Page 7

Setting up the new lab takes longer than I imagined. I thought once the boxes were unpacked and my files were in order, we’d be able to get started properly. But it turns out that too much of a good thing can actually slow progress. The new PCR machines that Rowan had installed are incredible, and the genetic sequencing will be a lot faster…once we know how the machines work. It’s not like we can bring in outside help, so there has been a lot of trial and error and false starts over the last two weeks.

The technicians, including Rian, have been outstanding, though. Talking things through with Forrest on the phone has helped me troubleshoot. I’ve also had more time to research the Volva in Rowan’s extensive library with help from his medic, Sara. It’s hard when we don’t always know what we’re looking for, but already, I feel like we’re making progress.

Sara is a lot like me. She seems to enjoy working with facts and takes comfort in finding order in chaos. Her bedside manner is probably a lot better than mine, though, and I can see how popular the pretty brunette doctor is in her pack. But, although she’s been very keen to help, I don’t miss the way she steers our conversations and research away from specifics about their pack. At first, I reasoned it was because we had so much to get through, but now I see it’s a pattern.

I have also noticed that there is a delay between samples being processed and me receiving the data. At first, I thought people might not be recording the data properly, but then I realized only the initial Nicholson pack data had taken a while to upload. I still don’t even have a clear picture of where the pack elders are even from or family structures. When I mentioned it to Rian, he looked decidedly sheepish and made several excuses that all rang false. I didn’t call him out at the time because I didn’t want it to appear as though I was looking to cause problems, but it’s clear the pack is either slow to trust me or deliberately trying to withhold information. Which only intrigues me more.

When I mentioned Sara’s evasiveness and the data issue to Rowan over dinner, he dismissed it as the pack simply needing more time to trust me; that has been his answer to everything when I’ve raised questions, which I don’t get much chance to do, as I hardly see him. That’s not quite true—he’s always near. I can feel it when he’s near. I turn and find him watching me from the gallery in the lab or his shadow passing an open door. But the only time I’m with him is when we share dinner in the evening. He seems to guide the conversation, steering me through tales about the pack’s history and his travels. A sprinkling of information keeps me intrigued, and they sometimes make me laugh but tell me nothing of substance. He continues to tease me, emotionally and intellectually—it’s like a dance, and I don’t know which way is up. Then, as soon as we’re finished, he goes for a run in the forest for hours. I don’t even know when he returns, and he’s gone again by morning. There have been no more crepes.

That’s also not quite true, though. It’s not the only time I’m with him. I dream of him every night. I think I did before I even got here, but now it’s getting out of hand. I’ve never been with a man before, yet the dreams are so realistic that I genuinely feel like I can touch him. I close my eyes and wait for him to appear. I know it’s not real, and seeing him during the day makes me cringe and think of how my mind behaves at night.

If he only knew.

I can’t even ask anyone if this is normal. I wouldn’t even know where to begin. I’ve had dreams before, but these are different; they feel too tangible. I’ve even started researching whether a Volva’s dreams mean anything. But so far, no leads. I feel a bit ridiculous, even considering that my horny dreams mean anything more than being infatuated with Rowan. It’s even more ridiculous when he clearly doesn’t feel the same—he flirts, but I’m sure he’s simply teasing me. I’m small, I have no wolf, I’m curvy…and awkward at times, while he is a mountain of a man, formidable, exuding sex appeal that makes my lower stomach clench every time he turns his magnetic gaze directly toward me.

I am totally lost in thought when I hear the PCR machine begin uploading.

“Fingers crossed,” I mutter, hoping I’ve finally gotten the uploading sequence right after multiple attempts.

I spin my chair back to the screen and move one of the ancient texts off the keyboard, almost knocking my coffee all over my files. I steady it, rolling my eyes, knowing I’m only being clumsy because my sleep has been so interrupted, and my brain seems hardwired to only think about Rowan.

“Did it work?” Rian asks hopefully, breaking into my thoughts from the doorway. “I heard the PCR finish.”

As much as I miss working with Forrest, I know he’s needed back at the pack. Rian is slowly growing on me as a lab partner. “I’m just bringing up the results now; if this hasn’t worked, then I don’t know where we’re going wr…yes!”

The Nicholson pack raw DNA sequencing fills the screen. Once added to the other pack data, we’ll have the most complete overview of shifter and Volva DNA that has ever been studied.

“Amazing,” Rian marvels. “Once I go through this and organize it for you, we’ll really be getting somewhere; it’s fascinating, really. I’ve got to hand it to you. I thought this was going to take much longer. I’ll go get Rowan.”

“Oh, I’m sure he’s busy. There’s no need to get him. I can tell him later.” I ramble, looking around my messy office.

Rian’s already half out the door but calls back, “He’s already here.”

Of course, he is. I groan slightly, lifting some of the books off the floor and trying to arrange them on the desk properly. I’ve only had the office for two weeks, and it already looks like a mess. That’s just how I work, though. The clinic is immaculate, but my thinking space is a hot mess.

Rowan walks into my office, looking even more handsome than usual in his buttoned shirt with rolled up sleeves and dark jeans. His eyes briefly rove over me before settling on the screen.

“It worked?” he asks, clearly impressed.

"It did," I answer, trying to ignore the warmth spreading through my body at his praise. "It's a big step forward." I glance at him from the corner of my eye as he leans casually against the doorframe, and taking in the sight of him makes my breath catch. "How long have you been here?"

He shrugs nonchalantly, "An hour or so. Some of the men sustained injuries during our drills this morning, they’re keeping Sara busy." His gaze lingers on me for a moment too long before moving back to the screen.

I try not to let his stare affect me too much; it only makes me more aware of how close he is as he steps further into the room. The air between us feels charged with something electric, like static before a storm. Despite my awareness of his proximity, I try to continue our conversation.

He listens with genuine interest on his face as I explain how we finally got the machine working. "It's fascinating," he says thoughtfully, running a hand through his hair in frustration, as I’ve noticed he often does when deep in thought. "But there are still so many unanswered questions."

"I know," I agree softly, sitting down on my desk chair again and gesturing for him to take a seat if he wants. "That's why we need to cross reference this new information with the DNA we’ve already looked at. Also, these machines allow us to break down the previous data even more.”

He looks thoughtful, almost concerned. “And what will that show us?”

“To humans, the DNA would simply look wrong. But already, we’re isolating the shifter strands. As humans look for weaknesses in the DNA that indicate sickness, for example, and trial drugs, we’re able to test protection spells and healing magic. Vital in any future battle against the Order.”

Rowan smiles, and it lights up his whole damn face. He claps his hands together. “Fantastic work. I had no doubts, my dear.”

I try to accept the compliment with grace, but I feel the room growing hotter as the moment lingers; his eyes remain fixed on me, and my cheeks involuntarily flush. I hear someone clear their throat and suddenly remember Rian is still here, making my face burn even brighter.

“Willow has been working incredibly hard on this. We simply wouldn’t be where we are without her.” he says sincerely. “I will be organizing all the data for her, so we’ll know more soon.”

Rowan nods at his beta. “I’m sure she will appreciate the help. I hear working too hard is a problem for Willow, no?” I begin to reply, but he raises his hand. “Meet me at the front in ten minutes. Dress warmly—we are expecting more snow tonight.”

Ten minutes. “Oh no, thank you, but I really should wait for the rest of the sequencing to be done.”

“And how long will this take?” Rowan asks Rian, not me.

“For the rest of the night. I think the previous tests will load now,” he replies.

Rowan pauses at the door, “Rian will oversee the sequencing. You will meet me at the front.” With that, he’s gone.

I turn and glare at Rian. “You could have stood up for me; I need to be here for the PCR.”

He chuckles for a moment and holds up his hands, “No, you just want to be here for it. I will call if anything goes wrong. But if you think I’m going to go against my alpha to avoid you getting a break, you’re wrong.” He pauses and then adds, “You actually do work a bit too hard.”

He sounds like Kit and Forrest rolled into one. I mutter as I take off my lab coat and pull on my outdoor coat over my thin sweater. “Call me immediately if it starts making that weird noise again, okay?”

After he does a little mock salute, I roll my eyes at him and head toward the main doors. I can see Rowan standing outside, a very gentle snowfall fluttering around him, making his skin even more luminescent than usual against his dark features. Not sure he’s seen me yet, I watch him for a moment. He’s watching something seemingly high on the treeline, but even with my acute senses, I can’t tell what. After a moment, a bald eagle comes into view, gliding majestically across the valley.

How did you see that? I wonder. Sure, some shifters have slightly better vision than others. But he was tracking it with his eyes long before I saw it. I mentally add it to the growing list of extra abilities Rowan seems to have. I turn my attention away from the eagle to find those eyes now staring at me. Blushing yet again, I realize it must appear I’ve been watching him. I take a deep breath and step out into the cold air.

“S-sorry, have you been waiting long?” I ask, not mentioning the eagle.

He surprises me by offering his arm, which I take slowly, instantly warmed by the heat radiating from his large frame.

“Not at all, love,” he replies as we begin walking down the path at the side of the building, “Rian is not the first to agree you work too hard. I bet you haven’t even seen our lake yet?”

I shake my head, looking around in wonder as the path immediately dips into the forest, and the lab fades from view. The snow settling on the trees and ground reminds me of something from a fairytale.

We continue in silence for a few minutes, the only sounds being our footsteps crunching softly on the snow and the occasional rustle of wildlife. I feel Rowan's arm tighten around me as we step out onto a clearing, and I gasp at the sight before me.

The lake is frozen but not white like everything else. It's a deep aqua-blue color, almost mirror-like, perfectly reflecting the stars that are just emerging above. Glancing over my shoulder, I can see the glow of the town square lights behind us, but here, we feel very much alone.

I shiver, and Rowan pulls me closer to him, brushing my hair from my cheek. His touch sends shivers down my spine despite the chill in the air.

“It's beautiful here, isn't it?” he whispers, looking down at me.

I find myself nodding, but something about his touch reminds me of one of my dreams. No, it’s not one of my dreams; it’s too real. This is different. This suddenly feels like drowning. I don't understand why, but I can feel the adrenaline coursing through my veins, my heart pounding in my chest.

But before I can fully process these feelings, Rowan leans down and presses his lips to mine. The world around me fades away as I'm lost in the taste of him and the way his body feels. His hands find their way into my hair, tangling gently in the long strands and pulling me closer still.

And suddenly, everything changes. The cold air disappears, replaced by a heat that seeps into my bones and makes me melt into him completely. The sounds of crunching snow and rustling leaves are replaced by nothing but our heavy breathing, and I swear I can hear the delicate snowflakes settling on our clothes.

It's as if we're the only two people in existence, trapped in our own perfect snow globe. His kiss deepens, his tongue teasing at my lips before slipping inside my mouth. This ignites a fire deep within me that I have never experienced before, and I cling to him desperately.

I feel lost to the sensations that seem to be overwhelming me. An alarm sounds from somewhere deep inside, my dream state mixing with reality, and I’m suddenly fighting to the surface.

Pushing him away, I seem to take him by surprise, and he steps back. His hair is ruffled, making him look devilishly handsome, and I realize my hands have explored as much as his. I didn’t even realize.

“Don’t toy with me,” I say, turning away.

He goes to say something, and for the first time, I see an unmistakable glint of a fang. Not a shifter’s canine, I’m sure of it. My heart is pounding in my chest as I take a step back. He watches silently as I turn and rush back toward the lights of the town.