Chapter 6 - Elize #2
I stood there for a moment until I heard his footsteps retreat.
I headed back to the couch and grabbed the book.
But I thought about his words. Troy wasn’t wrong that I should know the pack and start familiarizing myself with it again.
I might not need to be there much, but I should know what’s going on.
With Troy and me being mated, I would need to make an appearance.
I chewed on my cheek as I stared at the books. I decided that tomorrow I would walk around after returning the books. Not because Troy said I should, but because I decided I should.
The next day, I headed back into town with my books. I had my coffee and an updated map of Riverville. I parked my car at the park and hopped out.
I pulled the map free and took in the layout.
Everything looked the same as I remembered it, besides a few extra stores.
But as I pulled the map down, I could see that some stores were repainted.
There was different landscaping on the sides of the roads.
Even the town sign that welcomed you in was different.
I never paid attention to the few times I did travel into town, but now that I was looking, I was a little surprised. The town felt different from before, almost more homey.
I headed down the sidewalk and took in the names of the businesses. I watched as a group of school girls came out of the ice cream shop and headed down the road. Their giggles echoed around the space.
I could hear a soccer game playing in the park, parents yelling for their kids to run. I tightened my hold on my cup and crossed the street. I heard soft music coming from a store and looked inside.
It was a toy store, and I could see little kids walking around, eager to get something. I couldn’t help but smile.
Someone slammed into me from the side, and I turned. A young woman stopped, her purse spilling all over the sidewalk. “Oh my god! I’m so sorry!”
“It’s okay, are you alright?” I asked, as I pulled myself together.
“I’m fine. I was checking my phone, and I didn’t see you. I’m really sorry.”
“No, it’s okay.” I bent down to help pick everything up. She shoved everything back into her purse.
“Thank you… uhmmm…”
“Elize.”
Her eyebrows went up. “As in Troy’s mate, Elize?”
I blinked. A part of me thought Troy was joking when he said people knew. I figured he said it just to get me to agree. “Yeah, so word it around it would seem.”
“Oh yeah, everyone knows about you. It’s been a whisper going around the pack. I have to say, you’re nothing like I expected.”
“What were you expecting?”
“I don’t know. I mean, there were so many rumors. Some said you were a bitch, and others said you lived in a hole somewhere. You just… You look like a nice gal.”
I smiled. “Well, I’m glad to look like a nice gal.”
Her face fell. “I don’t mean it as an insult. I swear, I meant nothing crude by it.”
I chuckled, shaking my head. “No, you’re fine. It’s just interesting to hear that word about me is already out.”
“Mostly good stuff, I swear.” She offered me another smile. “It’s great to meet you. I would love to stay and chat, but I’m actually heading over to an interview, and I feel I might be late.”
“No, go right ahead.” I stepped aside as she waved. I watched her walk away and couldn’t help but smile. So word about me had gotten around.
I headed down the block and kept taking everything in. I looked over where the restaurants and the bookstore were. I stopped to look at some boutiques and even watched grazing geese.
I pulled out my phone to check the time when I slammed into someone. I stumbled back a foot and pulled my head up. “Wow, I’m sorry. Twice in one day.”
My body froze as my eyes pulled up to Madeline and Gail. They had been the meanest gals in high school growing up, and of course, I would run into them now.
I could see the recognition click into their faces just as quickly. Madeline smirked with her evil smile. “Well, long time no see. If it isn’t Elize Stratford. Couldn’t stay living in your hole?”
I swallowed. “I was walking by.”
Madeline moved as I tried to round them, stepping in my way. “We weren’t done. What makes you think you’re suited for our Alpha? Did you use your connection with your uncle to weasel yourself back into the pack?”
I swallowed. “I didn’t choose this.”
“You must have done something. A mistake was made when they decided to pair you and him. Only an idiot would think that the two of you were fated mates. So tell me, what did you do? What did you give up to land this position?”
I swallowed, not sure what I should even say. It wasn’t like I wanted this. I was pushed into this just as much as he was.
“And who do you think I should be with?”
My eyes widened as Troy came around the corner. His arms were crossed as he walked closer to us. His lips were in a tight line, and his eyes were narrowed on the other two. Madeline and Gal both looked sick as their faces went white.
“Troy. Uhmm… we were…”
“I repeat, who do you think I should be with?”
Madeline stumbled for words, and Gail swallowed. “We were just catching up.”
Troy nodded his head. “Sure. And next time you want to catch up, maybe don’t start with insulting her.”
“We were just leaving.” Gail hooked Madeline’s arm and pulled her away. I turned to Troy, who shook his head.
“Well, that could have been better. Those two still haven’t changed, it seems.”
I frowned, feeling embarrassed. “What are you doing here?”
His eyebrows went up. “This is my pack.”
I curled my hands into fists. “No, I meant here in this moment. Why did you have to come over here like that?”
He blinked and shook his head. “Hold on. Are you upset that I came over and defended you? I heard what they were saying, and I came over to make sure it stopped.”
“I had it under control.”
“You weren’t saying anything.”
“I was thinking!” I snapped. “And I don’t need you to defend me.”
Troy frowned. “I was just trying to help.”
“Well, don’t!” I yelled. “You’ve done enough.” I stormed past him, suddenly wondering if this was actually going to work.