Page 25 of All That We Keep
"I know you didn't," Maceo responds immediately. "You're an honorable Alpha. You're also rich all on your own. Someoneis trying to push you out, but I've got documents with time stamps that prove otherwise." His arms tighten around me as he continues. "It might take a little bit for the investors to catch on, but that's a problem for later. Right now, you and I are going to have a bath."
I let out a shaky sigh, allowing him to guide me toward the main level bathroom just feet away from where our mates are sleeping. The domestic intimacy of having Maceo undress me, his gentle hands helping me out of my clothes, makes some of the tension leave my shoulders.
The fabric falls to the floor in nearly silent clumps, Maceo pushing me toward the tub of warm water, not saying a word as I sink into the thick fragrance of lavender and eucalyptus. Maceo climbs in behind me and then pulls me back against his chest, my body fitting perfectly against his as his arms wrap around me. The bond we share pulses between us, carrying his strength and certainty into the spaces where my own confidence has been shattered.
"How did you know this would work?" I ask, my voice barely above a whisper.
Maceo's lips press against his mark, a shudder running down my spine. "The same way you knew I needed to talk to Luther yesterday. You said you liked being held, and I can feel you now, remember? We're bonded." His arms tighten around me as he continues. "That spike of fear and uncertainty came through our connection the moment it happened. Luther also warned me that you might need a little reassurance. Regardless of what comes next, you have all of us. And your mates own the company."
I laugh, but the sound comes out hollow and bitter. "For now, maybe. But if they can fabricate evidence this convincing, what's to stop them from going after Blake next? Or Luther?" Maceo is quiet for a moment, his hands moving in slow, soothingcircles across my chest. "I'm just so mad," I continue, my voice growing stronger as anger replaces the fear. "It was so abrupt. No warning, no chance to defend myself. Just accusations and demands for my immediate removal."
"With everything going on, I have a suspicion it has to do with the buyer," Maceo says quietly. "It just doesn't make sense otherwise. The timing is too convenient. The problem is that we have no idea who the buyer is."
I twist in his arms to look at him, noting the tension around his eyes. "What did you learn from Kai yesterday?"
Maceo's expression grows darker. "Nothing good. Hearthstone is covering everything up, but they're throwing a party in the next day or two as a way to say thank you to the community. He gave us their invites so that maybe we can get some answers."
"Why does it feel like you're not happy about that?" I ask, sensing the reluctance in his voice.
"Because Kai let Ward know, and Ward couldn't do anything about it," Maceo explains. "Someone else at the precinct is wrapped up in all this. It'll be hard finding out who."
I twist back around and lean my head back against Maceo’s chest, deciding to soak up the warmth he’s providing instead of worrying about anything else. Luther said he got it. Maceo’s got me right now. Everything else can wait.
15
Luther
I sit in the driveway with the engine off, my hands knuckled white around the steering wheel as rage courses through my veins. I can't bring myself to go inside yet. Not when I'm this angry, not when I can still feel the urge to tear something apart with my bare hands.
The meeting with the board replays in my mind, but it's what happened after the formal meeting ended that has me seeing red. Gerald had the audacity to follow me back to my office, closing the door behind him like we were old friends about to have a private chat.
"There are also some issues regarding Blake's attendance," he'd said, settling into the chair across from my desk like he owned the place. "How he comes and goes as he pleases, how he's running the company. Some concerns about his leadership capabilities given his... condition."
I'd nearly lunged across the desk at him then, but something in his expression told me he was baiting me, waiting for exactly that reaction. So I'd forced myself to remain seated, hands flat on my desk to keep them from wrapping around his throat.
"It's Blake's company," I'd said through gritted teeth. "It's in my name because investors like you wouldn't support an Omega CEO to begin with. Every idea, every innovation, every dollar you've made from this company exists because of Blake's vision. There would be no money if Blake didn't create the concept to begin with."
Gerald had just smiled that condescending smile that made me want to rip his face off. "Be that as it may, there will be a vote soon about whether to keep Blake on as CEO. The board has concerns about stability, especially with everything going on in your... personal lives."
"You can't do that," I'd growled, my Alpha presence filling the room with enough menace to make a weaker man back down. "This is his company. It's funded by my money and registered in my name. Yes, you're investors. Yes, you're on the board. But when it comes down to it, we don't need you."
His laugh had been cold. "You don't mean that."
"Try me."
"We'll see who's still sitting in those big offices after the Starfalls expansion release," he'd said, standing to leave. "The vote is scheduled for right after launch. We'll see who's really in charge then."
That's when I'd lost what little control I had left. I'd told him exactly where he could shove his vote, exactly what I thought of him and his concerns, and exactly what would happen if he tried to push my family any further.
But he hadn't been done. As I'd started to usher him toward the door, he'd delivered the final blow.
"You're on the docket for discussion as well, Luther. Everyone understands that people have packs, but the fact that you think you're above everyone else, that your personal drama should affect company operations..."
I'd slammed him against the wall before he could finish the sentence, my forearm pressed against his throat as fury consumed rational thought. The memory of his wide, frightened eyes gives me a dark satisfaction even now.
"I want you to take a real good look at what's happening right now," I'd snarled, my face inches from his. "I pay your salary. Yes, you invested in my company, but my mate has made you that money back ten times over. You're still here because he likes what you're supporting. Now let's get this straight. My family is having some issues, and while you may not support what's going on, I will be there for them regardless of your opinion."
He'd left after that, but not before promising that the board would be hearing about my "inappropriate workplace behavior" as well.
