- Josie -

Again my shift couldn't go quick enough, I was desperate to see Knox after work.

I had made up my mind, I wanted us to give this a go, for us to be open with everyone. Yes Jaxon in particular might hit the roof, Knox was his mentor and he might not be keen on the age gap...but I don't care.

I refuse to be Auntie Alora and spend years wasted in the shadows when in reality everyone around me would be supportive.

There was logistics involved. Yes, he would need to leave for training again soon but I can visit him, we can make this work. As long as he wants this as well.

Which why wouldn't he? Only last night he was calling me his, "mine" those words have been echoing in my ears all day. Threatening to bring me on to my knees with desire for him. "Josie, did you restock the supplies?"

"Yes, I did that when I first arrived. It's been slow today so it seemed like the perfect timing." Slow was being kind, today was like a graveyard shift. Beyond slow. There was still internal conflict amongst the management team, meaning the emergency department was going out of their way to not transfer patients over to us. Whatever Doctor Abel had said to the head of emergency clearly didn't work. But an emergency drill was planned in a few days, which means it will start to get busy again.

"Any plans tonight?" I check the clock as I finish tightening the bedding on one of the hospital beds as Doctor Abel looks up from over his charts as he sits on the edge of another bed. "You might say that." I beam out, my heart racing. A mixture of excitement and fear was bubbling within me.

"Care to elaborate?" He stands up, placing the charts down and walking over to me.

"Hopefully tomorrow I can, if tonight goes my way."

"I'm intrigued. You can knock off early if you want."

"You are sure?" I was due to finish until 9pm and I always finish my shift but I can't deny my excitement in seeing Knox just that little bit earlier than planned.

I had texted him earlier asking him to meet me at my cabin after I finish work.

"That's fine, we aren't exactly rushed off our feet."

"Okay great, I think I will. Thanks Doctor Abel."

"Have a good night Josie."

Entering the staff lounge I pick my bag out of my locker and pull my phone out, sending Knox a text to meet me that little bit earlier.

In an ideal world I would go home and change, get the hospital sterile smell off me and put something more seductive on.

But him being at home and us leaving at a similar time to go back out would look odd, it's just easier this way.

Bypassing the path that leads home, I continue to walk towards the meadow. The long-grassed field dark, now that the sun has set and the moon is growing in power.

I pull my phone out of my pocket and place my torch light on, I know these lands like the back of my hand. Yet in the dark, I do doubt myself.

He's already waiting for me. His back to me as he looks out towards the night sky towards the pack borders. I thought we were meeting inside. I pick up speed, pushing through the wilderness to get to him.

"Why aren't you inside the cabin?" He turns to me as I walk up behind him. My large wide steps hard to miss I'm sure by his heightened hearing.

"Because if we go in there I'll want to do things to you." His eyes are already fall off desire.

"I'm okay with that." I tiptoe up and place a lingering kiss on his lips, his hands pull out of his front pockets and lace around my lower back.

"Everything okay?" Gosh he was handsome, yet there was a small crease to his forehead. Had something been bothering him.novelbin

"Yeah, somethings going on with your Mum and Auntie."

"Like what?"

"I'm not sure, I thought you might know more?"

"Well that's actually why I wanted to meet with you. I wanted to discuss us." It sounds like Auntie Alora had told Mum, so now was my turn to be honest with Knox. "Us?"

"Yes I wanted to discuss us being more open, not keeping things hidden."

My truthful admission has the opposite effect to what I had expected. His hands drop from my lower back and fall by his side, coldness radiates through me not only from his loss of touch but by his non verbal response, his body language.