My Shifter Boss

Lucy rose as the door opened and Sarah walked in, an apologetic look on her face. “I’m sorry to interrupt, sir.” Nathan looked at Lucy and rolled his eyes. She covered her mouth with her hand to keep from giggling. “I’ve called each member of the council like you asked. They will be here in the conference room by seven. I’ve called the caterers to bring up a dinner for all of you. I hope that’s ok?”

“Of course, Sarah. I’ll be ready,” Nathan said to her. He watched as her eyes drifted throughout her speech to the bloodstains on the floor. He hadn’t thought to cover them. “Sarah, why don’t you go home? You’ve had an awful day.”

“No sir, I’m fine. I’ll be here to assist you until you no longer need me.” Sarah stared at him as if daring him to argue.

Lucy liked Sarah. “Sarah, you are the strongest person I know.”

Sarah shifted her attention to her. “Thank you, Lucy. I feel the same way about you.” She returned her attention to Nathan. “Sir, there is complete chaos out there right now. So many are petitioning for a nomination to be Head. And, what’s worse, the Head’s plan for integration has been leaked. Everyone knows, and strong supporters and detractors are coming forward.”

“Sh*t.”

“Precisely.” Sarah shook her grayed curls. She’d aged so much today. This morning, she’d looked ten years younger than her almost fifty years, but now she looked exhausted. “That council meeting can’t happen too soon.”

“Again, I agree. The sooner a new Head is elected, the sooner we can calm all of this down.”

Sarah nodded her agreement and excused herself as the phone rang shrilly, interrupting their conversation. Lucy laid her hands on Nathan’s shoulders and began kneading the stress out of his shoulders. He laid his hands on hers. “I can’t wait until we can go upstairs and shed the awfulness that has been this day.”

Lucy continued kneading his shoulders. “Me too, babe. I’ll head on up during the meeting, and by the time you’re done, I’ll have a bath drawn and a glass of wine waiting for you.”

“How have I lived without you all this time?”

She grinned. “I’m quickly making myself indispensable to you, my love.” She bent and kissed his neck.

He groaned. “Oh, babe, you better stop that or I’m going to miss my meeting.”

“My apologies, sir,” she replied with a giggle.

The door slammed open and Sarah rushed back in. “Marissa is on Skype and wants to speak with you. Now.”

Nathan sat up straight and stared at her. He didn’t move. He had to gather his thoughts before speaking to Marissa so he didn’t lose his temper and say all the things he wanted to say. “Sarah, please call Matt and get him up here. Does this thing record?”

“Of course. I’ll set it to record and get Matt.”

“Thank you.” Nathan took a deep breath, took Lucy’s hand and squeezed it, then stood and walked to the desk that held the Head’s computer, pulling her with him. He turned the screen on and clicked the Skype icon. Marissa’s face popped up.

“Ah. Hello, Nathan. I wasn’t sure you’d have the balls to speak to me,” Marissa smirked at him. “And look who’s with you. How are your wounds, sweet cheeks?”

Lucy didn’t answer. Her face remained impassive even though inside she was seething with fury. She was grateful for her dark skin; the telltale signs of anger couldn’t be seen. She squeezed Nathan’s hand and stepped out of the frame.

“Your conversation is with me, Marissa.”

“Of course, it is. And we have so much to talk about, don’t we?”

“I’m sure you have a lot to say.”

Marissa nodded. Someone handed her a cup of coffee. She stirred it a moment, biding her time. When she spoke, her voice was soft and evil. “How’s William?”

Nathan rolled his eyes at her, hiding his real feelings. He refused to lose his temper. “Marissa, is this conversation going to have a purpose other than proving you’re a heartless bi*ch. I already know that, so it would be a waste of my time and yours.”

Marissa murmured something to someone out of sight. “Have you watched the news today?”

“Not all day, no. I have things that must be handled, thanks to you,” Nathan retorted. “I saw enough footage of you and your entourage galloping through town.”

“Has no one been appointed to keep the temporary Head informed? That place is going to hell and it’s only been a few hours. How sad.”

Nathan pursed his lips. “Again, what is the purpose of this phone call?”

Matt walked in, a serious expression on his face. He handed Nathan a piece of paper. On it was a report about the weres who had been sighted all over town all day, causing panic among the humans. So far no one had been killed, but several people had been injured. Weres who were not involved in the rebellion had shifted to help several people, but rather than helping, this seemed to have encouraged the panic. A handful of weres had been shot, but again, none had been seriously injured or killed.

Marissa giggled prettily. “I’m assuming from the look on your face you’ve finally received a report.”

Nathan looked at her, his face clear, but the hatred in his face showed. “I suppose this is your doing?”

“Of course. The mayor’s office announced the existence of the Guard and explained their duties. Today’s events, which will continue, show that the Guard no longer has control.” Marissa spread her hands in victory. “Enter Marissa and her new group.”

“New group?”

“Yes. The Guard is antiquated and has steadily been losing power over the last decade. I’m establishing a new government for this city, one that will rule over the humans who have ruled over us for so long.”

Nathan shook his head. “Marissa, you sound like the evil villain from a superhero movie. The world doesn’t work like that.”