Page 31 of Her Bossy Wolf Protector

I lead Alyssa to my car, the brisk air outside starkly contrasts the controlled environment indoors. The city buzzes with life, oblivious to the personal upheavals we’ve recently experienced.

Alyssa settles into the passenger seat, her gaze lingering on the hospital building.

“You are staying with me.” I expect her to argue, but she does not.

As I drive, the conversation veers toward lighter topics, and Alyssa asks about my new job at Night Corp. I share the excitement and challenges, steering the conversation away from my life's new and darker aspects, like nightly Google searches of vampires and werewolves.

Then I remember—I have no groceries at home. We decide to make a detour to the mall for some shopping. The atmosphere lightens as we browse through stores, and Alyssa’s presence becomes a welcome distraction from everything.

As we near the food court, I notice Gabriel down at the other end of the walkway. He sees me and turns in the other direction.

Alyssa leans in, her voice a conspiratorial whisper. “So, spill it. What’s the deal with you and your boss?”

I am surprised. I didn’t realize that she saw him too.

What’s he doing here?“Why?”

“Because you just saw him, and you have that look on your face. So, tell me, what’s going on?”

“Gabriel? And what look? What are you talking about?”

“Jade Easton! Start talking right now.”

I chuckle, attempting to downplay the complexity of my feelings. “Well, he’s, um, attractive, I guess,” I admit, my gaze involuntarily drifting toward where he disappeared into the crowd.

Alyssa’s eyes widen with mischief, and she nudges me again. “Attractive? Come on, Jade, there’s more to it than that. Spill.”

I sigh, surrendering to her persistence. “Okay, yes, he’s attractive. But this whole aura of arrogance and bossiness just... doesn’t sit right with me.”

Alyssa raises an eyebrow, a knowing smile playing on her lips. “Conflicting feelings, huh?”

I nod, my gaze lingering on the bags in my hands as if they hold the answers. “It’s complicated. Sometimes it feels like there’s this tension, you know? Like oil and water trying to coexist.”

Alyssa’s laughter dances in the air, blending with the hum of the mall. “Ah, the classic love-hate dynamic. I’ve seen enough romantic comedies to know how this goes.”

I playfully roll my eyes. “Real life isn’t a rom-com, Alyssa.”

She grins. “But it does make for a good story.”

As Alyssa and I exit the mall, our eyes catch the glow of a neon sign that reads “Psychic Readings.” Curiosity tugs at us, and Alyssa, always up for a bit of mystical intrigue, convinces me to step inside. The bell above the door jingles as we enter, and the shop reveals itself as a haven of esoteric wonders.

The air carries the scent of incense, weaving a fragrant tapestry that engulfs us. Dimly lit shelves house an assortment of crystals, tarot decks, and mysterious artifacts. A soft chant plays in the background, creating an ambient hum that adds to the shop’s mystical aura.

In the corner sits Nytera, the psychic, surrounded by an array of flickering candles. Her eyes, ageless and wise, meet mine as if already privy to the secrets of my soul. Alyssa nudges me toward her, a mischievous glint in her eyes.

With a welcoming smile, Nytera beckons me to sit. The cool energy of the room envelops me as I extend my hand, palm upturned, for her scrutiny. Nytera’s fingers trace the lines on my palm, her touch gentle yet purposeful.

Her voice, a melodic whisper, begins weaving a tale that sends shivers down my spine. “You have the blood of a dragon, my dear. A lineage entwined with the mystical realms. Your mother, Erynn, and your father, Niall, watch over you from beyond.”

I furrow my brow, perplexed. “Those aren’t my parents’ names.”

In an instant, Nytera’s demeanor shifts. Gripping my hand intensely, her eyes widen, and she addresses me as if I’m royalty. “Our Majesty, we must protect you. The prophecy foretells your destiny.”

The sudden proclamation startles me. “Prophecy? Majesty? You’ve got the wrong person.”

As quickly as the mystical aura enveloped her, it dissipates. Nytera blinks, her eyes returning to their serene state. Sensing my unease, Alyssa pays Nytera and leads me out of the shop.

I try to brush off the strange encounter with a joking tone. “Well, that was an unexpected detour into the fantastical. Apparently, I have the blood of a dragon. Who knew?”

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