ShadowsofNight by Erin Simone

their trust is the key
to this mission. I’m working on it. I’ll continue to keep you posted if
something changes. Goodnight.”
    She hung up, her heart hammering in her chest. She knew the
operation was compromised because of her actions. But damn it, she was too
tired to consider her options or deal with the fallout at the moment. Tomorrow
was another day. She’d go back to her flat, regroup and then decide what to do
next. Perhaps she could salvage the situation.
    * * * * *
    “We need to talk,” Christian snarled as he entered Conner
Davies’ office and slammed the door behind him.
    “Do I detect anger in that tone of yours?” Conner raised an
eyebrow as he folded his hands on top of the desk.
    “How the fuck did a human get past security on this floor after
I specifically instructed you not to let that happen?”
    “I don’t understand the problem.” His eyes widened in
surprise.
    “The human female you hired as my assistant! She was in my
office tonight. She surprised the bloody hell out of me.” He slammed his fist
on the desk.
    “Please tell me you didn’t blow your top in front of her like
you are with me.” He shook his head and sighed.
    “You should be worried that I don’t fire your ass over
this.”
    “Fire me? That’s a tad harsh. She’s your assistant ,
for Christ’s sake.” Conner blinked, obviously taken aback.
    Christian didn’t care if they were mates. Humans on the
executive floor was a serious breach in security and he wanted Conner to
understand he wasn’t pleased in the least about it. “You know how I feel about
this,” he seethed.
    “I’m sorry, all right. It won’t happen again. If you’d like,
we can find another candidate to take her place. I’ll make sure it’s a
vampire.” He started to reach for the phone.
    “Don’t bother.” Christian flopped into one of Conner’s chairs
as his anger started to evaporate.
    “Are you sure?” He placed the phone back on the receiver.
    “Why did you pick a female?”
    “She was the best candidate for the job. Her gender wasn’t
part of the equation in the decision-making process. Besides, the Order cleared
her to work here so I didn’t think it would be a problem. I’ll fix this. She’s
gone tomorrow.”
    Christian lowered his voice. “Something happened between
us.”
    “I don’t like where this conversation is going. What did you
do?” Conner’s expression grew serious, worry creasing his features.
    “I almost bit her.” He ran his hands down his face.
    “Dear Lord—are you serious?”
    “I couldn’t help it, I…” He couldn’t finish. This was all
Conner’s fault. If he’d done as instructed, their paths never would’ve crossed.
    “Did she do something to provoke you?”
    “Nah, it was all me, mate. Not her. I feel like such a
prick. She came up here to give you this.” Christian placed the box on his
desk.
    “I’ll need to speak with Miss Palmer to find out why she
couldn’t deliver this herself.” Conner glanced at the package.
    “Good idea, and while you’re at it, implement a policy that
no humans are allowed on this floor for any reason— including assistants.” Christian sat back.
    “Well, at least you didn’t bite her, right, so maybe I can
salvage the situation.” He laughed nervously.
    “We had sex.”
    “Are you insane ? What the hell is wrong with you?” Conner
threw up his hands.
    “Yeah, I know. I’ve gone bloody psychotic, so sue me.” He
knew it was completely stupid.
    “You’d better hope that’s not what she does—or worse.
I can understand bloodlust happens sometimes but this? Please tell me it wasn’t
forced. Jesus, Christian, I don’t even know where to begin to fix the mess you’ve
created.”
    “I didn’t force her.” He couldn’t believe Conner would even
imply such a thing. He’d never forced a female sexually. He did kind of coerce
her though. But that wasn’t the same.
    “I see. Okay, well, then I’ll handle this somehow. Give her
a nice