Page 21 of Mated To My Boss

Henry heaves a sigh. “Madeline found you?”

“She's interning at my office as we speak. That's a big step from just finding me.”

“I had no idea you were working there, man. You gotta believe me.”

“You were supposed to watch her, Henry. You promised you'd do that for me.”

“Look, she's not the only one who left, okay? Hunters attacked us and a few people were sent to safer locations while the rest of us are trying to strengthen what we have here.”

I feel instantly contrite. “I'm sorry.”

“It's alright. If I'm being honest, I'm more relieved now that I know she's with you. It means she's got a better chance of staying safe.”

As much as I want to argue, Henry is right. With all the drama concerning hunters, Madeline's best bet is being close enough for me to keep an eye on her.It's for her safety. It's not like I have feelings for her … I don't.

Chapter 8

MADELINE

I enter the office, trying to stop the grin that's plastered on my face. I take in the air, holding onto the lingering traces of my mate’s scent. I'm not in his office often, so I'm going to take advantage of this opportunity.

It's still early in the morning, but the sun has already shown itself radiantly. Light seeps in from the large window, giving the office a bit of necessary life—considering how bland everything looks.

"This office could use a personal touch," I mutter to myself.

The walls are lined with a few generic posters of buzzwords that no longer make sense. They give the room a very corporate feel that isn't comfortable at all.

I quickly get to work, bringing down those frames and putting them in a corner. Next, I bring in the pieces I carried in—a few small paintings that really scream character. I hang the new ones as replacements.

I step back to assess my work, and a quiet sense of satisfaction settles over me. The office already feels warmer, more inviting. I hope Nate appreciates the change, though I know I'm taking a risk by altering his space without permission.

Next, I organize the papers on his desk, sorting them as best I can without scattering them.

There's some clutter on the table too, with old envelopes and a few receipts that don't belong there. I place them neatly in a drawer, making enough room on the desk for the potted plant I just brought in, along with a brand-new nameplate for him.

The entire office comes together and I go to the door for a better view of my work. “Now this is what I like to see.”

I take another deep breath, catching that little whiff of Nate. This time, it's much stronger than before and I find out why in a second. The door opens behind me, prompting me to step away from it.

Nate arrives just in time to see me standing by his desk, adjusting the small plant I placed there. I turn toward him with a calm smile. "Good morning, Nate."

He watches me with his jaw on the floor. “What are you doing in my office?”

"I hope you don't mind," I say, gesturing to the changes around us. "I thought your office could use some warmth. If you don't like it, I’ll put everything back."

He shakes his head and that's when the changes begin to click for him. “What the hell? Did you do all this?” Nate gestures to the walls.

I nod, smiling. “Do you like what I've done here? I gave your office some very much needed character.”

“Is that a plant on my desk?”

I tap the small flowerpot lightly. “It's artificial so you don't have to take care of it.”

“That's not the point. Why is there a plant on my desk?”

“I already told you. I felt your office needed a bit of flair. You're welcome.”

Nate stomps to his seat, refusing to look at the walls like it would be some kind of endorsement.

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