Page 19 of It All Started with a Bite

Pennington startled. Even Mark took a step back.

“That was just my stomach,” I said through gritted teeth.

Pennington squinted. “You sure? Your eyes look a bit strange.”

I caught my reflection in the mirror above the fireplace in his office. I was looking distinctly feral.

I swallowed hard and fought back the urge to show them exactly how strange I could look. The wild thing under my skin was itching to come out and play. It was fifty-fifty whether I was going to give in to her.

“I’m afraid I had no choice, Abigail,” Pennington said curtly, clearly eager to end this meeting. “Your employment is terminated, effective immediately.”

“But—”

“Please clear your desk.” Pennington wasn’t even looking at me anymore. “Security will escort you out.”

I fisted my hands so hard I almost broke my nails.

“Fine,” I ground out.

I shoved past Mark and Tina.

“Hey!” Tina protested.

“Let her be, Tina,” Mark murmured.

I stopped, turned, and gave my boss, my ex, and Tina the middle finger.

Ted from security helped me pack my desk into a cardboard box. He looked uncomfortable as he escorted me through the premises, the other staff keeping their heads down and avoiding my eyes.

I wasn’t especially close to any of them, but the lack of support still stung.

“For what it’s worth,” Ted said as we waited for the elevator, “I always thought you were the only one here who knew what they were doing.”

My throat tightened.

“Thanks, Ted.” I shifted the box in my arms. “By the way, you might want to check the cameras in the break room. Kevin from Accounts Receivable has been stealing people’s lunches.”

Ted’s eyes widened. “Is that why my tuna sandwiches keep disappearing?!”

The elevator dinged. I nodded and stepped inside.

“That monster,” Ted said hoarsely.

If only he knew about the real monsters in Amberford.

“Take care, Ted.”

I walked out of the building and into the late morning sunshine, my career in shambles and my personal life heading for the supernatural dumpster.

I couldn’t help but scream a little then.

The people walking by jumped and shot wary glances my way as they circled around me.

My phone buzzed. I moved the box to my hip and slipped my cell out of my pocket.

It was a text from Ellie.How did it go?

I pursed my lips and typed back.Remember when you said being turned into a werewolf was a legit excuse to call in sick?

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