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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05:55 Mon, 24 Mar COA

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.

motherfucking neighbor from

arms crossed, eyes sharp

solid three seconds, neither of us

Then-

to

I hate coffee.

practically survive on that bitter, liquid caffeine. 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

a water tray?" I

against the doorframe, watching me with amused curiosity. He looks like he's barely survived a hundred all-nighters and

that obvious?" I

not fighting it. This machine feeds on desperation." He plucks a piece of the contraption from under the

gape at it. "Traitor."

to the hellhole. I'm Max, investigative reporter and office caffeine

cup and hold it

nicotine and spite." Then his gaze flicks to

and his lips twitch.

foreboding slides

you pissed

under his management? Brutal.”

just like that, my day is

I know exactly

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Chapter 52

neighbor. My boss. The human equivalent

my work email dings.

to my office.

Fuck my life.

is short but feels like a funeral march. I grip

a shield and knock on the

"Enter."

him last time-behind that massive desk, exuding power and

know he registered my arrival

he

"For what?"

looks up. "For existing,

scowl. "Glad to see you're still

first assignment.

the file, flipping it open. My stomach twists. This is

"You're serious?"

just like

official is someone from the High Council-big political

mutter, turning toward the

"Sinclair."

I stop.

his chair, watching me with that unreadable expression.

embarrass the company."

resist the urge to flip him off.

later, I'm pacing in front of the mirror in the office restroom,

muttering interview questions

on the recent pack alliance

the Council plan to address rogue

I

"I'd have to agree."

leaning against the

teleported there.