The Monster In Me

Chapter Ten

Nalea

Shit!

I missed my alarm, I had set it for eight and it was currently nine, I only had an hour before I met up with Z. If my memory served me right, I'm still wearing my crusty-ass makeup from yesterday.

How hygienic.

I drag myself to the bathroom, watching the makeup off my face and doing my facial routine. Of course... the one time I don't do it, I have a frickin' pimple on my face. I brush my teeth and then hop into the shower, scrubbing all the dirt from yesterday off of my skin.

I wore a pair of black leggings, a black spaghetti strap tanktop, and a blue cropped hoodie over it. I grabbed a bottle of orange juice from the fridge and my bag. I didn't exactly have time to eat, I'm already late.

I grabbed my helmet, deciding to use my motorcycle as it was late and I didn't have time to walk. It had been almost a month since I last used that thing.

Just as predicted, the library's mostly empty. I looked around, quickly realizing that Zaiden isn't even here yet, god I thought he would be sitting here waiting on me. I laughed to myself, claiming a table before searching the shelves for a book on finances.

I found two, and as I was about to round the corner to the next set of shelves, a scent caught my attention. He's here. I quickly pop a mint in my mouth, hoping it'll distract me from the missing meal this morning. I pull out my phone, texting Emily. 

He's standing in front of me, I look up hoping to catch his eyes... nope, sunglasses. "Morning," I said giving him a smile before replying to my friend. I told her that I had company and couldn't talk before sticking my phone in my pocket.

"Morning," he said. He followed me back to the table and sat opposite me.

"Are you hung over?" I questioned. Was he? It would make sense, most college students tend to party on Friday and Saturday nights.

"No," he said taking his sunglasses off. What's with the one-word answers? 

"Okay." I decide to ignore it for now, and start my reading, I handed him one of the books, not muttering another word. He was being weird... more than usual.

I began reading until it was apparent that I couldn't concentrate anymore. I look up to make conversation with the grump wolf shifter sitting opposite me. His head was resting on the opened book, was he asleep?

Not wanting to make too much noise, I shifted to the seat next to him. I tapped on his arm lightly, "Zaiden," I whispered. No response. I began rubbing light circles on his arm, "Zai- honey?"

That seemed to do it.

He got up stifling a yawn and apologized.

"It's fine, didn't get much sleep last night?" I asked.

"No, there was some sort of rage three buildings from mine... too many emotions."

Oh? He really can't turn it off, can he?

"And what do you feel now?" I asked.

I watch as his jaw ticks, "Just you... calm." I nodded looking around the space, we were the only ones here now, at least in this area.

"Come on," I said patting his shoulder and standing up, "The couch is probably more comfortable." I picked up my textbook and a pencil and sat on the couch, resting my book on the arm of the chair and patting the space next to me. 

Zaiden rests his head on my lap, not facing me. I wasn't expecting it, but I didn't protest. I ran one hand through his hair and the other on his chest. His hair was insanely fluffy.