***[POV: Lovestruck Billionaire CEO]***
The boardroom fell silent as I finished my presentation. The display projected behind me showing the
final figures
we expect for the next quarter.
Twelve pairs of eyes, the ranking members of the board, stared back at me. Impressed nods and calculating stares.
Nothing so different from any day. As easy as ever to
maintain
a calm, authoritative tone like the one I’d
perfected
over the years.
"Any questions before we move on to development timelines?"
My Beta raised a hand from his position at the far end of the table. Standing in
for his father
today - and fielding the question he was
told to
by Claire.
"These projections seem conservative compared to last quarter’s performance. Are we anticipating some market resistance to the news of a new product line?"
Before I could answer as planned, my earpiece gave a soft, distinctive chime. A sound I’d specifically assigned to just
one new contact
.
A sound I had not expected to hear so very soon. It took every ounce of
self-control
not to react visibly.
The tablet in my hand sits down upon the table with
deliberate
care as I address the room.
"Good observation. While we’re confident in the product, we’ve factored in a number of factors. Like the semiconductor shortage and shipping delays from our suppliers. My assistant will be sending a detailed risk assessment document. Look for it in your inboxes by end of day."
My assistant nodded from her position near the door, her fingers already dancing across her own tablet to make note. While she didn’t look up, I
knew
she’d caught the change in how I spoke everything at once.
As did my Beta. It wasn’t how we
rehearsed
it.
"I need to step out for a moment. Schultz, please walk them through the development timeline in section four."
Our
Chief of R&D
stood as I exited the boardroom. I gave my assistant a slight nod at her glance as I passed.
Signalling that she should do her best to hold any interruptions unless
absolutely critical
. Same as
pack business
emergencies.
Once in the hallway, I moved to a small window with a view of the city below. Somewhere out there, she was reaching out... and I
needed
to know if it was for help - or
something else
.
"Lodestar. Read message."
I murmured the voice command, activating the software on my phone through my earpiece mic. The artificial voice of
Lunarizon’s corporate AI
read the message right into my ear.
"You can come get that car whenever you need it. No need to wait for permission or send a driver to pick it up."
A smile pulled at my cheeks. No
wasted
introduction or greeting. Just a formal sounding text.
Even though it was in a
synthesized
voice, I could almost picture my potential mate standing before me with her chin raised up.
"Lodestar, reply: Thank you. I was starting to worry about the motel owner having it towed."
I tried to keep my tone neutral for the
voice-to-text
... not wanting it to send a mistaken word.
But I really was
inordinately
happy. I don’t think I’ve ever been so... excited to send anyone a simple message.
Perhaps years ago, when my company
won its first contract
and I called my father? But it’s still not the same.
I quickly felt the
inadequacy
of my response. It didn’t really offer her anything to
continue the conversation
.
"Lodestar, add message: Are you doing alright?"
There. A simple question, nothing that should
pressure
her. I think.
But hopefully enough to show I cared about more than just the vehicle? There are some things in there I would not like to lose, but none really amount to
what I have to gain
.
The wait for her response felt
endless
. Tilting my watch up showed barely a minute had passed.
I stared out at the city, wondering where
exactly
she was right now. Still resting? Looking around the city?
What she was doing. If she is safe. In the reflection I see my eyes have
changed
a little so I close them and count to ten.
The chime sounded again when I hit six... and my heart rate picked up as I
ordered
it to be read.
"Your scent marking around the motel was very excessive and obvious. Did you think no one would notice and grow curious?"
A
snort
escaped me before I could suppress it. Direct and unafraid -
calling me out
on behavior that no one in my pack would dare mention in quite that way.
If they make an accusation it is meant to
tear me down
and suggest weakness. But her sharp tongue... is
different
.
Something warm unfurled in my chest that made me start speaking.
"Lodestar, reply: I apologize. It wasn’t subtle, was it? Force of habit. When I’m concerned. About someone of mine’s safety."
I winced the moment after I sent the reply without thinking.
The
possessiveness
of a mate had slipped out, a reflection of how my wolf viewed her. Rather than trying to carefully build toward something...
The boardroom door opened down the hall as I started
feeling angsty
. Claire emerged in her professional attire, short heels clicking toward me.
"They’re asking about the European market expansion now. And Laurenson is using your absence to suggest delaying the new sustainability initiatives for the short term."
Of course he was. Michael Laurenson, Head of Operations, never missed an opportunity to push a different agenda than
my vision
.
"I’ll handle it. Give me a minute more."
My attention would be
divided
if I can’t get a hold of myself. I see Claire’s eyes flicking to my earpiece, then back to my face.
"Take your time. I told them you were fielding an urgent call from international partners."
I nodded my thanks. My assistant always knew some of what was happening
without being told
.
It was why she was
invaluable
... and why she will probably figure things out first. I should tell her and get ahead of it, if I’m going to act like this in the middle of office hours.
The chime sounded again and I had to force myself not to react visibly because I
was not alone
. But I still softly spoke the command.
"I am not ’yours’ in any sense of the word. And your concern, while noted, is unnecessary. I can take care of myself."
My lips curved into a smile I couldn’t suppress. Even though the response could not at all be called ’positive’.
Fierce, proud, independent - exactly as she’d been the day we met. My wolf didn’t bristle the slightest at the ’rejection’.
Neither of us would have it another way,
yet
.
"Lodestar, reply: You’re absolutely right. Poor choice of words on my part. The protective instinct isn’t always easy to temper, but that’s my problem to manage, not yours."
Claire cleared her throat softly. Reminding me that an
uncommon softness
had been in my voice.
"Go ahead. I’ll be back inside in forty five seconds."
She nodded at my promise as my forehead pressed against the
cool glass
of the window. Counting the seconds, I turn around at twenty - but pause in only a few steps when I hear my earpiece mention an
image
was sent.
Knowing that I shouldn’t, not before getting back to
business
, I still pull my phone from my pocket. Unhesitatingly opening the attachment.
On my screen was Citra, all
exasperation
and
annoyance
. Gray eyes narrowed and lips pressed into a thin line.
Despite being sent the
clearly irritated
expression, she looked
beautiful
. Vibrant.
No
message
accompanied the photo. But none was needed. The image said everything.
"Lodestar, reply: Message received, loud and clear. I’ll do better to make my Princess happy."
I slipped my phone into my pocket and straightened my suit jacket, using
valuable seconds
to regain an aloof face. Hiding the brightness in my eyes may be a fool’s errand.
But they can just think I discussed something good with our partners. A business deal, instead of the more
precious truth
.
My hope... is that she will send me
even more
angry selfies. As many as she likes, until she grows
comfortable enough
for smiles.