2.

"Ms Sherneil, you should make sure you attend the farewell party tonight. No excuses." Madame Lois said, as she stopped before me. One hand on her waist, while the other held a file. Her glasses sat atop her nose, and I wondered if she truly needed them to see.

A party?

A gnawing fear ripped at my heart. Shock gave way to rapid-fire, panic-scrambled thoughts. Party means loud music. And noise. Mountains of sweaty people. Strangers pushing their bodies into mine.

I blinked, trying to find a way to get out of this, but it doesn't seem Madame Lois will take no for an answer today. I had never agreed to attend any party, no matter how hard she tried.

But this is a farewell party like she said, which meant I should attend. Besides, I told myself to try new things. To give myself an opening to try things I don't do. To be wild. Isn't that what I wanted? So, I flexed my fingers and counted to seven as always, easing the tempo of my heart.

Then I looked up at Madame Lois, took the file she was now stretching towards me and nodded. "Of course. I'll see you tonight."

She beamed, and I tried to mimic it. Tried to return the smile. But whatever it was that appeared on my face at the attempt, dimmed Madame Lois's smile. She shook her head and walked away.

I massaged my temple, my palms sweaty at the thoughts of going to the party tonight. That's too much trial. Go to a party tonight, and meet an escort tomorrow? Way to go, Sher.

'Why did you say yes?' Robyn said. She had been eyeing me closely since Madame Lois mentioned the party. But as always, Robyn never interferes with things like this and always lets me make the decision.

'Because I want to,' I replied absentmindedly.

'You and I both know you don't like to go to parties. You never really did. You like music, which is different and you enjoy it alone. But in a crowded place? With sweaty bodies pressing against yours? Loud booming music? You never do things like that.'

The picture of the party scene she painted etched itself in my brain as though I was watching it live. The thudding in my heart at the prospect of those sweaty bodies and loud music picked up its pace, causing me to want to vomit that instant.

'To be honest though, there's nothing wrong with pressing bodies with muscled men. Not the lanky types with nothing to offer except for lousy smooches. I wonder how it'll feel to be cramped in a confined space with the man you booked for tomorrow,' she murmured quietly.

Okay. I need tomorrow to come fast so I can get rid of this horny bitch and get my wolf back!

'That's beside the point though. You shouldn't have said yes to something that'll make you uncomfortable, Sher.'

I sighed, shutting my eyes tightly. 'I want to try new things, Robyn.'

'At the expense of making yourself uncomfortable?'

'Well, I booked an escort yesterday. And it does make me uncomfortable. But I don't see you discouraging me from that.'

'That's because, I...I...' she bristled for a moment, as though lost for words before she shook her head. 'That's because we agreed to try new things. Only because you wanted to. But that doesn't mean you need to do too much at a time.'

'I'm not doing too much. I'm only learning how to smile easily, get laid by a stranger, and go to a party. How hard can that be, Robyn?'

Except that it is hard. And I know. Robyn knows too. But I know she won't be pushing me anymore on that. If I say I'm doing this, then she'll let it go. Just like she did when I insisted I'm coming here. Just like when I decided to book an escort yesterday. I had thought I'd wake up today already regretting my decision for a one night stand, but it didn't happen. I still felt inclined towards it, and I hope to still feel that way by tomorrow night.

'If you insist. But are you certain you want to? I don't mind it all, you know I love things like that. But I'm concerned about you.'

Something warm bubbled in my throat, but for whatever reason, it didn't escape my throat. 'Are you ready for tomorrow?' I asked, switching the topic.

'I keep seeing those eyes of his and can't shake them off. Those muscles. I swear, I haven't forgotten about him even without seeing his face since you booked him yesterday.' Robyn sighed, her voice a bit breathy.

Yup, she's definitely horny.

'Well, we'll find out tomorrow if he ticks all the boxes for goodness. And if he'll meet up to your standards of screaming.'

She rolled her eyes, looking down at her black fur before settling those grey eyes on me. 'Don't try to dampen my mood, woman. Nothing, I mean nothing would ruin my day. Not when I'm expecting to get banged tomorrow in different styles. Please, don't be too stiff, else I'm taking over and banging him myself.'

I choked on my spit, because I know for sure Robyn can definitely do that. The last time we had sex, which was one year ago, Robyn did the same thing. I wasn't enjoying the moment, and before I knew what was going on, Robyn had taken over. And in a matter of seconds, she was a moaning mess.

Robyn is my everything. But not when she's horny. She wasn't this way at first. It all started after we met Mav...him. And hence, why I was intimate with a man last year. Because finding our mate and him not wanting us awoke Robyn's primal instinct to take what she wants. And right now, until that has been taken care of- hopefully, tomorrow- Robyn will not be sane.

'Go ahead and call me crazy, you bitch. Well, maybe I am because I'm in need of something thick and hard.' She grumbled, her eyes a misty daze.

I clamped my mouth shut, flipped through the file in my hands, noting all the last details I needed. My mission ended today, and I'll be flying back to Zambele on Saturday afternoon. It's been one heck of four months here, but I did enjoy working with the CIS human branch even if none of them liked me and likewise.

I'm eager to return home, train again with the boys, and report back on my mission. I'm certain the king and queen would be pleased with my findings. I always ensure to do a good job just so I can see the approving look those two give me.

The only two people I'm a bit comfortable around.

The alarm notification on my phone screen says lunch, and I turn it off with a grimace. I've been called weird for using alarms. For using them as a reminder to my day-to-day life. But I get distracted easily, and when I miss a routine, it is even worse. So I opt to use alarms.

I gathered my files, my phone and tablet, nodded at the remaining people in the office and stepped out. I'll have lunch at the restaurant, submit the last file with me, and leave the office for good.

I ordered banku and grilled tilapia fish. I have come to love the dish since I arrived here, and I made sure to eat it every two days. My phone buzzed with an incoming text.

N- 'How is our favorite CIS agent doing this morning?'

It was a message from the queen. I wouldn't really call us friends or besties, but Natasha and I have grown closer over the past two years plus since I met her. It all began when the king included me as part of her team when we were investigating an incident a few years ago. An unspeakable bond built up between us afterwards and we mostly exchange text like this after every few days.

S- I'm good. Done with the project. I should be back this weekend.'

N- Excited to see you! I'm eager for us to resume training and maybe play a game with the other trainees? We miss our dear coach!'

I smiled. A genuine smile. Not the forced one I always forced myself to try so I can join in when everyone is smiling. No, this was real, and not practiced.

S- 'Excited to see how far you've come since I left.'

N- 'You just have to wait till you see me! I'll leave you to work. Take care!'

I set the phone aside and resumed eating, with Robyn's constant purring about tomorrow filling my head.

I paid the fixed cedis for the dish and left, deciding to take myself out for the day and enjoy the country.