"Tell me, do you have any idea what Lithe is planning to do with my mother's precious locket? It's an important memento belonging to my family, a gift my beloved mother received from my father on her wedding day. I plan on continuing the tradition with my own mate."
Estella couldn't meet Zen's unnerving gaze, "I don't think Lithe has any clue to the sentimental value of the locket," she replied honestly. "Surely, he will return it to you with an apology the next time you meet with him."
"Finally, some splendid news," he said charmingly.
In Estella's mind his response was too auspicious to convince them that he would let the matter drop so easily until he broached the next question.
Zen probed, "By chance, do you think Lithe intended to hold the locket as ransom over my head if I refused to sign the contracts?"
It was Christina who answered and came to Lithe's defense this time around, "'I'm not Lithe's biggest supporter as we don't always see eye to eye on everything. He has been a great Chief Advisor, he pulled us out from the brink of bankruptcy and made our clothing lines successful once more. Even I would be hard pressed to find any fault with his worth ethics so I can honestly vouch for his character. When I say that Lithe meant no harm, nothing was going according to plan and this entire fiasco was your fault anyways."
Christina might as well have pointed an accusing finger in Zen's direction.
"How so?" he asked.
"You live on the outskirts of Allerdyce Continent in a hard to reach location. We sent several messages to your family home and they were returned unanswered. We tried visiting you in person which felt like a wild goose chase because by time we reached that location you were already gone. Constantly on the move you were a hard man to pin down Lord Starke."
"I can see why my habits may cause some consternation but did that warrant being drugged and brought like a trussed up turkey to your mansion?" he pressed.
Triggered Christina screamed out, "we were frustrated and getting desperate. You were nowhere to be found and every second that passes puts our business and family name at risk."
Ignoring her outburst, Zen said calmly, "even snobbish tribes like the Maximillians when desperate can find use for bottom feeders like us Starke's afterall. There were many times when our family tried to negotiate marriage wagers with your tribe in the past and we weren't even considered for a seat at the table. It's amazing how the tables turn."
Estella winced, "You have every right to gloat now that we need your help. Our family can't change what our ancestors did in the past but we can work together to forge a bright future for both of our families."
"Well said, how eloquent of you, perhaps they should consider making you the face of the business as I can see you doing a good job of continuing the negotiations in Lithe's stead."
Christina gnashed her teeth in silence, she still saw Estella as competition to take over the family business and didn't like Zen showing favoritism.
Zen was being rude but Christina felt that she had no choice but to put up with his boorish behavior since they need his skills.
Still, she saw how enamored Zen was of Lithe and thought of the perfect way to get back at him for his brazen comments.
"Did Lithe say what time he would be back from his date with Ashley?"
Zen couldn't believe he heard what Christina said correctly, "date?"
Christina smiled smugly.
"Oh, Lithe usually reserves the entire afternoon to spend with his male companion who is also from her hometown in Vallance Continent I believe, isn't that right Estella?"
Estella exclaimed, "Ashley is like the hottest male model around town and he knows how to have fun. I wish I was on a hot date instead of stuck at home going over contracts."
Oops. As usual she spoke without thinking, "Is there anything else you need Lord Starke?"
The dominant alpha's facial expression was dark as he shook his head.
It felt like she had stepped on a landmine when Estella made her last statement, "I'll say my goodnight and leave you in Christina's capable hands."
Estella wasn't really sticking around to hear his response; she was practically halfway out the door.
"Tell me more about this close companion of Lithe's?"
"Let's see, Ashley Wright," said Christina with trembling hands as she quickly gathered up the contracts then locked them away in the family's mini vault. "As you already know he's also from the Vallance Continent and is around the same age as Lithe. They both have a lot in common and often go clubbing together whenever Ashley is in town. Everyone knows Lithe is lonely and Ashley is a user, even though he means well most times. It was Lithe who put him on to the top scouts in the fashion industry and made him the notable fashion icon that Ash is today. Ash is aware of Lithe's feelings but uses his modeling career as an excuse not to settle down. He's known to be a notorious flirt with many famous conquests under his belt."
Throughout her rant tinged with an edge of jealousy Zen remained silent.
After Christina had finished tidying the table she said to Zen.
"Come with me, I'll take you to the room that you may use at your convenience and feel free to use the landline to call any friends and family to let them know that you are fine.
"Thank you Miss Maximillian, I'll appreciate that," responded Zen solemnly.
"Just call me Tina," she responded playfully, this time she pretended to accidentally brush his chest.
He was getting tired of her getting handsy with him the moment Estella fled the paneled room.
Any further attempts to engage Zen with conversation were derailed as he only had monosyllabic answers after that.
"Would you like me to join you for a drink?" Christina asked while pointing to the fully stocked mini fridge in his room.
"No thanks, that will be all," he said firmly and shut the door in Christina's pouty face.
Zen just wanted to take a shower and then get some rest.
He made a mental note to call Morgan after he got out of the shower.
Everything he needed toiletry wise was provided.
There was a robe set out for him on the bed and he could always get his stuff from his friend tomorrow.
Finally alone with his thoughts Zen could still remember the taste of Lithe's mouth.
The hint of vanilla that flooded his nostrils whenever the omega got too close.
He felt like he grew a few more inches below the waist.
The thought of the omega spending the evening with another man made his blood boil.
Zen knew that Lithe was not unresponsive to his touch.
He felt like had they continued, they would have bonded.
Not just in the physical sense but telepathically in ways that would satisfy his inner wolf.
Now what to do about his cock it was going to be a long shower.