Chapter 187
Elena's POV
The afternoon sunlight streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows, casting long shadows across the polished hardwood floor. I stood at the edge of the room, watching him work, feeling that familiar acceleration of my heartbeat—a sensation that hadn't diminished even after becoming his mate.
He looked up, catching me staring, and the corner of his mouth lifted. "See something you like?"
Heat crept up my neck. "Maybe."
"Come here." Not a request. With Caleb, it never was.
I crossed to his desk, and he pulled me unceremoniously onto his lap, burying his face in the curve of my neck where his mark rested—permanent, indelible. The gesture was both possessive and tender, entirely him.
"You're a little tense," I murmured, threading my fingers through his hair.
"Marcus sent a message." His voice vibrated against my skin. "Wants me back at the manor tonight. Says there's something important to announce."
I pulled back slightly to look at him, catching the flicker of uncertainty in his eyes. "What do you think it is?"
"No idea." His fingers traced absent circles at my waist. "But he specifically said to be on time. Used the phrase 'family meeting.'"
I pressed my palm to his chest, feeling the steady rhythm of his heartbeat. "Do you want me to come with you?"
He was silent for a moment, amber eyes searching mine. "Yes." Then, softer, "I need you there."
This kind of unguarded vulnerability always made my chest tighten. I leaned in and kissed him, slow and deliberate. "Then I'll be there. We'll face it together, whatever it is."
He deepened the kiss, his palm sliding to the nape of my neck, pulling me closer with that intensity that melted me every time. When we broke apart, we were both slightly breathless.
"I love you," he murmured, his thumb brushing my lower lip. "You know that?"
"I know." I smiled, catching his thumb and biting down gently. "I love you too. Now let me up—we both still have things to do."
"Five more minutes."
"You said that five minutes ago."
"Then another five minutes." He pulled me tighter, resting his chin on my shoulder. "Let me enjoy this. I need to... recharge before facing them."
My heart melted. I relaxed against him, one hand sliding into his hair. "Okay. Five minutes."
We sat like that in silence—his breath against my neck, my fingers combing through his hair, just the two of us breathing in sync with the low hum of the city in the distance. These moments—quiet, intimate, wordless—were the ones I treasured most.
---
Blackwood Manor looked particularly imposing in the twilight, every window ablaze with light. Caleb's hand tightened on the steering wheel, and I reached over to cover it.
"I'm here," I reminded him.
"I know." He turned his palm up, lacing our fingers together. "It makes all the difference."
As we got out of the car, the front door opened and Isabella stood in the doorway. Her lips thinned slightly when she saw me, but she said nothing, simply stepping back to let us in.
"He's waiting in the study," she said curtly, then turned to Caleb, her expression complex.
Caleb merely nodded, his hand still clasping mine. We walked together toward the study, and I could feel the tension coiling through his body.
Marcus stood by the study's fireplace, a glass of whiskey in his hand.
"Caleb." Marcus turned, nodding when he saw me. "Elena. I'm glad you could both make it. Please, sit."
This time we sat, side by side on the sofa, hands still clasped.
Marcus cleared his throat and set down his glass. "I'll get straight to the point. Over the past few months, the board and I have been discussing the company's future direction." He paused, his gaze settling on Caleb. "Your AI division has exceeded all expectations. The innovation and revenue you've brought in have changed the entire trajectory of the company."
Caleb's face remained impassive, but I felt his fingers tighten around mine.
"Therefore," Marcus continued, something in his voice I'd never heard before—perhaps pride, perhaps regret, "the board voted unanimously a few days ago to appoint you as Vice President of Vance Industries, effective immediately."
The air in the room seemed to freeze. I turned to look at Caleb, catching a flash of shock across his features.
"Vice President," he repeated, his voice steady.
"Yes." Marcus's gaze was firm. "You've earned this position, Caleb. Not because you're my son, but because you've proven your capability. The board has seen the numbers. They've seen your leadership. This is what you deserve."
"You're not giving this position to Damon?" Caleb asked.
"He'll be going to Aetheria. The academy has offered him a place in their MBA program. He... agreed. Thought a change of environment would do him good."
Something in Marcus's tone told me this wasn't entirely Damon's choice, but not entirely forced either. Perhaps some middle ground—a chance to escape, a chance to find himself without his brother's shadow.
"When does he leave?"
"Next week." Marcus paused. "He... asked me to tell you to take good care of Elena."
My chest tightened at that, and I saw Caleb's jaw clench before his hand tightened around mine.
"I don't need him to tell me that," he said.
His damned possessiveness was stronger than ever.
"There's one more thing." Marcus pulled a folder from the desk drawer and handed it to Caleb. "These are the official documents for your new position. Salary, benefits, equity." He paused, his gaze briefly touching me before returning to Caleb. "Enough to build your own life. Your own family. However you want it."
The corner of my mouth lifted. Perhaps he didn't know just how substantial Caleb's financial resources already were.
Caleb opened the folder, scanning the documents. He said nothing, simply closed it slowly and looked up at Marcus.
"Thank you," he said, simple and sincere.
Marcus nodded, some understanding passing between them. This wasn't forgiveness. But it was a beginning. An acknowledgment. A chance to move forward.
We left shortly after, Caleb quiet throughout the entire drive.
When we returned to the manor, Caleb was unusually silent. He removed his coat, his movements more deliberate than usual, avoiding my gaze.
"Caleb?" I leaned against the doorframe, watching him. "Are you okay?"
"Mm." He poured himself a whiskey, still facing away from me. "Just thinking... Damon leaves next week."
I waited, sensing something beneath his words.
"What do you think about that?" He finally turned, amber eyes fixed on me with an intensity that made my pulse quicken.
"What do I think?" I walked slowly toward him. "I think it's good for him. A fresh start."
"That's all?" His fingers tightened around the glass. "No... other feelings?"
Understanding hit me like lightning. I stopped in front of him, lifting my hand to his cheek. "Caleb, what are you asking me?"
His jaw tensed. "I just want to know—" He paused, seeming to struggle with himself. "Do you still care about him?"
"I do," I said honestly, watching pain flash through his eyes. "The way I'd remember someone I once knew. A past that's already ended."
"Elena—"
"But I don't long for him to be here," I interrupted, cupping his face in both hands, forcing him to look at me. "I don't wish he'd stayed. Do you understand?"
He set down the glass, his hands sliding to my waist, pulling me closer. "I hate this," he admitted in a low voice. "Hate that my mind keeps thinking you might—"
"I wouldn't." My voice was firm. "I chose you, Caleb. Not because I had no other choice. Because you are what I want. The only thing I want."
He took a deep breath, pressing his forehead to mine. "I'm sorry. I know it's ridiculous. It's just—"
"Not ridiculous." I brushed a gentle kiss across his lips. "It's human. But you need to trust me. Trust us."
"I do trust." His arms tightened, almost desperately. "I'm just... still learning how not to be afraid of losing you."
"Then let me help you learn," I whispered, deepening the kiss. "One day at a time. One reminder at a time."
When he finally relaxed, lifting me into his arms and heading for the stairs, he whispered in my ear, "You're mine."
"I'm yours," I confirmed. "Always."