“You know it’s not less creepy when I know you’re here somewhere and I can’t see you or smell you right?” I say out into my yard. I figure he’s being extra strange because he knows Robbie talked to me today. And I have to play along like it’s cute and not a major red flag.
Tyler steps out from the shadows of our neighbors house. It’s not quite dark yet, but he obviously knows the blind spots well. I’m just glad that Osiston said they have had eyes on him whenever he is trailing me. So I at least know he’s not as sneaky as he thinks he is.
His smile doesn’t quite reach his eyes. “What did Robbie say to you today?” He stops just short of my porch steps, a dark look in his eyes. I don’t think it’s jealousy though. I can’t quite read him.
I step down slowly, approaching him like a skittish animal. “He asked me if we were back together.”
“And what did you say?” He doesn’t make a move towards me. His whole demeanor has changed since earlier today.
“I told him we were never actually together, there was nothing official, but I was working on being friends again.” I take another step towards him.
“Do you play with all of your guys like that?”
“So, you’re back to thinking I’m a wh*re. Good to know it doesn’t take much to change your mind about people. Just because one girl messed you up doesn’t mean we all will.” I take a slow breath and try to keep my emotions in check, I have to keep him calm. His temper is what has changed or maybe it’s slipping, now that I think about it. “You said you were patient, I called you, remember?” I reach my hand out to him, waiting to see if he will come back to the Tyler I enjoy hanging out with.
He grunts and gives a small shake of his head like he’s physically clearing his thoughts. “You did call me didn’t you?”
“I did and I think you need to run just as much as I do. Come on.”
He takes my hand and gives it a squeeze then we both go at a slow pace. I take the route I have done the last two nights and Tyler doesn’t hesitate or question where I’m going, which confirms Osiston’s report about him following me. I don’t say anything though, he seems to be calming down a bit.
“Do you want to talk about it?” I approach the elephant as gently as possible. Something has him on edge and it makes him a completely different person. I noticed the demeanor change the night of my birthday too, but I didn’t want to bring up something that might be painful. Now I just don’t care. Something is going on with him and I need to know what it is.
“Not really, but she’s been exceptionally active today.” He just looks at me with sad eyes, trying to get me to understand without saying more.
“Your mate? I’m sorry. I didn’t even think about you still going through that pain. Why don’t you accept her rejection and get it over with. Maybe the Moon Goddess would give you a second chance mate, someone who actually deserves you.”
“I can’t”
“Can’t or won’t?”
“It’s the same thing really. He said if I accepted her rejection, he would kill her. I know she doesn’t want me, but I can’t do that and my wolf won’t allow it either.”
“Can she feel if you are with someone else? I’m sure it hurts her just as bad.”
“I haven’t been with anyone else. That’s the hardest part, I just can’t and believe me I have tried. The worst part is he hasn’t marked her yet. I know he’s using her for now and will kick her to the side the minute he finds someone he deems better. I have tried telling her that, but I just get the pain in return as proof that he wants to be with her. What she doesn’t get is he sleeps with anyone that will open their legs for him. She doesn’t know because she isn’t his mate and she doesn’t carry his mark so she can’t feel it. But I’ve seen it, witnessed it first hand. He seems to like an audience and when you can hurt someone in more than one way why not right?”
