Page 26 of His Rejected Fated Mate

The house had an open floor plan, which left everything flowing together. The house felt like Troy. It had cool colors and dark wood. I could picture him living here.

I heard footsteps coming down the hallway. I turned just as Troy came around the corner. My eyes widened as I took him in. Troy was wearing white shorts and no top. My eyes instantly trailed over his body, taking in his six-pack. I could see he had a fit, and it stirred something deep down.

My jaw dropped at the sight of him. He had a half-asleep look in his eyes as he walked, smiling at me. “Morning,” he said with a broken voice.

I just stared at him as he walked toward the fridge, pulling it open. The kitchen was already tight with just me in it, but with Troy standing just a few inches from me, it felt even smaller.

I swallowed, unable to stop raking my eyes over his entire body. It wasn’t like I hadn’t seen Troy half-naked before. Weslept together so I knew what he looked like, but he was bigger now. You could tell he was built, but not in a bulky way.

I could feel my face growing hot, and I stepped out of the kitchen. I scowled at him. “What are you doing?”

He paused, mid-pour with the milk and a cup. “What?”

“Do you see anything wrong with this situation?” I waved a hand between us and then around the kitchen. “Anything at all?”

He shrugged. “I do not. I’m just pouring myself a cup of milk, Elize.”

“Are you still asleep? How can you not see the problem?” I threw my hands out.

He sighed and rubbed at his eyes. “It’s a little early to have an argument, so how about you tell me what’s wrong here.”

“You’re shirtless.”

He took a drink of his milk and nodded. “I am, and you’ve seen me in much less. So, I don’t see the problem here.”

I could feel my face getting hotter. I hated how my mind went back to that night, and I quickly shook my head. “This is inappropriate, Troy. You’re not living in an empty house anymore. You need to dress appropriately.”

I cleared his throat. “Elize, it’s not like I’m walking around bare ass. I have on shorts. I just don’t have on a shirt.”

“And you’re making me uncomfortable.”

His eyebrows went up. “Uncomfortable, really? Because that’s not what your face says.”

I swallowed, trying to find words. “Wear clothes when you’re in the house, Troy.”

He set his milk down. “Okay, fine. I’ll wear clothes. I’ll be sure to wear long layers so you don’t have to see my skin. Will that make you feel better?”

“Now, you’re just being a smartass.”

“You’re the one who’s getting wound up about me not wearing a shirt.”

I took a breath, deciding I needed to step away since he clearly didn’t want to act like an adult. “You know what. I’m going for a walk.”

“You might want some blackout shades. I know a lot of guys out there run around without shirts. And I’ve seen women running in their sports bras. It’s a crazy world outside.”

I rolled my eyes and turned toward the door. “Real mature, Troy.”

I slipped on my shoes and stepped outside. I figured I could go for a walk and maybe stop somewhere and get breakfast. Hopefully, but by the time I got back, he would be out of the house.

But I came to a halt when I noticed everyone standing on the sidewalk. I felt my eyes widen, unsure of what was going on. I couldn’t read what any of them were thinking, but I knew a crowd wasn’t a good thing.

“You’re Elize, aren’t you?” A young woman stepped forward.

I swallowed. I couldn’t deny it because they would find out the truth. Also, who else was leaving their Alpha’s house this early in the morning, looking like she just crawled out of bed?

“I am.” I squeezed my palms together, feeling my hands were starting to shake.

“You calmed them. The shifters yesterday. They were unable to control themselves, and you calmed them. Is it true? They said you did it.”