Why Follow Me Part Two - Valeria's POV
He releases a sigh that seems to go on forever before he turns to take in the surrounding booths in the market. “Let me guess. They already have enough to fear as it is, and I shouldn’t add to it.”
Lacey places the eggs in my basket along with the other items on the list, but her gaze is fixed on Kendric just like Jerry’s was. I have to do something, or they will report all of this back to the alpha and he’ll be furious. Kendric and I both might die because of this.
More than likely, it will be my neck on the chopping block before his.
“Let us go to the next booth for the rest of the items. I’m almost finished. Thank you, Lacey. Just place it on the alpha’s tab.”
As we start to leave, Lacey keeps a watchful eye on us, studying our every move. Once again, Kendric follows behind me as silent as ever. The only thing I can hear is the light thump of his boots against the ground with each step he takes.
It’s driving me insane.
At the final booth, I hand the girl the list. Her mother owns it, but isn’t here. I don’t know her name, so I make my request short. “Will you grab these for me and just place them in the basket? All of it goes on the alpha’s tab.”
The young girl disappears into the house to grab the items, and I can feel Kendric staring at me. “What do you want to ask now?”
“Do you do this job out of the goodness of your heart or are you being forced into this?”
The girl returns, and he falls silent. She drops everything in my basket delicately and then offers me a warm smile. “There you go, Miss Valeria. Enjoy your day.”
“Thank you.”
I turn to head back toward the path between the trees. Kendric notices I haven’t responded to his question, and he has no intention of letting it go.
“Answer me.”
I don’t pay him any attention and keep moving down the path, one foot after the other. Though horrid things happen behind those four walls, the alpha’s house is my only sanctuary where I can breathe without prying eyes watching my every move.
A fleeting sense of security washes over me as I step onto the path, but it is cruelly short-lived. Kendric closes the gap between us, his arm wrapping around my waist as he drags me into the woods and off the worn path.
“What are you doing? Let go of me. I have to get this basket back right away.”
He clamps his hand over my mouth to keep me silent as he pulls me deeper into the woods. “This is for your own good.”
I mumble into his palm, wishing I can stop him from making a stupid mistake. Taking me will only bring him bigger problems because the alpha will come for him.
Once he sees we are far enough away, he lets go of my mouth. I quickly pull away from him and straighten my shirt under the cloak. “Why did you do that?”
“Because you aren’t answering my questions. Tell me the truth, Valeria. Is this job to pay them back or against your will? Tell me you wanted this job and to do this for me and I’ll let it go. But if you lie, I will know it. That scar above the neck of your shirt that runs to the front of your jaw isn’t the only one, is it?”
I exhale. The fact he acts like he cares is irritating and driving me mad. “It is none of your concern. Just let me go back and forget you ever met me.”
“I can’t. Don’t you think I’ve tried since we arrived? You can’t tell me you didn’t feel anything when we brushed our arms as you passed by me.”
He reaches out with his right hand for mine, but I put a little more space between us.
“My alpha told you I’m unavailable. His word is law. For you to continue after being told no, would break his trust and could affect Waylen’s potential union with Gabby. So, why are you doing this again?” The basket grows heavier by the second, and I place it beside me on the ground. “You shouldn’t want me and–”
“But is that what you want? I’m capable of making up my own mind and I know what I want. I can get past your alpha. That won’t be an issue.” He takes a step closer, and I’m too shell-shocked to move. “Tell me you are being forced to do this and I will ensure you never have to again.”
The offer is tempting and hard to turn down. The urge to spill my guts and reveal all the struggles I have faced over the years is overwhelming, but the consequences are what stop me.
My lips part, the words so close I can taste them — but they catch in my throat like thorns. I can’t. Then I hear Millie as she shouts for me from the front door.
“Oh, Valeria! It’s almost lunchtime, my sweet child. Did you get lost in the market?”
“I have to get back.”
Picking up the basket, I run as fast as I can back toward the path and hope no one saw me being dragged into the woods a moment ago.
“Wait, Valeria!” Kendric calls out behind me, but I keep running without turning back.
I don’t stop until I reach the house and find her standing on the porch waiting for me. “Sorry, madam, for the delay. I have everything you need in the basket.”
