Page 61 of Pack Obsession

Nash settles into one of the leather chairs without being invited. I remain standing, positioned between Julian and the open door.

“We decided the job wasn’t a good fit,” Nash says casually.

Julian’s perfect white teeth flash. “Not a good fit?” He moves to his desk. “You’re the best in the business. The job was simple. Find my Omega, bring her home. The fee was more than generous.”

“The job parameters changed,” I say flatly. “We don’t handle domestic disputes.”

“Domestic disputes?” He laughs, but there’s nothing warm in it. “She’s my fated mate. My property. I heard you were the best in the country but you clearly aren’t.”

Next to me, Nash goes very still, that deadly stillness that usually precedes someone’s systems getting fried.

“No one owns anyone,” Nash says softly in a way that should make Julian very, very nervous. “And we’ve seen the hospital records.”

Julian’s mask slips for just a moment. Something ugly flashes in those cold eyes. “Accidents happen when Omegas don’t know their place.”

“We’re not interested in the job.” I force the past back where it belongs. “Find someone else.”

Julian comes around the desk, moving into my space. He smells of expensive cologne and contained violence. “You know where she is.” It’s not a question.

“No.” The lie comes easily.

“You’re interfering with a fated bond. I can tell.”

Nash snorts. “Is that what you call it? Interesting definition.”

Julian’s hand slams down on his desk. The sound echoes, and his body guard appears in the doorway, face pale. Julian waves him off with a worried smile.

“Do you know what she is to me?” Julian’s voice drops lower. “I’ve had my share of Omegas, so many sweet pussies, and they all begged for me, but not her. Not once. And I knew then she wanted me for me, not my family’s fortune. She’s genuine. She was going to be mine forever. And I’ll burn down the fucking city to find her.”

Something cold settles in my gut.

“We don’t care about your research,” I say carefully. “Or your family projects. We have refunded you and our ties are cut. We leave it at that!” I command.

“Everyone has their price.” Julian straightens, adjusting his Rolex. “Name it. Double what I offered before. Triple.”

“Still not interested.”

His smile turns cruel. “I have resources. Connections you can’t imagine. The kind that make people disappear. Ask around about the last people who crossed my father.”

“Funny,” Nash replies, examining his nails. “We were just discussing something similar last night.”

I shift my weight, letting Julian see exactly what kind of threat I could be. He might have resources, but I have sixteen ways to end him before his guards could reach him.

“You’re making a mistake,” Julian says. “One you’ll regret. Deeply.”

Nash stands slowly. “We’re done here.”

“Or what?” Julian spreads his hands. “You’ll make me disappear?” He clicks his tongue. “So messy. So... beneath us all. Just tell me where she is, and you’ll never hear from me again.”

“We don’t have her,” I say clearly. “But wherever she is, she’s better off without you.”

“We’re leaving,” Nash announces. “Consider our business relationship terminated.”

Julian straightens his cuffs. “Give Casey my regards when you see her. Oh, and Mr. Sullivan?” His eyes meet mine. “Do check on that brother of hers. Terrible neighborhood he lives in. So many accidents waiting to happen.”

My fists clench, but Nash’s hand on my arm stops me.

Except I’m already stepping forward, Nash’s warning grip forgotten.