Chapter Twenty-Four

Taylin

His mind in a turmoil at his reaction to seeing Monica with her lips on Hollis, Taylin continued to battle the green-eyed monster. It was sticking like glue to his usual, even temperament as they left Hollis's office.

What had come over me?

Hollis, his wolf side pointed out with smug satisfaction.

Trying to ignore the pounding of his heart in his ears, Taylin shoved his hands into his slacks and prayed for some sort of miracle to cool his jets. He also couldn't help second guessing himself when Hollis remained silent, clutching the file he had collected from his desk.

Taylin strode down the hallway to the elevator with Hollis at his side, doing his best to keep his hands where they were. The scent of Hollis's pheromones, though not as strong as they were, lingered in the air surrounding them. It made it impossible for Taylin to think beyond what they'd been doing before they'd gotten interrupted. In the close confines of the elevator, a scene from another elevator played through Taylin's mind, making his teeth grind together as he held his breath at the intoxicating scent of his mate.

When was he going to catch a break?

He wanted to apologize for being such a barbarian and acting so out of character, but he wouldn't have meant it, so he kept silent. He also wasn't in the habit of lying and doing that with a mate was a big no-no. So, when the elevator stopped, he accepted that the tension would not budge anytime soon.

"Wait up, you two," came a shout from behind them as they started down the hallway to the boardroom.

Releasing a sigh at the sound of Jupiter, Taylin stopped and turned to see his brother loping down the hallway towards them. It was hard not to compare himself to the man in front of him. Stylish chic from head to toe, Jupiter exuded a confidence that very few knew was a wall that hid Jupiter's self-doubt.

Taylin caught a blur behind Jupiter, which turned out to be Wilder. His hair was a little wild, and he wore a pinched expression, which wasn't normal for the cute raccoon.

"I got caught up on a call and thought I was gonna be the last to arrive," Jupiter said, acting like Wilder wasn't there as they all continued towards the boardroom.

"You got caught up on shag, buddy," Wilder muttered crossly.

Whether or not he'd said it loud enough to be heard, Jupiter didn't so much as bat an eyelid or look in the raccoon's direction. Whereas Hollis slowed his pace and Taylin caught the way he was eyeing Wilder with concern and possible frustration.

Keeping his thoughts to himself, Taylin shrugged for something to do, feeling uncomfortable at the obvious friction between the two men. "We made it with plenty of time to spare, but it won't stop Silas from getting riled up."

"Truth!" Jupiter gave a dramatic eye roll as they entered the boardroom. "Nothing he likes more than riding our asses like his horses," he projected loud enough so no one in the room could miss what he'd said.

Those assembled in the boardroom glanced in their direction with varying degrees of interest and frustration. Monica was the only one grinning and Taylin was careful not to look directly at her. He wasn't sure he'd cooled down enough to be pleasant.

"I can only assume you're talking about me," Silas grumbled, taking a seat dead center of the smaller than usual table laid out with nine chairs behind it. Placed to face the rows of seats that had replaced the boardroom table in the middle of the room, it made what was about to happen even more obvious.

"Why would you think that, big bro?" Jupiter's laughter came out forced as he headed in the direction of Kodi and Kari.

Hollis grabbed Wilder's arm and dragged him off.

In need of a distraction to fight the urge to give chase, Taylin's gaze swept over Silas, who'd dressed to impress in a forest green cashmere suit, a cream shirt and a brown silk tie. He exuded power in the well-fitting clothes that revealed how physically fit he was from years of outdoor activities. His groomed, dark good looks added to the overall appearance of a high-powered executive. Only they knew Silas was a man happiest sat astride a horse.

Was he perfect to step into Dad's figurehead role?

Only time would tell.

There was tightness around Silas's jaw and years of living with his brother made it easy to see a hint of anxiety in his gaze as it swept the room to land on Ziggy, Silas's new PA. He stood alone, just off to Silas's left, looking watchful and ready to… strike?

The oddity of the feeling came and stayed as Taylin moved down the aisle left to get to the table. He continued to watch the exchange, his brows pinching together.

Intimacy.

The feeling struck Taylin because he'd witnessed it often between his fathers. There was a level of it in the exchange that only disappeared when Laken moved between the pair, and Ziggy glanced at Bowie, who walked up to him, speaking.

Taylin's gaze narrowed on Silas and he considered his brother's reaction to his mating announcement the night before. Was something going on between Silas and Ziggy?

Did it matter? It wasn't his business, was it?

Taylin shifted his attention to Ziggy, who he hadn't yet gotten a chance to get to know. He was in no position to judge or speculate.

Did that stop him ?

No. Ziggy was an odd bod. His appearance came across as more ‘alpha' than omega, however his behavior was definitely that of an omega. At least, what Taylin had witnessed of it up to now .

None of your business, he told himself as he returned his attention to the others surrounding the table. Rue was the second one to take a seat, only he chose the farthest end of the table.

Taylin cursed under his breath when Laken quickly followed suit and took the seat at the other end of the table, which he had considered taking.

The PAs migrated to gather in a huddle around Hollis, who looked to be having a serious discussion with how he was gesturing at them. Taylin forced his attention back to what was about to happen. Worrying about what Hollis was doing wasn't helpful.

He eyed the room, checking everything was as it should be. They often used the boardroom to accommodate large meetings of this type. This room, with the history of the rise of the company displayed on the walls, was all about how his parents had used their love to build something positive. Many would see it as a power play, showing off, but it had never been about that. Many of the people on the covers gracing the walls were those rejected by society and had succeeded despite that. It was a celebration of overcoming life's obstacles. Taylin had learned that at an early age. It was humbling to be part of it, and he had never thought differently when rejected by society and his biological family himself .

Counting six rows of ten seats laid out facing the table, which held water bottles, glasses, and microphones in front of each seat, gave his stomach a nasty jolt.

He stopped dawdling and went to take a seat next to Laken, wanting to be as close to the end of the table so as not to be in the direct line of fire.

Tugging the seat out, he sank down and avoided looking at all the empty seats. Nerves at what was to come turned his stomach into a washing machine, making the coffee he drank earlier swirl and slosh about.

"How many invites were sent out?" he questioned Laken, his attention refusing to refocus on anything but the rows of seats. If stepping into a room with his family hadn't worked to kill any remaining desire, those seats would, despite how Hollis's scent lingered in his nose.

"Sixty! Feels like Dad suggested we invite the fucking world and his wife. Christ knows why. When has the press ever held their water? One would be enough to get out what's officially happening and not some made up bollocks."

Taylin wasn't listening. Instead, he tracked Hollis who came along the back of the row of seats. Taylin didn't give him a chance to take another seat. He rose, pulling out the seat next to him while giving Hollis an encouraging smile.

When Hollis moved close enough for their jackets to brush against each other, Taylin went into protective mode. The move suggested Hollis was possibly as uncomfortable as Taylin at the prospect of facing the journalists. Taylin slipped a hand over Hollis's suit jacket to his lower back and let it rest there. The simple touch sparked off a giddy feeling. It was perplexing how euphoric he felt about something so basic. He was going to have to talk to his dad about it.

Taylin's instincts were wholly different from what he was displaying. In reality, he wanted to growl and bare his teeth at anyone who dared to look sideways at his mate.

Doing none of that, he came close enough to murmur in Hollis's ear, "I'm right here. If you need me, just squeeze my thigh." He didn't want to assume that Hollis needed protection, despite how he felt.

A jerky nod was the only reply from the ghostly-looking man at his side. He eyed his other brothers warily, seeing who remained standing. It took little to decide if it was safer to suggest Hollis take the seat Taylin had picked. After last night, leaving Hollis in the line of fire of Booker, Kodi, Kari or Jupiter felt unwise?

While he debated what was best, Hollis sat, then Booker parked his big ass next to him, leaving Taylin no option but to sit.

Booker gave Hollis a toothy grin, and Taylin pushed his clenched fists into his thighs in the hope it would stop the madness brewing inside him. After his reaction to seeing Monica touching Hollis, all bets were off about what would set him off, or so it seemed. This new aggressive side to him wanted to punch Booker's teeth down his throat for grinning at his mate in what felt like an overly friendly move to him and his wolf. The damn thing was there, egging him on.

Show them he's ours!

"As everyone is here, can everyone take their seats, so we can get this over with." Silas sounded like he was trying to break his teeth with the way they snapped against each other. The suggestion was not an actual choice with how he'd said it and it helped divert Taylin from doing something he'd surely regret… possibly.

"Please, can you all check the mics work," Monica requested when they were all seated.

Everyone obeyed without the usual grumbling at being told what to do, showing the mood in the room.

"Can you guys take seats at the back of the room?" Monica said to the PAs milling around the room. "We don't need any distractions once the vultures…" Monica giggled naughtily. "I mean, the press is let in here."

The guys laughed along with Monica as they made their way to the last row of seats at the back of the room.

Taylin would have much preferred them to be up front giving them some breathing room from the ‘vultures'. It was a fitting nickname given the press liked to pick at the bones of whoever held their interest. Taylin had escaped—mostly—any direct attention from the tabloids. Jupiter was the one they loved to follow because he was so much more interesting.

Absorbing Taylin's focus, Hollis fidgeted with his glass and reached for a water bottle with a hand that wasn't quite steady.

"Let me," Taylin murmured, opening and pouring water into Hollis's glass.

He filled his own, then offered to fill Laken's and Booker's for something to do while Monica laid out press packs on the seats. The statement they'd be giving was in the pack, along with the business chart that factored in who did what in the company. There were glossy photos of them all together, as they'd decided none of them would pose for pictures.

"Thanks." Booker gave him an appreciative smile once Taylin placed the glass down. Then Booker pointedly gazed at Hollis, then back at Taylin. A second later, his nose twitched, and he leaned around the back of Hollis's chair, muttering, "You better calm your ass down or you'll be stinking up the place and causing a stir of a different kind."

His words, said low enough for only them to hear, didn't stop Taylin bristling at how Hollis dropped his gaze to his lap.

"Give fucking over, okay!" Taylin snapped, gritting his teeth and working on controlling his breathing. "It's not like we're doing it on purpose."

He picked up his water glass and drained it when Booker eased back, looking unconcerned at the rebuke. Feeling no better, Taylin refilled his glass, sensing everyone's eyes on him.

"Are we ready?" Monica questioned, her blood red fingernail rubbed at her lower lip. Nothing about the move was flirtatious but that didn't stop Taylin from objecting to the memory of lipstick traces on Hollis's lips after the kiss.

"Yes. Let's just get this over with," Silas demanded, diverting Taylin's attention when Monica stalked to the door on four-inch heels. Opening it let in a flood of noise.

A hand slipping onto Taylin's thigh was enough to get him to shift his attention to Hollis. The hand flipped over and Hollis wriggled his fingers. A little of the tension at what was coming eased as he placed his hand into Hollis's. Their fingers entwined and the tight clasp was uncomfortable and perfect.

The noise level in the room increased as folks vied for the best seats at the front.

"Monica wasn't wrong, look at them. They are a pack of vultures," Booker mouthed out the side of his mouth.

Hollis nodded, his gaze on the crowd.

"When have they ever been anything but," Taylin replied, mimicking Booker.

Taylin plastered a fake smile to his lips, praying for it to be over quickly. Being the center of attention was his least favorite thing. Jupiter, Kari, and Kodi were much more suited to this. But this wasn't about him, it was a show of solidarity. A united front.

It took way too long for everyone to settle, in Taylin's opinion, as he counted off the seconds clinging to Hollis's hand under the table. Assigned to the role of keeping everyone one in order, Monica encouraged everyone to sit. When that didn't work, she harangued folks into taking the unwanted vacant seats.

Monica held a microphone that was for the use of anyone that wanted it when directing questions. She coughed into it and stood directly in front of the table, holding up her hand once Ziggy had closed the boardroom door.

She waited until silence fell in the room. "Thank you. Before we start, there are a few rules to run through. I ask that you wait to ask questions until the board members have spoken. If you have a question, you will raise your hand and I will come to you with the microphone. If you choose not to follow these rules, you'll find yourself leaving without answers. Is that clear?"

If anyone was in doubt that she meant it, they were going to be in for a shock if they pushed her. Monica was a ball breaker. She had to be, working for years as Dad's PA.

An uneasy tension grew in the room as they each took their turn to talk about their individual roles and what, or how, that would change with their dads' retirement. Last night, there'd been some discussion about this meeting and Hollis's role in the new structure. A debate had ensued about revealing Hollis's role. Dad had pointed out Hollis was important to the company and therefore his role needed highlighting in the new structure.

A rigidness developed in Taylin's shoulders at witnessing the interest in Hollis when it became his turn to talk. They'd expected speculation, that was obvious, but as soon as Hollis revealed what his role was, the room erupted. People shouted over each other.

"Mr. Adice, did you have to interview for the role?"

"Mr. Adice, was it always your plan to join the board?

"Aren't you too young for such a position?"

"What experience do you have for this kind of role and responsibility?"

Then one brave—stupid soul fired out, "Has this got anything to do with the recent change in your relationship with Taylin Starling? "

Which led to the asshole thinking it was okay to continue. "Does your new role come with extra perks of servicing a divergent alpha ?"

Taylin had respected the decision for Hollis to be present right until then. Whatever he'd experienced over Monica touching Hollis was nothing to the fury that came at having no way to shield Hollis. None.

As if expecting Taylin to stand, his brothers moved collectively, rising with him as he stood, fists clenched.

Booker, in a flash, lifted Hollis and the chair he remained seated in, looking poleaxed. His big, expressive eyes consumed his face when Booker placed it behind them, blocking him from sight as they closed ranks.

Fury came in white hot spikes at his own impotency to protect his mate from the implication that their relationship could be anything less than what it was.

"Enough," Booker thundered before Taylin could find his voice past his anger when the questions kept coming. His roar made the hairs on the back of Taylin's neck rise. "You will show respect."

It wasn't a request. Hell no.

Unable to see Hollis, Taylin easily scented the taint of fear. It was too much, and he pushed Booker aside to tug Hollis from his chair and wrap a protective arm around his middle. Keeping him close, he aimed daggers at all those who vied to get closer to the table, not getting just how dangerous Booker or any of his other brothers were to their health .

This was what Taylin loved about his family. When something was vital to one of them, it became important to all of them, especially when it came to threats.

"You were warned," Monica hissed, her sharp fangs gleamed in the overhead light. Despite her small stature, she gave off a ‘don't fuck with me' vibe as she whirled around, hair flying, and swaggered to the man who'd offended Hollis. The way the guy winced suggested she'd dug in her nails. "This interview is over for you. Now get out."

The man, who Taylin hadn't ever met before, scowled at her, and attempted to rip his arm out of her grasp.

"Do as the lady says," Silas reiterated with a forcefulness that no one could mistake and the man stilled. Silas pointed at the others who'd been stupid enough to fire questions at them. "You lot, get out too. Make sure I don't see your sorry ass faces again or else…" The warning was obvious, despite it not being said aloud.

When the men and one woman reluctantly left, an uneasy silence followed and folks eased back, some sitting once more.

"The rest of you better sit your asses back down now and shut up." This came from Booker.

Once order had returned, and the security staff had escorted out the guy who'd continued to break free of Monica's grip, she reiterated. "Hold up your hands like I requested, or you'll be blacklisted from any future events. "

A hushed silence came as Hollis's seat was moved back into position. Taylin kept Hollis close, their hands clasped once more against his thigh. Taylin didn't miss how warily Hollis eyed the crowd.

The churning in Taylin's stomach was relentless at the unavoidable questions. They'd not talked about making their mating public. There was no way to ask Hollis in front of the audience what he wanted to do.

Argh!

He could see no way to avoid it without there being any backlash. Hollis's grip increased as Monica took the mic to a man with his hand held up. One Taylin had met once before. He supported ‘divergent haters'.

Mic in hand, the dude came forward, a light in his eyes that caused Taylin's body to stiffen.

"So, is there any truth in the rumors about Mr. Adice and Taylin Starling having a relationship… sex? If so, how will this impact on decision making in the company? You say that there won't be any disruption to normal business. How can that be when a divergent alpha could become influenced by an omega shifter during those intimate moments ?"

Said with pure disgust, the implied slur on his masculinity because he was a divergent wasn't what got Taylin snarling at the man, who looked too fucking pleased with himself when the room quietened enough to hear a pin drop. No, he got pissed that they'd call Hollis out on his professionalism.

Around him, Taylin didn't need to look at his brothers to feel their tension when every inhale burned his sensitive nose. Ready this time, Taylin placed their joined hands together on the table in clear sight of everyone. "Whoever your source is, they are incorrect." When none of his anxiety presented itself in his voice, he breathed a little easier and waited for the expected eruption.

"Bullshit," someone from the back of the room shouted.

The fingers clasping his crushed the bones together. Taylin didn't hesitate, he would not lie—he'd never dishonor his mate in that way—and lifted their joined hands. "Hollis, Mr. Adice, is not my bed partner, he is my mate ."

To make his point, Taylin tugged at his tie one handed and moved the collar of his shirt to reveal his neck.

He couldn't have stunned the crowd more, giving him enough time to glance at Hollis who wore a kind of dazed expression, blinking owlishly behind his spectacles. Unable to resist, Taylin gave in to the temptation and kissed his parted lips.

"Way to go on deflecting," Laken said, close to his ear. "But you'd better stop kissing Hollis before Monica goes all bitey bat on the press."

Taylin reluctantly stopped kissing a glowing Hollis to stare at the crowd swarming around them, some holding flashing cameras.

A sudden thought struck.

Had Hollis spoken to his parents about them?