“I’m so sorry, Cooper,” Rhett breezes into the room, shoving his cell phone into his pocket. He looks a little agitated. “Would you like to come back to my office?”
“Congratulations, you son of a bitch." Mr. Jannis lets out a booming laugh as he grabs Rhett’s hand, shaking it forcefully. “You are full of surprises. I don’t know when you decided to expand your pack.”
Rhett glances at Autry, and a soft smile lifts his features. “Yes. We’re quite happy.”
Mr. Jannis lowers his voice, serious now. “I’ll be honest, I was coming here to pass on the offer to buy your company. I wanted to tell you face-to-face. The board’s concerned about investing in an alpha that can’t keep his pack together. After all, it’s important for men like us to have a stable home life. It allows us to commit ourselves fully to our work. But when things are falling apart at home, that usually means that things are falling through the cracks at work as well, and that’s not a business I want to take over.”
Rhett’s jaw clenches, like he’s enraged and gutted at the same time, but he doesn’t speak.
“But seeing you now…” Jannis looks at Autry, then at Oli, who raises a brow like he’s enjoying the misunderstanding. “Maybe I was too hasty.” He leans in close to Rhett, voice low. “Careful with the younger alphas. They can be fun but also a little unpredictable.” Mr. Jannis cuts a playful look at Oli, and Rhett jerks.
“You mean Oli?” Rhett asks slowly.
Mr. Jannis nods, and Oli just grins, clearly amused.
“Let me run this new development by the board.” Mr. Jannis says, and Rhett’s brows shoot up. “While I wish I hadknown sooner that you were building your pack back up, I can also appreciate a man who keeps his private life private. That’s no easy feat.” He pats Rhett’s back. “I’m sure this will shift many opinions.”
Rhett's dark eyes flash with surprise as he looks from Myrick to Oli. Then he finally nods firmly and says to Mr. Jannis, “I look forward to speaking soon.”
“Autry,” Mr. Jannis gives the omega a little bow of his head. “It was a pleasure to meet you. Oli.” He extends his hand. Oli stares at it for a second before slowly taking it. “I look forward to learning more about you and Charlie.”
Oli looks past the older alpha, right at Rhett, and smiles wide. “I’m looking forward to it too.”
Why does this feel bad?
What’s Happening?
Autry
Everyone’s acting sotense and weird as Rhett walks Mr. Jannis to the front door. The whole room feels like it’s holding its breath.
Did I say something wrong? Was I too familiar with the older alpha? I was trying to be polite. That’s what I was taught at the academy—to make conversation, to smile, to be warm. It’s what omegas are supposed to do…I thought.
I really hope Rhett isn’t mad at me.
The front door opens, and Myrick cuts Charlie a worried look. “Well, okay then,” Myrick says softly, and Oli snorts.
“What’s going on?” I ask no one in particular, but no one answers me.
Myrick scrubs a hand over his face and exhales through his nose, like he’s trying to push something heavy out of his chest. “Nothing,” he finally says, but his smile is too tight to be convincing.
I glance at Charlie, silently asking for help, but he onlyoffers me that soft, apologetic smile of his—the one that tells me that now isn’t the time.
“Well.” Rhett steps back into the kitchen, voice dry. “That was interesting.”
“Where’s my money?” Oli asks, completely ignoring the weird tension in the room.
Rhett reaches into his back pocket and pulls out a thick envelope. He tosses it onto the counter in front of the young alpha.
Oli snatches it up in one swift motion. He thumbs through the contents quickly, lips pressing together in satisfaction. “All here,” he says, then stands and shoves the envelope into his back pocket. “Well, it’s been real.” He grabs another scone from the box. “Later.”
“Wait—hold on,” Myrick says quickly, stepping around the kitchen island. He tries to sound casual, but his voice goes up half an octave. “Where are you off to in such a hurry?”
“I’ve got shit to do,” Oli says, like it’s obvious, and a pang lances my chest.I hate that both alphas are leaving.
“You should stay and have a proper breakfast,” Myrick says a little too eagerly as he moves toward Rhett. “Alpha?” He wraps his arms around Rhett’s waist, squeezing him exceptionally tight. “Tell Oli to stay. I want to hear all about your adventures in the Northern Territory yesterday.”
Oli pauses, then looks at Rhett. “Do you want me to stay?” he asks, eyes locked on the pack alpha. I can practically see mischief creeping in like a shadow. “I’m open to hanging out for the right price,” he smirks.
