I toss and turn late into the night. My mind reels, careening from topic to topic like a car on a rain-slicked road. Everything from my capture, school, and of course my kiss with Shay. Thankfully, when I do finally manage to drift off to sleep in the early hours of the morning, I am too exhausted to dream.

Micky wakes me up some time later by gracelessly launching himself onto my chest. I let out a guttural 'oomph' as I glare into the purring face of my fat ass cat. The spoiled bastard has the nerve to chirp sweetly as he rubs his head against my cheek. A quick glance at my alarm clock reveals that I've slept well past his normal breakfast time.

With a groan, I move Micky off my chest and crawl out of bed. Skeeter is sitting in the doorway, and meows expectantly as he watches me. "Ok, ok. I know. Just give me a second." I grumble as I pull on a pair of boxers and a cozy cotton sweater. I'd slept in my bathrobe last night, too lazy to change before bed.

The twins nearly trip me as they weave themselves between my legs, following me to the kitchen where I prepare their food bowls. I do my best to quiet their excited mews, as a cursory glance to the living room reveals that Shay is still sleeping.

Lying face down on the couch, poor Shay is out cold. It's a relief to see her sleeping peacefully. If the bags under her eyes last night had been any indication, she was in desperate need of a good night's rest. Tip-toing I creep into the living room as quietly as possible. My intent is to simply grab my school bag, but I can't help but stop a moment and survey my sleeping mentor. Sometime during the night, she must have kicked off her blanket, as it now rests on the floor.

I quietly retrieve the discarded blanket and drape it gently back over the she-wolf's body. As I do, however, I notice the torn fabric of the back of Shay's tank top. It's the one I had shredded last night during our...tryst. Through the tattered fabric, I can see the feint red lines of my own claw marks.

Christ. Had I really been that out of my mind last night?

Shay lets out a soft, sleepy groan. The sound causes heat to pool between my legs, and I have to physically stop myself from slapping my own forehead. It's too early to be this horny, hovering above my sleeping friend like some love-sick creep. Moderately disgusted with myself, I grab my book-bag and sneak back into the kitchen to set up my laptop.

I'd slept through my morning classes, not that I can blame myself. Unfortunately, skipping school doesn't make my life any easier in the long run. It's hard enough to maintain my grades as is. I can't afford to make a habit out of missing class like this. Even with everything going on, I refuse to sacrifice my education, my future. I had worked too hard to make it to this point, and I'd never forgive myself if I gave up.

Mind-numbing as it is, the monotony of studying provides my frazzled nerves with a much-needed reprieve. For a few hours, I'm able to lose myself in a world of textbooks and recorded lectures. I simply don't have the brain power to focus on school and worry about werewolf drama at the same time.

Eventually I take a break to make some coffee. Yawning, I grab my favorite mug and wait for it to finish brewing. The warm, rich scent fills my tiny kitchen with its heavenly aroma, and I breathe deeply, basking in it. Apparently, the seductive scent of caffeine is enough to rouse Shay from her slumber.

"Coffee?" The werewolf murmurs dreamily as she sits up from her little nest on the couch, still half asleep. Her short black hair is a chaotic mess, and she runs her fingers through it as she yawns and stretches. Honestly, it should be illegal for anyone to look this good the second they wake up. Even with bedhead, Shay is a vision.

I still can't believe that this Goddess had let me kiss her just a few hours ago. That she had kissed me back.

"Just a sec." I reply, thrilled that my voice comes out even as I fetch a second mug for Shay. Robotically, I prepare her coffee the way she likes it, and carry the steaming mug into the living room for her. It's a miracle that I manage not to stumble and spill it.

Bright gemstone eyes regard me owlishly from behind long, dark lashes. For several prolonged seconds, Shay just stares at me before finally accepting the coffee cup. Her ears a notable shade of pink.

"Thanks, Rabbit." She says softly, seeming to hide behind her mug as she takes a sip. "Have you been up long?"

"Maybe an hour or two. Playing catch up since I skipped class this morning." I try to play it cool as I return to the kitchen to retrieve my own cup. Unfortunately, suave is not my middle name, and I scald my tongue when I take a large swig of coffee.

Shay chuckles from where she sits, unmoving but watchful. She doesn't seem angry, regretful, or even particularly embarrassed. That's a good sign. However, there's something cagey about the way her eyes expectantly follow my every move. It takes me a moment to realize that she's nervous, no doubt waiting for me to pop off and freak out on her. She had said as much last night.

Fuck it. Of course, this whole situation was destined to be insanely awkward. Unfortunately, there is no running from it now. For better or for worse, I had made a choice last night. Time to deal with the consequences.

"Look." I begin, mentally preparing myself to just rip off the metaphorical band aid. "Believe it or not, I'm not planning to freak out or anything."

"Oh?" Shay cocks her head to the side and sets her mug down onto the coffee table.

"Yeah. So, if you want to talk, or whatever, I'm totally down for it." Real smooth, Nikole.

The she-wolf quirks an amused brow. It's obvious she can see straight through my shoddily constructed façade of composure. "Okay then. How about you come over here and we'll talk?"

This is clearly a test. The expectant look in Shay's eyes says as much. Unwilling to fail, I march into the living room, markedly ignoring my usual chair, and plant my happy ass on the couch, right next to Shay.

Big fucking mistake. The cushions are still warm from her body heat, and the entire space smells like her; rich, and earthy, and wild. I'm overcome with the desire to press her down into the softness of the couch and taste every inch of her beautiful body. Starting with that perfect mouth of hers.

Fuck my life.

Apparently just one taste was enough to turn me into a craven addict. I blame the years of werewolf-imposed celibacy.

Shay's expression morphs from smug, to surprised, to hungry. At least I'm not the only one caught up in the heat of this desire. This realization is equal parts exciting, and dangerous.

"Rabbit..." Shay warns, sounding more than a little out of breath. "You're projecting."

"Totally not my intention." I admit, trying to think of things completely unrelated to sex. Ultimately, I settle on mentally listing elements from the periodic table. It helps, to a degree.

Beside me, Shay lets out a shaky exhale, and licks her lips. I have to choke down a groan at the sight of her tongue and distract myself by taking another large gulp of my coffee. It's still too hot. "Soooo, talking...That's a thing we should probably do."

"Probably." Shay agrees. "Any particular topic you want to start with?"

I roll my eyes. "Oh, I don't know. They're all so fun to choose from." Truthfully, I have no idea where to start. I've been so focused on distracting myself, that I hadn't really taken the time to organize my thoughts regarding my kidnapping, or my relationship with Shay.

My mentor shakes her head with a small smirk, well versed in my defensive sarcasm. "Maybe just start with how you're feeling?"

"Okay." That actually sounds like a pretty good idea. "I'm...I don't know. Overwhelmed maybe? I'm not even sure how I'm supposed to be feeling to be honest. Scared? Angry? Both?"

"You've been through a lot, Nikole. It's perfectly normal to feel overwhelmed." Shay reassures me gently. "Just, please know you don't have to figure out anything alone. I'm here for you." Slowly, as if she's afraid to startle me like some skittish animal, the she-wolf extends her hand, holding it out to me in offering. I reach out to take it without hesitation, twining our fingers together. She smiles, and my heart flutters.

"I know, Shay. Thank you. I just wish I knew what to do moving forward."

Shay squeezes my hand, reassurance conveyed through her touch. "Just take it one day at a time, yeah? Keep doing what you're doing. Go to school. Train with me. Live your life."

"But what about Lysander, and everything he said?"

"Look, Rabbit. For all we know, Lysander is a misguided madman. We'll investigate his claims, of course, but it's too early to assume that anything he said is truthful. Lysander may not even be his real name."

I bite my lip and nod. "That's a good point."

My hand receives another gentle squeeze. "The alpha and the elders will get to the bottom of this. Have faith."

"About that..." I mutter, feeling a sudden chill grip my stomach. "It may be nothing, but last night, right before we left the pawnshop...I think there was something going on with Alistair. I don't know why, but he seemed scared. Really scared."

Shay frowns. She's quiet for a long time, processing the information I had just presented her with. "Are you sure?" I nod, and the expression on the she-wolf's face darkens with conflicting emotions.

"Listen, Nikole, It's no secret that I'm not a big fan of Alistair. He's arrogant, and narrow minded...but he's also loyal. Both to the pack, and to my uncle. Of all the Elders, he's served on the council for the longest amount of time. To accuse him is..." Shay trails off, her brows furrowed.

"I'm not accusing him of anything." I clarify. "Like I said, it may be nothing. I just wanted you to know, ok? Maybe keep an eye out for anything suspicious?"

Though she still looks conflicted, Shay nods. "I actually have to report to the council this afternoon."

"Really? Why?"

"My uncle wants my help to try and generate a list of possible targets within the pack based on the characteristics Lysander described." The black-wolf sighs, looking exhausted just thinking about the task. "There's also the matter of my punishment."

"What? What punishment?' I gasp.

"My little spat with Annabelle." Shay gripes. "I won't lie, my uncle lets me get away with a lot. Both because I'm his niece, and because I'm very good at my job...but there were too many witnesses last night. Insubordination like that cannot go unchecked."

"But you were just defending me! Let me go with you, I can talk to them, I can-"

Shay shakes her head, cutting me off. "Don't worry about it, Rabbit. Trust me. I know my uncle, and he'll take that into consideration. Chances are I'm just going to get stuck with some shitty patrol shifts for the next few months or something as equally mundane. This isn't the first time I've been in trouble, and It certainly won't be the last."

"Ever the rebel." I lament, earning a crooked grin from Shay. "I just hate that you're in trouble because of me."

Affection flows unbidden through the empathetic link that binds us. Spellbound, I watch as a fond, honest smile softens Shay's features. "You're worth it."

My stomach erupts with butterflies, and all I want to do is kiss this impossibly lovely creature who sits before me.

"You're projecting again, Rabbit." The black-wolf hums, gently smoothing her thumb over my knuckles.

I blush, but don't look away. "Sorry."

"I'm not complaining."

My mouth suddenly feels very dry. Reflexively, I lick my lips. Shay's eyes darken in response, pupils dilating.

"Shay, I-"

The sound of my phone ringing cuts me off, shattering the spell of intimacy.

Clearing her throat, Shay pulls back first. She shakes her head, looking dazed and a little flushed. "You should get that."

"Y-yeah." I agree, and rush to retrieve my phone from the kitchen. It's Elise, my boss calling. I take a second to collect myself, then accept the call. "Hey Elise, everything ok?" I listen as the woman apologizes for interrupting my afternoon, before asking if I'm available to work tonight.

"Sure, no problem. I can help out."

Elise thanks me earnestly several times, gratitude evident in her voice, before finally hanging up. By the time the call ends, Shay has joined me in the kitchen.

"Everything ok?"

"Yeah, that was my boss. Apparently one of her part-timers called in, so she asked if I can help close with Caroline tonight."

Shay frowns. "Are you sure you want to be working right now?'

I contemplate the question a moment, then nod. "Yeah, actually. I think keeping busy is a good thing right now."

"Alright, if you're sure. But I'm going to have Darren drop you off. I don't want you going anywhere alone."

"That's fine." I acknowledge, complacent. Frankly, I'm not thrilled with needing a babysitter...but all thing considered, I'd much rather forgo my privacy than be kidnapped again.

For a brief stint in time, Shay and I settle back into our typical routine. We take turns in the bathroom, showering and getting dressed, then eat a quick meal together. The normalcy is a welcome relief, if only for a few hours.

We leave the apartment together and meet Darren in the parking garage. Even with the brawny detective on high alert, Shay seems reluctant to leave my side. And truthfully, I'm not looking forward to leaving her's either.

"Have a good shift, Rabbit." Shay bids me farewell as she opens the door to Darren's car for me.

"I will. Try not to get into any more trouble with your uncle, ok?"

My mentor smirks, looking playful and cocky. "I make no promises."

I roll my eyes, and start to climb into the car, only to be stopped by a hand on my wrist. Turning back around, I raise a questioning brow up at Shay. The expression she wears is uncharacteristically shy.

"Can I kiss you goodbye?" She murmurs, voice barely above a whisper.

The question catches me completely off guard, and like a brain-dead idiot all I can do is stare up at this otherworldly deity who just requested to kiss me. Shay seems to take my silence as rejection, however, and her face falls as she takes a step back.

"Sorry, I shouldn't have asked that, I-"

I cut off both her rambling and her retreat by grabbing the lapel of her jacket, tugging her back into my personal space. Shay looks shocked for a moment, but then her face splits into a stunning smile.

"Is this you consenting?" She asks teasingly, leaning closer.

"Yeah. I consent. So wipe that smug grin off your face and get it over with." I try to sound indifferent but fail miserably, sounding eager and a little breathless instead.

"Such a romantic." Shay snickers.

Warmth blossoms in my chest as the she-wolf closes the distance between us and presses her lips to mine. The kiss is tender, and chaste. Innocent. It's a far cry from the raw, desperate hunger of our first one. And yet, I still find my heart racing.

Shay pulls back slowly, caressing the side of my face with her fingertips. "See you tonight, Rabbit."

It takes every ounce of self-control that I possess to let her go. When I gracelessly crawl into the car, I'm feeling floaty and light-headed. In fact, I'm so distracted that I had completely forgotten about poor Darren. I nearly bolt out of my skin when the detective clears his throat. The amused look he settles me with makes my face burn hot.

"Looks like Marian won the pot." The auburn-haired male smirks.

"Huh?" Is all I manage to offer in reply.

"She wagered that you two would get together within a month. Kendra guessed two, while Gavin and I figured it would take Shay 3 months to wear you down."

My eyebrow twitches, and I feel an angry vein beginning to pulse in my forehead. "You had a bet going on how long it would take Shay and I to hook up?"

Darren shrugs, looking unconcerned.

"We're not together." I hiss, both exasperated and mortified.

"Whatever you say, Kid." Darren chuckles as he starts the car. "Whatever you say."

My face is still burning by the time I slam the door on Darren's amused laughter and stomp my way into The Book Nook. I reign in my ire quickly, however, as Elise meets me inside, thanking me once again for coming in to help on such short notice. Caroline shows up 15 minutes later, grinning ear to ear when she sees be behind the counter of the coffee bar.

"Hey, Texas! I didn't think you were on the schedule tonight!"

"I picked up." As Caroline reaches over the counter to give me a hug, I'm glad I did.

The night goes smoothly, even after Elise takes her leave. Like most shifts with Caroline, it hardly feels like work. We joke and gossip between customers and help ourselves to some the free coffee offered to employees. After the chaos of yesterday, I needed a night like this. Simple. Carefree. Normal.

An hour before closing, the store is empty, and Caroline and I find ourselves working on a display for our new release section. From the look she's been giving me for a while now, I can guess the topic on her mind. Truth be told, I'm a little surprised she managed to make it through most of the shift without mentioning Shay. It's possible she was just trying to lull me into a false sense of security. Or maybe she was getting bored with my complete lack of progress.

"So, how is Miss. Tall, dark, and gorgeous?"

I roll my eyes; though I can't help but appreciate the accuracy of the description. "Shay has a lot going on right now. Work shit. It's really starting to take a toll on her, I think. She just takes on so much, you know? Always taking care of other people without stopping to take care of herself. I worry about her."

"Aww." Caroline coos. "I'm sorry to hear she's dealing with so much stress right now. Hopefully things slow down for her at work soon. In the meantime, though, it sounds like she has someone to help look after her." The blonde winks at me teasingly. "Finally catching feelings, ey Texas?"

Feelings, huh? Yeah. Pretty safe to say that I had caught those. Though I still wasn't sure how to categorize them.

"Yeah, seems that way." I admit, biting my lip in contemplation.

Caroline balks in the face of my honesty. No doubt she had been expecting me to deny any emotional attachment like I usually do. "Wait, are you serious?"

I heave a sigh, and toy idly with a piece of my hair. "Yeah. It's terrifying to say out loud, but shit, Caroline, I think I'm falling pretty hard here."

To her credit, my friend looks like she's desperately trying to tamper back her excitement and hold in an jubilant squeal. "Oh my god, you are being serious! It's about fucking time! Have you told her yet?"

"No, I haven't told her." I groan, embarrassed. "This is the first time I've actually admitted it. I'm just worried I'm going to fuck it all up, you know? Shay has become a really important part of my life. She's done so much for me. What if I ruin our friendship?"

"That's a pretty common fear to have, T." Caroline says as she places a soothing hand on my shoulder. "But unfortunately, there's no easy answer. Have you talked to Shay at all? Do you know how she feels about you?"

"Not really, no." Fuck, why does this all have to be so hard? "I sort of want to