“I can help,” I say, pausing in the doorway.
“No,” she says, getting out a suitcase. “I don’t want you going through my underwear.”
“For fuck’s sake, Trina—”
“No!” she snaps. “Stop trying to control every single goddamn thing that I do! Get out, Owen.”
Chastised, I slink back to the living room, taking a look around to see if there is any furniture or other items she mightlike to bring. The living room is just a tiny space, with a few books, a small TV, and a comfortable-looking chair. The kitchen is directly adjacent, so I go through to see it’s just as sparsely furnished. The dishrack only holds one cup, plate, and set of cutlery. It strikes me that Trina has been utterly solitary for a long time, but the lack of furniture or personal items signifies freedom, not detriment.
When I hear Trina in the hall, lugging her suitcase, I immediately go to help, but she waves me away.
“I’m not quite done yet. I’ve got another bag to pack. Just stay out of my way.”
“Just don’t jump out a window,” I snap. “Again.”
She frowns at me and puts her hands on her hips. “That would be silly, wouldn’t it? I mean, you tracked me with your wolf nose or whatever, didn’t you?”
“Yes.”
“Then running would be pretty dumb.”
“I think you’re capable of some pretty dumb things.”
Trina’s face flushes bright red, and I realize my joke came out like an insult. “Wait—” I say, but Trina raises her hand, looking away and shaking her head.
“Wow,” she mutters. “Fucking wow. You kidnap me, force me into marriage, and now you’re calling me dumb.”
“That’s not what I meant—”
“Well, that’s what I heard.”
“Look,” I say, trying not to yell. “Do you need or want any of this stuff? I can get someone to pick it up if you need it.”
Trina pauses for a moment, looking me up and down as if I’ve set a trap. “Everything in the kitchen is just generic,” she says. “It doesn’t mean anything to me. But I want those books.”
“Okay. What about the chair?”
“Oh, it can stay until I get back.”
It takes a moment for her words to sink in, and I shake my head a little. “Wait. What?”
“The chair can stay here until I move back in.”
“I got your meaning,” I say, my voice rising as I cross the room towards her. “I just don’t understand your thinking. You’re married to me now.”
“Without consent!” she says with exasperation. “I don’t imagine, even for a second, that this is going to be a permanent arrangement.”
“Stop,” I say, raising a hand. “I thought you understood about all of this—”
“I do,” she answers. “Sadie told me today.”
“Then surely you must know—”
“What I know is this!” she yells. “I got forced into this against my will. With all the shit I already have to deal with, I seriously did not need this, too! That being said, I feel genuine compassion for the sick people in your pack, and I will help you if I can.”
“Thank you,” I reply, relief rushing through me, so powerful it raises the hairs on the backs of my arms. “Now, should I get this chair moved or—”
“Did you just hear me?” she snaps. “I said I’d help, but I’m not staying with you. You have to let me go after a solution is found. Do you understand?’
