Chapter 2: Deacon

Exhausted did not even begin to touch the level of tired I was. Since my father's passing, I had not only ascended to the Alpha position of our pack, I was to become acting CEO of Sullivan & Oisín or be forced to sell my share in the company my father built from the ground up.

"You're going to work yourself to death, Dee." I heard my mom's soft voice ring out from the doorway of my office. She eyed me carefully, worry clearly written all over her face. "I'm sorr-" I held up a hand, trying to gently cut her off before the apology started.

"Mom, it was bound to happen. It just happened sooner than we all would have liked." I let my hand drop to my lap, itching to run it through my hair for the umpteenth time.

"Things will get easier when you find your mate, Deacon. You'll have someone to share your burdens with." Mom crossed the threshold to my office, taking a seat in front of the oak desk.

"Ma, I'm still with Christine." I pinched the bridge of my nose in frustration. No part of me wanted to find my mate, I saw firsthand what it did to my mother to lose my father. Christine was safe, I could keep her at arms length and be relatively happy.

"The fact that you want to give up something so special because of what happened with me and your father is ridiculous." Shaking her head at me, she laid her hands on the expansive desk. "Listen to me Deacon, you can try to put your walls up, you can try to avoid finding her, but she will come. When she does, it will feel like everything else in the world just fell away." Mom sucked in a ragged breath, I knew how hard it was for her to talk about such a precious bond. I stood up from my chair and briskly walked over to her, enveloping her in a bear hug.

"Can't you just accept that I'm terrified? That's one singular person that would hold all the power in the world over me." I spoke into my mom's hair softly. Every wolf, especially leading pack members, are anxious to find their mates and live out their lives.

Until you look at the reality of having a mate.

The thought of having someone capable of holding me in the palm of their hand weighs heavy on my mind. I could be rejected on the spot, she could die before we even finish the mating process or during something like birth. It's panic inducing.

I shook my head softly, giving my mom one last squeeze before having to leave the pack house.

"I have a meeting with one of dad's associates today, a Mr. Jenks?" I wasn't familiar with the name.

"Yes he's the temporary firm manager." My mom handed me the briefcase filled with dad's documents. "He should be filling you in on some of the firm happenings. As far as I know, you're only there to secure your position." I took a deep breath and ran my hand through my hair.

Beyond. Exhausting.

"I'm going to be late if I don't head out now, I'll give you a call after our meeting." I gave my mom one last squeeze before rushing out.

The drive to Sullivan & Oisín was relatively long, being located in the heart of the city and at least 45 minutes from the starting line of pack territory. I found a more secluded parking spot towards the back of the lot and gazed at the pristine glass building. It almost seemed formidable compared to the surrounding high rises.

Headed inside, I immediately was greeted by an overbearing secretary.

"Hello! I'm Rebecca, what can I help you with today?" She leaned over the reception counter, batting her baby blues at me.

"Mr. Oisín, I have a meeting with Mr. Jenks today." I cleared my throat, slightly put off by the blatant ogling.

Her eyes and smile widened considerably. "Mr. Oisín! It is a pleasure to meet you." She held out a hand to me, trying to be polite, I shook her hand briefly.

"If you don't mind Rebecca, I'm actually running a few minutes behind." I lied smoothly. Her mouth formed an 'o' before rushing out from behind the reception desk.

"Right this way! I can show you to the private conference room." She threw me a smile over her shoulder before very blatantly sauntering off to the conference room. I followed Rebecca into the elevator and gazed at every little thing except her.

"You know, I never expected you to be so young!" Rebecca sidestepped closer to me, slightly pressing against my arm.

"Well, surprise I guess." I rubbed the back of my neck, uncomfortable with the whole situation. Dad's death was still fresh in my mind, I didn't exactly want to talk about replacing him.

As if the Gods wanted to spare me, the elevator 'dinged,' signalling our arrival to the top floor. I made a hasty exit, and gestured for Rebecca to continue on to the conference room.

Thankfully that was just a short walk from the elevator and Rebecca remained silent the rest of the way.

"Mr. Jenks, I have Mr. Oisín with me!" Rebecca chirped through the door, she gave a quick 3 rasps on the door before we both heard a muffled 'come in.'

Thanking her quickly for her help, I slipped through the door and was immediately met with a chubby hand.

"Aaron Jenks. I do wish we weren't meeting under such unpleasant circumstances, but I trust your father made the right decision with his replacement." Jenks was a short, balding man, who I'm sure was extremely good at his job.

"Deacon Oisín." I shook his hand firmly, saying nothing more about the 'circumstances' we were meeting under. Sensing my slight discomfort, Jenks gestured to one of the large office chairs.

"I'm waiting on my colleague, Nyriad Warren." Nyriad? Her name alone piqued my interest. I could feel Bane stirring in the back of my mind, seemingly intrigued as well.

As if on cue, we heard Rebecca at the door again signaling Nyriad had arrived. Even through the door, I was hit with an overwhelming aroma. A thunderstorm in the middle of spring, she smelled of rain and freshly watered flowers. It was nearly enough to make my mouth water.

The conference room suddenly sounded like an echo-chamber, sounds muffled and distant. All I could hear clearly, above everything else, was Bane.

'Mate.'

The door swung open to reveal the source behind the intense fragrance.

Nyriad.

Even her name matched her beauty. Pin straight inky hair brushed her waistline, and a smile masked with confidence adorned her pale face.

'She has chubby cheeks,' Bane snorted. I could tell he was absolutely taken by her as well. I watched carefully as Nyriad took the seat directly in front of me and Jenks. Bane growled in delight as he observed Nyriad raking her eyes over our features. Clearing her throat, Nyriad urged Jenks to proceed with the meeting.

'So much for not wanting a mate, Deacon.' Bane spoke smugly. At that moment, I was reminded of Christine. Deep breaths Deacon, you didn't want this, remember? I glanced over at Nyriad again, only to catch her alluring forest green eyes. This was exactly what I was worried about, I haven't even spoken to her and I'm already wrapped around her index.

'Nyriad..' Bane whispered in the back of my head, content for the moment, to simply drink in her presence.