Ellie realized through a haze of desire that they’d arrived. Jordan had played with her body like it was a fidget toy and she was feeling a need to climb him like a tree. But before she could do anything, he was setting her aside and ordering her to compose herself. Next time, she shouldn’t withhold vital information for her safety and others. Then he was leaving the vehicle and waiting to help her from the vehicle.      To her horror, there were people with cameras, and it was loud, with flashbulbs going off and microphones being pushed into people’s faces. Malcolm was already speaking with someone, and his photo was being taken with Melody on his arm.        “Yes, it’s true. My family has taken over more than controlling the interest of the firm and we are currently restructuring it. Any other questions? Yes?”    

Nathan stood there. He must have followed them. But this was a private event. How had he gotten into the building? “Ellie, we have to go. We don’t have time for him. He had his chance, and he screwed it up. Jordan is looking for you.” By now, the crowd was thinning. Melody dialled Malcolm’s number from her important list of contacts. She didn’t get the phone to her ear, but put it on speakerphone. “Ellie, get behind me and move to the exit.” “Oh, shut it, you stupid twat. Ellie, you’re coming home with me now. Cone on.” “Nathan, you’re a walking dead man coming here. Were you lurking outside the bathroom for us?” “Shut up, bitch. You are such a disappointment to your people. Speaking to you disgusts me.” “Did you pull the fire alarm for nothing?” “Oh, I pulled it for something. To get his hands off my precious little girl.” “Okay, that’s just gross. You realize I’m not just with him but we’re permanently together like mates’, right? You can’t

Melody and Ellie went straight to see David. Malcolm’s mother was asleep on the sofa, and David was oblivious. Asleep in his crib. Jane Richards woke with a start. “What are you doing here? Where’s Malcolm? Did you have fun?” “Yes, right until we were attacked, and Malcolm killed the attacker.” “Is Malcolm alright?” “I don’t know. They shipped us out of there before I could find out. Malcolm and Jordan aren’t answering my calls.” “Why would anyone attack Malcolm?” “No, they attacked us. Malcolm killed him. There was just one crazy.” “What did you do to make him attack you? What drama did you bring with you? Is my son and grand pup in danger from you?” “Oh, good grief, woman, shut your trap. Mel, she’s crazy. You haven’t even told her what was happening, and she’s blaming you.” “Ellie, it’s fine. She doesn’t know. I’m not even sure I want to bother. It might be easier to kick her out.” “I believe my son would have something t

Malcolm and Jordan were well informed by the time they got to the penthouse level of the whereabouts of their mates and Malcolm’s mother. It didn’t take long to understand why this was so important. His mother was claiming she was being denied her due time with her son and grand pup. Malcolm didn’t have time for this, and it was clear by the reports he received, people weren’t sure which side of the argument to support. The fox shifter luna versus the disgraced former wolf shifter luna. This had to stop. He couldn’t function like this with so many distractions. “I have a question that one of you can answer me. Has my mate weighed in on this incidenyou.th you? Or was it only my mother’s side of the story?” Everyone realized Melody had kept the incident quiet while his mother told everyone she could find. It was a character assassination if he’d seen one. That was how fated mates went. Fate didn’t care if you people were good. You could end up with a horrible mate l

Jordan took Ellie home, and they happily settled into their space for the night. “I’m glad you’re finally trusting me.” He just listened to the voicemail from the healer, and he was glad he did. It changed everything tomorrow. Malcolm understood that he’d have to deal with things alone tomorrow. Jordan couldn’t be in two places at once. He was glad Malcolm was a reasonable Alpha and expected this. They would have to change ranks soon within the pack now that they added the firm to the pack’s portfolio. Malcolm needed Jordan’s assistance to handle the pack’s needs, and they’d have to train someone to assist with the firm, among other businesses. This happened with many prosperous packs. Malcolm was slowly gaining a staff and command structure. With a potential war, they’d have to step up their fighting forces too. That meant Jordan would be second only to Malcolm, and he’d speak for him when he couldn’t. There would be three others beneath him he’d delegate to. This w