Page 74 of The Gift
“Yeah, that’s on the cards after my next stop. Again, sorry.”
“Nothing to worry about. No harm, no foul.” His booming laughter is loud enough to rattle the bars on the cells of the prisoners he keeps inside and unsurprisingly it’s accompanied by the others standing around us. Much like my pack, his men are fiercely loyal.
Davey—one of his assistants—talks, his voice and mood solemn, but that’s just him. “Justice comes in all shapes and forms. We appreciate all the work you and your team have done with the Alpha Alliance, and we’re only too glad to have helped today. That crew did remarkably well.”
Big Bill claps me on the back, nearly flattening me out really, before he and his team walk back to rule over their secure domain. He stops a dozen or so steps away before he slows.
“Henley, I meant to let you know, Taylor Miller has been wanting time with the doctor. My secretary informs me Alpha Miller has yet to complete the paperwork to standard, but there will come a time when he does. Although the doctor is going to be eating through a straw for a while. It seems after a recent incident, my medical team are wiring his jaw shut to help with healing.”
He nods his head, not giving a shit about hiding the grin on his face.
“Appreciate the heads up, Bill.”
“We share a mutual dislike for them both. I’ll give you a buzz to keep you updated, of course.”
“You’re a good man, Bill.”
“Let’s not say that too loudly. You’ll cause a riot with the dumb shits inside testing that sentiment.” He chuckles again, walking away and leaving me to try to calm the fuck down.
I’m not going to be able to get a handle on my mood while Bailey is around. All I want is to sink my cock in and claim her so fucking bad, my mind insisting it’s the only way I can protect her. To pack her, she’ll be safe from the evil in the world. It’s a battle of wills not to fly over there and do exactly that.
If I had claimed Bailey properly as mine, my alpha drive would be more restrained. Perhaps.
“Hen, get in,” Ashton barks from the open window of our SUV, the angry rumble of the V12 engine is like soothing music to my ears.
“Where is she?” I snap, glaring at him.
“Get the fuck in the car so we can follow behind them for a bit. Plus, you need to call Donnie back.”
“I really don’t have time for his fucking games today,” I growl, scowling at Ash.
“Apparently, he’s decided the team are back to production and he’s knocked back the earlier request for security.”
“Fuck that,” I snarl slamming the door after me. And Ashton drives to match my mood, fast and raging. My eyes don’t leave the car she’s in.
Before I get the chance, my mobile rings in my hand, Donnie’s office number flashing on the screen.
“Now before you get all antsy, I’ve got exciting news,” Donnie talks without giving me the chance to say hello.
“You want antsy? Put their protection back on stat. And, Donnie, arrange a fucking bonus for every person on the team, especially those attending today.”
“Yes, I’ve already heard about the incredible confession we caught. Can you believe the doctor broke his vow of silence and spoke with us? Admittedly, Bailey has always had an ability to draw blood from a stone. This is going to win awards, you know, this show is a sure-fire success.”
I interrupt him with a rabid snarl.
“And for your information, I never cancelled the security, so you can stop being so precious,” he retorts, sounding and acting like a self-opinionated cock.
One of my teeth fucking cracks, and only Ashton’s hand on my thigh saves me from snapping the rest. My fury will manifest into physical violence, it has to, because Regalo was bad, but Donnie has that same shitful desperation in his eyes. I have a sinking fear that one of them is going to die at my hand. Intentionally or not.
When we floated this project to Donnie, his focus was on the integrity and the message in the documentary. And yeah that worked for us, but he’s becoming more obsessed with ratings, losing himself to his greed. Made a thousand times worse because he’s obviously enjoying communicating with Bailey’s stalker.
“This is going to make me rich.”
“You already are fucking rich,” I snap, and he laughs, mock in every bray he makes. Fucking donkey.
“I know. It’s wonderful. Tonight we’re doing a small soiree swooning potential investors. And since Pack Bailey are shareholders, your attendance is mandatory. Of course, I’m showcasing our top grossing programs, it really will be a star-studded event. Everyone will want in.”
“That goes against our original agreement.”
