Sitting at his desk, Bram worked over the numbers looking at the bottom line for three of his businesses. The bar was the only one making sense to him, but Tyler had really stepped up to assist here. In the last year, the real estate business had issues, he’d known they were struggling. However, he hadn’t expected the books to be kept so badly. It was the venture he would have to start spending more time at to ensure it stayed above water. Lastly, was his non-profit. He had started it less than a full year ago, but it was taxing. He hadn’t given the new venture half the attention it needed, and he knew that full well. Their numbers weren’t matching up either, but at least he knew why. He hired those who should have been competent of taking care of it, but no new business can do well without good leadership. The fact that he had been absent had taken it’s toll.
He would have Tyler cover the bar with those he trusted most, and send him along to take notes on the non-profit for orphans, and he himself would need to focus on the real estate. Something was happening there, and he needed to figure out what that was. Likely a subordinate that figured his absence allowed them more wiggle room for unscrupulous acts. He frowned at the numbers. At least he had half a plan. Once upon a time, he would have taken this information and run off to correct it immediately. But tonight wasn’t the night for it. There was a reason he had been off the grid more in the last year. A very important reason. One that awaited at home for his return even now. Bram smiled. This information came at a bad time, but all would be fixed soon enough. They could all fail, and it wouldn’t really make a difference in his life. There was one thing that really matter right now, and he was waiting at home for him right now.
Devon’s birthday was coming up soon too. Since he didn’t have any of the original documentation, and Devon had no idea when his actual birthday was, he’d created one that would be special for them. The day they found each other. It was only a week away, and what really was on his mind; regardless of the mess laid out in front of him. The nanny he had set this time had said she knew how to plan a party. She had references and stories she told, but at this point, he still had no idea what they were doing for it, and it was only a week away. It made him angry. He was paying her enough to do anything he wanted, but when he spoke with Devon… it wasn’t going well.
She insisted that she was doing everything to make it as grand as he deserved. He wasn’t happy with whatever was going on, and Bram hadn’t the time to play party planner. He’d asked Tyler’s help, but it wasn’t able to happen. Reason being, with Bram dividing his time, his friend had little left over. Tyler wasn’t as old, and far less disciplined. That is not to say he wasn’t trying his best, though.
Placing the paperwork in a file, Bram tucked them in his briefcase. This needed to be address, and it needed to happen soon. What did he need to do right now? He needed to feed. Then he needed to approach the nanny. There had already been three others in that time span, and they were starting to merge in his memory.
He looked at the dance floor, but there was nothing of interest. What Bram had found was that he truly desired more. Someone to be his partner. Someone who could take the reigns and who would trust him to do the same. But there was no one capable. How did anyone compare with what he was? Tyler was as close as he’d ever gotten, and that alone had taken centuries. What was he going to do?
When the door burst open, Bram sat up straight. It was Tyler. “Boss, you have to come see what is out there. Right. Now.”
“What do you mean?” Asked Bram.
“Daria isn’t doing well right now, right?”
“Right.”
“There’s a girl out here right now that your conscience would never let you lay a hand on, but she is all vim and vigor. And trying to figure out what to do since she was just laid off.” Tyler’s head jerked to the side as if telling Bram he needed to go right then and there.
“Just hire her then. I’ll take care of the other.”
“No, Bram… you need to—”
“I know what I need, and I’m weeks behind on feeding. The nanny will be gone very soon.”
“Can’t we just—”
“No. I need to feed, and none of the women out there are appetizing. I’m angry enough with her… I just, I can take care of it. Then it’ll disappear.”
“If this becomes the norm for you, people will start asking questions.”
“That’s why I need a mate. Someone who can live this life with me. Someone I can trust unconditionally. Someone who can love Devon.” A forever someone. That’s what Devon wanted. That’s what he desired. Bram may never have had need of a mother. Devon deserved one though. It’s what he desired most in life. The unconditional love of family. He’d lived a thousand lives and only seen it a handful of times. But he didn’t doubt it existed. The songs. The stories. It did happen. And it was reveled in. He wanted that experience.
“I understand. Go and eat. We’ll talk again in the morning.” Tyler smiled as he said those words, but Bram knew the ordeal was not over. This talk would come up again. It didn’t matter though. Bram trusted him.
The drive home was uncomfortable. He’d chosen his prey and jumped right on it. She would be waiting at his house, watching his son. He would swoop in and ravage her. The nanny had always made it clear it’s what she wanted. He’d just been trying to be more humane. He hated walking away feeling like a monster.
Yet she wasn’t treating Devon right either. Bram’s son was unhappy. This arrangement just wasn’t working out.
Clicking his fob, he heard the door of his car opening. The elevator dinged behind him. Turning to look, Bram noticed a strawberry blond girl step out. Her wide smile beaming at Tyler as they followed Bram out. Her smell was so enticing, he almost jumped out of his skin. Every fiber in his being was screaming for him to run over there. His heart skipped a number of beats.
*I should have listened to the old goat.* He chuckled. Bringing her out at the same time he was leaving wasn’t an accident. Tyler truly believed there was something that could work here. It was too late though.
He really did have to get back to Devon.