"Are you really sure you want to sign this contract or whatever this is?", Tristan asked as he skimmed through the papers in his hands. Tristan was the kind of guy who was used to running away and hiding from those who even uttered the word 'relationship' for describing their proximity to him. To him, Elian's actions were unintelligible.
"How many times are people gonna ask me that?", Elian replied, as he stood behind Tristan's chair, gazing through the glass panes. Tristan sensed the irritation in his tone but since he hardly was the kind to interfere with other people's business, he didn't bother persuading him. "Well, I can't blame them. It is quite a decision. You told Erik?", he asked.
Elian turned around and sighed, "I tried to but I couldn't gather the courage. I think I should just keep this a secret for a while. He doesn't seem ready to learn something like this right now, I feel", he replied. Tristan instantly swiveled his chair to face him, looking at him completely bewildered, "What do you mean? This is not something that can be easily kept a secret Elian. You are one paparazzi trail away from losing your reputation the same way your father-", Tristan didn't complete his sentence, he realized he might be crossing a line, "I mean you know how quickly this can get unpleasant", he clarified.
However Elian's reaction wasn't as vehement as he had expected, "I know what you are saying, but I can't tell brother now. Yesterday I found out he's released a circular for laying off any omegas that worked for any of the businesses we had invested in. I tried to talk to him but he was so agitated that I wasn't able to say anything", he said. "Hmm, so suddenly. Did something happen?". "Apparently he came across an omega during one of his inspection visits which caused him to lash out on everyone there. If I tell him anything now about this, he might not like it. I need to prepare him beforehand for news like that. But during that time I'll make sure nobody finds out about Kian", he explained, calmly.
Tristan couldn't believe this Elian was the same one as a week ago. "Look, you are free to make any decision about your life, but remember this, in case you lose your position in the company and your estate, I might not be able to help you out", he stated. It was in Tristan's disposition to be bluntly honest, even in the times like these. "I know that too. I just need to make sure for a while that no one finds out about Kian. That's why I chose your office for this meeting instead of my place", he said.
After a couple of minutes, the door to the room where the two alpha's were present, was pushed open partly, and a young lady peeked inside, "Excuse me sir, you have a guest it appears. His name he said…", she paused to have a glance at the small piece of paper in her hand, "Kian Maier, he says", she informed politely. "Yes Zoe, you can send him in", Tristan answered smiling. The lady smiled back at him and closed the door behind her as she left. "Got a new secretary? What happened to the brunette?", Elian asked. "Uhhh, you know, same old thing. Slept with her once and she caught feelings, had to let her go", Tristan replied casually.
Elian frowned his eyebrows slightly to express some contempt. He too was infamous for having a bit of a promiscuous lifestyle himself, but he had drawn a line when it came to people he worked with, mostly because he didn't like involving his love life with his workplace. Additionally a bunch of his relatives also held high positions in the same company which made workplace dating seem a little icky to him.
But Tristan had always been on another level as compared to Elian. He wouldn't care whom he was doing it with until and unless they suited his taste. And if they expected him to commit to more, he would either convince them of that they were better off without him or he would just flee. Since Elian had known Tristan for quite some time now, it didn't surprise him that he had changed his secretary for the third time in just a month.
The door of the office opened again and Elian's eyes rapidly turned towards it. Kian stepped inside, wearing a gray colored hoodie with black jeans. He appeared much healthier than the last time Elian had seen him. It appeared as if the glow in eyes was restored just in a day. His skin was less pale and the blemishes on his cheeks had suddenly disappeared as if it was magic.
"Please have a seat, Mr. Maier", Tristan said, interrupting Elian's eyes that were uttering fixed on the omega. As Kian sat down on the chair in front of them, Elian too sat himself down next to him. "Mr. Maier, my friend here told me about the whole situation and the conditions you had put forward regarding it, and accordingly I have prepared this contract here", Tristan said, handing over the file from his desk to Kian. "However, before you sign it, it is my responsibility to let you know that there is just one condition that my client has added.", he added.
Kian frowned at Elian instantly listening to the last sentence, "What? How can he do that? Yesterday he had agreed when I said that everything will be done on my terms!!", he said angrily. "I know, but he might have changed his mind due to the incidents that took place in time since yesterday", Tristan argued. Elian interrupted, "Please just listen to the condition first", he said turning to Kian. His eyes were gentle, like a child pleading to his parents, but instinctively Kian looked away, not understanding whether he was angry or shy. "Look, he is asking for permission to monitor your movements for the next 9 months and additionally he should be allowed to see you and stay with you until the delivery", Tristan read from the file in his hand.
Kian stood up from his chair immediately listening to him, "No. This is unacceptable. I am not signing this contract", he said, panicking. "Why not? What's the problem?', Tristan asked, scoffing. "He is the problem!! I don't want to be around him. And not only this is unbearable for me but it will interfere with my private life, what about that?", the omega said, agitated.
"Well how else is my client supposed to make sure the child he is taking all this risk for will be safe?", Tristan argued. "I don't know, he'll just have to trust me I guess", Kian replied. Tristan chuckled at his reply, "How are we supposed to trust you with the child's health after you being so vocally against giving birth to it since the beginning. Your medical report from only two days ago says that you haven't been taking care of yourself. This isn't about you Mr. Maier, your safety only matters for the sake of child's safety. Moreover, you're being paid millions of dollars so I guess that will cover the price of things being 'unbearable' for you", he countered.
Tristan's words had left Kian speechless, he couldn't find a single reason to refute the offer of the other party and as much as he wanted to walk away, he couldn't. That was real reason, that he needed money and the alpha on the other hand was rich. Of course he could turn things the way he wanted. No matter how vulnerable Elian becomes, Kian wouldn't have enough leverage to counter him. He could only stand there with his fists tightly clenched, wishing he could pull Elian by his collar and punch his face as hard as he can until the blood shows. He was putting all his energy to hold himself back from making anymore fool of himself, he kept trying to distract his mind, "Think about Will and Uncle Lee", he told himself.
After a long pause he sat back down, he picked up the metal pen from the stand sitting on the table in front of him and signed the contract in his hand. He turned to look at Elian, "I can't believe a human can stoop so low. You're proud of all this power you have aren't you? The money? The status? Your gender. You use all this to get whatever you want, from people like me. Well there it is, you can have what you want", he said slapping the file onto his lap. He got up immediately and left the office.
Tristan chuckled looking at the dramatic scene in front of him, "Man! He's feisty!! I can see why you like him.", he said. Elian turned to him looking completely flustered, "WHa-? No, I don't like him. I already told you, this is about the child", he rambled. Tristan couldn't help but laugh at look of stupidity on his friend's face.