Pheromonal: One Night With the Alpha novel Chapter 3

Chapter 3: Work Woes

Memories of the night before keep intruding when I'm supposed to be portraying myself as cold, distant, and unaffected.

Like now, when Scott's leading a team meeting and singling me out with snotty little comments, as if my work is what's bringing the department down.

As he drones on about how unprofessional our reports are, my mind drifts back to my steamy encounter with the stranger. My biggest regret? Not taking him up on that hotel offer.

Or giving him my phone number.

No, stupid me was all, I don't give my number to strangers.

What am I, a child?

Then again, he could be a serial killer. So there's that.

Mind-blowing sex doesn't mean someone's an amazing person. Though, mediocre sex also doesn't guarantee results, apparently.

"...Ms. d'Armand, is this too boring for you?" Scott's voice cuts through more fun thoughts, and I blink in his direction.

"Too boring? Not at all. I was just contemplating the intricacies of our latest anti-magic protocols. Fascinating stuff." As much as I'd love to stuff my words full of the sarcasm I feel, I manage to keep my tone bland and boring.

Professional.

It's a workplace, after all. I'm the dumbass who dated my boss.

Maybe I should get a new job.

Scott's scowl deepens, etching lines across his forehead. The room falls silent, save for a few hushed whispers. The rumors have already flown; everyone saw us arrive separately this morning.

They've been gossiping all morning, that tiny little clue developing into a raging bonfire of half-truths and speculation.

"Well, since you find it so captivating, perhaps you'd like to share your progress on the Fernsby case?"

Ah, yes. The Fernsby case. A high-profile client with more money than sense and a paranoia streak a mile wide.

Exactly the kind of consumer I love.

They want to know everything, and they always want the best of the best.

"Certainly." I stand, smoothing my skirt and ignoring the prickling sensation of eyes on me. "As you're all aware, Mr. Fernsby requested a complete overhaul of his estate's security system. We've completed the initial assessment and identified several weak points in the current setup."

I tap my tablet, bringing up a holographic display of the Fernsby mansion. Red markers highlight vulnerable areas.

"The main issue lies in the outdated ward stones. They're still using first-generation repulsion spells, which any halfway decent warlock could crack in their sleep, not to mention vampires. They could sneeze those spells apart."

A snicker ripples through the room. Even Scott's lips twitch, though he quickly schools his expression back to stern disapproval.

"We've proposed replacing them with our latest Aegis-class ward stones. They're equipped with adaptive shielding that learns and evolves to counter new magical threats."

I zoom in on the perimeter, showcasing the proposed upgrades.

"Additionally, we're recommending the installation of our new Specter-series surveillance orbs. They can detect even the faintest traces of magical residue, making them perfect for catching any would-be intruders trying to mask their presence."

Scott nods, his earlier irritation seemingly forgotten. "And the timeline for implementation?"

"Barring any unforeseen complications, we should have everything up and running within three weeks. I've already drafted a proposal for Mr. Fernsby's approval, including a detailed breakdown of costs and benefits."

"Good." Scott's gaze lingers on me a moment too long. "I trust you'll keep me updated on any developments."

"Of course." I take my seat, pointedly avoiding eye contact with my coworkers.

The meeting drones on, but my mind wanders again. This time, it's not to steamy bathroom encounters, but to the mess that is my personal life. How did I end up here? Engaged to my boss, now ex-fiancé, trying to maintain a professional facade while the entire office speculates about our relationship status.

It's exhausting, and it hasn't even been 24 hours.

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