Chapter 79 79
Xavier's Pov
I had several problems—three, to be exact.
One was Jason. Two was my CFO’s monotone drone as he discussed Dominion Industries latest fiscal quarter. He was competent, but his voice could put a bear on cocaine to sleep.
Three…
My jaw ticked.
Alpha Roman's reemergence in my life.
Chloe's wedding was scheduled for the end of December. It was just three weeks away. Three weeks was concrete but three weeks made me want to burn the whole fucking church down knowing Roman, that fucker might interrupt the wedding and I didn't want any of that.
“We’re done for the day.” My dismissal popped up in the chat and brought the proceedings to a crashing halt.
The members of the executive team gaped at me. Apparently, they couldn’t conceive of why I wouldn’t want to listen to them discuss earnings and dividends for hours on end.
“But sir, we haven’t…” The CFO faltered at my glare. “Of course. I’ll send the full reports to you right away so you can review them at your leisure.”
I logged off, restless. The thunderstorm outside matched my mood and cast a dreary gray pall over my hotel room. At least I wasn’t at my corporate headquarters, suffering constant interruptions. I hated the song and dance of corporate life. The bowing, the scraping, the ass-kissing from yes-men who would leap into an ocean of piranhas if I told them to.
I’d raised Dominion Industries to what it is now. At first, the challenge had intoxicated me and so did the money and status that came with it. However, after ten years of stocks, mergers, and product launches, I was so bored I’d contemplated shooting someone just to liven things up. Perhaps I should pay Roman a visit and use him as an example. But then I thought of Chloe's safety. Roman was a devilish bastard and his men wouldn't hesitate to seek revenge for their Northern Leader. A sigh escaped me. I couldn’t make my move yet. But when I did, it would be thorough. It was better to take one’s time and do something properly than rush into it—no matter how badly I wanted to smash his face in.
I pulled out my phone, swiping through pictures of my mate — Chloe, my one and only woman. I didn't think I'd ever love anyone like this. It was like I was bewitched and I liked it. I love her so much that staying away from her hurts physically. I wanted her so badly it hurt.
I remember her words about not being ready. I understood what she meant. She'd just been ripped away from the arms of her old lover so there were still wounds to lick but fuck it, that was weeks ago! She didn't understand how much I wanted her.
‘Patience.’ My wolf whispered to me. ‘Force yourself on her and she'll hate you forever. Want to lose her forever before you even have her?’
“No!” I shook my head frantically.
‘Then, let her heal.’
“I guess I should.”
I decided to listen to my wolf. Forcing myself on Chloe wouldn't augur well for our relationship especially when I wanted her to bear my heir.
After half an hour of jerking off to the picture of Chloe, I poured myself a glass of scotch. Everything I’d consumed tasted like paper, but I downed the drink anyway.
As I swiped through my phone, I saw old pictures of me and Jason. The first was at the Greenwood Gallery where we'd first met. He helped me with my speech because I was flat-out drunk. At that time, he was working for Alpha Roman. I told him to quit and hired him on the spot. I didn't know he had been dating Chloe. He had seen her first but I was the one who claimed her?
But if Jason and I hadn't met, I wouldn't have seen Chloe or even make her mine.
If I had bottled up my desire, I would’ve kept watch from afar as they would get married. If I had bottled up my desire and pretended everything was fine, I would’ve killed him out of jealousy. I would've been trapped in a hellish limbo where I couldn’t act either way. I couldn’t have her, and I couldn’t kill him. But I didn't bottle up my feelings like a coward. I came forward and claimed Chloe.
I finished a second glass of scotch and returned to my desk.
My obsession with Chloe was a double-edged sword. I craved her presence even when it drove me mad; I fixated on her absence even when it consumed my thoughts. Whether she was near or far, I suffered.
I missed her.
I whipped out my phone and dialled my driver.
When he picked up, I ignored all forms of pleasantries and gave the order : “Ready the car. I'm going home.”
I couldn't wait to be in her arms again.
Chloe had brought our versions of myself I didn't know existed.
I hadn't slept at all because the anticipation of her hourly texts made doing anything else almost impossible
I wasn't one to live systems but it all changed when I met Chloe. She made me have seven hours of sleep a night, evening workouts three times a week in the private gym, and continued with work and important meetings in the morning when I was sharpest, followed by duller tasks in the afternoon. The discipline had catapulted me to a different standard. It made me want to be better for her and I wanted that. I understand she might be upset about making decisions behind her back especially with the Healer wristband… but if I didn't do that, where would I get the money to spoil here? She deserved everything and I meant every word and I would go through lengths to make sure she's happy.
I grabbed my coat and opened the door. Gamma Rayes and a few other gentlemen entered the room and reached for my suitcase.
Raye's brows furrowed. “The meeting won't be over till tomorrow. You're leaving already?”
“Yeah.” I said, making my way out of my room.
“Well, you weren't the only one who left. I saw Alpha Roman leave a few hours ago.” He added.
The mention of Roman made me tighten my jaw but the feeling wasn't as strong as what I felt for Chloe. Her absence proved more of a distraction than her presence and I needed her in my arms.
“I don't care. Is the car ready?” I asked.
“Yes, Alpha.” Raye replied.
“Then let's go. I miss my mate.” As if I conjured her up, I received a text from Chloe. She was getting ready to go to bed.
I typed back with a smile. “I'll be home soon, darling.”