“There’s a pack fund and a personal fund,” Tak continued. “Mercy handles the money. It’s about trust, but it’s also about sharing your wealth. No packmate can be above another if he shares his money. If one person buys a Ferrari, another can’t complain if that wealth puts food on our table, pays for Relics, funds vacations and repairs, secures more land, and supports future generations. You’ve always lived for yourself, but tribes and packs survive because we live for each other.” He laced his fingers in a prayerlike gesture. “Together makes us stronger and happier.”
Tak was right, but Atticus had always strategized his finances to make sure he would never lose them. The thought of turning everything over to a wolf didn’t seem practical long-term.
Atticus tapped his finger against the table. “Let me be candid. I’m old, and I know how to thrive financially and socially. But I’ve always felt like something was missing. When you’re my age, you begin to wonder if you’re dead inside. I’ve spent more time recently around humans and packs to do a little soul searching. It wasn’t until Joy that I knew what’s been missing all along.”
“And what’s that?”
“Family. I only had a taste of that life long ago. When you become a Vampire, you surrender yourself to the idea that you’ll never have a family. If sharing my wealth is the sacrifice needed, that’s trivial. But I can’t promise to shareallmy wealth and have it kept here. I’ve spent centuries amassing a fortune to secure my future. I may outlive your pack and their descendants. It’s not uncommon for packs to dissolve when their leaders die or strong alphas form their own packs.”
Tak smoothed back his dark hair, his eyes on the pool tables. “It may be premature for this conversation.”
“Yes, but it must be had. I’ll gladly share what we both deem fair—enough to ensure the pack thrives. My situation is unique, so I hope you understand.”
“We can protect your assets.”
“Some have to be stored elsewhere.”
Tak didn’t seem keen on this notion. “What if you lose them?”
“I’m more likely to lose everything if I keep it all together. Is your house big enough for my art collection? How do you feel about nude statues?”
Tak snorted. “You can put them in Virgil’s bedroom.”
“I also own land and property, which is more valuable than cash. Money won’t be a problem. With the income from my club, there’s plenty to go around. If any of your packmates need a job, I can always use more bouncers.”
“What is it about Joy that makes you want to turn your life upside down? Why her and not one of your own?”
Atticus searched for the words to describe his emotions, and as he did, a warmth radiated in his chest. “You and I see things differently. Being with Joy won’t turn my life upside down; it’ll turn it right side up. I’ve known many women who were beautiful, intelligent, and kind. Truthfully, I never wanted a relationship—not after failing to save my first love.” He rested his arms on the table and faced Tak without looking him in the eye. “The moment I met Joy, this feeling came over me I can’t describe. Like a missing piece returned to the puzzle. I’ve heard people talk about this before, but I’ve never felt it myself. My first love was the woman I wanted to live for. Joy is the woman I’d die for. She’s the reason for my three thousand years of existence.” Atticus chuckled softly. “So I can’t screw this up. I’ll do whatever it takes to earn her love and trust.”
The alpha pushed around the empty glass of ice. “Let me allay your fears—that brave little wolf loves you.”
“She’s interested.”
Tak’s brown eyes twinkled. “For an old man, you’re not very perceptive. I could say it’s impossible in the short time you’ve known each other, but then I’d be a hypocrite. I didn’t need months or years to figure out that Hope was my life mate. Our wolves know. But that doesn’t entitle us, and we still have to earn their respect. I don’t know what kind of Vampire voodoo you have to know such things.”
“Neither do I.”
Tak pointed his finger against the table, and the tension crackled. “If Ieverfind out that you’ve manipulated her emotions with your magic, I will end you. Joy is precious, and I won’t let anyone take advantage of her.”
Atticus bristled at the suggestion. “I don’t use my gifts on people in my life unless they ask. Magic requires consent. My gifts aren’t inherently wicked, and there are legitimate reasons why people use Vampires to help them forget or remember things. But consent goes both ways. People have used us for our blood—to heal or heighten their senses. Just because my blood has healing properties doesn’t entitle anyone to it—not withoutmyconsent.”
Tak wrinkled his nose. “Needn’t worry about that. I don’t even like my steak rare.”
Atticus shifted topics. “As long as that lab is still operating, you’re not safe. I’d like permission to stay on your property for the week. It’s close to the club and easy to get back and forth, and I can also keep an eye on your house and Joy.”
Tak frowned. “In my house?”
“No. If the heat house is vacant, I can stay there. It would give me a chance to shower before work. Besides, I’ll have more time with Joy—perhaps all the time she needs to make up her mind.”
After heaving a sigh, Tak muttered, “Never did I think I’d let a Vampire sleep on my land. Fine. You can stay in the heat house.”
“Splendid. I’ll just need to have my coffin shipped out before morning.”
After a blank stare, Tak threw back his head and gave a riotous laugh that caught everyone’s attention. “I didn’t realize you had a sense of humor, Atticus Rain.”
“Wait until you see my sculpture collection.”
Chapter 21
