I was still naked.
And sweaty.
Clothes and a shower weren’t too far out of my reach, luckily.
Stepping into the bathroom, I sent a quick text to my department’s head. She was technically my boss.
Lying to her about an illness would be an easy way to get fired, and I was on good enough terms with her not to bother with that.
She was usually on campus before I got there, so I was sure she was up already.
Me
Any chance I can take a week off? I have the hours and just adopted a dog.
It wasn’t that far from the truth.
If Nico was already my mate, that seemed close enough to a pet adoption.
And I hadn’t taken a single sick day last year, so one week off shouldn’t have been the end of the world.
Department Head
Dogs are not children, Abigail.
Me
I know. Maternity leave would be longer than a week.
I turned the shower on.
Department Head
Do not call it maternity leave. Be back next Monday.
Me
I will. Thank you!
Department Head
Enjoy your bonding time
I sent a quick email to my classes that our lectures were cancelled for the day and set my phone on the countertop.
The wolf in me reared her head. Pain blossomed on my back, and I grabbed the countertop for support as I swore. Loudly.
Cucumber appeared in the doorway, and my wolf stopped trying to take over my body immediately.
“Easy.” He reached toward me, then pulled his hand back after a moment of hesitation. “Most female wolves don’t let their mates out of their sight during the chase.”
“The chase?”
He dipped his head. “It’s the label we use for the portion of the mating process where the female wolf decides if she’s going to accept the male who claimed her or not.”
“That’s so dramatic.” I closed my eyes. “She’s obviously going to accept you. She can’t get enough of you. She even slept on top of you all night.”
“It’s not quite that simple.”
