Page 101 of Rejected By the Shifter King
My chest feels like someone’s wrapped steel bands around it and started tightening. Is this why he left me all of a sudden? Is this why I’m now alone? Is it because he’s withher?
My hip hits the edge of his desk as I accidentally stumble backward, and the next thing I know, something crashes to the floor and shatters—
Why is nothing going my way?
A shimmery kind of mist explodes in the air. It doesn’t smell like anything, but since I also know that’s how cyanide ends up being every killer’s favorite M.O.—
Not good, Sam.
I drop to my knees, frantically trying to gather the pieces, but my hands won’t stop shaking. The label is in French, because of course it is.
Dissimulateur d’Odeur - Usage Professionnel Uniquement.
I think that means this whatchamacallit is for professional use, but other than that, I’m completely clueless.
This is so you, Sam!
Even though my day job requires me to be quick and light on my feet, it’s as if I always lose control of all of my limbs where a certain shifter king is concerned.
I step out of the room while I start rehearsing in my mind how to explain my latest mishap to Hexius. It’s very possible that whatmachallit is another prototype and something I’ll never be able to afford to pay back. But maybe we can work out a deal?
The important thing here is that I’m owing up to what I did. And of course I’mnotusing this accident as an excuse to search for him and see if he’s alone or he’s with—
Oh.
I’m still in the hallway when my steps slow into a halt. Hexius is in the living room, but he’s not alone. Instead, it’s my worst fears come true. This may be my first time to see the other woman, but I know.
I just know it’s her.
Brandy.
She’s taller than I expected her to be. And more beautiful, too. But even so, there’s still a part of me that stubbornly clings to hope. This doesn’t have to mean anything. For all I know, Brandy’s just here to talk about Alphonse, and—
That’s why she’s suddenly touching his cheeck with her hand?
I think I’ve seen enough.
My whole world feels like it’s spinning off axis as I turn and make my way back to his room. Or maybe...I’m the one out of balance, my whole system out of whack...because I’ve just realized that there’s no way I can compete with Hexius’ first love.
I mean...what’s that thing I often hear people say?
Ah, right.
First love never dies.
And that...sucks.
For me.
But...I’m not going to be bitter.
You can do this, Sam.
My heart might be bleeding right now, but I know I can be happy for them.
In time.
But for now, I just have to go.
