The Alpha And Her Tinkerer

8_I Am Not Interested

Reeva POV

It is hard to keep my composure during breakfast. To share a meal with a person who threatened you. And to think I thought she was an angel. Pfft, she just helped me because Hayden asked her. Which also tells me that Greta will do good on her threat.

I am partially impressed and annoyed with the situation. Greta insulted me by insinuating that I would seduce Hayden to get my way. But it is also heartwarming how loyal she is towards him. Actually, it stings a little. I thought I had that loyalty at home. I thought Simon and Reese loved me and would protect me the way Greta does with Hayden. How wrong was I?

“Greta, your pancakes are the best,” Hayden compliments her as he helps himself to a second serving.

“You say that about all my food,” Greta laughs softly, resting her hand on his, and the small gesture irks me.

I am jealous, I realise. I am jealous of their friendship. I have nothing and nobody. I even lost my wolf. I swallow the bitter realisation and push my plate away.

“Thank you, Greta,” I say, forcing a smile. “It was excellent.”

“You hardly ate anything,” Hayden says, frowning. “How do you expect to regain your strength if you don’t fuel your body?”

“I ate enough,” I reply, irritated by his remark. I do not need him or anybody else to tell me what to do. I am on my own, and I will take care of myself.

“Don’t worry,” Greta pats Hayden’s hand. “I’ll pack a basket for later when she’s hungry again.”

“It’s okay,” I reply politely. “I’ll make something myself when we’re back at Hayden’s place.”

“What?” Greta looks at me, her eyes silently challenging me. “Don’t you like my food?”

“No, no, I love it,” I say, holding my hands up defensively. “I just don’t want to trouble you. You’ve done so much for me already.”

“Well, I would love the leftovers,” Hayden replies. “Especially since we’re not going home.”

“Excuse me?” I ask, confused.

“Brian’s there,” he exhales deeply. “We’ll have to hide until he leaves.”

“You can’t be serious?” I gape at him. No f*****g way am I hiding like a scared little rabbit. “I’ll run them off like I did yesterday.”

“Reeva, I appreciate it, but you and I don’t have wolves,” Hayden replies patiently. “They do, and they have the alpha’s blessing.”

“You mean, your father’s blessing?” I ask, raising my eyebrows, and the muscle in his jaw works overtime as he grinds his teeth.

“We are outnumbered,” he continues. “We have no choice but to wait it out.”

“You’re a c …” I bite my tongue before I finish the word, coward, and look away.

“Go ahead,” Hayden smirks, his eyes cold and humourless. “Finish your sentence.”

“No,” I shake my head, and clear my throat. “I’m sorry, it’s not my place.”

“You’re right,” he says firmly, standing up. “It’s not your place to talk about things you don’t understand. Just as it’s not my place to judge you for your decisions.”

“Hey, you don’t know s**t about me,” I protest indignantly.

“Exactly my point,” he replies sweetly, and I glare at him with irritation. “We don’t know each other. So, it’s best to refrain from name-calling.”

I clamp my lips shut as he leaves the room and stand up. I can feel Greta’s eyes on me, but I ignore her. Hayden has put me solidly in my place, and it is humiliating to say the least.

“His father hates him,” Greta breaks the silence, and I look at her, surprised that she is sharing her friend’s secrets. “Hayden’s mother died during childbirth, and his father resents him for it.”

“Why are you telling me this?” I ask. “Aren’t you betraying his trust?”

“It’s not a secret, Reeva,” she sighs, standing up and gathering the dishes. “But it’s not something he’ll discuss. He didn’t even tell me, but the pack knows, and stories travel. I’m telling you so that you can be more understanding and compassionate towards him, because I hate it when someone is rude towards him.”

“That again,” I sigh, rolling my eyes. “Greta, I’m not going to hurt your precious friend. I asked him for help, and he agreed. I don’t have sinister plans, nor do I need to seduce him to have my way. If I want something, I’ll ask for it.”

“Good,” she nods. “But I stand by what I said. I might be old, but I’m not without resources. You’ll regret it if you hurt him in any way.”

I am about to snap and lose my temper. I can feel it. So, I clench my fists and count to ten. Is she dense or partially deaf? How many times do I have to repeat myself, telling her that I am not interested?

“You have been very hospitable and kind,” I say through clenched teeth. “But you’re spoiling it with your constant threats.”

“I’m ready to go if you are,” Hayden announces as he enters the kitchen.

Greta’s stern face lightens up as she turns to him.

“Let me get you that basket I promised,” she smiles, reaching for a cupboard.

I remain quiet while Hayden and Greta chat as she packs food for an army. Inside, I am stewing. All of this is a waste of time.

I am not ungrateful for their help, and I am acutely aware that I would have been worse off without them, but I am not here to make friends. I want to go to Hayden’s house so he can make my weapon. I am not going to waste my second chance in life. I have one purpose, and one purpose only. To avenge my daughter’s death.