“Alan, it was a misunderstanding.I don’t know what you think you heard, but you have to come back.”
“Stop it,” Alan snapped.“I don’t believe you, and you know I don’t.”
There was a moment of silence.When Victor spoke next, his voice was different—colder, as if he was finally showing Alan who he really was.It gave Alan the creeps.
A lot of things about Victor did now that he knew who Victor was.He didn’t understand how Victor had managed to hide it for so long.He’d been playing Alan.Hell, he’d been playing everyone around him.People had worked with him to protect shifters and supernatural beings.They believed that he wanted them to be safe.Instead, he’d been hurting them.
“What do you want?”Victor asked.
“I heard your conversation with that man.”
“Did you?”
“I did, and you know it.You wouldn’t have come after me if you hadn’t been sure that I was dangerous to you.”
“Alan, you could never be dangerous to me.”
“Maybe not, but I know things that you want me to keep to myself.”
“Will you?”
Alan glanced at Matthew.“For a price.”
There was a pause before Victor answered.“This is unlike you.”
“I know.Trust me, I wouldn’t be doing this if I had a choice, but you’re not going to leave me alone even if I don’t do anything.That means I have to do something.”
“And that something is blackmailing me?”
“We’re friends, Victor, or at least, I thought we were.I’m not asking for much.I just want enough money to pay my debts.Once you’ve paid me, I’ll keep my mouth shut.”
“Is that so?”
“I don’t think I’ll ever be able to work with you again, but yes.I just want to be safe.”
“I want to meet you and talk face-to-face.”
“Tomorrow at that coffee shop you like.Bring the money.Two hundred and fifty thousand.”
“Whatever you say, Alan.”
Alan was freaking out internally.He felt dirty, even though he was doing the right thing, and he had to resist the urge to scratch himself.
That was why he almost ran out of the office as soon as he hung up.He left his phone on the desk, didn’t look at anyone, and left.
This time, he wasn’t alone.Matthew came after him, and Alan didn’t stop him, not even when he followed him into his bedroom.Why would he?He wanted Matthew with him.In fact, Matthew was the only person that Alan wanted close right now.
Matthew caught Alan’s arm and pulled him into his arms as the door slammed behind him.Alan slumped against his mate’s chest and tried to breathe.It was harder than it should’ve been.
“You’ll be okay,” Matthew promised, his voice soothing.He rubbed Alan’s back.“I’ll make sure that you are.”
“I know.”
“And you were right.This has to be done.”
“I just wish someone else could do it.”
“Me, too, but you won’t do it alone.You’ll never be alone again from now on.”Alan looked up at Matthew.He wanted that.He wanted Matthew to promise him that he’d always be with him and tokeepthat promise.
