Keld grinned and backed out of the office. Loriun’s assistant, an Omega named Kaoi, shot him a look.
“What did you do to him?”
“Nothing, he’s fine. Probably.”
Kaoi sighed and set his stack of papers on the desk. “I’ll go get him a coffee.”
Keld returned to the accounting division, only to find his seat occupied. Zasia rotated to face him, a frown etched across her features.
“You,” she said, jabbing a finger at him. “What did you do to Grayson?”
“I—”
“Because Tara told me he’s been really down and that she hasn’t seen you around.”
Keld folded his arms on top of the cubicle divider. “It’s fine now, okay?”
“No, you don’t get to slither out of this that easily.” Zasia crossed a leg, revealing the diamond patterns of her upper thigh beneath her skirt. “I saw his cheek.”
Keld dropped his forehead into his arms. “It’s a long story. I could have prevented it, I didn’t, I felt awful.”
“And you ran off because you were a shit Alpha?” Zasia scoffed. “Male Alphas have such fragile egos.”
Keld’s head snapped back up. “I amnotfragile!”
Zasia rolled her eyes and got to her feet. “As long as you weren’t the one that hurt him. I was ready to kick your ass.”
Her words sent a spark of indignation through him. “You really think I’d hurt an Omega?”
She shrugged. “No, but better safe than sorry.” She sauntered off, back to her desk.
Keld fell into his vacated chair and pressed his fingertips to his temples. A message flashed on his desktop.
Loriun Kolhn:I don’t suppose you know Jameson Miller’s email address or phone number?
Keld Vihinu:…I’ll ask Grayson.
The day passed in a blur, and Keld was fairly certain he hadn’t done a single work-related task. A unit in Sandpiper Park had just become available, as the tenant had gotten mated and moved to the interspecies family neighborhood. Keld put down the deposit over the phone, promising to stop by and sign the rental agreement after work.
As he pulled into his usual parking spot, he spotted Grayson standing just outside their building. He was pacing an anxious track in the grass to the side of the door. When he noticed Keld’s car, he jogged toward him.
Keld caught him in a hug and kissed the top of his head.
“So? What’d he say?” Grayson asked nervously.
Keld smiled. “He’ll hire him.”
Grayson sagged in Keld’s arms. “Seriously? Oh thank fuck…”
“And I got one of the units in building C. For your brothers. I have to stop by the management office to sign the agreement.
Grayson’s mouth popped open in a small ‘o.’ “You got them an apartment?”
“Of course.” Keld leaned down to press his lips to Grayson’s forehead. “They’re your family. You need them close.”
“You didn’t have to—”
“I know.” Keld slung an arm around Grayson’s shoulders. “But I had to do something to nurse my injured Alpha ego.”
