Chapter 31
31–Fighting With Me For Her
Madeline:
After I came home and put my kids to bed, I sat in the recliner holding a glass of wine, tears still burning my eyes as I stared out the window at the lonely moon.
The clouds were thick, and even the stars didn’t seem to want to accompany it.
I sighed, watching the clouds try to hide the moon, but it kept appearing again, looking more beautiful each time.
“So, I was the problem,” I muttered, remembering their reaction when I got pregnant.
They all said they weren’t ready, or that I was just an omega to them.
It turned out the ones who claimed they weren’t ready already had someone else pregnant.
And for the others, I was simply an omega to them. Yet, one of them went on to date my omega step–sister.
So yes, I guess I was the problem. They didn’t want me in any way. ↑
All these years, I thought that when I saw them again, I would be strong. I told myself I wouldn’t care, that I wouldn’t be hurt watching them with their mates or girlfriends.
I expected they would have moved on by now, started new relationships. But I never imagined it would hurt this much.
Ding!
A text alert came through, and I tiredly lifted my hand to check the screen.
Baxter: I’m coming to see you.
I instantly sat up, staring between the wine glass and my phone, deciding which one to deal with first.
I took a long gulp of wine, then started typing furiously on my phone.
Me: I don’t want to talk to you or anyone right now. Please leave me alone.
I sent the message, hoping he would back off. I stood up, setting the glass and the phone down, then slipped on my black silk robe over my thigh–length nightgown.
The moment I heard the key card click, I realized he hadn’t taken my words seriously.
I stood in the living room, watching him open the door and walk in. His body looked tense, his shoulders drawn tight.
Baxter was always easy to read. When he got angry, his veins would bulge, pulsing visibly as he clenched his fists until his hands looked larger and rougher,
mine.
He was wearing a thin white shirt and white shorts as he strode toward me like a bull, eyes locked on mi Neither of us broke the stare as he approached.
The large window cast a pale light over us, while the rest of the suite sat in silence and darkness.
“What was wrong with you at the dinner table today?” he demanded.
He had the audacity to come here and press me about it, as if he didn’t already know what had upset me.
+25 Bonus
And even if he did know, why ask? It wasn’t something that could be fixed anymore.
Not that I wanted him to do anything for me.
I clenched my fists and pressed my lips together, forcing myself to calm down so I wouldn’t let my emotions spill
out.
Weak women like me are always easy to manipulate.
“Let’s just say,” I replied after swallowing hard and steadying my voice, “I was surprised to see my bully there p>
“Yuvonne isn’t a bully,” Baxter immediately defended her before adding, “The childhood bullying was her following her mother’s orders. Everyone deserves a second chance p>
He spoke with his eyes locked on mine, clearly showing that he didn’t like me calling his girlfriend a bully.
“I’m glad you think that way, because you did give her a second chance. But why the hell am I being pressured to sit in her presence?” I shot back, calling him out for thinking that just because he forgave her, I had to forgive her
“Because you’re being a child,” he argued.
I quickly raised my finger and shook it in refusal.
“You’re not going to tell me how I should respond to the people who hurt me,
Baxter p>
I kept my
voice low even though it hurt deeply. The thought that I would never have done that to Baxter tore me apart. It felt like they had never truly been good friends to me.
So why did they keep me around? Why protect me, defend me, all those years before they finally left me? It didn’t make any sense.
“She apologized to you, and she told me you forgave her. It seems like your anger came back when you saw her with me,” Baxter said, pointing at himself.
He was referring to that apology my sister gave me, one I forced myself to accept because I didn’t want to cause a
I scene or dig up old pain.
“I guess you’re right, ” I replied softly, my voice cracking a little. I paused, swallowed hard, and steadied myself before continuing
“Seeing you two together made me realize that I haven’t just been manipulated in the past. People still think they can get away with hurting me p>
My voice cracked again slightly on the last word.
“If
you think she’s going to hurt or bully you, then I give you my word, she’s a changed woman now,” he tried to explain again, defending her.
I just nodded, clenching my jaw. Why would I expect him to feel bad for me when the woman against me was someone he loved?
“You can leave now.” I stepped back and pointed toward the door.
I couldn’t fight him anymore, and I didn’t want to, because that would mean lowering myself even more.
He followed my hand to the door, then shook his head.
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“No, we’re not done yet. You’re running away from the conversation again p>
As soon as he said that, the rage rushed back, the same rage that came every time they accused me of running
away.
They made it seem like it was my weakness when, in truth, it had been my only option.
“Well then, let’s just say I’d rather run away than let you lower yourself in my eyes any further,” as I said that, I watched his muscles twitch.
His eyebrows pulled together, and a frown appeared on his forehead.
“Why are you acting like you have a problem with me dating her?” he hissed.
I mirrored his expression, shock flashing across my face.
“Get out!” I repeated, my voice rising.
This time, he shook his head stubbornly.
“No,
I’m your mate. I won’t leave until I have my answers,” he demanded
His words hit me like a slap. He called himself my mate.
In a calm but firm tone, I replied, “I don’t care if we felt the mate bond. I’ll never call you my mate.” 7
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Ruby Walker
Ruby Walker is a rising voice in the world of romance and spicy fiction. With a gift for weaving deep emotions, sizzling chemistry, and unexpected twists, her stories are a blend of passion and drama that captivate readers from start to finish. Ruby’s writing style is bold and irresistible—perfect for those who crave intense, addictive love stories.