Page 21 of His Bullied Fated Mate

“Yes, I know her. You're talking with my wife.”

I looked at Riley with wide eyes. He’d never called me his wife before. The guy quickly waved his hands. “My apologies. I was just giving her directions to the library.”

Riley moved closer to me, and I stiffened as he yanked me towards him. The guy took a quick step back, still waving his hands. “My apologies. Have a good night. It was nice meeting you.” He looked at me before he turned and started to walk away.

I turned my eyes towards Riley, who was staring at the guy with anger. I understood, maybe being a little irritated, but I didn’t understand why he was this angry. It wasn’t like our marriage was legit. We didn’t even like each other.

I pushed away and crossed my arms. “That was rude. He was giving me directions.”

“Why are you talking to strangers?” he snapped. “You didn't know who he was.”

My eyebrows went up, and I stammered about the question. “He was giving me directions. I clearly don’t know where everything is anymore. Would you rather I walk around like an idiot, unable to find my way back home?”

“You shouldn’t be talking to other packs’ members. And you shouldn’t be out by yourself.”

I shook my head. Was he serious right now? “Are you serious right now?”

“He could have hurt you or worse.”

“Jesus, do you hear yourself, Riley? And since when the hell do you care how I’m treated? You’re the biggest bully I know. This entire pack couldn't care less how I’m treated. And suddenly now you want to act like you want to protect me?”

He ground his teeth together. “Janella, I am not to be pushed.”

I rolled my eyes. “You don’t get to tell me what I can and can’t do, Riley. He was offering me directions, and you came in,losing your shit. I don't know what your problem is, but pull yourself together.”

“My problem is you’re my wife.” He moved closer to me, his shadow towering over me. “And I will not have my wife thinking she’s a free woman.”

I ground my teeth together, curling my hands into fists. “You know this marriage is fake. This is a shame, so don’t act like you really give a shit about what goes on with me. You want to act like I’m your property, then you'd better think twice. Because I’m not.”

He moved closer to me. His nostrils flared. “I’m not having some other guy sniffling and trying to find some way into your pants.”

“Jesus Christ, Riley. Do you hear yourself? He was giving me directions! He didn’t have his hand up my skirt!”

“I heard him asking you out! So, don’t even try acting like what was going on was innocent. If I hadn’t shown up, would you be bent over with his cock deep in you?”

My jaw dropped. Was he serious right now? Had he lost his fucking mind? I didn't even know what to say because I was so insulted. “It was an innocent conversation! He fucking congratulated me on being married, Riley. Do you seriously think I’m that type of person?”

He crossed his arms. “I don't know. Why aren’t you wearing your ring? My guess is that you want to stay a free woman.”

I threw my hands up. “You’re one to talk, I don’t see it on your hand.”

He pulled on a chain around his neck, and a black ring sat on it. “I was out for a run and had to take it off. What’s yourexcuse? I know you haven’t even taken it out of the box. It's still sitting in the kitchen.”

I swallowed. “Why does it even matter?”

“It matters. You are wearing the ring starting when you get home.”

“Is that so?”

“Yes.”

I didn’t think I could hate him even more, but I did. “You really haven’t changed. Still an arrogant asshole.”

“Arrogant asshole or not, you're my wife, and I’m not going to have my wife flaunting herself around. I don't need word going that my wife is cheating.”

“I wasn’t flaunting myself around, Riley.”

“That’s not what I was seeing.”