Page 3 of Mated To My Boss

The gesture is helpful but not overly familiar. When our fingers accidentally brush as we reach for the same document, I feel a jolt of electricity, but she simply continues gathering papers.

When she hands the stack back to me, her smile is warm but restrained. "Hello, Nate. It's been a while."

"What're you doing here?" The words come out more rudely than I intended, my shock overriding any semblance of politeness.

If my tone bothers her, she doesn't show it. "I'm interning with Aunt Cora for the summer. I'm in law school now," she says matter-of-factly, without even a hint of trying to impress me.

"Law school?" I can't keep the surprise from my voice. This poised woman is nothing like the clingy, desperate girl I left behind.

Her eyes light up with genuine passion. "Yes. I discovered I have a knack for it. Turns out I enjoy the challenge." She glances at her watch. "I should get back. Aunt Cora is expecting these documents. It was nice seeing you, Nate."

She walks away with quiet confidence, leaving me standing there, stunned. I watch her retreat down the hallway, my mind struggling to process what just happened.

This isn't the Madeline I remember—the one who would have thrown herself at me or made dramatic declarations about our future together. Instead, she seems centered. Focused, independent.

I grab the files and turn away, heading back to my office. The door doesn't fully close behind me, but I barely notice. I pace the room, my thoughts racing.That was Madeline, my Madeline. But she doesn't seem like mine anymore.

Something about her calm demeanor unsettles me more than any grand gesture would have. I expected drama, confrontation, or at least some acknowledgment of our past.

Instead, she treated me like... an old acquaintance. Pleasant but not particularly important.

For some reason, that bothers me more than I care to admit. I can't let this go; I need answers. I go back out into the hallway, spotting her just as she's about to enter an office. "Madeline," I call out, my voice sharper than intended.

She turns, a question in her eyes but no hint of anxiety. "Yes?"

"I need to speak with you," I gesture toward my office. "Now."

A flicker of surprise crosses her face, but she doesn't seem flustered. "Of course." She glances at the folder in her hands. "Just let me drop these off first."

"It'll only take a minute," I insist, my wolf growing impatient.

She considers me for a moment, then nods. "Alright."

She follows me back to my office, closing the door firmly behind us. She doesn't take a seat; instead she stands calmly near the door, waiting for me to speak.

"What are you really doing here?" I demand, crossing my arms.

"I told you," she replies evenly. "I'm interning with Aunt Cora for the summer."

"Out of all the law firms in the country, you just happened to choose the one where I work?" I'm aware of the accusation in my voice.

She doesn't flinch. "My aunt is one of the most respected attorneys in her field. Working with her is an incredible opportunity." She pauses, then adds, "But yes, I was aware you work here. I wasn't going to pretend otherwise."

"So this is what—another attempt to win me over? To pick up where we left off?"

Something shifts in her expression—not hurt, exactly, but a momentary vulnerability that she masks quickly. "No, Nate. This is me pursuing my career goals." She holds my gaze steadily. "I've changed since you knew me. We both have, I imagine."

Her calm response deflates my anger. I'd expected her to be defensive or worse, to fall back into the clingy behavior that drove me away. Instead, she stands before me with quiet dignity I don't recognize.

"Did you think I'd still be that same girl?" she asks softly. "The one who thought her entire world should revolve around her mate?"

I don't have an answer for that. Yes, that's exactly what I thought.

I braced myself for drama and obsession, preparing all my old defenses. But the woman before me doesn't match those expectations at all.

"It was time I grew up," she continues when I don't respond. "We all do eventually." A small smile touches her lips. "Don't worry, I'm not here to complicate your life. I'm here to build mine." She moves toward the door. "Is there anything else?"

I stand abruptly. "Actually, yes. I don't believe you."

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