MY MURDEROUS MATE

SNIFF

Tegan POV

A few days in the office and operating is starting to wear on me. Monet is professional as usual but almost too professional. She has only addressed me as Dr. since I brushed off her advance. I do feel guilty but I’m just in this funk.

A soft knock is heard on my door, “Come in.”

Monet, “Dr. Moss, I have a message for you from Nevin. He says that he and Oak will meet you at the ‘meeting place’ tonight around 8pm.”

I notice her emphasis on ‘meeting place’. I confided in her about visiting there with the guys while telling her a funny story. It sounds like this might be a sore spot for her.

“Hey Monet, do you have a moment?” She shakes her head yes and takes a seat across the desk from me. I get up and walk around sitting in the seat next to her. I reach out to take her hand but she pulls it away.

“Ok, I’m sorry about the other day. I’m so stressed right now and I took it out on you. It’s never my intention to hurt you.”

Monet, “Doctor, I’m fine.”

“Well, for one, you never address me as doctor when we’re alone. For two, you are obviously upset. And, for three, I want to make it up to you. Are you free tomorrow evening?”

She takes a deep breath, “Tegan, really I’m fine. I met someone and I’d like to keep our relationship more professional.”

“Met someone?” I say this almost feeling the wind sucked out of me. I know this shouldn’t shock me because she is a beautiful she-wolf but I had hoped we could become more possibly once this case is over.

Monet, “It’s not serious yet. I’m taking things slow. Look, I gave my all to our relationship and hoped that you might fall in love with me even though I’m not your true mate. Tegan, I wanted you. Now with Elmondo I feel like I want to give him a chance. Even my wolf is drawn to him. I hope you understand.”

“Wow! I thought I was doing exactly what we discussed. I didn’t know you wanted more. We can give it a try if you give me the chance.”

She smiles but I can see the rejection written on her face, “Tegan, if I had to tell you then I already know the answer. I’m not saying we can’t ever give it a chance but right now I’m in a place where I’m happy and content. I hope you understand. Plus, I really like being your assistant and wouldn’t want that to change.”

“You have my word that I want you to continue as my assistant.”

She shakes her head and gets up leaving me sitting in the patient seat sulking. How did I miss that she wanted more? Did I wait to long? Have I missed my chance? Am I destined to be alone forever? What did I do so wrong throughout my life to not have love?

Finally, I remember that her message to me was from Nevin. After the conversation just now, a few beers and a visit with my besties might be in order. I just wish they would find another ‘meeting place’. I reluctantly go there. It’s not my preferred place to frequent.

The only good that came from there WAS Saliana. I met her there several months ago. I could tell that she wasn’t the normal stripper. She had talent and was intelligent. In fact, we would spend hours talking after her shift. The conversation typically was me telling her that she was so much better than this place.

Yeah, one night we both had too much to drink. One thing led to another and we had s*x in my car. I know that was definitely not one of my finest moments. I apologized profusely to her the next day when I realized I took advantage of the situation. Luckily Saliana wasn’t upset. In fact, she barely remembered. I’m not sure if that was a blow to my ego or what but I was glad that we were able to keep our friendship.

It still saddens me remembering the look in her eyes. She knew she was dying. She kept her eyes open and her consciousness long enough to move her hand to her belly. I wasn’t certain if there was more meaning to the gesture but I just knew she wanted me to do everything I could to save the baby.

I’m brought out of my thoughts by a ding on my phone. It’s Oak now reminding me to be on time or else I buy all night. I look at the clock and it’s already 7:45 pm. s**t!

Rushing in the door of the club, I immediately spot the guys. It’s exactly 8:00 pm. Bam!

“You fuckers buy your own damn beer!”

Nevin, “Yeah, we knew threating you with having to buy would get your attention.”

Oak, “Speaking of beer. Where is our beer?” He waves the server over to ask. She motions to the bar and says she’s waiting on the bartender and it should be soon.

We wait another 5 minutes and I decide to walk over to see if I could expedite.

I stand with my elbows leaning on the counter. I’m flipping through my phone with my wolf, Dylen, stirs. I look up and he wants me to attack this guy. I can feel a fury inside me. What the hell is going on?

The guy is coming from a closet area adjusting his pants and belt. He walks by smirking and then says, “Be right with you. The lady couldn’t wait for my shift to be over.” Ok gross. He better wash his nasty hands.

I still feel Dylan stirring and I can’t figure out why so I open my link to see if there’s something I should know. He says there was a smell that grabbed at his soul. Then he smelled it mixed with the bartender. I reassured him that there aren’t any new dancers that I can see so it couldn’t be our mate or anyone we would risk fighting over.

My explanation pissed him off but he agreed that our mate would never lower her standards to that of a sleezy bartender at a strip club. I just rolled my eyes. He’s such a judgmental bastard. I mean if love exists who would care what the profession of the other.

“Excuse me, we’ve been waiting for some time for our drinks. Do you mind just handing them over to me? No need waiting on the server.”

He walks over, “Sorry dude. This rounds on me.”

I catch the whiff of the scent Dylan mentioned. He wasn’t lying. It was magnificent. I’ll have to sniff to see if I can locate who it belongs to. (Without seeming psycho)