Page 33 of Destined Mate

Theo, Charles, and Pearl stood on the other side of the door.

Theo had threatened to come, but why in thehellwere the other two here?

This wasn’t our pack, and I was still injured from what those two had done to me.

Sniffing, Theo knocked on the door again. “Callie, I can smell you. I know you’re standing at the door.”

I should’ve stayed in my room, but he probably would’ve called and demanded I let him in, putting me right back in this predicament. He was the alpha’s son and my friend, after all.

Ribs panging and dread pooling in my stomach, I opened the door, blocking them from entering. I remained silent, not bothering to smile. Instead, I arched a brow.

“Hey,” Theo said softly, though the warmth didn’t meet his eyes. He took my hand in his, and I had to fight the urge to pull away. I didn’t like him touching me.

Before I angered him, I needed to know why he was here.

“Are you feeling any better?” he asked, but his gaze was focused over my shoulder.

Charles glared at me while Pearl wrinkled her nose.

Lovely. This was already going well.

“It’s been one day, so not a drastic improvement.” My throat clenched from how hard I was trying to hide the disdain that wanted to coat my words. “Are you here to take me…back?” I couldn’t sayhome. After being here and feeling safe, I realized Zeke’s pack had never felt like home to me.

“Soon.” Theo’s jaw slackened. “But Dad said I couldn’t today. We need to give it a few days since all the advisers, including Mr. Valor, are on board with you staying here. But once you heal enough, you’ll definitely be coming home. Don’t worry.” He squeezed my hand.

The last thing I wanted to do was go back there, so his words did the opposite of what he intended—they discouraged me.

I wanted these three gone.

I glanced up and down the asphalt road, wishing Bodey’s Jeep would appear, but all I saw were the houses across the street.

I sighed. Bodey arriving probably wouldn’t be for the best.

Pearl touched Theo’s arm. “We shouldn’t rush her healing.”

She didn’t want me to come back, either. At least that made two of us.

Theo released my hand, moving his arm so she couldn’t touch him any longer. Pearl flinched and stared down at the white wooden porch.

Theo cupped my cheek, and I twitched. He pretended not to notice, staring deep into my eyes. “Your healing is my priority. I’m glad you’re already improving.”

I took a step back, forcing him to drop his hand. His touch didn’t feel nice or comfort me—not like Bodey’s did.

A scowl flitted across his face before his forehead lined again with what was supposed to be worry.

“I should be getting back to bed.” I took a step into the house, eager to shut the door in their faces. I wanted them to go, and now. “Thanks for checking on me.”

“Wait,” Theo said, moving into the frame and blocking the door from closing. “Can we come inside for a minute?”

I tensed, causing my ribs to throb, but I’d rather deal with the pain than the three people standing here. I bit my bottom lip. “This isn’t my house, so I—”

Charles snorted. “You forced us to come here, and she’s refusing to let you in. Figures.”

Neck cording, Theo stared at me expectantly. This time, he didn’t ask. “You’re staying here. You can invite us in.”

I wanted to tell him to bite me, but with the way he was acting, he could very well take it as an invitation. Unsure what else to do, I took a deep breath. He wouldn’t back down, and if I pushed back further, it would hurt me in the future. I bit the inside of my cheek again, the copper taste of blood filling my mouth. I had to do something to keep my mouth from running, but even then, the urge didn’t diminish.

My chin lifted of its own accord as I stared Theo in the eye and said, “We’ll stay in the living room.”

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