Chapter Six
Anne
Who the hell does he think he is?
My heels strike the floor tiles with agitated clicks as I storm back inside, each step punctuated by the fury coursing through my veins.
The nerve of him!
The elevator arrives too fast because I have not had the time to calm down and not fast enough because I can’t wait to put as much distance between me and Kain as possible. I step inside, and the doors slide shut, sealing me in with my own ragged breathing. I force myself to inhale and exhale slowly, trying to find some semblance of control before these doors open and I unleash on the first innocent person I see.
Whimpers echo in my chest, low and pained. I push back so hard, my jaw clenches until my teeth ache. My wolf has got to get with the new reality: he’s not ours, not anymore.
The elevator dings, and I step out onto my floor. My footsteps are still too brisk, loud enough that a few heads turn to look as I cross to my cubicle. Curious glances follow me, but no onespeaks to me. Thank the Goddess, because I’m not sure I could manage to be polite right now.
I drop into my chair and yank my keyboard closer. My fingers slam against the keys harder than necessary as I pull up the spreadsheet I was working on before I left for lunch.
The hours pass. Around me, the office gradually empties as people pack up and head home. Voices call out goodbyes that I barely register, and footsteps fade down hallways, the ambient noise of a workday winding down filtering through my awareness without really penetrating.
I just keep working, keep staring at numbers that stopped making sense two hours ago. I keep my eyes locked on the screen because looking anywhere else means thinking, and thinking means feeling, and I can’t afford to feel right now.
“Hi Anne, working late tonight?”
Derek’s voice breaks through my concentration. I barely lift my head, eyes still mostly on the screen as I respond.
“Yes.”
The word comes out harshly, laced with a sharp edge I didn’t mean to aim at him. Derek clears his throat, and I wince a little before making myself actually look up at him.
He’s standing at the edge of my cubicle, concern creasing his forehead. “I’ve noticed you’ve been a bit, uh, moody lately. Just wanted to check in, see if you’re okay?”
The tightness in my chest intensifies. Here’s Derek, being kind, being thoughtful, and I nearly bit his head off for it. I sigh, letting some of the tension drain from my shoulders.
“Thanks. I’m sorry. It’s just…I’ve had a lot on my plate the last few weeks.”
“Yeah, we’ve all been there at some point.” Derek’s smile is sympathetic and easy. “Work can be draining.”
“That’s putting it mildly.”
“Actually”—he tilts his weight casually but with purpose—”some of the other staff and I are going to a club this weekend. I know you usually say no when we invite you to these things, but I really think it helps with stress. Get out, let loose a little, forget about spreadsheets for a few hours.”
I force a tight smile onto my lips. “Thanks, but I think I’ll be too tired. I’ll just need sleep.”
Derek mirrors my smile, but his is soft and understanding. “That’s fine,” he says gently. “See you tomorrow. And take it easy, okay?”
He’s already turning away. But as he starts to go, a movement in the corner of my vision makes me look toward the break room entrance.
My eyes land on Kain, standing just inside the doorway, his body angled like he’s looking in my direction. Our eyes meet for a split second before he turns and walks away, disappearing down the hall toward the elevators.
I feel something hot and sharp and furious rise within me. I call out, “Actually, Derek?”
He looks back at me, eyebrows lifting. “Yeah?”
“I’d like to take you up on that invite. I’ll come to the club this weekend.”
His whole face lights up. “Really? That’s great! It’ll be fun, I promise. I’ll text you the details.”
“Sounds good.”
