CHAPTER FORTY-THREE: THE OFFICE PICNIC

Brocks Opinion:

Observing the crowd that had gathered around us, mirthful and caught up in their revelry, I resolved to move our private conversation to a more secluded spot. It was important to me that my pack remain oblivious to the tensions brewing between Stephanie and me.

Earlier, Stephanie's teasing was relentless, her smirk betraying amusement as she responded to a remark I had made. "The woes of dating a werewolf," she said in a dramatic, sorrow-laden tone. "Especially one who can't control the calendar. Did you ever even remember to check your calendar? Alpha?"

Deciding that we should discuss this in the office as I indeed forgot to check this afternoons calendar, as Stephanie filled my every thought, I couldn't concentrate on work or calendars or anything else. I could only think of taking her on a date and having Stephanie all to myself.

I scoop Stephanie up, the crowd's excitement lacing the air with a sense of urgency. Darting through the sea of bodies with he