My Alpha's Mark

151 Not happy

Clara and I looked at each other. I didn’t find her threatening and I didn’t see her as an enemy. I definitely didn’t see her as the rival I once saw her as. Back then she had come to Viktor and asked him to be more. I even remember her saying she was willing to share. At the time, I remember hating her. I felt gutted knowing that someone had offered themselves to Viktor like that.

At the time I felt betrayed. I felt hurt. I didn’t want to share Viktor with her and the thought of him possibly saying yes to that frightened me. Now that I look back on it. Wasn’t it hypocritical of me? I didn’t want to share Viktor yet after Clara left we let Jake into our relationship. I felt a tinge of guilt after our earlier conversation. Clara wasn’t wrong. Yet Jake hated her for wanting what he had.

Was it jealousy that Jake felt when he saw Clara? Or was it something else? Was it something more? Was it fear that Jake felt when he saw Clara? When I looked at Clara she stared at me as if she knew what I was thinking. I don’t know if I could even consider what I was thinking. There was no way I could. When it came to Viktor.. we both agreed to let Jake in. I had been at fault for my indiscretion with him. If Viktor had messed around with Clara would I have been as forgiving as he was?

“I’m sorry for going alpha-hole on you,” Jake said. He looked up at me as if I were his world.

“Jake,” I said.

“I’m sorry I followed you even though I was told not to,” Jake continued. I gave him a look and he went on. “I’m sorry for separating his head from his body…. as quickly as I did.”

“Jake!” I said as I fought the urge to laugh.

“I’m sorry I was rude to… your guest,” Jake said.

When I searched his face I knew he wasn’t going to budge on this. This was the best I would get from him when it came to Clara. I sighed.

“Don’t your knees hurt? Stand up,” I muttered.

“I’ve been on my knees longer before,” Jake teased. I blushed but ignored his comment. Instead I moved back and motioned for him to get up. When he was standing I gave him a look. He wrapped his arms around my waist.

“Are we okay now?” He asked. When I don’t say anything he pulls me close. “I’m sorry for being an asshole. Can you forgive me for being so protective of you?” He pleaded. It was hard to be mad at him but dammit I was not okay with what happened. I’m definitely not okay with this side of him that I’m seeing. What is it about Clara that makes him so crazy?

“There’s being an asshole and then there’s being violent. You didn’t need to do all that,” I said looking down at the man.

“How about we get out of here?” Jake asked.

“I already told you no Jake. I’m not really happy with you right now,” I said.

“Correction, we are not happy with you right now,” Clara said. Jake doesn’t even bat an eye. He keeps his gaze on me and doesn’t turn to Clara.

“What can I do to make it better? What can I do to make it up to you?” Jake asked.

“Be hospitable to our guests. Stop whatever this is that’s going on between you and Clara,” I said.

“There’s nothing going on between me and Clara,” Jake said. His eyebrows furrow, his forehead scrunches up, and the corner of his lips turn down. “You’re the only woman for me,” Jake said. “Have I not proven myself to you? Haven’t I shown you that I trust you and that you and Viktor are it?”

I turn and walk from him. Jade is nowhere in sight. When Nyx sees me looking she gives me a smile.

“Jade found her next victim. No need to worry about her,” Nyx said. “She’ll be back tomorrow morning.”

Clara stares at Jake but doesn’t say anything. I walk over to her and loop my arm with hers. Turning from Jake she look at me. A look passes between us and I know that we’re okay. She doesn’t blame me for Jake’s outburst and I don’t blame her for whatever that was I just saw between them. I’m confident in Jake’s feelings for me and I know I don’t have to worry about something happening between him and Clara.

I have a few questions for him after what I saw but I don’t doubt him. I’m not as insecure as to think he’d betray me. I sure as hell don’t see something happening between Jake and Clara. We need to talk. Jake, Viktor and I need to sit down and have a conversation about Clara. I don’t know what I hope will come of it, but I do know we have a few things we need to air out.

“Kacie?” Jake asked from behind me.

“Jake. I had plans with the girls today. We’re going to enjoy the rest of our day and,” I stopped and looked at the body on the ground. “I think you have Beta duties right now. You also have to clean this up. I’m going to get out of here with them.”

“But Kac—”

“I’ll see you back at the packhouse. Okay, Jake?” I asked.

“Yes, Luna,” Jake answered. I turned from him and walked out with Clara on my arm. Nyx followed close behind. When we were outside Clara turned to me.

“Maybe we should call it a day,” Clara said.

“There’s still daylight to kill. Isn’t this like your first time out in a long time? Let’s make the most of it. I don’t want this day to end like this,” I said.

“I don’t…” Clara trailed off. “I think you should go home to him.”

“He’ll be there after,” I said. “I can handle him after.”