Page 135 of A Beastologist's Field Notes of Fated Affection
I smiled at Aaric, my former student turned part-time receptionist, before heading to my office to finish my paperwork for the day.
The second Aaric had learned of my plans, he’d begged me to let him work at the clinic. Of course, I’d immediately accepted. And now, two afternoons a week, he manned the front desk.
In fact, my entire front desk staff was comprised of a rotating group of students from Silverleaf. Students who missed my classes and still wanted to learn from me, albeit in a different way. It was unexpected, but nonetheless welcomed. I still got to teach, showing them how to treat various conditions andencouraging them to study the anatomy of the creatures we treated. Several of them had even mentioned wanting to follow in my footsteps and changed their studies to healing.
I entered my office, taking a seat behind the desk. Scanning the space, I couldn’t help but let out a relaxed breath. It was perfect. The rose colored walls, the ivory velvet curtains framing the stained glass window. Arthur slept on the plush floral chair in the corner, perfectly content to spend his days at the clinic and then follow me home each night.
Opening Tilly’s chart, I prepared to document our appointment when I was distracted by a voice in the lobby.
“Good afternoon, Aaric,” Liam said. “How is everything?”
“Afternoon, Doctor Pendragon. It’s been a very busy day, but we just finished our last appointment.”
“Excellent. Is Doctor Thornheart in the back?”
“Yes. Probably in her office.”
I stood, making my way around the desk as Liam opened the door and strode in. “Hello, darling,” I said, meeting him in the middle of the room.
He closed the door, yanked me close and spun me around, shoving me against the wall and claiming my lips with his. I gasped into his mouth and he gripped my waist, pressing against me.
We pulled apart. “What was that for?” I panted.
“I just missed you today, that’s all.”
“I saw you this morning,” I teased.
“Yes, well a full day is much too long to be away from you.”
I threw my head back and laughed.
Liam kissed my neck. “My favorite sound in the world,” he murmured.
I giggled again, then looked at him, pushing an unruly strand of hair out of his eyes and adjusting his glasses as I studied the man who had changed my life.
Little had I known on that fateful day we met—the day Ichastised him for arriving late—that I would find my true happiness.
Find your joy and chase it.
And I had. I had found my joy in green eyes and spontaneity. In laughter and jokes. In healing and teaching. And in accepting myself for who I was, routines and schedules and all.
