I hadn't been so well taken care of since being in the charge of a childhood manny.
Tane frowned. “Were you running just now?”
“No. I just ran into Malin when I crossed the second floor.”
Tane sighed. “That boy.” He shook his head. “He's leaving again tonight. As usual. Which will be better for the entire household, I'm sad to say. Sad for him, not us.”
Immediately, my entire body relaxed. I was finally able to take a deep breath. It wasn't that Malin scared me, it was just that he was very good at saying upsetting things and making the atmosphere toxic. I hadn't been here very long, but long enough to know that when it was just me and Tane things were actually peaceful.
In a short time, I’d grown to like Tane. I would even say he was my type if by chance he was interested in omegas. Or me. Still, I liked the way he seemed to care about me. About my feelings. About the stupid cut on my hand. I hadn't felt that in a long time.
“Let's sit, shall we? Would you like a drink?”
“I think I had enough to drink today.”
“That's fair enough. It did put you right to sleep. But in all fairness you had two and a half full glasses. And my best Scotch is very strong. Maybe some wine?”
I nodded, knowing full well I would only have a few sips. Malin still wasn't gone and I needed to keep my wits about me.
As usual, the food was amazing. Tane’s personality was completely the opposite of his son’s. They didn't even look alike.
While we ate, I forgot all my troubles as Tane talked. The subjects weren't about anything special. Just the food and a few anecdotes. That didn't matter to me. It was his voice I hooked into. Smooth and intelligent and in control. I thought about what Malin had said. That his dad had emotional irrational episodes. But so far it was only Malin who showed me an irrational side. Except for the fact that Tane had bought me to give to his angry son, an act that obviously had not been wellthought through by his own admission, he was a perfect host and a perfect gentleman.
Malin was more like Rohan. They would have made a good pair feeding off each other's snobbery and insecurity. Or maybe they would just eventually destroy each other.
“You seem deep in thought.”
I glanced up, realizing Tane had been talking and I hadn't heard a word he'd said for the last thirty seconds.
“I’m enjoying the dinner.” I quickly responded.
“I’m glad.”
Silence.
With my good hand, I lifted my water glass to my lips and drank which covered my awkwardness. A little.
“I'll be gone a couple of hours tomorrow afternoon. Maybe longer if I decide to check in on one of my offices. Just letting you know.”
I nodded.
“If you need anything, find Elias.”
“I'll be fine.”
“Good.”
I couldn’t help but be curious where he was going if not to his office—or offices. Did he see friends? He didn’t mention any and no one had dropped by. Only his son had been in and out. But a powerful alpha like himself would have many friends and acquaintances, business associates and partners.
My Internet research on him said he had two alpha fathers. No siblings. Maybe that was a stickler for him and why he wanted his son to settle. Maybe he missed having more family? I often wondered, growing up, what it would have been like to have a sibling. I had often wished for a brother.
Tane seemed disappointed when I got up to leave after finishing dinner. Quickly, he said, “Let’s check your hand before you go.”
“I can take care of it,” I said.
He frowned. “I’d like to make sure.”
I followed him into a huge bathroom off the kitchen. His hand was warm as he held mine and used his other hand to slowly unwrap the bandage. I couldn’t hold back a sudden shudder.
