Page 4 of Cursed Wolf

I sighed as I put on my apron. “No. I didn’t get the residency.”

Annika turned sharply to face me, her long earrings swinging with the movement. “Aw, dude, I’m sorry. I know you were really excited about it.”

“Thanks, it’s okay. I’ll apply to more places.” I forced a smile, figuring I’d tell her the story about the wolf later. “Guess you’re stuck with me a little longer.”

She turned back to the mirror. “Better you than Betty Biblethumper.”

I barely restrained my laugh. “That’s mean.”

“And her telling me I’m going to Hell isn’t? Not that it’s not true, but her only intention in saying that is to be a bitch.”

One of our coworkers was a deeply religious girl who seemed intent on ‘saving’ Annika. Conversely, Annika fully embraced an alternative and unconventional style. Not only did she shave the sides of her head, she was covered in tattoos, piercings, and some markings that looked like decorative scars. Rumors had flown through the town that she was a pagan, a satanist, and did ritualistic orgies. She was a culture shock for this small, somewhat conservative town, but didn’t seem to care. She did her job and was polite enough to the customers but kept quiet about her personal life.

“For what it’s worth, I don’t think you’re going to Hell,” I said. “You look tough, but I bet you’re a softie under all that badassery.”

Annika chuckled, her eyes brightening. They were an unusual color, a light golden-green. “Guess I need to try harder.”

We started our shift and, for the most part, didn’t stop until it was time to clock out four hours later. Despite the lunch rush, time felt like it dragged. I kept looking at the clock, counting down the minutes until I’d be able to see the wolf.

Sure, I got attached to patients easily, but this felt different. I chalked it up to guilt, a sense of being responsible for the wolf getting hurt in the first place. Whatever it was, I just couldn’t shake the feeling that I needed to see him.

Annika and I said our See ya next times and headed in opposite directions to our cars after clocking out. On a whim, I looked over my shoulder and saw her put a cigarette between her lips and light it.

An older couple sitting outside the coffee shop shook their heads disapprovingly as she walked past them. “You’ll put yourself in an early grave with those things, young lady,” called the man.

“Oh, I’m way ahead of these things.” Annika grinned. “Haven’t you heard I like being choked during sex?”

I opened my car door just as the couple responded with shocked gasps. That was Annika, biting back when anyone felt the need to comment on her life choices.

I wish I had her attitude, that courageousness that told people to fuck off if they had anything to say about her looks, her vices, or her decisions in life. If she had been my parents’ daughter, they would have disowned her immediately and she wouldn’t have cared.

But that wasn’t me. I was too much of a people-pleaser. My version of rebellion was going to vet school instead pursuing law or a “real” medical degree. Oh no, the horror. And was it actually being rebellious when I was still hoping to make my parents proud? If only it was easier to just not give a fuck.

My spirits lifted a little when I pulled into the vet clinic parking lot. The thought of seeing my wolf awake and alert put a spring in my step. The poor animal would definitely be confused and frightened by waking up injured and in a cage, but I hoped on some level he would understand that we were helping him. Animals had their own wisdom, their own languages. We just had to be patient and listen.

I entered the clinic through the front, like a human client would with their pet. Coming in the back way was an easier option, but there was the risk of running into Dr. Stone. After what he told me yesterday, I had no desire to see him again so quickly.

So, I breezed up to the reception desk and greeted Macy, the office manager.

“Ohhh, Dr. Emmaline,” she said in a conspiratorial tone. Much to the chagrin of Dr. Stone, the younger generation of vets often went by first names. “You are in trouble, missy.”

“Let me guess, it has to do with the big furry guy that appeared overnight.” I went behind the desk and opened a closet to retrieve one of my white doctor’s coats. Even if we weren’t clocked in and officially on duty, Dr. Stone was a stickler that all interns, residents, and board-certified specialists wear their coats at all times while on the premises.

“Uh, yeah. That might have something to do with it.” Macy gave me a pointed look. “Seems you’ve got a story to tell.”

“I’ll have to tell it later. Is the boss pissed?”

“He actually didn’t come in today.” Macy swiveled in her office chair, returning her attention to the computer in front of her. “Dr. Marcus is filling in.”

Oh, great. So I’d have to run into the guy who got the job I wanted.

My facial expression must have betrayed what I felt, because Macy gave me a sympathetic look. “I heard. I’m sorry, it should have been you,” she whispered.

“That’s alright. Can’t win ‘em all.” I schooled my features, putting a smile on. “So the wolf is doing well?” By now, everyone on staff must have seen him or at least heard what happened.

Before she could answer, a long, mournful howl floated down the hallway.

Chapter 3

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