Chapter Sixty-TwoSpencer
Chapter Sixty-Two
Spencer
“ L ike I told the other alphas in your pack, I’m hesitant to let Grace remain in your care, considering how chaotic you are. She needs stability, not upheaval.” Mrs. Beekman scowled at me from the other side of my desk as she lectured me in my office at Compass BioTek.
“I understand, Mrs. Beekman. Normally there isn’t this much excitement,” I assured. The last thing that Grace needed was to be separated from us.
Perhaps I may not have claimed her yet, but the idea of her being taken away made me want to punch someone.
“At least her injuries weren’t more serious,” she chastised. “A fall down the stairs like that could have been devastating. Why was she even alone? You’re not being careful enough with her. The only reason she hasn’t been removed yet is that she’s insistent that she stays with you.”
It could have been so much worse. Still, seeing Grace lying crumpled on the stairs haunted me. I could still hear Riley’s sobs, and smell Evan’s fear.
“You’re right. Wes is still adjusting, because her needs differ from Evan’s. I assure you, I will personally ensure that Grace gets the attention and care she deserves.” Which I was putting into action tonight.
While I should let Wes and Evan have a little more time, after nearly losing her, I didn’t want to wait any longer. Life was too short, too fragile, too fleeting.
“Good.” Mrs. Beekman nodded. “It’s imperative that you all continue working with the integration team. Also, she’s not alpha-sized and military-trained. She needs to be better protected.”
“You’re correct.” I nodded. There was no other answer if we wanted to keep her.
“I’m glad you’re so reasonable. Thank you for meeting with me.” Mrs. Beekman smiled and stood.
After I showed her out, I went back into my office and returned to work.
“Spencer?” Deb knocked on the door. She was the director of Special Projects, and I’d known the alpha for some time.
“Come in.”
“When is Dr. Ellington going to start? Considering how long you’ve had that office set up for her?” Deb came in, closed my door, and sat, looking serious as usual, in her crisp blazer, her short, graying, hair no-nonsense.
“In two weeks.” After Evan’s heat. The paperwork for Grace to start had been finished. I was looking forward both to truly getting this project started, and to her being part of my company.
“Who is she? I can’t find any of her papers or examples of her work–or where she was last employed.” Deb frowned a little. “I trust you, and I liked her when you brought her on a tour, but technically this is my department.”
“You’re right. Apologies. She’s very talented but hasn’t been given the chances she deserves.
I’ll be forthright, she’s mated to my packmate, Wes, over in cybersecurity.
Grace might seem an unconventional hire, but I assure you that she’s going to do such great things with us.
” I needed to finish getting her background situated and had a few more favors to call in.
Deb thought for a moment. “I trust you–you’ve got an eye for talent. You have a new packmate? Congratulations. I know Wes. It seems like he’s always scolding Margie’s department for one thing or another.”
“Thank you.” I talked little about my pack at work. Not because I wasn’t proud, but because I liked to keep my personal life private.
I added, “That’s why everything is taking so long. She relocated to be with us and is still settling in. Our pack is going away for a week, so I figured it would be better for her to formally start after that. However, I don’t see why she couldn’t come in before that to meet with you.”
“Perfect. I’ll set up some time with her next week.” Deb stood. “Have a great weekend.”
Deb left, and I tried to finish up my work so I could make it home in time for family dinner.
Mrs. K came in. “Everything is set for the symposium. Grace is going to have such a wonderful time.” Her look went a little wistful, since she used to travel with her wife to such things.
“Thank you. I’m looking forward to it.” While it would be interesting, it was mostly because I’d get her all to myself. I loved the others in my pack, but Evan could be quite possessive.
“The flowers are here for you to take home. The delivery is also set to arrive this evening. Interesting choice for a courting gift,” she added from the doorway.
“Oh, it’s just the beginning.” I smiled. Grace’s injuries put a hitch in some of my plans. Of course, she couldn't use this gift yet either, but considering Wes hadn’t gotten one for her, I thought it would be a good choice.
Ribbing Wes was always an enjoyable pastime.
Mrs. K beamed at me. “I know you loved Elaris. You always will. But I’m happy that you’ve found Grace.”
“Me, too.” It was time. “Thank you for your help. Do you have weekend plans?”
“The grandchildren are coming to visit. Don’t stay too late.” With a wave, she closed my door.
While I didn’t plan on staying long, I’d get done faster if people stopped bothering me.
I entered the kitchen, holding the flowers. Delicious smells greeted me, and I waved at Jett and Riley as they cooked.
Upstairs, I heard laughing. Brennan and Grace sat at the piano. Her wrist was in her lap, and it looked like she was using her good hand to play one part of the piece, and Brennan was trying to play the other. I think they were playing Kirkokov’s 4th.
“Bravo,” I praised them when they stopped. That was one way to play the piano.
“Yes, we’re off to the concert hall.” Grace looked over at me and gave me a huge smile.
Oh, how I loved those sunshine smiles.
Coming over to the piano, I handed her the flowers with a little flourish.
“For me?” She clutched the flowers, eyes almost tearing.
“Yes, Darling. I have something special coming for you later.” I put a hand on her shoulder.
“You do?” Grace beamed as she leaned into my touch.
I couldn’t wait to spend more time with her. To see what she liked and didn’t.
“Everything is set for the PIIP symposium,” I added.
“I’m so excited.” Her eyes lit up with delight as she wrapped her arms around me. “I’ve already emailed Dr. Harlowe so I can get to see the particle cutter while we’re there.”
“This is it then?” Wes appeared, eyeing the flowers.
“He got me flowers.” Grace held them out. “Will you put them in water for me so Bren and I can finish playing? Please.”
“Of course. It’s almost time to eat, so finish up.” Stealing a kiss, Wes took the flowers and went downstairs.
I got changed, and the seven of us sat down for dinner in the dining room, with the flowers I gave Grace in the center of the table.
Brennan reported that the police had closed the investigation against us as a pack. Grace was excited about her new job. Evan was planning a summer vacation for the pack. Inspections on Brennan’s new project were going well.
The queen mum wasn’t happy with us. So far, the only fallout was that we were no longer invited to the next one of her functions and Katie was being pulled as our forced-upon legal counsel.
More would be coming, surely.
As we finished dinner, my phone beeped. Perfect timing.
“Grace, Darling?” I asked. “Would you please come outside with me? Your present is here.”
“Of course.” She stood, eyes alight with curiosity.
Riley perked and gave me a sly look. “You got Grace a present? What kind of present.”
I took her hand and planted a kiss on the back of it. “Grace, I would very much like to court you. While I have many things planned for us, I thought I’d start with this. Even if you have to wait a bit to use it.”
“Spencer.” Her voice went breathy as I led her out to the driveway.
“Spencer Thanukos?” the delivery driver asked.
“That’s me.” I signed for it, and he took the motorcycle off the truck.
“This is for me? This is so beautiful. I’ve never had anything so nice.” Grace ran her hand over the handlebars of the omega-sized green and black motorcycle, complete with a detachable sidecar.
Relief at her liking it sluiced over me. While I’d seen the types she’d been looking at with Evan, this wasn’t exactly those. I’d chosen this particular model for the safety rating.
“The sidecar is for Wes?” Riley teased, joining Grace.
“I won’t fit in that.” Wes joined us, eyeing the sidecar.
“I was thinking it might be more for you, Ri. Something about you two running off and causing mischief?” I grinned at Riley. The sidecar was a custom addition, but I had a feeling it would be a good choice. It would be beneficial for the two of them to spend time together.
Riley gave me a fist bump. “I like the way you think.”
Wes scowled at me. “This is how it’s going to be?”
I wrapped my arms around Grace, knowing he spoke with annoyance, not anger, and smirked at him. “Something about snoozers and losers?”
“You did not,” Jett said as he came out with Brennan. He immediately went to the motorcycle and inspected it, pointing things out to both Grace and Riley.
“She’s a little beauty. How did you even get one of these? The waiting list is huge, and I didn’t know they even made them in omega-size.” Brennan stood with me and Wes.
“I have connections.” Money talked. I ordered a matching one for myself, though it hadn’t arrived yet.
“That’s adorable. And small. I’m surprised a sidecar even fits.” Evan put an arm around Wes.
A very limited number of companies made omega-sized motorcycles. Most alphas just had their omegas ride with them.
Jett looked over at me. “This is perfect for her. After her wrist and foot heal, of course.”
Which was why Wes and Evan hadn’t gotten one for her yet. But again, snoozers, losers. This was, after all, something she wanted.
I came up behind her, breathing in her peachy scent. “Do you like it?”
“Spencer, it’s perfect.” She leaned up to kiss me.
I leaned down to take the offered kiss. My lips brushed hers, and she hungrily met mine. Her arms wrapped around me, and I deepened the kiss, a moan escaping her lips. I broke it off before I tossed her over my shoulder and brought her up to my room.
Not tonight. But I’d take more kisses. Certainly, I’d enjoy the game as long as she did.
“I’m so glad you like it.” I gave her a softer, gentler kiss, pleased that I had made the right choice.
“Hurry up and heal so we can take this everywhere. I’m so excited.” Riley bounced around.
“You accept my gift?” I added.
She looked up at me with her big blue-grey eyes. “I accept.”
“Perfect.” I ran my fingers through her hair. “So perfect.”
This was going to be fun. I couldn’t wait.