Page 24

A xel hung up. Panic threatened to consume him, but he pushed it down with a hard shove. Right now, he had to act. There was no time for misery. They had Alice. He had to get her back no matter what.

He glanced at his phone. He didn’t want to get the rest of the pride involved. They were after him, he had no doubt, or they wouldn’t have taken Alice. No, he knew exactly what he had to do.

An hour later, as they’d instructed, he arrived at Alice’s office.

He pushed through the building doors, finding them open, just as they’d told him they’d be.

In one glance, he took in the space around him.

A reception desk to one side, empty. Entrance turnstiles for employees to clock in, and after them a set of elevators which would take them to their place of work.

He took one of them and pressed the button for the top floor. The CEO’s office.

The doors opened into the office. Floor-to-ceiling windows stretched along the back, giving an impressive view of the city skyline.

The desk, situated in front of the windows, commanded attention with its sleek glass surface and polished edges.

Behind it, a man sat motionless, flanked by two large, muscular men dressed in dark suits.

To the sides of the room, several paintings adorned the walls—the one they had been planning to steal back in its place.

Diplomas and certificates framed in gold added an air of authority, while shelves filled with trophies and books showcased the owner’s knowledge. Next to one of these, a closed door.

None of the figures caught his attention. The only thing that mattered was the woman sitting on the brown leather couch. Alice. Her hands and feet were bound, and her posture was rigid with fear. Red-rimmed eyes locked onto his. Her bottom lip trembled as she mouthed his name.

He went to her, kneeled, and undid her bonds.

“You okay, Baby Girl?” He cupped her chin, brushing the stray tear aside with the pad of his thumb.

“Yes, but Axel—”

“I’m sorry to interrupt this tender scene, but Axel, I believe we have business to discuss.”

Axel stood up and turned his attention to the man at the desk. CEO Alastair Jubatus saluted him with a nod and sly smile. Even though he was not tall, Alastair had a muscular build, though his most striking feature were his piercing green eyes and high cheekbones.

“Alastair Jubatus. I would say it is a pleasure to see you again, but since your father’s death and our brief meeting then, I haven’t had the pleasure.”

The cheetah shifter’s gaze narrowed.

“How is the coalition?” Axel asked. “Last I heard, you were struggling to maintain the cheetahs together, but I see now you’ve allied with the hyenas. A bold move.”

“Not as bold as you attempting to steal from me,” Alastair said.

Axel chuckled.

“Thank you. I do relish a challenge.”

Alastair clasped his hands over his desk.

“At the cost of your mate?” he asked, raising an eyebrow.

“She came along for the ride after I’d accepted the job.”

“Yes, which is why you made a set of mistakes which have brought you here tonight. You see, Axel, there never really was a painting for you to steal.”

Alastair stood up and began making his way throughout the room to the empty spot on the wall.

“Let me explain myself. Initially, there was a painting. My good friend, your new client, C.C., wanted this masterpiece, but when I learned I could completely eradicate you and your pride from my turf, things changed. I decided to gift C.C. the painting so he wouldn’t have to steal it, and paid for his silence. ”

“So, you want to get rid of my pride? You realize there are other lion shifters in New York, right?”

“Of course, but you’re the ones in my area, my neighborhood, so to speak.

Everyone knew about the Collector’s Pride.

You are well known for your work, Axel, that was not an issue.

The problem came when you opened that bar, The Gin Room.

Your presence became too close for comfort.

One moment you’re dealing with art, and the next you’re getting under my nose, you know what I mean? ”

Axel looked at Alastair with incredulity.

“You’re telling me that instead of coming to talk to me personally, you decided to kidnap my mate and force me to come here. I have my own business, I would never meddle in yours. This jealousy and cock show is unnecessary. For fuck’s sake, Alastair, your father would never approve.”

“Stop bringing up my father, Alastair snapped. “He’s dead.”

“Yes, and he was my friend, and he agreed to me opening that bar. What do you think, kid? I just waltzed in here and decided to set up a business? I know my stuff.”

“Well, Axel, I don’t think you do because if you did, you would have realized you were walking right into a trap, and when my mate found out who yours was, well, it was as if destiny was handing me your head on a silver platter.”

“Your mate?”

“Nessa, come out.”

At that moment, a woman peeked her head through the adjacent door.

“Come, darling, time to reveal your face.”

Axel gaped and started to laugh.

“Nessa?” Alice cried.

“Sorry, Alice. I tried to warn you, but you wouldn’t listen,” Nessa said. She took Alastair’s hand. “This was the guy I was telling you about the other night.”

Axel growled low. He could hear Alice’s heartbeat and labored breathing. She was not doing well. It was time to cut to the chase.

“All right, Alastair, so what do you want? For us to close the bar and leave?”

“Initially, yes, but now that I have you here, I want your head, Axel. If we get rid of you, not only will the bar be closed but your little pride will come down like a pack of dominoes. It would be one less thing to worry about, one less rival to watch out for. The hyenas could dominate the art industry with the cheetahs at their side.”

Axel rubbed his temples.

“Alastair, I couldn’t care less about your little gang war, but I’ll tell you what. Let me help my mate. Give me your word she’ll get out of here safely and we’ll fight, though your father is probably stirring in his grave, but you need a lesson.”

“No!” Alice screamed.

He shot her a warning glance. Alastair chuckled and rubbed his hands together.

“Fair enough. I wouldn’t want you to harm mine anyway.” He winked at Nessa, who blushed. “The two of them can leave. Nessa, honey, get out of here.”

“No,” Alice wept running into his arms. Axel embraced her. He clasped her chin and forced her gaze to his.

“Trust me,” he said. “Everything is going to be okay.” He clasped her right hand. “Do you feel the strength of my fingers? Every joint, every callous. Stay grounded, Baby Girl. You’ll be holding it again in no time. I promise.”

“Axel, please.”

Nessa grabbed Alice’s forearm and pulled her away from him. Axel turned his attention back to Alastair. As soon as he heard the elevator ping shut, he grinned and stripped off his jacket.

“All right, kitty cat, let’s teach you a lesson in diplomacy.”