Chapter 24: Laurel

“Scott!” She caught up to him inside, grabbing his elbow and then dropping it again when she realized
what she’d done.

Crap. Physical touch was not appropriate in a professional relationship.

“Ms. Adams, what can I do for you?” Scott’s voice was nasally as always, but there was a coldness
he’d never used at the office.

Surprise, she told herself. Of course, it was weird seeing her outside the office. Especially in such a
relaxed setting.

“I just wanted to say hello,” she said, kicking herself for coming over here in the first place. What the
heck was she supposed to say? Are you going to tell anyone you saw me with the most notorious crew
of shifters in three states? Probably a little brazen.

“Hello,” Scott returned, still curt. He shot a disdainful look over her shoulder to Xavier and the others.

Laurel grit her teeth. “Look, I know it’s probably a surprise seeing me with the Wilde crew. Or seeing
me here at all.” Scott’s brow rose, but he didn’t interrupt. Something about that irritated her, and she
went straight into boss-lady mode. Her voice went hard as she said, “I just wanted to be polite and say
hello, but let’s be clear. Our personal lives are our own, especially outside working hours. I trust you’ll
give us both the respect we deserve by not bringing this back into the office tomorrow. Or ever.”

Scott’s eyes narrowed, but Laurel’s alpha act drained away. She knew if he argued or threatened or
said anything but “yes, ma’am,” she’d fold. That was not happening. So she made the only move left to
a boss-lady. She turned on her heel and strode away.

It might not shut Scott up forever. Probably tomorrow, there’d be consequences for her new alliance.
Friends, she corrected herself. But tonight, she was determined to remain in control of her own



choices. Tonight, at least, she would not hide.


62fb1bb41dcb31934bd49bda