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“So, if I’m being honest, I don’t really want to be CEO of Twist. I love creating formulations. I love testing products. But I hate the idea of managing people, hiring and firing…”

Relief washed through me. I’d been worried about this for weeks. Mackenzie was extraordinary at product development and the vision about what she wanted to create, but I’d seen the growing anxiety in her eyes every time Aria talked about scaling operations.

“That’s completely valid.”

“Is it?” She looked up at me, nervous that I’d judge her or something.

“Many founders eventually step back from the CEO role. They become Chief Innovation Officers, or head of product development, or even just remain on the board.”

We paused at a street corner, waiting for the light to change. I noticed two women staring at us from across the street, their whispers and pointed glances unmistakable. Since the news of our pack had broken, I’d gotten used to the public attention, but it still made my skin crawl now and again. Mackenzie shifted closer to me, subtly pressing her shoulder against my arm. She’d noticed people watching us, too.

“What if we hired someone to be the actual CEO? Someone who knows what they’re doing? I could be… I don’t know… Chief Product Officer or something.”

The light changed, and we crossed the street together. I caught more stares from a pack leaving a restaurant. One of them, an alpha, nudged his pack mate, nodding in our direction. Before I could think better of it, I slid my hand to the back of Mackenzie’s neck, my fingers curling possessively around her nape. I felt her relax into the touch, a small purr escaping her throat. I barely contained a growl.

“If that’s what you want, we can absolutely make it happen.” I kept my tone even, supportive, doing my best to mask the sudden onset of homicidal alpha possessiveness.

“But would investors be okay with that? Aria keeps talking about how important founder-led companies are.”

I pulled her back as someone stepped out from a nest boutique, almost running into us. The window displays were full of square stackable floor pillows. They were almost the exact green Theo wanted to paint his bedroom in. My thumb traced small circles on her skin, an action that was half protective display for our audience and half selfish indulgence. I just liked how she felt under my fingers.

“Investors care about results. If your company performs better with you focusing on innovation while someone else handles operations, that’s what they’ll want.”

We approached Perc, my favorite coffee spot in Port Haven. They did something magical when they roasted their beans. The resulting coffee was rich, but it never had that bitter or acidic bite.

A couple at an outdoor table glanced up, did a double-take, and immediately bent their heads together in hushed conversation. I fought the urge to pull Mackenzie even closer.

“I just don’t want to fail because I’m trying to be something I’m not,” Mackenzie said as I held the door for her. She deliberately brushed against me as she passed, her scent intensifying with the contact.

“That’s actually the most CEO thing you’ve said yet,” I replied, unable to hold back a smile. “Good leaders know their limitations.” I could smack my forehead right now, or bang it on a desk. Fuck Daisy. She was right. I should have stepped out of the CTO role ages ago.

Inside, we joined the short line at the counter. I scanned the room out of habit, checking for exits and making extra sure the room wouldn’t suddenly turn into a closet. The claustrophobia was better now, but the habits were hard to shake off.

The line moved fast. Perc was relatively quiet for a downtown shop, but it was Saturday morning. By midday, it would be packed with students from Port Haven University, huddled over laptops.

“Justice!” the manager, stepping from the back room, called out. Clara’s braids were piled high on her head, making her seem even taller than she was. She motioned us out of the line to the end of the counter.

“It’s been ages.”

“Yeah, I’ve been busy.” I refused to drop my hand from Mackenzie. The homicidal tendencies had dissolved. This was pure pride.

“I read the news. Congratulations.” She extended a hand to Mackenzie as they traded names. “Has your coffee order changed, too?” Her smile was dazzling.

“No,” I chuckled. “But I’ll take a large latte and a flat white, and whatever my omega wants.”

My omega. Fuck, that was a rush.

Mackenzie got an ice coffee, and we ordered croissants, plain and chocolate. There were a few open tables, but I didn’t want to sit. I didn’t want to break contact with Mackenzie. She turned towards me, effectively tucking herself into my arms. It made my knees weak.

“Does it make me a coward, or less than, or whatever, because I don’t want to run the company?” Her eyes were full of indecision and concern. Like the old Mackenzie. The one who had to give herself pep talks under her breath. Fuck that.

“No,” I said simply.

“I… I don’t want to be a stereotype of an empty-headed omega who only bakes cookies and fucks. But… I’m not like Aria. I don’t want power like that.”

“I think you should build the company you want to work in,” I said, careful not to sound like I was dictating her choices. “We could look for an experienced COO who could grow into a CEO role. Someone who complements your skills.”

Clara came around the counter with the coffees in a carrier in one hand and a bag of pastries in the other.