Page 5

“Time out! Can you two stop for at least an hour while we get our day started, please? Jem needs your full attention in this meeting, sir. And I really would like to get home to my daughter tonight, Ryder. Please?”

Nate was looking at me with soft, pleading eyes, tension in every line of his body. He knew I was seconds away from leaving, and that would fuck up his omega’s first day at work that was scheduled for tomorrow. Fuck. FUCK. Was I really going to compromise everything I was to let this beta I’d only just met get home to his baby? Apparently, yes. I was such a sucker.

Alexei seemed to have some modicum of respect for his beta assistant despite his caveman routine with me because he left us in peace to head to his meeting. Nate got me up to speed with what he’d been working on, but the guy, bless him, was not equipped to manage the high-profile event that had been dropped on his lap. It wasn’t his fault. It had been sprung on him with little warning, and he was an executive assistant, not an event planner. Some people might think all admin was the same, but it really fucking wasn’t. I’d have my work cut out for me for the next ten days as I tried to address all the gaps in their preparations.

“Is it that bad?” Nate asked, voice soft as he packed up his bag, ready to head home.

Looking up from where I was focussed on his computer that I’d fully commandeered shortly before lunchtime, I shot him a smile. There was no point making him feel bad about leaving. “Not at all.”

“You’re lying. I know what someone looks like when they’re about to pull an all-nighter.”

“Everyone prioritises different things when they’re running an event like this. The fact whoever dropped this on you had a list that doesn’t match mine isn’t your fault.”

“I can come in tomorrow afternoon if you need me. Rex is only working a half day.”

I shook my head. “No. I’ve got this. Go be with your pack.”

Alexei had been absent all afternoon, busy in meetings, but my words must’ve summoned him like the demon he was because he appeared just as Nate zipped up his bag.

“All the best, Nate,” Alexei said.

I probably shouldn’t have huffed an amused breath at his formal, stilted farewell, but in my defence, I didn’t give a shit what Alexei thought of me.

“You too, sir. You’re in good hands with Ryder.” Nate winced as soon as he said the words, belatedly realising the unintended double entendre.

“I’m sure,” Alexei murmured, his eyes on me instead of the employee he was supposed to be farewelling.

Ignoring him to turn back to my screen, I focussed on securing the décor for the fundraiser I’d determined was needed after Nate and I visited the too-bland venue that afternoon. For the first time ever, I had more budget than I had time to spend it, and I was taking full advantage. Did they need a winter wonderland pop-up ice skating rink in the foyer? Possibly not. But the fundraiser doubled as a Christmas party for the teams, and the photos would be incredible. I’d bet anything the hockey players would get into it when they saw the stylised goals I’d ordered. There were advantages to having an in with every movie set-builder in the area. This one would just be used for something a little less R-rated than I usually ordered.

Nate surprised me by pulling me into a hug before he left. I knew we’d bonded fast in our short time together, but I didn’t think he’d drop the professional act in front of his boss. Although, I guess he didn’t have to worry about references now that he was staying home for the foreseeable. Despite how long they’d worked together, he only shook Alexei’s hand, which was probably for the best. Who knew how his alphas would react if he came home smelling like some other dominant asshole?

Alexei and I watched in silence as Nate left, waving a final farewell. It wasn’t until the elevator doors closed that I realised it was later than I thought and no one else was left on the floor.

“Why are you researching Zamboni hire?” Alexei asked, his eyes trained on my screen.

“We don’t have time for you to micromanage. Just go with it.”

His frown grew, as did the sensation of his dominance that was a tangible thing hanging between us.

“I haven’t worked with you long enough to ‘just go with it’”.

“Sounds like a you problem.”

The world spun as Alexei grabbed my chair, pulling me away from my work.

“What the fuck?” I glared up at him because the alternative was glaring straight ahead at the bulge in his pants, and I had no intention of acknowledging that.

Firm fingers closed around my throat as Alexei held me in place, his eyes searching mine. Reaching down with his other hand, he went to loosen his belt buckle. I raised a single eyebrow.

“Really? I only just missed kneeing you in the balls yesterday, and you want to take your chances with my teeth?”

I was definitely close to my heat, or I would’ve decked him already. To be fair, it’s possible he wouldn’t have gone quite this far without my pre-heat pheromones confusing things for both of us. I repressed a shiver of fear at the thought. He’d be pissed if he realised, especially given his comments about omegas trying to manipulate him into mating them. Was there any chance I could take leave for my heat without him knowing?

Alexei paused with his fingers still resting on his belt. “You wouldn’t.”

It took me a second to catch back up with our conversation. That wasn’t good. Brain fog always got worse close to a heat.

“Wouldn’t I? What part of me suggests good little omega to you? Was it when I attacked you? Or maybe it was when I shoved a dildo double your size up my ass in front of thousands of strangers on the internet?”