Page 40 of Mated To My Boss

He holds my hand and shows me the way to a side entrance. I keep my eyes on our hands, feeling jolts of electricity move through my body.

“Nate,” a voice says, stopping us. We turn and I see the alpha walking to us with a bright smile. “It's wonderful to see youguys.” He turns to me, “I don't believe we've met. You look familiar though.”

“This is Madeline,” Nate introduces her. “She's one of the new interns at the firm.”

“I see,” he nods. “That doesn't quite explain the familiarity though.”

I frown at Nate. “Is that all I am?”

“Madeline is also Cora's niece.”

“Oh, that's why you look familiar,” Grant surmises.

I roll my eyes and wrap my hand around Nate's arm, pulling him beside me. “I'm also Nate's mate.”Grant's smile disappears. He looks from me to Nate and then back to me. “I see. Enjoy the grounds and the full moon.”

He walks away from us, leaving me confused. “Is it just me or did he seem annoyed?”

“You shouldn't have said that to him,” Nate sighs.

“Why not? It's true and it's not like he doesn't know. He can sense it.”

“Yes, but it's different.”

I let go of Nate. “How?”

He groans and heads out the door while I follow behind him. “I'm waiting.”

“Grant doesn't believe in fated mates.”

“What? He's the alpha, how can he not believe in fated mates? It's not like this is some legend. Fated mates are a thing that truly exist,” I point out.

“Yes, but he doesn't care. The two of us are alike in that way,” Nate explains.

“But surely he'll see a lot of fated mates here, especially today.”

“Yes, he sometimes encourages others, since that's basically his job. Grant and I also have an understanding, but with you here, it feels like I'm somehow breaking that by acknowledging you as my mate.”

"Of course you have to acknowledge me. This isn't an idea people can just reject on a whim."

"I have rejected it," he counters.

"You've tried to," I correct him gently. "But you're here with me now, aren't you? Fighting something doesn't mean you've defeated it." I'm not trying to corner him, just speaking a truth we both feel.

Nate takes a step back, clawing at his clothes. I feel the moon shining brighter on me as well, my skin starts to feel too uncomfortable to bear.

It's time.

Chapter 15

NATE

I run through the forest, feeling the wind against my fur. My senses have never been so clear, telling me that Madeline is right behind me, trying to catch up.

The sounds of her paws digging into the dirt get closer and closer. I take this as a challenge and rush further into the woods.

Madeline begins to fall behind, but soon her scent isn't the only one I pick up.

Most of the wolves are running around now, enjoying the wonderful taste of freedom. A sharp distinct howl pierces the air, drawing everyone's attention.

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