He laughed at my question, collecting the books from his lap and discarding them on a nearby table. "Believe it or not, I don't spend all my time in the infirmary." A warm smile graced his lips as he paused. "When I'm not booked with any patients, I like to volunteer and help out down here. It saves Elise the trouble of bringing the pups to me when they hurt themselves.""Hush!" Elise swiveled to face him, swatting her hands at his chest playfully. "You're going to make me look bad in front of her. The only time they get hurt is when they roughhouse with each other, and I try to get them to stop."I watch the two of them with interest, confused on whether they are close friends, or possibly mates. Noah is still undeniably attractive, with a charming personality, but my draw to him is no longer as fresh as it was when I first encountered him. After spending more time with Benji, our mate bond has solidified to the point that I can't look at another male without feeling a sense of guilt

Jeremiah's face haunts me at night, taunting my restless mind. I was quick to leave him after his outburst. My body went into fight-or-flight mode, wanting to put much needed space in between us. Benji picked up on my change of attitude as soon as I came inside. I managed to avoid his questioning eyes, instead locking myself in my room with the lame excuse of a stomach ache. The light of the moon creeps in through my open window, partially illuminating my room. I hoped the fresh air would lull me in to a sleep, but I'm left disappointed. Every time I close my eyes, I'm drawn back into the cold cells. I'm reminded of the concrete floors stained with blood and the soggy pieces of bread thrown through our gates. Instead of nameless guard wolves tormenting me, though, their faces are all replaced with Jeremiah's. I can't shake his emotionless stare from my head. With a frustrated groan, I push my comforter off my bare legs, letting it fall to the ground. My eyes are strained from

"Are you mad at me?" The question sounds pathetic coming from my lips, but I can't help but ask. Ever since we left the daycare center, the mate bond has left a nagging feeling in my chest. I know something is wrong – I can feel it. The noise of cluttering utensils fills the silence. From my spot across the kitchen table, I stare at Benji, willing him to answer. My food has remained untouched since we sat down. It's hard to eat with so much anxious energy floating in my tummy. He finally has the decency to look up, pushing his plate away to focus on me. His features are no longer riddled with anger, but I know he's still irate. "I'm not mad at you." He answers, putting emphasis on the last word. "Well, who are you mad at, then?" I ask, even though I already know the answer. Benji must have thought the answer was obvious as well. He snorts, "I'm mad at that disrespectful pack doctor. If he weren't one of our best doctors, I would have ripped his head off his shoulders for acting l

Darkness crept up on me fast, but sleep did not. I was hoping I'd be able to get some well-needed rest away from the home. My brain has been so foggy ever since Benji and I's argument a few days ago. It's like my head is at a constant battle with my heart - or, at least the mate bond tugging at my heart. I'm sure if I had a strong enough wolf, she'd be scratching at the surface to break free and give me a piece of her mind! I'm practically going against every wolf's natural instinct when it comes to their mates - ignoring them and putting space between the two of us. It's amazing how long Benji's last. I half-expected him to crumble under the silent treatment and demand me to put an end to this all. Speaking of my confusing mate, he's the main reason I can't get any sleep. He's close to me somewhere in this pack house. Close enough that every time I breath, I catch his define scent in the air. With a loud groan, I let the comforter slip from my bare legs as I pull myself up. I c

"What's this?"I catch a glimpse of the papers littering Benji's desk, easily narrowing in on the freshly printed piece of paper in question. Dotty was still out of town celebrating her friend's mating ceremony and I didn't want to spend my weekend alone, but Benji's been extremely busy. Between whatever secret pack business that has been keeping him up at night, preparing for the Luna ceremony, and working with Jeremiah on the cell reform - very little time has been left for me.It feels weird but I'm genuinely starting to want to spend time with him.I settled on eating my lunch in Benji's office so I wouldn't be alone. He made me promise not to bother him with his work, but I've been patiently eating my sandwich in complete and utter silence for the last fifteen minutes. Benji tore his tired eyes away from the patrol report he was looking over to gaze at the paper in question. Quickly he plucked the corner of the paper, pulling it closer so he could look at it. "Oh, Jeremiah d