Chapter seven: Renee

Renee

His voice grates over my skin. Where I used to enjoy the feel, the shiver that it produced, now all it does is cause a rock to land in my stomach. The hair stands on end knowing exactly who is behind me without needing to turn. I don't want to turn. I don't want to see him. I don't want to smell him either. I fight against the rush of memories my stupid brain has associated with that scent.

All the time he would meet me in the hallway while classes were going on. When he would hold me close. Whispering to me how beautiful I was, how much he wanted me. The few times he would climb in the window at the foster parent's house after my parents died. The way he would tell me he wanted me and then get mad when I told him I was waiting for my mate. He could have told me I was his mate. But he didn't. No, he wanted what was his, but only one part of it. I was going to be his dirty secret and I have no doubt that if Jasmine wouldn't have come along, he never would have told me. He would have kept me there on the side, in the dark but I never would have been his true mate in any other way.

I try to rein in those thoughts. I can't think of that right now. Or ever really. But especially not right now with him here. I will never let him see me that vulnerable again. I fucking refuse.

So instead of turning to acknowledge him I keep plating the food I have spent so long making. Lamb is a very finicky dish. You can only let it rest so long before serving. Which is why I garnished most of the plates before adding it. Beef is the same but since more here is medium rare or rare I have a bit in leeway. I can put that on in the next five minutes and pull off the rare in six and the others in eight.

"Renee." He says again and I try my hardest to show no outward effect as I focus on my work. "Wolf or not I am speaking loud enough to be heard over all this fucking noise."

Typical straight to the throat. I roll my eyes even though he can't see it. What the fuck is this Renee's gets tortured by mates' night? Then it hits me he fucking found me. If I show any sign of what I am he will drag me back.

I know I have to respond, but my body refuses to cooperate. Every fiber of my being resists acknowledging his presence. I force myself to turn slowly, plastering a fake smile on my face.

"Hi," I say, my voice laced with sarcasm. "How are you? How's Tracy? Any pups on the way?" I can't help but jab at him, alluding to the life he could have had with me if he hadn't chosen to keep me as his dirty secret. My heart pounds in my chest as I wait for his reaction. I know I'm playing with fire, but I can't help myself. I refuse to let him see me as vulnerable as I once was. He has no power over me now.

"Fucking really? You ask that after not seeing me for years?" he growls, his eyes narrowing. "But I'm not here to talk about that. We need to discuss something else." I stiffen at his words, my smile faltering. I know that tone. It's the one he used when he thought no one was listening. When he thought I was his, but that I wasn't good enough.

I don't know what came over me. Usually, I can keep my cool, but tonight, my sassy mouth takes over. I keep my eyes on his, a fake smile plastered on my face. "Did you expect me to say after being rejected by you?" I continue, unable to stop myself. "The day you rejected me, you gave up all rights to me. We have nothing to discuss."

With that, I turn back to my food, already regretting my words. What made me think I could dismiss him like that? To late now. Before I even have a chance to start plating the food, I feel a strong grip on my arm. He spins me back towards him, and I can feel his anger radiating off him.

"You think this is a game, Renee? You think you can just walk away from me like that?" His voice is low and dangerous, and I can see the anger flashing in his eyes. I try to pull my arm away, but his grip only tightens.

"Let me go," I say, my voice shaking. "I don't want to talk to you. I don't want anything to do with you." His eyes narrow, and he leans in close, his mouth twisting into a sneer.

"You'll talk to me, Renee. You'll give me the respect I deserve. I'm your mate, whether you like it or not." I shudder at his words, feeling a mix of anger and fear.

"I am not your mate," I hiss. "Not anymore. You gave that up. Now let me go."

"I changed my mind."

Those words echoed in my head as he grabbed my arm, holding me in place. I could feel the pressure of his grip, keeping me from moving away. I backed against the table, using it as support to keep me standing.

"You've changed," he said, his leering gaze filled with heat. I fought back the revulsion rising in my throat. He was right, I had changed. But not in the way he thought. Not in the way that mattered.

I wanted to tell him that I didn't look like this in high school. That I had a glow up, thanks to finally having access to proper nutrition. But I stayed silent, unsure of how to handle this situation.

Then he said something that made my blood run cold. "What's that smell? Is something burning?"

I cursed silently, knowing that my suppressant was wearing off. As a part-omega, when we were in distress, our scent would change and take on a burnt smell. He would put two and two together soon enough.

I started to panic, trying to break free from his grip. I must have looked like a crazy person, frantically trying to escape. But he only tightened his hold, causing me to whimper in pain.

Just then, the door burst open and a familiar voice filled the room. "Let her go."