Against All Odds

Noah and Riley took their seats across from Lilian, who watched them both with a sharp, calculating gaze. The aroma of roasted lamb and garlic mashed potatoes filled the room, but Riley found it hard to muster an appetite. Instead of eating, he kept his eyes fixed on his plate while he moved the baby carrots around with his fork. The silence in the room was unsettling and the tension between them palpable.

Determined to keep the mood light, Noah smiled and asked, "so, Mother, how was your day?"

Lilian raised an eyebrow. "Busy. I had lunch at the country club with Agnes and Sylvia then went to the salon. I also had a meeting with Rachel Simmons." Lilian paused a moment to sip her wine. "You remember her, Noah. She's the head of Happy Hearts. They're opening a new office in town. I've given them a sizable donation to help with expenses."

Riley looked to Noah, questioningly. "Happy Hearts?"

"It's a charity organization run by an old friend of Mothers. They help low income families with small children. They offer anything from food and clothing to rent and utility assistance."

"Oh, that sounds amazing." Riley smiled at Lilian, trying his best to sound cordial and genuinely interested in the topic. "So, do you work with a lot of charities?"

Lilian narrowed her eyes, regarding Riley with a hint of irritation as though she were insulted that he dare to speak to her directly. "Yes, Riley. The Reaney family has always done their part in helping the less fortunate. No doubt you've benefited from our generosity a time or two, being a foster child for most of your life."

Riley forced a smile, determined not to let Lilian's attitude toward him spoil the evening. "Oh, well, I and, I'm sure every other foster child you've helped, are deeply grateful." He stabbed his fork into a piece of meat then quickly shoved it into his mouth.

"I would hope so." Lilian said coldly. "Without wealthy families like ours, there would be far too many children living on the streets, starving to death. In a way, Riley, you're very lucky. I'm sure our donations have made your life quite comfortable, privileged even."

"Privileged?" Riley stared at Lilian in disbelief. "Madam, I can assure you, my life has been anything but privileged."

"Yes, yes. I've heard your sob story before." Lilian waved her hand dismissively through the air. "Poor orphaned omega, shuffled around from one foster home to the next. Honestly, young man, it's getting quite tiresome to hear. Do you think you're the only one who's ever suffered? There are others whose circumstances have been far worse than yours. I'd say you've been rather fortunate. At least you had a roof, or many, over your head and food in your belly. Think of all the children who have gone without. You don't hear any of them complaining."

Riley was at a loss for words. He couldn't believe what he was hearing. Yes, there were others a lot worse off than Riley and yes he had a roof over his head growing up but it was never a home. And, children need more than shelter, or food. They need love, compassion, and understanding. Those were things that Riley, unfortunately, never had.

"Fortunate would have been to have never lost my parents in the first place." He said, his voice low and somber.

"We've all suffered loss in our lives." Lilian said as she raised her glass to her lips. "What makes you so special?"

"Well, I..." Riley sighed then closed his mouth, unable to finish his thought. It just seemed pointless to continue arguing with the woman any further. Not when she so quickly shot down everything he said.

"Mother, I've asked you not to disrespect Riley. Could you please show a little restraint?" Noah shot Lilian a warning glare, but Lilian only sneered back in response.

"I will not." She snapped. "Respect is earned, not given, and this boy has done nothing to earn my respect."

"He's done nothing to earn your contempt either." Noah shot back.

Lilian huffed. "Well, that remains to be seen."

"And what is that supposed to mean?" Noah narrowed his eyes as he starred Lilian down.

"It means that I do not believe this boy is who he claims to be and I do not believe that his motives are all together pure."

Noah sat his fork down and crossed his arms over his chest, defiantly. "Really, Mother, this again? When are you going to trust that I know what I'm doing?"

"When you stop acting like a headstrong teenager with a crush." She turned her attention to Riley then, her tone dripping with disdain. "So Riley, where do you plan to go when you leave Reaney Hall? Do you think you can get your old job back after taking off so frivolously?"

Noah furrowed his brow. "He didn't take off frivolously, Mother. He was in heat. He couldn't leave."

Lilian raised an eyebrow, her lips pursed. "Well, he's not in heat anymore, so there's nothing keeping him here now, is there?"

"Mother, this is ludicrous." Noah nearly shouted across the table at her, his voice firm. "Riley is my mate and one day soon he'll be my husband. Reaney Hall is his home now. He isn't leaving. The sooner you accept that, the better."

Riley stared silently at his plate, Lilian's words stinging as they echoed in his mind. Hot tears stung his eyes but he forced them back, unwilling to show any sign of weakness.

"Please, Noah, don't tell me you were serious about marrying him. Look at him, he's not worthy to carry the Reaney name. He can't even speak up to defend himself."

Riley sighed, finally looking up to meet Lilian's eyes. "What's the point?" He asked, his tone cold and defeated. "You've already made your mind up about me. Anything I say now would be futile."

Lilian grinned, realizing she'd finally hit a nerve. She looked at Riley and narrowed her eyes, her icy glare shooting daggers straight into his heart. "I'm only trying to look out for my son." She said. "You can't honestly believe that I'd allow you to worm your way into this family. You're beneath my son, you're beneath all of us. Low class and insignificant."

"Mother, that's enough!" Noah was on his feet in an instant, fists hitting the surface of the table hard as he glared at Lilian.

Lilian only chuckled at the sudden outburst. "Noah, darling, sit down. Temper tantrums are unbecoming in young alphas. Besides, why get angry with me when I'm only telling the truth? Your little omega is worthless, gutter trash, and you deserve someone of a higher pedigree."

"Oh, like you?" Riley snapped at her, his anger flaring. "You think just because you married into money that you're better than everyone else but you're no different from me. Your parents were poor, working class, people and your mother was an omega, so how does that make you better than me?"

Lilian's eyes widened in shock. "What did you just say to me?" She demanded.

Riley's voice was steady, though his hands trembled slightly. "You were born into poverty. You only married Stephen Reaney to up your social status."

"Riley..." Riley put his hand up, silencing Noah. He'd had enough of Lilian Reaney and was going to put her in her place, no matter what it cost him. He was done playing the silent victim, done taking shit from people who thought they were better just because he was an omega. Riley knew who and what he was, he knew what he wanted, and he was ready to fight for it.

"You look down on me and people like me because it reminds you of where you came from and you hate that." Riley continued. "You hate that you weren't born with a silver spoon in your mouth, that your mother was an omega, looked down on by people just like you. You're so ashamed of your past that you put on airs and pretend to be someone you're not, all to impress a bunch of snobby, puffed-up, strangers who only measure a person based on their status. If those are the type of friends you surround yourself with then it's no wonder you're so bitter and miserable. You cling so desperately to Noah because he's the only person in your life who truly loves you. Honestly, I feel sorry for you. Money can buy a lot of things Mrs. Reaney, but it can't buy you happiness or affection, or acceptance. It only masks the pain you feel at being totally, and utterly alone."

Lilian's furry was immediate. "How dare you say such things to me! You know nothing about me, nothing at all."

"Maybe not," Riley replied, "but I'm guessing El Reaney knew you pretty well. I've read all about you in her diary. I know a lot more about you then you realize."

"Diary?" Lilian twisted her hands nervously in her lap. "What diary?"

"The one I found in El's bedroom." Riley admitted. "I've been reading it."

Lilian's face went pale, then flushed with anger. "You had no right to go snooping around on the third floor." Se hissed. " I won't tolerate such brash behavior, and you have over stayed your welcome here."

"Is that what you told El?" Riley shot back. "Is that why she ran away?"

Lilian's eyes blazed with fury. "Eleanor Reaney was a drug-addicted whore. She deserved whatever happened to her."

Riley leaned forward, his voice deadly calm. "What exactly did happen to her?"

Lilian stiffened, refusing to meet Riley's eyes. Noah sat back down but his gaze was locked on his mother. With unsteady hands, Lilian reached into her purse and pulled out a silver cigarette case, opened it, and withdrew a cigarette that she placed between her lips before lighting it. She took a long, thoughtful drag then exhaled a cloud of smoke, calming herself a bit more.

"How the hell should I know?" Lilian answered with indifference. "She cut ties with the family years ago, and good riddance too. She couldn't even be bothered to attend her own brother's funeral. I have no use for her." Her gaze shifted to Riley, her eyes showing nothing but contempt. "Just like I have no use for you. You should do us all a favor, and disappear, like she did."

Noah's anger boiled over. He had to grip the edge of the table just to keep from jumping out of his seat a second time and slapping Lilian across the face. "Mother, stop it! Riley matters to me. When are you going to understand that? Nothing you say or do is going to change how I feel about him. I love him and I plan to spend the rest of my life with him. I want to build a family with him, and grow old with him. Riley is my life now."

Lilian laughed at Noah's proclamation though her tone was cold and hollow. She shook her head as she stared at her son. "Marrying that boy would be the worst mistake of your life. Do you really want to spend your life with someone who is so obviously wrong for you? Do you really want to have children with poor, white, trash?"

"Riley is not poor, white, trash and any children we have will be Reaneys, and they will be loved and respected." Noah told her, his voice low and with an edge of warning.

"Any children you have with Riley will be ill-bred bastards. Riley is not a member of this family, will never be a member of this family, nor will any of his children. Do the responsible thing and wash your hands of him, now, while you still can. Once he manages to get himself pregnant, you'll be stuck with him for life."

Riley stood up. Tears streaked down his face as he could no longer hold them back. Lilian's words had cut him to the core and he could no longer pretend that her cruelty did not upset him. "You're a cold and heartless woman." He told her. "It's no wonder that El chose to take her baby and run away." Riley felt a tightness in his chest, his tears came faster and harder. Rather than say more and completely break down, Riley turned on his heels and fled the room, the sounds of his sobs echoing down the long hallway.

Noah stood, glaring at his mother. He threw his napkin down and slammed his chair hard against the table. "Well, I hope you're happy." He growled.

Lilian smiled, a twisted satisfaction in her eyes. "Actually, I'm overjoyed."

Noah shook his head in defeat as Lilian casually sipped her wine. "Unbelievable." He hissed before storming out of the room. Now he had to find Riley and attempt to fix this before he lost the man he loved, forever.

***

The echoes of Lilian's cruel words hung heavy in the air as Riley fled the dining room, tears streaming down his face. His heart pounded with a mixture of hurt and anger, each step feeling heavier as he made his way back to the bedroom he now shared with Noah. The opulence of Reaney Hall, with it's grand chandeliers and lavish furnishings felt suffocating and cold, a stark contrast to the warmth Riley so desperately sought.

He collapsed onto the bed, his sobs muffled by the plush comforter. The scent of lavender from the freshly laundered sheets was a fleeting comfort, overshadowed by the sharp sing of Lilian's venomous words. Riley didn't know how long he lay there crying, minutes maybe, hours perhaps. He had lost all sense of time and awareness of his surroundings, being only vaguely aware of what room he was in. He was used to the rose room but being there now, in Noah's bed and surrounded by his scent, was something he could definitely get used to.

Riley froze at the sound of the door opening. Had Lilian come to officially throw him out? Or had El's spirit come to him in the midst of his break down to lend some comfort. Perhaps she was angry that he had told Lilian about the diary. Riley didn't know but he was too scared to look up and see so instead held his breath until the one entering the room made their presence known. Riley released his breath when he realized that it was Noah who had entered.

He made his way to the bed, his footsteps soft against the carpet. He found Riley curled up, his body trembling with silent sobs. Without a word, Noah lay down beside him, spooning up against him and wrapping his arms around Riley's waist. The warmth of Noah's body was a soothing balm to Riley's wounded heart.

"Riley," Noah whispered, his voice gentle and reassuring, "my mother is wrong. You are part of this family. You're my family now and nothing and no one will ever change that."

Riley sniffled, wiping his tears with the back of his hand. "I don't care if Lilian ever accepts me, but it hurts that she wouldn't accept any children we might have."

Noah's arm tightened around him, his breath warm against Riley's neck. "If we have kids, once they're born, Mother won't have any choice but to fall in love with them."

Riley turned his head slightly, skepticism etched across his tear-streaked face. "I want to believe you, Noah, I really do, but it's hard. My dream is for us all to be one big happy family, but she seems hellbent on pushing me away."

Noah kissed the back of Riley's head, his lips soft and comforting. "Things have a way of working themselves out, love. You just need to have faith."

Riley turned to face Noah, Their noses almost touching. His eyes, still wet with tears searched Noah's for reassurance. He smiled at Noah. "I have faith in you." He said, his voice soft and full of affection.

Noah smiled back, a tender and loving expression that made Riley's heart ache with passion. Their lips met in a gentle kiss, a silent promise of unwavering support and love. Riley melted against Noah, deepening the kiss. He slipped his tongue into Noah's mouth and for a moment their tongues met, collided together, and Riley moaned deeply into the kiss.

"God, you are so beautiful." Noah said, looking deep into Riley's dark, brown eyes. "The way you moan turns me on so much. I want to kiss you all over, just to hear more."

Riley grinned, a glint of playfulness in his eyes. "What's stopping you?" He asked, licking his lips seductively.

Noah accepted the invitation with eager determination. He ran his fingers down, over Riley's arm, lower still until his fingers were sliding over his hip then cupping his round, little ass. Noah gently pushed Riley onto his back. Riley drew his knees up to his chest and Noah moved between them, pushing then farther apart.

Noah looked down at him, his eyes filled with hunger and need. Noah leaned down and kissed Riley's throat then worked his way down the omega's body. Noah pushed Riley's shirt up, past his chest. His fingers grazed Riley's pert, pink, nipples. They grew hard beneath his touch. Noah's lips began to glide across the exposed skin of Riley's stomach, leaving sweet, butterfly kisses along his core. Riley let out another passionate moan and arched his back. His head fell back and he closed his eyes, savoring every touch of Noah's fingers and each press of his lips against his body, his own desire mounting with each passing moment.

Noah smiled when he saw the look on Riley's face, that look he loved so much was almost as erotic as the soft, needy, noises that Riley made. Noah was already hard, his erection pressing against his pants, almost painfully. He was ready and eager for more but he wasn't done teasing Riley, quite yet. He wanted to watch him squirm and writhe on the bed under him. He wanted to hear his pleas and needy, little, whimpers. He wanted Riley to come completely undone beneath him.

Noah continued to kiss Riley, alternating between kissing and then dragging his tongue over his flesh until Riley couldn't take the constant teasing any longer. He moved to Riley's chest, kissing and tenderly sucking and biting at his nipples. He slid his hands along Riley's body, pushing his shirt up further, over his head and then tossing it to the floor. Noah looked Riley over, his chocolate eyes and long, black, slightly wavy hair, normally pulled back into a ponytail, was now free and fanned out across the pillows. He really was a beauty. The most beautiful man that Noah had ever seen in fact, and he reveled in the fact that Riley was his and only his.

Noah's erection pressed tighter against his pants, begging to be set free. Riley was hard too. Noah felt the omega's erection as he slipped his hand between Riley's legs and gently began to squeeze and rub him through the fabric of his jeans. Riley moaned, writhing on the bed and Noah grinned. It excited him to know that he could cause such a reaction in his mate, that he was the reason Riley was so flustered and aroused.

As Noah stared down at Riley, he marveled at how gorgeous the man was. He loved the way that Riley looked up at him, his eyes sparkling with the love he had for Noah. Noah never in his life had imagined that he could love another person this much, but he did. He loved everything about Riley. He loved his mind, his passion and most of all, he loved his compassion. Riley was a true gem in Noah's eyes. A gift that he would treasure forever.

"I love you." Noah whispered into Riley's neck. "You are my world."

"Love you too." Riley returned. "You're everything to me."

Noah kissed him again, relishing the taste of his lips and loving how perfectly their bodies fit together, as though they were made for each other. Noah kissed a line down Riley's stomach again, stopping just above his navel. With one, quick, fluid motion, Noah had Riley's pants undone and the sides laid open, revealing that glorious trail of dark hair leading to his groin.

He traced the trail of hair with his finger and Riley shivered beneath him, his body trembling and his eyes imploring Noah to end the torture and take him. Gripping the waist of Riley's jeans, Noah eased them down, slowly revealing the prize beneath. His fingers brushed against Riley's naked flesh and Riley's breath hitched, the anticipation too much. He wanted Noah, needed him, needed to feel him inside.

This desire wasn't like his heat, a primal, instinctive need to breed, it was different, more intimate but just as strong and demanding. Riley needed Noah to claim his body, possess him in every way possible. Noah was alpha, Riley was omega, two sides of the same coin and now was the time to bring those sides together and be as one. Sensing Riley's need, Noah quickly removed Riley's pants and underwear, chucking them both to the floor. He looked down at what he had just uncovered. Riley, in all his glory, stripped naked before him, poised and eager to be taken by his alpha.