Prologue
Madi
Harvard wants me. Yale accepted me. Even my alma mater, Princeton, says they’ll have me back for graduate studies Ishouldbewrenchingmyshouldertopatmyselfontheback Idon’tknowwhyIcan’tgetexcitedaboutanyofit.
“You’retellingmeyou’renotsureyou’regoingtoacceptoneoftheseoffers?”Aubrey,mybestfriend,picksuptheletterI just opened fromHarvard and rattles it underneathmynose. We’re inthe kitchenat mymom’s Jerseyapartment where we prettymuchgrewuptogether.Latchkeyapartmentkidsareastightasfamily.
“Ishould,”Igroan “IknowIshouldwantthis,butIjust don’t I’mburntout I’mdonewithbelievingtheliethatifIjust keepmyheaddownandstudyhard,I’lleventuallyfitinwiththeonepercent.”
“IthinktheminuteyougotthatdegreefromPrinceton,youbecametheonepercent” Ispreadmyhands aroundmymom’s small apartment,theoneIhadtomovebackintoafter Igraduatedlastweek.“Yep, livingthedream,baby.”
“Thismustbeanotherscholarshipoffer.”Aubreytearsopenanotherenvelope. Iglanceattheenvelope.“No,that’sBrayden’s.”Mystomachtightensonbehalfofmyyoungerhalf-brother.Hewasn’table toattendaprepschoollikeIdid,whichmeanshedidn’tgetintoanyIvyLeague HewasacceptedtoNYU,buttheirfinancial aidpackagesucks,sohe’shopingforthisscholarship.
“Oops Well,it’sopennow Shouldwelook?”Aubreyunfoldstheletterwithoutwaitingformyreply “Oh,damn” “Whatisit?”Isnatchitfromhertoscan. Hedidn’tgetit.Thiswashislasthope.
“Fuck”Ithrow theletterdown Ihatethis IhatethatIhadopportunitiesBraydendidn’t Ihatethathethinkshe’snotas smartornotascapableasIam.
“AreyoucallingBrayden?”AubreyaskswhenIwhipoutmycellphone “No. I’mcalling my mom. I don’t want her to be disappointed in front of Brayden. He doesn’t need that added to his disappointment”
MymomisanEnglishteacherattheprepschoolIattended,andshe’steachingrightnowsoIleaveamessage.“Hi,Mom. Braydendidn’tgetthescholarship.Ijustwantedtogiveyouaheads’upsoyoucandownplayitwhenhefindsout.And…don’t worry WewillfigureoutawayforBraydentogo”IglanceatAubreyasIrealizeIhavethesolution “Givemeaweek I’ll gethistuitionfiguredout.”
WhenIendthecall,Aubreyraisesherbrows “Howareyougoingtocomeupwiththatkindofmoneyinaweek?” Isquaremyshoulders.“IfigureIneedtomakeabouttenthousandamonthtocoverhisexpenses.That’sdoable.” “How?”
“I’llgetajob.”
“No duh, CaptainObvious. Imeantwhatsortofjob? Youhave a sociologydegree. Ithoughtyouwanted to be a social worker”
“Istillcanbe,onceBrayden’sgraduated.”Ignawmylip.“Rightnowtheonlyjobthatwillpaymeenoughwillbeon…”I pausetoprepareforAubrey’sreaction AndalsobecauseIfeelabitqueasyjustsayingit “WallStreet”
Ifullyexpecthertopluckabrownbananafromthefruitbasketandlobitatme,butAubreypropsahipagainstthekitchen
islandandnodsslowly.“YoucoulddefinitelygetsomekindofajobonWallStreetwithyourdegreeandcontacts.”
“Wouldyoustillbemyfriend?”
Sheflashesagrin “Actually,I’mallforit Icandefinitelyseethisworkingout”Herbrowneyessparklewiththatwicked intensitythattellsmeshehasanotherwildidea.LikethetimesheconvincedmetodressupandgonightclubbingwithfakeIDs atagethirteen OrditchprepschooltotakeaGreyhoundtoDC toprotestthenewly-electedpresident
Mybrowfurrows,tryingtodecipherthedirectionshe’sheadedwiththis.Aubreyisnotthetypetoadvisemetogoclimba Wall Streetladder Imean, this is the girl who dragged me to OccupyWall Streetprotests waybackinmiddle school She wearst-shirtsthatsayEattheRichanddreamsofowningatinyhouseinVermont.
She’smynon-IvyLeaguefriendwhohasanosering,paintsmurals,andworksinacoffeeshopasshefinishesherdegree inWomen’sStudiesatCityCollege
“Really?”
“Yes!Listen Thiscouldbeperfect Youshoulddothis Youcanquietlyuseitasyoursociologyresearch Justthinkofthe insightyoucouldgatherontheonepercent.Orthebookyoucouldwrite!You’reexactlythekindofpersonwhocouldtopple empires Exacttruesocialchange”
Inarrowmyeyes.“HowwouldmyworkingonWallStreetexacttruesocialchange?”
“Youwillburnitdown.Idon’tknowhowexactly,butsomeonelikeyoucouldinfiltratetheentirestructureoverthere.You canquietlyresearchthe shitoutofthem Thenwrite the bookthatshows all the corruptionand back-slappingthathappens Provehowriggeditisfortherichtogetricherasthepoorbecomepoorer.Youcoulddothis!”
“Why would I want to?” I ask, but her enthusiasm is starting to catch The idea of infiltrating and studying the inner workings ofWall Street–notas thehardworkingbrainiacfromJerseywhoneeds toputher brother throughcollegebutas an undercoverresearcher–hasacertainappeal.I’dbeplayingarole,knowingitwasonlyarole.There’sfreedominthat.
“Thinkofthegoodyou’ddowiththatkindofsalary!Youwouldn’thavetolivewithyourmomandbrotheranymore.”
“Withtherightposition,ImightevenbeabletocoverallofBrayden’scollegetuition.”
“Totally!”Aubreyslapsherhanddownonmine “Youcouldhelpmepaymycollegetuition I’mjustkidding”
“Wecouldmoveintogether,”Ioffer,alreadystartingtoseetheplan.Aubreyhasalsobeenlivingathomeforthelastyear andahalftosavemoney
“Iwouldlovethat!”Shebeamsatme.Shepointsatmyopenlaptoponthecoffeetable.“Gofindajob.”
“Ican’tbelieveyou,ofallpeople,actuallywantmetoworkonWallStreet.” Aubreywagglesherbrowsasshenodsenthusiastically.“Thisisgoingtobegreat.Epic.ThisisbetterthanOccupyWall Street.It’s“InfiltrateWallStreet.”
I look down at the acceptance letter from Harvard “I could write and ask for a deferral Tell them I’m starting my sociologystudiesonthegroundonWallStreet.Theywilleitherloveitorhateit.Eitherway,I’mbeingauthenticforonce.” “Ooh,theirony YourmostauthenticmomentiswhenyoufakeaWallStreethard-on Perfect Ifreakingloveit!” Isortofloveit,too.
Iflipopenmylaptopandstarttheprocess.
WallStreet,hereIcome
Chapter One
Brick
Theview fromtheMoonCo.’sexecutivesuitewouldmakealesserman,ahuman,dizzy.Thebuildingissotall,it swaysinthewind Butthat’sthepriceoftastingrareair,andhavingallofLowerManhattanatyourfeet Uphere,it’seasytoforgetyou’remortal.Uphere,it’seasytofeellikeagod.
AshadowfallsacrosstheglassasBilly,mysecondincommand,comestostandbesideme.
“We’re almostthere,” he says quietly. Iknow he’s referringto the vow we made years ago, inour dormatYale, onthe worstdayofmylife.Thedaymyfatherwasmurderedandourenemiesdestroyedeverythinghe’dbuilt.
“Almost,”Igrowl Webothstareatthebuildingacrossfromus Thebuildingourenemieserectedtotauntus “We’reclose.”Heclapshishandonmyshoulder.“TheAdalwulfswon’tknowwhathitthem.”
Ipivotandtakeaseatattheheadoftheconferenceroomtable Billyheadstoopenthedoor,tosignalthatthemeetingis abouttostart.Therestoftheexecutiveteamstartstofilein.
That'swhenithitsme.Asweetscent,bothbrightandcitrus-ybutcomplexlikenutmeg.Mouthwatering.
It’sonthetipofmytonguetocussandreamsomeoneout.Perfumesandcolognesofanytypearebannedfromthepremises. It’s stated clearlyinthe employee handbook, practicallyonthe first page. Billytakes great joyinfiringthe new hires that forget
Butit’snotperfume.It’ssomeone’snaturalscent.Butwhose?
There,bytheelevator NewGirl.
IfiredmyassistantFriday,whichmeansherassistant,Indira,moveduptheladder,andthere’sanew starry-eyedcollege gradinIndira’splace
Ayoungwomancoollysurveysthetopfloor.She’snodifferentthananyotheradministrativeassistant.Young,professional. Shehasashortdarkbrownbobandboldredlipstick
Butherscent….Ipullitthroughmynostrils,savoringtheflavor.
Nutmegandoranges Maybeahintofsomethingexotic,likeFrankincense
“Who’sthat?”Billyflopsdowninhischairandleansback,makingitbalanceonthelasttwolegs,adisplayofstrengthno humancouldpulloff.Atmyglare,heletsthechairfalltoallfourlegswithathump.“Yournewsecretary’ssecretary?”
HewastherewhenIfiredmyformerassistantFriday IgothroughassistantslikeBillygoesthroughhookups “Mustbe.”
“Youwantmetocallherin?”heasks
“Yes.” Normally, Iwould sayno. Normally, Iwouldn’tgive her the time ofdayuntil Iwanted something. ButIneed to examinethatscentupclose
Billylooks atIndira and points atNew Girl. He makes a beckoningmotion, like he’s irritated thatIndira didn’talready comeintointroduceher.He’salmostasskilledasIamatmakingemployeesjumpandtremblewithfear.
NewGirldoesn’tlookafraid,though IwatchasshefollowsIndirain AssoonasIgetanose-fullofherscent,Iwantto lickherfromtoetoclit.
Oddreactiontoahuman
She’s notevenpleasingto the eye. Imean, she’s pretty, butthere’s nothingsoftand yieldingabouther. Somethinginthe
carriageofherneck,theliftofherchin,inthewayshedoesn’tflinchwhenIglareinherdirection,makesherlooklikeshehas achiponhershoulder.Withtenyearsaddedtoher,she’dlooklikeoneofthosepowerexecutivetypes.Afemalepowerhouse, borntodominateeveryoffice Iemployahandfulofwomenlikeher Youhavetobestrongtomakeitaroundhere
She assesses me rightback,somehow managingtoappear respectful andreceptive,yetcompletelyunafraid,eventhough it’sherfirstdayhere
Partofmewantstoripheranewonerightfromthestart.EspeciallybecauseIheardhermurmurtoIndira,“Sothat’sthe BigBadBoss”beforetheywalkedin Ofcourse,shecouldn'tknowthatthere’snoconversationoutofmyhearingrangeonthis floor.
Theclosershegets,themoreherscentinfiltratesmysenses.It’stoopleasingtomakemewanttoattack.Fates,ismydick gettinghard?
Istand.“Youare?”
“Mr Blackthroat,thisis–”Indirabegins
“MadisonEvans.”NewGirlsticksherhandoutformetoshake,sayinghernameatthesametimeasIndira.Shemeetsmy gazesteadily There’snochallengetoit,justattentiveness She’sreadingme Iwanttofindsomethingtocriticize,butIcan’t She’s the right mixture of confidence and humility. Not overlybold, not cowering. There’s somethingannoyinglyappealing abouthermanner.
Ialreadyhateher Iacceptherhandshake Herskinissoft Forsomereason,mythoughtsflicktothefactthatherscentwill nowbeonmypalm.NotthatI’mgoingtoreviewitlater.
“IgobyMadi”
“IwillcallyouMadison, if Irememberyourname.I’llexpectyoutoanswertoAssistant,Secretary,NewGirlorwhatever elseIhurlatyouatthemoment.”Ireleaseherhand.
Farfrombeingtakenaback,Iseeatraceofamusementinherexpression.“Iwillanswertoallofthose,”sheassuresme withabowofherhead.
“Good Nowtakeourcoffeeorders”Iflickabrowlikesheshouldhavealreadyknowntodothiseventhoughit’sherfirst day.ToIndira,Isay,“Wherearethefinancialreports?”
Madi
RulenumberoneofdealingwithaWallStreetalpha-hole:Don’tshowweakness
Blackthroat is staringat me. He’s more good-lookingand intimidatingthanthe rest of themput together. His sleeksuit accentuatesthewidthandbreadthofhispowerfulshouldersandchest Iraisemychinandmeethisgazesquareon.“WhatkindofcoffeecanIbringyou,sir?”
Hiseyesaredark.He’sgotacloseclippedbeard,andthelinesaroundhiseyesmakehimlookolderthanhisthirty-some years
Thesecondstretchestoinfinity.Mr.Blackthroat’sglareintensifies.Foramoment,abrightsheenflaresaroundhispupils. Mustbeatrickofthelight
“TripleEspresso.”Thedeepgrowlofhisvoicewrapsaroundmybodyandsqueezesme. Inod.
I’mstillreelingfromthefactthatIamworkingfor the BrickBlackthroat.Or,rather,Blackthroat’sassistant,Indira. MybossisthesameageIam–justoutofundergrad.Shetoldme her bossgotfiredFriday,andshewasbumpeduptheline. She’sonlybeenherethreeweekstotal,herself
Atthemoment,sheishurryingaroundherdeskarea,pickingupandsearchingthroughfolders.Isuspectshedoesn’teven knowwhatreportshe’stalkingabout It’sprobablysomekindoftest.
Well,I’llmakesurewepassitrightafterIhandletheircoffeeorders. Idon’tplanoneitherofusgettingfiredtoday. Ortomorrow.
GoodthingIknowhowtonavigatethewatersoftheonepercentoftheonepercent Rulenumbertwo:actasifyoubelong.
SoIpretendI’mnotunnervedbythesixgood-lookingassholes intenthousanddollar suits sittingaroundagianttable I recognizethemasmembersoftheexecutiveteam.Imemorizedtheemployeeroster,aswellasthethreehundredandfourteen pagehandbookonthewaytoworkthismorning.
Rulenumberthree:Alwaysbeprepared
“I’llhavealargered-eye,extracream,nosugar,”anexecsaysintheQueen’sEnglish.HemustbeNicholasCavendish,the seventh “Nickel”transferredfromOxfordtoYale,Blackthroat’salmamater
Thenthere’sVanceBlackthroat,CFO.Acousintotheking.Hedoesn’tevenlookupfromhislaptop.“Flatwhite.Tall.”
“Youaren’tgoingtowritethisdown?”William“Billy”Whitewearsasmirk,likehethinksI’mabouttobombthistest.He sportsdimplesinhischeeksandchinandhas player writtenalloverhim
“No,I’llremember,”Iassurehimbrightly.I’mnotusingapenandpaperorenteringitintoatextonmyphoneasamatter ofpride Ihaveanexcellentmemoryandintendtokeepithoned,evenifallI’mdoingwithmyPrincetondegreeisservinga bunchofentitledassholestheircoffee.Iusethememorydeviceofpicturingmesettingeachpapercupwiththelabel printed withtheirexactdrinkinfrontofthem
“Okay,”hesaysslowly.“I’llhaveacaramelribboncrunchFrappuccinowithwhip.”
“Gotit.”Ilookpolitelyatthenextguy,butBillyinterrupts,changinghismind.“No,actually,makethatatall,decafmocha withonlytwopumpsofchocolate”
Itaketwomoreorderswhenhechangesitagain.“Wait,holdup.I’dlikealargelattebrevewithanextrashot.Gotit?”The cockybastardhasthenervetowink
“Gotit.”Iturnpolitelytogetthelastoftheordersandleavetheconferenceroom.
IfindIndirafranticallyclickingthemouseathercomputer “IhadtogetITtogetmyformerboss’password HopefullyI canfindthereportsheneeds.Areyouokaytogetthecoffees?Justhitthecafeoutsidethebuilding.”
“Noproblem.Goodluckwiththereports.I’llberightback.”
Tenminuteslater,I’mdowntheblockwaitinginlinetoplacetheorder Ishouldhaveorderedaheadontheapp Itrynotto getfidgetyaboutgettingrakedoverthecoalsfortakingsolong.There’snothingIcandoatthispointexceptapologizeifI’m calledout
WhenIfinallymakeitbackwiththetwoloadedtraysofdrinks,Ihavetosetoneofthecarriersonthefloor toopenthe doortotheconferenceroom.
Indira’sinside,handingoutthereports.
Iservethecoffees,andBillysays,“Whatisthis?Where’smyflatwhite?” MymindspinsasItrytofigureoutifhe’sscrewingwithme He’sfrowninglikehe’spissed,butIcatchalip-twitchfromVance. He is screwingwithme Hetotallyis I’msure of it whenhe says, “Youreallyshould have writtendownthe orders.” He shoots a glance inthe directionof Blackthroat,asifhe’sahuntingdogdeliveringatastymorselathismaster’sfeet. I’mthemorselinthisscenario.
“No,I’mgood.I’vegotthemalluphere.”Itapmytemple.“YouorderedacaramelribboncrunchFrappuccinowithwhip, thenchangedittoatall,decafmochawithonlytwopumpsofchocolateandthenalargelattebrevewithanextrashot”Iwait abeatbeforeIsay,“ButI’mhappytogobackandgetyousomethingelse.”Theremayor maynotbeatingeofsnarkinmy tone Ileanmyhipagainstthegiant,thickslabofpolishedmahoganythatmakesupthetable “Orwereyoujusttryingtotrip meup?Ittakesmorethanacoffeeordertoconfuseme.”
Hedoesn’tsmile,butIhearasnortfromacrossthetableandalightchuffoflaughterfromVance.
IreachacrossthetabletoadjustBilly’scoffeecup,sothelabelfaceshim “Wereyouabullyinhighschool,too?”
Theveryserious,professional,haughtylookingexecssuddenlyturnintofratboysinalounge.Ormaybethat’swhatthey’ve alwaysbeen,butthesuitsdeceivedme “Ohhhhh,she’samouthyone,”oneofthemcackles “Servesyouright,”Nickelsays “Areyougoingtolethergetawaywiththat?”BillyturnstoMr.Blackthroat.
What the actual F? Compared to the corporate culture I’ve seen everywhere outside of the board room, the familiarity withinthisgroupshocksme.Butthen,Blackthroatformedthestart-upwithhiscousinsandfriendsfromcollege,soIsupposeit makessense.
“AmIgoingto letmy secretary’s secretary hand youyour ass whenyoutryto slip her up?” Blackthroatfolds his arms acrosshischest.
DearLord,theyareveryfinearms,thickandcordedwithmuscle “Yeah,IguessIam”Heturnstome “Sitinthecorner withIndira,thatmemorycouldbeuseful.”
IfindIndiraseatedintheshadowedcorner bythedoor andpull uparollingofficechair besideher “AtfirstIthoughtI wasbeingsenttothecorneraspunishment,”Imurmurundermybreath.
Sherollsherlipsinwardtokeepfromsmiling.
Mr Blackthroat’sgazeflickstomeforamoment,andmybellyflips Idoubtheheardme Myfluttershavenothingtodo withfearoverlosingmyjob.It’smorelike…excitementoverhisattention.
Score one for the assistants
Chapter Two
Brick
Idon’tknowwhyItoldNewGirltostayintheroom,buthermutteredcommentaboutitbeingpunishmentmakesme sproutachub I’ddefinitelylovetopunishthatone Foldherovermydeskandsmackherasswhileshemoansformore Ofcourse,Iwouldn't.
Idon’tdohumans,andmyemployeesareoff-limits.Youdon’thuntwhatyoucan’teat. Ipickupthereportandstartrunningthroughit.
IneedIndiraheretoanswerorresearchanyquestionsthatarisefromit,butthere’snoreasonforherassistanttostay.No reasonIcancomeupwithfor askingNew Girl tostayother thanthefactthatsheamuses me Andthenthere’s her exquisite scent.Itfillstheroom,simultaneouslystimulatingandsoothingme.
Ilikehowshelookedmeintheeye
Iwas borndominant. Analpha inthe making. I’ve onlylowered myeyes for myfather, and after Ishifted the firstfew times,hewascarefulnottodemandsubmissionfromme,incaseIwentforhisthroat.Evenasayouth,mywolfwasamonster.
I send a glare around the room. No one else meets my eye. They’re my top wolves, my business partners, closer than brothers.Andeventheyknownottochallengemywolf.
New Girl didwhatnocreature–humanor shifter–shouldbe able todo Andmywolflether Notonlydidhe lether,but he’snotupsetatall.No,he’sintrigued.
IrunthroughthereportsIndirapassedout,thenIdismissthetwohumanstoconductthemoresensitivebusiness Packandfamily-relatedbusiness.
“TheAdalwulfs–”Vancebegins,andIsnapmyfocusbacktowhereitshouldbe.
“Whataboutthem?”Isnap
The Adalwulfs are our swornenemies. Apackand business rival organizationfromthe earliestdays ofthe colony, the Adalwulfswerealwayssecond-bestuntilIwaseighteen Whentheystolethefuckingthrone.
“Nothingconfirmed,butthere’sanew bidderinplayforBensonInsurance Wedon’tknow who’sbehindit,butwordon thestreetisit’s–”
“AidenAdalwulf,”Billyspitsthenameofmycousinandnemesislikeacurse. Mywolfsurgestohisfeet Theroomturnsred–mywolfgivingmeavisionofitpaintedwithourrival’sblood Ifonly “IthoughtBensonwasadonedeal?”Nickelsays.
“Notyet,”Vancesays “BensonSeniorisdragginghisfeet Nowweknowwhy” Istopgrindingmyteethlongenoughtoask,“What’stheoffer?”
“Nonewsonthat,butifIhadtoguess?Twicewhatwedid” “Fuckthat,”Billysays.“He’dbeoverpayingbyacouplebill.”
“AdalwulfAssociatescanaffordit,”Vancesays.“YouknowAiden’sjustdoingthistomesswithus.” “Whyarewegettingintoinsuranceanyway?”Billyscoffs “Stability,”NickelsaysmorepatientlythanIwould.“Afterthisacquisition,we’llhaveexposureinallmajorsectors.” “Sostartfromscratch WhoneedsafustyoldcompanylikeBensonwhenwecanbuildanew,improved,moreagileone? GiveJakeandIaweekend.We’llcodesomethingthatmakesGeicolooklikeadinosaur.”Billygrabsastressballandlobsit
atJake,whocatchesitwithoutraisinghisheadfromthereport.“Right?” Jake,ourresidentcodinggenius,shrugs.“Icoulddoit.”
“No,”Isay “PurchasingBensonwasmoreaboutaccesstotheinsurancesector Itwasaboutbalancingourimage”
“Thenewandtheold.”Nickelsteepleshisfingers.“Themodernandthelegacy.Weprovewe’renotsomesnottynosetech upstartwhosurgedthecryptowave”
“Butwedidsurfthecryptowave,”Billysays.
“That’showwestarted Butwe’remorethanthat,”Isay “AcquiringBensonisfurtherproof”
“Itwouldbeafeatherinourcap,”Nickelsays.“AndlosingittotheAdalwulfswillmakeuslookweak.” He’s right.Normally,I’dbewillingtoletadeal go.Butnow thattheAdalwulfs areinvolved,wehavetowin.Because whenyou’reawolf,dominanceisn’taboutagoldmedaloraworthlesstrophy It’ssurvival.
MymotherisanAdalwulf Becauseofherbetrayal,theystolethecrownfromtheBlackthroats,buttheydon’tgettokeepit It’smyjobtotakeourrightfulpositionback.I’mthealpha.TakingthebullofWallStreetbythehornsisbothmydestinyand myduty
“Westandourground.”Iorder.“Wesweetenthepot.Goldenparachutes,MoonCo.shares,whateverittakes.”
“I’llhaveanewproposaloptiononyourdeskbynoon,”Vancetellsme.
“I’llgetmyteamdiggingtoseeifthereareanydetailstobehadonwhatAdalwulfoffered,”Nickel’salreadytappingon hisphone,rallyinghistroops.
“Iwantthisinthebagbeforethecharityball,”Iadd “CallameetASAP” “Onit,”Billylaunchesfromhischair.He’snotafraidtogivepushback,buthe’llbeloyaltothedirectionhisAlphasets. “It’s delicate,” Nickel calls after him. “Send someone who can sweet talk them a little.” He knows Billy can’t stand humans.
“Icanplaygoodcop,”BillypartshislipsinaJoker’ssmile.It’shorrifying,notcharming.JakeandSullysnort. “Notquiteright,I’mafraid,”Nickelclips “Sendsomeoneelse”
Billy flips himoff and exits the conference roomto harangue my assistants to set up a new meeting with the heads of Benson Myshifterhearingcatchesallofit
“Ofcourse.When?”Indirasoundsbreathless.
“Yesterday,”Billybarks.
Idon’tknowwhyI’mstilllistening.WhatI’mwaitingtohear. “Consideritdone.”NewGirl’svoiceisquietandauthoritative.
Fascinating
Ihave tofightmycompulsiontocorner New Girl andstartmakingdemands ofher.Demands thatgo far beyond her job description
Chapter Three
Madi
After work, I take the subway to Brooklyn. I will my brain to stop thinking about the job. Stop analyzing and categorizingeverythingIsawandheardtoday ThenIpassaguyinasuitreadingthepaper Ablackandwhitephotoof BrickBlackthroatglaresupatmefromthebusinesssection,andI’msuddenlybackinthatboardroom.
I expect you to answer to Assistant, Secretary, or New Girl Sooffensive.
Yet,forsomereason,itturnedmeon.Maybeitwasthedeep,growlyvoice.OrthefactthatBlackthroatispanty-meltingly hot
Or maybe it’s just that I love a challenge. I’mdetermined to keep this job. Not just because I have to–whichI do–but becauseIrefusetolosethisgame
Bythe time IreachLa Résistance, the cafe where Aubrey, myroommate and childhood bestfriend works, I’mreadyto throwmyhighheelsintothedumpsterthatpartiallyblockstheviewofthemuralAubreypaintedonthesideofthebuilding.It’s adepictionoftheOccupyWallStreetprotestswiththewords Resist Much, Obey Little overlaidinagiantscript.
Thecoffeeshopisfullbutnotbusy,thetransitionfrombusierdaycrowdtothemorelaid-backeveninglivemusicsetstill inprogress It’sbeenaroundsincetheearly70s,ameetingplaceforartistsandpoliticalactivists
AssoonasIstepinside,thetensioninmyshouldersmeltsaway.Cominghereisagoodidea.Thegroundissolidundermy feet,unlikeonthetopfloorofMoonCo’shighrise ThisiswhereIbelong.
TheACisrunning,butit’sAugustandhotinthecafe,andIwishIwasoutofmyworkdressandheelsandwearingatank topandshortslikeAubrey
“Hey,there’sourrisingstar,freshoffWallStreet!”Aubreyputsherfisttoherlipstomakeabuglesound. “Shh,”Icaution
Shepointstothephototapedtothebulletinboardbehindherofthetwoofuswithoursignsandt-shirtsatthelastevent. Theboardisahaphazardcollageofsocialprotestbumperstickersandphotosdatingbacktothecafe’soriginswhentheowner Caroline and her now wife cut their teethas activists. Their cafe has beenthe meetingplace for changemakers ever since. “GuessIshouldn’tsendthattoyourboss,huh?”
“Probablynot”Igiveheragrin
“So.”Aubreysetsavanillalatteinfrontofme.“Howwasyourfirstday?”
Itakeasipofmydrink Nocaffeinehitbecauseit’safterhours,butitstilltasteslikeambrosia “Insane You’relookingat thenew assistanttotheassistanttoBrickBlackthroat.”Ipepupmyannouncementwithironicjazzhands.“Igottoservehim coffee”
Aubreysnorts.Heropinionofheartlesscapitalistsandthepatriarchyislowerthanmine.“WelcometoWallStreet,where theyrequireanIvyLeagueeducationtofetchtheirdrinks.”
“Iknow, right?” Igrimace “But myfirst paycheckcomes inthree weeks, whichis just intime to make Brayden’s first tuitionpayment.”
Aubrey’sfacesoftens “You’reagoodsister”
“It’sonlyfair.Ihadmytuitioncoveredbymyanonymousspermdonor.”
Aubreydoesn’tcomment.Sheknowsmycomplicatedfeelingsabouttherichdouche,identityunknown,whoknockedupmy motherandleftusbothtostruggle,tosurvive.
Anotherprettyrichboyleavingdestructioninhiswake
Acustomer steps up to the counter, and Aubreydrifts offto help him. The manputs inhis order, his voice surprisingly deep He’shandsomeinaboyishway,withlonghairandJohnLennonglasses Hecatchesmelookingandraiseshisbrows,as ifinvitingmyapproach.
Iturnaway AllIcanthinkaboutisBrickBlackthroatandthedeeprumbleofhisauthoritativevoice
Thisisn’tlikeme.PervingonaWallStreetbillionaire.Mylastflingwaswithawannabepoetwhodroppedoutofcollege tobuildhisowntinyhouseandrunacommunitygarden.AboutasoppositetoBrickBlackthroatasyoucanget.
Aubreyreturnswithachaiforherself “So WallStreet Dudebros Makingmoney” “Makingalotofmoney.Andthey’rehorrible.”
Objectively,they’rehorrible Pompous,wealthyfratboysrunningacompany Forsomereason,though,Idon’tdislikeany ofthem,evenBilly.
Iespeciallydon’tdislikeBrickBlackthroat “I’msure.”Aubrey.
Ithinkoftheboardroom,thechargedatmosphere.BlackthroatwasabrasiveasIexpectedbutevenmoregood-lookingthan hispressphotosmadehimappear Handsomeinawaythatmakesyouhatehimevenmore Likethosevillainsinmovieswho seemevenmoredangerousbecauseoftheirgoodlooks.
Myentirebodycamealiveinproximitytohim Hispowerispalpableandaddictive
Inmyresearchintothisjob,Iduguphisoriginstory.BrickBlackthroatcamefrommoney,buthisfatherdiedwhenhewas eighteen, and the familybusiness tanked. The sixofthem–Brick, his two cousins, and their closestfriends–started their first companytogetherintheirfrathouse.Theycaughtthecryptowavewiththeirowncoinandthentradingplatform,MoonShotand MoonBase, but Blackthroat didn’t stop there. He tooka bigbet investingina semiconductor company, and that’s where he made his firstsolid billion That’s whenthe world stopped laughingatthe fratbrothers playingwithMonopolymoneyand startedcallingBrickBlackthroatthenextWarrenBuffett.
“They’rebossholes,forsure,”Isay “They’rethebaddestboysonWallStreet,butIguesstheyhavetobe That’sthegame they’replaying.”
Okay,fine.Iadmirethehelloutofthemforwhattheycreated.
“Good thingyouhave lots ofpractice dealingwiththe richand pampered.” She means mytime at Landhower, rubbing elbowswiththepolo-playingsetwhowalkedaroundtheoak-shadedcampusliketheyownedit.Theirlastnameswereonthe oldstonebuildings,inhonorofthesizabledonationstheirfamilieshadmadetotheschool,sotheykindofdid
“Goodthing.”WhatbothersmeishowmuchI’mlookingforwardtoseeingBrickBlackthroatupcloseandpersonalagain. Ishouldbeimmunetorichdouchebags
“What?”Aubreyleansin.“What’sthatlookonyourface?Youcantellme.” “Mybossishot.”
“Ooooh,”Aubreytapshersilvernosestud “You’reintoWallStreetbrosnow” “Hell,no.”IrearbacksofastIalmostspillmylatte.“Idon’tdaterichguys.”
“Ididn’tsay‘date’”Aubreyrunsafingeralongtherimofhermug “I’mjustsaying iftheconferenceroom’sa-rocking, don’tcomea-knocking.”
“Gross,”Isay,butIsmile Theimagesflashthroughmymindasiftheywerewaitingforpermission:melaidoutbeforemy bosslikeabuffetoffering,Blackthroatloomingoverme,glacialeyespinningmetotheconferencetableashestripsoffhissuit jacketandrollsuphisshirtsleeves.Whatsortofmusclesarehidingunderhissuit?
No, no, no No drooling over my boss “Ineedthisjob Ineedmoney,nottogetlaid”
“Maybeyoucangetboth.AcoupleoforgasmsandanicepayouttokeepDickBlackthroat’snameoutofthetabloids.” Ichokeonmylatte
“That’showI’dplayit.”Aubrey’ssmileiswicked.
“PlanZ,then IfIgetfired”
“Youwon’tgetfired.You’reaquickstudy.”
Iammorethanaquickstudy.Iamascapableasanassistantcouldbe,andIplantomakemyselfindispensabletoBrick Blackthroat IndiraandIwillkeepthosejobs,andBraydenwillgethiseducation Aubreyreachesbelowthecountertoretrieveaflier.“They’rehavingan80’sbandnightnextdoor.”
“No,”Igroanbeforeshecanevenask “Comeon,”shewheedles.“It’llbefun.”
Eightiesgirl bandsareeverythingtoAubrey.Theyalwayshavebeen.Wespentmostofour earlyteenseither learningto playorchoreographingdancestoTheBangles,TheGo-Go’sandBanarama.
“Ican’t.Ineedtoprepfortomorrow,anditmightbeanall-nighter.”Afterthemornings’conferencemeeting,theofficewas
buzzingabouttheBensondeal.Ineedtoknoweverydetailbeforemorning.
Rulenumberthree:Alwaysbeprepared.
“It’snottonight It’sinamonth,”shesays “AndImayhavealreadysignedusuptoplay” “To play?”
“Please?Please,please,please?Itwillbesofun!” “Aubrey–”
“Ican’tdotheGo-Go’sbymyself Ineedyou”
“Youneedsomeonewithrealtalent,andthatisnotme.”
“Itistotallyyou.Therearefourbandsplaying,andwewouldbesecond.IgotmyfriendEricatoplaydrums.Wejustneed youonbass Norehearsalsrequired–Iknowyou’rebusy”
“I’mnotplayingwithoutarehearsal.Weliterallyhaven’tperformedsincetenthgrade.”
“Yeah,butIknowyou Youneverforgetanything I’llrehearsewithErica Youjusthavetoshowupthatnightandplay” “Fine.”Iopenthecalendaronmyphoneandenterthedate.“I’lldoit.Foryou.Justletmegetmysealegswiththisjob.I mightneedtopullsomeall-nighterstostayonestepahead”
“Thosebillionairesdon’tdeserveyou.”
“No.Theydonot.”
Aubreyscampersovertotheespressomachine “Beforeyougo,I’llmakeyoualatte Full-cafthistime” “You’re a goddess.” Itake a momentto checkmyworkphone.There’s alreadya hundrednew emails, anda few frantic textsfromIndiraoverthemeetingwithBensonwe’retryingtoschedule“yesterday” Sure, boss. Let me just build a time machine real quick. Aubreyhandsmeato-gocup.Twentyouncesofcaffeine,blessher. Isaluteherandheadout.I’vegotemailstoanswerandacorporatetakeovertoconquer.AndBrickBlackthroat?I’lltreat himlikeanyotherrichjerk.ImpresshissuitpantsoffasProfessionalMadi,cashmypaychecksandsparenotathoughtforhim outsideofanythingstrictlyworkrelated I’mnotafraidoftheBigBadBoss.
Chapter Four
Brick
Thenextmorning,IhavemydriverdropmeoffacouplemilesfromWallStreetandwalktherestofthewayin.I’ve beenitchytoruneversinceleavingtheofficelastnight Irefusetobelieveit’sbecauseofNewGirl Idon’tgethotfor humans.
Still,Ihaveanexcessofenergy,sowalkingitoffbeforeIgoinandripeveryonearoundmeanewoneisprobablyforthe best.
Myphonebuzzes,andIshovemyearpodsintotakethecall.It’smysister,Ruby.She’sfiveyearsolder,butwe’reclose. Especiallybecauseshehastwopupsnow withEagle,myleadcounsel,andI’mcrazyaboutmynieceandnephew Also,we hadafucked-upupbringinginanevenmorefucked-upfamily,andwe’renowtheleadersoftheBlackthroats.
“What’sup?”Ianswercurtly Evenwithfamily,I’mstingywithwords “ItalkedtoMom.”
Isuckinasharpbreath.Everymentionofourmothermakesmewanttothrashsomeone.Nother…becauseshe’sstillmy motherandasmuchasIhateher,I’mtoodamnattached.Somecoreofme–maybeit’sthealphawolfinstinct–isstillprotective. “She,uh,shesaidUncleOdinisdying.”
“And?”Idemand Thetasteinmymouthisasbitterastheycome Iwouldn’tgiveafuckiftheentireAdalwulfpackdied offtomorrow.
Well,I’dhavemixedfeelingsaboutmymother Andthereinliestheconflictthateatsmeupeveryday “Idon’tknow.Ithinkitfreesherupsomehow.Shesaidshewantstospendtimewithhergrandbabies.” Ignashmyteeth.“Areyougoingtolether?”
“Um yeah Iwantto”
Iwanttotearthemetaltrashcanoutoftheconcreteonthesidewalkbesideme.Idon’tknowwhyinthehellwe’rehaving thisconversation Justtomakeanalreadysourdayworse?Thenitdawnsonme
“You’re askingmypermission.” She maybe myolder sister, but I’mthe alpha. I knew mysister had beeninsporadic contactwithourmothersinceourfather’sdeath,butIdidn’tconsideritmyproblem It’sRuby’schoice Personally,IknowI couldn’thandleseeingher.Itwouldtearmeuptoomuch.
“Well,no.Notexactly.”IdecodethattomeanifIsayno, she’sgoingtodoitanyway.“Ijustwantedtorunitbyyou.”
“Doyouactuallythinkyouryoungaresafewithher?Augustisinlineforthethroneifanythinghappenstome Youthinkthe Adalwulfswilllethimlive?”
“Brick,shedidn’tkillDad!”Rubysayshotly Shesoundsclosetotears,whichmakesmebackoff Imaybeanutsackto mostofthepeoplearoundme,butRubydoesn’tdeserveit.
“YouknowIdon’tbelievethat,Rubes,”Isaygently Istopmybriskwalkingandrubmyforehead,causingthefoottraffic aroundmetochangeflowanddrawingmutteredcurses.
“Whywouldtheykillafive-year-old?Iftheykilledanyone,itwouldbeyou,andthatobviouslyhasn’thappened.There’s noreasontokill TheythinktheywonwhenOdinpoachedallthewhalestoAdalwulfAssociates BlackthroatInvestmentsisn’t evenopentooutsideclientsanymore.We’renolongerathreattothem.”
Iamdefinitelyathreattothem Every Single Oneofthem
“Youhaven’ttalkedtoher,Brick.Iwishyouwould.She’sdevastatedoverDadandlosingherrelationshipwithus.Iknow
shedidn’tdoit.”
“I’mnotsurewecantrustourselvesorourjudgmentwhenitcomestoourownmother.”
“Iam I’msure,Brick”
She’sdelusional.Butmysisterisapeacemaker.Shewasalwaystryingtoweavepeacebetweenourparentsandthetwo families
“Well,dowhatyouwanttodo,justkeepmeoutofit,”Imutterandstartwalkingagain.
“Okay Understood Auggiehasakaratetournamenttomorrownightifyouwanttocome”
Justthe mentionofmynephew makes me soften. “How’s thatworkingout?” Istill can’tbelieve mysister risked putting Auggieintoanykindofsportwithhumans.Thedangerofhimshowingsuperhumanabilitiesiswaytoohigh.ButIsupposethe soonerhelearnstohideit,thebetter Thatwashisparents’idea,anyway “It’sgood.Helovesit.It’sagoodwayforhimtogethisenergyout.”
“I’msure Yeah,I’llbethereforsure Textmethedetails” “Allright.Oh–andI’mmakingplansfortheball.You’recomingalone,right?” “Right”
Hervoiceturnsmischievous.“Justcheckingtomakesureyoudon’twantmetosetyouupwithadate.” IcatchmyselfthinkingaboutNewGirlandsnarl,“Hellno.”
“Yousure?”sheteasesbutbacksdownimmediately “Allright Loveyou” Isoftenalittlemore.“Iloveyou,too.”
There’satenyeargapbetweenmyoldestandyoungestsisters,butRubyandScarlettandIareclose Ourfathermatedwiththeenemy,whichmeanswehadthemostfuckedupchildhoodimaginable. Inourfamily,it’seitherkeepeachothercloseorwatchoutfortheknifeinyourback.
I’moutfor blood whenIgetto MoonCo. So help anyemployee who looks atme wrongtoday. Theyscatter as Islice throughthelobbywithlongstrides.Thesecurityguardsstandstraighter,proppingtheirshouldersbackasIpass.I’llfireanyof themiftheysomuchaslookattheirphoneswhileonduty
Moon Co. already has more security measures than most companies, but I’m going to add more. The employees will complaininprivate,butfuckthem They’rehereforapaycheck Thestakesarehigherformeandmypack Ourenemiessnap atourheels,threateningourveryexistence.Thisisn’tjustbusiness,thisislifeanddeath.
IstepintotheelevatorwithNoah,oneofmytopanalysts,punchinthecodefortheexecutivefloor,andpivottofaceout. Normally if I get in an elevator, the rest of the employees–at least those who know better–wait for the next one, but I’m assaultedbythescentofNewGirlasshecomesdashingincarryingtwocupsofcoffeefromStarbucks.
Igetthesamespikeofsexual interestthemomentIbreatheinher sweetlyspicedscent,butsomethingelsehappens,too TheunderlyingrageIwasfeelingaboutthesituationwithmymomandtherestoftheAdalwulfssubsides.Likemywolfneeds metobecalmaroundthisfemale Keepherprotectedfrommymoredangerousside “Goodmorning,Mr.Blackthroat,”sheintonespolitely.She’swearingaknee-lengthpencil skirtandaform-fittingblouse thatdraws mygaze straighttoher tits.She has a perfectrack.I’malmostcertainthey’dlooklike a pair ofripe peaches ifI unwrappedthem AndIdowanttounwrapthem.
She’snotwearingperfume,butherscent,combinedwiththatofhercoffee–vanillalatte,bythesmell–curlsinmynostrils, makesmyfingerscloseintofists.
Thecombinationofmybody’sresponsetoherandmyirritationwithsaidresponsemakesmewanttoslamheragainstthe elevatorwallwithmyfingersaroundherthroat.KissthatsmartmouthuntilshemoanswhileIteachhernottoteasemydick. Butsheisn’tteasing.She’sjuststandinginanelevator,sameasIam. Iignoreher
Madisonshifts her weightbutshows noreactiontoher receptionfromme.I’dcall her oblivious,butIsuspectshe’s too smartforthat Sheeitherhasaveryrobustsenseofselforisadeptathidinghersocialdiscomfort “Whatfloor?”Noahasksinthenoticeabletonesofadeafperson.He’sawolfshifter,butnotfromanyNewYorkpack,and he didn’t get the job through organization ties He got a foot in the door in the human way, which means he’s bright and successful.It’swhatmakeshimafavoriteofmine.
NewGirlturnsherfaceclearlytohisandsays“twenty-eight”atthesametimesheshiftsthecoffeestoonehandandflips herfingersathim
Oh,forfuck’ssake.Sheknowssignlanguage.Sheistoomuch.Irememberfromherresume,whichIreviewedlastnight–a firstforme–she’sfluentinfourlanguagesandoneofthemisASL IalsonoticedyesterdaythatshepronouncesIndira’sname differentlythanIdo.Likeshe’sshowingoffthatsheknowsthecorrectHindipronunciationinsteadoftheusualAmerican. Noahreadslipsorhasacochlearimplantorsomething.Idon’tevenknowifheknowsASL–I’veneverseenhimsign.I’ve neveraddressedanythingpersonal withthewolf.Hedoesajobforme,Ipayhimwell.He’searnedhiswayintomytrusted few.
Hisfacebreaksintoasmile,though.It’sthefirstI’veseenonhim,andforsomereason,Iwanttoflattenhimtothewallfor it.
Becauseit’sdirectedather
He signs somethingback, and thenthe two of themare at it–havinganentire conversationwiththeir hands that I can’t understand Noahgetsoffathisfloor,andNewGirlandIcontinuetothetopfloor.WhenIgetoff,shefollowsmeintomyoffice. Iwhirl,abouttochopherheadoffattheneck,butIseeshe’squietlyheadedtomydesktosetoneofthecoffeesonit Ican’tdecidewhethertomarvelorrageatthefactthatsheseemsascomfortablesteppingintomyspaceasonemysisters wouldbe.Shedidn’tknockoraskpermissiontoenter.Shejustcameinanddidherthing.She’ssuckingup,butsomehow,it feelsmorelikeanalphamovethananomegaone
Ialsodon’tmindthatherscentisnowinmyoffice.
Shebreezespastmeandheadsoutthedoorwithoutwaitingforathankyou Maybesheknowsitwon’tbecoming Iclearmythroat.“There’sacreditcardforexpensesinIndira’sdesk.”
“Iusedit,”sheassuresme Herheadflashesupbriefly,andshemeetsmygaze Igostill,shockedagainthatshedareslookmeintheeye.
Iwaitabeatuntilsheblinksandlooksdown.Clearingmythroat,Iheadaroundmydesk.“Ineedheadofsecurityuphere intenminutes We’reinstallingretinaandfingerprintscansintheelevatorsandaccessdoorsbyendofday”
“Rightaway,sir.”Sheswaysoutofmyoffice,notquitestableinherhighheels.Iforcemyselfnottowatch.
OutsideIhearIndiraaskincredulouslyinanundertone,“Didyoujustgo into his office uninvited? “Yeah.Iwasreadytobethrownoutthewindow,butapparentlyhisverbalviolenceisundercontrolforthemorning.” Verbal violence Idon’tmindthedescription.
“Youaregoingtogetusbothfired,”Indiragrumbles,butthere’sadmirationinhertone. “DidIoverstep?”
“Yeah,Idon’tthinkyou’reallowedinthereunlesshesayshewantsbothofus” “Imeanwithyou?Idefinitelyamtryingtohaveyourback,notgetyoufired.” “No,youdidn’toverstepwithme I’mgladyou’rehere I’vegotyourback,too” BeforeIpukefromtheirfawningfest,Ipickupmyphoneandstartbarkingorders.
Chapter Five
Madi
Fridaymorning,there’sablackandredBugattiidlinginfrontofMoonCo.’sbuildingwhenIhustlein.Thesports carisparkedinfrontofafirehydrant OneoftheC-suitsprobablyleftitthere,sotheycouldsendahaplessassistant downtoparkitproperly.TheCFO–Vance–ormaybetheCOO,Billy.Ican’tpictureBrickBlackthroatdrivingit.He’dprefer somethinglessflashy.
NotthatIhaveanopiniononthis.
MyphonebuzzesbeforeIhittheelevator,andIknow beforeIcheckitthatit’satextfromAubrey.She’sspentall week sendingmeherversionofmotivationalquotes
Aubrey: Remember: Dick Blackthroat puts on his pants like everyone else Except, with each leg, he makes another billion dollars.
Me: Stop calling him that
Aubrey: Why? Can’t stop thinking about his
Sheaddsaneggplantemoji,andIturnoffmyphone,shakingmyhead
Aubreyknowsmetoowell
Imayormaynothavehadasexdreamaboutmybigbadbosslastnight.Wewereintheboardroom,andhewasundressing mewithhisgaze.Heputhishandonmyknee…
The elevator chimes,andIshake myhead Iwas uplate memorizingthe structure ofthe Bensondeal Icanchalkupmy wilddreamsandwakingfantasiestosleepdeprivation.Ineedcaffeine.
IndirafindsmeinthekitchenetteweusetopreprefreshmentsforBrick’smeetings “ThankGodyou’rehere”Shesounds breathless.
“Everythingokay?”
“Theexecutivemeetinggotmovedup.”Shescrubsahandoverherface.“Theyjusttoldme.”
“Whatdoyouneedmetodo?”BusinessMadiisheretosavetheday.Ievendressedinmyversionofapowersuit:aformfitting50sstyledressthatclingstomycurveswhilemaintainingamodestneckline Mad Men meetsMarilynMonroe
“Theywillmeetintheconferenceroomuphere.TheCFO’steamissendingupsomeproposalpackets.”
Mr Blackthroat’sdeepvoicecarriesacrossthefloorashegetsofftheelevator He’smid-conversationwithsomeunseen personontheothersideofhisBluetoothearbud.“Absolutelynot,”hebarksinhismostforbiddingtone.Eventhoughhe’snot talkingtous,Indiraflinches
“BigBadBossondeck,”Imutterundermybreathtoher,“Takecover.”
Hestridespastusonlonglegs,lookinglethallyhandsomeinasuitthatprobablycostsmorethanmycollegeeducation.It’s unfortunateIhaveathingforsuitporn.Andafascinationwithassholebosses.
Ormaybeit’sfortunatebecauseatleastI’mnotrenderedintoanervousmesslikeIndira Westandinfrontofherdesktoreceivehim,likeold-fashionedservantswelcominghomethelordofthehouse.Heflicksa lookourwayandendshiscalltoaddressus “GettheheadofTechAcquisitions.Now.”
“Yes,sir,”wechorus,buthe’salreadyshuthisofficedoor “Hemeansbeforethemeeting.”I’mnotreallyasking,butIndiranods.“Igotthis.”Igrabaphoneandstartdialing.“Youget startedonthemeetingprep.I’lljoinyouASAP.”
The head of TechAcquisitions, BennettonBurgess, doesn’t answer his direct line Neither does his assistant I leave a messageandkeepredialing.I’llrundowntothethirty-sixthflooranddraghimuphereifIhaveto.
Finally,IgetsomeonetopullMr Burgessoutofanall-teammeeting “Mr Blackthroatwouldliketoseeyouonthefiftyfifthfloor.Immediately.”
“Now?Didhesaywhatthiswasabout?”
IchannelmyinnerCEOandinfusemyvoicewithstrength.Youhavetoout-alphatheseguys.It’stheonlywaythey’lllisten. “Hedidnottakethetimetoexplainhimself.Ionlyknowyouneedtocomeinperson.Hehasahardstopinthirty-twominutes, soifitwereme,I’dgetonanelevatorlikemyjobwasatstake”
Fiveminutes later,theheadofTechAcquisitions,BennettonBurgess,storms offtheelevator.Idetour fromtheprinter to raponBlackthroat’sdoor,buthe’salreadyopeningit
“What’sthestatusoftheMorpheusproject?”hebarksinBurgess’face.
Mr.Burgesstakesastepback,theredflushfadingfromhisface.Hisgazegoestothewindow,totheconferenceroom,to me–anywherebuttheBigBadBoss.“It’scomplicated.Myteamknowsthedetails–”
“You’refired.Getout.”Blackthroatrapsout,hisvoicelikemachinegunfire. Burgessexplodeswithanf-bomb “Areyouserious?”
Blackthroatjuststareshimdown.
Ihoverbetweentwodesks,mybrainfrozen ShouldIcallsecurity?HR?Both?Itrytorememberprotocol Afterafewseconds,Burgesswilts.Hewalkstotheelevator.Blackthroat’sofficedoorslams,jerkingmeoutofmyfrozen state.
Iduckintoacubicletomakethecalls.Indirafindsmethere,finishingupwithHR.Ihangupandmouth“Whoa.” “Wasthatthefirsttimeyousawhimfiresomeone?”Atmynod,sheadds,“Itcanhappenacoupletimesadayaroundhere. Sometimesseveralanhour”
“Isitalwaysthat…”Isearchfortherightword.
“Brutal? Yes” She glances atthe clock “I’malmostdone withthe conference room Blackthroatneeds a report And a bottleofwaterchilledtoexactlysixdegreescelsius.”
“I’llgetthewater.”
“Howareyougoingtomakesureit’sexactlysixdegreescelsius?”
“I’llthinkofsomething.”It’sprobablyjustahoopformetojumpthrough,butI’mnottakinganychances.
Thefridgeholdingthewaterissettofortydegreesfahrenheit,whichiscloseenoughtosixdegreescelsius Tobesafe,I stickthebottleundermyarmtowarmitup.Somedigging,andIfindathermometerinourwellstockedfirstaidkitunderthe sink Iopenthebottleandcheck FortythreedegreesFahrenheitonthenose,iftheheatofmyhanddoesn’twarmituptoomuch beforeIgetacrosstheroom.
IhustletoBlackthroat’soffice.Thedooriscracked,soIsimplyraponitinwarningandopenit.Thebig,badbossstands bythewindow,hiseyesonhisphoneandhisbacktothestunningcityscape
“Yourwater,sir.”Iextendthebottle,rightastheheelofmystilettocatchesonasnaginthecarpet.Insteadofhandingmy bosshiswater,Itripandgoflying,straightintohim
Hecatchesmyforearmsandsteadiesmeonmyfeet.Hishandsarelargeandwarm,guidingme.He’snotwearingcologne–cologneisbannedfromthepremises–butthecleanhitofhismasculinescentislikeashotofwhiskeytomysenses
Ofallthereasonstobefired,it’sgoingtobeformyclumsiness.Ishouldhaveseenthatcoming.Myprowessonheelsis somewhatlimited.Tomake matters worse,Ididn’tproperlyre-screw the topofthe water bottle.Water sloshedall over his whitedressshirt
Withoutthinking,Ipatthe soddenfabric as ifIcanblotmymistake away.Mypalms moldtohardmuscle,andmybrain fizzlesout There’sonerocksolidab,andanother,andanother Wow Howmanymusclesishisstomachpacking? “Madison.”Agravellyvoicesnapsmeoutofmydaze.BrickBlackthroatisstaringatme,anunreadableexpressioninhis darkbrowneyes.
Holy shit, I am groping my boss. Isnatchmyhandback.“Excuseme.Sir.”Allthebloodinmybodyisrushingtomyface.“I’llgetyousometowels.Anda
changeofclothes.”Iraceoutofhisofficeandheadtotheclosetbytherestroomwhereanumberoffreshlydrycleanedsuits are hanging. Indira is glowering at the computer screen, whipping the requested report into shape, and doesn’t notice my scramble
Iopenthecloset,andBlackthroat’sscenthitsme.Onceagain,thefresh,woodsyfragrancescramblesmysenses,andIflash backtothemomentwhenBlackthroatcaughtme Thestrengthinhisarms Thestoneslabofhisabs Get it together.
Igritmyteethandgrabasuitbag I’vefuckedup Inthefirstweek,noless I’mabouttojointhefreshlyfiredMr Burgess ofTechAcquisitionsinhiswalkofshameoutofthebuilding.Bilechurnsinmystomach.
ThedoortoBlackthroat’sofficeiscrackedopen.Thistime,Idon’tknock.“Sir,Ifoundyour–” Heturnsfromthewindow,hisshouldersblockingoutthesun Oh, damn.
Gone is my billionaire boss In his place is a cut, shirtless god With his heavily-muscled chest glistening from his impromptu baptism, he looks like a boxing champ about to weigh in. I knew he was well-built under the suit, but this is ridiculous Forgeta six-pack, he’s packinga twelve-pack, atleast Whichis impossible, butthere itis Areal live anatomy lesson,andIwanttostudyituntilIgetanAplus.
Mymouthhangsopen.I’musuallyquickonmyfeet–notliterally,obviously,sinceIjusttrippedoveralongitudeline–butI turnstupidatthesightofhim I’munabletoformwords MyskingetshotandtightlikeI’vegotsunburnallover Withoutaword,heholdshishandoutforthesuit.
Right Thesuit Snappingbackintoaction,Iunzipthebagandhanditoverthenbackaway It’sacrimehehastocoverup allthatmuscularperfection.
Istoopandswipeupthefallenwaterbottleandthewetclothinghetossedoverachair.“I’llgetthisdrycleaned.” WhenIstraighten, he’s finished buttoningup his shirt. Ihave a momentaryfantasyofsteppingforward to tuckitinto his pantsforhim.Tofeelthehardplanesofmusclethatlead…south. Let me get that for you, Mr. Blackthroat. It’sofficial Iamlosingmymind I’mdefinitelygoingtobefired.
“Iapologizeformyclumsiness,sir” Heignoresmyapology.“Istillneedawater.Unopenedthistime.”Heliftsabrowinmydirection. IguessI’mnotfired.
“Yes,sir.”Isuckinasharpbreath,launchingbackintoaction.
Iseriouslydon’tknowhowIdidn’tjustlosemyjobforthesoak-n-gropeIjustgavemyveryhotnightmareofaboss. I’mglad Ireallyam AndIlearnfrommymistakes Idon’tknowwhyI’malreadyimaginingithappeningagain
Brick
WhenI take myseat for the executive meeting, I lookfor New Girl. MadisonEvans. She’s sittingbeside Indira inthe corner,reviewingacopyofVance’sreport Hershortbrownhairfallsinasmoothsheet,curtainingherface She’sordinary, human.There’snoreasonIshouldkeepnoticingher.Sheshouldfadeintothebackgroundlikefurniture.Butevennow,Ican feelherhandsonmychest,moldingtomymuscles.Herusualcoolefficiencydissolved,andshestaredlikeshe’dneverseena barechestbefore.
She’snotafraidofme.Ilikethat.She’shighlyalert,butthere’snorealfearinherscent.Itbloomedstrongerwhenshesaw me shirtless, grew richer, more complex Some Frankincense and spice under the sweet orange Normally, I tear into employeeswhocrushonme,buttheclearattractiononherfacewhenshesawmeshirtlesswasdelicious.Evenmoresowhen shefoughttohideitandactprofessional
Iwantedtodouse her inwaterandthenpeelherclothesofftoseewhat’sunderneath. Istilldo.Andthatmakesmemoreshort-temperedthanusual.
“WherearewewithBenson?”Ibark,onceJakefinishesgivingustheupdateoncrypto.
“Meetingsetfortwoweeksfromnow,”Billysays.“Aftertheball.Wecouldn’tgetitanysooner.”
“We did getBensonSenior and Junior comped tickets to the ball,” Nickel adds, his Britishaccentcrisp and manicured “Anotherchancetorubelbowswiththem.”
“Andwecansendoveranimprovedoffertoday,”Vancesays “OnethatmightmatchwhatAiden’sproposing” “Whataretheyproposing?”Iresisttheurgetoriseandpace.“Dowehaveanywordonthat?” Nickelfrownsatthetable.“Notyet.”
Inthecorner,someoneclearstheirthroat Madison “IfImay”Sheraisesherhandlikeshe’sinclass Ican’tbelieveshehasthenervetointerrupt.
More unbelievable is my fascination with that fact What is it about this little human that makes her so bold? It’s not
ignorance.She’sclearlysmartasfuckandtotallyaware.Soit’sconfidence.Shehasalphainher.
“Imighthavealead.”Sheholdsuphertablet.Onit,there’sapictureofablackandredBugatti parkedinfrontofaLas Vegasfountain “BensonJuniorpostedthistohissocialslatelastnight Apparentlyhehasanewride,andreadingbetweenthe lines,itmighthave beena gift.” She touches the screenandzooms inonthe textbefore readingitaloud, “Friends don’t let friends drive less than 1825 hp ”
IstareatMadison.Normallytheassistantscan’tordon’tbothertofollowtheactualbusinesssideofdiscussions.Theyare heretosupportmeandtheteamwitharrangementsthatcanbedelegated Tohaveheractuallycontributingtotheconversation likeshe’soneofmyexecsshocksme.
Evenmore,tohavetheinterruptionactuallybeonpointandpertinent.BecauseIknowthatcarshe’sreferringto.It’sAiden parkinginfrontofourbuildingtoencroachonourterritory
“MayI?”Nickelholdsoutahandforthetablet,andBillyplucksitfromMadison’shandsandhandsittohim.
“Definitelyagift,”Sullyputsin “BensonJuniorisaknowngambler Iduguphisdebts Hedoesn’thavetheliquidityto buyamilliondollarcar.”
“Afourmilliondollarcar,”Madisoncorrects “IsawasimilaroneparkedinfrontofMoonCo thismorning,anditgotme thinking.Someone’swooinghim.”
AnotherpointtoNewGirl.
“Notsomeone AidenAdalwulf,” Isay Sullyand Billynod Theyrecognize the car, too Aidenboughtone for himself, rightafterhisfathersteppeddownandAidenbecameCEOofAdalwulfAssociates.
“BensonSenior keeps Junior ona tightleash,” Vance puts in “We know thatmuch He tried to bargainfor a permanent positionforhissononcethetakeoveriscomplete,butwenixedthat.Asfaraswecantell,BensonJrdoesn’tdoanythingbut usethecompanycreditcardatstripclubsfor‘meetings.’He’lljustbedeadweight.”
“So,what?”Billyasks,“weoffermorecash?EnoughforBensonJuniortobuyalltheBugatti'shewants?”
“Doit,”Isay.“Gowootheson,seehowitplays.”Irapthetable,signalinganendtothemeeting.IriseasMadisonpasses by “Goodwork,Madison”
Sheraisesherchinandgivesmeapleasantsmile,onceagainmeetingmygaze.She’sgotgorgeousbrowneyes,lightasa mountainlion’s,shotthroughwithgold “Madi,”shecorrectsme,eventhoughItoldherIwouldn’tcallherthat Iglowerather.Howisshemeetingmyeyes?
Ijerkmychin,dismissingher.
Shedoesn’tbudge.“Onemorething.Yourmothercalledearlier.Severaltimes,infact.”
“Idon'ttakecallsfrommymother.”Whenitcomestomymother,mytemper’salwaysonashortleash.“Ever.”
Mywolfstirsbeneaththesurface Hedoesn’tusuallygetreactivetomymother–aflawofgenetics,I’vealwaysassumed–becausethewomanisdangerous.ButthenIrealize:it’snotabouther.Mywolfdoesn’tlikemesnarlingatMadison. Odd
Madisondoesn’treply,simplytiltsherhead,waitingformetoexpound.Outsidetheconferenceroom,Indirapretendsnot towatchourexchange.
Idon’tsenseresentmentorcompetitionfromher,though,eventhoughshe’sMadison’ssuperior Thetwoseemquiteloyal toeachother.
It’satraitnotoftenfoundinhumans
EspeciallynotonWallStreet.
“Getout”
Madisonstandshergroundasifit'snobigdeal,quietlyblowingmymind.“Yoursistercalled,too.”
“Whichone?”
“Ruby”
She probablyneeds myhelp withthe BlackthroatFoundationcharityball. Eagle said one ofthe land purchases mayfall through SinceNewGirlissoclever,Iputheronthattask “Getheronthelineandthenresearchallavailableparcelsofland thatmayconnectwildlifecorridorsnearthecity.”
Madisonblinks,quicklyabsorbingtherandomorder “Yes,sir Sizerequirements?”
I hide my satisfaction at the fact that she doesn’t hassle me with stupid questions. She may be the first assistant I can actuallystand.
“Ideallyfivehundredacres”Sinceshe’ssoastute,Idon’tplaymyusualauthoritativegamesandkeepherinthedarkabout whatshe’sdoingandwhy.“Ruby’sfoundation–our familyfoundation–offersgrantsfor wildernessconservationprojects,and oneofhercurrentdealsmayfallthrough SendyourfindingstoEagle,myexecutivecounsel” Madisonnods.“Ruby’shusband.”
Iraisemybrows,surprisedthatsheknowsthatafterworkingherealloffivedays.
“I’monit,sir.”Shepivotsandsashayspastme.IwatchherhipsswayforlongerthanIshould.
Chapter Six
Madi
“Sowhat’sthedealwiththeAdalwulfs?”IaskIndira,fishingbabycornoutofmychowmein.It’safterthreep.m., andwe’retakingalatelunchwhileonholdwithBenson’sexecutiveteam’sassistants,tryingtonail downdetailsof theMoonCo./Bensonmeeting.
“The Adalwulfs?” Indira’s voice drops to a whisper, and she looks around as ifwe’re kids talkingbehind the teacher’s backinclass.“YoumeanAdalwulfAssociates?”
“Yeah.Thefamilycompany,ifyoucancallitthat.”Iwouldn’tcallahedgefundworthbillionsa“familyownedbusiness,” but it is Most of the board members and C-suite all share the Adalwulf name Either they’re cloningthemselves, or every extendedcousingetsajob. Yay, nepotism. “IoverheardMr.WhitetalkingaboutthemtoMr.Cavendish.”
Indiragulps “TheyhateAdalwulfs”
“Igetthat.”Mr.White–Billy–mutteredsomethingaboutout-biddingthe‘Adal-fucks.’“TheAdalwulfsarebehindthisbid onBenson.ButIgetthesensethere’ssomebadblood.”
“Notjustbad.”Indira’sstillwhispering.“Worse.”
“Theworstblood?NowI’vegottaknow.”
Shegulpsandbeckonsmetothekitchenette,whereshecontinuestowhispereventhoughwe’retheonlyonesonthisfloor Brickisoutofhisoffice.“There’sbeenarivalryforyears.Decadeseven.TheAdalwulfskilledBlackthroatInvestments.That wasthecompany–”
“BrickBlackthroat’sdad,BruceBlackthroat,ran.”Irepeatmyresearch.“Iknowaboutthat.Brucediedunexpectedly,and Bricktriedtotakeover.”
“Yeah,and,uh,itdidn’tworkout”
“Ireadaboutthat.”BrickBlackthroatwasonlyeighteenanduntested.“NoneofthebiginvestorsstayedwithBlackthroat Investments”
“Yeah, because Adalwulf Associates poached them. Told themthey couldn’t trust someone young and green with their money”
“Yikes.”Sothat'swhythere’ssuchafeud.
“BlackthroatInvestmentsdoesn’treallyexistanymore.Theyonlyworkwithfamilymoney.”
Isnort “There’splentyofthat”ButIseehow BrickBlackthroatandhisbuddieswouldseeitasahugedefeat “Sothey foundedMoonCo.Itmakessensenow,whythey’resointentongettingoneoverontheirrivals.I’llseewhatIcandigupon theAdalwulfs Seeifwecangetanedge”
“Ishould’ve thoughtofthat.” Indira scrubs her face.We returntothe phones,whichare still playingsadelevator music, designedtobeannoyingenoughtomakesomeonewanttoendthecallafterthefirstfiveminutes
“It’sallaboutpowerplays,right?Wejusthavetoplaythegame.”
“YoufitinherefarbetterthanIdo,”shetellsmewithanoteofdespondency.“Ihaveadegreeinfinance,notpsychology.I likenumbers,notpeople Iamsonotintothis”
“Wheredidyougotoschool?”
“MIT Iwashopingforananalystposition,buttheonlyonesthatopenupareinadministration,andmyparentstoldmeit wasbettertogetmyfootinthedoor.Idon’treallyknow.”
“No, it totallyis. Youshould talkto Ms. Uptight inHR and mentionthat you’re interested inananalyst positionifone opens.”
“Itoldher inmyinterview,butsheignoredme Thetroublewiththis particular adminpositionis thatthechances ofme gettingfiredinthenextsixweeksareninetypercent,andthenI’veblownmyoneshotatworkingonWallStreet.”
She’sprobablyright,whichmakesmepreemptivelysorryforher
Itoss mytakeoutcontainer inthe trash. “Iwill do mybestto make sure neither ofus gets fired. Youdeserve ananalyst position Nomorebabysittingexecs”
IfIputinagoodwordforher,maybeshecangetthejobshereallywants.WouldthatgetmepromotedtobeBlackthroat’s directassistant?
Imaginingitgives me a thrill ofexcitement–for the challenge ofthe job, only Notbecause Iwantto workmore closely withBlackthroat.I’mdefinitelynotimagininghelpinghimchangeclothesagain.
No,workingfortheboss-holesistorture There’snowayIshouldbeenjoyingit,andifIam?I’mmoreofamasochistthan Ithought.
Brick
After a longdayinthe office, I have JohnAcker, myhelicopter pilot, take me to the familypropertyout of state The BerkshiresresidenceisaplacewhereIcanletmyselfoff-leashtorun.WhereIcangettheconcreteandasphaltoutofmycells andsmellthebarkoftreesandtherichsmellofearthbeneathmyfeet.
Igoeveryweekend,oftenaccompaniedbyoneormoremembersofmyexecutiveteam AtleastonceamonthRuby,Eagle andthekidswill meetmethereforsomefamilytime.Idon’tusuallyhavetogointhemiddleoftheweek,buttoday,I’mon edge Iknowthereasonwhy–she’sshort,freckledandentirelytoosexyinhermodestdresses–butI’mnotgoingtothinkabout that.
The Berkshires propertyhas beeninmyfamilyfor a hundred years and has extensive wooded grounds plus everybitof old-worldopulenceyoucanthinkof,includingseparateservants'quarters,thehelicopterpad,andenoughbedroomstosleep thirty.
“Six-thirtyam tomorrow Don’tbelate,”ItellJohn “I’llbehere.”Hesalutes.
Igetoutofthe helicopter andammetbythe yips ofpleasure fromthree blue heelers whorace outtothe landingpadto greetme.Thecaretakersoftheproperty,DaneandLiz,areshifters.Old-timerswhoservedmyfatherandhaveknownmeand mysisterssincewewereindiapers They’reservants,butthey’realsofamily PackmembersIwouldprotecttothedeath,who woulddoanythingforme.
ThedogsbelongtoDane,butthey’reasmuchmineashis.Theyrecognizemeastheiralpha.
Keepingdogsisn’tascommonforusasitisforhumans Manyshiftersobjecttoit,Isuspectbecausetheydon’tliketosee partsofthemselvesreflectedinapet.Thoseshifterswhodokeepcanines,though,haveatightbondwiththeirpetsastheycan communicate,leadandguidetheminwayshumansnevercould
I’mnotthesortwhowouldkeeppetsofmyown.Idon’tneedmorecreaturesaroundmetoberesponsibleforortocare about,butit’shardnottofullyreceivetheuncheckedaffectionofdogs.
“HeyBella, heyFritz. Oh, Bobo, who’s a good boy?” Ipetand thump the sides ofthe ecstatic dogs. “That’s right. Your alpha’sbackearlythisweek.Comeon.Let’sgoin.”
Idon’thaveabag,sincethistripwasunplanned,butIhavecasualclotheshere,andIcanchangetomorrowmorningbefore IgointoWallStreet.
Ineededtogetoutofthecity Mywolfbehaveshimselfintheboardroom,butit’scrueltolockupawildanimalforlong SoIcomehometorun.
Butfirst: business. Ifire offa few more emails and checkinwithVance’s team, walkingthe longhalls ofmyancestral home.Mypacingtakesmetothelibrary.Istalkthebook-linedrowsuntilIreachtheheavyoakdoorthatleadstomyfather’s study.
His books and papers still lie inneatrows, as he leftthemthe nighthe died The nighthe was poisoned There’s nota speckofdust–Lizwon’tallowit–buttheairiscloseandstuffyasanantiqueshop’s,preservedovertheyears.Underthescent offurniturepolish,there’satraceofhisscent
Abovehisdesk,myfatherglaresoutofhisportrait.It’slargerthanlife,coveringmostofthewall,butstilldoesn’tcapture the intense presence ofBruce Blackthroat. The artistpainted himstandinginthis room, withone large, weather-wornhand grippingthe leather chair There’s a surlyslant to his darkbrows, a tensionto his jaw that his close clipped beard cannot soften.Helookslikehe’sgoingtobarkanorderinhisAlphavoiceandsendhumansscurryingandshiftersanglingtheirnecks orbendingtheirknees
Rubysays I’mthespittingimageofhim.Ididn’tthinkso,butas Istareintohis darkeyes,Iseeit.Theweightofpower painted into the lines of his face. The knowledge that everydecisionyoumake takes your pack, your family, closer to the pinnacle,andthehigheryougo,thefartheryoucanfall
Myfathertaughtmethemostimportantlessonanalphacanlearn.Intheshifterworld,dominanceiseverything.It’smore thandogeatdog We’rewolves Defeatisdeath
Whenhedied,wealmostlosteverything.Ifoughttoothandclawforeveryscrapofsuccess.Foughttokeepeveryinvestor who said Iwas too young, and fled into the arms ofour enemy OdinAdalwulf–the Alpha–and his son, Aiden, almosttook everything from us. They assaulted our castle and tore down the outer walls, leaving ruin in their wake. They overran BlackthroatInvestmentsandburnedittotheground.
Butfromthoseasheswerose Andnow,ontheeveofamassiveacquisition,we’veprovenourselves We’rethebiggest andbaddestaround,andnothing–nottheAdalwulfs,notanyone–cantakeusdown.
“We’realmostthere,”Itellhim Myownvoiceissolowandguttural,itstartlesme Mywolfisinmythroat,hissavagery ringingoutofme.
Ruby’sright Idosoundexactlylikehim
Myphone rings,jarringthe settledair ofmyfather’s study.Ileave andclose the door behindme before checkingwho’s calling.Mywolfwantstotossmyphoneasideandheadouttohunt,butit’sEagle,andheknowsmyBerkshirerunsaresacred. Hewouldn'tcallifitwasn’timportant
“Ihavebadnewsandgoodnews.”Eagleeschewsanygreeting.
“Giveittome,”Igrowl
“Badnewsfirst:Nickel’steamuncoveredmoredetailsoftheopposingdeal.” Igripthephonetighter.“IsAdalwulfbehindit?”
“Confirmed.AidenmetBensonJunioratapartyinCabo.”
“Met? More like ambushed.” Itwould be no coincidence AidenAdalwulfwould be atthe same partyas BensonJunior. Aidencanpretendtobeaplayboybillionaire,buthisideaoffunishuntingothershiftersforsport
“Yes.AidenmusthavesweettalkedJuniorthere,promisinghimthemoon.”
“Thenwepromisehimthesunandstars AndaMoonCo stake”
“Nickel’salreadyonit.”
“What'sthegoodnews?”
“You’re never going to believe this.” There’s a smile in Eagle’s voice. “There’s a five hundred acre parcel in the Adirondacks.ItabutsAdalwulfland,andintwoday’stime,it’scomingupforsale.”
“What?How?”
“Oneofyourassistants–thenewone?ShesaidyoutoldhertolookforlandfortheFoundation.”
“That’sright”
“Shefoundamentiononalocalmessageboard.Theoldlandownerpassed,andherwillspecifiedthatthelandshouldbe preserved as a wildlife sanctuary. Your assistanttracked the heir downand laid the groundworkfor himto accepta buyout offerbeforeitgetslisted” New Girl.
Itwaswolfinstinctthattoldmetoassignherthattask Thatmustbeitbecausethiskindofmiracleneverhappens “We’veonlyhadonephonecall,”Eaglesays,“butthesellerisveryinclined.Especiallyforadealthatcasheshimoutand alsofulfillshisaunt’swishes Nooneknows,justtheseller,yourassistantandme Andnowyou” “Good.Let’skeepitthatway.We’lldothisdealrightundertheAdalwulf’snoses.Nextmonth,they’llgohuntingandfind uscampedontheirbackdoor.”
“BlackthroatWildlifePreserve Hasaniceringtoit,doesn’tit?Iquitelikeit”Eaglesoundslikehe’spracticallyrubbing hishandstogetherwithglee,nodoubtimaginingAidenandhisfather,Odin’s,faceswhentheyfindusmarkingourterritoryon theedgeoftheirland
“Goodwork,”Itellhim.
“Ohitwasn’tme Itwasallyourassistant’sdoing Trynottofireherforalittlewhile?She’swhip-smart” Heendsthecall.
“Sheis,”Isaytomyself,callingtomindmycapableyoungassistant. Istalkontothebalconyoutsidemybedroom,staringgreedilyintothedeepwoods Thewallsofthemansionareclosingin Ineedtorun.
Anorange-nutmegscenthits me so hard, mycanines descend It’s her scent–New Girl’s Madison-call-me-Madi-Evans Thesmellissostrong,Iexpecttoseehersashayingoutofthetreesinatightdressandstilettos,tuckingastraystrandofher shorthairbehindherear.She’dstopshortandwrinkleherfrecklednoseatme. Yes, boss?
Iscrubmyeyes.I’mdefinitelyonedgeifI’mstartingtohallucinatescentshere,inmyhome,mysanctuary.
Fuck this. Iwhirl fromthewindow andstripmyclothessofast,theyflutter tothegroundinshreds.MyjointscrackasI
