Page 38 of Rust the Rejected
She nods and lifts her hand in farewell.
I blink, and she’s gone.
The room suddenly feels empty, as does my heart.
CHAPTER14
Jagger
“Fuck!”
I grab my mobile and pull up the security app. The view of my office onMoonbeamappears.
Rust—or rather his wolf—rampages. The massive red beast rakes his razor-like claws on the leather sofa as though gutting prey. Instead of entrails, white stuffing flies around him like puffs of smoke. He snarls and growls with each swipe.
“Dammit, Rust! Stop!”
He pauses and cocks his head at the sound of my voice over the speaker system. For a moment, I think he’s going to listen. But no.
He spins, bounds across the office, and leaps onto the large wooden desk. His front leg knocks over the crystal lamp. It shatters on the floor. The pen holder follows the same path. Montblanc and Waterman fountain pens scatter. His claws seek purchase on the polished surface. Trails of scratches appear. Stable, he throws his head back. An ominous howl erupts from his mouth.
His hazel eyes narrow at the camera. The golden flecks glitter as he snarls viciously. Tongue flicks between bared teeth. Ears flatten to his giant head. His stance displays a challenge to my authority as Alpha.
Completely uncharacteristic behavior for Rust. Like Viggo, he’s the fun-loving one with a good sense of humor. Sure, he’s an Alpha Dom. We all are. But he’s not inclined to challenge me as the Alpha of our pack.
No. This outrage comes from hurt. Hell, I know the loss of a fated mate… I get it. But to let his wolf take over. Not acceptable.
“Shift, Rust! Shift. Now!”
I instill my Alpha command into my words and through the bond I share with members of my pack. If this doesn’t get through to him, I fear he may have succumbed to the madness. I keep my eyes trained on him through the security camera. It’s the best I can do from this distance.
He glares back. Body rigid. His tail wags in a high up position in a show of dominance and aggression. A low growl rumbles in his chest.
Fuck! He won’t concede.
With a growl, I slam my fist on the desk. Then switch to the phone app.
“Tag, Rust succumbed to madness… Listen, I don’t have time. Meet me in my office now.”
I end the call and dial Karl—the head of my personal security and pack enforcers. He enters my office through the door connected to his. A grim expression appears on his face as I recount Rust’s madness and show the live feed from the security camera.
Unable to get out, his wolf prowls around the office. Intermittent snarls and growls filter through the speaker. No sign of the man remains. Shaking my head, I turn away from it to alert Captain. He and the crew will leave Rust locked inside until I arrive.
Another call to my pilot to prepare the Larson Enterprises, Inc. Sikorsky S-92 Executive Helicopter.
“What the hell’s going on with Rust?”
Tag draws my attention from the mobile screen. I beckon for him to see for himself. He stands gobsmacked.
“Ginny, I’m gone for the day. Reach me on my mobile. Reschedule my appointments,” I tell my administrative assistant through the intercom as I jump from my desk chair and head to my private elevator. “Tag, Karl, let’s go.”
We ride the elevator that connects my office to the garage and to the roof where the helicopter awaits. Karl must have alerted the rest of my security team since they stand beside it. They greet me as Alpha with respective nods while I step aboard. Tag and Karl climb in behind me. Tension fills the luxurious cabin as each of us retreats into ourselves. Concern for Rust and his wellbeing remain at the forefront. His challenge was nothing but the madness. Hopefully, he’s not so far gone that I can’t pull him back from the abyss.
My fated mate must sense my turmoil. A lightness lifts some of the tension as I answer her call.
“Hi, babe. We’re on our way toMoonbeam… Tag, Karl, the rest of my team… No! I do not want you to… I know you can take care of yourself. That’s not the point. Rust is unpredictable right now… Do not go anywhere near him until I arrive, Sage! Do not push me. Do you understand? Good. I’ll see you soon.”
“Let me guess, she used her teleportation magick and beat us to the megayacht,” Tag says wryly.
