“Gaze at me, Ricky,” Tiana retorts, cradling my face in her hands. “You are more than merely human.” Are you able to hear me? Your value surpasses that of any she-wolf who has ever engaged in this behaviour, and your pack ought to feel embarrassed for allowing your departure. They were unworthy of you, dear, however you merit every bit of joy this puppy will provide. This small angel requires your assistance, Rick. He requires your assistance! Commence the exertion!”
“I am unable to,” I lament, vehemently shaking my head at her. “I am excessively apprehensive.” What if I am unable to accomplish this?”
“It is acceptable to feel fear,” Tiana states with a grin, gently caressing my hair to provide comfort. “However, I am confident that you can accomplish this.” I recognise that you possess greater strength than anyone I have encountered. Do not let your anxieties to impede your pursuit of happiness. Ricky, you merit happiness with your dog. Do you not wish to embrace him?”
I acquiesce as she removes perspiration from my brow.
“Then exert yourself for me, dear. Exert force!”
I grasp the edges of the bathtub and brace my feet on its porcelain sides, using all my effort until I finally hear the most exquisite sound imaginable.
“Oh Rick,” Tiana exclaims as she severs the chord and cleans my infant. “He is flawless.” He is an exemplary little angel.
***
I endured Aldo’s treachery, I withstood a werewolf birth, and I shall endure Jadi.
I steel my expression and seize the foolish notepad from Jadi’s grasp.
“Acceptable.” “We shall proceed according to your preference,” I retort, his countenance brightening with a faint smile. I despise that he can induce butterflies in my stomach with only a glance. “You have a period of three months to secure my acceptance.” Failure to comply signifies your rejection of me. NO EXCEPTIONS!”
Jadi resumes writing in the notebook. “I possess regulations.”
Oh, for goodness’ sake! I almost shout at him.
“What are they?”“I exhale, mere moments away from losing my sanity.”
He composes a list and presents it to me.
“1.” I relocate and we cohabit the bedroom as a pair. No s****l intercourse. We only share the room.
Two. I accompany you to work daily and have the opportunity to hold your hand.
Three. We partake in a minimum of one meal together each day. It is inconsequential which one.
Four. One designated evening for a date each week. Your selection.
5. Terminate your employment at The Halitton without delay. “
My fists tighten as I peruse his absurd demands, and I perceive him swallowing in trepidation.
You should be wary of me, you scoundrel!
“What pertains to me?”I deride. “Am I not entitled to a voice in this absurd arrangement?””
What are your stipulations?“He composes.”
I take a pen from the jar and inscribe my rules.
“1.” You remit rental payments. $900.
Two. You prepare meals and maintain cleanliness. Daily. I anticipate dinner will be ready once my return from work.
Three. You will be tasked for transporting Bray to and from nursery. He arrives at 8:00 AM and departs promptly at 5:00 PM. Do not arrive tardily.
Four. You retain your wolf-related possessions privately. I do not wish to observe your wolf. I wish to avoid meeting him. I do not wish for your wolf to be in proximity to my son.
5. Uniqueness. For the forthcoming three months, you are prohibited from gazing at, approaching, or conversing with any other woman. Violate this regulation and all agreements are nullified. We terminate our relationship, and you provide me with my refusal.
He reviews the list and frowns, somewhat disheartened by my requests, which gratifies me. At least I will not be the alone individual experiencing discontent under this arrangement. It is to be hoped that he will despise it sufficiently to grant me my independence and cease his interference.
He inscribes an additional note on a piece of paper and presents it to me.
“Is it possible for Melina to remain here as well?”
I observe the corridor and contemplate the available guest room we own. She might be accommodated well at that location.
“The rent increases to $1200,” I respond nonchalantly, and he acknowledges with a nod of assent.
“Are we in agreement?” He extends a timid hand towards me.
I reluctantly accept it, disregarding the intense sensations coursing through my body from his touch. “You have an agreement, wolf.”
