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My comment wipes the smile off his face, squeezing my chest in the process. I had intended it to be playful, but he’s taking it to heart.
“My forbid—”
My phone buzzes from my pocket, pulling my attention away. Jonah sighs and puts space between us, allowing me to pull it out of my pocket.
Unknown: Last chance, Dickasso.
I grip my phone, reading the text message.
Me: I said, no thank you. I’m not even going today.
Unknown: Then why did Ms. Sandy remove me from the schedule today? She cut my shifts in half for the next two weeks.
A dozen sarcastic responses flip through my head, but I know better than to respond with any of them.
“Scarlett, who is that? What are they talking about?” Jonah peers at my phone, reading over the text messages.
Leo hasn’t had a chance to mention things to the others. He was going to do so today, so I could start the windows tomorrow.
Unknown: Hello? Just come out and talk to me. I know Professor Douche must be done talking if you’re replying to me.
My heart skips a beat, and dread crawls up my back. I don’t want to deal with Chaz right now. He should’ve just left. Why didn’t he?
“Scarlett? Is that Mr. Broderik?” Jonah asks, his voice deepening. “Did you give him your number, or did he get it on his own? I’m not angry or anything, but those texts seem like harassment.”
I swallow and turn the screen off, ignoring another text message from Chaz. “He got it on his own. I just—I’m sorry. Leo said he was going to tell you guys about my job tonight. I didn’t mean to throw it on you this second, but I’ve been hired to paint the windows at Beach Brew for Halloween. I’ve never been paid for my art, so this—”
“He works there. He’s going to continue to pursue you because of the opportunity,” he says, ignoring the fact that I just told him that I was hired to paint as if addressing Chaz is more important than the fact that someone thinks my art is worthy enough to display for everyone to see.
“He can pursue me all he wants, but nothing will happen. He’s not even going to be working while...wait, how did you know he works there?” I narrow my eyes at Jonah.
He hesitates. “I—I’ve seen his work shirt.”
My shoulders droop with his lie. Beach Brew doesn’t have uniforms. All they have to show that they’re baristas is their apron with the logo.
Tears burn my eyes. My disappointment isn’t even about the fact that he clearly must have looked into Chaz for some reason or another, but he still doesn’t grasp how his lack of acknowledgment over my job hurts me.
I sling my satchel over my shoulder and tuck my phone away, ignoring the buzzing. “Why don’t you stay here so he doesn’t think we’re leaving together. I’d hate for him to grow suspicious. I know how important your job is.”
“Scarlett, wait. I don’t want you to leave.” Jonah scratches his fingers through his hair, mussing the neatly combed strands. He removes his glasses and rubs the bridge of his nose. “You’re upset.”
“Of course, I’m fucking upset. I just told you that I got offered a job because someone thinks my art is good enough, and all you’re thinking about is an unimportant beta who will give up when he realizes he’s not getting anywhere with me.” I slide past him and cross my arms over my chest. I’ve never used profanity with anyone besides myself, Emma, and my sisters, and it feels as if I’m about to get reprimanded. It’s just in my head, though.
Jonah doesn’t say anything, remaining in his spot. He won’t chase me out. Not with the threat he thinks Chaz poses. His job is important to him, and right now, it kills me a little. I didn’t think it would be hard. I didn’t realize the challenges we’d face as the secret weighs on us. I can’t help it that I feel as if I’m not as important in this moment, and I know it’s unfair to think that way. I just... Fuck.
I swing the door open and jog forward.
Chaz tries to block my way. “Dick—”
I dodge around him, elbowing him in the ribs. “Get out of my way. I told you no, and I don’t have anything else to say to you. Leave me alone.”
Surprisingly, he listens.
I rush from the building and shade my vision, my eyes burning from the change of light and my tears. How the fuck can I feel so sad? It’s as if everything catches up to me, and I realize that life isn’t as easy as just finding a pack, bonding, and having my happily ever after. I was naïve, after all. I didn’t really think about any of the challenges I’d face. I just assumed that if I followed my pack’s expectations and my mom’s demands that everything would be fine.
I’m an idiot.
Maybe I had too much confidence in the whole proposal. Maybe I should just drop out of Clearwater University. It would make things so much easier, not having to worry about messing up my alphas’ careers, careers they need to provide for our family the way they want. Sure, we could get by, but there are expectations. Being betrothed is more than just about breeding. It’s about creating ties with other packs. It’s about strengthening our society as a whole.
