Page 2 of Feuding with My Shifter Werewolf

"What is it, Kristen? I'm on a deadline here."

I take a steadying breath and launch into my pitch, enthusiasm coloring my words as I outline the potential significance of the study. But Frank's expression remains impassive, his eyes narrowing as I speak.

"Look, it's an interesting idea, but we simply don't have the budget for that kind of project right now," he said, holding up a hand to cut me off. "We've got commitments to our current clients that we need to focus on. Maybe next year."

Frustration burns hot in my chest. I clench my jaw, biting back the argument poised on my tongue.

What was the point? He's already dismissed me.

Dejected, I give a curt nod and retreat to my cubicle. Disappointment coils like a lead weight in my stomach.

Who came up with the plan to trap humans in these dreadful pseudo-offices, bathed in the harsh glow of fluorescent bulbs, breathing recycled air?

And I signed up for this shit.

Grrr….

My thoughts race as I gather my things to leave, a nagging thought worming its way into my mind.

Is this project really about the research? Or is it just a desperate attempt to escape the suffocating ennui of my current existence?

I shake my head, shouldering my bag roughly. Does it even matter? All I know is I can't keep going like this.

Something has to give.

Lost in gloomy ruminations, I barely register the walk to the employee parking lot. But a flash of movement near my car jolts me out of my spiraling thoughts.

I freeze, blinking in disbelief at the sight before me. Josh, my ex, is lip-locking with a leggy blonde I've never seen before.

For a second, hurt lances through me, sharp and stinging. But then, just as quickly as it comes, the feeling fades. Replaced by...nothing.

No jealousy, no regret, no wistful remembrance of what we once shared. Just a yawning void of apathy. If anything, I realize with a start, I feel relieved.

Relieved that I ended things when I had, that I hadn't settled for a relationship that was as empty and passionless as my work.

Seeing him now, so entangled with someone new, only reinforces that I made the right choice. I was on the right path, even if that path is currently shrouded in uncertainty.

I turn away before they notice me, sliding into my car and cranking the engine. As I pulled out of the lot, a sense of grim determination settles over me.

No more living half a life, no more denying the wild yearning in my soul. I didn't know exactly what I'm searching for. But I know I have to try to find it. Before the mundane smothered me completely.

I take a deep breath and dial Helena's number, my heart racing as I listen to the ringing tone. After a few rings, it goes to voicemail. I clear my throat, trying to steady my voice.

"Helena, it's Kristen. I know it's late, and I'm sorry for calling out of the blue like this, but I've got this crazy idea, and I need your help to make sense of it. Can we talk? I... I feel like I'm at a crossroads, and I could really use your guidance right now. Call me back when you can. Thanks."

I hang up, exhaling slowly as I lean back against the kitchen counter. Helena has been my mentor and friend for years, eversince I was a wide-eyed graduate student eager to make my mark in the world of wildlife research. She's always been there for me, offering wisdom and perspective when I needed it most.

As I wait for her to call back, I find myself pacing the small space of my apartment, my mind churning with doubts and uncertainties. Am I really ready to upend my entire life for this research project? What if it's just a pipe dream, a desperate attempt to escape the mundane reality of my existence?

The sudden ringing of my phone startles me out of my spiraling thoughts. I lunge for it, answering on the second ring.

"Helena, hi. Thank you for calling me back."

"Of course, Kristen. I got your message. What's going on? You sounded... troubled."

I take a shaky breath, the words tumbling out in a rush. "I've been thinking about this research project, studying the impact of pristine mountain ecosystems on wildlife populations. It would mean spending months in the field, in the Rocky Mountains. But when I pitched it to Frank, he shut me down. Said there's no budget for it."

There's a pause on the other end of the line. "That seems straightforward. But there must be more if you're calling me."

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