Six
1008 Words
My face stayed calm, professional—at least on the surface.
Justin’s fiancée leaned in for a hug, but Justin kept her at a distance. Despite my hurt, I noticed it wasn’t a cozy moment between Justin and that woman.
If he loved her, why flirt with me just days ago?
She glared at me. Her annoyance was clear at the interruption.
When our eyes met, a pang hit me in the chest. She was almost unbearably beautiful, with long platinum-blonde hair falling in waves, flawless skin, and that Barbie-doll figure wrapped in an expensive Valentino dress. She screamed wealth, privilege, and an air of entitlement that overshadowed everyone else.
Not that I was normally insecure. I had been told time and again that I was beautiful. But standing before her, I felt small. Could a human even be that perfect?
Clearing my throat, I managed a polite, “Good morning.”
The woman’s eyes scanned me from head to toe, her sneer growing. “Who’s this, honey? I haven’t seen her before. And why are there so many werewolves around lately?”
Justin barely glanced at me. He looked half-bored, half-distracted as he replied, “She’s nobody.”
The word hit me like a slap. Nobody? Was I really that insignificant?
I fought to keep my face neutral, but it stung—more than it should have. How could my mate, the one person meant for me, dismiss me as nothing? Anger bubbled inside me, and I fought hard to keep it down.
Justin was an arrogant bastard who had no right to call me nobody. I wanted to spit venom back at him, but I swallowed my pride. There was no point in giving him the satisfaction of knowing he got to me.
I forced a fake smile and turned to leave. With my dignity barely intact, I tried to walk away, but Justin’s voice stopped me.
“Get me a coffee.” His tone was dismissive, as if I were nothing more than a servant.
The air around me suddenly felt thicker as I paused. Slowly, I nodded. “Sure,” though every fiber of me burned with rage.
The elevator doors closed behind me as I headed down to the kitchen. His words echoed in my head.
“She's nobody.”
The aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the kitchen. Staff bustled around, grabbing cups, sharing jokes, and catching up with each other. I stood at the counter, staring at the array of coffee machines and decided to rebel. Instead of brewing fresh coffee, I chose a cheap one—and took my time about it.
Fifteen turned into twenty, and I delayed more, knowing each second away from Justin was time I needed.
I grabbed the lukewarm coffee, took the elevator back up, and steeled myself. Justin sat at his desk, engrossed in whatever work was before him. His girlfriend had left. He didn’t even acknowledge me as I entered.
I took a moment, allowing my gaze to linger. Justin looked annoyingly perfect—dark hair styled neatly, a perfectly tailored shirt clinging to his chest. He was effortlessly attractive, the kind of man who could make you want to ignore every bit of common sense and beg him to f**k you.
It wasn’t fair.
When glanced up, his brows knit together at the sight of the cup I held out.
“What’s this?”
“Your coffee,” I said, keeping my voice even.
Justin barely looked at the cup. He pushed it away with irritation. “Why didn’t you use the coffee machine here? And why the hell is it cold? Think I have time for this nonsense?”
“You wanted coffee,” I repeated, trying to stay calm. “So I got it.”
“Drink it. Next time, ask before acting stupidly. I don't drink that garbage. My machine is right over there,” he said, pointing to the side of the office.
My hands shook as anger surged. “Why are you so determined to make me feel worthless?” The question slipped out before I could stop it. “I’m a lawyer, Justin. I’m not trained to be your servant.”
Justin’s frown transformed into a mocking smirk. “Why would I bother frustrating someone as insignificant as you?” He leaned back, crossing his arms. “You and your pack need us. You should feel honored to serve my coffee.”
The words tore into me, but I fought to stay composed. Justin only played these power games because I'd refused to fall into his arms.
Lost in my thoughts, I didn’t realize Justin had moved. He no longer sat behind his desk but stood right before me. The closeness made my heart race. He leaned down slightly, close enough for me to feel the warmth radiating off his body.
He lifted my chin gently, forcing my eyes to meet his. Everything else faded—the room, the office, the whole world seemed to vanish. All I felt was him. My wolf begged me, desperate for his touch, for the connection that we were supposed to have.
For a moment, I leaned in, feeling the invisible string pulling me closer to him. But I snapped back to my senses.
I couldn’t let him have this power over me.
I stepped back, breaking the moment. Justin chuckled. “You’re such a hypocrite. You pretend to be strong, but I see the desire in your eyes, Marissa. You’re just like everyone else. Begging for me.”
I clenched my fists. “Why would I want someone like you? You have a fiancée. Aren’t you supposed to be loyal to her?”
“That’s none of your business. But don’t deflect. I can see the way you look at me.”
I couldn’t take it anymore. “Excuse me.” My voice cracked slightly, and before he could respond, I turned, rushing for the door.
Leaving him there was the only way to stop myself from falling apart.
- Writer
