Page 44 of The Broken Aztec Princesses

“I’ll wait out—”

“Go for a run, Chris.”

“I’m trying to do my j—”

“And as your employer, I’m ordering you to go for a run.”

“You’re not my employer. You’re my job,” he snapped back.

“You’re job is to keep me comfortable and feeling safe. I would like to feel comfortable. Please, leave. Come back after lunch.”

“I d—”

“Don’t really care. I’m telling you what I need. Please, respect it.”

His jaw ticked, but he left without another word. I slumped in my seat when I saw the door click shut, immediately regretting my decision and my outburst. I wasn’t entirely sure why it hurt so much to know he didn’t trust me back. Chris was always a private man. Even as kids, he never really shared anything and it never phased me. Why did it hurt so much now?

I got up and opened the door to check if Chris left as I asked. I was almost disappointed to see that he’d listened and wasn’t waiting in the hallway.

Suddenly, a man walked across the entrance to the hallway and I quickly closed the door and secured the internal lock, my heart racing when his eyes made eye contact with mine.

I spent the morning pacing the luna office. Every sound made me jump and I wanted to call Chris back so badly, but the pride I thought was non-existent by now wouldn’t let me. In my head, Nenetl kept whimpering at the thoughts running through my mind. I could feel guilt and sadness flowing from her, and it was overwhelming me.

Stop. Stop. Please just stop! It wasn’t your fault. None of this is your fault! I miss you. Stop punishing yourself. Stop punishing me!I begged her.

My cries only seemed to increase her whimpers until she was howling. The sound was too much, and I covered my ears with my hands, dropping to my knees.

It was like the dam had broken. My wolf was the one having a meltdown now, and I had no way to stop it. No way to comfort her because her meltdown was fueling mine.

There was pounding on the door, but I could barely hear it over the sound of Nenetl howling. I rocked back and forth, begging my wolf to stop. Telling her it wasn’t her fault, but it was like she wasn’t listening.

Something crashed through the window, and I scuttled to the wall when I saw a dark brown wolf snarling around the room. Whatever he was looking for, he didn’t find and then he turned his sights on me. I whimpered, and the wolf returned the whimper. he took a step toward me, and I stared at his brown eyes, wondering if he was going to attack. I should be terrified, but I wasn’t, because I suddenly recognized those brown eyes. Nenetl stopped howling and she watched the wolf in front of me with interest. She wanted to see what he would do.

“Titan?” My voice quivered as I said his name and the wolf whimpered again.

Somewhere deep inside, I knew he was upset that I was afraid of him. Nenetl was calm now, following my thoughts and she encouraged me to lift my hand.

Titan took two more steps until he placed his head under my hand tentatively. When I started petting his head, the big wolf curled itself around me and lay his head on my thigh.

‘I-I can’t get control back,’Chris’ voice was uncertain.

I didn’t answer him. I just kept petting the wolf’s head. I thought he was just feeling grateful I kept asking Chris to let him run for a bit and this was his way of showing it.

“Violet, are you okay in there? People heard noises,” Bells’ voice floated through the door.

“I’m fine.”

“Can you let me in? I’m worried.”

“Bells, I just want to be alone for a bit. Is that okay?”

“Okay.”

“You’ll need a new window, though.” I thought I’d mention before she left.

Bells was quiet for a few moments and I wondered if she had already left.

“Are you sure you’re okay?” she finally asked.

---