"I will..." his smile slid off, "Richard."

"Good morning," I offered a smile of my own though it probably came out a bit tentative.

"Yeah, good morning," he nodded even as he walked backwards, "Look I'm pretty late for school so I'll just head off, but you two enjoy the breakfast and drop off the dishes at the house."

"Wait−." I started.

"I gotta go."

He strode out of the door without another word. This was going to be more difficult than I'd expected. He seemed determined to avoid me.

"Come get something to eat," Tommy pulled the fuller plate toward himself, "You can talk to your boyfriend later." I shot him a look and rolled my eyes. "I'm just saying. You two would be pretty cute together," he went on, "Your chemistry is pretty explosive in that silent but dangerous kind of way. Definitely compliments you." I scoffed at that and went on with my eggs.

"Ever considered that I'm not interested? And don't get me started on him. He's so far from interested that I can't even have him as a friend, far less more than that. Oh and let's not get started on the whole me-being-a-human and him-being-a-dominant-Chosen thing."

"Ah yes. He is incredibly strong, isn't he?" Tommy said then froze in place positively beaming, "Aww."

"What?"

"You'd be like star-crossed lovers or something. If that isn't the most romantic thing ever, I don't know what is."

"You've got to be kidding me," I laughed, "A human and a dominant Chosen like Nye? A ladybug and a dragon might stand a better chance. Lay off the chick flicks and soap operas, man."

"How dare you even suggest that?"

"Because you just called me a pedophile."

"When?"

"When you suggested that a twenty-two year old man date a sixteen year old that he's known since he used to cut the crusts off the kid's sandwiches. That's when."

"Oh my God," he stared at me.

"What?"

"That is so flippin' cute."

"I give up. You're too far gone."

I poured myself the cup of chocolate milk and started eating without really thinking about it. It was just like Nye's aunt to try to feed us. It was only when I was halfway through that I stopped. Hang on. She hates chocolate milk in the mornings. She'd never make it for breakfast. She called it 'candy posing as tea'. Nye must have made it.

Putting the cup back in place, I settled into my seat and chuckled to myself, "You remembered." Tommy raised a brow at me but I didn't explain. I didn't need to fan the flames of this fascination he seemed to have with me and Nye together.

This gave me a little hope. It was a small gesture − a tiny one really − but it was something. I might have a chance, however hopeless, to reconcile with him. I doubted that there were many things worse that losing your best and oldest friend. Nye was my childhood.

Most of my memories had him in it. Every adventure, every escapade, every sleepover and every punishment involved him in some way or the other. My first fist fight had been to defend him. He'd taught me to swim and fish in his uncle's favorite spot. He finished my science project that one time when I'd gotten too sick to do anything. He'd researched and researched spending a whole day on that thing. We'd even scraped a B- on it. It wasn't the kind of friendship I could give up on so easily.

I wondered if he'd like it if I picked him up after school and took him for ice-cream. There was nothing he liked more than dessert. It was his weakness as much as chocolate milk was mine. I looked down at the cup of the stuff. It was my favorite brand and everything. It was only sold in Rondesdale but, even after four years, I remembered the taste. I took a sip and found that it warmed me in more ways than one. We'll get past this. I know it.

"Did you know that you make a special face when you're thinking about him?" Tommy asked even though his eyes were down in this morning's paper. I schooled my face into something more neutral because he really didn't need any more encouragement. He peered up at me and laughed, "Better."

I drank a second cup of the chocolate and headed back upstairs to shower and get ready. The water heater was broken, naturally. I had to go pick a new one up before the end of the day. It was January already and the water was even colder with the weather. It almost never snowed in Rondesdale, but the place rained a lot this time of year.

Flipping through a countless number of suits, I settled on a V-neck sweater vest and suit that always got the compliments at meetings. This investor would be a huge asset to Ackles Corp and no detail could be overlooked. The white shirt, grey vest, black blazer and patterned pants left room for the purple tie to stand out. Purple was the investor's company color. I'd been around these people to appreciate their vanity. The littlest things made a difference.

I stepped out of the room just as Tommy did. He wolf whistled at me.

"Have I ever mentioned what a spectacular job I did with you?" his eyes roved over me, "Because wow, I did a spectacular job with you."

"Yes you have and yes you did. I am forever in your debt."

"Now now. Sarcasm is no way to thank your personal makeover extraordinaire."

"Personal makeover..." I trailed off and walked away laughing, "I bet you and Nye would get along."

"Doubt it. He doesn't seem too fond of me," he waved his still aching hand from their handshake the night before.

"Don't worry. He was always a little possessive."

"I wonder why."

"Not like that," I smacked him over the head, "In a my-friend-not-yours-so-back-off kind of way."

"Oh of course. Naturally."

"Come on or we'll be late."

We got to the four star hotel in the town and got to the conference room to see everyone already there. We were just shy of fashionably late.

I was right about the tie. The investor came over, spotted it and grinned, "Ahh, look at that. A pomp and power tie." I glanced back at Tommy who smiled down at the accessory as if he understood. He nodded and gestured to me, "The color of Quadrisect Inc. Nice choice, Richard."

I mentally rolled my eyes. Who on earth called a color 'pomp and power'? I wondered if it was short for pompous and powerful because it would explain why this guy chose it. I could almost hear Nye scoffing, "Dude, get over yourself. It's freakin' purple." The fact that this man chose a color that had the word power in it spoke wonders. At the same time, it didn't make him much different than many of our other investors. I'd dealt with these men so often that nothing surprised me anymore.

I was only too happy to leave the meeting over an hour later. Tommy was the one who fit in more easily with these guys. He knew things like pomp and power and which crackers went best with caviar and which wines went better with cheese or fish. I couldn't care less. He taught me as we went along but I'd have much preferred beer with potato chips and the game that was starting in a bit.

I couldn't complain. I liked this lifestyle as much as I resented it. I could appreciate a good wine as much as the next guy and I was only just starting to like sushi a little.

When I was getting ready to go, I spotted Tommy flirting with a woman near the entrance. I smiled to myself. I'd wondered how long it would take him. He glanced over and I shot him a wink and a thumbs up. He gave me a look that said, 'I know right?' before he looked back to the woman.

She was hot. I didn't doubt that he'd sweet talk her into liking him back at some point. We had a few meetings scheduled here in the future and I didn't doubt that she'd be there. She was the hotel's events manager.  They'd meet up again. I went over and told him to let me know when he was ready for me to come back for him and he all but shooed me away after agreeing.

I took to the streets, driving around the vaguely familiar town. It was surreal to see the little changes and the old shops I'd frequented as a teen. It was even more surreal being an adult and knowing that, for once, I could go into any store and buy whatever I wanted. I could go on a spree if I wanted. A smile slipped onto my face. I'd love to take Nye with me. He'd go crazy in half of these places if he got his paws on my platinum card.

I didn't mind splurging my money on him. It would be awesome to go to whichever places we wanted and get anything we wanted. We could go eat in all the restaurants and spend the day at the hotels in the town and order in all day and blow money on tokens in the arcade. It was just the kind of thing we always talked about doing when we grew up and got tons of money.

Stocking up on a couple of household things, getting the new heater and running an errand or two had eaten up most of the day. When I looked at my watch, I saw that the school day was about to be over soon enough. Tommy hadn't called yet.

I didn't doubt that he was with his new lady friend probably turning on his inner gentleman − something I often forgot even existed. He could be the sweetest, most cordial bastard you'd ever met and you'd fall for him in a heartbeat. And then he'd turn into a crude, childish perv still with the ability to talk you out of your undies. It was hard not to give him props for it.

Making a split second decision, I drove back to the village and over to the school. I figured I could talk Nye into one drive with me and maybe I could get him to hear me out. When I got there, the bell had long gone and kids were grabbing the bus and milling around outside. It just occurred to me how hard it would be to find him − assuming he was even here still. Nye hated school. He'd be likely to leave the first chance he got.

Lots of kids were inching closer to get a look at my car and it made it twice as hard to find him. That was, of course, before he slipped through the crowd to see what everyone was gawking at. He stopped and stared at it. Recognition crossed his face.

I stepped out of the vehicle to the sounds of one or two stray cat calls. I'd expected him to dash off again, but he stood rooted to the spot. His eyes swept over me from feet to face. I don't think he'd ever seen me in a full suit before. He looked stunned when he finally met my eyes. Taking advantage of his surprise, I made my way over to him.

"Hey," I smiled slipping a hand in my pocket, "I thought I could meet you and we could go for a drive together. Talk maybe?"

"I can't. I have training to go to."

"If you want, I can drop you off."

"It's okay," he glanced behind him, "You don't have to. Asher's gonna take me. You're not allowed to know where the den is anyways."

"Come on," I sighed, "I'm trying here. I'm really trying. I just want to talk. Please?"

"Fine. Talk."

"Here?" I looked around at the curious kids idling nearby, "Why are you avoiding me? And when you're not, you're cold."

"Me? I'm cold? I'm avoiding you?" he scoffed with a laugh and turned as if to leave but spun back around without warning, "No, you don't get to blame me. You're the one who walked away. You were the one who didn't want anything to do with me. You−."

He stopped and shook his head. When he raised his face to look into my own again, he fixed me with the coldest stare he'd worn yet. The wolf flickered in his eyes for a second and the kids around him seemed to find it wiser to give us a wide berth all of a sudden. I felt it. The animal.

I hadn't realized it was that powerful. Maybe it was just that furious. Either way, I knew better than to challenge an animal when it was pissed off. That didn't mean I'd back down. I had come all this way to fight for what we had before I'd left. I refused to look away at his dominance display.

"What? Finish what you were going to say," I held my ground even as I felt the animal's anger simmering too close to my skin. It was uncomfortable to say the least.

"I don't owe you an explanation," he muttered, "Last night you wanted to know how to fix this."

"Yes. I did. Tell me and we can work on it."

"The answer is: you can't. You made your decision, now deal with it. I've already had to. It wasn't easy. It hurt like you wouldn't know but I did it because I had no choice. I'm finally in a good place, Richard. I'm moving on," he paused as if rethinking it, "I'm trying to move on. I don't need you coming to visit for a few days and opening up old wounds just to make yourself feel better before you leave again."

"Come on, N—."

"We're done, Richard."

"You don't mean that."

He advanced on me so fast and so close that we were standing toe to toe before I realized. He seemed larger in that moment. I swallowed, not daring to say anything else. I felt the mortal danger like a second skin. The wolf could have had his jaw around my throat, it was so angry. I kept very still.

Their eyes met mine full on and I could see the utter finality in his words. This was not up for discussion. There was nothing left to talk about. He was severing most if not all ties. I didn't doubt that he'd use force if I came anywhere near him again with any talk of fixing things.

"We're done," he whispered his face near enough that his breath mingled with mine.

"I'm sorry."

His jaw tightened, "I know."

I watched him walk away to another car and get in. Orion came soon after jogging through the crowd and followed suit. The blonde paused on his way in and took one glance back at me. He frowned before slipping into the backseat and closing the door.

I doubled over to let out the breath I didn't realize I'd been holding. Shit.

*****************************

So a couple of important things to note:

1) The next time I update this story, it's going to be a double upload. ie. two full chapters instead of one.

2) This is the longest Part in the story (20 chapters instead of 10)

3) In the start I specified Danyel, Richard and Third Person POV. The Third Person Point Of View is going to be mainly Orion but there will be another male character popping up in that too.

4) That is a side story of sorts. They're not the main guys obviously but I'll be touching on what's going on with them every four chapters. So Richard, Richard, Danyel, Danyel, THEIR CHAPTER, Richard, Richard, Danyel, blah blah.

5) This story has no sequel and will never have a sequel. No alternative endings. Nothing. How it ends is how it ends. Who ends up with whom is how it's going to stay.

6) The persons casted in Part 3 are final. Your imput was not sought out then because it was not and still is not relevant to the choice. I gave the characters the choice of who would be who. You can either accept their chosen actors/actresses or silently be upset about it. You are free to continue imagining them as your own choices if you want. That's totally fine. 

7) I am two chapters away from finishing my other story and I'm doing a double upload for that next. Therefore The Chosen will be my main book to focus on for a long time after the double upload.

8) For those of you who expected a warm reunion...sorry darlings. I really am. But those two have a rift in their relationship due to a misunderstanding. Things won't be good with them until that's settled. Which will be pretty soon. Like early chapter 23. 

9) I know Orion and Nye being together seems like a terrible choice for Nye to put them through (mostly because it is), but please remember this is Nye trying to move on. He's been rejected by his mate and he's still getting over his first heartbreak. Orion was a shoulder to lean on but it turned into more because it helped and it was easy and he thinks liking Orion and caring about him is enough for a relationship. He does care about Ri. Loves him as a friend and Packmate. And Ri is the only wolf near his age that can handle the Alphaship of his own wolf. There literally is no one else he can date aside from Richie...who he believes doesn't want him. He's piecing his life back together as best as he could. Bad choices, but good intentions. He doesn't want to hurt Orion no matter how much he can't return his full feelings. So don't be too hard on Nye. He's trying.

10) VOTE, FOLLOW, COMMENT. :D hehehe.