Chapter 23 - Tolliver
Ten months later
Tolliver sat with his arms folded as he listened to Zach’s update. The growing irritation he felt, reflected on the others’ faces. Ryder, Francisco, and Benny weren’t pleased with the news of other potential trafficking rings either.
“Unbelievable,” Tolliver muttered as he rubbed his forehead. “We cut off one head and multiple grow in its place.
As much as Zach tried to hide it, he brimmed with frustration. “That’s usually the reality of these things. It’s like a spiderweb of corruption, which is why the Black Ops will always be in business.”
Ryder and Tolliver exchanged weary glances. They had been doing the job for years and they weren’t afraid to admit they were exhausted.
“I think it’s time for another batch of new recruits,” Ryder grumbled. “The problems are growing, so we need to increase our numbers too.”
“I’m sure you and Tolliver will find the most promising talents,” Zach replied. He glanced at Benny and Francisco. “You always do.”
Benny and Francisco beamed at that.
“Yeah, let’s keep Mr. Reckless over there on recruitment duty,” Ryder said, pointing at Tolliver. “We don’t want him getting any ideas to run off into danger like a one-man army and nearly getting killed again.”
A hum of agreement and chuckles came from Benny and Francisco.
Tolliver heaved a sigh. “For the love of the gods. It was ten months ago!"
“But it’s still worth a lecture,” Ryder said, wearing a smirk.
Tolliver glowered at him. His best friend was enjoying their role reversal too much. Gone were the days when he lectured Ryder about being reckless. He made one mistake by going after Jonas Mercer alone, and the gang refused to let him live it down. He’d been getting at least one reprimand a month for the past ten months, and it was getting to be a bit comical.
When Benny and Francisco nodded solemnly in agreement with Ryder, Tolliver
didn’t know whether to be pissed about being lectured like an errant child or laugh at the fact that Benny and Francisco, of all people, were criticizing him for being reckless. In the end, a chuckle escaped him.
“He’s laughing,” Ryder scoffed. “The fool almost got killed, and he’s laughing.” He turned to Zach in disbelief. “Can you believe this shit?”
“It was almost a year ago,” Tolliver reasoned. “You guys refusing to let it go is hilariousl,” he added between chuckles.
“He’s still laughing,” Ryder growled.
“As if you take anything seriously, Ryder,” Tolliver challenged.
“That’s different. Everyone knows I’m the class clown. You’re supposed to be the serious and logical one.”
“Well, logic tends to flee the building when it involves one’s mate,” Zach said. “I understand Tolliver’s actions.”
“This coming from our leader?” Ryder threw his arms up. “We must be living in the upside down because suddenly, I’m the responsible one.”
Tolliver and Zach laughed at that.
“I’m with Ryder,” Benny said. “I don’t get how any of this is funny.”
“It’s hilarious, actually,” Tolliver said. “The day you and Francisco lecture me about safety is a comical time indeed.”
Benny rolled his eyes. “You were in a coma for days, boss. I almost lost my shit. It was almost like losing my father again.”
The room went quiet as all eyes shifted to Benny.
“Benny? Have you been using me as a substitute for your father this entire time?” Tolliver asked suspiciously. He wasn’t much older than Benny, but he noticed the recruit stuck to him. He hadn’t really thought much about it until now.
“Well…” Benny folded his arms and rocked back on his heels. “I mean… no . That would be crazy. So what if you remind me of my old man when you scowl and bark out orders…?” His words trailed off as his eyes darted from side to side, guilty.
“Awe, how sweet,” Ryder cooed.
Benny scowled and snapped, “We’ll never speak of this again. I have a rep to maintain.”
Francisco barely covered his snickers while Tolliver rubbed his jaw to hide his smile. “It’s okay to feel , Benny. Being black ops doesn’t mean you have to turn off your emotions. It’s okay to love and be loved.”
Now, all eyes were on Tolliver. Everyone gazed at him with disbelief because not too long ago, he’d been the coldest bastard to walk the halls of Black Ops’ headquarters.
“Holy shit,” Francisco murmured. “Ever since he and Laila got back together, he’s gone soft.”
“Never thought I’d see the day,” Benny said.
Feeling uneasy with everyone gawking at him, Tolliver glowered. “All right, the show is over. Let’s get back to why you assholes call me in today.” He had taken a hiatus from work, which gave him and Laila plenty of time to reconnect and plan their future together. Months later, everything was still going smoothly.
“And he’s back,” Benny announced with a grin. “That didn’t take long.”
Tolliver rolled his eyes but didn’t comment.
“Back to business,” Zach said. “Jonas Mercer is dead, but we can’t get too comfortable. As I said earlier, there’s evidence of other trafficking rings.”
Jumping into business mode, Ryder nodded. “Even without Mercer, the business will keep going.”
Tolliver sighed. “As long as there’s still money to be made, there will always be a risk of more treachery. I’ve been keeping a digital eye on BioForge Labs. The company is still in full operation without its CEO. There’s no telling what kind of madness is being planned behind those walls.”
Zach scrubbed a hand over his face. “If not for the annoying politics, we could kick the door down and see for ourselves. Unfortunately, the law isn’t on our side unless we have proof of any delinquency.”
Francisco, who was leaning against the door, asked, “Does that mean we’ll be keeping an eye on them?”
“Precisely.” Zach turned to him and Benny. “Tolliver still has some time before fully returning to work, and he’ll be spending less time in the field.”
Tolliver nodded. He’d promised Laila he wouldn’t take on anything that would keep him away from her and their little boy. It was either he took a step back from missions or quit the Black Ops completely. She was the one who advised him against quitting. Despite her reservations about the group, she saw firsthand how important they were to keeping order in the supernatural community.
“Ryder is mostly at my side with the executive stuff,” Zach continued. “There are plenty of shifters here, but you two have proven yourselves. You’re our strongest trainees, and it’s time for you to step up. Congratulations, boys. You’re the head of the task force charged with demolishing Jonas Mercer’s tarnished legacy and making sure BioForge doesn’t hurt anyone else.”
Benny and Francisco slapped palms.
“You can count on us, boss,” Benny said confidently.
“They grow up so fast,” Ryder said, clutching his chest and wiping away a nonexistent tear.
Tolliver laughed. Indeed, they did, and he was proud. He stood up. “If this meeting is over, I have to get home. As you all know, Laila’s bakery opening is this evening, so I’ll be on dad duty for the rest of the day. I expect to see you all there.”
“I’ll be there with an empty stomach and bells on,” Ryder said.
As Tolliver exited HQ, he felt a surge of happiness. He had a family to go home to now. Years ago, he didn’t think he’d find himself in that position.
Later that evening, he stood beside Laila, holding little Nate—Nathaniel, after Laila’s father—as she cut the red ribbon in front of her new bakery. She decided to expand her business, making Cora the official manager of the shop in Cedar Ridge while she opened a new one in Bellefleur. It was convenient since she had moved in with Tolliver.
A thunder of applause erupted when the enormous scissors snipped the red material.
“Congratulations, Laila,” Elena chirped.
Hayley stood beside her in front of the crowd. “Let’s eat… I mean, celebrate.” She flushed when everyone laughed. Rubbing her swollen stomach, she smiled sheepishly. According to her, at six months pregnant, she needed to eat for two. But Tolliver knew that was an excuse to shamelessly scoff down Laila’s pastries. Her baked goods were already the talk of the town.
Laila beamed. “Thanks for coming everyone. I’m so excited to share this milestone with all my friends and neighbors. I hope my bakery will continue to bring us all together.”
Cheers, whistles, and well-wishes came from the crowd. She smiled up at Tolliver, who leaned down to kiss her forehead. “I’m proud of you,” he whispered.
After everyone moved inside, and the celebration was in full swing. Tolliver surveyed the room until he spotted Zach standing opposite him. He held his son just as Tolliver held his. The alpha had been observing everyone with a slight smile. When he met Tolliver’s gaze, they shared a look of understanding. This was what they fought so hard for—for the people they loved to be happy and safe.