OH PLEASE. Like you didn't just ask if anyone had seen her ten minutes ago.
REGINA
Please don't murder each other while I'm at work.
KNOTHEAD
no promises
but like
you're okay right?
no hostage situation?
I stare at my phone, caught between exasperation and an overwhelming fondness that somehow often coexist.
REGINA
No hostage situation. I'm fine. GO HOME.
KNOTHEAD
fine fine
but I'm lurking supportively from there
emotionally lurking
through the bond
TOP DAWG
Sean I swear to the gods
I tuck my phone away, shaking my head as I head back to Villeneuve's office.
My wolves. I can't take themanywhere.
The rest of the afternoon passes without incident. Or at least, without any more wolf sightings. I end up taking my break late, since there are so many students with questions and projects they need help with, and by the time I circle back to Villeneuve's office, it's almost time to head home.
I pause at the door when I see him standing at an unnatural angle, one hand propped on his desk. The sight of the usuallycomposed professor slumped as if he's barely standing catches me off guard.
There's something in his hand—a glass vial, maybe? He throws his head back and downs the contents, then coughs as he wipes the remnants of whatever it was off with the back of his hand.
I freeze, uncertain if I should announce myself. Before I have the chance, he turns and his eyes lock on me.
"Ms. Cook." He straightens immediately, looking like himself once more. Strong and certain, except for a few strands of hair falling forward over his tired dark eyes. "How was your first day?"
I hesitate, still jarred by his appearance seconds earlier and just how quickly he seemed to hide it. But the stealth with which he stashes the empty vial in his pocket makes it clear he doesn't want to talk about it.
"Busy. In a good way." I look down at the papers in my arms and walk over to set them on his desk. "Here are the term paper designations you asked for."
Villeneuve is watching me with that penetrating gaze, but there's something almost approving in his expression. "You did well today. Better than I expected for a first day."
The praise catches me off guard. "Thank you."
"You'll adjust quickly, I think." He closes his portfolio with a soft click. "The transition from coven work to academic work isn't always easy, but you seem to have the temperament for it."
