Page 23 of Her Cruel Alpha

“Because the Council made our lives that way.”

Maddox chuckled. “But in all seriousness, how is it going? I imagine Katie had difficulty adjusting, considering her lab is in Jay’s pack. That’s a bit of a drive to work.”

I nodded. “She’s adjusting. She’s not exactly thrilled that she is going to have to drive to work longer than a few minutes, but she’s handling things well.”

“Does she know who she’s going to pair up next?”

I didn’t know anything about her work, and now that I have thought about it, I should. I should ask her how things were going and if she was doing okay. I suddenly felt I hadn’t been doing a good enough job.

“Shall we get into the real meeting now that we are done drilling Henrik about his love life?” Jay asked, tapping his fingers on the table.

“Sure, take all the fun right out of this,” Aaron said with a snort.

We quickly dove into the different topics that we needed to address. Aaron had some issues with burglary being higher in his pack for the past few weeks. Frank explained his packwas still lacking enthusiasm about not finding more information about the dark presence that took over Sam. Jay expressed that his pack was just as concerned, and Sam was trying the best she could to look into it, but her visions were still limited.

“Has Katie found anything regarding that?” Franked asked, and I could see the vein on his forehead was throbbing, which told me he was getting a little tempered.

But my gaze went past him toward the tree line just on the horizon and the pale-skinned lady who stood out there. I knew Katie instantly, like a tug in my chest, that a rope was being pulled on. She stood wearing a black jacket and bright blue goggles. Even from this distance, she stood out.

Katie had always dressed oddly and had quirks, but I couldn’t help but admit that this was a step up from her usual weirdness. Did she have a nose plug? I leaned forward, slightly narrowing my gaze. But she turned her back on me.

“Hello? Earth to Henrik,” Frank waved his hand, and I pulled my gaze away.

“Sorry, what?”

Frank growled. “I asked if Katie learned anything!?”

Right. I was still in the meeting. Jesus. One look at Katie, and I suddenly had no idea where I was.

“Right, yes… hmm…. She’s been looking into it, but I haven’t heard if she got anything back yet.”

“Are you even listening?” Jones asked, raising an eyebrow at me. “You look like you're zoning out.”

“Actually, I just remembered I have something urgent. I uhh…need to make a few phone calls. Excuse me, guys.” I pulled myself up and headed for the door.

“What? Hey, wait, are you leaving?”

I didn’t bother answering as I headed out the door and quickly rounded the building. I headed towards the tree line and scanned the area. I couldn’t see Katie, but I could smell her and feel her presence. I continued deeper into the trees when I heard her.

“Oh my god! I can’t believe I actually found it.”

I rounded a large tree and found Katie hunched over. I walked closer and stepped onto a stick, and Katie jumped. She turned, holding a metal stick out. My eyes widened as I took her in. Her hair was pulled up into a messy bun. She was still wearing her blue lab goggles that sat snugly on her face. She had a clip on her nose and wore all black, including her shoes.

I couldn’t help the laugh that burst free. “Oh my god, why are you dressed like that?”

Katie scowled at me. “You scared me! You shouldn’t be jumping out on people like that. I could have hit you with this.” She waved a metal rod.

“I’m sorry, but I wasn’t trying.”

Katie quickly pulled her goggles up and unplugged her nose. “What are you doing out here?”

I wiped at my eyes, waving a hand. “I was in a meeting when I saw you sneaking around. What are you wearing?”

She looked down at herself and then blushed. “I always wear this.”

“Why do you have goggles on?”

“Because it’s windy, and I don’t want sand to get in my eyes.”

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