Page 9 of Bad Wolf's Nanny
“Would you mind if I took you out for coffee and picked your brain at some point? It would be amazing to talk through some of the bits I’m stuck on.”
“Yes, that would be fine. I mean…of course, yes, I’d like that!” Lola stuttered. Beside her, Ethel grinned.
Cassie clapped her hands together, turning to Daisy. “Do you think Nicolas will mind? I know he agreed to help me out, but his teaching methods are a little…”
“Draconian?” Daisy asked, the corners of her lips quirking. “Don’t I know it. I asked him to explain the sound system at home to me, and I’m pretty sure I gave him a heart attack when I asked him how to connect my phone to it with Bluetooth.”
“I know what you mean,” Lola said with a hesitant smile. “Most days I can barely figure out how to turn my laptop on.”
“I’m so glad somebody gets it,” said Daisy. “You mentioned your research is historical. What period of history are you interested in?”
“Oh,” said Lola, her cheeks warming as a smile crept over her face. “I’m actually looking into shifter history. Specifically, how pack dynamics and leadership structures in early settlement contribute to modern-day influence and expansion. I’m hoping to prove that certain dynamics are more successful than others for long-term pack cohesion and integration.”
“Basically,” Ethel said, “she wants to help displaced packs and shifters put down roots and set themselves up for success.”
Daisy’s mouth opened in understanding, and she looked at Lola with newfound respect. “That’s a lovely goal to have,” she said, “we’re so fortunate in the Iron Walkers to have sucha happy and respectful dynamic with each other. I know not all packs are as lucky.”
“Do you think there’s overlap with human integration and knowledge?” Cassie asked, her eyes bright. “I mean like, the potential for greater understanding between the species?”
Lola nodded, a warmth spreading in her chest at their interest. “Of course, I mean, a lot of my colleagues back at Yale are human. We often collaborate on things, and if I publish, my work will be available to all.”
“You should come along to our next ladies’ night,” said Daisy, her eyes bright, “or the book club. Or both! I’m sure lots of us would be really interested to hear more about your work!”
Lola flushed, looking down at her feet. “Oh, I’m not sure it’s that interesting—”
Ethel gave a pointed cough, and Lola flinched, pasting a smile on her face. “I mean, of course. That would be lovely. I’d really like to…get involved with the pack.”
“That’s wonderful to hear,” said Daisy, giving her a warm smile as she squeezed her hand. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I think I can hear my oldest daughter yelling some rather creative insults at her friends.”
“Not again,” Cassie groaned. “I’ll come with you. It was lovely to meet you, Lola. I’ll drop by the library tomorrow!”
“Nice to meet you!” Lola called as the two women hurried off towards the sounds of children fighting before heaving a sigh of relief that she had managed to get through a conversation without accidentally insulting anyone.
“See,” said Ethel, finishing her wine, “not useless at all. I did say.”
Lola gave a breathless chuckle. “I mean, they did most of the work. I just…sort of stood there.”
Ethel tutted, “It amazes me, my dear, that a beautiful, intelligent young woman such as yourself could have such a lack of confidence.”
“I’m confident,” said Lola, though it sounded pathetic even to her own ears.
Ethel raised an eyebrow. “Yes, I rather think life in Silvermist will do you the world of good. If you don’t mind me saying, my dear, it sounds to me like you’ve spent most of your life around the wrong sorts of people.”
Lola swallowed, glancing back down at her wine, unable to conjure a response to such blinding and unexpected insight. It wasn’t that she had spent her life around the wrong types of people at all. They had just, for the most part, been…not her kind of people. And that was okay. It didn’t make themwrong. If anything, she was the one with issues.
“I expect to see you bright and early tomorrow morning,” Ethel said airily, placing her empty glass on the bar.
“Wait, you’re leaving?”
“So it would seem.”
“But,” Lola gestured to her glass, still nearly full, “I’m not done!”
“I’m sure you’ll survive,” said Ethel with wry amusement. “I’ve had quite enough of all this noise. Eight a.m., on the dot. Bring your own coffee, our machine is broken.”
“But…but…” Lola called out, looking around wildly.
“You’ll be fine,” said Ethel, patting her hand. “Maybe you can find someone else to talk to about your research. It really is quite interesting.”
