Starting Over.

Chapter 41 - Back to work.

We got to work and I gripped David’s hand tight.

“Are you nervous?” David asked.

“A little.” I whispered as we walked in.

“Don’t be. Everything will be fine.” David said as we walked to the stairs.

“Ok, I’m going to get my coffee.” I said and David gave me a quick kiss.

“I have a couple meetings today. I will try to grab you for lunch. If not then I will see you after work. We’ll stop by your place and get some more things. Tonight you promised to talk about staying for good with me.” David lifted his finger at me.

“I know. I’ll think about it today.” I said.

“Good! Have a good day.” He kissed me again before we parted ways. I walked to the cafeteria and started getting my coffee ready. It was surprisingly quiet in the cafeteria this morning and I didn’t mind it. I walked to the accounting department and got to my cubicle.

“Ryan!” I heard Angela’s voice and I turned. She looked into my little space with a smile on her face.

“Good morning.” I said and started my computer up.

“You’re here! How are you?” I heard Sam joining Angela.

“I’m fine. Shock has worn off and we’re just taking things one step at a time.” I said and they looked at each other confused.

“What?” Angela said.

“Oh, um David told me about things.” I said and they stared at me. “About Ironridge being a pack?” I said and they looked shocked.

“He told you!?” Sam said.

“Well I win, she didn’t run away.” Angela said confidently.

“No, I passed out when I saw him transform instead.” I said and grabbed my stack of work.

“He transformed!? You saw his wolf and it didn’t scare you enough to leave!?” Sam said and I shook my head.

“No, it was a shock. It’s been hard so far to convince myself it’s real.” I said with a sigh.

“Things are good now? You’re going to stay?” Angela said.

“Things are fine. I want to stay. I picked up everything to be here. I really don’t think I could leave. This job is so perfect for me and…” I trailed off staring at the screen of my computer.

“And?” Sam asked.

“To be perfectly honest, when it comes to David, it’s the best beginning to a relationship that I’ve ever had. Everytime we’re together, it’s better then the last time. It just feels like… My heart beats harder when we’re together sometimes.” I said and let out a breath slowly. I looked over and saw them smiling at me. “What?” I said.

“Ryan that’s a good thing. It’s the mate bond!” Angela said gleefully.

“You’re so lucky to bond to David! You know how lucky you are?” Sam said and I looked back in obvious confusion.

“She’s right! David is smart and handsome. He’s the omega so he’s responsible, but not so high up that’s he’s going to be busy the entire time.” Angela said and I slowly nodded.

“Saturday David is out of town right? So let’s do our girls night then instead of tomorrow!” Sam said and I continued to nod.

“I’m so happy we can be more open about everything!” Angela clapped.

“Oh my gosh! Tilly and Carol got back yesterday too! So it’s going to be so much fun!” Sam said happily.

“I can’t wait.” I said flatly and they looked at me.

“Well you didn’t sound very enthusiastic there.” Sam said putting a hand on her hip.

“I’m sorry, there’s so much going on. Then David wants me to move in with him. The mate marking thing kinda scares me too.” I said.

“Ohhh don’t be scared. It hurts for like a minute.” Sam said and a look of horror spread across my face.

“A whole minute!?” I said and they laughed.

“Oh Ryan, It’s only for a moment really.” Angela said sweetly.

“You know, we should get to work if we’re going to get to lunch on time.” Sam said and Angela nodded.

“More at lunch!” Angela said as Sam nodded. I turned and started my work pile. There was a little extra today, it was probably because I missed yesterday. I tried to move a little faster and time felt like it flew by. I heard my phone buzz from inside my purse. I hadn’t checked it since Tuesday and I was surprised it wasn’t completely dead. I fished it out and opened it. The messages were insane. Tonya, Matt, our girls group, and last a message from David that he wasn’t going to make lunch. I couldn’t help but smile to his message of how much he missed me.

“Ryan?” I heard and turned to Sam. “Ready for lunch?” She asked.

“Yes. Let me save my progress really quickly.” I said making a few clicks. “I’m going to reply to David’s message and then plug my phone in while I’m away. It’s practically dead.” I said looking at the display of 4% left on the battery. I quickly typed out that I was going to miss him and hoped he could make it up to me. I added a few kissy emojis and went to plug my phone in. I paused seeing a weird message from Matt.

“Where are you?” Is all it said. Must be because I haven’t respond.

“Come on Ryan!” Sam said.

“Ok ok!” I said and got up.

“I’m here!” We heard behind us as Sam ushered me out. As we walked out, we could see the cafeteria already filling up. People were turning and whispering.

“Will that ever end?” I asked.

“Oh yeah, when something else becomes interesting.” Angela said.

“Which will be never.” Sam said.

“Don’t say that.” I said as we moved inside. I grabbed a tray and nabbed a salad. I walked through people who stepped out of my way like I was diseased. I grabbed a drink and went to sit. I saw Carol talking to Tilly and quickly went over to them.

“Ryan! It’s so good to see you!” Tilly said

“Oh my gosh, I saw in chat that David told you so now we can more open. Sorry we hid it.” Carol said.

“Oh no, you guys are good. It does feel weird to be the person everyone is talking about.” I said while mixing my salad together.

“You’re really calm, you know that? I thought we wouldn’t see you for days after David told you.” Tilly said.

“Yeah, I’m not one that really panics or over analyzes a situation. Worrying isn’t going to fix any situation. Especially since there really isn’t anything to fix.” I said taking a bite. Sam and Angel joined sitting next to each other.

“She’s taking everything so well.” Carol said.

“I know! It’s crazy.” Sam said.

“I have a question for all of you.” I said and they all quickly gave me their attention.

“David wants me to move in with him. Is that normal?” I asked and almost all at once they answered.

“Yes.” The table rang out.

“I was marked the same day I met Garrett.” Sam said.

“Oh Freddie and I marked the day after.” Angela said.

“How is Freddie?” Tilly asked.

“He can’t wait to come home.” Angela said.

“You have a husband? I didn’t know.” I said and she nodded.

“Oh yes, that’s why I got the new puppy. He’s in the part of Ironridge that requires travel. He goes to potential businesses and helps them set up with our systems and such.” Angela said and I really had no clue what she meant.

“We are off topic! I think you should move in with David and live in his giant house.” Sam said.

“Then we could do girls night there!” Carol’s face lit up.

“Do you guys really think I should?” I asked.

“Oh absolutely.” Tilly said.

“Only if you want to Ryan.” Angela said.

“I agree, don’t rush if you don’t feel comfortable. If it’s what you want to do then do it.” Sam said.

“Gosh Tilly.” Carol said and giggled.

“You guys are right.” I said and continued to eat.