“Sure, Ms. Martinez.” He gave her another odd look but input the passcode and hit the floor for the elevator. “Better drink what you can of that coffee before the elevator stops. Ashley has some unique ways of ruining it otherwise.”
“Only if she wants to die in a unique way,” she snorted, stepping into the cubicle. “Later, Code.”
The elevator doors slid closed and moved upward smoothly. Before she could take more than a single, lingering drink of the coffee, they were sliding open again.
Chelsea blinked at the Coyote Breed standing in front of the entrance, sending a sharp, momentary flash of wariness shooting through her.
“Cavalier.” She cleared her throat and stepped from the elevator, expecting him to step inside.
When he didn’t, she moved to step around him and head down the hall to Cassie’s suite.
“Ms. Martinez?” He didn’t touch her but stepped slightly in front of her, his black eyes cold, his scarred features emotionless.
Chelsea retreated as he moved, suddenly tense, uncertain as she watched him carefully.
“What?” she finally asked him, tensing when he said nothing more, just stared down at her unblinking.
“Director Breaker asked me to show you to his office before you join Ms. Sinclair.” He extended his arm in the opposite direction to indicate Rule’s office. “After you, ma’am.”
After her, huh?
Taking a deep breath, she turned and walked quickly to Rule’s office, stopping at the closed door and stepping aside.
Cavalier knocked firmly on the door, opening it for her when Rule’s “Enter” could be heard.
Chelsea stepped into Rule’s office and caught his gaze as it flickered to her coffee cup.
“We’re not discussing my coffee,” Chelsea informed him, taking a seat in front of his desk.
“I’ll agree with that,” he chuckled before returning to the large leather chair and sitting back comfortably.
“I just got off the phone with Cullen,” he said smoothly, his gaze still warm but cautious.
“Really?” she drawled.
That snake.
“He has good reason to be worried,” he said, his tone more sympathetic than she liked. “On the whole there are few mated Breeds that we’re aware of. Protecting those we have is of the utmost importance.”
Chelsea stared back at him suspiciously, feeling the coming letdown.
“Are you getting ready to fire me, Rule?” she asked carefully, pushing back her reaction until she heard him say it.
Understanding flashed in his eyes, though his expression smoothed into determined lines.
“Cullen’s call has nothing to do with your assignment,” he stated firmly. “Which is why I asked to see you. The mating scent isn’t as overwhelming as normal, but it is detectable. Every Breed in the same room with you will pick that scent up. And they will never believe a Bengal Breed would send his mate out to a bar or club without him at her side.” He gave a heavy, disappointed sigh. “And that being said, I think we’re both aware how difficult that will make your job.”
“Say it,” she demanded, her voice scratchy now. “Go ahead and say it, Rule.”
He sighed at the demand. “I’m sorry, Chelsea, but I have no choice but to let you go.”
She was fired.
Chelsea rose slowly to her feet, the hurt barreling through her. She swallowed, and it took a moment before she could speak.
“Do Cassie and Ashley know?” she asked.
Rule shook his head. “I only made my decision after determining the strength of your scent. They’re waiting for you in Cassie’s suite.”