Chapter 40

The drive back to the house was held in an awkward silence that seemed unbreakable. I couldn’t understand why.

I figured that after finally getting the chance to really speak with Dr. Harold and having been told that everything was going well with the baby’s development James would have been pleased. Hell, the man seemed pretty satisfied with the fact that sex was no longer an issue...

So, what the hell happened? What caused his behavior to take a whole one-eighty-turnaround?

I carefully cleared my throat. “James? Is something wrong?” I asked.

James hardly turned his head to look at me. “Why should there be?”

I clenched my jaw, not liking the way this conversation was starting. “Because...Well, because you haven’t said a single word to me since we left the hospital,” I pointed out.

He merely shrugged. “I have nothing to say.”

My brows furrowed while my features drew together with deep skepticism. Clearly, there was something wrong, but it was obvious that James wasn’t going to make this a simple endeavor and come out and say what’s on his mind. Which left me to sit back and think about all that had happened since we finished our meeting with Dr. Harold.

‘We said our goodbyes...The annoying receptionist tried flirting with James as we scheduled my next appointment...I ran into Ben—’

My mind stopped racing. Slowly, my eyes suddenly winded in realization. No, surely I was wrong.

‘But why?’ I asked myself. ‘Ben is nothing more than an old childhood friend...Oh, wait a damn minute. No. There’s no way...Could James be...Jealous? Jealous of Ben?!’ I practically let out a ridiculous laugh.

Oh, God. Part of me knew right then and there that I should have just come out and explained the truth of the situation. Ben was and would never be anything more than a friend.

I should have just come out and explained everything...But, this was just too good of an opportunity to pass up.

‘I’ve spent most of my life watching other girls fall and fawn over James. I watched the way he would mindlessly flirt and lead some of them on, which always left me incredibly jealous,’ I thought aimlessly.

Never in a million years did I ever think that I would have the power or ability to make someone feel such a way—much less James!

I knew it was wrong of me but I wasn’t ready to give up the feeling just yet. The corners of my mouth curled into an innocent smile while I kept my gaze at the passing scenery.

“Well, I must say that it was really nice seeing Ben again,” I started. “I mean, it’s been years since he and I last saw each other.”

James let out a long breath. “Yep, you’ve mentioned that,” he said bitterly.

“You know, I always sort of thought that he was cute,” I told him lightly. I bit the inside of my cheek, knowing that I was treading on thin ice. “When I saw those baby blue eyes, I remembered instantly just how much I wanted to kiss him.”

James kept his gaze locked straight ahead but I heard the low growl tear from his throat. The tension that filled the air around us almost made it too thick to breathe. I felt my heart jump into my throat the moment the car pulled up to the house.

A sharp gasp slipped past my lips when James clamped a firm hand over my thigh. He snapped his head to face me, his eyes filled with feral lust. “Oh, you're in for it now, sweetheart,” he snarled.

He hauled me against his chest and proceeded to carry me through the house. I tried to ignore the blatant stares from all the staff members we passed on the way. I knew where he was taking me.

We were heading in the direction of the bedroom and before I knew it, he tossed me onto the mattress, knocking the wind right out of me. James glowered down at me from the foot of the bed. He could tell that I was struggling to hold back my laughter.

“Oh, baby, I wouldn’t be laughing if I were you.”

I smirked in defiance. “James, for Christ’s sake, you cannot seriously be jealous of Ben,” I exclaimed.

His body went stiff. “I’m not jealous.”

“You’re an awful liar.”

His breathing staggered. His patience slipped away. “Mia.”

I tried to prop myself up my elbows. “Admit it,” I pushed. “You’re jealous of Benjamin.”

Something dark streaked across his eyes. His mouth twitched into a biting sneer.

“Yes! I am!” he barked out.

Suddenly, all sense of humor was sucked out of the room as I lay there gaping at him. “But why? You of all people have no reason to be jealous of anyone,” I explained earnestly.

James had to be fighting back his second nature with every ounce of restraint he possessed. He huffed and groaned at his inner wolf wanting to come out.

“He wants you,” James announced coldly.

My eyebrows pulled together. “What? No. Ben and I have never been anything but frie—”

“For fuck’s sake, Mia! Don’t be blind,” he hissed. “I saw the way he was looking at you. That boy was practically undressing you with his eyes.”

I crossed my arms over my chest and gave him a pointed look. “I really think you’re overreacting.”

“Oh, I don’t think so. Anderson wants you and I’ll be damned if I ever allow you to be alone with him in the future.” Something slipped out of James’ mouth that I couldn’t quite make out. His voice grew low and muffled. “Your m...”

“What did you say?” I asked.

“I said ‘you’re mine’,” he growled angrily.

My jaw went slack. I was stunned and at a complete loss for words. The pull within my chest jolted and ached, spreading an unknown warmth throughout me. I couldn’t understand if I was pleased by this declaration...or rather annoyed by it.

“I don’t believe this...” I gradually got up from bed and came to stand in front of him. “Everywhere we go, there are countless women who openly stare and try to flirt with you. I talk to an old friend for three minutes and you’re ready to act like the possessive alpha who’s stalking a claim over their ‘property’?”

“Mia, stop it.”

“No. I may have signed that damn marriage contract, but that doesn’t mean that you fucking own me, Derek!” I seethed. “It’s not as though I’m your actual fated mate.”

Without another word, I pushed past James and left the bedroom in search of solace.