Chapter 14: FOURTEEN

J A D E

As we sat in the living room, I noticed Tristin and Ava constantly looking at me. They kept exchanging looks, and I knew something was up. They were discussing something but kept quiet.

"Okay, what's wrong?" I asked, annoyed.

"What?" Ava replied, faking innocence.

"You two have been acting weird for the past hour. What's going on? Just spill it."

They exchanged a look again. Tristin cleared his throat and turned to me.

"Uhh, Markov asked me to drop you off at the Alpha house. He said he had some work to finish and won't be home until late tonight. So, you have to go back and stay there."

"Why can’t he come here to pick me up himself when he’s done? It’s better than being all alone in the house. I don’t understand. What work is so important that he couldn’t make time for me? We've barely talked. I want to spend some time with him. He's been distant since that day at the bar, and I want to know why."

They didn't say anything.

I knew they were hiding something from me, but they won't say. I had tried talking to Markov, but he would change the topic, or just say he didn’t want to talk about it. He was always so secretive, and it was pissing me off.

"Jade, I don't know what you're talking about. You're not making sense. Just come with us, please." Ava tried to calm me down.

I shook my head, frustrated.

"I don't want to. I'm not going anywhere, and you can't force me to go."

Tristin stood up and sighed. "We won't, but please, come on. He really wants you there. Don't let him down. Please, Jade."

"No, just leave me alone. Tell him that I'll be back once I'm ready. Until then, just go away. Leave me."

Ava looked sad. Tristin, he looked conflicted.

"Just, tell him I'm sorry. But, I won't go anywhere unless he comes and picks me up. If he wants me to go back to his house, then he has to do it himself."

I could see them debating. Tristin was whispering something to Ava. They both looked worried, but didn't say anything.

Tristin took his phone and I assumed he was dialing Markov’s number as he walked out of the living room.

I didn’t realize tears had gathered in my eyes until I felt Ava hugging me. “W-why does it feel so wrong to be with him? H-he’s my mate, but why does my wolf keep rejecting him? He’s always so secretive, and it pisses me off. He won't say anything to me. And his actions, he's been so cold towards me. I don't like it. It's driving me insane. He won't open up, and it's not fair. It's like he doesn't care anymore. Like I'm not worthy of knowing anything about him."

I didn’t even realize the words coming out of my mouth.

Ava was just letting me vent, not saying anything. She hugged me tighter, and I was so grateful for her presence.

I felt bad for snapping at her and Tristin. But, I was so angry, I couldn't control myself.

We heard Tristin walking back into the room. I pulled away from the hug and saw him standing there with his arms crossed, looking furious.

"Markov is furious, and he's pissed off at you. I think he was already having a bad day, so try as much to not push him. He’ll be here in a few minutes." He sat down next to Ava, who was wiping away her tears.

I hadn’t noticed her crying.

I was ashamed for putting her through that. She was only trying to help, but I just pushed her away.

I felt so guilty.

"Ava, I'm so sorry. I shouldn't have taken out my frustration on you. Please, forgive me."

She shook her head and waved her hand dismissively. "It's okay. I understand, and I'm not mad at you. Don't worry. I'm okay. And, you'll be okay too. Things will be fine. Just give it time."

She hugged me again, and I let her.

I was lost in my thoughts. I had a bad feeling that something was going to happen. Something I wasn't going to like.

I was shaken out of my thoughts when the front door slammed shut, and the room filled with rage.

I was afraid to look up.

Tristin and Ava pulled away from the hug, and they looked like they were ready to protect me from whatever danger was in the house.

My gaze landed on the tall man standing near the door. His expression was unreadable. I could feel his rage through the bond, and it was so powerful.

Markov.

He was wearing a black suit, and his hair was pulled back. He was breathtakingly handsome. But, the murderous look on his face was frightening.

He was glaring at me.

Tristin and Ava slowly rose to their feet and stood by his side. They were whispering something to him, but he didn't respond. He just continued to stare at me, and I couldn't breathe.

The silence was broken when he spoke. “Get your bag and meet me in the car. Now.”

I gulped and quickly got up, heading for the bedroom.

I grabbed my bag and checked for the essentials, then walked out.

Markov was standing there, his gaze following me. He had a scowl on his face, and it made me uncomfortable.

"Hurry up." He growled and walked away.

I could hear his footsteps receding and the front door shutting behind him.

I was nervous and scared, but mostly, I was confused.

What had I done wrong?

I hurriedly said goodbye to Ava and Tristin.

Ava smiled at me and Tristin gave me a hug.

"I'm so sorry, Jade. He's having a bad day. Please, don't push him. He's not the kind of man to deal with. Be careful."

I nodded and thanked him for the advice.

I ran out of the house and to the car.

I sat in the passenger seat, and Markov didn't spare me a glance.

He was fuming.

He was gripping the steering wheel so hard, I thought it would break. He was taking deep breaths, trying to control himself.

"Are you ready?" He asked, his voice low and deep.

I was afraid to say anything, so I just nodded and he sped away.

I kept silent the whole ride, looking outside the window.

My heart was racing, and I could feel my wolf stirring in me.

She was anxious, and it made me feel uneasy.

Markov kept glancing at me, but didn't say anything. The silence was deafening. I didn't want to say anything.

After a while, Markov parked the car in front of the Alpha house and shut the engine off. He didn't move, neither did I.

The silence was becoming unbearable.

Markov finally sighed and spoke, "You can't do this to me. I'm sick and tired of dealing with your stubbornness, Jade. You're testing my patience. You have no idea what you put me through." He gritted out in anger.

I didn't look at him, I only grabbed my purse, opened the door and stepped down from the car. I slammed the door shut and stormed inside.

I was so done with his bullshit.

What a terrible mistake I had made…