“I have a general idea of what you are. Why are you here?”
“Your second and I came here in pursuit of you, and since we are here, we have entered the free-running competition.”
She whipped her head around and stared at the handsome man in loose cotton clothing. His hair was black, his skin was island dark, and his smile was bright. “Made you look.”
Her boss had never looked as delightfully touchable. She paused and then snorted. “Yes, you did. You obviously have control of yourself.”
“Yes, I do.”
“Do you have a reason for being here?”
He grinned, showing fangs. “Yes, I do.”
She sighed and focused on her dumplings. She bit into the next one, catching the juice with her free hand. Moira glanced around for Mickey, and she was talking seriously with another alpha, who looked over at Moira and grinned.
“So, how did you guys get here so fast?”
“Transporting.”
“Oh. Right.” She continued eating. “I heard about that.”
“So, you quit work.”
“Yeah. I didn’t fit in my office chair anymore. Elevators felt weird. I just wanted to be home. It’s all stairs on the chain islands.”
He nodded. “You did startle me that day. I had gotten used to you just puttering around the offices. Suddenly, I could feel your energy, your scent filled the room, and the look of panic in your eyes made me want to wrap you in my arms and get you somewhere safe.”
“But I was faster.”
He smiled. “You were faster... and you didn’t come back.”
“Nope. My clothes didn’t fit, driving was weird, and I didn’t know which friends I could trust with it. So, I got myself under control and made plans. I had my grandma’s house, my savings, and suddenly, a lot of fabric turned into dresses, and then I knew what was going on, or at least part of it, so here I am.”
“How are you feeling about the body?”
“I am getting used to it, but I need to do some beach or forest runs to get myself back to myself.”
He grinned. “May I come with you when you run?”
“Uh, why?”
“Because if I can be beside you, I might not chase you. Oh, are you entering the free-running competition?”
“What?”
“The island is hosting a free-running competition. It begins the day after tomorrow. I have entered it, as has our third. It would be an excellent way to get used to your new form.”
She smirked. “You just want to watch me run and climb trees.”
He grinned. “That is a possibility.”
“So, Mr—”
“Nelwyn. Nelwyn Arthur. Your second is Borwyn Brekal.”
“Nelwyn and Borwyn?”
He chuckled. “We thought it would be easier if we found a mate. We have different occupations and are rarely together. So, it doesn’t get silly.”
