I was deep into programming a new firewall when there was a tentative knock on my door. I looked up to find Alannah standing there, looking a little lost. “Are you busy, Amy?”

“For you? Not at all.” I saved my progress and sat back. “What’s up?”

She stepped into the office. “There is someone that wants to come talk to you, but I don’t want him to.”

I lifted my brows. “Why not?”

She looked down. “It’s Ternen.”

I smiled. “Send him in.” I leaned my elbow on the desk. “I wanted to ask about his day yesterday.”

“What, why?” Her head snapped up.

“Because Brandon said he was going to give him a new job in the house. I wanted to see how it went.” I watched her body tense and her face fall. “What’s wrong?”

She shook her head. “It’s nothing.”

“No.” I had a sinking feeling. I stood and walked around my desk, grabbing her hand and pulling her to sit. “Sit.”

“I can’t.” She turned to look at the door. “Ternen is waiting.” I pushed her into the chair and walked to the door, opening it.

Ternen stood with his back to me. “Ternen, come here.” He turned, and I saw his face was still mottled—green, yellow, and light purple. “What the…” I held up my hand and waved him off. “Just come here.” I opened the door and allowed him in. Then I went to grab Rick. “Hey. Are you ready?” His eyes held a bit of confusion, but he nodded.

He slid his chair back and nodded. “Of course.” I went back to the office with him, his eyes landing on Ternen and Alannah. I felt him stiffen, but he didn’t react past that. “Hey guys. How’s everything?”

Ternen and Alannah just smiled. “It’s okay.” His voice was softer than normal. Rougher. Like he screamed for too long. I felt my anger spike, but I pushed it down.

“Since everyone is finally here, let’s go to lunch.” I smiled as I grabbed my bag. Alannah and Ternen looked confused, but Rick nodded.

“Sounds great. The reservation is in thirty minutes.” Rick, the genius of a man, played along. He patted his pockets and nodded. “I’m ready.” He walked to the door, then turned back. “Amy, can you drive today? My mate has our car.”

“Of course.” I smiled widely and grabbed Alannah’s hand, “It’s birthday lunch!” I bounced, forcing myself to be upbeat as Ternen did his best to hide his face. “Let’s go.” We walked to the door of the main office, but it swung open before Rick got there.

Brandon stood there, almost panting. “Hey.” He smiled widely, but it never reached his eyes.

“Hey, baby.” I let go of Alannah’s hand and walked up to him, giving him a hug, earning a growl from Megan. Sorry, I sent back to my wolf. “What are you doing here?”

“I came here to take you to lunch.” He smiled down at me, but I pulled away.

“I’m so sorry. But I told you yesterday that Rick and I were taking Alannah out for lunch.” I pouted as I stared up at him. And I had told him. I wasn’t actually planning on going anywhere, but I just wanted space from him. Every day, he came to have lunch. I was tired of it, so I lied and said we planned on taking Alannah out for her birthday.

Brandon looked down. “I must have forgotten.” Then he snapped his head up and smiled. “I’ll just tag along.”

I dropped his hand and crossed my arms, pouting. “If you come, then everyone else won’t be able to relax.” I looked at him through my lashes. “I have lunch with you every day. You promised me I could go with my friends today.” I sounded like a petulant child. But somehow, this is the only way I can get what I want from Brandon. He has to see me as a child, which, in all honesty, opened a new disgusting aspect to the man.

It’s because he is a fucking child. He doesn’t understand adults talking shit through. Megan huffed as she retreated into the trees, leaving after one final crack at him. He’s just so fucking pathetic. I can’t fucking look at him anymore.

“You don’t want me to come with you?” He tried to pout.

“That’s not fair.” I turned my back to him. “I told you yesterday, the two omegas won’t feel comfortable around you.” I turned and pointed. “It took Alannah four months to stop calling me alpha.” Then I pushed tears into my eyes. “You promised.”

Brandon opened his mouth, but Shannon busted in the door. “There you are.” She squealed and then froze when she saw me.

Brandon turned to face Shannon, and I could see the anger just below the surface. “Why are you here?” His words were light, but I could see he was about to lose his mind.