Page 88 of Manic

Part of me wants to go back, to smooth things over with Meghan.

But another part, the part that's still raw and angry, is glad for the distraction.

Whatever happens next, I know one thing for certain: things are about to get a whole lot more complicated.

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

Meghan

My blood boils as I slam the door to the clubhouse kitchen, the bang echoing through the room.

Tor's abrupt exit replays in my mind, adding to how frustrated I am.

How could he just walk out like that?

We were in the middle of a conversation, for fuck's sake.

I lean against the counter, gripping the edge until my knuckles turn white.

The smell of garlic and onions sizzling in a pan wafts through the air, but even the promise of a delicious meal can't soothe my irritation.

"Meghan?" Aziza's soft voice breaks through my angry haze. "Are you okay?"

I turn to face her, forcing a smile that feels more like a grimace. "Yeah, I'm fine. Just... irritated."

Aziza's dark eyes study me, concern etched across her features. "What happened? I wasn’t really paying too much attention."

I sigh, running a hand through my ashy blonde waves. "Tor and I were talking, and then he just... left. Walked out before we could finish our conversation."

"Oh," Aziza says, her brow furrowing. "God, men are fucking stupid."

"Hell yeah, they are," I mutter, crossing my arms over my chest. The action pulls at my still-healing wounds, and I wince slightly.

Aziza notices and steps closer, her hand hovering near my arm. "Are you in pain? Do you need anything?"

I shake my head, forcing myself to relax. "No, I'm fine. Just sore." I pause, then add, "And pissed off."

Aziza nods sympathetically. "I can imagine. Do you want to talk about it?"

For a moment, I consider brushing her off.

But the genuine concern in her eyes makes me reconsider. "I just... I don't understand why he'd do that. We were in the middle of something important."

"Men can be... difficult sometimes," Aziza offers, her lips quirking into a small smile. “Especially if they’re frustrated with something too.”

I snort, the sound lacking any real humor. "That's putting it mildly."

Aziza moves to the stove, stirring the contents of the pan.

The aroma intensifies, reminding me that I should probably eat something.

But the knot in my stomach makes the thought of food unappealing.

"What were you talking about?" Aziza asks, her voice gentle.

I hesitate, unsure how much to reveal. "He found out Starla knew about Tindra," I swallow hard, the weight of my words settling on my chest. "So it bothered him because she knew before he did."

Aziza nods, her expression understanding. "That's a lot to process. Maybe Tor needed some time to think?"

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