Hollow

Thirty Three | Ultimatum

Alex POV

I frown as I watch a new face walk past me with a file in her hands. I usually know evryone in this building but for the life of me, I can't figure out who's she interning for but that doesn't matter right now. I need help.

"Hey, you're the new intern?"

She immediately turns around, with a confused expression.

"I need you to step in for Madison and I." I state dismissively, pausing to look at the time on my wrist watch. "You're to assist Zahra until we come back, don't worry she won't eat you. She's still tired from her flight so don't talk, don't sneeze, hell don't even breathe until she says you can."

On that note, I walk out of the building toward the spot where my car is parked and unlock my car, settling in. Before I even reach to insert my key into the ignition, Pearl's voice speaks over the sound system.

"Alex, please report to the executive floor."

I groan, leaning my head against the steer wheel. It's not even been ten minutes and there's trouble already. Exiting the elevator on the executive floor, I find everyone standing with worried faces. Making my way towards Zahra's office, a shoe is thrown out the door.

"What happened?" I ask worriedly.

Someone motions to the intern standing outside my boss' door with a frown.

"What part of do not exist was not clear enough for you?"

"She's a federal agent, sir."

My eyes widen and I quickly stroll over and assess her with a worried look, not for her but for my boss' sake. "I'm terribly sorry. Why didn't you say anything?"

She opens her mouth to speak but then, Zahra walks out of her office, closing her hair with the hair tie on her wrist. "Alex, get that fed out of my sight."

"You knew?" I ask with an amused expression, ignoring her previous statement.

"I'm Zahra Pierce." She shrugs.

<<·>> <<·>> <<·>>

Zahra POV

I step out of my car and tense when I see the last person I expected to see standing on my doorstep. What day is it? Piss the fuck out of Zahra day?

"Hello, sweetheart." Sage greets, an evil grin plays on his full lips.

"Leave." Marcus hisses taking a step forward but I gesture him to stay put.

"Go home and get some rest. I'll see you tomorrow."

Marcus gives me a hesitant look before walking toward his car and speeding away. I walk up the stairs, the front doors opening immediately. Stepping inside, I head toward the kitchen, dropping my bag on the island. I take out a bottle of water from the fridge and close it before turning around to face Sage.

"Did you miss me?"

"Is there a particular reason why you're here?"

"What if I told you I knew who's behind all your problems?"

"You're standing right in front of me." I state, letting out a tired sigh. "But if by problems you mean Nova, I handled her."

Sage shakes his head before clearing his voice. "A war's brewing, Zahra. It's more serious than you think and it's close...very close. Teruiz has already is ready to strike, but just like everyone else, he has someone pulling the strings. He's just a puppet."

"Are you done?"

"Despite what happened, I care about you."

"Yeah, right." I snort.

"Just remember this; blood is not thicker than water." He says, giving me a last look before turning to walk away.