Page 122 of Retribution
Isolde’s mind is filled with calm, and I take a deep breath, drawing strength from my omega.
“Good morning, Paula,” I murmur.
“Good morning, sir. I trust that everything is alright now?” she asks.
“It is,” I say shortly. Still none of her business. “Catch me up, please. First, is a room available for Isolde and the baby to hang out in today?”
“Yes. Grant reached out and made sure that it was handled,” she nods. “I am also setting up a water station and some food. You sometimes run longer than expected and she shouldn’t need to worry about basic comforts.”
And this is why she’s so wonderful. Paula may wonder about what is going on, but she’s not going to let it impact her job.
“Thank you,” I say. “I want them to be comfortable here. I’m having a hard time being away from them both, so I’m afraid I’m playing a very selfish card today.”
“I don’t mind,” Isolde says softly. “I have books to read on my phone when Leila naps. Do your thing.”
“Okay,” I grumble, watching as Paula hits the button to call the elevator as she hides a smile. “Now catch me up.”
Paula launches into who I need to call back, as well as which meetings have been rescheduled for today. I glanced at them on the drive over since this was emailed to me, but I tend to retain things better when I’m listening instead of reading.
I nod along as we step into the elevator, and Grant jogs up to us as we do. I’m sure he didn’t have to run, but he hates when I go anywhere without him. Especially now when I have very important people beside me.
He doesn’t smile as he glances at Isolde and Leila, but I know he’s trying to soak in their presence. He’s memorized what they're wearing, the way that Isolde is holding one of Leila’s fingers as she smiles down at her, and how the baby gazes back up at her with a gummy smile.
Once the elevator doors close, he snaps into work mode and swipes the key card to get up to our floor.
Paula continues to work through the day before stopping to take a breath as she steps out of the elevator once we arrive.
“Can you show me where my family will be while I’m working?” I ask.
Paula flinches at my words, and glances at Isolde with new eyes. It may not be her business, but I need to make sure that she understands how important this is. Paula isn’t the type of person to snub anyone, but I believe in clear communication. I want to make sure that Isolde and Leila will be taken care of.
“Yes, sir,” she says, walking ahead. “Miss Isolde, do you prefer a view of the city or an interior office without one?”
“Natural light is better, please,” Isolde admits. “Overhead light can give me a headache.”
“I changed all the lights out years ago for that reason,” I admit. Paula glances at me with a raised eyebrow and I shrug. “I did extensive research on providing good office space for my employees. Thirty percent of my staff are omegas, Paula. I didn’t want anyone to experience discomfort due to what’s called ‘hot lights’. I unfortunately didn’t do the same in my own house and I’m kicking myself for it now.”
“Our house now is perfect,” Isolde says. “It’s admirable that you’d put so much time and effort into the design of your offices.”
“Mr. Reid is a very good boss,” Paula tells her. It’s not done in a way that I would consider her brown nosing, but more like she’s stating a fact. “I just didn’t realize that he’d put so much consideration into something like this. Omegas are the minority in our company.”
“And yet, they are also the ones who need the most accommodations,” I remind her. “We make it work.”
“This is true,” Paula says. “Still want a room with a view?”
“Yes please. If Leila gets bored, at least I can talk to her about what’s happening out the window,” Isolde says.
Paula walks down to an empty boardroom and opens the door. We have a few small offices available without windows, and my lips purse at the thought that that’s where she was thinking about putting Isolde and Leila.
I don’t have any evidence to the contrary, but I don’t like it. The table here isn’t in the middle of the room which means it gives them plenty of space. Isolde can walk, the chairs here are comfortable, and there’s a beautiful view of the city.
“I’ll be right back,” Paula says, leaving Grant gazing after her.
“I’m half tempted to let you bite me just so we can talk to each other without words,” he grunts. “People do that shit right?”
“They do bond with someone they consider the lead alpha,” I chuckle. “Should I be concerned that you want to get into my head?”
“I don’t like what Paula just did,” Grant snarls, ignoring my question.
