Chapter 20 Leander
TWENTY
LEANDER
Two days later, the conference room of Drake Holdings had never felt smaller.
Twelve board members sat around the polished mahogany table, their faces carefully neutral as they prepared to deliver the verdict that would reshape Leander’s entire future.
He’d built this empire from the ashes of his father’s legacy, but nothing—not the most lucrative acquisition, not the most challenging development project—had ever mattered as much as this moment.
Camille sat beside him, her posture straight and composed despite the tension radiating through the mate bond.
She wore a navy pantsuit that made her blue eyes look like sapphires, every inch the accomplished professional she’d always been beneath the socialite facade.
But Leander could see the subtle tremor in her hands where they rested on the table, and could sense the carefully controlled hope she didn’t dare let show.
She deserves this, his lion rumbled with fierce certainty. She deserves everything.
Sterling Montgomery, the silver-haired board chairman who’d known Leander since he was a teenager shadowing his father through these same halls, rose from his seat. The man’s weathered face revealed nothing as he cleared his throat, commanding the attention of everyone present.
“We’ve reviewed Miss St. James’s qualifications extensively,” Sterling began, his voice carrying the authority of someone who’d overseen billion-dollar decisions for three decades.
“Her architectural degree from Columbia, summa cum laude. Her innovative redesign concepts for the Lexington project. Her strategic vision for expanding our client base into previously untapped markets.”
Leander’s jaw clenched. The formal recitation felt like torture when what he wanted was simple confirmation that the woman beside him—his mate, his future wife, the brilliant mind who’d already revolutionized how he approached every project—would officially become his partner in all things.
“The vote was called yesterday evening,” Sterling continued, his gaze moving between Leander and Camille. “After extensive deliberation and careful consideration of all factors involved.”
Get on with it, Leander thought, his lion pacing beneath his skin. The protective instinct that had driven him to kill for her just days ago now demanded he shield her from even the possibility of rejection. But this was her moment, her triumph to claim, and he forced himself to remain still.
Sterling’s stern expression suddenly cracked, revealing a smile that transformed his entire face. “The decision was unanimous. Camille St. James, you are hereby approved as Mr. Drake’s equal business partner, effective immediately.”
The words hit Leander with powerful force—not of pain, but of pure, overwhelming relief. His careful composure shattered as he turned toward Camille, who sat frozen for a heartbeat before her face lit up with a radiance that stole his breath.
He didn’t care about professionalism. Didn’t care about the twelve pairs of eyes watching them. Didn’t care about anything except the woman whose dreams had just become reality.
Leander surged to his feet and pulled Camille into his arms. The kiss he pressed to her lips was fierce and claiming, pouring every ounce of pride and love and possessive satisfaction into the contact.
She melted against him, her arms winding around his neck as she kissed him back with equal fervor.
Mine, his lion purred with deep contentment. My brilliant, extraordinary mate. My partner in everything.
When they broke apart, the conference room erupted in applause. Board members who’d maintained their poker faces throughout the public display of affection were suddenly beaming as they rose to their feet.
“Congratulations, boss,” Sterling said, extending his hand to Camille with a grin. “I have a feeling you’re going to shake things up around here in the best possible way.”
“Thank you,” Camille replied, her voice steady despite the emotion Leander could feel coursing through the bond. “I won’t disappoint any of you.”
She couldn’t disappoint if she tried, Leander thought, watching as each board member took their turn congratulating her, their enthusiasm infectious.
Harrison Smith, the sharp-eyed financial strategist, actually laughed as he shook Camille’s hand. “Your proposal to incorporate sustainable materials into luxury developments? Brilliant. We’ve been trying to crack that market for years.”
“And your suggestion about partnering with local artists for custom installations,” added David Reeves, the marketing director. “That’s going to set us apart from every other firm in the city.”
Leander felt his chest swell with fierce pride as he watched his mate—his partner—handle each interaction with the perfect blend of confidence and humility that made her irresistible.
This brilliant woman was going to make Drake Holdings the premier development firm not just in New York, but in the entire nation. He could feel it in his bones.
“This calls for celebration,” he announced, his voice filled with warmth. His hand found the small of Camille’s back, a possessive touch that grounded them both. “Shall we?”
They made their way toward the elevator, the board members trailing behind with continued congratulations and excited chatter about upcoming projects. But as the elevator doors opened onto the main lobby, Leander felt Camille’s surprise spike through the mate bond.
The entire first floor of Drake Holdings had been transformed.
A massive congratulatory cake sat on the reception desk—three tiers decorated with architectural blueprints rendered in elegant fondant.
Balloons in the company colors created festive clusters throughout the space, and what looked like every single employee had gathered, their faces bright with genuine excitement.
“Surprise!” Travis called out from the center of the crowd, his grin so wide it looked painful. “Did you really think we’d let this moment pass without proper fanfare?”
One hundred employees burst into applause, and Leander felt something shift in his chest as he watched Camille’s eyes fill with tears from the overwhelming emotion.
Not the overwhelmed panic of her first day, when she’d looked like a deer caught in headlights.
This was the good kind of overwhelmed—the kind that came when dreams you’d barely dared to dream suddenly became reality.
“We’re so excited to work for you, Miss St. James,” called out Rebecca from accounting. “Your ideas are going to change everything!”
“To the future of Drake Holdings!” someone else shouted, raising a glass of champagne that had materialized from somewhere.
The crowd took up the cheer, voices echoing through the marble lobby with enthusiasm.
Leander pulled Camille closer, his arm tightening around her waist as he surveyed the scene.
Ten days ago, he’d been living an isolated, controlled existence, his emotional walls so high he’d convinced himself he preferred solitude.
Now he felt so full—of love, of hope, of joy—that he thought he might actually burst from it.
This is what happiness feels like, he realized with something approaching wonder. This is what it means to have everything.
The celebration in Drake Holdings’ marble lobby gradually wound down, employees drifting back to their desks with lingering smiles and congratulations still echoing through the corridors.
Leander stood beside Camille, his hand resting possessively on her back as they accepted the final round of well-wishes.
The mate bond hummed with her contentment, but beneath it he sensed something else—a quiet determination that made his lion perk up with curiosity.
“We’re taking the rest of the day off,” Camille announced, her voice carrying an authority that sent a thrill through him. His brilliant partner was making executive decisions with the confidence of someone born to command.
“Are we now?” Leander’s mouth curved into an amused smile. “And what did you have in mind? Early celebratory dinner? Champagne at that rooftop place you mentioned?”
She pressed a quick kiss to his cheek and headed toward the elevator. “Give me a minute,” she called over her shoulder. “There’s something I need to grab.”
Leander watched her retreating figure, admiring the confident sway of her hips in that navy pantsuit that had driven him to distraction throughout the entire board meeting.
His lion stretched contentedly, basking in the knowledge that this extraordinary woman belonged to him in every way that mattered.
When Camille finally returned, she carried a single red rose, its petals deep crimson against her pale fingers. The sight struck him as oddly formal, almost ceremonial, and confusion flickered through the bond.
“A rose?” He fell into step beside her as they headed for the door. “Should I be worried you’re planning some elaborate romantic gesture that’s going to make me look inadequate in comparison?”
Her laugh carried a note of something deeper—nervousness, perhaps, or anticipation. “Just trust me.”
Outside Drake Holdings, Manhattan’s afternoon energy swirled around them in waves of honking taxis and hurried pedestrians.
Camille raised her hand with practiced ease, and a yellow cab pulled to the curb within seconds.
As they settled into the worn vinyl seats, Leander expected her to give the driver the name of some trendy restaurant or perhaps coordinates for a surprise he couldn’t fathom.
“Trinity Cemetery,” she said quietly.
The words hit Leander like a punch, stealing the breath from his lungs.
His entire body went rigid as understanding crashed over him—the rose, the careful planning, and the gentle determination he’d sensed through their bond.
Somehow, his brilliant mate had figured out exactly where he needed to go, even when he hadn’t known it himself.
Twelve years. The number echoed in his mind like an accusation. Twelve years since he’d stood at his father’s graveside, since he’d been able to bear the weight of that loss and his own failure to prevent it.
“Camille—” His voice came out rougher than intended.
“It’s okay,” she murmured, her hand finding his and intertwining their fingers. “We don’t have to talk about it. But I think... I think it’s time.”
The cab ride passed in charged silence, Manhattan’s familiar chaos blurring past the windows as they headed toward the cemetery.
Leander’s lion paced restlessly, torn between the desire to flee this emotional vulnerability and the deeper recognition that his mate was offering him something precious—a chance to finally face the ghosts that had haunted him for over a decade.
Trinity Cemetery soon stretched before them in green tranquility, a pocket of peace amid the city’s relentless energy.
Ancient trees cast dappled shadows across weathered headstones, and the distant sounds of traffic faded to a whisper.
Leander’s steps slowed as they walked the familiar path his feet remembered despite the years, muscle memory guiding him toward a destination he’d avoided for far too long.
The headstone stood exactly as he remembered—simple granite etched with elegant script.
James William Drake. Beloved Husband and Father, Visionary, Friend.
Fresh flowers lay at its base, clearly placed by his mother during her regular visits, and the sight sent a pang of guilt through his chest. She’d been carrying this burden alone while he’d hidden behind work and emotional walls.
Camille moved forward without hesitation, kneeling gracefully to place her rose among the existing blooms. The gesture was so natural, so reverent, that Leander felt something crack open inside his chest. She straightened and stepped back, giving him space while staying close enough that he could feel her steady presence.
“I can give you a moment alone if you need it,” she offered softly.
“No.” The word came out more forcefully than he’d intended, and he immediately gentled his tone. “Stay. Please.” His arm slipped around her waist, drawing her against his side where she belonged. “I want you here.”
Leander stared down at the headstone, twelve years of unspoken words crowding his throat. When he finally spoke, his voice carried the weight of accumulated grief and guilt.
“Hi, Dad.” The simple greeting cracked something fundamental inside him. “Sorry it’s taken me twelve years to visit you. I know that’s... that’s not what you would have wanted.”
His father’s voice echoed in his memory—warm, proud, endlessly encouraging. Family comes first, son. Always.
“I found someone you would absolutely love,” Leander continued, his arm tightening around Camille. “She’s going to be my business partner and help spread the vision you always had for the company. We’re going to make you proud, I promise.”
The mate bond pulsed with Camille’s emotion—love, support, and a deep well of understanding that made his lion rumble with contentment.
“She’s also my mate and future wife. I know you’re looking down on us, guiding me toward the life you always wanted me to have.” Tears blurred his vision as the words poured out. “I promise I won’t stay away this long next time. I love you, Dad.”
When he glanced at Camille, tears were streaming down her cheeks, and the sight nearly undid him completely.
They stood in silence for several minutes, the afternoon breeze rustling through the trees as Leander felt his father’s presence more strongly than he had in years.
Peace settled over him like a benediction, the crushing weight of guilt finally beginning to lift.
The walk back to the cemetery entrance felt lighter somehow, as if speaking those words aloud had freed something that had been trapped inside him for too long. In the taxi heading home, Camille’s hand never left his, her thumb tracing gentle circles across his knuckles.
Back at the penthouse, as they stood in the marble foyer surrounded by the trappings of his success, Leander turned to face the woman who’d given him the courage to confront his deepest pain.
“Thank you,” he said simply. “For knowing what I needed before I did. For being brave enough to take me there. It meant everything.”
Camille rose on her toes and kissed him, soft and sweet and full of the love that had transformed his entire world in the span of ten days. When she pulled back, her blue eyes shimmered with emotion.
“That’s what partners do,” she whispered. “We face things together.”
As Leander gathered her into his arms, his lion purring with deep satisfaction, he knew with absolute certainty that this magnificent woman was everything he’d never known he needed—and everything his father would have wanted for him.