Page 10 of Mated To My Boss

“Depends,” he says, leaning back in his chair. “You actually planning to talk this time, or just stare through me again like I’m furniture?”

I step inside and shut the door behind me. “That obvious, huh?”

“Only to someone with eyes.” He gestures to the seat across from him. “Sit, talk. What’s going on?”

I stay on my feet, arms crossed. “I need to ask you something. And I need you to be honest with me.”

His humor fades instantly. Graham might joke, but he knows when to shut it off. “Alright,” he says carefully. “Shoot.”

I hesitate. It’s not like me, but nothing about the last few days has felt like me. “Do you think you can cover for me for a few days?”

“This isn’t a good time, you know that.”

“I know.”

Graham leans forward, elbows on the desk. “Are you okay?”

“What do you—of course, I'm fine.”

“You are? Why didn't you answer your email then?” he asks knowingly.

“What email?”

“You're kidding, right?” Graham chuckles. “The mighty Nate Barlow didn't check his emails? Is the sky falling, too?”

I let out a short breath. “Look, my head hasn't really been in the game all day. What was the email about?”

“Grant sent word that there may be a hunter attack soon.”

“Where? Here?” I ask, with anger toward the enemy.

“No, but close. Just a few towns away. He's trying to gather forces there, and they look like they may have the numbers.”

“Are you sure?” Guilt begins to grow within me.How could I have missed something so important?

“Yeah, I'm positive,” Graham affirms. “At most, we're dealing with a small group of hunters. If everyone is aware and stays on guard, we should be okay. The alpha just wanted us to stay on alert just in case our services are needed. You never know.”

“Okay. You're right, though. We have the numbers and the advantage of organization. As long as we stay on top of things, it'll be fine.”

Graham still seems concerned and amused. “So your wolf is driving you mad?”

I try my best not to sigh. “There's nothing to talk about.”

“Come on, that's not true. I can tell there's a lot on your mind. Fill me in, please.”

“Graham, I—” a knock interrupts us.

“Who is it?” Graham calls out.

“Madeline, Cora's intern.”

“Shit, wait, don't—”

“Come in,” Graham says before I can finish.

I watch in a panic as the door opens slowly.

Chapter 4

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