Page 21 of His Rejected Fated Mate

“Elize.”

Her eyebrows went up. “As in Troy’s mate, Elize?”

I blinked. A part of me thought Troy was joking when he said people knew. I figured he said it just to get me to agree. “Yeah, so word it around it would seem.”

“Oh yeah, everyone knows about you. It’s been a whisper going around the pack. I have to say, you’re nothing like I expected.”

“What were you expecting?”

“I don’t know. I mean, there were so many rumors. Some said you were a bitch, and others said you lived in a hole somewhere. You just… You look like a nice gal.”

I smiled. “Well, I’m glad to look like a nice gal.”

Her face fell. “I don’t mean it as an insult. I swear, I meant nothing crude by it.”

I chuckled, shaking my head. “No, you’re fine. It’s just interesting to hear that word about me is already out.”

“Mostly good stuff, I swear.” She offered me another smile. “It’s great to meet you. I would love to stay and chat, but I’m actually heading over to an interview, and I feel I might be late.”

“No, go right ahead.” I stepped aside as she waved. I watched her walk away and couldn’t help but smile. So word about me had gotten around.

I headed down the block and kept taking everything in. I looked over where the restaurants and the bookstore were. I stopped to look at some boutiques and even watched grazing geese.

I pulled out my phone to check the time when I slammed into someone. I stumbled back a foot and pulled my head up. “Wow, I’m sorry. Twice in one day.”

My body froze as my eyes pulled up to Madeline and Gail. They had been the meanest gals in high school growing up, and of course, I would run into them now.

I could see the recognition click into their faces just as quickly. Madeline smirked with her evil smile. “Well, long time no see. If it isn’t Elize Stratford. Couldn’t stay living in your hole?”

I swallowed. “I was walking by.”

Madeline moved as I tried to round them, stepping in my way. “We weren’t done. What makes you think you’re suited for our Alpha? Did you use your connection with your uncle to weasel yourself back into the pack?”

I swallowed. “I didn’t choose this.”

“You must have done something. A mistake was made when they decided to pair you and him. Only an idiot would think that the two of you were fated mates. So tell me, what did you do? What did you give up to land this position?”

I swallowed, not sure what I should even say. It wasn’t like I wanted this. I was pushed into this just as much as he was.

“And who do you think I should be with?”

My eyes widened as Troy came around the corner. His arms were crossed as he walked closer to us. His lips were in a tight line, and his eyes were narrowed on the other two. Madeline and Gal both looked sick as their faces went white.

“Troy. Uhmm… we were…”

“I repeat, who do you think I should be with?”

Madeline stumbled for words, and Gail swallowed. “We were just catching up.”

Troy nodded his head. “Sure. And next time you want to catch up, maybe don’t start with insulting her.”

“We were just leaving.” Gail hooked Madeline’s arm and pulled her away. I turned to Troy, who shook his head.

“Well, that could have been better. Those two still haven’t changed, it seems.”

I frowned, feeling embarrassed. “What are you doing here?”

His eyebrows went up. “This is my pack.”