BRIAN NODDED in response. "Good choice."

I was distracted by the weight that half-leapt onto my lap. Fynn.

He slobbered my face in licks and kisses and wouldn't let up until I painstakingly stood up with all the weight and prodded him. Even then, he sat down at my feet and refused to move.

"We will arrange the further details with you tomorrow," Adrianne continued after I was congratulated by Ian and Amelia. "For now, the rest of the pack are coming home early. So, I thought you'd want to spend some time with them and Amelia before she has to leave."

My happy thoughts instantly sobered by the reminder of Amelia's impending departure.

"Yes."

We stood to shake hands before Amelia, Fynn, Ian and I turned to leave.

Before I exited, a thought occurred to me. "What about my sleeping arrangements?"

I really hope I don't have to give up the cloud-soft bed...

"Yeah, else we might sleep on the snow instead."

The snow? That's deathly cold!"

"Eh, it's white – just like the clouds."

The bed isn't white either.

"Whatever."

Adrianne waved her hands. "We'll discuss this later. But you'll likely continue rooming in your existing room at the Wolf Lodge."

I thanked her and couldn't get out of the building fast enough.

The wolves were waiting for me.

After the day of hanging out with Amelia and the wolves followed by a night of deep slumber, I entered Adrianne's office with a smile on my face and hair in a messy bun.

Surprisingly, only Adrianne was in the office. I'd previously only spoken to them together.

"Morning! You said we'd discuss the details today?"

"Yes, please have a seat," she gestured to the couch opposite her. I slowly approached the awaiting couch as it was the first time sitting somewhere other than the office chairs.

She slid a beige folder across the table before crossing the slender legs and leaning back.

Trembling as I picked up and opened the folder, I began to read.

This contract serves as an agreement between Katie Montanya and Adrianne Mars. It becomes effective on 21st December 2021 and involves providing services for Polar Park from 21st December 2021 to 20th March 2022...

Although I wanted to just sign my name and get back to my wolves, I knew the importance of reading through an entire contract – fine print included.

Brushing away a platinum blonde tendril, Adrianne allowed me a few minutes to read.

Attached to the folder was a thumb pricking device. "Am I meant to prick my thumb and use my blood to sign?"

Adrianne nodded, "it's a more effective method to prevent betrayal."

"We're going back to medieval times," I nodded to myself, "cool."

After an unusually painful thumb prick and signing the contract, Adrianne seemed to relax and sink into the sofa.

"Is there anything you'd like to discuss?"

"No, I get the gist, but some of the wordings were a bit too technical for my brain to comprehend. I'm just not at that level – I'll never be," I shook my head and cracked a small smile.

"So, to review, your role in simple terms will mainly be caring for the wolves, alongside Ian. As this... job... is during what would be your winter break, we will also offer in-office jobs which can go into your job experience as an internship. Occasionally we will need your help in tourist wolf sessions, especially if one of your wolves is misbehaving."

Suddenly, I'm reminded of my room at the Wolf Lodge.

"Will I still stay at the Wolf Lodge?"

"As we are not paying you very much, you will continue to stay in your room at the Wolf Lodge. Of course, the final say is up to you. We also offer staff buildings for the rooming staff members."

I was about to ask about the tourist booking the lodge, but I was beaten to it.

"In the scenario tourists stay at the lodge, you'd be required to room in the staff building alongside other staff members. After the tourists leave, you are permitted to resume your rooming at the Lodge."

I mindlessly nodded as I took in the information.

"That means we can continue sleeping on the cloud?" a voice exclaimed.

Yep. That is until there are tourists.

"Fluffy!"

Adrianne smiled as she patiently waited for me to come back to my senses before reaching out for a handshake.

"I look forward to working at Polar Park," I say.

"Good."

***

A/N:

I'd like to thank every one of you for reading my book (we're at 100 views!) and giving me the motivation to continue. Carry on with the votes and comments!

QOTC: How many books do you have in your library? What book(s) are you reading?

I've got 32! I always try to keep less but it's practically impossible! I just finished the 5 chapters available for [HANDLE NAME: UNKNOWN by Helium. It's a reaaaallly good book but they haven't updated since January LAST YEAR. Though I don't know her, tell her to update!

Keep your eyes PEALED for Chapter 9: 30April2022

P.S, if you care, wish me luck for my Edexcel Further Pure Maths test on the 29th (it's not finals but yeah, just wish me luck.) I've also got to study biology (3rd May), chemistry (5th May) and physics (10th May) ... AHHHHHHHHHHH!