Chapter Eleven

Sullen “I’m sick,” Sullen said, adding a cough for extra effect. Jennifer laughed into the phone, the sound of foot traffic in the background told Sullen that she was on her way to work. “You’re faking sick? Who are you kidding? I know you went home with the man candy last night.” Sullen scoffed. “You couldn’t be more wrong. I’m in bed, running a fever—” “You’re not running a fever. Keep your little secrets, but just know that I am going to get the details out of you when you decide to come back to work. You were—are—being completely crazy—” “I’m dating Duke, Jennifer. I can’t just go sleep around with any hot guy that comes my way.” He’s not just some hot guy, her wolf growled. He’s our mate, and you pissed him off. Sullen turned and buried her head into the pillow. She didn’t need reminding of who he was to her. Her wolf felt the need to remind her every ten minutes. Jennifer scoffed. “Whatever. Duke is a jackass, and he works all the time. What would it hurt to keep your options open?” Sullen took a deep breath. After a night from Hell, where her wolf kept her awake pacing and whining, Sullen couldn’t imagine dragging herself out of bed and being productive at work. “I’m going back to bed,” Sullen said. “O-kay, Sullen. Get your rest and go another round with Mr. Man Candy for me. Call me tonight.” Sullen tossed her phone onto the pillow and got up to make herself some coffee. She didn’t need it, but she picked up some habits living in a human world. She shrugged out of her pajama pants, which dragged the ground because she was on the short side, and walked toward the kitchen. She made it to her door when it hit her. His scent. She’d been preoccupied with persuading Jennifer she hadn’t slept with him, that she hadn’t noticed him. Was her body getting used to his scent? Or was he masking it? She stopped in the doorjamb, her body turning warm from him being near, and her wolf stirring awake. She didn’t see him, but she asked, “What are you doing in my apartment?” Roan’s chuckle slid down her spine. “Do you really want me to answer that?” he asked. “Because I’m pretty sure that you already know.” Sullen watched as he walked from the corner of her living room to stand in front of her. He looked different in the morning light. The shadows from his high cheekbones and heavy jawline made him look like he’d been carved out of stone. The way his t-shirt fit him and the intensity of his eyes as they lowered to her lack of pants, wrecked through her body like electricity. “I know that you’re desperate if you’ve stooped to breaking into my apartment like this. What do you want from me? I’ve told you that I’m not coming to the pack house with you—” He took a step toward her, and she backtracked away from him. “I know why you hate the pack life, and why you hate my pack. I know your father died.” Pain shot through her heart at the mention of her father. “Don’t talk about that. Don’t talk about him,” she said, her throat growing dry and painful. She lowered her gaze to the floor and tightened her fingers around the doorframe. “My father is dead because of your pack—” “Your father is dead because your alpha tried to take our land—” “Your pack killed him!” she shouted. Roan nodded. “You’re right. You’re definitely right. One of my pack members probably fought him, and I’m sorry he died, but other wolves died. It’s part of pack life.” She swallowed her anger and pointed toward the door. “And that’s one of the many reasons I won’t be living a pack life. I want you to leave. Now.” Roan shoved his hands into his pockets and tilted his head to the side. “I’m sorry, Sullen, but I’m not leaving without you.” Sullen’s eyes rounded. “I’m not leaving with you. I’m not going anywhere with you. I’ve already told you—” “And I don’t accept it,” he said, stepping forward. “I’m not leaving this apartment without you.” His gaze lowered to her legs. “Now I suggest you go put some pants on because we’re leaving soon. Plus...” He made eye contact with her. “My dad called me last night, and it looks like we’re going to be step-siblings.” Sullen’s mouth dropped open, and a slew of curses fell out. “No. My stupid mother,” she mumbled. “It doesn’t matter,” she said, straightening her shoulders. “It doesn’t matter. I’m not going back there." Roan looked to his right and nodded. “I really hate to do this, Sullen.” She watched as he looked over at her, his eyes dilated and she felt his next move coming. Jumping back, she slammed the door in his face as he launched forward, and she dug her heels into the ground, her back against the door, holding it closed. He chuckled and wiggled the knob. “Do you really think you’re stronger than me, little fox?” Sullen braced herself as he began to shove the door open, sliding her against the hardwood. Roan shoved one good time, and Sullen fell forward onto her stomach. Scurrying to her feet, she backed away from him. Roan stopped in the doorway. “Sullen, I’m not this alpha. The one that forces his mate into anything, but we need to talk. We’re fated mates, and you think I killed your father. I understand your resistance, but I deserve a chance with you. Or at least a conversation. We could have had it last night, but you’ve shown me that you aren’t willing to talk. This is why I’m here.” Sullen eyed her window. She’d never make it. The only option she had was to fight him off or … be taken. And to top it all off, her mother was going to marry his dad. What alternate universe had she fallen into? Sullen stopped her frantic pacing and stared at Roan. “Okay. Let me get dressed and I’ll go with you.” Roan lifted his brow and eyed the window. “Get dressed. I’m not leaving you alone in this room. You must think I’m stupid.” “You’re openly stalking me. That’s pretty stupid to me.” She watched him swallow a groan of annoyance at being called stupid. It was the alpha in him. She didn’t care. Roan gestured toward her closet. “Get dressed. Now. I’m not above taking you to my truck in your underwear. I’ve got to say, my wolf hasn’t been this happy in ages.” Sullen slowly grabbed her sweats from the floor, keeping a close eye on him, she slid them on and tied her unruly hair into a bun. She found a pair of slip-on shoes and grabbed her wallet from her nightstand. If she had anything to say about it, they wouldn’t make it to the pack house before she made a run for it. Her wolf needed a good run anyway. Roan suspected her to run, so he looked suspicious when she walked toward the front door and locked it on their way out. He grabbed her upper arm when she started down the stairs and turned her to face him. His smell made her mouth water. “I can see that you want to run, little fox.” He dipped his mouth closer to hers. “And just remember. An alpha always catches his prey, and it turns out that foxes are my favorite thing to chase.”