I stare at the dark ceiling, my heart racing, the ghost of Jude’s presence heavy beside me. The memory of moonlight and snow and shared movement fills me with a restless energy I can’t shake.
I need to think this through logically. Strip the emotion out of it.
There’s no denying the bond. It’s real. It’s primal. Instinctual. Something neither of us asked for or understands.
That doesn’t mean it has to be anything more.
I cling to that thought. After all, I’m in control of my body and mind. Yes, instincts are powerful, and the bond I feel with Jude is intense. But I’ve built a life here that I love. I don’t want to mess with that future. All I have to do is keep things friendly with Jude. Casual. Make sure I don’t cross lines I shouldn’t cross. Lines I don’t evenwantto cross.
I’m sure that will suit him just fine. If there’s one thing that seems consistent about him, it’s his desire not to get close to anyone. That will make keeping my distance easier. Jude is my work partner and maybe, if he opens up more, a friend.
But nothing more.
I’m sure he’ll be relieved that’s how I see things.
Chapter Five
Jude
The next morning I pull into the station lot ten minutes early. I woke up before the alarm even went off, excited to get to work, but also worried about how Liam will act toward me. Will things be awkward between us after our little midnight run last night? Will he mention it? I don’t intend to, but if he brings it up I can’t pretend it didn’t happen.
If I’m honest, the run with him was the best part of my day. I joined a few pack runs when I was a child, but I barely remember them. Once my parents got us kicked out of our pack, I don’t remember running with another wolf. Maybe that’s why last night with Liam felt so exhilarating. Just letting go like that with one of my own kind was exciting. Of course, I’m not dumb enough to think it meant anything to Liam. He probably does pack runs all the time. Most normal shifters do.
Inside, the station smells like burnt vanilla coffee. Diane is at the front desk doing what looks like a crossword, reading glasses perched on her nose as she scowls at the page in front of her.
“Morning, Officer Collins,” she says without looking up. “Would you happen to know a six letter word for a stubborn creature?”
“People?” I say sardonically.
“Very funny.” She glances up. “Come on, help me out here.”
“Okay.” I laugh gruffly. “Maybe the word you’re looking for is donkey?”
She snaps her fingers, writes it down, and nods approvingly. “Bingo. Thanks.”
“Sure.” I enter the squad room and head to the desk Sally showed me yesterday that Liam and I will share. There are a few people already working, and they give friendly nods when they see me. I smile and drop my jacket on the back of one of the chairs, and then sit awkwardly. The desk I share with Liam is small, barely big enough for two. His side is cluttered with a coffee mug, a framed photo of what I assume is his family, and a stress ball shaped like a football. My side is empty except for a pen.
Ten minutes later Liam walks in. He’s carrying two coffees with the Happy Grounds logo, and my stomach churns as he sets one of them in front of me. I wait for him to speak first. I’m on edge waiting to see if he’ll address our late night run or not. If it is brought up, I want him to be the one to do it.
“Morning.” He grins down at me, looking relaxed and well rested. “I got you a large latte. That’s what you had yesterday, right?”
I stare at the cup. “Uh, yeah, but you didn’t have to buy me coffee.”
“You can buy me coffee sometime and we’ll be even.” He moves to his spot at the desk. “Or we can switch off. You buy one day, I’ll buy the next.”
“Sure. We can do that.”
He drops into his chair and takes a loud sip of his own coffee. “Great. For tomorrow, I take brewed coffee with cream and three raw sugars.”
“Um… duly noted.”
“Hey.” He glances around and then says softly, “I enjoyed the run last night.”
Relieved he brought it up, I nod. “Me too.” Not addressing it at all felt strange. But his casual tone says it happened. It was no big deal. No reason not to mention it, right?
“I’ve skipped the last dozen pack runs.” He leans back in his chair. “It felt great to get out in the fresh air and stretch my muscles.”
“I agree.” I avoid his gaze. “It’s been a while for me too. It helped burn off some tension from the day.”
