Chapter 40
Alric
One month later
My alpha lounge, The Bergamot, is teeming with guests, as it is every Friday night. Madeline grasps my hand a little tighter as we walk with her through the crowd to my office.
The security guards nearby give me a nod of acknowledgment that they have noted the omega by my side and the protections that come with it. Not that my pack would ever leave her alone, but I trust she would be safer knowing they will keep an eye on her.
She gives them a little wave before speaking to me. “If we see any of my old clients, no one is allowed to make it awkward.”
A small growl slips out of the three of us, but she laughs.
“Zach and I will be on our best behavior. Alric might cancel their membership,” Hunter jokes.
I would, too.
The lights are kept low for the ambience and it’s a littlesmoky, but she takes in the rich green and gold decor, watching the bartenders in bow ties behind the massive bar shaking drinks and pouring vibrant cocktails over spheres of ice.
Alphas conduct their business meetings sipping from whiskey glasses or unwinding after a long day of work, enjoying the lounge with friends. The second floor has all the entertainment. Poker rooms, a pool hall, and even a small vintage arcade that Zachary insisted I put in.
Normally, I would never bring Madeline here due to the prevalence of alpha clientele, but I have something very special planned, and I know she’ll want to witness it. Her apprehension simmers in the bond at the scent of so many unknown alphas, but we’re all quick to reassure her. Hunter and Zachary flank her on either side, ensuring no one comes near.
The longing glances in Madeline’s direction are quickly averted when they see me. Most guests know I’m the owner, and would stay far away from an omega I walked in with to protect their continued membership.
Madeline looks beautiful tonight in a floor-length black dress, a sparkling pink diamond necklace on her throat that Zachary gifted her. She relaxes a bit when we pass a table of omegas sharing a bottle of champagne, and seeing others sprinkled around the room on the arms of their alphas. Every female alpha in the city has a membership here, too.
I wonder if Madeline would like to check it out again one night, to get the full experience.
It’s a short walk to my private elevator. Once we’re all inside, she shoves her nose against Hunter, taking a deep breath. When she resurfaces, she asks, “How long will we be here? I do believe I was promised dinner at The Madeline.”
“No more than an hour.” I kiss her forehead for a little bit more reassurance.
The elevator opens right into myoffice and Madeline immediately starts looking around at the dark leather furniture and matching deep gray walls under low, golden lighting. Drinks are already waiting on the coffee table. The usual for us and a few of the sweeter cocktails for Madeline to try.
She walks up to the giant wall of windows. They’re two-way mirrors, so no one below can see us, but the whole lounge is visible to us.
“I didn’t know you were such a voyeur. I’ll need to keep that in mind.” She winks at me.
The tables on the main floor are all occupied, except for the one closest to the window. A little reserved sign calls my name on top of the small round table. It has a singular empty chair with its back to us and a long couch that can fit exactly four alphas. The spot is usually used for omegas to interview potential alphas, but I chose to reserve it for tonight because it would let us see the intended occupants easily.
“Besides the overwhelming scent of alpha, I really do appreciate the atmosphere here,” she says approvingly. “Moody, exclusive, and luxurious. I see why they pay so much money to be a member here.”
It pleases me to know she appreciates the hard work I put into this place.
Hunter and Zachary keep looking at me, and I know they’re waiting for me to tell her. What’s the best way to tell your omega that as of five o’clock today, we own her fathers’ company?
My pack and I sit around the coffee table, and Madeline tucks herself under Hunter’s shoulder on the plush couch.
“Madeline.” I pick up my drink for something to do with my hands. “Pack Hayes made a business acquisition today that I think you might be interested in knowing about.”
“Did you buy a submarine to go with my plane?” she jokes,picking up one of the drinks to try. “Are we going to revolutionize every part of travel?”
Zachary lets out a nervous little laugh. “No, not this time. It’s an investment company. Carnell Banking and Investments.”
Anger blazes through the bond, the very sound of the name enough to ignite her fury. “Why would they agree to sell it to you, too? Do they know you’re my bondmates?”
Hunter is quick to add, “They know nothing, actually. Nourish LLC bought 60 percent of the company’s shares. They’ve had a string of poor investments and so their stock was embarrassingly low. Investors were happy to sell it.”
