“Oh, Mom. I love you so much, but I really need to do this. I can’t run away from this. That’s just not me.”
I don’t know how my beautiful daughter became this amazingly wise. Not sure where she got that. I grin down at her proudly and squeeze her hand.
“Well, I’m here if you need me, honey. Always and forever.”
She tucks Lexi’s hair behind her ear before hugging her tightly.
I make a mental note to keep her informed about Lexi’s security. It will help her feel like part of the solution. Even though she’ll try to micro-manage me, I’ll deal with it for Lexi’s sake.
Chapter Thirty-Four
Joslyn
Abby, my shadow Evan, and I file into the arena like a troop movement shortly before lunch. Despite everything that’s happened in the past few days, I can’t help but smile softly every time I think of Damon. He makes me feel so special, and he does it without fanfare. It’s like nothing I’ve ever experienced, and it’s thrilling and terrifying at the same time. The funny thing is, the more time we spend together, the less frightening it gets. That should bother me, but it doesn’t. We still need to sit down and talk about all this before we jump right into a relationship, but I’m starting to feel like maybe we can make this work.
Also, relationship?
Yes, relationship.
“I see you finally decided to grace us with your presence.” Matilda’s snarky comment rips through my reverie.
What the actual fuck?
I look up, startled by the venom in her voice. Sure, she’s always been rude, but in a subtle way, never to my face. I stop in my tracks.
“The Robertsons are turning in their graves to see you in charge of this team. You’re going to turn this team into a bunch of sissies. You and that pansy-ass GM. It’s despicable to see what you’ve done to their legacy.”
Her face is twisted with rage and hatred. Her eyes glitter as she continues her diatribe of my faults as she sees them.
“He never loved you. Your whole marriage was a sham. He only chose you for breeding, but you were never worthy of him.”
Oh my God. Is she talking about Kurt? She sounds… jealous. Wow, I didn’t see that coming. She has no idea that I would have happily given him up in a heartbeat. Knowing Kurt, he kept stringing her along for his own nefarious reasons. If she only knew the truth. Not that I’m about to enlighten her. I’m not even sure what is setting her off today. Is it because I came in late?
Evan starts to say something, but I put up a hand. I want to see where this is going. I’m stunned that she’s been holding on to these feelings for all these years. Surprisingly, nothing she’s said has hurt my feelings. Sure, I might have crumbled under her derision a couple of years ago. But not today. Not now. Now, I just feel sorry for her. She’s another casualty of Kurt’s manipulation. Jesus, ten years gone, and he’s still haunting us. Asshole.
“You were never a good wife to him. He told me. Every day, he came in and told me all about how miserable you made him. I know you did it to keep us apart. You wouldn’t let him leave. You were jealous. Why couldn’t you just let me have him? You didn’t even want him. You selfish bitch!”
Wow, just so much to unpack there. She’s a bit unhinged. My pity is rapidly being replaced with annoyance.
She’s shrieking now, her shrill voice loud and penetrating, eyes gleaming with malevolence. I was willing to hear her out at first, but I won’t let her continue to harangue me like this. Not here or anywhere. I’m done with letting peoplewalk over me.
“Enough,” my authoritative shout rings through the suddenly silent room. “You’ve had your say, Matilda, and now you’re done.” She opens her mouth, presumably to shout me down, but I’ve had it with bullies. I hold up a hand and keep talking.
“In fact, it’s past time for you to retire from the Wolves organization. I’ll have HR forward the requisite paperwork. Your presence is no longer required. You may leave.”
Glancing over my shoulder, I add, “Evan, please escort Matilda to the elevator. Mel, please call security and gather her belongings. Matilda, security will escort you to your vehicle and ensure you leave the premises. Do not return, or I will involve the authorities.”
My voice is cold as ice because enough is enough. Evan grabs her by the arms and frog-marches her to the elevator. At the same time, Mel gathers her belongings to hand over to the security personnel. The shocked look of disbelief on her pale face is incredibly gratifying.
“You can’t do this!” she squawks, voice hoarse from all her screeching.
“Yes, Matilda, I can,” I say with cold finality. Then, I turn my back on her and stride toward my office. I’ve had enough of people hurling insults at me. This is my god-damn team, and it’s time people remembered that.
Yes! I am a badass!
I congratulate myself for being brave, even though I’m shaking with the adrenaline of the moment. I pause for a few minutes outside my office to get myself under control. Abby nuzzles my legs, licking my hand when I reach down to pet her soft fur. Touching my pupper always seems to ground me. I’m so lucky to have her.
I keep stroking her head until my breathing is under control and my heart rate slows to a normal rhythm.
