Page 221 of Dream Girl
It could have been so much worse. Still, seeing Grace lying crumpled on the stairs haunted me. I could still hear Riley’s sobs, and smell Evan’s fear.
“You’re right. Wes is still adjusting, because her needs differ from Evan’s. I assure you, I will personally ensure that Grace gets the attention and care she deserves.” Which I was putting into action tonight.
While I should let Wes and Evan have a little more time, after nearly losing her, I didn’t want to wait any longer. Life was too short, too fragile, too fleeting.
“Good.” Mrs. Beekman nodded. “It’s imperative that you all continue working with the integration team. Also, she’s not alpha-sized and military-trained. She needs to be better protected.”
“You’re correct.” I nodded. There was no other answer if we wanted to keep her.
“I’m glad you’re so reasonable. Thank you for meeting with me.” Mrs. Beekman smiled and stood.
After I showed her out, I went back into my office and returned to work.
“Spencer?” Deb knocked on the door. She was the director of Special Projects, and I’d known the alpha for some time.
“Come in.”
“When is Dr. Ellington going to start? Considering how long you’ve had that office set up for her?” Deb came in, closed my door, and sat, looking serious as usual, in her crisp blazer, her short, graying, hair no-nonsense.
“In two weeks.” After Evan’s heat. The paperwork for Grace to start had been finished. I was looking forward both to truly getting this project started, and to her being part of my company.
“Who is she? I can’t find any of her papers or examples of her work–or where she was last employed.” Deb frowned a little. “I trust you, and I liked her when you brought her on a tour, but technically this is my department.”
“You’re right. Apologies. She’s very talented but hasn’t been given the chances she deserves. I’ll be forthright, she’s mated to my packmate, Wes, over in cybersecurity. Grace might seem an unconventional hire, but I assure you that she’s going to do such great things with us.” I needed to finish getting her background situated and had a few more favors to call in.
Deb thought for a moment. “I trust you–you’ve got an eye for talent. You have a new packmate? Congratulations. I know Wes. It seems like he’s always scolding Margie’s department for one thing or another.”
“Thank you.” I talked little about my pack at work. Not because I wasn’t proud, but because I liked to keep my personal life private.
I added, “That’s why everything is taking so long. She relocated to be with us and is still settling in. Our pack is going away for a week, so I figured it would be better for her to formally start after that. However, I don’t see why she couldn’t come in before that to meet with you.”
“Perfect. I’ll set up some time with her next week.” Deb stood. “Have a great weekend.”
Deb left, and I tried to finish up my work so I could make it home in time for family dinner.
Mrs. K came in. “Everything is set for the symposium. Grace is going to have such a wonderful time.” Her look went a little wistful, since she used to travel with her wife to such things.
“Thank you. I’m looking forward to it.” While it would be interesting, it was mostly because I’d get her all to myself. I loved the others in my pack, but Evan could be quite possessive.
“The flowers are here for you to take home. The delivery is also set to arrive this evening. Interesting choice for a courting gift,” she added from the doorway.
“Oh, it’s just the beginning.” I smiled. Grace’s injuries put a hitch in some of my plans. Of course, she couldn't use this gift yet either, but considering Wes hadn’t gotten one for her, I thought it would be a good choice.
Ribbing Wes was always an enjoyable pastime.
Mrs. K beamed at me. “I know you loved Elaris. You always will. But I’m happy that you’ve found Grace.”
“Me, too.” It was time. “Thank you for your help. Do you have weekend plans?”
“The grandchildren are coming to visit. Don’t stay too late.” With a wave, she closed my door.
While I didn’t plan on staying long, I’d get done faster if people stopped bothering me.
I entered the kitchen, holding the flowers. Delicious smells greeted me, and I waved at Jett and Riley as they cooked.
Upstairs, I heard laughing. Brennan and Grace sat at the piano. Her wrist was in her lap, and it looked like she was using her good hand to play one part of the piece, and Brennan was trying to play the other. I think they were playing Kirkokov’s 4th.
“Bravo,” I praised them when they stopped. That was one way to play the piano.
