Page 84 of Mating at Midnight: Book 1

So much for getting any work done at the hotel today. Before leaving, Braxton summoned the department managers to the first-floor conference room with their current department reports. We did not have to go to the main conference room because it was still being cleaned and stripped down.

As we entered the room, talk around the table ceased as all eyes focused on us. They were probably wondering why we were meeting here versus the other. Or maybe even discussing if one of them were going to be let go. We know the reason for the first and the second, no one was getting fired, so they could relax about that.

Braxton and I quickly went over the reports, beyond satisfied with the numbers as we expressed it to each manager. That seemed to give them a sense of relief as Braxton took over and told them he expected them to keep up the good work. Braxton then proceeded to tell them that he, Levi, and myself would be away from the hotel for an undetermined number of days, but he would have two General Managers from his other hotels to come in and oversee operations in our stead.

Standing off to the side, Levi raised his brow. I guess Braxton only told him that we were going back to the Pack lands but not why or for how long.

Although Braxton was happy with the managers’ performances within their departments, I knew he felt more comfortable with other eyes watching over his investment.Braxton did let them know the General Managers will be arriving later on this evening.

“Can I get their names to let the front desk know to be expecting them?” Melissa, who took over my old position, asked.

Braxton smirked. “No, you cannot. They are like secret shoppers in the retail business. You don’t need to know who they are. It could be someone checking into one of the most expensive suites in the hotel to the cheapest room. You will never know.”

I wanted to laugh at their bewildered expressions, but held it in. Honestly, I didn’t know if Braxton had General Managers coming or not because I never heard him on the phone requesting any to come but that didn’t mean he didn’t put in the calls while I was in the bedroom getting my stuff. If he did, I was fine with that and if he didn’t, I was fine with that also. It would be a way to keep everything moving smoothly under the false pretense.

We said our goodbyes, then headed out the hotel. Once outside, I asked Braxton, “Do you really have people coming?”

“I do,” he responded as we watched Levi speak to the valet. Braxton added, “We have been away from the hotel more than I like, and now I think it will be longer. Plus, with the threat of war looming over us, preparing ourselves and our wolves, who knows when we’ll physically be back. The General Managers I’ve requested to come will make sure things stay in tip top shape.”

“Well, that’s good to know,” I returned as Levi waved us to the car, then gave two of the valets a tip.

He got in the driver’s seat after the first valet opened the door for him while the other opened the back passenger door for Braxton and I. Once inside, the valet closed the doors and Levi pulled off. Braxton quickly laces his fingers through mine.

“Have the bodies been taken care of?” Braxton asked Levi.

Turning onto the avenue, Levi replies, “They have, Alpha. They should have arrived at the Pack lands over thirty minutesago. I spoke to Alpha Lightfeather, relaying what happened and he said he will have his guards dispose of the bodies once they get there.”

“Good, good,” Braxton nods.

Levi and Braxton lock eyes as he glances through the rearview mirror at Braxton then focuses back on the road. Were they having some kind of mental conversation amongst themselves?

Apparently not, because Braxton sighs, “What is it, Levi?”

With his eyes straight ahead, Levi replies, “I feel like I’m out of the loop on something.”

“How’s that?” Braxton queries, side eyeing me.

Levi makes a right turn, then answers, “Why wasn’t I informed about us taking a leave from the hotel? Usually, I get a rundown on everything before it happens. You only told me to get rid of the bodies, then later to have the car ready for us after meeting with the staff. As your Beta, you’ve never kept anything from me, business or Pack wise.”

Swiveling in my seat, I face Braxton and frown. Why would he not tell Levi what is going on? Levi is his Beta and should be the first-person Braxton should convey with any developments as Levi said, business or Pack wise. From my expression, Braxton knew I’m totally on Levi’s side with this one.

Sensing my irritation, Braxton winks, kissing the back of my hand, then addresses Levi. “Levi, I do apologize if you felt out of the loop, but after the shit in the conference room, things took a wild turn when we got back to the suite. Things I didn’t want to tell you over the phone.”

“Things like what?” Levi counters.

Braxton clears his throat before replying, “My destined wolf emerging for starters.”

Levi’s eyes, round like saucers, dart to the rearview mirror with scrutiny. “Bullshit” he whispers.

Levi damn near swipes the car in the right lane when Braxton’s eyes shift to red and Ballian’s voice comes out of his mouth.“We don’t have time for bullshit.”

“Who the fuck is that?” Levi yells, jerking the car back into our lane, tossing Braxton and I in the back seat in the process.

“I’m okay,” I tell Braxton as he checks to see if I’m all right.

After he sees that I’m okay, Braxton moves to the edge of the seat as Levi asks again, “Alpha, Braxton who the Hell was that?”

In a calm tone, Braxton answers, “That was Ballian, my destined wolf.”

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