Chapter 6 - Janella
After saying goodbye to Kyla, I decided to go for a walk. I knew that the town hadn’t changed much, but some parts were different. They had expanded further, and new businesses had opened. And it had been four years since I’d been home.
I walked the path that led around the park. The flowers were in full bloom, and birds were chirping in the distance. I paused as I took in a big, open lot. There was the river that ran behind it, and for a solid moment, it was just silent.
I allowed myself to imagine that I was somewhere else. I was back at home, sitting on the patio, enjoying the sound of nothing. My heart ached to have that again. To get back to my normal life.
I was avoiding going home. Because I had a call with Scott, and I wasn’t looking forward to it.
I had no idea what I was going to say to him, but I would have to tell him I wasn’t coming back.
Or that I wasn't going to be back for a while. I knew he was being understanding now, but it would soon wear off, and he’d want to know more.
I already knew that Riley wasn’t going to be willing to let me travel back and forth, which would have been hard to even think about, considering the drive. And I doubted Scott would be open to a remote option because he needed me in the office.
My gut already knew what was coming. I was trying to think of anything else, but I knew how this was all going to turn out. I knew I would have to quit, or Scott would let me go. Just the first thing to fall apart. I would lose my job, and soon after, I'd have to give up my apartment.
I continued walking, heading down the hill and deeper into the park. There were no kids now, since it was getting late. I’m sure everyone was heading home to have dinner. Riley was probably already at home.
I paused when I reached a large building and circled, confused. I swear, if you went through the park, you’d hit the library, but I was nowhere near the library. I didn’t even know where I was. I walked backward and looked at the river.
I knew I was probably close, so I kept walking. But the more I walked, the more confused I was getting. I entered a neighborhood I didn’t even remember being here, and I knew I’d entered the new part of town.
“God damn it.”
“You lost?”
I jumped and spotted a man crossing the street towards me. He offered me a soft smile, his hands stuffed in his pockets.
I slowly nodded. “I guess I might be. Where am I?”
“You’re on North Cedar Lane. Where were you trying to get?”
I frowned. “I was trying to get to the library. I swear it was over here. Am I on the wrong block?”
His eyebrows went up. “The library is across town.”
I frowned. “Since when?”
He shook his head. “No, they moved two years ago. They built a bigger building across town. They are right next to the coffee shop and the burger joint.”
I nodded. “Wow, yeah...it's been a while.”
“You new in town or just moving back?”
I wasn’t sure how to answer that. I was waiting for him to realize who I was and say something. But he didn’t seem to know, or if he did, he didn’t care.
I shook my head. “No. I grew up here. I just got back after being gone for some time. I didn't realize how much had changed.”
“Ahhh, so some changes you have to take in.”
I slowly nodded. “Yeah, it’s grown.”
“All great work of our Alpha. He's worked hard to make things better.”
I had heard a lot of compliments about Riley, which only made my stomach twist up more. My parents had even been telling me about all the changes he was bringing and how happy everyone was. I couldn't deny that Riley had clearly been a good Alpha. I heard all about it.
“So, would you mind telling me how I can get to the library from here?”
“Yeah, just take this road.” He moved closer, pointing to the right. “And head down about five blocks. Take a left on Court Street and keep walking. You’ll see the library.”
“Thank you. This means a lot.”
He nodded. “Or I could walk you there? I was heading down that way anyway.”
I paused at his offer. I was a little surprised. Anyone who knew me wouldn't offer to help me so openly. “No, I’ll find it. I wouldn’t want to take up too much of your time.”
He gave me a smile. “It’s not a problem. We could even stop at the coffee shop and grab something to eat. I can tell you about the new changes that happened while you've been gone.”
I stared at him. Had he just asked me out? No, I doubt that’s what he meant. But he just stood there smiling at me.
“I’m actually married.” The words just came out automatically.
He frowned. “Oh shit, I’m sorry. I didn’t see a ring.”
I quickly shook my head. “It’s new. I’m still adjusting to wearing a ring every day. I left it in the bathroom.” It was an easy lie. I just refused to wear the ring. I purposely left it behind as a protest, but I doubted that Riley even noticed or cared.
“Well, congratulations. He’s a lucky man. But my offer still stands. I can still take you to the library. As a respectful individual, of course.”
I felt a blush cover my face, and I didn’t even know what to say. I’d heard people talking about how terrible our match was, and I was lost for words. But he didn’t know who I was married to. I’m sure if he did, he wouldn’t be saying this.
“Thanks. I mean, if you're heading in the same direction, it would be nice to not be entirely lost.”
“Am I interrupting something?” A new voice spoke up, and we both turned to find Riley walking towards us. I could tell he was clearly in a grumpy mood, but I wasn’t sure why.
The guy gave Riley a smile. “Alpha. I was just giving her directions to the library. Do you know...” He glanced at me. “I didn't even get your name.”
“Yes, I know her. You're talking with my wife.”
I looked at Riley with wide eyes. He’d never called me his wife before. The guy quickly waved his hands. “My apologies. I was just giving her directions to the library.”
Riley moved closer to me, and I stiffened as he yanked me towards him. The guy took a quick step back, still waving his hands. “My apologies. Have a good night. It was nice meeting you.” He looked at me before he turned and started to walk away.
I turned my eyes towards Riley, who was staring at the guy with anger. I understood, maybe being a little irritated, but I didn’t understand why he was this angry. It wasn’t like our marriage was legit. We didn’t even like each other.
I pushed away and crossed my arms. “That was rude. He was giving me directions.”
“Why are you talking to strangers?” he snapped. “You didn't know who he was.”
My eyebrows went up, and I stammered about the question. “He was giving me directions. I clearly don’t know where everything is anymore. Would you rather I walk around like an idiot, unable to find my way back home?”
“You shouldn’t be talking to other packs’ members. And you shouldn’t be out by yourself.”
I shook my head. Was he serious right now? “Are you serious right now?”
“He could have hurt you or worse.”
“Jesus, do you hear yourself, Riley? And since when the hell do you care how I’m treated? You’re the biggest bully I know. This entire pack couldn't care less how I’m treated. And suddenly now you want to act like you want to protect me?”
He ground his teeth together. “Janella, I am not to be pushed.”
I rolled my eyes. “You don’t get to tell me what I can and can’t do, Riley. He was offering me directions, and you came in, losing your shit. I don't know what your problem is, but pull yourself together.”
“My problem is you’re my wife.” He moved closer to me, his shadow towering over me. “And I will not have my wife thinking she’s a free woman.”
I ground my teeth together, curling my hands into fists. “You know this marriage is fake. This is a shame, so don’t act like you really give a shit about what goes on with me. You want to act like I’m your property, then you'd better think twice. Because I’m not.”
He moved closer to me. His nostrils flared. “I’m not having some other guy sniffling and trying to find some way into your pants.”
“Jesus Christ, Riley. Do you hear yourself? He was giving me directions! He didn’t have his hand up my skirt!”
“I heard him asking you out! So, don’t even try acting like what was going on was innocent. If I hadn’t shown up, would you be bent over with his cock deep in you?”
My jaw dropped. Was he serious right now? Had he lost his fucking mind? I didn't even know what to say because I was so insulted. “It was an innocent conversation! He fucking congratulated me on being married, Riley. Do you seriously think I’m that type of person?”
He crossed his arms. “I don't know. Why aren’t you wearing your ring? My guess is that you want to stay a free woman.”
I threw my hands up. “You’re one to talk, I don’t see it on your hand.”
He pulled on a chain around his neck, and a black ring sat on it. “I was out for a run and had to take it off. What’s your excuse? I know you haven’t even taken it out of the box. It's still sitting in the kitchen.”
I swallowed. “Why does it even matter?”
“It matters. You are wearing the ring starting when you get home.”
“Is that so?”
“Yes.”
I didn’t think I could hate him even more, but I did. “You really haven’t changed. Still an arrogant asshole.”
“Arrogant asshole or not, you're my wife, and I’m not going to have my wife flaunting herself around. I don't need word going that my wife is cheating.”
“I wasn’t flaunting myself around, Riley.”
“That’s not what I was seeing.”
“Then get your eyes checked.”
“I mean it, Janella.”
“I think you're forgetting that your pack is the one that treated me like crap the entire time I grew up. Your pack is the one that talks about how terrible I am and how you deserve to be married to someone better. So, excuse me if I don’t seem to give a shit about your opinions.”
I turned and started to cross the street. I didn’t hear him following me, which was good because I needed to get as far away from him as I could.
I headed for the library. It was bigger than the previous one but still gave off the same calming vibes. I found a corner to sit in where I chewed on my cheek. I didn't know what to do.
I kept hearing Riley's words ringing in my head. The demand and possessiveness. It wasn't a side I expected.
I looked across the space towards the row of books in front of me. I pulled myself up and started to walk around, running my fingers across the shelves.
“Janella?”
I turned as Kyla stood a few feet behind me. She waved as she walked over. “Hey, what are you doing here?”
“I just needed out of the house. What are you doing here?”
“They are teaching an art class tonight. We're doing watercolors.”
“Oh, that's nice.”
“You want to join? I'm sure they have another spot.”
I was about to shake my head. I wasn't in the mood for painting or talking, but would I rather go home? Rather sit here in the back corner, letting my mind go over what happened for the next hour?
“Actually, yeah...that sounds like fun.”
She beamed. “Good. Come on. The first ones get to pick their spots, and I want to get a good apron.” She hooked her arm with mine, and I smiled.