Page 13 of Fritillaria

“Did you say that you had scented someone else?”

“Yes,” I confirm, gently squeezing her hand. “It’s probably why I hadn’t scented you before. All three of us were finally close enough to each other when it happened.”

“Who was it?” She nibbles on her lip in worry, probably wondering why they’re not here with us.

“It’s Ivy.”

Matilda smiles at that information, perking up in her seat as everything is settling in for her.

“I really like Ivy. We work well together, and I think she’s my friend. Plus, I’ve always kind of had a crush on her.”

Fuck.

“The thing is, Matilda.” I had practiced exactly what to say in my head but now my words are escaping me. “I’ve spoken with Ivy a couple times about this now. It might be because she is Human, or something else entirely, but she doesn’t want to entertain the concept that we are all mates.”

Matilda is quiet again for a moment, chewing on her lip as her thoughts seem to swirl.

“I’ll talk to her.” She says. While I want to tell her not to, I don’t. They should be able to develop their own relationship here without my influence.

Besides, who could say no to Matilda?

“How are you feeling about this?” I ask. She’s still allowing me to hold her hand, so I think that’s a good sign.

“Good.” She smiles, and knowing that it’s for me warms my heart. “I have been attracted to you for a long time. But I didn’t make a move or flirt because of work.”

“Me too.” I grin. “I have been into you since we met.”

My tail easily wraps around the leg of her chair and I pull her around to join me on this side of the table. I press my upper tail against her leg and rest my arm on the back of her chair.

“Fuck. You are making me so happy right now.” I tell her.

She leans against me, her head tipping back to look up at me. I wish I could lean down and kiss her right here and now.

But I need to treat my mate well. Starting with a proper courtship.

“Can I take you on a date tonight?” I ask. “I know that things with Ivy might take some time, but I still want to spend time getting to know you.”

Chapter 12

Ivy

This coffee machine is so slow, I can understand why most people just walk to Rosie’s for a nicer brew these days. I’ve been meaning to try it but I really haven’t had the time.

I barely got any sleep last night, so I just got up early to come in. I don’t know why I bothered though, because everything I am writing is barely mediocre.

The door clicks shut and I look up to see Matilda come into the break room and make a beeline for me.

Shit.

I really need to just start working from home.

“Hey, Ivy.” Matilda tucks a strand of hair behind her ear nervously. “Could we please talk in private?”

“I don’t think that’s a good idea.”

“Please?” Her golden eyes are shiny as she looks up at me, and it takes everything in me to deny her. But it’s for the best.

“Listen, I know what you want to talk about. I appreciate what this must mean for you and Aspis, but you have to remember that I am a Human. I’m just not held down by the same responses that you are, and I’m sorry about it, I am. But I don’t have space for a relationship in my life right now.”

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