ROWAN WASN’T SURE WHATto think of Thomas.He’d been perfectly nice, but Rowan could see how tense he was.There was something there, and it wasn’t the first time Rowan had gotten that kind of reaction.
He was a wolf shifter, and while he wasn’t as big as other predator shifters, like dragons or even bears, he knew that what he was could be intimidating to some people.If Thomas was on the small side when he shifted, it wasn’t a surprise that he might be wary of Rowan, especially since he didn’t know him.He had no idea that Rowan would never hurt anyone, and certainly not a coworker.
Shane was quick to leave, and when he did, Rowan and Thomas stared at each other for a moment.Rowan felt the need to say something, but he wasn’t sure what.He didn’t want to scare Thomas, but they were going to work together.It would be good for them to have a friendly relationship.That meant Rowan had to show Thomas that he wasn’t dangerous or a weirdo.
He wasn’t sure how to do that.He’d lived with his pack all of his life.He’d never really had to introduce himself or convince someone that he was friendly.Everyone around him had always known who he was, and he didn’t think anyone had ever been afraid of him.He wasn’t home anymore, though.Well, hewashome, but it was a new home he’d chosen for himself.He needed to learn how to live away from his birth pack, and this was a great way to start.
He cleared his throat.“Shane mentioned that you’ve been working here for a while?”he asked.
Thomas gave him a tight smile.“I have.He’s very welcoming, so you don’t have to worry about things being awkward with him.”
“What about things being awkward with you?”
Thomas’s eyes widened as if he hadn’t expected Rowan to bring that up.To be fair, Rowan hadn’t expected himself to bring it up.He was trying to make the guy like him, for fuck’s sake.Calling out how weird he was behaving probably wouldn’t achieve that.
Or maybe it would.Instead of being offended, Thomas smiled.It was a small smile, but it was enough to tell Rowan that everything wasn’t ruined.At least Thomas wasn’t running to Shane to tell him to kick Rowan out.
“I’m not really a social person,” Thomas said.“I’m also exhausted.I didn’t mean to offend you, but if I did, I’m sorry.”
Rowan wanted to ask why Thomas was exhausted, but it wasn’t his place.“It’s fine.I’m new here, so I get it.You don’t know me yet.”
Thomas nodded.“Exactly.Do you want some coffee before we get to work?”
Thomas clearly didn’t want to talk any further about that, and that was fine with Rowan.He didn’t want to make a fool of himself.“I’d love some coffee.”
Thomas stepped away from the counter and gestured at the coffee pot.“Mugs are in the cupboard.”
It was easier for Rowan to focus on his coffee than on Thomas, so he did just that, but there was something about Thomas that made Rowan want to protect him, which once again hinted at him being a prey shifter.Rowan told himself not to be a weirdo.Thomas didn’t need protection.There was nothing to protect him from.They were at work, and while some of the animals in the sanctuary could be dangerous, he was sure Thomas knew how to deal with them.
Rowan quickly doctored his coffee the way he liked it, then took a step back.There was nowhere for him to go.The break room was small, and he didn’t want to sit at the table if Thomas wasn’t going to.They had work to do, and he was sure they’d get to it as soon as Thomas finished his coffee.
Rowan took a sip of his, burning his tongue and grimacing as he did so.He glanced at Thomas, but the man was staring inside his cup as if it held the secret to world peace.Rowan left him to it.
Eventually, Thomas rinsed his cup and left it in the sink.Rowan quickly did the same, sucking in a breath and readying himself for whatever was about to come.When Thomas gestured at the door, Rowan followed, making sure to move slowly and keep his distance.Thomas was more than the animal he could shift into, but he was clearly spooked, and the last thing Rowan wanted was to freak him out.He didn’t want to mess up this opportunity.He was lucky he’d found a job only a few days after he’d arrived in town, and he wasn’t going to mess it up.It wasn’t only because he needed the money, but also because he wanted to show everyone in his old pack that he could do this.
He could survive without them.
Sometimes, he had his doubts.Everything here was so very different than what he was used to.He was here for a reason, though, and he was excited about his job and the town.Mayport had a reputation, and that reputation was the reason Rowan was here.
“So, how long have you been living in Mayport?”he asked as they walked down the hallway.
“I wasn’t born here if that’s what you’re asking.”
It hadn’t been, so that only partially answered Rowan’s question.“I’m asking because I’m new here.I only moved a few days ago.”
Thomas nodded.“I remember how it is.I’m sure you’ll be fine.”
“Oh, definitely.It just takes a while to get used to, you know?I’m glad I left my pack, but it’s kind of scary when it’s all I’ve ever known.”
Thomas shrugged.“I wouldn’t know about that.My pack moved here with me.”
Rowan blinked.He couldn’t imagine his entire pack moving here, and he had even more questions now, but he didn’t think that Thomas wanted him to ask them.Now wasn’t the time, anyway.They were here to do their job, and Rowan needed to stop getting distracted.
He cleared his throat.“How will the animals react to me?I’m a wolf shifter, and I don’t want to spook them.”
Thomas nodded, clearly not surprised.“Well, they’re used to predator shifters.Shane’s a bear.”
“That’s good to know.”Rowan wanted to ask if Thomas was used to predator shifters, but he didn’t.It was none of his business, no matter how much he wanted Thomas to be okay with his presence here.Thomas wasn’t one of the animals the sanctuary welcomed when they most needed it.
