Page 9 of His Arranged Plus-Size Mate

“And two people sharing a space can leave food for the other.”

I watched her jaw clench together. “Don’t expect me to return the favor.”

I sighed. It had been a long day of moving stuff around, and the last thing I wanted to do was argue with her. “I understand you’re irritated with this entire thing, but I’m trying to be nice and make this easier on you.”

“If you want to make it easier on me, then leave me alone.”

I ground my teeth together and bite my tongue. I could hear her retreating up the stairs, and her door slammed shut. I sighed aggressively and turned my attention back to the TV.

I spent the afternoon going through my framed artwork. I started hanging them in the hallway and in the living room. I had taken up photography as a hobby. I soon found I enjoyed the quiet and the long hours it took to take that perfect picture.

I took a step back, staring at the collage. I’d been all over the world when I wasn’t working. I had photos of rare animals and people I had met. I knew their names, and I sent letters every once in a while.

I couldn’t help but smile at the memories. I never planned to stay in town like the others were going to. I spent more time traveling around than I did at home anyway. That was why I rented. I didn’t want to stay.

I figured once everything was settled and the hybrid issue was resolved, I would take another trip. I wasn’t sure if we’d still be a team by the time this was done. It was clear they were all going to stay here, and I was pretty sure that meant giving up their roles with the special forces.

I shook the thought off, not wanting to think about the possibility of working with a different team. That Brandon might not be my leader in the future.

“I’m going out.”

I turned to find Hazel pulling on her shoes and jacket. She was wearing a long black dress, and her hair was pulled up in a high pony.

“Where are you going?” The words came out before I could even think about the question.

I watched her pause for a moment before she crossed her arms. “Out, not that it’s any of your business.”

I wiped my hand over my face and tried to take a deep breath. “I was just asking because I wondered if you were going to be home for dinner.”

“I don’t need you to cook me dinner.”

“Jesus, Christ, Hazel! I’m being nice! Stop acting like everything I’m doing is a personal attack on you!” I snapped, throwing my hands up. “I am trying to be a considerate person, but you are behaving like a spoiled brat every time I do.

“And I told you to just leave me alone! So, why don’t you just do that!” She grabbed her purse, storming out the door. Itslammed shut behind her. I watched as one of the pictures next to me shook and fell free from its hook. The glass shattered on the ground, scattering across the room.

I ground my teeth together, wondering if I had bitten off more than I could chew, agreeing to this.

Chapter 4 - Hazel

I stared at the ceiling in my bedroom. I didn’t feel anything. I didn’t feel like I was at home, even though everything in the room was mine. All the pictures Asher hung made it feel like his house, not a space we shared. He kept saying I would decorate, but it was clear he was already doing that.

I knew that I was being a bitch. I was short-tempered and constantly picking fights with him. He was trying to be nice, and I could only push back. Because what happens if I allow myself to open up and accept it?

I wasn’t stupid. He agreed to marry me because Brandon asked him to. It was a job for him. And at the end of the day, he wouldn’t have done it otherwise. Asher was one of the four most popular guys in the pack, and everyone talked about how attractive he was. Asher, being the last single one, I knew that the girls fawned over him.

It was easier to push back than to accept I was an obligation. If I stayed away, getting divorced would be easier. Less painful.

I pulled myself out of bed and threw on some clothes. I slipped out of my room and down the stairs. I scanned the space, but didn’t see Asher. I knew that they had started their big switch, meaning he was busy himself.

I headed into the kitchen and made myself some eggs. I ate in silence and cleaned my dishes. I headed over to the healing center right after.

I parked in my usual spot and headed inside. I was the first to arrive, so I flipped all the lights on and made sure all the stations were set up and ready. I turned the coffee maker on when I heard the back door open.

“Morning.” Chelsey’s chipper voice rang through the space.

“Morning.”

I slipped to the back and froze when I spotted Chelsey standing near her locker holding a huge fruit basket with a ribbon on it. My eyes widened at her. “What in god’s name is that?”