Chapter 17

SEVENTEEN

Tara

I still can't get over how angry the wolves are about Garrick and I having sex. They don't show any interest in me, and Garrick has done nothing but show interest in me. This marriage was fake to them from the very beginning, and Garrick has made it clear it's real to him. Shouldn't they have prepared themselves for the idea that the bear shifter and I would have sex? Shouldn't they… not care that we had sex?

Biting my lip, heat rolls over me at the thought of what we did. After my encounter with Garrick, all I can think about is how amazing it was. I replay every moment in my mind, savoring every detail. The way he touched me, the way he made me feel, everything was perfect. It makes me so happy knowing that he wants me and thinks I'm his mate. Finally, someone who shows genuine interest in me.

But as usual, my happiness is always short-lived. Why can't I ever catch a break and just have some happiness and joy in my life? Why do I always have to deal with anger and negativity from the wolves and witches?

As we continue our way up the mountain, I can feel the tension radiating off of the wolves. It's like a thick fog that weighs down on all of us. I try to ignore it and focus on the beautiful scenery around us. The trees here are tall and majestic, with leaves that are a vibrant green. The birds sing their songs, and the scent of pine fills the air. It's peaceful, and I wish I could just enjoy it without this heavy feeling in my chest.

Seriously, what's their problem?

I don't know what to do about it. None of the wolves will talk to me. At all. Just because I slept with Garrick? It sounds unlikely. Although, they could be upset about the information about my mom's message too. Who knows? Things keep piling up.

Maybe I need to crack the tension with some humor. That seems like a reasonable answer.

Clearing my throat, I force a smile. "Just think, you guys could be rid of me pretty soon."

None of the wolves react, other than to look even more irritated, which I don't understand. Being rid of me is what they want the most. Isn't it?

"You'll be back home with your people. Back to your old lives like you never met me at all."

Rinan shakes his head. "Just stop, Tara."

Frowning, I decide to shut up. Nothing I say is working. I'm telling the wolves all the things that should make them most happy in the world, and it's not working. Are things really going to just stay this tense all the way up the mountain?

I lose my footing as we climb a steep portion of the mountainside, and Garrick, always by my side, takes my hand and helps me get my balance back. Behind us, Rinan growls low in his throat. I look around to see if there's something threatening us, but all I see are Rinan and Garrick, locked in a staredown.

He's mad that Garrick touched me.

I blink, and Rinan is on the other side of me. Why? I have no idea.

I continue to climb, but the tension between the men on either side of me throws me off, and I stumble again. This time, both men grab my arms to help me stay steady. Rinan growls at Garrick again, but Garrick just looks over at him and grins.

"Don't worry, I'll take care of my wife. She's in good hands."

"Fuck you," Rinan snarls.

"Sorry, I think I'll be busy fucking my wife."

Before things can get worse, I put my hands on each of their chests. "Please cut this out before someone gets hurt. We can't do this on the side of a mountain," I warn them before stopping and turning to face the others. "Look, you can't be mad that Garrick and I had sex when you've all made it very clear that none of you want me like that."

"We never said we didn't want you," Arlys says softly, and those green eyes of his plead with me to understand. What, I'm not sure.

Maybe they never said they didn't want me, but their actions, and inaction, have spoken louder than their words could. All three of them were willing to go so far with me and abruptly stopped, because going further would tie us together. And the last thing they wanted is for us to be tied together.

Rinan's eyes gentle, and his gaze holds mine. "We had a plan before we met you. We were forced into this, just like you, so that we could find the cure. We weren't ever going to have a real marriage. It was nothing personal against you. We hadn't even met you. But we all decided together not to ever buckle. You have to understand that."

"Does that mean things have changed between us?" I ask, because he makes it sound like they have, and my pathetic heart really hopes something has changed.

The men look everywhere but at me, and not one of them says a word. Not a single word. I really am pathetic. I laugh, so the tears won't fall.

"I know I'm not super beautiful or super interesting or super smart. And I get that this was forced on you. I do." I take in a deep breath. "So how about you three just leave me the hell alone and act like this is just an arrangement, instead of pretending to care about what's going on between Garrick and I?"

I force my way past all the men, shoving them out of my way, my eyes burning. Time and time again, they humiliate me. And for what? They care more about their plan than the person they share a bed with. They get mad that Garrick touches me, but they'll touch me too, then get beyond weird and leave me by myself. Why do they have to act like this?

Drogo calls after me, but I don't slow. I know damn well the only thing these men have to say are things that will hurt me. And, maybe, I've been hurt enough. Maybe I don't want to be around people who hurt me anymore.

Don't I deserve that much?