Page 15 of Such a Grumpy Omega (His Alpha Desires #9)

Fraser

Limbs weighted with lack of sleep, I would have canceled the meeting if I could have, but what was going on needed to be conveyed to the others.

When they learned what I had uncovered, as well as what Everly had revealed, they might well ask me to sell back my share of Cuffed.

Everly was my mate, and no business was more important than that relationship.

But after a long day at the office working on my new project, housing for lower-middle-income buyers, all I wanted was a nap.

Hopefully, my exhaustion would not hinder my presentation of what I’d learned and what had to happen going forward.

I’d planned to, at the very least, insist on untangling the mess with the city before they turned me out on my ear.

And to offer to take a lesser amount for my investment to make up for the expenses incurred.

I could do a lot, but even in my other business, I often had to bring in the lawyers. Never cheap!

Then…the calls started coming in. My omega had done some things today, changing everything I needed to tell my partners. They would still need to know what happened and who made it happen, both bad and good, but it was certainly better than my previous speech.

As I was getting ready to go, rehearsing all the points I wanted to cover in my mind, my phone rang one more time—and then I had to hurry to dress because my mate wanted to come along to the meeting.

Such a brave omega. He’d been through a lot, losing his dad and then his childhood home.

His sister likely believed her decisions were for everyone’s good, but leaving him out—whether he would have argued or not—only made him feel powerless and isolated.

Not a good topping for grief. He’d soaked my shirt last night, telling me about his father and letting his grief free for what might have been the first time.

I parked a house away this time so I could get to his door and knock.

“You should have honked. I would have run out.” He was freshly showered, hair slicked back and damp, the scent of a woodsy shower gel or shampoo combined with his in an enticing mix.

I couldn’t take him back inside and undress him, mate and mark him…

not now. We had places to go and things to talk about first. Not common with shifters who often met and immediately did all those things, or so I’d heard.

Maybe everyone else had their own complications and just didn’t share them.

“I wanted to escort you to the car.” Waiting while he locked the door, I took his hand and we walked together to the curb. “Are you sure you want to do this? You don’t have to.”

“Yes, I do. My father always taught me to take responsibility for my actions.”

I opened the car door and closed it behind him then went around to the driver’s side and slid behind the wheel. “You were under duress, grief, and maybe some shock. Your sister, for all her good intentions, needs to understand her mistakes as well. We’ll talk to her soon.”

“We?” He blinked at me. “You’d do that? Because she’s so bossy, she never lets anyone get a word in edgewise.”

“Of course. I’ve got your back, omega.” Leaning over, I kissed him, longer than the first one, deeper, but as I was being drawn under his spell, I remembered what we were doing. “More of that later, if you allow.”

His lips curved up in a soft smile. “I could get used to that. You are a very good kisser.”

“And you are a naughty omega who threatens to distract me from my obligations.” Pressing the button, I started the engine and pulled away from the curb. “An omega who might need a spanking.”

He sucked in a breath with a hiss. “I think I need several.”

Laughter from both of us took a little of the edge off, eased some of the tension, but when we got to the club and I led him into the conference room, the seriousness of it all descended again.

My business partners were already seated at the big oval table, coffee cups or water bottles in front of them.

They were speaking in low tones but fell silent when we entered.

“Good afternoon, gentlemen.” I guided Everly to an empty chair and pressed him into it before moving to the front of the room.

“Thank you for taking time to meet with us.” When I said “us,” I noticed more than one eyebrow raise but continued on.

“You will be glad to know that the situation we were concerned with is largely resolved now. It was mostly a misunderstanding about both the property to our west and what we do here.”

Talon exchanged a glance with Bronson, who nodded and said, “I see.”

“Everly came with me to explain. If you’ll permit that?”

Nobody objected, and I waved Everly to where I stood. “You’re still sure you want to do this?” I spoke low, but shifter hearing would mean everyone heard.

“Yes, alpha.” Tipping his chin up, he said, “I have an explanation but no excuse. My father died not long ago, and my sister sold you our family home. It came as a shock, as I’m sure you can imagine.”

To my relief, the other owners sat quietly and let him say his piece.

Only I was close enough to scent his nerves, but he was magnificent in his humility and unlike the night before, never shed a tear.

Still, nobody could doubt his grief when he spoke of his father and of growing up in the home that was no longer his.

“I’m not asking you to sell it back to me because it’s not my home anymore.

Time for a new beginning, and any expense and trouble I’ve caused…

well, send me a bill and I will do my best to pay it back.

It might take some time, but I will make good. ”

“There’s been no cost,” Talon said. “I think between you and your alpha, you have fixed most of the issues, and if any more come up, we’ll figure it out then. For now, do you still think we’re a sex club that has no place in the city?”

“No.” He shook his head vigorously. “I pretty much knew that when I visited, but things were already in motion and my pride stopped me from being sensible. I feel like an ass.”

“You’re anything but, omega.” I rested a hand on his shoulder. “Thank you, everyone, for being so understanding. I hope nothing that happened will preclude Everly coming again to learn more about our club.”

They all came and shook his hand, expressed condolences for his loss, and it wasn’t until we were halfway to the car that I realized someone had called me his alpha. Could everyone tell? Could he?