Page 102 of Rejected By the Shifter King

Yes, that’s right.

That’s the goal right now, and I focus on this like my life depends on it. His suite is no longer a haven. Instead, I feel like I’m trapped behind enemy lines, and I need to look for the quickest escape route like I’m living out one of the many action flicks I’ve done stunts for.

Focus, Sam. Focus.

I slip back into my old clothes. Analyze the basic layout like it’s a maze to decode. Service corridors. Maintenance access. Secret passages—aha!

There’s a part of me that wans to look back one last time, but I shove this thought away as soon as it occurs.

Just go, Sam! Quickly!

The corridor leads to a service elevator that takes me down to what must be a parking level. From there, following the exit signs becomes simple enough, though my stuntwoman brain is cataloguing every turn, every potential escape route, every weakness in what’s clearly a very sophisticated security system.

The exit dumps me onto a side street I don’t recognize. I stand there for a moment, gulping the cool evening air and trying to figure out what I’m supposed to do now.

“And so we meet again.”

I spin around, heart hammering, and there’s Alphonse Mercier leaning against a sleek black sedan like he has all the time in the world and exactly zero surprise at finding me here.

Yeah right.

“What are you doing here, Mr. Mercier?”

“Alphonse, please.” Hexius’ brother smiles at me as if we’re family, andnope.

Not buying that either.

“I was just about to go up to speak to Hexius. Perhaps you’d like to accompany me?”

“He’s...in a meeting.”

“Is he now?”

“Yes.”

“And is the person he’s meeting with someone we’re both acquainted with?”

I don’t answer, but this only makes him look at me thoughtfully.

“How loyal you are to him already.”

And that’s when I realize...

“You followed her here, didn’t you?”

Instead of answering, Alphonse straightens off to open the passenger door. “I assume you need a ride?”