Chapter 10
OR IT WON'T JUST BE YOUR CAREER ON THE LINE.
I strolled into the war room, using every bit of my concentration to appear unconcerned, even though it felt like my heart might explode through my chest. The large wall screen flickered to life, and Zandia's face filled the space. Her features were twisted into a scowl, her eyes narrowed.
"Finally decided to join us, Parker?" she snapped. "I don't have all day."
Before I could even think of a retort, Trux stepped forward, his voice a low growl. "You will speak to her with respect, Zandia."
My annoyance at Zandia's snarky comment was momentarily overshadowed by the swell of pride I felt for Trux standing up to her. Still, I knew better than to let them continue down this path. It would only lead to another fight.
"Zandia," I said firmly, catching her attention. "We've arrived at the facility, and we're getting settled in."
"Obviously." Her glare shifted from Trux back to me.
We were both on edge, but I had to keep my focus. My demonic powers had a tendency to act erratically when emotions ran high, and the last thing I needed was an accidental outburst. Or worse, this building burning down, too.
"Get on with it, Parker," Zandia spat, her voice laced with venom. "What's your plan for dealing with the bias issue in the division?"
I took a deep breath, trying to ignore the prickling heat under my skin that threatened to unleash my demonic powers or Cerbie.
"As soon as my promotion is announced to the teams, we'll only have a short amount of time to figure out who the problem is before the chance of retaliation increases until there's eventually an incident. "
She studied me for a moment, her eyes narrowing as if weighing the worth of my words.
Finally, she nodded. "I agree with that assessment.
That's why I didn't make a formal announcement, but only gave direct messages to those who could help facilitate the takeover of the property and management.
" I couldn't help but notice the satisfaction in her tone, as though she had been waiting for a chance to reveal her clever maneuver.
"Good," I said, my own voice strained. "So now we can focus on what needs to be done here."
"Indeed," Zandia confirmed, her expression softening ever so slightly. "The incident from yesterday has been cleaned up and a cover story presented to everyone involved at the bar."
"Thank you for the update, Zandia," I managed to choke out. It was all I could do to keep my voice steady as my mind raced with thoughts of how we would handle the impending challenges.
"Of course," she replied coolly, her eyes still locked on mine.
Silence filled the room, but no one spoke. I wasn't sure what she was waiting for me to say.
"Alright, Parker," Zandia's voice cut through the tension in the room like a knife. "Let's hear your approach."
I paced back and forth, my mind racing as I tried to piece together a strategy.
My demon side threatened to surface, but I held it at bay.
I couldn't afford to lose control now. Cerbie in tattoo form moved along my back until he rested on my chest. It distracted me enough to keep my powers in check for now.
"First, we'll use our team to relay to the other teams that they need to report one by one," I said, feeling the weight of everyone's gaze on me. "After getting a briefing from my mates, we'll work out which teams to bring in first."
"Simple enough," Zandia sneered, her annoyance evident. "But will it be effective?"
"Sometimes, simple is best," I shot back, my exhaustion making me bold. "Especially when we're running on little sleep."
"Fine," she conceded, though her tone suggested otherwise. "Just make sure this issue gets resolved, Parker. Or it won't just be your career on the line."
With that ominous remark, Zandia disconnected the video, leaving us all standing in tense silence. I clenched my fists, resisting the urge to punch the screen where her face had just been. I swear, she was the most annoying person I knew… Second most annoying. I didn't think anyone could beat Ro.
"Get some rest, Parker," Trux murmured, his large hand resting on my shoulder. "Tomorrow will be a better day to tackle this problem and the briefings."
"Thanks, Trux," I managed a weak smile, grateful for his support. "You're right. A good night's sleep should help clear my head."
Seph's laughter filled the room, breaking the tension. "You really put Zandia in her place, Parker," she said, grinning at me. I couldn't help but smile back.
"Thanks, Seph." I pulled her into a hug, appreciating her support. As we embraced, my gaze caught Ryker watching us from across the room. He shifted into a raccoon when he saw me looking, scampering off before I could say anything to him.
Seph noticed too; her expression sobering. "I'm doing my best with Ryker," she admitted quietly. "He just needs a little more time."
"I know," I murmured, releasing her from the embrace. "We still have enough time to finish the mating ritual."
As I spoke, I couldn't help but notice the glare Trux sent in Ryker's direction. A flicker of concern crossed my mind… How fast would the Hesolga progress with Trux, given his already volatile nature? My gaze returned to Seph, realizing she must be feeling the same worry.
"Trux, Rhiot, and I will be alright," Seph assured me, giving me a warm smile. "You should focus on Grayson, Kearan, and Ryker."
Her words offered some comfort, though I knew that each of my mates came with their own unique challenges. The road ahead wouldn't be easy, but I was determined to make it work.
"Okay," I agreed, nodding resolutely. "Together, we'll get through this."
"Exactly," Seph said, her smile widening. "Now go to bed. You'll need your energy for tomorrow."
"Sleep sounds amazing right now," I admitted, stifling a yawn.
"Come on, Parker," Grayson's voice cut through the air as he pulled me from Seph's arms. "Sleep is the first thing you need."
"Grayson's right," Trux chimed in, nodding at Grayson. "I'll take care of gathering info for the team briefing for tomorrow."
"I'll help," Rhiot offered, his eyes glinting with determination. "I know quite a few of the team members. We can gather information together."
"Thanks, guys," I said gratefully, watching as Trux and Rhiot headed over to a workstation, already engrossed in their task.
"Come on, let's get you to bed," Grayson murmured, his warm hand on my back guiding me out of the room.
The feel of his touch sent an involuntary shiver down my spine, but it also anchored me, providing a sense of comfort. I leaned into him as we made our way to my bedroom, exhaustion weighing heavily on my eyelids.
"Here, let me help you," Grayson said softly, undressing me and tucking me into bed with a tenderness that surprised me.
"Will you stay?" I asked, my voice barely more than a whisper. I couldn't seem to hold back the vulnerability seeping into my tone. "Just until I fall asleep?"
"Of course, I promise," he replied, sliding into bed beside me. His warmth enveloped me as we fell into easy conversation, our words mingling with quiet laughter and shared secrets.
His gentle touch traced patterns on my skin, lulling me into a state of relaxation. The scent of him, earthy and inviting, filled my senses and brought calm to my racing thoughts.
"Grayson," I murmured, half-asleep, "I'm glad you're here with me."
"Me too, Parker," he whispered back, his breath tickling my ear. "Sweet dreams."
As sleep finally claimed me, I felt Grayson's presence, a soothing balm to my frayed nerves. And for the first time in days, I surrendered to the darkness with a sense of safety and peace, knowing that Grayson would be there, watching over me until the morning light.
I awoke, my body pressed tightly against a warm, firm form beside me.
A feeling of calm washed over me as I realized that, for once, I'd managed to sleep without any panic or disaster.
Grayson's scent filled my nostrils, and I knew he must have left and come back at some point during the night.
He was now in his boxers, tucked securely under the blankets with me.
I buried my face in his chest hair; the coarse strands tickled my skin and caused a contented sigh to escape my lips.
Grayson stirred, making sleepy noises that sent shivers down my spine.
As I shifted slightly, I became aware of something else…
My fingers were intertwined with someone else's.
Curiosity piqued, I lifted my head and followed the trail of entwined fingers up an arm that belonged to Kearan.
He was sleeping against Grayson's back, his muscular body barely covered by thin pajama pants.
Kearan's shirtless form was a sight to behold, and I took a moment to admire him.
Even in sleep, he seemed guarded, his brow furrowed ever so slightly.
Faint burn scars marred his otherwise flawless skin, leaving me wondering what he'd endured in his life.
As my gaze traveled upward, I met Kearan's eyes.
He was awake, watching me with an unreadable expression.
"Enjoying the view?" Kearan murmured, his voice soft and low. My cheeks burned as I realized he'd been awake, watching me look him over. I stumbled over my words, trying to find a response.