33. Chapter 33
Chapter 33
Liam
“So, as you can see, Manticore’s software is faster, smarter, and designed to adapt, so you’re always ahead of the curve, not struggling to keep up.” I said with confidence as we pitched our software to Woodard Inc’s CEO, one of the clients we’d set our sights on.
Our party, which was a disaster in our eyes, wasn’t so bad after all. The bonded alphas saw how we saved Celeste, cementing the idea that we were a legitimate courtship and worthy pack for an heiress. Even though we’d fought several alphas in the struggle, we’d come out on top. That’s why we were currently meeting with Charles Woodard, who had so far been an elusive target for both Manticore and Harringday.
“Well boys, I held out for so long. But it’s time for a change. I trust that you can assist in the transition to a new enterprise system for us.” he said, and stood to shake on it.
“You are in great hands, have no doubt. We will be with you for every step,” Dante replied, and Charles nodded at us.
“I’d expect nothing less. You’ll hear from my team on Monday.” Charles said before leaving the conference room.
Once he was gone, the mood changed. We shook off our air of cohesion and looked at each other, the strain of the past few weeks obviously affecting our bond. It was clear that after both Vigo and I had been out with Celeste on our own, the overwhelming draw of a scent match was stronger than our willpower. We’d both been physical with Celeste, and I was worried about Dante. He could feel the draw to mate with her, and yet he had the strongest reason to despise her.
But there was something else going on. More to Celeste than we thought. And we needed to talk about it.
“That went well.” Vigo said, breaking the ice. “I thought no one would ever get Charles as a client. We got him in just under two months.” He said, referring to our plan.
“Yes, ever since we set this in motion, we’ve been winning.” I added. Even through Celeste being our match was complicating things on a personal level, we’d been absolutely crushing it business wise.
“At what cost?” Dante said, his face serious as he placed his hands on the conference table. “The longer we keep her around, the more entangled you two will get. Don’t think I haven’t noticed how you treat her now.” He said.
“I guess we needed to talk about this eventually.” Vigo said, with a sigh. “Dante, I know we all thought she was the villain behind the way Harringday changed when she took on the role. But we haven’t found any evidence so far that she’s the mastermind behind any of the atrocities that we suspected.” He said, referring to the things we knew Harringday was doing out of the public eye.
Dante opened his mouth to protest, but I spoke up. “He’s right. If anything, all we’ve found so far is that she is actually doing more to improve conditions there than we thought. It might be time to consider that she’s not who we thought.” I finished, feeling Dante’s feelings of betrayal and disbelief through the bond.
“You can’t know that!” He said, incredulously. “You’re clearly letting the scent match mess with your thoughts! And don’t try to deny it. I can’t believe all it took was some cheap omega sex for the both of you to completely abandon your ideals!” He snarled, and I felt a wave of protectiveness for Celeste rise up in me.
“Stop arguing!” Vigo interjected, his blue eyes stormy as he glared at us. “This shouldn’t be a wedge driving us apart. If we go down this path, all our work is for nothing.” He admonished us. “We can get an answer. It’s just going to take time.” He turned to face Dante. “I know this sucks. None of us wanted it. And we will get justice. Harringday needs to be held responsible.” Dante sat back, his animosity slowly being tamed.
“However, we do need to make sure we aren’t being blinded by our feelings, in either direction, toward the truth. And that means we need to examine all angles.” Vigo looked sincere as he tried to make his case. “We owe it to ourselves to know her better. While the scent match is a complication, it’s also a way to get to know her in a way we couldn't before.” He pleaded.
Dante didn’t look moved. He pinched his brow, then spoke. “It would be incredibly difficult to be in her position and not be the one responsible for what Harringday has done.”
He knew the most about her involvement in illicit activities, but that didn’t necessarily mean we had solid proof. Dante kept going.
“For decades, Harringday kept a monopoly in place and suppressed wages and rights. We’re finally making headway here, don’t let your feelings for an omega erase all the harm that she and her family have caused.” I felt Vigo soften through our bond, realizing Dante’s passion for justice would always override his biological urges to bond with Celeste. He turned to face Dante, considering his argument before responding.
“Let’s look at the benefits here. Since she’s our match, there are ways to get her to conform to our ideas. We might even get her to open up, be more honest with us. Let’s use it to our advantage while we have her so close.” He said, his voice resolute. “And Dante, if she’s behind it… We will get justice.”
Dante’s jaw clenched, the flicker of emotion behind his eyes betraying the internal war raging within him. He wasn’t just angry - he was afraid. Afraid of being wrong.
“I don’t like it,” he muttered, voice low. “I don’t trust her.”
Vigo stepped forward, steady as ever. “We’re not asking you to trust her. Just trust us . Use the bond to get closer, to learn more - not to forget.” After a pause, Dante exhaled and gave a stiff nod. “Fine. I’ll give it time. But if she’s not who you think she is, and if this is just another lie - I’ll be the first to burn it down.” The room fell quiet, the storm outside echoing the tension between us. For now, it wasn't a resolution. But it was enough.