Page 24 of Amaris Rejected

I fall backward, startled by the loathing in Rue's voice and the fact that he’s able to overpower Devon’s control. I need to perfect that tea and fast or I could be in real danger from Rue.

Devon snaps back to himself just before he sinks to his knees, fatigued. "I'm sorry, Jeni. You know I have difficulty controlling Rue around you and keeping him at bay is getting harder. Why are you up here anyway?"

"I just miss you; this has always been our favorite place, so I came looking for you," I sniffle. "Is that a picnic?" I smile as I point to the basket. Of course it is, I smirk to myself. "I’m kind of hungry, and I don't suppose Amaris will be eating it now." I gaze up at him with my patented innocent, doe-eyed look. “Shall we?”

"Take it," he says, rising to his feet. "But I have to go after my family." He sprints down the hill, chasing after Amaris.

"What? Ooooh!" I pound the ground with my fists. "I'll show them! I need to check in with Sheila. Surely, she's found something to suppress Rue by now." I kick the basket over, spilling its contents, and sulk as I follow Devon down the trail.

Chapter 19 - After the Lake Incident

Amaris

I literally only have time to tuck my poor, sniffling Zoe into her bed when I hear pounding on my door. I turn on her bedside music box, hoping it will calm her enough to sleep. Quietly easing her door shut, I sprint to the front door and fling it open.

"Shhhhh!" I hiss. "Zoe is upset, and she just fell asleep." My body is practically vibrating with anger.

"What was that back there?" He breathes out angrily. "You left me alone."

"I left you withJeni," I mock.

"I demand an answer!" he growls low.

Rolling my eyes, I scoff with a sarcastic laugh. "Get a clue, Devon! For any future relationships you might want to have, you need to keep something in mind..."

"Future relationships? What do you mean?" He fumes as he leans down so that our noses are nearly touching.

Unfazed, I look up at him. "I'm just offering some helpful advice if you ever want to have a girlfriend other than Jeni," I sneer. "A relationship involving three people is crowded and generally frowned upon—at least from my perspective.”

“And, judging by how things are going, our relationship, even as co-parents, isn’t going to work out. Jeni isn’t coming within a foot of my daughter again." My wolf pushes forward with a low snarl. She’s usually pretty laid-back, but the danger to Zoe riles her, and she’s fed up with the disrespect.

Devon's face pales, his eyes widen, and he stands up tall. It’s obvious he’s finally paying attention.

"Listen very carefully," I whisper softly, leaning in close, my lips near his ear. “For a relationship to survive, you’ve got to support your partner, not the homewrecker trying to take you away from your family. In simple terms, put your mate first."

I step back, offering a sarcastic smile.

"I-I didn't mean for you to feel like you’re not my priority," he stutters. "Jeni is my childhood friend. She’ll always be part of my life, but you’ll always come first."

“And that’s why I’ll never be more than your partner in co-parenting Zoe.”

“What? I don’t understand.”

"What if I told you that you have to choose between me and Jeni?" I demand.

"Choose?" he looks confused. "Why do I have to choose? You both have very different roles in my life. She’s just my childhood friend, and you’re my mate. Why can't I have both of you in my life?" He shakes his head, grabs a handful of his hair, and pulls at it in frustration.

"Your actions demonstrate that you have chosen Jeni over me multiple times."

Then, a dawning look of understanding crosses his face. "She said you were trying to push her out of my life," he whispers as if to himself. “You want her out of your way.”

Scoffing again, I say, "You need to take a close look at those around you, Devon.” Of course, I can’t say more because of the constraints of the Alpha order, and I don’t even try to struggle against it. “I won't give you any more warnings. Honestly, I don’t want to be here and didn't come here for us to have another chance. I’m here for Zoe," I say, pointing between us. "This doesn’t even matter now.”

“I came here with an open mind, but all this has done is give you the tools to dig your own grave." I’m beyond furious but also deadly calm because I’m done trying to open his resolutely shut eyes. "Wake up! You’re not helping yourself by siding with her!” I can’t be any clearer.

I point to the door in silent frustration. Sighing, he walks out without another word. I doubt he even knows how to fight for us. I certainly won’t lead him by the nose. Sink or swim, Devon; the ball’s in your court.

Devon

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