#Chapter 12 – Couples Counseling

I breathe deeply through my nose as rage takes over the terror in my body. Emily. Frickin. James. God, I thought I was finally finished with her drama – but apparently, she’s still out to ruin my life.

Six months ago, I was having a totally normal therapy session with Emily’s boyfriend Keith, a Beta. He asked me for my professional opinion on some…spots, which had mysteriously appeared on his p***s. I told him that hat was outside of my jurisdiction as a counselor and told him to seek medical attention.

But then Keith started crying, saying that if he came down with an STD like moonpox they weren’t going to let him continue in his job. I bit my lip then, because he’s right – moonpox is very contagious, especially amongst Betas in a small pack who tend to share gear and clothing.

However, it’s super rare. “It’s probably fine, Keith – you’re probably panicking over nothing.”

“I think I’ve got it, Evelyn,”

“Keith,” I said, putting out a hand and trying to soothe him. “Moonpox has a very distinctive silver ring around any…sores. You’re definitely going to be able to tell.”

“Please, Evelyn, just tell me what you see.” He was sobbing, in a full panic.

“Keith, I can’t –“ but before I knew it, he was pulling at his belt and shoving his jeans down to his knees.

I flinched back covered my eyes. “God, Keith! Put that away – I’m not a doc-“

“Please, Evelyn!” He wrenched my hand away from my face. Before I could squeeze my eyes shut, I caught a glimpse and did a double take.

“Ohhhh no, Keith” I said, unable to tear my eyes away from the gross sight before me. All over his sizeable member were red spots, oozing pus, with distinctive silver rings around them.

Suddenly, the street door banged open and Emily was there. I knew all about her, of course, from Keith’s horror stories from about his girlfriend.

“I knew it,” she seethed, her nails beginning to sharpen into claws. “I KNEW you’d be here with this w***e!”

“You gave me moonpox, Emily! YOU’RE the f*****g w***e!” Keith, with his jeans still around his knees, began to go into full transformation. I jumped out of my chair and was across the room in a moment, seeking safety. This is part of what Keith came to talk to me about – controlling his temper when Emily sets him off.

Emily ignored him. “You,” she said, narrowing her eyes at me. “I knew he found some hooker to suck him of,” she snarls, “I just didn’t think she’d be so ugly.”

“I’m trying to HELP

she shouted, her own body starting to snap and reshape as she, too, began the transformation into a wolf. “You ruined my relationship,

hands. This was going

And I wasn’t wrong.

fully acquitted you of any charges in that situation with

the crazy I’m worried about, Ty. I’ve got kids to think

celebrity is scheduled for 5:00. Which is in like…five minutes.” She grimaces at me. “Do you mind if we

say, sighing with a shrug. “Let’s get

for her car. “Let

I say, confused. “What do I need beyond

and gives me

I say, sipping on my now-cold up of coffee as Tyesha hooks wires to a series of metal boxes and computers. “All of this…for a

she lives for this stuff. “He

my eyes. “Whatever.” I turn my attention back to the pile of non-disclosure agreements that Ty is having me sign. I don’t read them through as I add signature

asked for a short pre-processing

a hand over the electronic mess, “ensure that you can’t trace him, and that both of your voices will be disguised. Anonymity goes both ways.” I shrug, not really worried. I can do my job sounding like me, or like

the dregs of my coffee and sit down. Tyesha uses an old rotary phone that she

appointment. All is set up

five-minute pre-counseling interview to confirm you are a good fit. Are you ready?” When he buzzes a confirmation, she hands the phone to me and skirts out the door, giving

put the phone

person responds, his voice gruff and muffled by the technology. He sounds bizarre – like some kind of monster speaking to me from far-away lands. “Thank

am happy to help,” I say, “What is it you’d like to

and some more grumbles before his voice comes back. “I apologize. I had an unexpected turn of events today. My…children are here, when they weren’t scheduled to be. I apologize if they

I say, encouraging. “Children are a blessing, but I definitely understand

a parent?” He

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