Sitting at the Desk

Mari

A sliver of something anxious moves through me as Izan shuts the door behind him, but I’m too thrilled to be alone with a computer to focus on the emotion for too long. It was a gamble coming to work with Izan, but I knew that if I played my cards right, I might be able to get my hands on a computer. I just didn’t expect to be alone with one. Too bad I had to pull out all my “overly emotional omega” tricks. Not that I wanted to get off on his leg. That was…

It was shocking, but there’s no sense dwelling on it. I have a job to do.

Turning all of my attention to the laptop in front of me, I sit tall and bring up the search bar. Then I type in “ Alpha Cardis and the Tenus Pack”. And there he is.

Cardis Anthony Contos.

He’s a known member of the Tenus Pack with a record. Apparently, he served six months in prison a few years back, and he attended a well-known charity event at an art gallery with Donovan last year.

My eyes drift over the article as Izan’s voice filters through the wall. It’s big and booming, and maybe even friendly with whoever he’s talking to. My face warms and my ears perk as I try to make out the alpha’s words, but all I can hear is a few muffled words and his booming laugh. He really does have a good laugh. Full and cheerful. It’s the kind of laugh that you feel in your toes.

Stop it! I snarl at myself as I stare unfocused at the words on the computer screen. “You don’t want Izan,” I grit out as softly as I can. “You want to find Cardis and get the fuck out of here.” I remind my body of my only purpose here.

I know that the only reason I’m distracted by Izan right now is because he just got me off without fucking me properly. It’s frustrating and stupid, but I feel weirdly empty and more than restless because I didn’t get his cock. I need him to come back to tend to me, but it might be weeks before I can get my hands on another computer, so I have no choice but to get this done now.

Shoving down the treacherous biological needs coursing through my veins, I force myself to concentrate on the article. I don't find anything useful, and click on the next link.

It’s for a popular social media site for alphas. I’ve never been on it before, but the second the page loads, shock slams into me. Square in the center of the screen is a picture of Cardis and his ponytailed brother. They’re standing side-by-side, posing in front of a large brick building.

“Where are you?” I whisper under my breath, examining the building behind them. It looks pretty standard—tall, with several rows of windows. Tiny balconies dot the front, and there are several sliding glass doors that line the bottom floor. It’s got to be an apartment complex.

Excitement and worry pounds in my chest, followed by a low thump in my clit. I ignore it, staying on task.

How do I figure out where this apartment is?

“Oh. Hello,” a small voice says.

I jump about a foot in the air as a gray-haired beta steps into the room. For half a second, alarm bells ring out and the urge to scream for Izan pulls hard within me, but I force myself to pause and breathe, then I really look at the woman. This must be Tonia. She’s short—only a few inches taller than me—and she’s older with deep lines around her mouth. She’s wearing thick rimmed glasses and an oversized cardigan. Her short black heels look like they’d make a horrible sound, but I didn’t even hear her open the door. It’s kind of impressive.

“You scared the crap out of me.” I place my hand over my pounding heart.

“I’m so sorry.” She reaches up, touching her small pearl earring. “I had no idea you were in here.” Her magnified eyes flicker in the direction of Izan’s gravelly voice. Despite her words, it’s obvious she knew Izan was hiding someone in here and snuck in to find out who. I can’t really blame her. I probably would have done the same thing in her position.

“I’m Tonia.” The beta introduces herself as she moves closer, coming to a stop on the other side of the desk. Her measured steps make it clear she doesn't want to frighten me again. “I’m Mr. Silva’s office manager. I’m dropping a few things off for him.” She lifts her arm slightly, showing me the papers.

I smile sweetly at the beta, trying to look as friendly as possible. “I’m Mari,” I say, giving her a small bow of my head. “It’s nice to meet you, Tonia.”

“Mari,” she says my name as if it’s familiar. Perhaps Izan has talked about me to her. It doesn't seem likely, but I guess it’s possible that Izan talks to someone other than Hutch and Dassy. “ The Mari?” Tonia looks at me as if wanting me to confirm I’m someone specific.

“I guess?” I shrug, not really sure what Mari she’s referring to.

Tonia’s mouth falls open as if in awe. “So you are the boys’ new mate.” She plants one hand on her hip, looking at me as if I’m something mythical. “I can’t believe you’re here.”

“I am,” I say, forcing myself to smile wider.

Tonia’s magnified eyes drift over my face, looking me over thoroughly. I’m used to it. Whether it’s a medical professional or a stranger, people love to examine omegas. After all, we’re rare.

“You are very lovely,” Tonia finally says as if surprised. Did Izan tell her I was ugly? “And you look very healthy and strong,” she quickly adds with a cheerful lift to her voice.

“Thanks.” I glance at the bookshelf, wishing Izan would come back and take this bizarre woman away. She’s making me a little uncomfortable, but at least there’s a desk separating us.

“You know,” Tonia squints as she points at me, “your new mates really are the best men I’ve ever met.” She nods as if that’s a fact that no one could deny. “I’ve known Izan and Hutch for almost a decade now. They’re both hardworking and very loyal. I mean Hutch can be a bit of an ass,” she adds with a wave of her hand, and a snort leaps from my throat. “And Izan works like the world might explode if he stops, but they’re still good boys. And Dassy .” Tonia smiles like the alpha’s very name holds the secret to life. “Dassy Wysong has to be the sweetest boy on earth.” She inhales the air around her as if smelling the tastiest treat. Does Tonia have a crush on Dassy? “He’s hard when he needs to be, but he has always been very kind to me,” she continues. “And he’s very good to Everly,” she says as if I might argue with her.

“He’s been very good to me,” I say, trying not to laugh. “And I really like Everly too.” And I leave it at that because I can’t admit out loud how I feel about Izan or Hutch. Or maybe it’s just that I don’t know how I feel about them.

I still don't care for the way Hutch spoke to me in the garden, but the way he touched me and praised me last night was…. a lot . I felt so connected with him. Adored and cherished.

And I’m not sure how I feel when I’m with Izan. I crave his presence. I want to be near him all the time. Even when I want nothing more than to slap his handsome face, I want him to fuck me wild, then hold me tenderly and tell me everything will be okay.

It’s all so confusing.

Do other omegas deal with these kinds of conflicting feelings or is it just me?

It’s probably just me. I was never good with emotions even before I went to Havenfield. I guess that’s what happens when your whole family dies when you’re just a kid.

“Well, I’m sure you have lots to do today,” Tonia says with a loud sigh as she sets the stack of paperwork right next to the open laptop. My gaze flickers from the white paper to Cardis’s face. “I won’t bug you anymore.”

I smile, ready to tell the beta it was nice to meet her, but instead of going for the door, she whips around the desk, stepping right up next to me. “What—” I’m torn between jumping away from the beta and slamming the laptop shut. But before I can react, Tonia grabs the heavy duffle bag behind me, heaving the strap over her shoulder.

“You have a wonderful day, Ms. Mari.” Tonia smiles down at me.

“Thank you,” I try to return the gesture, but she’s so close to me, and I’m scared she’s going to touch me. I hate being touched. Especially by strangers.

“What’s this?” Tonia turns her attention to the laptop. I quickly shake my head as she leans in, staring at Cardis and Ponytail.

“I don’t know.” I push my hands under my butt. “This is Izan’s computer.”

Tonia looks at the picture over the top of her glass, then she groans. “The Contos brothers.” She rolls her eyes, shaking her head, before standing back up to full height. “Bunch of idiots.”

And I suddenly don’t want Tonia to leave anymore.

“I take it, you know them?” I ask, trying to think of an unsuspicious way to ask the beta where that apartment complex is.

“Unfortunately, I do,” Tonia says flatly. “When you’ve been in this business as long as I have, you get to know everyone.”

“That makes sense.” I lean toward her, giving her my undivided attention, but that’s where my plan ends. I’m stuck on what to say next.

“Cardis and Andros Contos are the kind of alphas I try not to mix with,” Tonia continues. “Unfortunately, that’s my job. Mr. Silva works with all kinds. They come through these halls, conducting business and sharing stories.”

I nod, hoping she’ll keep talking until I can figure out how to tactfully get the information I need from her.

“We used to see Andros around these parts more often.” She points at Ponytail. “But thankfully, he and his brother moved out of the Village Greens a few years back so he doesn’t come around anymore. I actually think they bulldozed that place a few years back. Built some condos in its place.”

I completely deflate at that, back at square one. “I’m glad they don’t bug you anymore,” I say, flopping back in my chair.

“I’m just glad they don’t harass Dassy anymore!” Tonia lifts the duffle bag, acting like it’s filled with bricks. Is money really that heavy? “The best thing that happened for Dassy, was when Donovan Tenus gathered his whole damn pack, Cardis and Andros included,” she says as if I might have guessed otherwise, “and moved the whole damn bunch to the lake out past Cresthill.”

Holy shit.

Did she really tell me where to find Cardis?

I can’t move, or breathe, or even think. I just stare up at Tonia as she keeps chatting away.

“Honestly, Donovan has no idea what he’s doing. He tries to copy what Mr. Silva does.” The beta gives me a pointed look, telling me how horrible she thinks Donovan is. “The idiot only moved out there because he thinks people with money live out in the country, but the truth is people with money live all over.”

“Yeah.” I nod as Tonia’s vibrant energy grows.

“Hell, between this house, the apartment in the city, and his vacation homes, I think Izan owns four or five properties.”

“Really?” I blurt out, unable to hide my shock. But also very thankful for the change in subject. It will look more natural if Izan comes bursting in. “This place is freaking huge. It’s got to have cost a fortune, but he owns more homes?”

Tonia lets out a swift laugh, and a door somewhere in the hallway slams shut. Her smile fades, and her hands curl around the duffle bag’s strap even tighter. She’s definitely not supposed to be in here.

“It was a pleasure to meet you, Ms. Mari.” Tonia gives me a vibrant smile, which I quickly return. “Be good,” she says loudly, before shutting the door behind her.

“Thank. You. Tonia,” I whisper as I reach for the laptop once again. I do a quick search on the lake near Cresthill. And just like that, directions to a city that’s only twenty miles away appear on the screen. And there’s a small lake on the southern border.

My fingers tremble with excitement as I click print, then I hold my breath, praying the map doesn’t print in some other part of the house. Thankfully, a printer whirls to life on the bookshelf across the room, and I rush to it.

The paper is warm and smells like fresh ink. I quickly fold it, stuffing it up my sleeve so it curls around my wrist.

And now the real planning begins.

I need to gather supplies, plan my escape, and make my way into the trees. I turn, looking out the window at the snow-capped mountains. It’s been a few years, but I still remember how to survive out there. And there’s no point in putting it off. I have to get the hell out of here so I can find my brother.

Doubt creeps in, and a restless thought jumps to the front of my mind—what if I never find Cardis? What if all of this is a waste of time, and I die, never getting my revenge?

“Stop it, Mari,” I whisper to myself as I plop back into Izan’s chair. “You have to do this. You owe it to Stefan.”

Deep sadness pools in my belly and tears burn the back of my eyes.

“I’ll make them pay,” I say, smoothing my hand over the paper tucked under my sleeve. “Even if it’s the last thing I do. I’ll make every single one of them pay.”