Babysitting The Amnesiac Lycan King

King Novel 52

Chapter 52

Chapter 52

I swear to the fucking moon, if one more thing goes wrong today, I'm snapping and taking someone with me.

I'm running late. The bus smelled like sweat and disappointment. And my shoes are completely soaked from stepping into a goddamn puddle that the universe so graciously placed right outside the building. So now, I'm squelching down the hallway like a drowned sewer rat, trying to pretend I belong here.

This place is sleek-glass walls, marble floors, all cold professionalism with a hint of "if you breathe wrong, you're fired. My stomach is twisting, but I ignore it. This is what I wanted. A fresh start. A job. A real chance to claw my way out of the Omega gutter everyone loves to shove me in.

I adjust my blazer, take a deep breath, and push into the lobby.

And immediately get side-eyed by the receptionist, a blonde with perfect hair and the kind of nails that could stab a man. Her gaze drags down my outfit, lingering on my wet shoes. Yeah, yeah, judge me all you want, lady.

"Uh, hi,” I say, trying to sound professional and not like I just got baptized by the city streets. "I have an interview today for the journalist position."

She blinks slowly, like I just told her I eat babies for breakfast. Then she sighs, picks up the phone, and presses a button. Yeah. The last one just arrived."

Wow. Love that enthusiasm.

A moment later, I hear footsteps approaching, and then-"Oh my goddess, are you the new girl?"

A whirlwind of color and energy barrels toward me. The woman has bright pink glasses, a floral blouse, and the kind of grin that says she thrives on chaos.

“Uh..."

"I knew it!" She practically bounces on her heels. "I'm Zoe. I work in Lifestyle, which means I mostly write about pack gossip and why everyone secretly hates each other. But you? You're here for real news, right? Political scandals, exposés, blood and betrayal?" She gasps dramatically. "Are you planning to take down the Alpha Council?"

What the fuck?

“I..... just want a job," I say carefully.

Zoe waves me off. "Ugh, boring. But fine. You're new, which means you need the lay of the land. First rule: Watch your back. This place is basically a wolf den, and not the fun kind. People will step on your throat for a story-sometimes literally. Second rule: The coffee machine is cursed. No one knows why, but if you drink from it, you'll get the shits."

I blink. "Noted."

"And lastly"-her voice drops conspiratorially-"our boss? Total hardass. No one has ever pleased him. Ever. I think he feeds off disappointment."

Great. Just what I need. Another asshole with a power complex.

Before I can ask more, the receptionist-who I swear is still judging my shoes- looks up. "Taryn Sinclair?"

My stomach flips.

"Boss wants to see you now."

Fuck. Okay. Time to get my shit together. I shoot Zoe a quick glance, and she wiggles her finge a mock prayer. Not

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Chapter 52

comforting, Zor.

*92%8

I step into the hallway, my pulse kicking up, my mind racing through every possible scenario. Maybe he'll be old. Some wrinkly, cranky editor who's seen too much and expects too little. Maybe he won't even look up from his papers. Maybe

I step into the office.

And freeze.

It's him.

neighbor

a massive desk, arms crossed,

solid three seconds,

Then-

have got to be fucking kidding

I hate coffee.

on that bitter, liquid caffeine. But making it?

the breakroom is supposed to be idiot-proof, but it's currently hissing at me like I've personally offended it ancestors. I push a few buttons, praying to whatever higher power controls this goddamn thing. The screen flashes: ERROR:

a water tray?" I mutter

leaning against the doorframe, watching me with amused curiosity. He

that obvious?" I

on desperation." He plucks a piece of the contraption from

gape at it. "Traitor."

I'm Max, investigative reporter and

cup

off nicotine and spite." Then his

badge, and his lips twitch. "Wait. You're

slides down

"Man, I don't know who you pissed

under his management? Brutal.”

just like that, my day

I know exactly who he

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Chapter 52

pain-in-the-ass neighbor. My boss. The human equivalent of a locked file

if on cue, my work email dings. I glance at my

Beckett: Report to

Fuck my life.

office is short but feels like

and knock on the

"Enter."

left him last time-behind that massive desk, exuding power and disapproval. He's

know he registered my arrival the second I

he

"For what?"

up.

see you're still a ray

assignment. An exclusive interview with

open. My stomach twists. This is huge. Way bigger than I expected

"You're serious?"

I just like wasting

and scan the details. The official is someone from the High Council-big political connections, strict interview protocols. I

mutter,

"Sinclair."

I stop.

back in his chair, watching me with

embarrass the company."

to

pacing in front of the mirror in the office restroom, clutching

and muttering interview questions

is your stance on the

to address rogue

groan. "God, I sound like

"I'd have to agree."

jump, whirling around. Liam is leaning against the doorway like

teleported there.