NALEDI’S POV
Caellum invaded my senses.
Somehow he managed to command my attention every time he walked into a room. Just like he did now as he told us of his plan for the current shortage of goods in the factory.
“The shipment will be arriving within the month.” He said, shocking me. When I asked for specifics, I didn’t think he was going to humour me with an actual answer.
In fact, I was looking to pick a fight with him, get him to exchange a few words with me, and see if we could get back to what we used to be. I hated the fact things were awkward and strained between us now.
“Then we need to be ready,” Matteo said, looking between us. “I’ll prepare some of our trusted men for the operation. You can leave it to me.”
I shook my head. “We need a plan. Readying some men won’t cut it. If we do not have the backing of the president, then we need to be prepared for every situation.” My gaze finally met Caellum’s strong ones. “From the little experience I have, I figured that we don’t only have the threats of having the government seize the goods, but also the external forces.”
That caught his attention. “What external forces?”
I looked at him like he gained a second head. “We might be the wealthiest but that doesn’t mean there are not people, gangs and packs seeking to take our place.”
“Do you think I can be crossed by some fucking wannabe rival?” He hissed, reeking of ego.
“Who knows? Better safe than sorry.” I shrugged, looking like I hadn’t just indirectly told my mate and Alpha that he could be nicked of his shipment.
Sue me.
I felt his gaze hard on me and the room degree went down a couple notches. Goosebumps spread across my arm. Maybe I bit more than I could chew this time. With the increased silence, I bit my tongue, near darned ready to apologize when he spoke before me.
“The Cosa Nostra has a reputation that precedes us Naledi.” His tone was cold and cutting. “I’d love to see the person with the balls to try and step on my toes.”
His tone packed the threats he dished, and something told me he knew exactly what he was saying. I’d hate to be the other guy.
“Regardless, since you are too interested in the details, I’ll place you and Matteo in charge of seeing to the safe delivery of the goods. Is that fine?” He asked, looking between me and Matteo, who looked like he wanted anyone but me on the job.
“Fine by me.” I yapped, waiting for the other shoe to drop.
“Deal.” Matteo murmured and my jaws nearly hit the floor.
“Is there a problem, Naledi?” Caellum asked, and I gathered my jaws, regaining posture. “Do you have a problem working with Matteo?” His gaze found Matteo. “Is there something I should know?”
I heard the accusation in his tone. And boy did it upset me. Did he think I was that crazy to have an affair with his fucking beta? Just what did he take me for?
“No, Alpha.” Matteo was piqued but I was not satisfied. Apparently, neither was Caellum, because he turned right around and asked me the same freaking question.
“And you, Naledi? Is there something you wish to tell me?”
I fought the urge to tell him it was going to be hard concentrating with Matteo’s rock-hard abs, and his mesmerizing kissable lips, but even I knew that was a lie, and the last thing I needed was to add another reason to Matteo’s pile of reasons-why-I-hate-Naledi.
“Fine.” I bit back.
Caellum looked between us and then nodded. “That will be it then, let me know as soon as you come up with a plan.” We nodded and joined him as he got on his feet. He looked straight at me, “Walk with me.”
Once again, the atmosphere was strained. Not because it was odd having Caellum request my presence but because for the first time after the heat, he was publicly talking to me, and requesting for my presence.
Caellum didn’t wait to hear my response. He walked right out, with Matteo hot on his tail, while I followed reluctantly. I couldn’t afford to be in a room with him. Not to talk of walking side by side with him when it would be clear to all and sundry that I had refused to mark my mate, the Alpha.
I adjusted my scarf, trying to cover the mark yet knowing fully well that I reeked of the man who placed that mark. Covering it was just a formality at this point. One I was willing to go through if it meant a decreased look of scorn and confusion that would be thrown my way.
Matteo stopped right in front of the Alpha’s house, having finished his little conversation with Caellum, much to my disappointment. I naturally took his place as we walked in silence.
Caellum walked into his building with me on his tail and suddenly came to a screeching halt. “What the fuck are you doing here?” He seethed, and my face morphed in confusion.
“I have a business proposal.”
I knew that voice, I stepped into sight and there they were. Alpha Alek, Caellum’s father’s idea of a mate for Caellum, and Arturo Devil. All three of them, standing in my fucking seating room.
“You marked her?” Sure enough, Arturo acted out his last name, speaking in an incredulously condescending tone.
Caellum ignored the shit out of his father. “The last time I checked, I do not do business with the Russian Bravta pack. Neither did I welcome you to my home. Who the fuck let you in?”
“I did.” His father supplied. “It’s about time you put away that useless beef between you both and work together like I and his father used to.”
“I am under no obligation to maintain whatever fucking relationship you have with them, Arturo!” Caellum yelled, and the room just got a bit smaller. “I do whatever the fuck I want, and the last time I checked, I am the Alpha. Why do I feel like I’ve been saying the same thing over and over again these days?”
“Trust me, I want nothing to do with you,” Alek said with a smirk. “Especially one who thinks it’s alright to make a move on my woman behind my back.”