Max

"What do you mean they're pulling out of the deal?" I bellow across the table at my solicitor.

"Apparently, they've had a better offer," he says.

"Then up ours," I growl.

"No deal. They're going with Primal Enterprises, and they're not interested in anything else we have to offer. The CEO's exact words," John says, looking at his sharp fingernails.

"Fuck. Fuck." I don't care who hears me, given I'm sure the entire office is listening.

It's been a week since Vee disappeared without a trace and I lost my mind. Today is the first day I can't scent her on my sheets anymore.

The mere fact I got up and dressed is a minor miracle. Tavvick has been looking for her everywhere, but his reports are coming back in the negative.

I'm beginning to wonder if she doesn't want to be found.

Whatever fate had planned for this old troll, I must have angered her to end up bereft of my one true mate and to lose everything all over again.

That I can muster up anger of any sort is impressive when all I want to do is find a dark place, curl up, and turn to stone.

I'd even join Olly in his tank if I could, only he's getting better and will soon be allowed to return home under strict conditions.

I've questioned him on why he neglected himself, but he has refused to answer. All in all, the frustration and the sadness has been overwhelming.

And now the big deal I've been planning over months has fallen at the last hurdle, all because Vulzal got involved.

It's the time, rather than the money, which bothers me the most. I can afford for things not to work out because three other deals have worked well, including the motor racing company I accidentally purchased while Vee was sucking me dry.

And there I go again. Thinking about her. She had become my life, and without her, there is nothing.

"What do you want to do?" John asks. "We could probably sue for breach of contract."

"I don't care." I stand, well aware of my rumpled suit and unpressed shirt without a tie. "I just don't care anymore, John. I'm going home."

I walk out of the conference room where Peter is waiting for me. He has an expectant look on his face.

"Have you heard from her?" I ask immediately, snapping out the words.

His gaze dips. "No, I just thought you'd like to know Olly's been discharged."

"Oh, that's good." I sigh. "The deal with AutoRite fell through."

Peter swears under his breath. "What are you going to do?"

"I'm going to go get drunk," I reply, pulling my coat from the stand and shrugging it on. "Don't expect me back anytime soon."

I call up a taxi on my phone app, not wanting to look Neville in the eye, and it's waiting for me as I step out the front of my office building.

"Arcane," I state as I get in the back.

My club is the last place I want to go, but the one place I know will serve me until I pass out.

And today I want to forget every fucking detail.

I'm deposited on the pavement outside and join a small group of monsters filing through the door. Ignoring Sygo, I make my way to the snug and install myself at the bar.

The orc barman slides silently over to me. "Yes, sir?"

"Whisky, no ice, and keep it coming," I say, unable to even muster up a growl.

He puts a crystal glass on the counter and pours out the amber liquid. I toss it back and slam the tumbler back down on the counter.

"On second thought, leave the bottle."

He looks at me for a while, then places it in front of me. I pour out an extra large measure and down it too. It takes the edge off at least. I climb off the bar stool.

"If, at any point, you see an empty bottle, get me another," I say over my shoulder as I head to a deep couch in a corner.

Closest thing to a dark hole I can find. The whisky can take me the rest of the way.