Page 24 of Wolf Targeted
Fuck. She’s using my own words and actions against me.
“I am the only one who should put this pack before their own safety and wants, Jara.” I run a hand through my hair.
This woman frustrates me beyond belief. Can’t she see that everything I do is for the safety of the pack? That includes her. Always.
“What wants are those, Archer? Because it sounds like you have sacrificed not only your wants but mine as well.”
What is she talking about? I have gone out of my way to make sure she wants for nothing. I have provided for her in every way.
What wants does she think I’ve sacrificed? Are we even having the same argument anymore?
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” I turn to the desk, and walk around to sit behind it.
“You don’t?” She scoffs.
How did we get on this topic?
“I provide for all your wants. I have not sacrificed your wants for the needs of the pack,” I say slowly.
What possible wants can she be talking about? Half the time she acts like she hates me, so it can’t be what I’m thinking, can it?
Is she angry because I won’t mate with her or get close to her again? I can’t. No good will come from that path.
“You’re not dumb, Archer.” She shakes her head.
“Are you insulting me, mate?”
The word slips out without a thought, and I hold back a wince. She is my mate, but I haven’t treated her as such in a long time.
“No, but sometimes I wonder if you know anything at all.” She sighs, flopping into the chair.
Her face crumples into a frown, her expression defeated.
I harden my resolve even as my mask begins to fall.
I can’t let it fall. I have to be the strong one. If I give in to what I want, my actions could put the pack at risk because emotions unlike anything I know bubble up inside of me any time I let her get too close.
“We’re getting off track here. You are not to leave the pack house without Angela. If you won’t stop taking risks, I will take the decision out of your hands.”
“What? No, Archer. I can take care of myself, and you fucking know it.” She jumps from the chair.
“You will be kept safe, Jara.”
I’ll make sure she’s kept safe, even from herself.
What does she not understand? I’m her mate, and I have failed to keep her safe twice now. I will not let that happen again.
She will be protected at all costs. If I lost her… the world would burn.
Fuck, see? This is why I can’t let her close. I can’t burn the world for her; I just have to get the idea through her stubborn skull that these risks she takes aren’t worth her life or the pack.
“You’re being an asshole, Archer. Angela is a woman, and I am just as strong as she is, if not stronger. Why have her as my protector when I can take care of myself?” She throws her hands up in frustration.
“Because Angela isn’t reckless!”
Jara flinches at my words, but she nods solemnly and turns to leave.
“Okay, Alpha.” She places her hand on the doorknob but hesitates before pulling it open.
