Page 37 of Unbonded (Pack’s Companion #3)

It’s almost impossible to wake up on the wrong side of the bed when you’re sleeping with two gorgeous men, and I sail through the next day with a very satisfied smile on my face.

Lachlan is in an all-day training session and Dash is at rehearsal, so when I get a message from Bram asking me to stop off at the Paragon offices after work, I grab my latest project and hustle out to Hector’s car.

It feels very indulgent to drive when the subway is right there, but the run-in with the alpha a couple of days ago was a good wake-up call.

With my hormones on the fritz, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Plus, Hector is such a sweetheart, it’s easy to convince myself that this little luxury is just some convenient carpooling.

The foyer of the Paragon offices is everything I’d expect of a man with Corbus’ taste.

As soon as I step through the front door, I’m greeted by silver leaf moldings, gleaming walls clad with Greek marble, and a rosewood floor laid out in a striking diamond pattern.

A fitting choice, since this is literally the heart of a rare gemstones’ empire.

A receptionist directs me to the executive suite on the fourth floor, and when the elevator doors open, I find myself in a stark, polished space that reminds me of a museum.

Picture windows look out onto Fifth Avenue, and white pillars are scattered about, each topped with a stunning jewel box in a glass case.

I move slowly between them, shaking my head in wonder as I read the display cards.

There are boxes belonging to royal princesses, famous artists, and former First Ladies, but I stop short as I realize I’m standing in front of Countess Adelisa Janssen’s bonding box.

Countess Janssen?

Does that mean the guy who teased me through a mutual orgasm last night is some kind of… count?

I’m pretty sure my mouth is still hanging open when I’m joined by a beta in a white pantsuit, leather folder in hand.

She’s in her mid-forties with bombshell waves, crimson lipstick, and a black pearl necklace that reflects her confident vibe.

“Hello, Ms. Valentine, my name is Maria Goswin. I’m with Paragon’s executive team.

” I juggle my garment bag and purse so I can clasp her hand, and she looks admiring at the display in front of me.

“Isn’t it beautiful? All of these boxes are crafted by the House of Fabergé, but I think I like the countess’ the best. She has exquisite taste, just like her son. ”

“You mean Corbus?”

Her smile slips a fraction. “Of course.”

“I didn’t know he was a… royal.”

Lord above.

“The Janssens are one of Europe’s oldest and most well-connected noble families.” My shock must be quite the picture, because she quickly changes the topic. “Mr. Webber has asked me to show you through a potential salon space. Shall we go and have a look at it now?”

I was under the assumption that I’d been summoned here to sign my updated contract, so it takes a moment for my brain to catch up with my mouth. “A salon space?”

“Yes. We have a couple of options prepared for you, but I think this first one will be hard to resist.” She leads me over to a different elevator, and as we step inside, a curious light dances in her dark eyes.

“You’re designing a bonding gown for a friend of mine, and she swears that there’s witchcraft in your embroidery. ”

“Nope, just a lot of intricate beadwork and eyestrain.”

She laughs and when we reach the first floor, ushers me out of the elevator.

We cross an empty space with white walls and pale floorboards, but with the same smooth lines and gleaming moldings as the lobby upstairs.

“The actual salon is through here,” she tells me, and we pass through an archway into a stunning room that could have been plucked straight off the Rue Saint-Honoré in Paris.

“It’s actually easier to appreciate if you come in from the street,” she muses, but I stop her short.

“Um… I’m sorry, Maria, but I’m not really sure why we’re here. Did Bram ask me to provide some design tips?” I pull a face and sweep a hand around us, indicating the immaculate salon. “Because as much as I’d like to help, I’m not sure I can improve on perfection.”

She studies my face for a moment, then pulls a platinum card from her folder and hands it to me.

It looks like a room key from the Liberty Hotel, only it says Paragon on the front and has my name printed underneath.

“This is a Paragon executive card. It provides access to the building, and can also be used as a bank card, since it’s linked to your business account. ”

I turn the shiny card back and forth in my hand. “I don’t understand. I don’t have a business account.”

She studies me for another beat, then pulls a phone from her pocket. “Why don’t we give Mr. Webber a call?”

It’s on the tip of my tongue to protest, but the next moment she’s greeting Bram like they’re old friends.

It puts me a little on edge, especially since I can hear his affectionate rumble as he responds to the polished woman.

I’m trying to keep my possessive omega at bay, but I can’t help remembering the way he stumbled out of bed last night to find me wrecked on Corbus’ dining table.

Was it too greedy to wish for a second round of dessert?

“Ms. Valentine?” Maria is holding out her phone and I blink as I take it. “Mr. Webber would like to speak with you.”

“Bram?” I take a couple of steps away and lower my voice.

“I’m sorry to disturb you, but I’m at the Paragon offices and I don’t know what you want me to…

.” My voice fades as I take in a sign on the wall in front of me, my heart hammering as I read the sweeping gold script.

“For some reason, it says Valentine Designs . Right here on the wall , Bram. What the heck is going on?”

“It’s a space for you to work on your designs and meet with clients,” he explains through the buzzing in my ears.

“It has its own street frontage, and there’s a private fitting room at the back, a work area with a break room, and another larger space you could use for showings.

” He pauses for a moment, then clears his throat.

“If you don’t like it, Maria has another option for you. ”

Like it? I want to wrap myself in it and never take it off.

As Bram starts murmuring something about square footage and security features, I turn in a slow, delirious circle.

The mint walls are covered in floor-to ceiling mirrors that reflect the rose parquet floor.

Elegant sofas and armchairs in a deep mulberry velvet are scattered around the room, framed by eggshell columns and antique side tables with gilded bronze legs.

Flower arrangements - mainly white florals with ferns and cedar branches – adorn the glass pedestal tables and the soft ceiling lights are complemented by liquid brass table lamps that I’m pretty sure are Armani.

Of course, that just makes me tip my head back and gawk at the Lladró chandelier with its mint, rose, and gold crystal pendants.

There is no doubt that this is the most perfect salon option in the world, but these rooms are part of the Paragon flagship office. How can they be mine?

“It’s too much!” I stare numbly at a small reception desk, already set up with a sleek computer and phone console. “Bram, this is Fifth Avenue ! I can’t afford this.”

“I’ve looked at the numbers, based on what I know about your industry,” he says in his assertive accountant voice, “and I’m certain this will be a viable business for you.” His confidence is inspiring, but when the silence stretches between us, he says, “Wait up. Corbus wants to speak to you.”

There’s a shuffling sound and I can hear Bram telling someone that their meeting has come to a close. I cringe at the disruption I’ve caused, but Corbus’ voice is like soothing honey as he greets me. “Are you well, Kate?”

“I’m… speechless,” I admit, perching carefully on the edge of a velvet armchair. “This is too much, Corbus.”

“It is an investment.” His lilting voice is so calm, so certain, I close my eyes to sink into it. To feel it. “We are investing in us , just as much as in you, Kate. Please, try the space out for a few days. If it appeals, we can adjust it to your specific needs.”

Adjust it? It already looks perfect. “Are you sure? It’s incredibly generous of you, but I’m not a big-name brand like Paragon.

” My gaze flickers up to the gold signage, and I have to bite my lip to hold back a dopey grin.

“I mean, I love the way it looks on your wall, but I have a long way to go to earn that.”

“You are too modest. Remember how Richard Rose tried to poach you?” He sniffs at the memory. “You are already a success, Kate; you just need the proper platform to showcase it.”

My heart squeezes at his confidence, but as much as I’m soaking up his kind words, he needs to know he’s taking a big chance on me.

Collaboration is one thing, but going out on your own is another.

“That’s very kind of you to say, but I’m a nobody, Corbus.

I mean, outside of the context of Sweet Eternity, no one has heard of Kate Valentine. ”

I know I’m talented, and I have the ability to take my designs to another level, but can I really succeed as the face of a label? My inexperience aside, I’m unbonded, and that’s a pretty big hurdle to overcome in a world of entitled alphas and judgmental omegas.

“I understand,” Corbus goes on, “but I was born with an established name, and I can honestly tell you that the reward is sweeter when you earn it.” His voice drops an octave, an intimate purr in my ear.

“I believe you are more than deserving, and I would like to be a part of your success, if you will let me.”

How can I say no to that? “Okay. I will try, Corbus, especially since you’ve gone to all this effort.”

“Anything you need, Kate, just ask Maria. She will steer you in the right direction.”