Page 2 of Rejected Pretend Mate

Cayden said he would take care of it, but he'd been busy with Riley's pregnancy and getting their apartment ready. They were contemplating moving because they wanted more space but weren't sure if now was the time. They wanted a couple of kids, so they would need to move at some point.

It seemed everyone was moving on while I was stuck in the past. I was stuck, unsure what to do with my life or how to move on. I had spent so long with Ivan and pleasing him that I didn't know how to change that. When did life become so complicated?

"Morning, April."

I jumped and turned to spot my neighbor, Livianna, standing on the sidewalk. She was a sweet old lady, nosey at times but harmless. I think she’s just lonely and needs someone to talk to.

"Morning, Liv," I said, giving her a wave.

"You okay? You look a little off."

I shook it off, knowing better. If I were going to have issues, I would have them at home, not in public. I shook my head, forcing a smile. "Nope, just dandy. You should head inside where it's warm."

Liv smiled. "I am. You stay warm out there." Liv turned, heading inside, and I felt the smile slip.

I turned, jumped into my car, and blasted the music up. I closed my eyes, letting the vibrations soak over me.

I headed to the furniture store, figuring I might as well look for some other things as well as a TV. I ended up finding a new mattress and some bedside tables. Everything would be delivered in a few days. I had thought of buying more but didn’t. A small part of me even wondered if I really wanted to stay here.

I stopped and bought a TV with my groceries. I left the TV in the car, figuring that Cayden could bring it up for me when he came around.

I headed inside, tired and cold. I wanted to crawl into bed and sleep, but I knew better. It was only three in the afternoon, so I needed to stay away. Riley would be over in probably two hours, and Cayden would be home in about an hour.

I stepped off the elevator and paused when I noticed someone was standing in front of my door. I scowled, knowing not many people knew I lived there. Cayden and his friends knew, but none of them had just stopped by and certainly would hang around. If anything, they would have gone upstairs to Cayden's apartment.

I walked closer, and my body felt cold as I realized it was Ivan. He had his hands stuffed into his pocket, and his hair was a mess. He looked like shit, and as I got closer, I could smell the booze seeping out of him.

I wrinkled my nose, and his head popped up, his eyes on me. I stopped walking and stood a foot away from him. The smell seemed to fill the hallway, and I wondered just how drunk he was. "What are you doing here?" I asked, tightening my grip on my groceries.

He scowled. "Why are you staying here?" His eyes couldn't stay on me, and his words were slurred.

"Because I live here now."

"You don't though. You know you belong back at home."

I shook my head. "No, I left the pack. And I already signed the divorce papers. There is no reason that you are here, Ivan. Please leave." I stepped towards my door, but Ivan did as well. I stiffened as his arm reached up, stopping me.

I suddenly couldn't breathe. I felt ice course through my body, and I stepped back.

His voice dripped low, and his nostrils flared. "I'm not leaving. We had a life together, April! You can't just decide that we're over and wipe your hands clean. You are still part of the pack, and if need be, I’ll bring this to the alpha’s attention and have him request you returned."

"You fucked another woman in our bed," I snarled back. "Don't you dare act like you're the victim here! You cheated on me! And you treated me like garbage. You acted like I was made to…" I didn't finish the sentence.

"You were made to be my wife," he growled at me. "You and I both know it."

I hated how he said it. I shook my head. "You need to leave. I said my peace."

"Oh yes, you said plenty. It's my turn to talk now." He stepped closer, and my back hit the wall. One of the bags slammed into the wall, and suddenly, the hold I had was gone. The groceries tumbled, clattering loudly around us.

A memory of being pinned against the wall in the kitchen hit me. It was the night I left to come back here. I didn't evenrealize his hands grabbed my hair. My head hit the ground so hard that I saw stars. He was screaming, but I couldn't move.

I woke up in the hospital. My head pounded, and Ivan paced around the room. I remembered how my heart raced in fear when he realized I was awake.

And then the promises started.

I didn't mean it.

I'm sorry.

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