Page 5 of Howling Mad
I flip to a compatibility chart with pink hearts doodled in the margins.My nose wrinkles.“Why the arts and crafts?”
“Someone on staff got a crush on his profile,” she says, smirking.“Accidentally left it by the printer, thinking I wouldn’t notice.I did.”
My cheeks heat.“So, I’m handling a client who makes the team swoon?”
“Exactly, but I trust you.You get the pressure of traditional packs.You’ll relate.”She hands me a flash drive.“This has his data and failed date reports.Read up, and then set up a meeting with him.He might surprise you in person.”
I nod, my mind buzzing.“Got it.”
“Great.Keep sorting those questionnaires and flag any potential matches for Michael.Let’s avoid more disasters.”She winks, shooing me out.
Back at my desk, I dive into the questionnaires, scanning for anyone who might click with a corporate wolf.A coyote shifter in finance seems promising, but her file notes she hates wolves for pack drama.Nope.Another wolf loves extreme sports.Definitely not Michael’s vibe.My stomach growls, and I briefly wonder if Michael’s a sandwich guy or a salad enthusiast before shaking off the thought.Stay professional, Finley.
By six, Red’s gone to meet a business contact, leaving me to lock up.Outside, the city hums with horns and street food smells.My phone shows three missed calls from Mom and a text from Dad:We’d like an update.Your mother is worried.
I mutter, “Worried about me or her social status?”A passing couple shoots me a look, and I wave sheepishly, heading to my apartment.
Inside, I hear thumps and yells.My new roommate, Penelope, a rabbit shifter and MMA fighter, is practicing her moves.She’s shadow-boxing in pink leggings, a paused fight on the TV.Spotting me, she stops, panting.“Late night, matchmaker?How’s the job?”
I drop my keys.“Weirdly fun.I’ve got a mountain of forms and a tricky wolf client.”
She snorts, unhooking her gloves.“Is he cute, at least?”
“I only saw a grainy photo,” I say, dodging.“Maybe handsome in a polished way.It doesn’t matter.He’s a client.”
Penelope smirks.“Sure.Hungry?I’m ordering takeout since I can’t cook to save my life.”
“Takeout sounds heavenly.”I groan.“No fish sauce, though.Last time, my wolf went feral.”
She nods, tapping her phone.“Chinese it is.So, you dodging your mom’s calls about alpha nephews?”
I sigh, picking at my shirt.“I’ll have to face her soon.She’s obsessed with me marrying up, like I’m a pedigree puppy.”
Penelope grimaces.“Gross.My folks want me pumping out rabbit babies.I told them I’d rather punch people for cash.We don’t talk much now.”
I laugh.“No regrets then?”
“None,” she says, ruffling her purple-streaked hair.“Food’s coming.Spicy tofu that’ll make you see stars.”
We eat at the tiny dining table, chili and garlic scents filling the air.Penelope asks, “Weirdest thing at work so far?”
“Tail grooming preferences,” I say, pointing a chopstick.“Some clients are obsessive about fur care in shifter form.”
She chokes on a laugh.“Do they ask how often you lick yourself?”
“Close enough.There’s even a question about sharing dens with multiple mates.Red had a whole rabbit warren sign up once.”
Penelope’s eyes widen.“With my seventeen siblings, I’m not surprised.”
My phone buzzes with Mom’s video call.Penelope raises her brows, but I sigh and answer.“Mom.”
Her face is pinched and hair in a stern bun.“You’ve ignored us all day.”
“I’m working,” I say, keeping my tone civil.“Second day at the new job.”
She spots Penelope in the background.“Can we speak privately?”
Irritation flares, but I take the phone to my room.“Okay, I’m alone.What’s up?”
