Raya.
Today was such a mess. I accomplished nothing thanks to her distracting presence, and I couldn’t even look at her for too long or I felt like I’d combust. I thought she was cute with her wild hair and the little rabbit nose before, but once I saw her full human form, I was hit with how stunning she is. Honey-blonde hair with loose tendrils framing her face that almost shimmered as she walked. Rich brown eyes that seemed to see right through me. All of five feet and a couple inches, she nearly knocked me on my ass the instant I saw her.
My first words to her that morning weren’t exactly polite, but to be fair she did catch me off guard by showing up unannounced to my place of work. Then it felt like I was sent spinning off into a different realm when she turned her hesitant smile on me.
Huffing, I roll my eyes and take another sip, this time letting out the appreciative groan that claws up my throat.
The worst part was, she seemed genuinely happy to be there, and that warmth radiated out from her. Her smile as she settled in and organized her desk felt like a physical blow, like it would have bowled me over if I wasn’t already sitting when she aimed it in my direction. Simply looking at her sends my thoughts into a tailspin, and when her heartbeat kicked up as we started the office tour, I nearly staggered at the urge to take her into my arms. Whether to comfort her or drink from her or something else entirely, I’m not sure.
Not to mention her scent. Sun-ripened strawberries and fresh coconut, a combination so delicious I can nearly taste it. I practically ran away from her at one point because I couldn’t control my reaction; my mouth watered and my fangs started to lengthen without my consent. I haven’t lost control like that since I was an adolescent being starved and then tortured with fresh blood by my parents.
I have no idea how I’m supposed to get any work done with her around. My reactions to her are unreasonable and unwelcome.
What’s up with the random shifting though?
She’s piqued my curiosity. I caught another partial shift today when Raya was setting up her new laptop that I’m pretty sure she doesn’t realize I noticed. Her nails had turned to claws, without the full wolf paws this time. I didn’t say anything, though. I’m not a complete asshole, despite how I reacted to her today, but I did question it.
Admittedly, I don’t know much about shifters, but I do know they don’t normally shift into multiple different animals—or animal parts—and they also don’t normally have such poor control over it by adulthood.
Left to wonder, I turn back to my meal and finish off the last few drops, practically licking the inside of the glass clean. I hold up the bottle again and take a picture of the ID numberon the label, hoping I can get more, debating how crazy it would be to call and ask.
“What do you think?” I ask Milton.
He turns his slitted green eyes on me, then saunters over, leaps into my lap, and settles into a cat loaf facing me.
Taking his attention as approval, I dial the number on the bottle and rattle off the ID. Unfortunately, the clinic informs me that was all they had from this particular donor. No, they don’t know if they will get more, and they’re very sorry but they can’t release any information about donors.
Sighing, I hang up, reasoning that it likely tasted better due to how hungry I was, plus there was no plastic aftertaste that comes from the bags I’m used to.
I push it from my mind for now, hoping a run through Forest Park will help set me straight. I normally run at a normal, human pace, but every so often it feels good to let go, to unleash my inner vampire and run at my true, lightning-quick speed.
I pretend it’s simply because I need the exercise, and not that it has anything to do with outrunning thoughts of a dazzlingly gorgeous shifter.
6
KILL HIM WITH KINDNESS
RAYA
I strideinto the office with my head held high, shoulders back, and a pep in my step. Alex is already seated at their desk next to mine, but Asher and Kendall aren’t in yet.
“Morning,” I say, smiling at my new coworker and hoping we can get some more bonding time in today. I always feel more comfortable when I know those around me a little better.
“Hey, how’d the rest of your first day go?” Alex asks, turning their attention to me.
“Oh, yeah, it was good!” I reply, perhaps laying the cheer on a bit too thick, but Alex doesn’t seem to notice. They flick a lock of dark hair out of their eyes.
“Nice. Well if you have any questions, I’m happy to help. I know it can be stressful settling into a new job and trying to find your place.”
“Thanks, that means a lot. Asher showed me around yesterday, but besides that I haven’t gotten a chance to do much yet, so I don’t even know what questions I might have.”
“No worries, you’ll be fine. Everyone’s pretty nice here and no one will mind if it takes you a minute to catch up onthings.” Alex smiles in encouragement, which I return before switching focus to my laptop, reminding myself not to go anywhere with the blood sucking, evil vampire if I can avoid it.
I settle in, checking my email and clicking through the first of the onboarding documents. Kendall still hasn’t shown up yet when the vampire walks in, striding through the office like he owns the place. Asher drops a sleek leather bag into the bottom drawer of his desk, then turns my direction, eyeing me up and down with an impassive expression.
“You’re with me, let’s go," Asher says with a chin jerk, blue eyes piercing mine as I blink up at him.
“I, sorry, what?” I stammer, trying not to feel stupid, but wondering what I missed.
