Series: Werewolves of Wall Street Series by Renee Rose
Total pages in book: 69
Estimated words: 66669 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 333(@200wpm)___ 267(@250wpm)___ 222(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 66669 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 333(@200wpm)___ 267(@250wpm)___ 222(@300wpm)
He’s right. I did tell Madison I wanted to see them. I just changed my mind the moment seeing them pissed me off again.
I sweep the room with a challenging gaze, which no one dares to meet. Every employee has their head down over their laptop. Too bad. I was in the mood to fire someone.
I stalk back out, and my cell phone rings. I check the screen. Seeing it’s Ruby, I answer on my way back to my office.
“Brick. I’m just checking in about the Adalwulf Associates board meeting.”
Fuck. Like I didn’t have enough of my mother with Thanksgiving.
“I’m not going,” I say curtly, shutting the door behind me.
Ruby draws a breath. “Really? You’re going to tuck your tail and cower in front of our pack rivals?”
She knows exactly how to goad me. A snarl issues from my throat, loud enough that I worry Madison heard it.
Ruby’s right, of course. As our mother’s heirs, she, Scarlett, and I have seats on the board of Adalwulf and Associates. It was a negotiated part of our parents’ mating agreement. Of course, we’ll never have a real say in anything discussed there, since we don’t hold a majority. So, really, there’s no point at all in attending. But Ruby’s right. Staying away would make me seem weak.
Ruby continues as if I agreed to go. “I was hoping we could go over together. You, me, and Eagle. I can swing by to pick you two up on the way.”
“Fine–but only if we’re finished with the Benson deal. When is it?”
“A week from Friday. It’s already on your calendar–I checked with Madi yesterday.”
I grunt in reply and end the call.
Now I’m really grouchy. There’s no way I’m going to be able to work without taking the edge off.
I stare at the wall between my office and Madison as if I could see through it.
I’ve been calling her into my office for a myriad of inane reasons just to keep her scent here. I can’t be certain if it riles me up or takes the edge off. Either way, it’s like a drug that I need a constant hit from.
“Madison.” I hit the intercom.
She doesn’t answer.
I slam my finger down again. “Madison.”
My wolf spins and snarls, like a beast in a cage. He’s ready to tear the building apart, as if someone kidnapped her. Or–fate forbid–she quit again.
Calm down. I force myself to fill my lungs with air. She’s probably in the restroom. She was at her desk when I went by a moment ago.
Still, I find myself stalking through the top floor to make sure. I don’t catch her scent near the restrooms, nor is she in the kitchen. I have to loosen my tie because I’m too hot under my collar.
I throw open the conference room door, catching the whites of every employees’ eyes before I shut it again.
Not in there.
The elevator dings, and Madison exits in the wool coat I bought her carrying two trays of coffees.
“Where were you?” I demand, even though it’s quite obvious. Like the proactive assistant she is, she already gathered drink orders. “You don’t pick up their coffee orders.”
Madison blinks. “I…do, though.”
“No. Just for the executive team. And I don’t want you doing that anymore, either. From now on, you’ll get them delivered. You don’t step away from that desk unless I give you leave.” I point at the desk as if I’d grounded her, and she left her room without permission.
I know my behavior’s over the top. I’m not sure if I’m subconsciously trying to sabotage our tenuous relationship so she quits again because I can’t take this torture, or if I am really this on edge, and I can’t dial it back anymore.
Fortunately, Madison keeps her cool. “I’m going to bring these coffees into the conference room, and then I’ll come straight to your office.” She holds my gaze with those wide, intelligent eyes.
I hesitate. The stormy part of me doesn’t want to be mollified, but the eye contact settles my wolf. “Fine.” I turn and stalk back to my office.
A moment later, she’s in the doorway, pulling off her coat as she enters. “Yes, sir?”
Yes, sir. Yes. Sir. She thinks I want something.
Damn straight I do. I want something from her right here and now.
I frown at her.
“Are you–” she hesitates. “Are you angry that I saw the inner workings of your family? Is that what’s bothering you?”
I give her massive points for trying to call me out on my shit.
I get up from the desk and stalk toward her, taking her coat and shutting the door behind her.
“No.”
My answer surprises me, but it’s true. I’m actually grateful Madison witnessed my family dynamic with the compassion and understanding she brought.
She straightens the skirt on a black peek-a-boo dress with shoulder cutouts. The need to lick the bare skin there makes it hard to think straight.