Page 67 of Mated To My Boss

"I think I'll just disappear into the woods for a while. I need to clear my head without worrying about pack dynamics or Nate. I need to reconnect with my wolf without all these human complications. Sometimes being alone is the best way to get my head straight."

“Are you serious?”

“Yes. I planned to knit until the full moon anyway, but I think I'll be better alone. It's not like anything will happen to me there.”

“What about the hunters?” Hannah asks. It feels like I've helped her unlock a fear she has long forgotten.

"I'll be careful," I promise. "I know there's some risk, but I'm not naive about it. I'll stay alert and stay away from any unfamiliar scents. My wolf senses will be heightened, which gives me an advantage if anything doesn’t seem right."

My friend still doesn't seem convinced, but she realizes that my mind is made up.

“Look,” I say, squeezing her hand. “I won’t do anything stupid. I just want to be in wolf form on my own. My head isn't in a good place and getting away by myself could help. Besides, it won’t be so stressful since the full moon won’t be out yet for a few days.”

Hannah releases a heavy sigh. “I can't tell you what to do, but I can help. There's a spot deep in the woods where lone wolves go to transform. It's safe from regular people, so you’ll be fine. I’ll send you directions.”

“That would be amazing, Hannah.”

“I'm trusting you to be safe. Do you understand?”

I nod, laughing. “I'll be perfectly fine, don’t worry.”

Chapter 25

NATE

I’m crammed in the elevator with a lot of other people, which already annoys me. They chatter loudly, excited about the day for some reason.

There's nothing for me to be excited about, especially knowing that Madeline won't be at work this morning.

The doors open, providing sweet relief and head to my office. The people around me are already hard at work, most of them shifters. Everyone wants to get their work done before the full moon in a couple days.

I pause at Graham's door and contemplate opening it, but he does it for me, startled to see me standing there. “Nate, what's up?”

I walk in without saying a word. Graham, who's used to me, closes the door. He returns to his deak like he wasn't about to leave a second ago.

“You know, I always wondered how you work with Rose so close to you,” I say, taking a lap around the office. A few months ago, I would've been the one hounding Graham to finish his work. Now he’s my confidant.

“And now?” he inquires.

“I get it now. She's a calming presence. Madeline isn't here and I'm already dreading going to my office, and—why are you smiling at me like that?”

Graham leans back in his chair, clearly pleased with himself. He shakes his head. “It's just nice to see the tables turned. It's so wild—I never pictured you being in love.”

“It's not love, it's this stupid bond,” I insist.

Graham gives me a casual wave. “You two might be better off waiting to start anything until you figure out what you're feeling.”

“That's easy for you to say. You loved your woman before your bond snapped into place.”

“Yeah, I guess I'm lucky. I mean, it involved a lot of things. Like getting shot at.”

“There’s that,” I nod. “Look, I'm going to go to my office and try to get some work done.”

“Don't think about Madeline too much,” Graham calls after me, not bothering to hide his amusement.

I go straight to my office, and lock the door. The space feels cold and the silence rattles me. The air conditioning hum is no replacement for the sound of knitting needles creating a cozy blanket.

I silently wish she was with me, knitting so I knew that everything was comfortable and back to normal. It was always so nice seeing her do something enjoyable. I suddenly realized it had become relaxing for both of us.

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