Why Follow Me Part One - Valeria's POV

I keep going toward the market, trying to ignore the feeling of eyes on my back.

Kendric is handsome with a strong build and he’s someone I would desire as a mate if I could have one. Part of me wonders if he’s desperate, and that is why he is practically chasing me, but I feel ridiculous for thinking someone like him would be hurting for a mate.

There are probably plenty of women waiting for him at his door every single day. The girls love a dark and intriguing alpha who is just starting his own pack.

I tighten my grip on the list and hope that I can get all the items she requested. My gaze moves across the various booths in search of it all and it seems like it’s going to be a good market day. Most, if not everything, is here just from a single glance.

Kendric grabs my arm as I’m about to examine the fruit at the first stall. “Are you not going to talk to me about everything?”

“Your question isn’t worth answering. There is nothing you can do about it, and it’s not like I can go into detail about anything that goes on here, because it’s not my place. So, if you have questions, you need to ask the alpha.”

“If they are abusing you, then they won’t tell me that,” he says as he slides his hand down my arm until he grasps my hand in his. “I need to know if what he said is true.”

Many thoughts pass through my mind, and I don’t know what the alpha told him. It could be any number of stories. If I pick the wrong one, then I’ll be in more trouble than I can get out of.

“What did he say?”

“My alpha, when he called to arrange the meeting for his son, also inquired about other females. You were noticed when Barrett came a few weeks ago and was told you weren’t eligible for a mate or unavailable. I don’t see any mating marks on you and from what I’ve heard while I’ve been here, you don’t have a mate.”

His eyes land on my throat, searching for any sign of a mark. It’s quick, but not subtle in the slightest. Though it catches me off guard, I wonder what kind of game the alpha is playing. I haven’t heard this lie before, and the only reason I’m not eligible for a mate that I can think of is because the alpha isn’t willing to allow it. But telling Kendric that is off limits.

“Oh. Well, no, I’m not mated.” I pull my hand back from his and take a step back. “You shouldn’t trouble yourself asking him any more questions. It will only lead you to some issues you don’t want and Alpha Jackson is not an enemy you want.”

Clutching the basket, I move closer to the fruit stand and just as I’m about to grab the first lemon, Kendric beats me to it and places them in the basket for me.

“Thank you.”

“Let me have the list and help you get this because you and I need to finish our conversation.” His eyes are locked onto the man operating the stand, tension radiating off him in waves. “Somewhere more private than this.”

As soon as he makes the comment, Jerry's eyes widen, and he shifts his gaze toward me. “Is there anything else I can help you with today, Miss Valeria? Do I need to call your madam?”

It is subtle, but a nice way of asking if I need help.

“No, Jerry. Everything is fine, and she sent me to get a few things with him as my escort. Will you put them on their tab?”

Despite the nod he gives, his gaze remains fixed on Kendric, not once breaking away from his intense stare. “Yes. Be safe out there.”

I turn to leave with Kendric hot on my heels, but the feeling in my chest remains. I hate how good I am at lying.

We move to the next one to grab some eggs and a few other items. As he continues to look back at that other stand, his brows knitted together, making him look broody.

“Jerry is nice. You can stop looking at him like you want to rip him apart. If you continue with those facial expressions, you’ll have everyone fearing you.”

He smirks, his eyes cutting sharply in my direction. “That might not be so bad. Most do anyway. I don’t have the best reputation.”

Although I can understand why they would, I decide not to comment and keep my thoughts to myself. I have already shared enough information and there isn’t a valid reason for me to share anything else. He is simply too curious about my situation and what happens around here.

“Well, try not to scare them while you’re here,” I say as I walk to the next stall.