Chapter 22
Twenty-Two
Knox
I t feels as though my heart is being torn from my very chest as I leave her. I run away from her cabin, her scent dissipating far too quickly as I struggle to breathe without her near. I don’t want to leave her. Everything in me is screaming to stay and explain to her why we need to be together.
But a bigger part of me is scared, terrified to push too hard and push her away.
I run through the night, my legs burning from exertion. It’s nearly dawn by the time I make it back to my place, and I shift into human form to take a hot shower and put some fresh clothes on.
My clothes.
It’s been far too long since I wore my own things or slept in my own bed. But that’s how much she means to me. I’d rather her than all my usual niceties. I’d sacrifice everything if it meant getting her to see that we’re meant to be together.
Hopefully she can see that on her own, sooner than later.
I head back to the camp where my pack resides, a bunch of loud hoots and hollers breaking out at my arrival.
“Where the hell have you been hiding?” Drew, one of my packmates, asks .
“Been busy,” I say. “You know, working and stuff.”
He shoots me a disbelieving stare. “Really? Because I went around your place and you weren’t there. I went there a couple times.”
“I took a little trip for a couple days,” I shrug. “Was feeling a bit overworked. Needed to cut loose.”
“Cut loose, hey?” he says with a cheeky grin. “Uh huh.”
“Never you mind,” I groan. “How have things been around here?”
Days pass. Everyone is glad to have me back, which is nice, but all the company in the world can’t make up for her absence. Life without her feels empty and heavy, and all I want is to be curled up in her bed, sleeping beside her once more.
Even if it’s with four legs and her calling me ‘Wolfie’.
I sand the side of the cabinet I’m working on, making sure every inch is smooth before I stain it. Then, a chiming sound comes from my pocket. I pull out my phone, my face lighting up when I see the message.
I’m not ready to dive into anything. I just got out of a bad relationship. Can we get to know each other?
My heart pounds as I think about what to say back.
I’d like that.
Over the next few weeks, Bailey and I text each other night and day. It’s not the same as having her in person, but I can tell she’s slowly growing to trust me, which warms my heart.
Good morning handsome. You up?
Ish. And good morning, gorgeous. You busy today?
Ya. Work. You know how it is.
I do.
You busy making cabinets?
Yeah. Got a big order that needs to be done by Friday.
Need a hand?
You serious? What do you know about cabinets?
Literally: nothing lol
Lol
Hey pretty lady
Hey handsome. What’s up?
Nothing. Just thinking bout you.
Oh yeah? What about me?
Just how I wish we were watching cooking shows together.
Ha, yeah right. You even like that stuff?
I do! I love food!
Haha, I believe it. Well. Maybe someday.
Hey. You up?
Barely. What’s up?
I can’t sleep. Thought I’d bug you if you were still up. But I’ll let you sleep.
No way! I’m up now, lol
Lol, k. I kinda miss sleeping beside you, FYI
Even if you are really hairy
Hey! It’s not hair. It’s fur
And it keeps me warm
It keeps me warm too! That’s why I miss it
Oh that’s why? Just that?
Maybe
Maybe? Why else
Maybe I just miss you
I miss you too
Hey
Hey
What’s up
Nothing. You free today?
If not all good
No I’m free. What’s up?
Was wondering if you wanted to get coffee
I realized the other day that we’ve fooled around in a closet but we’ve never had a proper date lol
Lol you are not wrong
I would love to take you for coffee
Hey I’m the one who asked you! It’s me taking you for coffee lol
Oka okay! You’re a strong independent lady, I get it lol
That’s right. I am.
You are,
Wanna say tomorrow at 11? There’s a cafe across the street from my work, we can go before my shift
It’s a date
:) 3
Thank you for coffee
My pleasure
Hey Bailey?
Yeah?
Can I kiss you next time?
Yes please.
Can next time be tomorrow? ;)
Haha sorry handsome, I work a double tomorrow! This weekend?
Deal :)
I really like kissing your face
I really like kissing yours too
But
Wouldn’t mind kissing other parts of you either. Just FYI
I think that can be arranged sometime ;)
YAY
Lol
So you were saying at coffee you own your own land?
Ya. I have a cabin, kinda like yours. Not gonna lie, yours is way nicer lol
Lol that’s okay I don’t own mine. And where does your pack live?
They have a camp nearby. Kinda like a little town
Cute
It’s nice. You’d like it.
Maybe ill have to see it one day
I’d like that :)