And how exactly do you know he’s a perv? Did he grope someone in front of you? Did he look at or talk to other girls after seeing you? You know, boys nowadays can have friends. Haven’t you thought about that, Miss I-Judge-Them-All? Let’s not forget, you were fucking someone, like, yesterday.
I scoffed.
Clearly, Rudy was resentful…or I was imagining things. The shock of finding my mate might have messed up my overused brain. There was also the possibility that he was just frustrated or bored and taking it out on me.
Today, he was surrounded by girls, and he didn’t seem to mind. Plus, he has a certain reputation for that. And he didn’t even talk to me, just stared and stormed off. I’m not making assumptions—those are just facts.
By the time I’d fed Zeus, Rudolph’s text was already waiting.
Oh poor bunny, maybe you scared him off with your scent. Or height. Or should I say shortness? I bet his fan club girls are all six feet tall without heels
I squinted at the screen. Was he seriously coming for my height again? I growled softly, feeling a sharp little sting in my chest.
I didn’t care if Rudy was having a rough day; I certainly wasn’t anyone’s emotional punching bag.
Why are you so grumpy and mean today, reindeer? Do you need more ashwagandha? Or a hug? Not from me.
I’m not grumpy, just stating facts too. And I don’t need any of your hashish
OKAY! Forget it. I only wanted to know a few things about him, since you’re from the same pack, but never mind. Go see your mate, maybe she’ll fix your unpleasant personality.
Rudolph is typing…
Pause.
Rudolph is typing…
Pause.
Things about him? You want to spy on him first and decide if you like him enough before you accept him as your mate?
What makes you so sure he wants you? Maybe your gnome energy isn’t his type. Especially since, as you said, he’s got a herd of she-wolves to choose from
His words landed like a series of stabs. Maybe it was stupid, but when you met your mate, and he didn’t even talk to you, it left a crack of insecurity somewhere. And Rudy just knew how to wedge himself right into it.
Well, I’m his mate. He’s supposed to like me, no matter my flaws.
Yeah? What about you, hmm? Aren’t you supposed to want him no matter what people say about him?
Whatwasthis?
Was Rudolph jealous that I’d found my mate? No. That didn’t make sense. He had a mate. He had never met me. And he probably hated shampoo. This wasn’t about me.
He must’ve been fighting with her or something. His own mess, projected all over me.
I never said I didn’t want him! Seriously, what is going on with you? If you have problems with your mate, go solve them with her, don’t hurl them at me!
Yeah, I have problems with my mate. But that doesn’t mean I have to help you stalk yours. Poor guy doesn’t even know what’s coming
Now I was seeing red.
It’s not like he called or showed up at my window either. I just wanted to ask a few things about him, so when I talk to him, I won’t be going in blind. That’s not stalking, it’s called being prepared. You wouldn’t get it, but I plan things. Unlike some people who wing life with oily hair and aggression.
I watched the typing bubbles come and go like a pulse, probably to defend his hair. I chose to be the bigger person.
I’m here when you want to apologize. Until then, have a good life, Rudolph. Pro tip: relationships need communication. If your mate upset you, tell her instead of blaming it on the rest of the universe.
I turned off my phone and tossed it under the bed like it was contaminated. Afterward, I brewed some jasmine tea and curled up with Amaia and Tiziano on the couch. With them by my side, I felt a bit better, the tight knot in my chest loosening.
