38. Claire: Back to Work

*CLAIRE*

As I step through the familiar doors of the library, a rush of warmth floods through me, enveloping me like a comforting embrace. It's only been a few days since I was last here, but it feels like a lifetime with everything that's happened. Yet, as I glance around at the familiar sight of the bookshelves, the cozy reading nooks, and the soft glow of the lamps, I can't help but feel a sense of homecoming.

Emily, Sarah, and Jake are waiting for me near the front desk, their faces breaking into wide smiles as they spot me. Emily's smile is particularly warm, and I feel a surge of gratitude for the unwavering support of my friends. Sarah and Jake wrap me in tight hugs, their concern evident in the way they hold me close.

"It's good to have you back, Claire," Emily says, her voice filled with genuine warmth.

"Yeah, we missed you," Jake adds, giving my shoulder a reassuring squeeze.

Seeing them all gathered here, their familiar faces and comforting presence, reassures me that I made the right decision in coming back to work. The library has always been a sanctuary for me, a place of solace and refuge, and being surrounded by the familiar sights and sounds feels like coming home.

Almost at once, three sets of eyes drift questioningly to the figure entering the library behind me.

My new bodyguard.

Nik had introduced me to her in the lobby of my apartment building while I’d been leaving for work.

I clear my throat, “Um… everyone, I’m not sure if you’ve met before, but this is Louisa. She’s going to be sitting here with me today.”

Louisa is a middle-aged woman with a classy and unassuming appearance that reminds me a little of my mother. She’s dressed casually in a pair of well-fitted jeans and a charcoal gray blouse that drapes loosely over her frame. She has her hair pulled back into a casual bun, with a few loose tendrils framing her face, giving her a relaxed yet polished appearance. She doesn't necessarily seem like your typical bodyguard, but if Nik assigned her to me, then there must be more to her than meets the eye.

Louisa gives everyone a casual smile and wave, “I’ll just take a seat at one of the tables near the door. I’ll do my best not to get in the way.”

While Sarah and Jake recover from their confusion, thankfully Emily doesn’t look surprised at all. Nik must have given her a heads up about my new babysitter.

“Of course. Welcome!” Emily greets her warmly, “Let me quickly show you around before we open and then we’ll get you situated in a good spot.”

“Sounds perfect.” Louisa nods.

Emily turns back to the rest of us, “You three finish up the shelving the returns before we open.”

The second Emily and Louisa disappear around the corner, Sarah and Jake turn to me with wide eyes.

“What’s going on Claire? Is Louisa…is she your *bodyguard*?” Sarah’s tone rises with every word, betraying her excitement over this unexpected turn of events.

“Sort of,” I admit, feeling more than a little awkward.

The excitement on Sarah’s face quickly morphs into concern, “Wait, did something happen while you were away and that's why she’s here? Are you in some sort of danger?”

I take a quick steadying breath, “Someone from my last pack has been stalking me. Ni—I mean, *Alpha Bentley* wants to be on the cautious side until things are resolved.”

Sarah quickly pulls me into hug, “God, that’s insane… Are you okay?”

“I’m fine,” I assure her, hugging her back, “I promise.”

“Is there anything we can do to help?” Jake asks, looking more serious than I’ve ever seen him.

I shake my head, “Thank you, but I don’t think there’s anything *to* do. Right now, we’re just waiting to see if anyone catches sight of him.” I chew on the inside of my cheek.

“I’m so sorry this is happening,” Sarah says, “But...selfishly, at the same time, I’m really glad you’re back. Over the past few days, we’ve been elbow deep into planning for this month’s community event and we *really* need your help.”

We each grab a cart of books to re-shelf, pacing up and down the aisles, tucking books back onto the shelves. All the while Sarah chatters on about the ideas they’ve come up with for the event they have coming up over the month. The biggest event being the upcoming annual family carnival that’s being planned. Apparently, the person who used to put together the events—the person who’s position at the library I’m currently filling— recently had twins and isn’t able to assist.

“Honestly, we’ve been considering cancelling the carnival for this year,” Jake admits, his cart squeaking behind us, “None of us have any idea what we’re doing.”

“*No*!” Sarah wails animatedly, “We *can’t* cancel it. It’s everyone’s favorite event of the summer! I loved it when I was a kid. It’s what got me reading in the first place.”

“It’s just a lot to pull off in a single month,” Jake sighs, pushing his glasses up his nose, “You know that. And the binder that Mandy left us is barely legible.”

Sarah turns her large pleading eyes my way, “What do you think Claire?”

Jake’s not wrong when he says that throwing together a carnival for an entire community with just a few weeks notice would be a stretch. But maybe I could find a way to help. If there were a way for me to pay back the Pack that took me in and accepted me when I needed it most, *this* could be a step toward doing that. And it would give me something productive to focus on and distract me with everything else that’s happening.

I purse my lips, tapping my finger on the handle of the cart as I consider.

“If it’s alright with you, I'll take a look at Mandy’s notes and see if I can make anything of it. See if I can help.”

Sarah squeals happily, “*Yes*! Thank you! I’m so freaking excited.”

Even Jake looks relieved.

I offer them a quick reassuring smile as we make quick work of the rest of the books before the library opens.

As we bring the now empty carts back to the desk, I slip my cell phone from my pocket. One of the stipulations Nik had had with me starting work today— aside from the bodyguard— is that I check in with him every hour through text for my entire shift. Every. Hour.

I don’t even want to know how many times he has Louisa checking in with him.

The effects of the post-heat frenzy must still be riding him pretty hard.

Pulling out my phone, I see that there’s already a text from him.

NIK: I wasn’t joking about the updates. If I don’t hear from you, I’ll be forced to show up at your work.

I let out a huffed breath that’s half sigh and half laugh. My fingers fly over my phone’s screen, trying to lighten the mood.

CLAIRE: Yes sir, Alpha Bentley ;)

CLAIRE: I won’t forget. I promise.

Tucking my phone back into my pocket, I get back to work.