Page 52 of Talk About… Secrets
“You’re serious? Oh, absolutely I can handle that. This is like a dream, boss,” he said, his smile beaming.
I leveled him with a stare. “It does come with risks.”
He deflated a little, his big, brown, doe eyes fluttering closed. “The pompous alphas.”
“Yes,” I agreed. “They will act like you aren’t fit for this role, or that they’re more qualified. They are absolutely wrong on both accounts.”
“I can handle them,” he promised, a look of pure venom in his eyes. Lincoln might look sweet, but his claws could come out. I’ve only seen it twice and it was exactly why I knew he could handle it.
“Security is on your side,” I said easily. “The moment one steps out of line, fire them and call security.”
“I actually have someone in mind for my position, if you’re interested in hearing it,” he said as he regained his confidence.
“Go on.”
“There’s an alpha who started about six months ago. He’s quiet, huge, and great at his job. But he’s currently stuck organizing the IT department, where his talent is wasted.”
“Move him up as your first act,” I said with a grin. “It’s nice knowing things will run smoothly. The board will be no issue, I’m heading into a meeting with them now. Don’t send in lunch this time.”
“Noted,” he said, a wicked grin. This omega was ready to throw this entire company on its head like I was.
Ten minutes later I was walking in, folders ready in my briefcase and the front page news that was going viral on my screen.
“What do we possibly have to discuss now? We aren’t budging,” Zavier said in his signature aloof attitude.
“I thought you’d say that, so I made a move,” I said easily as I connected my phone to the projector so they could see what I did.
“What is the meaning of this?” Abrams stuttered angrily as he stood, face beet read and reading over the hundreds of different articles that had sparked in the last hour. I knew damn well that Darlene Carter would move fast.
“The world knows we have our mate. We are leaving and you will not stop us. I’ve already hired someone for my position, as is within my job duties. I would also like to remind this boardof its place. You may have power within this business, but at the end of the day the largest share belongs to us and will continue to own it. You do not get a choice in personal matters.”
I let those words sink in, fingers resting on the clasps as I waited for their final words. If they escalated this, I would absolutely burn their world down.
“Good for you, son,” Lyle snorted. “I thought that was a wild move by this board and I support the change. Am I to assume that Lincoln has taken your place?”
“Oh, absolutely not,” Abrams tried but I cut him off with a glare.
“I can and I did,” I said evenly. “Spencer has sent his contract, it has been signed by both parties. I am well within my rights to hire a stand in, though I still retain my title as well. We aren’t leaving the company, we are extending it and working on a new market. Mark my words, this time next year it will be more than a small office.”
My eyes drifted around the room, noting the mix of annoyance, rage, and smug approval. The board was mixed and that was enough for me.
“I have just as much influence, if not more, as you. Keep that in mind next time you overstep.”
I snatched my case and stepped out of the room, disconnecting my phone. I’d never felt more like a powerful alpha than in that moment.
And I didn’t have to stoop to using the information I’d found. Though, I was going to burn Lyle’s. He’d earned my loyalty today.
Spencer and Lincoln were working over the contract when I walked back in. He had his round glasses on and was all business as they fussed over terms. Spencer wasn’t holding back, giving him as much room as he needed to thrive.
Just as I walked in, they started to wrap it up but I had one last thing to cover.
“Tell me, Lincoln. Has any alpha made you uncomfortable in this building? The kind of situation that makes you avoid a certain area, for example.”
He swallowed hard and nodded. “Only one. There’s an alpha, Daniel Evers. He’s on the fifth floor, an office right outside the cafeteria. I’ve avoided it for most of my time here.”
“Spencer, bring him in,” I said. “Have him wait, I have a few calls to make. Lincoln, take the afternoon away from here so you don’t have to see him.”
“Done,” he promised, scurrying out like his ass was on fire.
