Gideon Drake was in over his head with his demand. He didn’t have the money to continue the construction. The place would end up as rubble.
“Alpha,” Bruno greeted, his voice echoing off the empty walls and his shoes thudding over the tile. “She had a setup in the back office.”
“Show me.” I followed him, across the expansive empty lobby, and to the right.
Sawdust and the sharp scent of solvent and asphalt stung my nose. The end of the hall opened to another left where therewas an open door. The construction smells almost blocked out the woodsy scent of shifter, and that cloying scent Cierra liked wearing.
The perfume became more intense once I crossed the threshold into the carpeted, medium-sized office space. In the corner, blankets were rolled out and a duffel was on the floor. Other than that, it was bare.
I’d grown up with Cierra, our families being close since I could remember, so I well knew how desperate she was. Poverty was her nightmare.
Bruno turned her bag upside down, and clothes, hair-styling shit, and other feminine items spilled out.
“Have someone on watch nearby in case she shows up after we leave.” I pointedly met his eyes. “Someone discreet.”
Bruno nodded and started making calls. I left him and returned through the lobby.
Now she truly had nowhere to go.
Drake entered the bare lobby before I reached the door.
I slowed. His face was settled into a gloating expression.
He clicked his tongue, eyes sweeping across the expanse behind me.
“Admiring the trash you’ve inherited?” I raised an eyebrow.
He boomed out a laugh.
“Jealous?” he mocked.
He still didn’t know I’d turned all of his investors away from him.
All I offered him was a smile, not looking away from his steady gaze. His grin widened. He could be as smug as he wanted, but the rash male would never reach the social status he hungered for.
“I signed the final title documents,” I drawled, stepping past him. “I’ll leave them on that pile of trash you call a vehicle.”
He growled, every hint of smugness leaving his face.
Garbage was all this reckless Alpha would ever be.
The door slammed shut behind me. It was almost poetic. Drake could remain a poverty-riddled mutt. I would have my fated.
33
Istretched out on the bed, and even that caused my body to protest. Holy fucking Moon, that was mind altering. I’d been wrung out in every imaginable way, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. He was so utterly delicious.
“Lucian?” There was no answer, but a maple syrup scent played along my senses.
I breathed in again and sat up, dropping the comforter on the mattress.
A set of silk pajamas were on the nightstand beside my cellphone. I slid them on, then went to the tray and wheeled it over to the edge of the bed. The metal cover was cumbersome. I unveiled the waffles and side of fruit and slid the metal cloche into the second slot of the tray. With my legs crossed, I settled in to eat. Upon grabbing the fork, the edge of the paper lifted, and I picked it up. It was a slim sheet with Lucian’s familiar writing.
I’ll be working, my Josephine. Don’t step out of this room. Call if you need me.
Lucian
I sighed, trying not to grin like a maniac, but I genuinely couldn’t help it. With my phone in hand, I scrolled through one of the social media apps Verity told me to download while I ate. I was still getting the hang of messing with the cell phone. It felt like a different world.
