Warmth unfurls in my chest every time I see it.
Yesterday, she picked out a couch. I know because Ethan sent me the receipt summary with a grinning emoji. A sectional in soft gray with cream and navy throw pillows. Apparently, she spent two hours in the store, testing every option before choosing. The sales associate said she kept running her hands over the fabric, checking the cushion depth, even lying down on three different models before deciding.
The day before, she bought dishes. An entire set of white porcelain with delicate blue trim around the edges. Service for eight, even though she lives alone.
Today she returns with bags from a home décor store, and when she sits down at her desk, her lips are pressed together in a way that makes me think she’s humming. Yes, she’s actually humming, her shoulders moving in time with some rhythm only she can hear.
I smile despite myself.
The others in the office are noticing, too.
Sarah stops by Violet’s desk mid-afternoon, leaning against it with a friendly grin. With my office door open, I can hear her say, “You’ve been in a good mood lately.”
Violet looks up, and that spark is there. Bright and genuine. “I just moved into a new apartment. Been furnishing it all week.”
“Oh, that’s exciting!” Sarah’s smile broadens. “It’s so satisfying making a space your own, isn’t it?”
“Yeah.” My wolf preens at the happiness in her voice. “It’s exhausting but fun. I never realized how much I’d enjoy picking out furniture and decorating.”
“Whereabouts didyou move to?”
“The human district. Near the shopping centers.”
“Oh, perfect location to find furniture, then.” Sarah straightens. “Hey, you should throw a housewarming party once you’re all settled.”
Violet’s eyes widen slightly. “A party?”
“Yeah! Show off your new place. We could all come over, bring wine, make it a thing.” Sarah glances around. “Right, guys?”
Julian looks up from his desk. “I’d come.”
“Me too,” one of the analysts chimes in.
More voices approve of the idea, and a couple of people even come over to Violet’s desk to discuss it. I lean forward slightly, drawn by the transformation happening in my mate. That spark has become a flame. She’s thrilled. Thrilled at the idea of people wanting to spend time with her.
That feeling of warmth spreads through my chest again.
Rachel’s voice cuts through the moment like a blade. “Makes sense you’re moving over there.” She doesn’t look up from her computer, but her tone drips with mockery. “You’re barely a shifter, so it’s no wonder you feel more at home with humans. I bet our kind wouldn’t rent so much as a storage unit to something like you.”
The flame dims slightly in Violet’s eyes. Through the glass, I see her smile falter, just for a moment.
Before I can move, before I can storm out there and put Rachel in her place, Sarah shoots her a look that could freeze fire.
“Let me know when you want to do it, Violet,” Sarah says loudly, deliberately ignoring Rachel’s comments. “I’ll bring my famous spinach dip.”
“I will. Thanks, Sarah.”
The group disperses, heading back to their work. But there’s a difference. They’re including her now. Gravitating toward her in a way they haven’t before.
My wolf settles, content in a way he hasn’t been in weeks.
The afternoon passes slowly. I try to focus on work, try to review the alliance protocols that need my attention. But my gaze keeps drifting to Violet. To the way she’s actually smiling at her computerscreen. To the energy in her movements that has been missing since she returned.
To the life that’s coming back into her eyes.
Near the end of the day, she appears at my office door with a stack of files. I look up, and my breath catches.
She’s glowing.
