Chapter 85 Ty
TY
Iclutched the envelope in one hand and the steering wheel in the other, feeling more than a little fucking annoyed.
My thoughts kept drifting back to the meeting I had with the inspector earlier that day.
He’d confirmed my worst suspicions. Someone had intentionally tampered with one of the machines at the warehouse.
A cut cord had caused the machine to malfunction.
The machine had been set to warm up far earlier than scheduled, which was a blatant and malicious act that could have cost lives.
“Ty, are you okay?” At some point, Liza had stopped staring out the window and had shifted her focus on me.
“Someone messed with one of the machines at our warehouse,” I said, gritting my teeth. “And now I have HR and the manager investigating and questioning workers to find out who’s responsible.”
“Gods, that’s awful. Why would someone do that? Do you think it was an employee?”
I shrugged. “I have no idea. I’m hoping the manager can make sense of it.”
We pulled into the estate driveway and walked inside silently, no doubt both of us completely drained of our mental energy.
Just as we crossed the threshold into the house, my phone rang, slicing through the air like a blade. Glancing at the screen, I saw Tim’s name flash before me. Fuck me. What fresh hell did he have in store for me now?
“Tim,” I answered, my voice clipped. “What do you want?”
“Ty, I need you at the main office immediately,” he demanded, and I clenched my jaw, annoyed by his entitled and commanding tone.
“Right now’s not a good time, Tim. Surely whatever you’re worried about can wait until tomorrow.”
“I’m afraid not.” Tim’s heavy sigh distorted his voice over the phone. “It’s urgent.”
“I’m on my way.” I hung up and handed Liza the envelope. “Don’t open it until I get back,” I instructed, pressing my lips to hers in a lingering kiss, my apology for being so absent lately.
Her mouth moved against mine, the heat of our connection making my wolf stir, but there wasn’t time to indulge in the passion that brewed between us.
Pulling away, Liza looked into my eyes. “I know your world doesn’t stop just because I’ve got things going on.”
“Wrong,” I corrected her, hoping I could make her see my fierce devotion to her. “You are my world, Liza, and I’d stop the Earth on its axis for you. Your problems are my problems, and we’ll get through them together.”
Reluctantly tearing myself from her embrace, I headed back out the door, steeling myself for whatever awaited me at the main office.
The moment I entered the building, the tension prickled the hairs on the back of my neck. Something was off, and I didn’t like it one bit.
I strode into Tim’s office, and my suspicion was confirmed when I saw Hiram lounging in one of the leather armchairs. My gut clenched. This situation was about to go from bad to worse.
“Tyson,” Tim began, standing up in a huff. What the hell was his problem? “You should have informed me about the deal Maximus proposed. Why you didn’t take it, I have no idea.”
Tim’s accusatory tone had me growling low in my throat, my wolf bristling beneath my skin. “I make certain business decisions without your advice, Tim. You do know that it’s my business, right? That you work for me? I am perfectly capable of making decisions and making deals without you.”
Before I could continue, Hiram cut in. “I heard about Maximus’s little casino plan, Ty, and I wanted to thank you personally for not becoming my competition.
” His eyes flicked over to Tim, who shifted uncomfortably under his gaze.
“A little birdie shared some interesting information with me. It seems Tim here tried reaching out to Maximus to continue negotiations, despite your decision to shut it down.”
My anger flared, and I glared at Tim with barely controlled rage.
“What the fuck’s gotten into you, Tim? You know good and well that you don’t make decisions about my businesses without my knowledge or consent.
You need to remember your damn place.” Tim opened his mouth to defend himself, but I cut him off, my patience wearing thin.
“No. I warned you when you went over my head to sell one of my own damn factories. I’m done.
I’ll see you’re paid till the end of the month. I think it’s best if we part ways.”
For a moment, I thought he’d argue, but he thought better of it. Gritting his teeth, he started clearing out his desk.
Realizing that Hiram was the reason I’d been called in, I turned to him. “Would you like to talk over a drink?”
Hiram agreed, and we left Tim’s office, my irritation still simmering in my blood like one of Liza’s pots on the stove.
As we walked to the parking lot, Hiram glanced over his shoulder. “Keep an eye on that one, Ty. He smells like a rat.”
“Trust me, I plan to.” I nodded, picking up my phone. I called security and asked them to ensure Tim left with nothing more than his own belongings, making it clear he was no longer welcome on the premises. My wolf strained beneath my skin at the betrayal.
We arrived at the bar—a dimly lit establishment with worn leather seats, and the faint aroma of cigar smoke lingering in the air.
The bartender, an old, grizzled man with a thick beard, nodded in our direction as we took our seats.
Hiram and I both ordered whiskey neat, and the amber liquid slid smoothly down my throat, the warmth doing little to quell the burning of my anger.
“Look, I’m grateful for what you did with Maximus. You could’ve just as easily agreed to fund his hell of a venture, leaving me scrambling in the dark to combat new competition.” Hiram took a sip of his own drink. “And to show you my gratitude, I wanted to give you a heads-up about something.”
“I’m listening.” My fingers tightened around the glass. This didn’t sound good.
“Let’s just say... hypothetically speaking, of course, if there was such a thing as shifter trafficking, and hypothetically, your Liza’s name might’ve come up.
” Hiram paused, watching my reaction carefully.
“Maximus has been running his mouth, claiming he’s witnessed things that prove Liza is.
.. more than she seems. There’s talk of getting proof. ”
My grip on the glass threatened to shatter it as my anger surged like wildfire. My wolf snarled within me, desperate to protect our mate. I fought to keep him under control, focusing on Hiram’s words.
“Before you lose it, I want you to know that I stepped in,” Hiram continued.
“I told the underground communications that Maximus is full of shit and just looking for money to fund his failed business ventures. It seems the others believe me, but remember, Ty, it only takes one to believe Maximus. Keep a close eye on your omega and Maximus. He’s working all angles, and I wouldn’t put much past the fucker. ”
“Thank you, Hiram,” I said through gritted teeth.
He smirked. “Told ya I’d make a good ally.”
I forced a grin and slapped him on the back. “Yep, that you are.”
We finished our drinks and parted ways, with me saying I had a few more things to handle before going home. Once I was back in my car, I immediately pulled out my phone to call Isaiah. There wasn’t a moment to waste.
“Hello?” he answered.
“I’m sorry.” I clenched my jaw, wishing I didn’t have to ask my new employee for another favor.
“For what?”
“For putting more on your plate. I’m fully aware that you’re already swamped, but something’s come up.
” I paused and rubbed my temple. “I just had a meeting with Hiram. He’s heard rumblings from the underground.
Maximus is telling everyone about Liza’s powers, and he’s caught the attention of those who are interested in trafficking. ”
“Fuck.” Isaiah was a man of few words, but he sure knew how to briefly summarize a situation.
“Fuck, indeed. I need you to look into this underground business Hiram mentioned. See if there’s any truth to it.”
“Of course. And don’t apologize. This is what you hired me to do. Try not to worry, and I’ll check in soon.” Isaiah hung up first, presumably getting straight to work.
I sat there, gripping the steering wheel, seething with rage. The message I wanted to send Maximus was simple: if he came anywhere near Liza, there would be hell to pay.
The thought of Maximus even thinking about touching Liza was enough to ignite a fury so deep inside me I was afraid I’d explode.
“You’re gonna pay, Maximus,” I said. Making a snap decision, I turned my car toward his residence, an hour away.
As I approached Maximus’s land, I marveled at the wide-open expanse. Presley Acres was more residential and commercial. Maximus’s pack territory was much more rural. A locked gate greeted me—a symbol of his arrogance and false sense of security.
I snorted in derision. That damn thing wouldn’t keep me out. Backing up, I revved the engine, feeling its power beneath me. With a surge of adrenaline, I accelerated forward and broke through the gate with ease.
I laughed maniacally. “Ready or not, Maximus, here I come.”
When I arrived, I observed the immense structure that was Maximus’s residence.
The white house was solid and stood tall, giving off an imposing fortress-like appearance.
The pristine windows and towering columns at the entrance were indications of the wealth and power exuded by every inch of the place, but they didn’t intimidate me.
Ignoring any semblance of decency, I marched up to the door and banged on it with my fist. Not waiting for a response, I pushed it open, striding in like I owned the damn place. Wide-eyed staff stared back at me, one of them frantically speaking into a phone, most likely contacting security.
I held up my hands, smirking. “Nothing to worry about, ladies and gentlemen. I’m just here to visit my good ol’ friend, Maximus.”
At the mention of his name, Maximus appeared at the top of the staircase, looking down at me with utter confusion. His council members emerged from an office behind him, their expressions equally puzzled.
I stared up at him, my eyes blazing with anger. “I know, I know,” I said nonchalantly. “You weren’t expecting me. But you know what? I wasn’t expecting you to make the stupid fucking mistake of trying to sell my mate.”
“Ty, I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Maximus stammered, but his wide-eyed gaze told a different story.
“Cut the bullshit,” I warned. My wolf rose within me, urging me to protect Liza at any cost.
Maximus hesitated before slowly descending the stairs, his eyes locked onto mine, his fear flickering within their depths. He stopped a few steps above the main floor, his body tense as if he were afraid to come any closer.
“Ty, I have no idea what you’re talking about,” he repeated, but the tremble in his voice betrayed his words.
My anger boiled over, and I growled low in my throat. “Don’t play dumb, Maximus. I’ve heard about what you’ve been up to. For your sake, I hope it’s just rumors.” Each word dripped with menace. I didn’t give two shits if it offended him.
“Look—” Maximus tried to speak, but I cut him off with a sharp wave of my hand.
“Let me make myself clear,” I warned, my voice deadly calm. “I have connections everywhere. There isn’t a corner of this world where you could hide from me if I wanted to find you. You and everything you own would be mine in an instant.”
He swallowed hard, sweat glistening on his brow. “Ty, I swear, I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
“Enough!” The thin thread that held my patience at bay snapped, and I allowed the rage of my alpha to pour forth, filling the room with its intoxicating scent, forcing obedience upon all those who dared to challenge me.
I stepped closer, pointing a finger directly at Maximus’s face. “You do not want me as your enemy, Maximus,” I snarled, my words laced with venom. I never thought myself capable of being vicious, but when it came to Liza, my mate, I would burn the whole damn world to the ground to keep her safe.
“Ty, please…” Maximus attempted to interject, but I spoke over him, making sure every word seared itself into his mind.
“Listen carefully. If I so much as hear a whisper about Liza being connected to any dirty dealings you’re trying to make, I’ll ensure you’re licking the dirt off my boots just to earn a penny.”
I allowed my wolf to let out an ear-piercing growl, its power reverberating through the room. Maximus’s eyes widened in terror, and he stumbled backward onto the steps, his body trembling uncontrollably.
“Understood?” My expression was cold and unforgiving, not giving an ounce of room for Maximus to misinterpret my words.
He nodded, too afraid to utter a single word.
The staff members around me scattered like frightened mice, their eyes wide as they hurried to escape my alpha presence. Fear laced Maximus’s voice as he continued to play dumb, assuring me I wouldn’t hear anything else about Liza’s involvement in his business.
“Ty, I promise you, I had no idea,” he stammered.
My gaze swept over his councilors, who had backed themselves up against the wall, desperate to put as much distance between us as possible.
Their faces were a mixture of shock and horror, clearly not accustomed to seeing their leader so thoroughly cowed.
Bitter satisfaction welled up within me at the sight.
“Good,” I growled, turning away from Maximus, and stomping toward the door. “I hope this little display has taught you a lesson.”
As I stalked past the remaining staff members, their bodies stiffened, and they averted their eyes.
Maximus’s council and staff would remember this day, and it would serve as a reminder of the consequences of crossing me. Adrenaline pulsed through my bloodstream, the protective instincts for my mate fueling my every move.
Embarrassing Maximus in front of his staff and council should do the trick. If it didn’t… well, I’d have no qualms about tearing him apart, limb by limb.
“Remember, Maximus,” I called over my shoulder as I walked out the door. “Liza is off-limits. Cross me again, and you’ll regret being born.”
With that, I slammed the door behind me, leaving him to contemplate the gravity of his actions. I reveled in the power I held over him. It was thrilling, invigorating, and it left me feeling more alive than ever before.
“Maximus,” I said under my breath, my eyes narrowing. “You’d better pray this is the end of it.”
The engine of my car roared to life after I climbed in, gripping the gear shift tightly. With one last look at Maximus’s house, a cold resolve settled over me.
“Because if it’s not, I’ll bring your fucking world crashing down around you.”