Page 21 of Ditching the Dragon (Fated Dates)

“One or two days a week, and less when Alan’s fully settled.”

Good.I can come and go as I please without being accosted by Milton’s pestering. He was giddy when I called last week and asked if his offer was still on the table.

The acquisition means more stability for us. More safety and security. If my mate wants to work, she can work.

For me.

No one else.

And then I sense it.Her.

The scent of burnt lemon and lavender slaps me in the face the moment she crosses the threshold. After our night together, the combination is tattooed onto my memory. I’ve been dying to have it again, like an addict, sneaking into her apartment while she’s at her office to lay in her bed.

Milton calls everyone to order and launches into his speech about his semi-retirement. The man can be long winded, but he’s too eager to bask in the victory for now. I’m sure he’ll throw himself a retirement party in a few weeks when he stops coming in at all.

The whole time he’s babbling, I search the crowd for the one face I want most.

I know she’s here; I can smell her. It isn’t as strong as I like, though. Whether that’s because of how many people are packed into the room or how far away she is, I’m not sure.

I’ve never had a mate before. I suppose some things we’ll have to work out for ourselves.

“I’d like everyone to meet Wickham Barrett, our newest investor,” Milton informs the crowd. He motions to me, and I stand.

Anxious faces look back at me. They’re probably worried about their jobs and what changes I’ll bring, but I have no interest in actually doing the work. That’s what Alan’s for. I’m here to supply money and receive access—no more, no less.

Clearing my throat, I project my voice so everyone will be able to hear.

“A round of applause for Milton,” I prompt. “This man has dedicated his life to making Parsens the success it is today. I only hope Alan and I can carry on his legacy.”

While they clap for Milton, I use the break to seek out the only person in this entire building who matters.

My eyes lock on the pretty blue gaze of my mate leaning against the back glass wall.

Violet, her friend from the bar, straightens beside her. She steps slightly forward and in front of my Annie.

I manage to wrangle the growl. She’s protecting her friend, but I donotlike her trying to keep my mate from me.

Even if she will definitively fail.

Annie’smineand no one else’s.

“I’m sure you’re all concerned about the changes happening,” I continue. “Let me reassure you, I won’t be a part of your day-to-day operations. Alan is an excellent manager and even better executive. You’ll see me around the building, checking in, and I may sit with some of the staff to see what changes need to be made and ensure morale remains high.”

I find my mate once more. My voice is the same metered tone, but I lock her in my sights so she knows this is meant for her alone.

“Allow me to reassure you that I won’t be letting you go. You belong here, with us, and that’s where you’ll stay.”

Her eyes widen, her pupils blowing out, but she drops her gaze to the floor. She hides under her lashes, as if she can save herself if she doesn’t look at me.

Andhell, if that isn’t the sexiest fucking thing I’ve ever seen.

The irrational, territorial hindbrain wants to make her kneel for me. She’ll be patient, and willing, and oh so damned delicious.

I pass the meeting off to Alan, who gives his own speech reassuring the crowd that the transition will be smooth and that any changes will be gradual over the next twelve months.

None of it registers to me. All I see is my Annie, standing across the room as if she can be apart from me.

The meeting breaks, but she and Violet hurry out before I can get to her.

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