I snorted and grabbed a gallon of milk. “It absolutely was not. You’re being ridiculous.”
“He leaned in close to you. Touched your arm multiple times. Suggested a private meeting over coffee and pastries.” Mal stopped walking and turned to face me with his eyes flashing red. “That is explicit courting behavior in any culture.”
“It’s coffee, Mal. Not a marriage proposal.”
“You are mine.” He stepped closer and his voice dropped to a dangerous growl. “My mate. Carryingmychild. And that male was propositioning you right in front of me. We are notfriends.”
“What are you doing?” I interrupted and crossed my arms over my chest even though it was difficult with the belly in the way.“You’re still in quicksand, remember? You don’t get to be jealous and possessive when you’re the one who screwed everything up.”
His expression shifted from angry to desperate. “I know. I am aware. But seeing another male touching you makes my wolf completely insane. I cannot control the instinct to eliminate threats to our bond.”
“Well, try harder because James is not a threat. He’s a nice guy who was being friendly.”
I turned around and started shopping again. I’d barely made it three steps when James appeared at the end of the aisle. I waved enthusiastically and he walked over with that easygoing smile. Time for Round 2.
“Hey, forgot to mention,” he said. “My sister just had a baby last week. Want to see pictures?”
“Oh my god, yes!”
We stood there looking at his phone while he showed me photos of his niece. She was adorable. I made appropriate cooing noises. Mal stood behind us emanating murder vibes so strong I was surprised James wasn’t running away screaming.
“They’re thinking of naming her Sophia,” James said.
“That’s a beautiful name,” I said.
“That name is terrible,” Mal interjected. “No child should be burdened with such weakness and common usage.”
James blinked and looked at him. “Uh, what?”
“Ignore him,” I said quickly. “I think Sophia is a lovely name. Very classic.”
“Thank you.” James shot Mal a confused and slightly concerned look. “Your boyfriend seems very opinionated about baby names.”
“You have no idea. He has opinions about everything.”
We continued shopping with James walking alongside us and chatting about random things. Work. His sister’s baby. A movie he’d seen recently. I engaged enthusiastically in the conversation. Mal trailed behind us like a very large, very aggressive shadow that was seconds away from committing violence.
“Perhaps you should return to your own shopping,” Mal suggested to James with a smile that didn’t reach his eyes at all. “I am certain you have many important things to purchase for yourself.”
“Actually, I’m pretty much done for the day. Don’t mind walking around with you guys for a bit though. It’s nice catching up with Wen.”
Mal’s eye actually twitched.
I was having the absolute time of my life.
Finally, after what was probably psychological torture for Mal, James glanced at his phone and said he needed to get going. We said our goodbyes and I made sure to hug him again. Mal stared at him with literal murder in his eyes until he disappeared around the corner.
Then he turned to me.
“That was completely unnecessary.”
“What was?”
“Allowing him to accompany us through the store. Laughing at his mediocre jokes. Touching his arm repeatedly.”
“I was being friendly and polite. And what if I want to touch him? I had to see you with Amaia. Suck it up.”
“Wen.” Mal moved closer and backed me up against the shelf of pasta sauce. “I will hunt down Amaia and kill her myself if that brings you peace of mind, little mate. But I will not share you with anyone. Ever.”
