really. It was time for Luna to be presented to the colony now that she had been home with Ella for a month, and Sterling couldn't help but be nervous about the traditional blessing. After Ella's first encounter with Selene and becoming marked, he was as wary of the temple as he was of Felidae.
Focusing on work when his heart and mind were miles away proved more difficult than it ever had been. Sterling was beginning to understand why all those toms whose queens were on maternity leave acted like they had left their brains at home. Now he was one of them.
He was getting caught up during office hours when his phone rang. It wasn’t Ella or one of the other toms--they would've called his cell phone--so he was tempted to ignore it, but he decided to answer just in case.
"Hello?"
"Is this Sterling Bryant?"
He didn't recognize the voice of the woman on the other end of the phone, and he leaned back in his chair to focus. "Yes, this is he. Who’s calling?"
As Ella's advisor, he was used to people calling to press him for information, and while he rarely gave them what they wanted, he much preferred being the first line of defense rather than giving them access directly to Ella.
"This is Maria West, with Brightly University," she answered. "I'm calling about a job opportunity that's recently come up, and you were the first on the shortlist of candidates we would like to speak with."
Sterling frowned. "What job would that be?"
Brightly University was one of the only feline-run schools that rivaled Felidae Academy, and its humanities department was decidedly more robust. Sterling had considered taking a position as a professor there years ago, but had ultimately chosen Felidae instead.
"The Dean," she answered. "Of course, we understand that you are busy with your role as the Empress's advisor, but considering you've maintained your post at Felidae, the president of the university would like to extend the offer."
Sterling paused for a moment. It was very rare that something caught him off-guard, but he certainly hadn’t been expecting that. Not only was it closer to the house, but the job would be challenging and rewarding.
And there was the added benefit that he would no longer be Ella's teacher.
"I’ll have to take some time to consider it. And, of course, to discuss it with the Empress."
"Of course," Maria said pleasantly. "Take the week, and let us know when you come to a decision."
Sterling exchanged a few pleasantries with her before hanging up. He finished his work, but he was on autopilot for the rest of the day. By the time he was done, he didn't even have time to go back to the house first to see Ella and the baby. Instead, he’d have to go straight home to change into his tux and then go directly to the gala celebrating Luna’s birth.
When he arrived, the parking lot outside the building was already packed. There were lights strung up all around the exterior, and the sound of merry chatter coming from inside was welcome in comparison to the chaos that had characterized the last colony event. Everyone was dressed in the usual finery, and seemed to be in good spirits.
It was the first hint of normalcy they’d all had as a colony since the revelation of Natalia's betrayal, and a much-needed celebration.
Sterling scanned the room, realizing Ella hadn't arrived yet. She would probably be coming in through the front entrance, so he left the main room and went out to search for her in the lobby.
The sounds of a baby crying plucked the familiar strings in his heart that he had never quite imagined would be there. He smiled as he saw Ella sitting by the door, holding the newborn in her arms. Ella had worn her hair down in cascading white curls, and her violet gown made her emerald eyes stand out even more than usual. They filled with warmth as they met Sterling’s, and all the stress of the day faded away as he walked over to join her.
"Who do I need to scold for abandoning you?" he asked, only half joking as he leaned down to kiss Ella.
Ella laughed. "Axel is on his way, and Bishop is in the kitchen getting me a wet towel since someone spit up on her dress."
Sterling couldn't help but laugh. The baby had stopped crying when he came over. Now, she was cooing up at him happily. He took her from Ella's arms