Page 112 of Pack of Crooks

HAZEL

Monday rolls around like surprise overdraft fees. Misery bundled with a touch of anger. Six in the morning is an ungodly hour, but the shower and makeup time are necessary. I have to look every bit the part of senior administrative assistant. Especially with the thumb drive tucked in my bra.

After seeing Lottie off to school, I spray a little extra scent neutralizer on my clothes, overly paranoid that Tristan will smell the pack. Now that I’m living with them, my own scent is tangled with theirs. Here’s hoping the thick layer of descenting lotion and the neutralizing spray will take care of that. I use the lavender perfume roller, letting it take the place of my natural scent.

I get a text as I reach the Kain Industries building.

EZRA

Have a good day. Make sure you’re careful.

KILL

I’ll happily kill Tristan if he hurts you.

MAD

Be careful.

Their concerns send my pulse racing. I know they’re being protective, but Tristan is prone to getting rid of people who fuck with his business, and blood relation or not, he’ll have me killed without even blinking.

But it won’t come to that. I won’t get caught.

It’ll be fine. He has a lot of meetings today. It should be easy to plant the virus.

Tucking my phone away, I work on steadying my breath as I head through the lobby toward the elevators. My heart has nearly settled when Ellen steps onto the elevator with me. Her black slacks flatter her curves and the dark burgundy blouse looks amazing with her hair. It’s her cold, calculating gaze that sets my teeth on edge.

“Hazel.”

“Oh hi! Ready for a great week?” I sound so stupidly cheery I make myself sick.

She narrows her eyes. “Yes.”

Right. She doesn’t want to talk. I glance down as we ride up to the top floor, fidgeting with my hands and giving her the silence she obviously desires. She glances at me again. The air grows thick around me. The blouse I’m wearing is loose enough to hide the outline of the USB drive, but if anyone had X-ray vision, it would be her. A lump lodges in my throat.

My gaze skips up to meet hers.

She arches an eyebrow, shakes her head, and rolls her eyes, facing forward. I guess for a female alpha, she’s used to people being intimidated by her presence alone. Trust me though, it’snot her being an alpha that makes her intense. She’d probably toss me off the top floor if I annoyed her.

Vivian is waiting for her when we reach the executive level, coffee in hand, a big grin on her face. “Morning, Ellen.”

Ellen softens, gaze roving over Vivian, and a small smile tugs at her lips, that is until she remembers I’m here, witnessing everything. Her features harden. “That better have cream.”

“Three creamers,” Vivian says with a nod. “Morning, Hazel.”

“Hi.” I scootch past them, refusing to look back even as I feel Ellen’s glare following after me. As I’m pushing through the door to Tristan’s office, I hear Vivian sigh.

“God, you look hot.”

“Shut up before I punish you,” Ellen growls.

My eyes bug. Holy shit. Are they fucking?

“Will you spank me, alpha.” Vivian’s voice is husky.

Oh my god. I shut the door to the office and head to my desk, mind reeling. Vivian is hooking up with Ellen! I bet the sex is great. A boss and employee dynamic? Mmm. Yes, please.

Tristan bursts through his door. “Schedule.”