“Friends?” I scoffed, the word tasting like poison on my tongue. “You’ve mistaken me for someone who tolerates cowards and opportunists. Good luck with your venture, Maximus.”
I shrugged off Bryce’s grip, my gaze never leaving Maximus as I seethed with barely suppressed fury. The dim lighting of the restaurant seemed to flicker in his terrified eyes. He understood the gravity of what he had just done. “I mean it. One wrong move, Maximus, and you’re dead.” I growled, throwing one more warning glance at him before turning on my heel and stalking toward the exit.
“Ty, wait up!” Bryce hurried to catch up with me. The heavy door slammed shut behind us, sealing off the stench of Maximus’s presence. Cold night air enveloped us, but it did nothing to cool the heat raging through my veins.
“Keep an eye on that bastard.” My voice strained with the effort of keeping my anger in check. “I want to know his every fucking move.”
“Already on it.” Bryce pulled out his phone. “I’ll call Isaiah right now.” I picked up on the concern in his voice, but I didn’t have the energy to reassure him. All I wanted was to be home with Liza, to wrap her in my arms and shield her from the predators that seemed to be closing in from all sides.
As we walked to the car, my hands trembled with the force of my rage. I needed to fucking punch something. Each mile back to the estate was like an eternity, the thought of Liza alone and vulnerable gnawing at me like a ravenous beast. My mind raced with dark thoughts that I tried to push away, but they were all-consuming, causing my wolf to pace with anxiety and a longing to protect his mate.
“Maximus won’t get anywhere near her,” Bryce said, breaking the tense silence between us. “You know that, right?”
We couldn’t get home fast enough. All I wanted was to be close to Liza, to protect her from the likes of Maximus and anyone else who would dare threaten to take her.
76
LIZA
The soft glow of my computer screen illuminated the dimly lit office as I diligently worked on invoices, my fingers flying across the keyboard. The monotonous task was almost a welcome distraction from the constant action surrounding me during the day and the vivid dreams I had every night.
A ping alerted me to a new email. Rosalie’s background check..
“Please, please be good news,” I muttered to myself as I scanned the email with bated breath.
Rosalie’s background check was all clear, and her references checked out perfectly. Unable to contain my excitement, I clapped my hands together and squealed like a giddy schoolgirl. Rosalie would make an excellent assistant chef. Her talent in the kitchen and hardworking nature were undeniable, and her cheery disposition would brighten up the workplace after a long day of cooking.
“Finally, some good news.” After having a maniac in my office attempt to slice open his wrist just days prior, it was nice to have confirmation that Rosalie was exactly who she said shewas, and that my judgment wasn’t completely off. I didn’t have to worry about her being some omega fanatic who’d lied her way into my home in hopes of witnessing a miracle.
I grabbed my phone, eager to share the news with Rosalie. As I dialed her number, my leg jumped with anticipation. I couldn’t wait to have her by my side as not only an assistant chef but also a student—someone I could pour my time and energy into.
“Hey, Liza!” Rosalie’s voice chirped through the phone, bursting with enthusiasm, which wasn’t surprising in the least. “What’s up?”
“Rosalie, I have some good news. Your background check came back perfect, and your references were glowing. You’re officially hired as my assistant chef!” I blurted, unable to contain my excitement any longer.
“Seriously? Oh my gods, Liza, thank you so much,” she squealed, her voice bubbling over with joy. “I promise you won’t regret this. I am going to work so hard for you.”
“I have no doubt about that. Your passion and skill in the kitchen are just what I’ve been searching for.” My statement was filled with pride. “I’ll email you soon with an official start date and time. I’d love to get you set up to start working this week. Will that work for you?”
“Sounds perfect. I’ll keep an eye out for the email. Thanks again, Liza. You have my word that I will perform my hardest for you.”
I smiled, already thinking of the incredible dishes we’d create together. “Take care, Rosalie.”
After we said our goodbyes, I leaned back in my chair, my chest swelling with happiness. This was a new chapter not only for me and my company, but also for Rosalie. Together, we would take Presley Acres by storm, one delicious dish at a time.
I was feeling energized, and the sound of the printer whirring to life was a sign of productivity. Some days, it seemed I justchased my tail in circles between pack duties, meetings, and keeping my business afloat. But today, everything had clicked into place for once.
As the printer spat out Rosalie’s paperwork, there was an odd shift in the atmosphere. I cocked my head to the side, trying to make sense of it. The scent was subtle, barely discernible, but unmistakable, nonetheless. Ty was home, and something was very wrong.
His footsteps drew nearer, and if I’d had any doubts before, I had none now. Fury rolled off him in large, fast waves. I heard a pause in his steps, and that fury in the air lessened a bit, as if he were trying to stifle it the closer he came to my office, but it was still palpable beneath the surface. My heart thudded as my instincts screamed that trouble was brewing.
“Hey, babe.” Ty forced a smile as he stepped into my office, but his eyes betrayed him. The rage simmering within those familiar depths put me on alert.
“Ty, what happened?” My voice wavered slightly. “Are you okay?”
“Nothing happened.” He dismissed me and tried to pretend like everything was perfectly fine, though his words were blatantly hollow.
“Come on, Ty. You can’t hide your emotions from me. I know you too well. I’m your mate.” I raised an eyebrow, calling him on his bullshit.
