When I come out, Jase’s drinking from myLibrarian: The Original Search Enginemug.
“Just so you know, I’m keepin’ score,” he informs.
“Meaning?” I ask while heading for my desk.
“Look at me.”
I glance up at him.
“Every little stunt so far. Leavin’ without me overseas and now again this morning. Lockin’ me out. I’m keeping count. And the number is gonna translate to your punishment when I finally get my hands on you.”
I work hard to hide my feelings on the threat, damning both the biology that makes my body react as well as him for reading this fact and mutter, “What. Ever.”
I pass him to get to my semicircular desk, where I do all my work for the pack as well as where people bring their books to check out or return.
I love our little library. We’ve got three computers, plus mine, and over seventy-four-hundred books, which I’m very proud of.
I’ve increased our book count by over four thousand in the four years since I took over from Brenda, the last librarian who moved out of town to be near her daughter Susan’s new pack once she had a bunch of grandbabies for her.
Susan was Joel’s girlfriend until she was claimed by an alpha from another pack. Grey bought Brenda’s house and I got her old job. We still talk semi-regularly as she runs the library for her new pack.
Our library has some comfy furniture as well as plenty of tables and chairs and a handful of small desks for people who want a quiet place to work on projects or crafts.
Part of the library’s collection of books includes about two thousand children’s books. I’m also pretty proud of our children’s play zone in the back with beanbag chairs as well as plenty of educational toys and craft supplies.
The Moonshine Springs pack (previously Silver Hills) kids have been getting plenty of use of this stuff, which reminds me… I should let Addy and Misty know I’m back and can do circle and story time with the kids. They’re only going to be here a little longer before they move to their new land and Misty wants to set up a library there. She’s only sixteen, but I see a lot of myself in her and told her I’d be happy to mentor her and help her get it all set up once their pack gets settled in their new home.
My phone chimes.
Audrey: OMG OMGOMGOMGOMG
I write back.
Everything ok?
She’s immediately typing.
“What do you want for breakfast?” Jase asks. “I’m gonna get food sent over from Roxy’s.”
In truth, I am hungry. I only ate three bites of breakfast yesterday, followed by a few bites of dinner last night. In fact, I’ve hardly eaten anything in a couple days, my mental state getting in the way of my appetite. But no way am I going to have him thinking he’s riding to my rescue by ordering me food.
“I want nothing from you,” I say simply.
My phone bloops with Audrey’s reply.
Audrey: DUH. YOU and Jase!!!! Bailey+Jase! EEK! I’m so freaking happy for you babe. Me and Leona wanted to throw a party for you. In fact, I think we WILL throw you a party. As soon as you guys are out and about after your time.
I write back.
No party necessary. He’s here at the library with me as he’s following me around but believe me, there’s no cause for celebration.
She phones me.
I answer with, “Hey. Can we catch up later?”
“Do you not want me to come in and take care of it today for you?”
“No, I’m here. I’m good.”