Chapter 26
Chapter Twenty-Six
~Harlow~
I set my alarm extra early, knowing the loading docks open half an hour earlier than the main doors, and I need to sneak out and come in through the main doors, so no one will notice I slept at the loading docks.
Yet, as I quickly get ready, I hear the huge roller doors open and promptly rush to spray on my de-scenter.
After popping two of my pills, I cringe, realizing that there are only two pills left in the bottle, which means I will have to skip tonight's dose if I want any left for tomorrow.
It occurs to me briefly that if I get off early enough, I will still be able to go to the club tonight.
Although, I tried calling Bree last night and she didn't pick up the phone.
Spraying myself in extra spray, I hope it conceals my scent enough; I am falling into panic mode. Thane said if I went into heat, he would fire me, and at this rate, I’m going to risk that because once my pills run out; I am all but screwed.
They are the only thing preventing my heat. Going into heat is one of my greatest fears. I have heard horror stories of how desperately helpless Omegas get and how much pain is causes if she doesn’t have mates to ease it.
I quickly hide all my belongings, jamming them in the corner and pushing the shelf back as I climb out of my hidey-hole. Leaving my heels off, I go to the door and pry it open a little, peering out the gap, but I don’t see anyone and can't hear anyone around.
I open it a little more and stick my head out, ensuring the coast is clear before dashing to the roller doors. I rush out and get far enough from the loading entrance to not be suspicious.
I place my hand on the wall and slip my heels on before straightening out my blazer and using my hands to smooth down my blouse.
Despite my best efforts, a few loose strands of hair still come free after I tie it up in a messy bun, but I don't bother to fix it since I don't want to be caught outside in the alley.
As a result, I speed up the side alley and rush to the front doors as fast as I can.
I know security will be opening the main doors any minute.
On reaching the top of the steps. I am greeted by the security guard, who checks my ID, and I make my way to the elevators across the other side of the lobby.
As soon as I reach the top floor, I start my usual routine of cleaning up and turning everything on.
Once I finish, I rush to the bathroom to brush my teeth and fix the haystack that is messily sitting on top of my head.
As a last-minute decision, I decide to put on more de-scenter, giving myself an extra spray.
My anxiety about running out of my suppressants is making me sweat. What comes with sweat: damn pheromones.
When I finish, I make my way to the small kitchenette and start making their morning coffees. I hear the elevator doors open before hearing all their voices. Despite being slightly worried about running into Thane after last night, I calmly continue working on their coffees.
Nevertheless, his oppressive aura fills the tight space behind me as he approaches. It feels like the air in my lungs gets squeezed out of me as he comes up behind me.
"Get your damn neck covered up," he growls at me, and my brows furrow in confusion as I stare at him.
Almost instinctively, I touch my fingertips to it and I feel the tiny puncture marks that Leon left behind last night.
A gasp escapes me. I was frantically trying to escape the loading docks and more worried about brushing my teeth; I forgot to put makeup on.
"Did anyone see you?" Thane growls, making me cringe.
"Chill, I will heal her, Thane," Leon reassures him, walking up beside me, and I feel my stomach tighten as I swallow. Thane ignores his words, more focused on their image.
"Answer me, Zara. Did anyone see you? The last bloody thing I need is to explain why my damn secretary has bite marks on her neck," Thane bellows, and I whimper as his aura crushes me.
"Only the security guard!" I cry out, clutching the small sink with both hands as I answer. Fucking prick. Adding insult to injury, he has to scold me today, as if last night wasn't bad enough.
"Thane!" Leon growls at him as my eyes fill with tears.
Don't cry, don't cry, I think to myself.
It stings that he cares more for the image it presents than whether I am actually okay after last night.
It stings painfully that I mean so little to him.
His aura drops, releasing me from the pressure it built up, making the hair on the back of my neck prickle.
"Fucking clean yourself up," he says before storming off. I turn, watching him go when I notice Rhen glaring after him. Raidon stands in the hall, and for a second, I think I see his eyes soften when he goes to say something before abruptly closing his mouth and walking off to his own office.
Rhen, however, reaches out for his coffee and takes it, thanking me before he turns to leave as well.
My stomach sinks, and I ready myself for whatever excuse Leon is going to give me about his behavior last night.
Instead, he watches me as I make my coffee.
My belly growls hungrily and my face heats, knowing he can hear it.
Leon leans against the counter, watching me. "Did you forget to eat breakfast?" he asks.
"Yeah, I was in a rush," I lie, taking a sip of my coffee and heading back to my desk. However, as I turn toward the door, Leon's hand grips my elbow and pulls me to a stop. I swallow the mouthful of hot liquid, wondering what he wants.