by Leela Ash
“No.” Todd’s growl of disapproval was sharp and quick.
Just like a Bear! Protect your lover, no matter what. He probably didn’t even realize how often he tried to smother her. But nothing, not even an upset Bear, was chasing her off this trail. “If I can get a sample of this music, our Hares can−”
“No! It’s too dangerous. We know this Mariset. She serves one of the senior Fangs, a Worm named Alester.”
Alester, hmm? Good to know. If only her handler wasn’t working himself into a fit over this. “Todd, listen.” Gently, she took his big hand in her two small ones. “I know you want to protect me, but this is something I have to do, no matter how dangerous it is.”
He didn’t pull away but he didn’t soften either. Instead, his lip curled back in a sneer. “Do you honestly think the Fangs would allow information like this to fall into the hands of a mere secretary? Savannah, you’re nobody. You’re nothing.”
She knew he didn’t mean that, not the way it sounded. You’re not a high-ranking Fang was more accurate. Still, it hurt. How could he be so careless with his words?
And so oblivious to the pain they caused? Todd bulldozed on as if nothing had happened. “Drop this matter. We’ll have someone else investigate. Someone who’s infiltrated more deeply than you have.”
There were other Shifter spies working secretly beside her? Maybe that should have been a relief; not everything rested upon her shoulders. But it hurt.
And, after today, it wasn’t believable. “I’ve got other news. I just got a promotion. There’s a new ‘master’ coming to Ormaz. Jordan Beaumont. I’m going to be his administrative assistant.”
A position that would give her access to some of the most sensitive information flowing through the Fangs. Such a breakthrough should have delighted her handler – but it didn’t. Todd simply scowled. “Haven’t heard of this guy before.”
Another cup of cold water dumped on her pride. Well, she wouldn’t let some morose Bear bring her down. If she needed to spell out how big this was, then so be it! “Apparently, he’s old. Like, really old. Maybe one of the Fangs’ first members. He’s been ‘out of touch’ for a long time, though, and I’ve been warned that I’ll need to help bring him up to speed.”
“‘Out of touch’?” Todd huffed. “Where the hell has he been?”
“That’s what I want to find out. Among other things.”
Like how, exactly, the Fangs had killed Aaron Cole. And why they hadn’t unleashed this new weapon on other Dragons.
Slowly, her lover nodded. “I think you’re right. Working with this Beaumont could give you access to critical information.”
That was the odd thing about Todd. Normally, he displayed all the intense, over-the-top, protective urges of a Bear. Once he’d decided a risk was worthwhile, however, he put his feelings behind him. Something her parents – and most Bears – could never do.
Which is probably why he’s my handler and they’re not!
Frankly, the last thing she needed was to have a man fussing over the risks she took. Nobody ever said undercover work would be safe! “Glad we’re on the same page. I should get back to work before they notice I’m gone. Next report goes to the usual drop?”
“Yes. Oh, and any word on the Darkborn situation?”
The Darkborn were the one threat that both Shifters and Fangs agreed on. Spirits from the Other Side, a world of magic, they served the demon lord Nemagorix. Ancient shamans had bound Nemagorix in the Other Side, using a relic they called the Aegis. But no prison lasted forever. Nemagorix was breaking free and sought a gate back to mortal realms.
Back when Savannah entered the ranks of the Fangs, no one knew about this demon or the threat it posed to the world. The Fangs were Enemy #1… until the First Flight learned that not all Fangs were truly Fangs. Darkborn could possess both animals and spirts. They’d taken over senior Fangs, turned that corrupt organization to their own ends. When the Fangs learned about this betrayal, it unleashed a bloody purge. No one, not even the most gifted Hare, could detect a Darkborn when it hid within a Shifter’s body.
Witch hunts and paranoia had become a way of life among the Fangs. No one was safe. Anyone could be a Darkborn’s pawn.
As a lowly secretary, the worst of those purges had passed Savannah, high overhead. That would change, now that she served a powerful master.
“No major news, no,” she told Todd. “Security has been insanely high ever since the Fangs learned that many of their leaders were possessed. But other than rampant fear and random purges, they haven’t figured out how to deal with this.”
“What about the Aegis?”
“Nothing.” She hadn’t heard a peep about the Shifters’ great hope. Once lost, the Aegis was back in good hands. An informal group, the Shifters of the Aegis, watched over it. But no one had any idea how to actually use the Aegis to bind Nemagorix. “The Fangs would like to steal it but can’t figure out how. It’s too well protected.”
“Good.” With a curt nod, he rose to his feet with her briefcase. “Looking forward to your next report.”
Just like that, the meeting was over. Disappointment stung Savannah as her lover turned to go. “Todd?”
“Yes?”
“Is there any chance we could… you know… see each other soon?”
“I don’t think that’s wise. A promotion means more scrutiny for you.”
True. Being alone, though, was a heavy price to pay.
Without another word, he walked off. Leaving her with a cold cup of coffee and an ache in her heart.
He’s right. If the Fangs knew I had a Bear lover, they’d kill me.
True. Yet, the danger hadn’t stopped him in the past. Had something changed? Did he not find her attractive anymore?
Silly. Savannah pushed her cup – and her foolish emotions – aside. She was a spy, an undercover operative for the Shifters of the Aegis and the First Flight. Emotion had no place in her life.
Or so she told herself, over and over, as she trudged out the door and back into the heart of the battle.
Chapter 2.
The Fangs of Apophis weren’t exactly known for being supportive, caring employers. Treachery and greed drenched every part of the organization, from the powerful Worms of its Inner Council, all the way down to the janitorial staff. So, Savannah wasn’t at all surprised to find that her sudden promotion set off a tidal wave of seething resentment.
None of the other secretaries spoke to her as she slipped back to her desk, one of a dozen in the ‘General Assistants’ room. No questions, no greetings… not even a catty remark. Just cold stares and pinched lips. Every time she glanced up from her computer, she found one of her co-workers glaring at her. Each one dropped their eyes, though, as soon as Savannah looked their way.
Probably wondering who they need to sleep with to get a promotion.
She endured their cold stares for a couple hours, until a series of sharp, hard ‘clacks’ announced the arrival of Lara Pearl. Six-inch, blood-red stiletto heels rapped the marble floor as she swept in, her lean body wrapped in the red silk embrace of Giorgio Armani’s latest creation. Eddy Adams ruled Ormaz Corp., this particular nest of Fangs – and Lara was his personal assistant. For mere secretaries like Savannah, she was a goddess. Every eye, no matter how envious, dropped reverently as she approached.
“Miss Doucette.”
After three years undercover, that fake name felt as real to Savannah as her own. “Yes, Miss Pearl?”
“Time to move to your new office.” Her supervisor’s eyes swept across the other secretaries, bright with disdain. “I wouldn’t bother saying goodbye to anyone. Losers like these would only hold you back.”
Good thing I never made any friends here, Savannah thought as she grabbed her purse and rose to follow Lara. I wouldn’t have any left by the time she got done!
Lara didn’t say another word until the elevator doors closed behind them. Then, as they glided skyward, she turned and raked Savannah up and down with
bitter, sharp disdain. Her eyes paused on her black cashmere top and floral print dress.
“Dolce and Gabbana?”
“Yes.” Four paychecks went into that dress – but it made a statement.
“Good. Those shoes are some off the rack little horrors, though.”
“Well, yes, but I can’t afford to…”
“Don’t make excuses,” Lara snapped. “Just fix the problem. At our level, details matter. Combining a designer dress with cheap knock-off accessories makes you look like a fool.”
“Understood.”
‘Miss Doucette’ was a fake, a persona used to infiltrate the Fangs. Yet, Savannah felt her cheeks sting under the lash of Lara’s words.
“Good. Then, let’s have a look at your face.”
Wonderful. What’s wrong with me now?
Lara heaved a sigh. “Make up is competent and understated – though very conservative. I myself favor brighter colors. They demonstrate strength. Your lipstick shrieks, ‘I’m a simpering git. Ignore me.’”
“Isn’t that what my master is going to want?”
Delighted, the cruel woman smiled. “Good question, Miss Doucette. That’s precisely what you should be asking – and why you got promoted over those posers in the secretarial pool. From now on, your master is your god. Your only goal is to please him and serve him. You need to review yourself, continually. Examine every aspect of your dress, figure, and behavior, and ask yourself ‘Is this what he wants?’”
It took all of Savannah’s self-control to keep her expression neutral during that vile outburst. But she was a professional. In the end, she simply ducked her head and said, “Thank you for that advice, ma’am.”
“Oh, I’m not done. Normally, I’d send you down to Tran Salon for a complete make-over.”
“What’s wrong with my hair?” Thick, full, and luscious, it fell, in rich brown waves, halfway down her back. Every man she met adored it!
Lara didn’t. “First, it’s out of style. Too feminine.”
Savannah hadn’t realized that was a problem in women’s haircuts…
“Second, the color bores me to tears.” Her supervisor’s hair was dyed black with purple highlights. “Personally, I think you’d do better in canary yellow. Crop it off, shave the sides, and volumize the top.”
That would certainly take care of the too-feminine ‘problem.’
“Thank you for your advice, ma’am. I’ll…”
“You’ll ignore me – if you’re smart,” Lara countered. “I’m not your master. Remember: His opinion is all that matters. And you’re lucky. Your master is very old-fashioned. He probably won’t think you’re frumpy at all.”
A loud ding announced their arrival. Still reeling from Lara’s critiques, Savannah stepped out of the elevator.
Into a world of cold beauty.
Black slate corridors stretched to the left and right. Every interior wall was covered with the latest modern art. All exteriors were glass, offering breath-taking views across the city and out toward the ocean. Silvery steel and ebony stone set the tone. Other than the paintings, not a drop of color breathed life into this place. It was a cold, elegant mausoleum.
“This way.”
Lara escorted her to a suite of rooms at the end of the corridor.
Corner office, facing the ocean. A testament to my boss’ importance.
A senior Fang would expect no less.
“Your desk.” Glass and steel, it radiated competence and power. “Your master’s office is there. Conference room. Restroom.” Private bathroom, no less! And complete with a stone-floored shower! “Lounge.”
A conference room and a lounge? The furniture in that last room surprised her. Comfortable chairs, a tv, and a sleek chaise lounge long enough to sleep on. “Is this where I’ll take my lunches?”
Lara laughed, a sound half cackle, half snort of disbelief. “Oh heavens, no. There’s a staff room at the end of the hall. No master wants to see his assistant eat – or smell the stench of her meal.”
“All right.” Maybe the master slept here when he worked late? Savannah began to turn away when the other woman snickered.
“You really don’t understand, do you?”
Slowly, she shook her head.
“Miss Doucette, an assistant’s job is to take care of her master’s needs. All of his needs.”
A chill swept over her as the implication of that hit her. “You don’t mean… you can’t…”
“Oh, I do!” The glint in Lara’s eye betrayed how much she was enjoying Savannah’s shock. “Is that a problem? Please tell me you’re not a virgin.”
“No, but…”
“But you’re shy?” Lara simpered. “You have a boyfriend that you – mistakenly – think is more important than your master?”
Todd. If she betrayed him, she would never be able to look him in the eye again. No job was worth such a sacrifice!
Not even one that saves lives? If Nemagorix breaks into this world again, thousands of people will die.
Her boss’ words cut through that pregnant silence. “Miss Doucette, if you can’t satisfy all of your master’s desires, speak up now.”
Savannah licked her lips. “I’ll lose the job, won’t I?”
“Of course. Trust me, though.” Lara leaned close, letting the scent of her Chanel perfume waft over the brown-haired Kin. “Getting banished back to the secretarial pool is a lot better than disappointing your master. You know who we are. The Fangs do not handle disappointment well.”
Could she sleep with some monster? Even to save lives?
No. But...
Maybe I won’t have to face that risk – if I move fast. Get into their computer system, get the info we need, then get out.
Back to Todd, and safety.
She could do that. And keep her honor intact.
“Miss Doucette? Your answer?”
Savannah straightened her shoulders and met the awful woman’s gaze straight on. “There’s no problem, ma’am. I’ll do whatever’s necessary.”
“Good.” To her surprise, Lara seemed genuinely relieved. “It would be difficult to replace you on such short notice. Worse, that failure would reflect badly on me.”
Well, then, you should have asked if I minded adding ‘prostitute’ to my resume.
How horrible was it that Lara assumed no woman who worked for the Fangs would flinch at such a request?
Down the hallway, the soft chime of the elevator’s bell announced new arrivals.
“Show time,” Lara hissed as Savannah’s stomach churned. “Stand behind the desk. It’ll hide those hideous shoes. And stop by payroll on your way out. I’ll approve an advance on your next check. Can’t have you embarrassing yourself.”
Meek and submissive – on the outside, anyway – she obeyed, and prepared to meet her master.
Her ‘god.’
Two men stepped through the doorway. One, she knew.
A Wolf by birth, Eddy Adams was the CEO of Ormaz. He ruled this ‘Pack’ with an iron-will. Ruthless, he was as comfortable ordering a murder as a pizza. A Kin-woman like her couldn’t see his Wolf, his Shifter soul. Yet, his clothes gave away his Kind: silken shirt and blazer… over jeans and Nike sneakers. No Wolf obeyed rules. Especially not one as powerful as Adams.
Today, though, something was wrong. Savannah could sense it. In the rapid patter that spilled out of Eddy – as if the thought of silence frightened him. In the fake smile plastered across his face and the false humor that ‘brightened’ his voice.
Unthinkable though it was, Eddy Adams was afraid. Of the man beside him.
Her master. Her ‘god.’
He stepped in the doorway behind Adams and surveyed his new office. At the first touch of his eyes, Savannah froze like a deer in headlights.
Tall and broad shouldered, he truly looked like one of the old Greek gods. Hair as black as a raven’s wing, a strong ‘Roman’ nose, sharp cheekbones. Bright, intelligent green eyes, like two chips of emerald, weighed his new do
main. Though he lacked a Bear’s muscular strength, he radiated authority. His confidence, his power, cowed all around him. This was a king, a man who demanded – and expected – obedience.
What Kind is he?
Not a Rat or a Bear, obviously. He was too handsome for the one Kind and not burly enough for the second. No Hare exuded such complete and total confidence. A Wolf, perhaps? But his blue silk suit and slacks, the crisp sweep of his hair, argued against that. Wolves always looked a little wild, no matter how hard they struggled to ‘clean up.’
Which meant only one thing. Savannah’s heart began to race at the thought.
He was a Worm. A fallen Dragon. The worst of the worst. A monster that had chewed his own wings off in a fit of madness.
Could she deceive such a creature? Could her acting, her lies, withstand a tainted Dragon’s piercing study?
Or… perhaps she didn’t need to. Hare, Rat, Wolf, Bear, and Dragon were the five most common Kinds of Shifters. Others existed, however. Why, just recently, a Chimera joined the Shifters of the Aegis, a Kind she’d never even heard of. For all she knew, her master was one of those. Strange, unusual…
…but not as terrifying as a Worm.
“Good afternoon, Mr. Adams,” Lara purred.
“Miss Pearl. Allow me to introduce the newest addition to our team: Jordan Beaumont.”
Under the newcomer’s lordly scrutiny, even Lara quailed. “It’s an honor to meet you, sir. This is Savannah Doucette, your assistant.”
Now, those piercing eyes turned on her, and Savannah felt her lips grow dry. “An honor, sir,” she murmured, unconsciously mimicking her boss’ words.
Eddy’s smile dimmed. “Hell, Pearl, couldn’t you find anyone a bit more glamorous? What the hell is that hairstyle even called?”
Her new master spoke before Lara could even open her mouth. “I would call it ‘beautiful.’”
Pride and fear warred in her heart. He liked her.
Let’s hope he doesn’t like me enough to demand ‘other’ services…