When I met Ky’s gaze, he sighed miserably, and I chuckled under my breath while raising my hand to scratch his ear. “I’m only pulling your tail. I’m not that naïve, nor am I unable to make an educated guess. We’re mates, sort of. He rejected me as his mate when we met, but you didn’t, thus the situation in which we find ourselves. So, am I supposed to reject him back?” I asked, and Ky growled, although he kept his volume low. Albeit, that was what made it so terrifying. Goosebumps covered my skin, although I didn’t fear him, just the sound. Weird. “I’ll take that as a no,” I squeaked, and he calmed with a soft snort. In the next moment, he lay his head on my lap. Another way to keep me, perhaps. Or he liked the contact, it could be either or a mix of both.
“Honestly, I get why he doesn’t want me. I mean, as he calls me, I’m a street rat. I’ve been an orphan for six years, having to scrounge to get by. You don’t want to know some of the things I’ve done to survive. And, I got off easy for the most part, many are far less lucky than I. I used to share what I could with anyone else I found, especially once I got jobs and got a roof over my head. No, I am lucky. But I have little to no worth. I don’t fight unless I have to. Although Kyler brings out the worst in me, a piece I didn’t know existed within myself. I don’t get pleasure from his pain, but I don’t feel bad about upsetting him either. That’s not me, but he somehow makes me into that, and I don’t understand it. Kyler has a family, a home, and the adoration of his peers, he’s the golden child. I’ve been a misfit my entire life because I’m a shy, quiet kid who prefers reading and drawing to playing outside. I don’t have any talents, and I’m not special, so why would Mr. I was born with a golden spoon in my mouth want me? I don’t see the logic in such a pairing and cannot blame him for rebelling against it. Besides, if he’s a leader, then he needs someone who can lead by his side. Not a shy nobody who could disappear and the world wouldn’t blink,” I stated unapologetically. I wasn’t looking for pity or words of denial and empty praise proclaiming I had some worth because I knew I didn’t. All I did was state things the way they were. I’m nothing, just a less than average human. Why Marcus wanted to keep me, I didn’t understand. Unless he feared someone could use me against him so he was trying to make sure that couldn’t happen. Or, even worse, he had no choice, because his wolf said he wanted me around so Marcus must play along. But why? Why was I even worth noting or wanting?
Ky raised his head with a whine, and I hugged my knees while chewing my bottom lip. I didn’t understand what a wolf pack could even want with a human. Perhaps if they ate me, they’d become stronger? Hah. As if. More like if they fed me to their enemies, they’d be easier to defeat. At least I had some value, even if it was negatively. Growling, Ky nipped my arm, and I flinched, wincing when my back spasmed. Blinking, I shook my head to banish those dark thoughts with a sigh. Great, now Ky was irritated with me too. Perhaps if I tried hard enough, the werewolf would wholly despise my guts.
Sighing, I stopped trying to solve the entire puzzle to understand it because I’d have to admit what I’ve figured out so far to get the answers I lacked. I almost pet Ky again, but paused with my hand inches from his fur. What if he was still mad? He didn’t realize how unworthy and useless I was, and now that he knew he felt tricked. Ah, well, it was nice while it lasted, I suppose. The oven timer went off, and I stood to make my way to the kitchen. Ky whined, but I left without glancing at him so he could wallow in his misery in peace. Poor guy, it wasn’t his fault he got stuck with me.
Once I pulled dinner from the oven, my stomach growled at the wonderful smell, and a slight smile curled my lips. Hopefully, it tasted as good as it smelled. When I turned around, Ky sat in the middle of the kitchen with an angry wolf scowl, and I sighed. “I’m sorry you’re stuck with me, bud,” I muttered, ruffling his fur as I walked by, and he growled. Surprised, I paused, albeit I didn’t look at the wolf. Instead, I stood frozen in place, and he circled around to tower over me. Usually, he ducked, so he didn’t loom so much, but now he took advantage of his full height. When I remained still, he moved closer to lick my cheek. Confused, I stayed where I was, and he stepped closer to hang his head over my shoulder and nuzzle me with a soft chuff. Still unsure, I didn’t move, and he purred.
“Not stuck with me?” I asked hesitantly, and
