Page 6 of Red (Everdark Tales #1)

The market is way more enjoyable than I expected. Everyone seems so nice, chatting my ears off. Of course, it helps that Dean is with me. People adore him. I must admit, he has a certain charm. However, it isn’t something I necessarily swoon over.

I’d be lying if I said he doesn’t look good today, though. He came right after the morning sermon, wearing a crisp white button-up tucked into a pair of black slacks, with his leather jacket over it. His chocolate brown hair’s slicked back, his beard freshly trimmed, his green eyes bright and inviting, per usual. Such a handsome man, yet I feel no butterflies. Zero. Nada. Null.

When a family with adorable two-year-old twins approaches my stand, I almost melt away. I don’t know what’s going on with me and kids lately that is causing my ovaries to respond in such manner as if I longed for my own children. But apparently, Dean finds my interaction with them highly attractive, because as soon as they leave, he sneaks me to the back for a passionate make-out session. At least he’s an alright kisser.

Candidly, I could get used to this.

Although, wouldn’t it be settling?

I care about him. Still, not nearly enough to fall for him. Our last date only solidified what I’ve already known, and now I feel so awkward around him. Especially, when he’s touching me, I don’t feel any anticipation for what’s next.

Fuck! I need to end this, don’t I?

I ask him to watch over the things, and I go circle around to shop for my own stuff.

I see live chickens for sale and immediately begin considering getting some. There’s a coup in my backyard already.

No, no.I just got a dog. I need to figure out how to take care of it first. Who do I think I am? I’ve never even had a plant that survived with me longer than a month before.

I buy stakes and some fresh produce, then drop everything off in my car before I head back to my stand. I immediately notice a pretty, long-legged blonde talking with Dean, acting a bit too friendly for my liking. She squeezes his bicep while laughing excessively at his joke.

Can she be any more obvious?

And he, of course, is eating it up, giving her all the attention.

It shouldn’t bother me the way it does. It’s not like we’re exclusive or anything so it’s really not that big of a deal.

Then why does it sting this hard?

Maybe I’m oversensitive after how things ended with my bestie since friendship breakups are the hardest. I absolutely despise infidelity, though. It’s unforgivable to me. And we might have not put a label on what exactly is between us, but not once have I even considered seeing anyone else.

Well, except me having all these fantasies and wet dreams about my imaginary stalker… But that’s just me being extra silly.

I approach closer, giving that skinny bitch a nasty look. Yes, I know it’s totally uncalled for since I’m planning to dump the guy, yet I can’t help myself.

She backs off and walks away before he gets a chance to introduce us.

“Emily is just a friend,” he explains without being questioned, and that’s enough for me to conclude they are fucking.

“I don’t care.” I shrug, getting myself busy with another customer.

I sell nearly the entire crop for the month by noon. I have a couple of crates that I’m planning to donate to the local church that Dean attends, and that will do it. Of course, I still got some left at home to make apple pies—No clue where this new obsession with baking came from, either.

Lana was right, I’ve changed.

When the market is over, Dean takes me to late lunch. I try to rush it because I have a bunch of meat in my car, and I’m still mad at him for flirting with the blonde. It’s really more of an ego thing than jealousy, yet it hurts the same.

I then mention the dog to him, which makes him angry for whatever reason, and he insists on coming to see him “immediately”.

I mean, okay, I get it. I’ve let a stray into my house, but I still find his reaction to be over the top. Dog showed zero aggression and even let me check him for ticks. I still need to take him for general checkup, vaccine, and to make sure he doesn’t have a chip. I don’t want to name him until I’m sure he doesn’t belong to anyone else.

First thing I notice after I park in front of my house, is a package waiting for me on the porch. I can’t help my excitement, already planning an entire evening to myself.

However, Dean’s truck stops next to me, and I remember I need to break up with him.

I grab all the stuff I bought from the car and pick up my Amazon box before we walk inside together. As I leave it on the island counter in the open-concept kitchen and unpack the bags, Dean looks at the pacing dog, furrowing.

“It’s a wolf,” his voice is rough, not at all what I’m used to.

“No, I’ve searched the Internet.”

“Oh, great! Thank God you checked Google before letting a feral canine inside your house!”

I ignore his cynicism. “I think he’s some mix of a long-haired German Shepherd. Or Belgian Malinois maybe. It doesn’t even matter, though. He’s staying.”

“Julia, it’s a fucking wolf!” he repeats, but this time he yells at me.

Dog stills and looks directly at him. A deep, low snarl rolls through his chest as he arches his spine, making his fur puff up along it. I swear he suddenly appears bigger. Fearsome even. Or maybe it’s just my imagination again.

“Easy, boy,” I soothe him, although proud. He’s already doing his job like I knew he would. I’ve never thought he would have to protect me from the guy I’m seeing, however.

Maybe Dean is my stalker?

No, he’s just too proper for that. He sees the world in black and white only, I highly doubt he would ever so much as think about doing such a thing.

Besides, there’s no stalker!

I look back at him with my brows lifted high in disbelief. “Don’t ever raise your voice at me.” I stay composed but flaming with rage inside. “Wolves are extirpated from the entire state.”

“I see you did your research on that, also.”

“I’m not dumb, okay. He’s just a mutt.”

Dean glares at me with his mouth pressed in a hard line.

Okay! I know this animal doesn’t look like a typical dog. Yet, I feel this weird connection to him.

Then I add, “He can be useful too. It’s kinda scary here at nights. I need a companion.”

“What about me? I can keep you company.”

You wish!

“Maybe you should check on Emily about that, hon.”

“Jesus fucking Christ!” he cusses like a true Catholic, rolling his eyes.

I’m aware I’m acting ridiculous. Perhaps it’s just me looking for a reason to split. Regardless, I have a new vibrator to check out. No need to waste any more of my time arguing with him.

He approaches me, and now we’re all in the contained corner of my kitchen. Dog included.

“I think you should leave now.”

“Julia, don’t be absurd.”

“No, I don’t appreciate being patronized. I want to be alone.”

“Why don’t you calm down and—”

“I. Am. Fucking. Calm.” I’m pretty sure I’m foaming at the mouth.

“Babe, come on!” He takes a step closer with his hands on the counter on my opposite sides, caging me in.

Dread settles like a rock in my stomach.

I’d have zero problem slashing him with the nearby knife. I took some self-defense right after I started college, moving away from my family home in Michigan to the Windy City.

Fine! I know the guy was in the Marines and I don’t stand any chance. Still, I’ll cut him even if it’s the last thing I do when he tries me.

However, my protector immediately forces himself in-between us, showing his entire set of sharp teeth at my about-to-be-ex.

“This isn’t working for me, Dean.” I don’t understand why my eyes are burning.

His expression perplexed as my words are sinking in. It’s almost as if he wants to keep the fight going, but the dog is ready to pounce.

“I’ll talk to you later,” he replies with a sigh, nervously running his hand through his hair, then finally exits.

I feel a gentle nudge at my hand, and I look down at my furry friend.

“You’re such a good boy!” I commend as I get to his level. I pet him affectionately before I remember I got steaks for both of us. “Oh, I have something yummy for you!”