Page 47 of Wolf Targeted
Is Angela right that he’s just under a lot of pressure and will come around eventually? Will it be too late if he does?
He shattered my heart when the cruel words slipped from his full lips recently. I can only take so much.
I sit at the table with my sandwich and a pad of paper to jot down things we need for the pack. Angela will have to give Archer the list because I don’t even want to look at him right now.
As I take a bite of my sandwich, I remember the conversation with John yesterday. He and several of the other enforcers need more microwaveable options until I can get them a cooking class.
Even with everything else going on, I want to make sure they are eating healthier. Frozen burritos and TV dinners are not the way to go.
I tap my pen on the table as I try to think of anything else we may need beyond the normal everyday supplies.
After I finish my food, I walk to the sink to rinse the plate. The front door opens, and Archer stops at the door to the kitchen. He stares at me wide-eyed before stepping in the kitchen and opening the fridge.
“What is this?” He turns with the plate in his hands.
“It’s a sandwich.” I shrug.
“I know, but why?” He frowns.
“I don’t know.” I stomp from the room without another word.
Why did I make him food? It just felt natural to take care of my mate, even after he treated me like I was nothing.
I’m halfway up the stairs when Archer calls, “Jara?”
“What?” I ask, stopping but not turning to face him.
I can’t look at him because if I hope again and he inevitably proves to be the bastard he’s shown he can be, his words will finally break me for good.
Archer hesitates before saying, “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.” I rush up the stairs.
Tears threaten to fall as I close the bedroom door with a soft click and slide down the door to my butt.
Why can’t he just stop? His tone was soft and regretful, so I’m glad I didn’t turn around, even though he spoke to me without prompting and without yelling.
Why does he keep doing this to me?
I think that’s the cruelest part of all—those small moments when he seems to care for me just to turn around and be the monster he always claims to be.
I’m not sure how much more of this I can take. How long do I hold out hope for a better life?
Will he ever change? I sound like a broken record, even in my own head.
He’s never going to love me. He is never going to want me as more than a possession.
The faster I figure that out, the better for me.
But no matter how much I say he never will, my fool heart just can’t believe it.
12
Archer
Staring at the steps where Jara just left, I forget about the plate in my hand. Why would she try to feed me after the way I treated her?
I shake my head and walk with leaden feet back into the kitchen. I need to return to the meeting, but confusion wars with sadness inside me.
