Page 31 of The Shapeshifter’s Secretary (Charmed Away Temp Agency #3)

CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE

Tony watched Taron go with a smile. He wondered if the shapeshifter even knew how much he danced when he walked.

“So, Mr. Decker. You’re a temporary worker, correct?”

Turning back to face the griffin, Tony tried not to let his nerves show on his face. He didn’t expect to meet with the head of Supernatural Resources. He probably should have. Just because Taron wanted him here didn’t mean the company would allow it. They could decide he wasn’t the best fit. And even though he believed that himself, he still didn’t want them to say it.

“Yes… I work at Charmed Away. I was assigned as Taron’s temporary assistant a few weeks ago.”

The griffin nodded. “And how have you found the work so far?”

“It’s good,” he answered, chewing on his bottom lip. “Keeping Taron on schedule isn’t really as hard as people make it sound. I’m not really sure why people act like it's a hard job…”

Mr. Brightbeak huffed, shaking his head. “You’re more patient than most, then. Taron needs to be managed. As one of the heads of the company, most don’t know how to balance that need with the knowledge that it’s their boss they’re ordering around. His last permanent assistant had enough backbone for the job, but unfortunately, she had to leave her position due to private matters.”

Tony nodded. Taron told him about that. He spoke high praise about his last assistant. Tony tried to live up to her image, but he was sure he failed spectacularly. He could only do half of what she could.

“So, do you think you can handle this job long term? I understand it’s only been a few weeks. If we put in the time to train someone in a new position, we’d like the assurance that you intend to stay long term, barring any personal matters.”

He probably should have lied, but he felt compelled to tell the truth. “I’m not…” He sighed. “I can’t handle all the aspects of the job now. I can deal with Taron and his schedule, but things that require heavy lifting and walking a lot are impossible for me. I told Taron there would probably be someone better that could do all that, but–”

Mr. Brightbeak waved a claw dismissively. “I’m not worried about that. That’s what interns are for. I understand you have a disability and certain accommodations need to be made. I’m asking about managing Taron. Do you feel comfortable keeping him on task and out of trouble long term? Even if your relationship doesn’t last?”

Tony’s stomach sank a little. The idea of losing Taron made his heart hurt. He didn’t want to think about losing him.

“I, uh… I don’t…” He was at a loss about what to say. He wanted to lie and say he’d be fine no matter what, but he didn’t actually think that was true. If he and Taron broke up, it’d devastate him. He wasn’t sure he’d be able to handle working together, knowing he couldn’t have the man he was falling for.

“Good morning, Brennus,” a calm voice said. Tony turned slightly to look over his shoulder at the man speaking. He had short auburn hair and kind sky-blue eyes that looked bigger thanks to the glasses he wore, and a bunch of freckles across his nose and cheeks. Tony didn’t recognize him, but that wasn’t saying much. It was an enormous company. He doubted he’d ever have the chance to meet everyone, even working here full time. The man turned to look at him, his smile gentle. “Hello. Are you a new recruit?”

The man offered his hand, and Tony turned more fully in his chair to shake it without twisting. Mr. Brightbeak answered for him while greeting the man.

“Good morning, Elijah. That’s what we’re trying to find out. This is Tony Decker. Tony, this is Elijah Washburne.” He gave his attention back to Elijah. “Taron wants to hire him as a full-time employee. They are, however, in a relationship, and I worry about conflicts down the line.”

Tony frowned up at the man. “Washburne… Are you related to the Mr. Washburne from research?”

Elijah smiled and nodded. “He’s my twin brother.”

Tony’s eyebrows shot up. Now that he was paying attention, they did look alike, but they weren’t identical. Not to mention different species. And their personalities were so vastly different, it was hard to see them being related. Mr. Washburne from research was a grump who muttered and growled a lot while he worked, glaring at everyone. His brother looked serene in comparison.

Elijah chuckled. “Yeah, I get that reaction a lot. I hope he didn’t do or say anything to upset you.”

He shook his head quickly. “No, he’s fine. I mostly take notes for Taron at the testing site and stay out of his way, so I don’t bother him.”

Turning back to Brennus, Elijah raised an eyebrow. “If he gets along with my brother, that says a lot about his character.”

Brennus huffed something like a laugh. It was hard to tell. Beaks weren’t exactly expressive. It was in his eyes that Tony could tell the griffin was amused.

“True. And he’s survived longer with Taron than any of the other temps combined. I just want to make sure there won’t be an issue if their relationship doesn’t last. You know how Taron is.”

Brows drawn together, Tony debated speaking up. What he had with Taron wasn’t casual. They were in a relationship. But he wasn’t sure if that would make things better or not.

“Want me to take a deeper look?” Elijah asked.

His frown deepened. A deeper look at what?

Brennus tipped his head, his eyes narrowed. “You need permission for that. But if you find his disposition will suit the position, I’ll trust your judgment.” He turned to Tony. “Elijah is a telepath. He can get a better idea of you as a person than I can. Would you feel comfortable letting him take a look?”

Tony’s mouth fell open. He didn't know there was any such thing as telepaths. They seriously needed to educate humans better on the different kinds of supernaturals of the world.

“It doesn’t hurt,” Elijah explained gently. “And I don’t dig deep unless specifically asked. I’ll mostly get a better idea of you as a person and of your working relationship with Taron, to see if you’ll work well together long term.”

While he wasn’t entirely sure he was comfortable with someone poking around his head, he felt a little like if he refused, he wouldn’t get the job. The head of SR seemed uncomfortable with him taking the position. Maybe letting Elijah take a look would help.

“Uh… Okay…”

With a grateful smile, Elijah put a hand gently on his shoulder on his good side. He closed his eyes and let out a slow breath. Tony wasn’t sure what was supposed to happen, but he felt a fuzzy feeling in his head after a minute, sort of like when he had a head cold. It was a little disconcerting, but it didn’t hurt. He watched Elijah’s expression to distract him and grew nervous when Elijah’s lips pulled down into a deep frown.

“You’re in a lot of pain…” Elijah said, his tone worried as he opened his eyes to look at Tony.

Brennus looked startled, jerking to face him. Tony winced.

“That’s… normal. It’s less than it used to be. I’m being treated for it by Doctor Chapman.”

Elijah looked a little horrified at his confession. “It was worse before?”

He lifted a shoulder. “Yeah? Nothing I couldn’t manage, though. And Doctor Chapman says it’ll get better.” He didn’t want to get his hopes up about that, but Taron’s optimism was starting to infect him, too. He wanted to get better. He wanted to be able to do his job well.

A smile flickered across Elijah’s face. “That’s a good mindset, Mr. Decker.”

That comment surprised him for a second before he remembered that Elijah was reading his thoughts. Was it every thought? Did he get feelings too? Could he tell Tony was hungry?

Since it looked like Elijah was trying not to laugh, probably. Tony felt his cheeks flush.

His phone buzzed, and he gave Elijah a questioning look on whether he could check it or not. “It might be Taron needing something,” he explained.

When he nodded his assent, Tony pulled it out and checked the message.

Taron: Did you give me extra time to get to my meeting?

His stomach dipped a little. He always gave Taron more time to get somewhere. He walked everywhere and sometimes got distracted. He hoped his boyfriend wouldn’t get mad about that, but he never thought to mention it before.

Tony: Yes... I like to give you a buffer in case you need to wander a little. Is that okay?

Taron: I adore you.

Tony’s heart leapt in his chest, and he felt his face flush. For a minute he floundered, unsure how to reply. He wasn’t as outgoing as Taron was. But he didn’t want Taron to think he didn’t feel the same way either.

Tony: I like you too. Have a good meeting.

It was an understatement. What he felt for the two men who claimed him went far beyond like. It’d only been a few weeks, but already he couldn’t imagine being without them. It was too soon to say that, though. He was already the needy one in the relationship. He didn't want to scare them off.

“Hmm. I don’t think you need to worry about their relationship affecting their work,” Elijah said, snagging Tony’s attention. He’d honestly forgotten the two of them were there. Whenever Taron or Zephyr gave him attention, he forgot anyone else existed.

“You’re sure?” Mr. Brightbeak demanded. “It’s a difficult position to fill, and I don’t want more turnover.”

Tony looked up at Elijah, who squeezed his shoulder supportively before stepping away. “I’m sure. Why don’t we have Mr. Decker finish filling out the paperwork while you and I discuss who will be in charge of his performance reviews. Knowing Taron, he’d definitely let his bias show.”

Brennus sighed, exasperated. “Too true. I wouldn’t let him do Avanna’s performance reviews, either. She was an excellent worker, but I didn’t trust his judgment. We’ll be back, Mr. Decker. Please ask for help from any of the staff if you need it.”

He watched, confused, as the two walked away. He wanted to know why Elijah was so certain about his relationship with Taron. He’d been about to tell Mr. Brightbeak that he probably wouldn’t stick around if he and Taron’s relationship ended. It’d be too painful. But Elijah seemed to think differently. Or maybe he could see how he felt about Taron and knew it would last?

That made Tony hopeful. He wanted it to last. With both his men. He just had to figure out how to get them to get along longer than one night. He got the feeling that would be a lot harder than keeping Taron on schedule.