“Rick,” he answered.
“The way you sliced across the field—”
I cut him off, my hand curling around his throat. “Ricky, she’s my fated mate,” I growled.
He raised his hands and gasps out, “I didn’t know.”
I released him and seized his arm. “No alpha or beta lays a finger on my mate,” I roared, snapping his arm.
The snap of bone was satisfying.
He screamed in pain, collapsing to the ground.
“Keep away from my omega.”
“Toast with strawberry jam and butter, yum.” Harper coos, bringing me back from my thoughts.
Before I can tell her it’s not for her, she takes a bite.
So entranced by her, I say nothing as she snatches the spoon from my hand and scoops blueberry oatmeal into her mouth.
Her eyes close and she savors the flavors on her tongue.
“You still make the best breakfast.” She smiles.
Harper used to come to my house early before school so we could eat breakfast in peace. My parents never minded when I sat her in my lap while we ate. Her father didn’t allow it at his home—I respected that.
“Why did you have to ruin us, Harper?” The bitter words leave my lips before I can stop them.
She lets the spoon fall and sets the half-eaten toast down on the saucer.
“Destroyed us?” she asks, sarcasm thick in her voice.
“A trifling omega obsessed with you since ninth grade, bragged to her friends about how my boyfriend helped her through her heat.”
“Harper, why would you believe anything she said?”
Her nostrils flare as she steps firmly between my spread legs. “I didn’t.” She jabs a finger into my broad chest. “But when she pulled your boxers from her purse, I admit, the evidence looked damn convincing.”
My stomach drops and my brows shoot up. She had my boxers?
“I don’t know how she got them. But believe me, Harper, every time she cornered me, tried to kiss me, begged me to fuck her, I pushed her away.”
Tears cling to her lashes. “You never told me she came onto you.”
“I didn’t think it mattered. I didn’t want her. I only wanted you.”
“Dustin, if I hid from you the alphas who flirted with me, wouldn’t you be furious?”
Hell, yeah, I would’ve. “You’re right. I apologize. I should’ve told you.”
She swipes the tears away. “Better get to class.” Harper turns on her heels.
“Why couldn’t you be strong and stand by me? You didn’t have to accuse me of cheating.”
Harper spins around, locking eyes with me. “Here’s exactly what I told that fucking Sarah: You’ve always wanted what was mine. Guess now you’ve got him. I could never be with a dusty ass cheater.”
My heart sinks. What the fuck? She didn’t call me a cheater. But I heard her voice.
