Page 9 of Dark Panther's Desperate Beauty

Jonah, one of our wolf shifters, nods toward the office. “I think he’s doing paperwork.”

This is our code when Garrett is in a mood that we don’t want to get caught in.

“Ah. Well, I’ll just get my bag inside and head to my workout. I’ll talk to him later.”

I head in and Ekon follows me. “Hey, so? You gonna at least tell me about your new lady?”

I turn around, ready to stop him in his tracks, but he’s smiling like a big cub and I guess I feel like sharing it with somebody. “Fine, you’re right, I’ve met someone. But listen, keep it under wraps for now. I don’t want to jinx it. It’s too new.”

His smile gets bigger. “Okay, okay, you got it, man.” He shrugs. “But, uh, she is human right? I mean, I’m still catching her scent, even under all that cheap cologne.”

“Yes, she is a human, and also, fuck you, this cologne cost me three digits.”

Ekon laughs. “Oh wow, I’d get my money back, if I were you.”

I’m about to respond when my phone starts vibrating. I grab it, half hoping to see something from Rylee. It’s just a notification that my car insurance is due, but now I’m thinking of Rylee even more.

“Hey man, you mind if I deal with something real quick? I’ll see you in just a few in the workout room, okay?”

“No problem, yeah, you take care of business.” He gives me a wink and then blows me a kiss. He walks away laughing.

Damn it, they’re going to rake me across the coals.

But I don’t care. Rylee is amazing. I take my phone and shoot her a quick text message. I apologize for having to leave so abruptly but explain that it’s my turn to do a three-day stint at the firehouse. I tell her I really enjoyed being with her.And then I ask if she’d like to hang out together after my three days are over.

I stand there staring at my phone, willing it to come to life with an instant reply.

Yep, I’m cooked. Totally.

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