The Mate I was sent to Kill

2 Need a break.

I jerked awake to blinding light filling my room.

Squinting my eyes, I adjusted to the harshness when I realized I wasn't in my room.

Tartarus! I sat upright. I had fallen asleep on the three seater in my office. Papers was strewn around me in a disarray.

I groaned, twisting my head from side to side to relieve the knots in my shoulders.

Again, I wondered if it was a good choice to have my workstation in my home.

"Good morning, my prince."

Lucas popped his head into my office, looking presentable in his two piece suit.

"Lucas," I croaked, "what is the time?"

If he noticed anything about my wiped out look, he didn't say. He only glanced at his watch.  "8:05am."

I nodded and he retreated, returning moments later with a cup of steaming coffee.

"Thank you," I said, making quick work of putting my office in order. "How's my schedule for today?" I asked.

"Occupied."

When was it never. I glanced at him, waiting patiently as he scrolled through his smartphone.

"You have a zoom meeting with Joe Rimony in 30 minutes." Lucas started. "The luna expects you to call before 10:am. You have to be at the Sebastian's anniversary by noon..."

"Represent me," I cut in. I had no interest in visiting events where the chances of running into Anna was high. It would be a mess. 

Lucas paused. "They have been a major financiers for our many charity events."

In other words, he wanted me to go. "You will represent me," I said firmly.

Lucas straightened, detecting the authority in my voice. "Of course, my prince.

Fuck, I resisted slamming my head on my work table. Lucas had been nothing more than helpful and I was using the alpha tone on him.

He went on, "the sheriff wants to know if I can squeeze in time for a meeting with you."

"The sheriff?"  My brows drew low, cutting a crease between them. "You have any idea why?"

"Not really but the baron was found dead in his house this morning."

"What?!" Quickly I booted my computer, my eye bulging at the news of the baron's death. It was everywhere.

It was clear why the sheriff wanted to visit. As the council leader in charge of the werewolves in the human lands. He wanted to rule out the possibility of our involvement in the case. I downed my coffee in one go, already feeling the sign of a coming headache.

"What else?" I asked groggily.

"Ben stopped reporting to work yesterday," Lucas revealed.

Gods, I had almost forgotten that the head of my security team was getting married just like I would have. I gulped loudly.

"We are short staffed?" I said, recalling that my receptionist had retired and another of my security men was on leave.

Lucas nodded.

Ideally, it wouldn't make sense to have any more on the security team. Especially as I was well able to take care of myself. But as someone who ran a private investigating firm, a secret rescue organization and the council leader to the werewolves welfare, I have learned not to underestimate the enemies.

"I already put out vacancy position and I wanted you to be aware," Lucas said.

"You're a life saver." I told him and waved him off.

"What?" I asked, surprised he was still standing.

Lucas shifted his weight to his other foot.

I arched a brow. "What are you nervous about? Spill."

He cleared his throat. "My prince, the management of hotel de Nuit, called.."

"I told you to cancel every reservations that had to do with that wedding," I growled.

"Yes but Anna isn't making it easy. She keeps calling to ensure it is still reserved."

"In whose name was the reservations made?" I barked, my claws slipping out

"She made the reservation using the joint credit card you share," he said in a rush.

I closed my eyes, taking quick calming breaths. I needed a fucking break. "Let her do what she wants," I said finally. "But inform anyone that reaches out that I have nothing to do with her anymore."

"Yes, my prince." With a low bow, he headed out.

"What?" I barked irritatedly when Lucas returned almost immediately.

"So you slept in here."

I glanced up from going through the report on the baron's death.  It wasn't Lucas. My friend filled the doorway in his sleepwear and a bottle of wine in hand.

"Martin." I said in manner of greeting.

"Wheeew," Martin sauntered in and flopped on my work desk. "Someone's in a surly mood." He took a swig straight from the bottle. "You seen the news?"

"Just now."

"I heard the baron just bought the house and was yet to install a proper security system."

"Looks like an inside job," I said.

"Thought as much. Will you take on the case?" He asked.

"I don't know." I raked a finger through my hair. "I've got a lot on my plate."

Martin took another swig. ''Is it a bad time to say I'm leaving?"

"Leaving to..." I trailed off, my eye bulging out. Martin had popped in the night Anna and I had the big fight. He had stayed since and I was already getting used to his presence.

I sighed. Of course, he had to go back to his life. "when?"

His eye softened and I was grateful when he blinked and the softness was gone. I hated pity.

"Early tomorrow," he said.

"Fine." It doesn't seem like the right thing to say. Thank you would do better but it meant talking and I wasn't in the mood to talk.

Maybe it was a good thing that he was leaving. I didn't need a goddamn babysitter.

"Cole called," Martin blurted. "We're going to party before I leave town."

"Good, I guess. Enjoy the human world one more time before returning to the other side."

"That's it, man." Martin clapped my shoulder excitedly. "I knew you'd be in."

A pause.

"What? No," I shook my head. "Can't join you guys. I've got a lot.."

"You always have a lot on your plate," he cut in. "You need a break."

"Martin,  I really am not interested In..."

His face took on the expression I've come to be wary of.  "Cole and I would put you over our shoulders if  that is what it takes." He winked. "You need to get laid, man."

"Wherever did I know you from?" I groaned.

"You love me, admit it."

"Motherfucker."

"You'll be fucking quite alright by evening."