At least, Marcus and I managed to snag the sane one in the family. I’m not sure how Lio manages with his interesting collection. But I can see why even Javi had concerns, and why Soren chose to go with approaching Anderson instead of Anderson’s Daddy.
“I believe my Boy made it clear we were to meet with the Council. Not one member and two Voices.” Ian’s voice rumbles through the room.
Carter clears his throat, leaning forward. “While I understand your position, that is not possible. The reason we’re calling you in is because two of the Council members need assistance that only you—and others—can provide.”
“Would one of those Council members be the traumatized Boy?” Anderson asks softly, and I almost cringe. That explains how Javi got them on board, but fuck. This is not good.
Carter stares at Anderson before sighing. “Yes. You’ll also be responsible for others in the Organization. Including the Boy’s Owner and Master.”
Ian hisses under his breath, slamming his hand down on the table. Jude goes rigid as we stare at the man who either has an extra helping of courage or fucking stupidity. “I want to make this clear. I will not tolerate abuse. If you want me, it’s likely due to my experience with kink. If that’s the case, and I find out that you’re using that as a smokescreen to abuse people, I will end you and then walk away. I’ll let you pick out your graves ahead of time, but that’s the only mercy I’ll give.”
I swallow, shifting uncomfortably, because how the hell do I explain the Martellis, without them ending up dead? Thankfully, Carter’s strength works in our favor, as he stares at Ian unwaveringly.
“Admittedly, one of the former Families would not live up to your satisfaction. However, I have every faith that Doc and Javi are correct when they say that you can help. Or have we been misled about your abilities?”
I barely catch the twist of a smile on Reid’s face before it’s gone, back to the calmness that he’s been exuding since they got here. He presses a hand on Ian’s shoulder, somehow calming him with just one touch.
“We are the best. It’s also why we can command that increase in pay. But, make no mistake, we will make people work for their health. We’re not just going to sign off and pretend everything is fine. Do you understand?” he asks, in a firm yet quiet voice. I have a feeling he doesn’t talk much, but that when he does, it’s best to shut up and listen.
“We do,” I respond, making eye contact with Jude and Carter as they nod their approval.
With a sigh, Carter opens a folder and takes out the standard job offer letters and confidentiality clauses. Granted, I’m not sure how that shit works with an organization like ours, but he seems content to leave it in his lawyer’s hands.
After some back and forth, they all sign, and I feel like I can breathe. We’re getting one step closer to stability, to having everything working together in tandem. So it's not all on my Love. Still…with a grimace, I exchange a sideways glance with Jude and Carter. Deciding I need to bite the bullet, I speak up.
“We don’t want you all to be overwhelmed. As such, Javi gave us the names of five other therapists he’d like included, some who have different specialties that we need.” I slip them a piece of paper with the names on it. With the wordless ability to communicate that only the strongest relationships have, they seem to have a full conversation with nothing more than a few looks. “We were hoping you’d have an insight on how to hire them.”
Ian snorts, tossing the paper back at us. “There’s no way in hell you’re getting Brannigan. You can’t afford him, for one, and two, he’d never agree to work with you. Connor…hell, he’s a firecracker, and he’s not going to do anything unless you have a very good reason—and it's likely you'd have to force him to stop and listen. He won’t even put you on the books. I don’t recognize Atticus’s name, so I have no insight there.”
“Hmm.” Anderson cocks his head, tracing over the names. “I can most likely help get you Monroe. We’re best friends. But he’s not cheap either.”
Reid runs his fingers through his black hair, messing it up, and yet only enhancing his good looks. “Marshall has such a long waiting list, you’d be waiting forever for him. He also can’t be bought off or manipulated. I’d suggest finding someone else. Atticus… Yeah, that name doesn’t sound familiar to me either.”
“Well, if you’d please put us in contact with Monroe and, despite Marshall’s waiting list, him as well, as we have to try. This is important.” Carter breathes out, hope clearly etched on his face.
“Of course,” Anderson replies promptly. “I’m glad you take mental health so seriously. Not enough do. It’s one of the reasons we’re willing to do this.”
“Although, if I may add a word of caution,” Ian interrupts with a tight grin. “If you’re speaking to other therapists, I highly suggest you don’t target a Dom’s submissive in the hopes it’ll make the Dom fall in line. We don’t play those games. While my Boy has insisted on this, I will be speaking to both Javi and Soren about their…choice.”
Anderson blushes, but doesn’t speak in their defense. Carter smiles weakly. “I’ll, uh, pass that on. I know Javi and Doc will be doing a handover on all case history, your lodgings, etc. Please, make sure to speak up if your accommodations aren’t to your liking. We did put all three of you in a suite, as I understand that’s your preference.”
Ian stands up first, giving us a curt nod. “Very well. We’ll be back later today to move in and get up to speed. We’ll need to discuss how it’ll work if we shut down our private practices, or perhaps do a limited number of virtual appointments. We won’t just fail our current patients. There’s not enough money in the world to toss those relationships aside.”
“We understand,” Jude cuts in quickly, and I sense all three of us are strung out and want this over with.
When Ian pretty much bundles the other two together and guides them out the door, I’m not surprised. As soon as the door closes, I take a deep breath and let it out before dropping my head into my hands. Carter’s hand comes up to rub at my shoulder, and I send a tired smile in his direction.
“At least we have a possible link to Monroe, and…I’m sure Javi can come up with something compelling for Marshall.” I almost flinch at Carter’s unsaid “he’d better”. “The others…”
“Jude, can you take point on Brannigan and Connor? I have a feeling that situation is going to need certain expertise. Ignacio likely can’t be active in the field, but he’d be good to strategize with on…acquisitions.” I try to ignore the taste of ash in my mouth at the words, but it’s the only option I can think of.
Jude signs something to Carter that I can’t make out, and then he’s out the door, slipping away quietly. Carter leans into me, grabbing my hand and squeezing it. “Don’t worry. We’ll make it all work out.”
I turn slightly to kiss his head, feeling him melt into me. I don’t feel the same sort of confidence in this plan, but hell if I’m not willing to try whatever we can. Despite my own beginnings with the Martelli Family, I managed to find love, to find acceptance, and now? Now the Council has given me even more… So if I need to drag all of these assholes to therapy, then I guess that’s what I’ll do.
I sure as hell never saw this coming. My mind flashes back to Sandro in an apron, and I bite back a laugh. Yeah, no, none of this was on my bingo card at all… But having my Love and Tease, they make it all worth it. Always.
Cole is quiet as he helps Sandro and I make cookies, but that doesn’t bother me. Am I worried? Yes, of course, but you don’t need words to communicate, and I make it a point not to make a big deal out of Cole’s lack of them.
