Even though I’d squelched the local media stories, I couldn’t stop the traction the story was gaining on social media.
I glanced at the thousands of comments and shares under the main thread. Fuck. This could get extremely crazy and out of hand real fast. The truth would very likely be twisted into something far worse than what had actually happened. Luckily for us, though, the more insane the story became, the less believable it would be in the eyes of the public.
My fingers hovered over the keyboard for a moment, considering how I could put an end to this before it spiraled even further out of control. A wicked grin spread across my face as an idea took hold.
I created an anonymous account and typed a ridiculously outlandish account of what had happened.
I was there and saw the whole thing with the omega. She turned her head upward, and the gods descended from the heavens, assisting her in terrifying the bystanders and blowing objects through the air. Even the god of thunder himself assisted in making the ground quake.
I leaned back in my chair, chuckling to myself at the absurdity of it. Sure enough, comments flooded in, many expressing doubt and disbelief at the story. More and more people called the whole incident a hoax, pointing out the lack of photographic evidence as just a sad attempt by omega-obsessed followers to get their fifteen minutes of fame.
Within thirty minutes, the story died a quick death, many dismissing the story as being fake. I closed my computer, satisfied that I’d quelled the rumors and protected Liza’s reputation.
Unfortunately, there was still the matter of Russell and Sons LLC hanging over our heads. I tried to focus on other work matters while I anxiously waited for a response from that fucking asshole Tim.
78
LIZA
Iwandered through the halls, staring at the artwork I’d observed too many times to count. I’d been stuck indoors for nearly a week because of the influx of tourists and the incident at my office, and I was going stir crazy. I really needed to get out of the house. As I passed an ornate tapestry, the reality of my confinement bore down on me.
I would have given anything to visit the ice cream shop. Hell, I would have settled for going out and going through the drive-thru.
Spinning on my heels, I headed down the hallway directly toward Ty’s office. I knocked on the door, hoping I wasn’t interrupting an important meeting.
“Come in.” Ty’s voice was muffled by the heavy wood. Upon entering, I found him bent over his desk, poring over some documents. Slowly, he pulled himself out of whatever he was reading, lifted his head, and focused on me, a smile spreading across his face. “Are you here for some lunchtime fun?” he asked, raising an eyebrow.
“Ty,” I said, rolling my eyes and crossing my arms. “Ha, as much as I’d love that, I know the deadlines you’re under.” Ipaused, biting my lip. “I’m not here to distract you, but I need you to figure out a way for me to leave the estate. If I don’t get out of here, I’m going to go crazy. Soon.”
He gave me a strange smile. “Ah, babe, great minds think alike,” he said cryptically before picking up his phone.
Curious, I took a step closer. “Who are you calling?”
“It’s a surprise. You trust me, don’t you? Just go get changed and pick out something comfortable. I’ll take care of everything. Meet me at the front door in fifteen minutes.”
Excitement bubbled in my chest as I practically skipped to our room. I wondered what the heck Ty had planned behind my back, but honestly, I didn’t care as long as it got me out of here. Following his recommendation to dress casually, I opted for a comfortable pair of shorts and a loose-fitting T-shirt. I dressed in a hurry, applied a small amount of lip gloss, and added a touch of mascara. I put my hair up in a high ponytail, feeling the cool air on the back of my neck, then hurried downstairs to find Ty waiting for me at the door.
“You look gorgeous. Sure I can’t convince you for that afternoon fuck?”
I laughed, bouncing on my toes. “Sorry, Ty, you promised me an outing, so I want the outing.”
“Everything’s been taken care of.” He leaned in and pressed a tender kiss on my lips. “I pulled some strings and rented out Presley Acres Country Club for the morning. Sabrina will meet you there.”
“Really?” I beamed at him, my heart swelling with gratitude. Would this man ever stop surprising me? Not only had he realized how much this forced lockdown was weighing on me, but he’d included my best friend, too.
“Yep, really,” he repeated with a grin. “No other guests today. You won’t have to worry about any omega fans, and there won’t be anyone else at the place. It’ll just be you, Sabrina, and thestaff. You can unwind, take a dip, and indulge in delicious food and drinks, and there will be someone to drive you around the golf course, if that’s what you want to do.”
“Thank you.” As I hugged him tightly, I thought of all the little things Ty did to make me feel special, and I felt my heart overflow with love and gratitude. What had I done to get so lucky to have such an amazing mate?
Jamie and Robin stood just outside the door and escorted me to one of the blacked-out SUVs. I turned to wave at Ty, who was watching me from the doorway.
When I entered the country club, I realized how eerie it was without its usual guests bustling through its halls, and memories of busy events as both a caterer and Ty’s mate flooded my mind.
Sabrina stood in the middle of the ballroom, her vibrant blonde hair shining as brightly as ever, a frozen cocktail clutched in her hand.
I sighed sarcastically and shook my head. “What did we say about your day-drinking habit?”
Sabrina spun around with a wide grin, laughter bubbling out of her as she rushed at me. She wrapped her arms around my neck, careful not to spill a drop as she giggled. “This is the best surprise ever. It’s a refreshing change from my usual routine of mindlessly snacking and binge-watching soap operas.”
