Page 25 of Taming of a Wolf

After Grandma died a year ago, I worried the café would lose much of its heart and soul, but I’ve done my best to keepher spirit alive. I’ve created my own coffee blend that flies off the shelves and expanded our stock to include books by indie authors rather than just the latest bestseller from the big publishing houses.

My bookshelves full of diverse stories by queer and BIPOC authors are the highlight of the store. I always wanted to read more books with queer characters like me when I was growing up, and I know so many people crave that representation too, so it’s important to me that my shop helps provide a platform for those much-needed voices.

This shop is my baby, so it really pisses me off when people try and take advantage of me and mess with my store. Like my former employee. I tried to be understanding, gave her chance after chance, but she kept missing work and coming in late if she came in at all. Just a few days ago, she quit without any notice and left me searching for her replacement.

Then, a Viking werewolf burst out of the Hudson River and landed at my feet. Anders wants to earn my grandma’s necklace? I have an idea for where he can start.

“How would you like to work here?”

Anders almost drops a book he’s lifted from a shelf. “You want me to work? Here?” His eyes go wide as he looks up and down the shop.

“It’s a simple job,” I assure him, hoping I don’t give the guy a coronary. “Nothing complicated like making coffee. I just need someone to stock shelves and keep the store clean. Do you think you could do that?”

Anders huffs and crosses his arms. “Do Ilooklike I’m incapable of manual labor to you?”

I throw him a wink. “Puppy dog, you look capable of throwing me over your shoulder and carrying me off to your den to have your wicked way with me. So that’s a yes?”

He shrugs said shoulders. “Just tell me what needs doing.”

“Like I said, just cleaning and simple stuff like that. If you want, we could work up toward you being a barista.”

“For how long would I be indentured to you?”

Oh, right. Our time together has an end date. Anders will want to go back to his time. My wolf whines in my chest. I cough to try and hide the pitiful noise that escapes me. I barely know Anders. Why do I care if he leaves? “Until after the New Year, if that’s all right, so about three months. The holidays are the busiest time of year for us.”

Anders runs a hand through his thick beard, considering my offer. “Very well. I accept your offer on the condition that you give me food and lodgings until I can return to my time.”

“Of course. I’d be happy for you to stay with me.” More than happy, actually. If I were shifted right now, my tail would be spinning in circles.

“When can I start?”

“We’re closed today. There was some flooding in the basement, but that’s all cleared up. But how about tomorrow?”

Throat bobbing, Anders says, “T-tomorrow?”

Fighting back a chuckle at his nerves, I flick some of his long hair out of his rugged but handsome face. “Relax, puppy dog. You’ve got this. You’ll shadow someone and they’ll show you the ropes.”

Anders’s shoulders loosen. “Oh. Aye, I can work with ropes.”

A laugh escapes me before I can stop myself. “No, not those kinds of—never mind.”

Ah, he’s too much fun.

If I’m not careful, I could really see myself liking this guy.

Crap.

Jace is bursting with excitement when I pick him up from school. “Mr. Gladston wants us to pick our own subjects for a presentation.”

His excitement makes my chest warm with affection. Mr. Gladston is his history teacher, and Jace adores him. “That’s cool! What do you want to give a presentation on?”

“Duh, Vikings! Hey, Anders!” Jace sprints toward the car. Before I can warn Jace not to pester Anders, the big Viking squats down to Jace’s eye level and offers my brother a smile that makes me almost trip over my own feet. How is such an intimidating guy capable of looking so… sweet?

“Aye, lad? Have a good day at your school?” His deep voice is soft and warm, making my chest hitch.

“It was great! Hey, Anders, can you come do a presentation with me at my school? I want to tell my class all about Vikings!”

It’s not aterribleidea. Nobody will actually believe he’s a real Viking from another time, but a Viking werewolf in a classroom full of rowdy children doesn’t sound like the best combination. Anders will probably be overwhelmed by the environment.

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