Pheromonal: One Night With the Alpha novel Chapter 78

Chapter 78: Mike’s Disappearance

The elevator doors slide open, and I step into the office, my mind still on Princess Paws and her new cat tower. The usual morning buzz fills the air—phones ringing, keyboards clacking, coffee machines gurgling (I have no idea if it’s actually gurgling, but the smell’s there).

Despite how normal everything is... Something’s off.

Heads turn as I walk past. Whispers follow in my wake. A prickle of unease crawls up my spine.

I reach my cubicle and set my purse down, frowning at the sudden hush that’s fallen over the room. When I look up, a sea of eyes dart away, suddenly fascinated by computer screens and coffee mugs.

"Hey, Nicole."

I turn to find Jake, another consultant, hovering nearby, looking concerned. "Have you heard from Mike?"

My stomach does an uncomfortable flip. "No, why?"

Jake shifts his weight, clearly uncomfortable. "He didn’t come in yesterday. We’re all waiting to see if he shows up today. Last anyone saw him, he was with you."

The memory of Mike’s drunken advances in the car floods back. Damn it. If something happened to him... I’m going to be the first one they suspect. Again.

The panther had told me to be careful. I should have ditched Mike and damned the consequences.

"What happened?" I ask, my mouth suddenly dry.

Jake shrugs. "No call no show."

"Has anyone called for a well-check?"

"Not yet. We’re waiting to see if he comes in today."

The dread in my stomach solidifies into a cold, hard knot. I nod mechanically, barely registering Jake’s words as he continues talking. My mind races, replaying that night over and over.

I’d left Mike at his apartment building. He was drunk, but he made it inside, right? I saw him go through the door. But what if he fell? What if he choked? What if—

No. I can’t let my imagination run wild. There could be a perfectly innocent explanation for his absence. Maybe he’s sick and forgot to call in. Maybe his phone died. Maybe—

"Nicole?" Jake’s voice cuts through my spiraling thoughts. "You okay? You look a little pale."

I force a smile, hoping it doesn’t look as strained as it feels. "Yeah, I’m fine. Just... worried about Mike, I guess."

Jake nods sympathetically. "We all are. But I’m sure he’ll be here soon. Probably was just nursing one hell of a hangover." freёweɓnovel_com

His attempt at levity falls flat, but I appreciate the effort. I mumble something noncommittal and turn back to my desk, desperate for a moment to collect myself.

Thirty minutes past the start of our workday, there’s still no sign of him. The knot in my stomach tightens. I can’t shake the feeling that something’s wrong. The memory of that night replays in my head on a loop—Mike’s drunken advances, my firm rejection, leaving him at his apartment building. Did I miss something?

I can’t take it anymore. With trembling hands, I reach for my phone and dial the non-emergency police number. The line rings twice before a bored-sounding dispatcher answers.

"Hi," I croak. I clear my throat and try again. "I’d like to request a well-check on my coworker. He didn’t show up for work yesterday or today, and it’s not like him."

The dispatcher asks for details, and I provide Mike’s name and address. As I recite the information, I feel eyes on me. Jake’s hovering nearby, listening intently.

"Thank you for your concern, ma’am. We’ll send an officer to check on him," the dispatcher assures me.

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