Page 8 of Charmed By Destiny

“Thanks so much for taking the time to meet me, Mr. Marwood,” Luke replied as he shook Clark’s hand. Although he’d never gone by Lucas, he didn’t bother correcting Marwood about his choice to use his full name.

“Please call me Clark, and it’s my pleasure. Have a seat,” Clark invited. “Gabriel and I would love to learn more about you.”

Luke swallowed and tried not to panic. Truth was easier than lies, so Luke stuck as close as he could to the actual story of his life. “I was resurrected ten years ago by a necromancer who’s a lone wolf. Things have been rocky. I don’t want to speak poorly of anyone, but he’s a gambling addict. He learned about the Marwoods from a necro he met the other night at the tables where he lost the last of our money. We decided it would be easier if we parted ways. He doesn’t think he has a problem, and I want some security.”

There was compassion in Clark’s blue gaze. “As a casino owner, I’m unfortunately familiar with people who struggle with a gambling disorder. Try to stay in contact with him if you can. When he’s ready to get some help, we’ll do whatever we can to aid his recovery journey.”

Surprised that he was being advised to keep in touch with Foxe, Luke nodded dumbly. “I’d like to talk to him if I can. I worry about him. He doesn’t have anybody.”

“Be a friend if he needs one. But in the meantime, let’s figure out what you want. How do you see your future?” Clark asked.

Luke flexed his fingers. He’d unconsciously been holding on to the straps of his duffel so tight his hands were cramping. “Honestly, I don’t know. I’ve been focused on surviving. All I’ve done are odd jobs.”

“I’m glad you’re here, Lucas,” Clark said. “It’s time for you to dream a little. Set some goals. Figure out what drives you. Gabriel will show you around the casino, then check you into the hotel. You’ll meet some department heads, and your first task will be to pick one of the offices to work in. Don’t worry if you don’t like it, you can transfer whenever you want. We’ll show you a few condo options or help you finance a house if you prefer. The important thing is that you find some happiness.”

“I don’t understand. I thought you’d give me a job and a roof over my head. But you’re going to let me make all these decisions. Why?” Luke asked, genuinely confused. It was far too good to be true, and he wondered if there was some catch no one had mentioned yet.

“Your necro gave you life, but to us, that’s the least a summoner can do,” Clark responded with a small smile. “The Marwoods believe inspirits are a gift. It’s our duty and pleasure to provide for you. I know you’re asking yourself what’s in it for us, but we believe the reward is in your friendship. In the family we gain by adding another inspirit to our lives.”

“You can trust the Marwoods,” Gabe stated firmly. “I was a stray once too. They scooped me right out of jail and put me in charge of security. I was the one who picked my training, and I decide my schedule.”

Clark grinned. “Gabriel is a true success story. We gave him every tool he needed for success, including the love of our youngest son. Gabriel took what we offered and far exceeded every expectation we had. We’re incredibly proud to call him family.”

Luke’s gaze slid to Gabe. He wasn’t sure why finding out Gabe was gay was a surprise. Belatedly, Luke wondered why it hadn’t occurred to him to be nervous about being homosexual in this new environment. He mentally shrugged. It was nice to know that would’ve been wasted energy.

“Your soulmate is Mr. Marwood’s son?” Luke asked dumbly.

“His youngest son, yes,” Gabe replied. “Clark and Rosalind have an older son who you’ll meet shortly since he runs conference services here. They also have an adopted daughter, but she is relocating to New York.”

“Remind me what time Maribeth’s plane leaves,” Clark requested, a pained expression on his handsome face.

“No, stop thinking about her leaving. Focus on the move she promises will make her happy,” Gabe stated. “Plus, you already know when the damn plane leaves.”

“Lucas, do you have any other questions I can answer for you before I task Gabriel with showing you around?” Clark asked. “Or should I let you two get started so I stop annoying Gabriel?”

“I can’t think of any other questions right now. Thanks again for this opportunity, Mr. Marwood. I promise to work hard and learn everything I need to so I can be a successful addition to your team.”

“You’ll do great, Lucas, don’t worry. And stop calling me Mr. Marwood. Now, both of you get out of my office or I’ll get scolded by my assistant because he has to rearrange things again today.”

Luke hopped to his feet and followed Gabe out of the office as he waved awkwardly at Clark.

“They’re working on getting you a new cellphone,” Gabe said as they walked to the elevators. “It’ll have Clark’s direct line programmed in it so you can contact him if you have questions or need something.”

“I hate to bother Mr. Marwood, is there someone else I can call if I need to?” Luke asked, though he promised himself he wasn’t calling a damn soul unless he was in dire straits.

“You’ll have my number too. I’m probably easier to contact than Clark anyway. His schedule is always packed. If you can’t get me, you’ll have Rhonda’s number too. Try her next.”

“Yeah, I can’t imagine owning all this,” Luke replied, gesturing to the fancy everything surrounding them.

“This is one of his many properties. We’ll start with human resources so they can give you a badge, keys, and everything else you need to get around today,” Gabe stated.

Luke nodded like he had any clue what was happening and wondered how many hours it would take him to find any semblance of calm again. He was also worried about Foxe. Would he be okay on his own?

???

Richard wasn’t in a good mood, but he refused to chastise himself about it. Maribeth was already at the airport. She was ready to tackle a new city and start her life over. While Richard understood her desire to get away from any memories of her father, he already missed her. But he’d keep those feelings to himself. Maribeth deserved happiness, and he hoped she would find it.

There was a rap on his open door, then Douglas walked in.

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