Read Online Bearly A Squeak by Ariana McGregor - Free Book Online Page B

she was capable of dealing with it herself, that he believed in her. She knew he'd help her if she needed it, but he wanted her to stand up to Barry herself. She had to do it herself, she knew that. If she didn't, there would always be a part of her that cowered in fear of him. This was about reclaiming the control that Barry had stolen and healing herself in the process. She could do that because Alex believed that she could. She wouldn't let him down.
    “Tara...” Barry ground out.
    “Go away, Barry,” she said, her tone deliberately bored. “We've been over for a long time. You don't love me. I sure as hell don't love you. We are not mates...”
    “We are!” Barry shouted.
    “No, we're not,” she stated firmly. “I have no idea why you've always claimed otherwise, but it's clearly not true. Alex is my mate. I have absolutely no doubt about that.”
    “Good to know,” Alex murmured. She shot him a look, half amusement, half exasperation. How could she yell at Barry when her hunky mate distracted her?
    “Shush,” she said to Alex. Yeah, look at her. She just shushed a grizzly bear. Okay, so it was cheating when he was her mate, but she was still counting it as part of the new, bolder Tara. Turning back to Barry, she said, “We are not mates and never have been. You were a lousy ass boyfriend and I'm glad I left you. I have zero, absolute zero, interest in having anything whatsoever to do with you. So go away. Shoo.” She made flapping motions with her hands.
    Barry stood, fists clenched, face red, clearly trying to hold onto his temper. “You mouthy little -”
    “Now I know you're not going to insult my daughter-in-law,” came a new voice. Just like that, Tara's new found confidence headed for the hills. Alex's mother had arrived. Seriously, how did everyone know where they were? Had there been some kind of public announcement?
    Turning, she saw Alex's mother stroll out of the trees. How long had the woman been there?
    “Oh, this is going to get bad,” Alex whispered. He started packing up the remains of their picnic. Quickly.
    “Aren't you going to do something?” she whispered back. The dog had finally quit staring, and now padded over to stand behind them, watching Alex's mother with a wary expression. Smart dog.
    Alex looked at her helplessly. Shrugged. Then went back to packing up the basket.
    Tara turned her gaze back to Alex's mother. She was advancing on Barry, expression frosty. Anna Russell was actually pretty intimidating for a small woman. Silently, Tara pitched in with the packing up.
    “Well?” Alex's mother demanded.
    “I don't see how it's any of your...” Barry began. His face was twisted in a sneer and he looked with disdain at the woman. He paused as a growl erupted from Anna. He took a step back before he could stop himself and then stood still, glaring at the small woman.
    “Pack faster,” Alex hissed at Tara.
    “Tara agreed to marry me,” Barry stated. Clearly he'd decided to rewrite history. She had never agreed. A part of her had always managed to hold out, refusing to marry him or share their finances. She'd known that she'd need to keep her money separate if she was ever going to escape someday.
    Anna turned her gaze on Tara, eyebrow raised, arms crossed, waiting for an explanation. Tara swallowed hard.
    “I turned him down,” she blurted. “Repeatedly.”
    Anna turned her attention back to Barry. “There. You have no claim. She is my son's mate and none of your concern. Now I suggest that you toddle along and let them get on with making me some grandcubs. How are they supposed to get down and dirty with you standing there?”
    Oh. Wow. Tara felt the blush spreading across her face. Peeking at Alex, he appeared roughly the same shade. As did Barry, but for different reasons.
    “She didn't just say that,” she hissed at Alex, elbowing him in the side.
    “She did,” he groaned. “She really did.”
    Barry growled. “She is a -”
    “Pretty little thing,