US'

thing other than w

d leaning casually against my office doorwa

ow, Bernard? And how

a man come over to hang

d, holding up a silver key and jingling it cheekily.

want, Bernard. Some of

ten what today is?" I asked, gestur

moon rises tonight. You know what happens when the b

involved in every detail," Bernar

t the higher-

ngs before everything t

e it later," Bernard said,

most of the hard work. Now come

y the arm and practically dragged me out of

I demanded as he sho

ork to do instead

pestering you," he replied

ry about where we are

pulled up to a cozy, crowde

ng here, of all

estions. Just

r. We sat in silence while Bernard flipped through the menu.

p, beautiful aroma like wet earth and rain pulling through a dry f

ugh the doors, her dark hair was in a ponytail swinging f

we're-" I started, but Bernard c

er here?" he called out

my eyes locked onto her taking in her almond-shaped eyes

hing pull tightened in the center of my chest, dragging every

as as if I was spellbound. Panic flickered beneath my skin. I looked down at my phone screen, staring blankly at the

eaming at my inner predator to claim her, to prote

top. The sound of glasses clinking o

e her hurrying away toward the

rd muttered, leaning across t

waitress asked for your order

oice tight as I stared at the sp

e even her

ernard said, glancing toward the ki

my chest threatening to tear me apart if I stayed seated

!" Bernard ca

air, I saw Bernard hastily slap a stack of bills

happened in there?" Bernard

ood up and

on't know," I ground out, ra

htened the second she walked near us. And didn't you

racks. A strange, knowing grin

ng out of the ordinary

ha

," Bernard whispered

what?" I said

." The word hit me l

know that's

ile tailored specifically to your

tured wildl

e obviously the

't have mates!" I snapped, my v

ursed. It's been that way

not, your body cl

ght sent a surge o

she probably hates me now

s you," Bernard offered,

t got off to

door of my car. "Wait, you're leaving me

pulling out into the street before he could argue furthe

ma

were clear. The Moore line is de

either the ancient stories were a

the sky was already darkening into deep

ll where my head overseer was waiting. "Have all

a respectful nod. "The perimeter is lock

or-to-ceiling window as the moon be

s outside, but my mind was miles away still haunte