Page 19 of His Bullied Fated Mate

I cleared my throat and nodded my head. “Yeah, I'm listening.” I waved a hand. “Continue.”

Troy gave me a look, and I ignored him, forcing a tight smile. I had no idea what they were talking about, but I wasn't going to admit that I wasn't listening.

Jesus, get a grip.

My wolf growled, though, with frustration. Since the bonding, I'd been growing hungry for sex. I wish I had been warned about this. The Council should have warned me about any other changes that might happen.

“Onto the next issue,” Titus said.

I left the meeting as soon as we were done and headed outside. I let the wind hit me, hoping it would swipe all the dirty thoughts away with it. My mind kept traveling back to Janella, and I couldn't focus. Growing up, I had no idea what was underneath her baggy clothes. But now I did, and I couldn’t seem to stop thinking about it. I kept thinking of all the positions I wanted to put her in, on her back with her legs spread. On her knees, with my hand grabbing at her hair, taking her from behind.

I rubbed at my eyes and glanced across the street. My body tensed up, since it seemed the universe had other plans. Across the street was Janella on a park bench. She was sitting with Kyla, another member of the pack.

They were deep in conversation, both laughing. I remembered Kyla and her had been friends, so it didn't surprise me to see them together again. Maybe they kept in touch, or maybe they hadn't.

I watched as Janella spoke, her lips moving quickly. She was wearing red lipstick, and I pictured myself smearing it. The thought of having her on her knees filled my head. I grabbed her throat, tilting her head up.

“Open your mouth.” She did, her red lips opening, and I took in her tongue and ran my thumb over it. She'd moaned, and I could see the way her eyes shifted with need.

“Fuck.” I shook my head and pinched my eyes. Jesus, I was losing it. Where the fuck were these thoughts coming from? I wasn't fifteen.

But I felt my dick jerk at the thought. My body was going against what my mind was saying. I needed to go for a run. I had to get this pent-up energy out.

I watched as they got off the bench and hugged each other. Janella said something, and Kyla nodded eagerly at her. I imagine they agreed to meet up again soon.

I watched as Janella waved and stood there for a moment. I expected her to head in the direction of the house, but she didn't. She turned and headed towards the walking path that surrounded the park.

I turned ready to head home. But my legs froze, and a voice deep down spoke. “What if she was plotting to leave?”

No. Janella wouldn't.

But she would? She talked about wanting to go back home. She had said it over and over that was her plan. What if she was planning to slip away before this was all dealt with? What if she asked Kyla to help her because she didn't want to wait?

My legs started moving after her. I needed to make sure that she wasn't trying to slip away from me. I couldn't let her disappear.

Chapter 6 - Janella

After saying goodbye to Kyla, I decided to go for a walk. I knew that the town hadn’t changed much, but some parts were different. They had expanded further, and new businesses had opened. And it had been four years since I’d been home.

I walked the path that led around the park. The flowers were in full bloom, and birds were chirping in the distance. I paused as I took in a big, open lot. There was the river that ran behind it, and for a solid moment, it was just silent.

I allowed myself to imagine that I was somewhere else. I was back at home, sitting on the patio, enjoying the sound of nothing. My heart ached to have that again. To get back to my normal life.

I was avoiding going home. Because I had a call with Scott, and I wasn’t looking forward to it. I had no idea what I was going to say to him, but I would have to tell him I wasn’t coming back. Or that I wasn't going to be back for a while. I knew he was being understanding now, but it would soon wear off, and he’d want to know more.

I already knew that Riley wasn’t going to be willing to let me travel back and forth, which would have been hard to even think about, considering the drive. And I doubted Scott would be open to a remote option because he needed me in the office.

My gut already knew what was coming. I was trying to think of anything else, but I knew how this was all going to turn out. I knew I would have to quit, or Scott would let me go. Just the first thing to fall apart. I would lose my job, and soon after, I'd have to give up my apartment.

I continued walking, heading down the hill and deeper into the park. There were no kids now, since it was getting late.I’m sure everyone was heading home to have dinner. Riley was probably already at home.

I paused when I reached a large building and circled, confused. I swear, if you went through the park, you’d hit the library, but I was nowhere near the library. I didn’t even know where I was. I walked backward and looked at the river.

I knew I was probably close, so I kept walking. But the more I walked, the more confused I was getting. I entered a neighborhood I didn’t even remember being here, and I knew I’d entered the new part of town.

“God damn it.”

“You lost?”