12. Chapter 12

Chapter twelve

Netti

W arm morning light dances across my face, casting a soft glow on the room. As I slowly awaken, the memories of last night start to come into focus. I shift in bed, my hand instinctively reaching out for Connor, but all I feel is the cold, wrinkled fabric of the sheets. Confusion creeps into my mind, and my brows furrow as I realize he is not here.

I sit up, scanning the room for any sign of his presence, but the only evidence of his visit is the torn condom wrapper on my nightstand table. A mix of disappointment and frustration washes over me as I realize that perhaps I had expected more from him, only to be left with an empty bed and a lingering regret. His scent still lingers in the air, a constant reminder of the passionate moments we shared. I find myself cursing at my naivety, acknowledging that he was likely just looking to satisfy his desires and move on.

“Fucking shifters,” I mutter under my breath, a hint of bitterness seeping into my voice.

With a sigh, I fall back onto the pillow, exhausted.

As I lay there, another thought crosses my mind, causing a pang of concern. Rose, my best friend, had also been with me last night, but I hadn’t seen her since she left with Carter. A sudden worry grips my heart, and I reach for my phone on the nightstand. With a sinking feeling in my stomach, I unlock the screen, only to find it devoid of any notifications. The absence of messages or calls from Rose intensifies my unease, fueling my growing dread. Something isn’t right, and I can’t shake the feeling that there’s more to last night’s events than meets the eye.

Hey, just checking in. Everything alright?

A few moments later, my phone buzzes with her reply.

OMG, once you go wolf, you can’t go back. We’re going to grab coffee. How was your night?

A wave of anger washes over me, leaving my cheeks burning as I start typing a response, then quickly delete it, unable to find the right words. How do I describe I had the best night of my life only to wake up alone?

A wave of fear crashes over me, leaving me breathless and trembling, and instantly it’s followed by a surge of rage, hot and powerful. My heart pounds in my ears, my breath catches in my throat, and the phone, suddenly heavy in my hand, plummets to the floor, the impact echoing in the silence. The acrid smell of smoke and burnt rubber fills my nostrils. A strange buzzing fills my ears. A disorienting hum that quickly subsides, leaving behind a strange, almost unsettling silence.

What was that?

I rub at the center of my chest where the strange feelings had originated. It was as if, for a moment, I was somewhere else, feeling someone else’s feelings.

But how could that be?

My phone buzzes again, vibrating on the floor and I scoop to pick it up.

Netti? Is everything alright?

Yeah, I’m fine. Just tired. See you for lunch?

Sounds good, where at?

I type out the address of my favorite Thai restaurant in town, before hitting send. The aroma of spicy and aromatic Thai cuisine wafts through my imagination, making my mouth water in anticipation. When was the last time I treated myself?

Feeling determined and empowered, I refuse to wallow in self-pity if Connor decided he wanted a one-night stand and was out. I pace in a circle, trying to untangle my thoughts and dismiss my disappointment. As the warm sunlight filters through the window, casting a gentle glow on my bedroom, I stand before the mirror and admire my reflection as I run my fingers through my hair, half cascading down in loose curls and the other half elegantly pulled up.

With a graceful swipe, I apply a coat of mascara to my lashes, enhancing their natural beauty. I apply a small amount of my favorite burgundy lip gloss, a subtle hint of berries, and gently press my lips together. A surge of confidence fills me as I select my outfit, the soft fabric of my pink dress brushing against my fingertips as I slide it off the hanger. The dress, with its demi-puffed sleeves and a low neckline, hugs my curves and flares out in a twirlable skirt that reaches just above my knees.

“Come on, Honey.” I whistle as I grab my phone and purse. My fruit bat companion, perched on his branch nearby, senses my excitement. He spreads his wings and gracefully glides toward me, landing gently on my head. I can feel the delicate weight of his body as he curls around my bun, his presence adding a touch of whimsy to my ensemble.

Perfect.

Fifteen minutes later, I reach the edge of Basil Brilliance, a quaint little restaurant known for its exquisite cuisine. As I approach the door, I immediately spot Rosemary’s rental parked nearby. The door to the restaurant chimes and an elderly gentleman greets me with a bow.

“Welcome to Basil Brilliance. Will you be dining alone?” he asks politely.

I shake my head and reply, “No, I’m meeting a friend—” Just as I say that, my eyes land on Rose, sitting next to Carter and waving excitedly at me from their table in the dining hall. A warm smile spreads across my face as I spot her. I thank the gentleman and make my way toward their table.

Rose jumps up, her enthusiasm evident as she wraps me in a tight bear hug that almost takes my breath away. After releasing me, she holds me at arm’s length and admires my appearance.

“Netti, this is just lunch. You didn’t have to go all out. Unless, of course, a certain wolf shifter is joining us,” she teases, winking mischievously. My stomach sinks at her words, and my gaze shifts nervously between Rose and Carter.

How do I tell her what happened between me and Carter’s brother? How will he react if he finds out? I decide now is not the time to jeopardize our meeting by revealing the truth.

I smile and turn to face Carter, mustering the courage to bring up the job opportunity we had discussed.

“He’s not, but I would like to discuss that job opportunity.” Carter’s eyes light up like a child on Christmas morning, and he flashes me a wide grin. At that moment, I momentarily forget that I’m looking at him and not his brother as memories of our passionate encounter from last night flood my mind.

“Netti?” Rose’s voice cuts through my thoughts. She clears her throat and gestures to the waiter. We are seated at a cozy corner table in a bustling Thai restaurant, surrounded by the tantalizing aroma of spices and the hum of conversation.

“Sorry.” I shake my head and smile at the two of them. “It’s been a long week.” The waiter approaches, and Rosemary and Carter place their orders. As he turns to me, I grab the menu and scan through the list of options.

“Just a chicken Thai basil with brown rice, please. Oh, and a Thai tea with boba.” The waiter jots down my order and heads back to the kitchen.

“How was the club?” I ask, fiddling with the edge of my skirt.

My friend, with a mischievous grin, responds, “Oh, it was fabulous. I was just telling Carter about how I knew he’d be impressed with Taboos and Voodoos. I even suggested he fly out and spend an evening at Luminous Lounge, the popular spot in my neighborhood.” She winks at him teasingly. “But then again, Netti, you should come too,” she continues. “Your whole life is about to change in a few months. Can you believe you’re only a semester away from graduating? I’m so proud of you.” Her words warm my heart. She reaches over and squeezes my hand.

“That sounds like fun, Rose.” As much as I appreciate her praise, a slight unease settles within me. I know I possess the knowledge, skills, and determination to finish my degree, but there is one major obstacle standing in my way: the burden of my loans and bills. Graduating seems like an impossible dream unless I can find a way to pay them off.

The waiter arrives with our food, steaming bowls of curry and fragrant rice. I take a long sip of my tea, relishing in the sweet, creamy flavor.

“So, you’re interested in the job?” Carter asks, lacing his fingers and staring at me over the table. My heart pounds in my chest, and my palms grow damp. I discreetly wipe them on my skirt, trying to appear calm and collected.

“Yes, I’ve given it much consideration and think I’d be a good fit.” I try to sound confident, but deep down, doubt creeps in. What would I say qualifies me above the other candidates? I haven’t even considered that there could be others vying for the position, especially given the salary that was posted.

“Unfortunately, she won’t be able to take your job offer, as better opportunities have arisen elsewhere,” Connor says, slipping beside me and slipping an arm around my shoulders. My heart skips a beat, and I turn to face him, surprise evident in my eyes. “That is, if she will accept my proposal to come on to Abernathy Inc. I’ve been looking for someone to lead our new HR and health section.”

The words hang in the air, and my mind races to process the unexpected turn of events. Abernathy Inc. is Connor’s renowned company with a reputation for excellence. The opportunity to lead a new department and make a significant impact on employee well-being. It’s a tempting proposition, and I can feel my excitement building.

Then, I remember the events of the morning.

“Wait, what?” My brows draw together in confusion. My heart is a battleground of confusion, yearning, and anger.

“I’m sorry I left so abruptly this morning. I needed to... sort some things out,” he admits, but his free hand makes its way to my knee, circling the sensitive flesh in slow, tantalizing movements.

“Is that so?” Carter drawls, his fingers tapping a staccato rhythm on the table, his impatience evident.

“Yes, it is,” Connor replies, and the tension in the air is nearly palpable. “What makes you so sure Netti even wants to accept your proposal?” He smiles wolfishly across the table at his brother. “What if she would prefer to be part of the pack?”

Connor, beside me, stiffens, his fingers tightening possessively on my thigh, sending a jolt of awareness through me. Heat pools between my legs as my body betrays me, weakening my resolve against the man who left so abruptly this morning.

“How do you know she wants to be part of the pack? She hardly knows you,” Connor challenges.

“And she knows you better?” Carter laughs, leaning back in his chair with his arms behind his head. “I hardly say knowing her a few days longer makes you any less of a stranger.”

“What did you offer her to make her uproot her entire life to accept?” A muscle twitches in Connor’s jaw.

“I came to talk to Carter about the job proposition. He didn’t force me or bribe me.” I turn in my seat, but as I meet Connor’s gaze, a sense of possibility fills the space between us. Deep within my chest, I feel a connection and feelings I can’t explain. The long week suddenly feels like a distant memory, replaced by the potential for a new chapter in my career. But would that be enough? What if I give up everything I worked the last few years for just to be disappointed? I need to think. I need fresh air.

“Netti isn’t a plaything to be squabbled over,” Rosemary declares, her lips pressed together in a tight line as she rises from the table. “Let’s let these two get whatever this is out of their system.”