Chapter 20

Tay never understood why people with money had to throw extravagant parties. It was just a way to show off what they had and others didn't. Even his parents indulged in those on occasion.

David Marquette was the richest man in the northeast. He had power, money, and a good family. He didn't show off, but he didn't have to. He was in the news every other week with his new business adventures.

This time Damian's attack had made the news. Though David had tkane care of his son during the difficult time, his businesses had seen an influc of people shopping, eating, and wanting to work. They saw how well he was handling it and wanted to be a part of a good thing. Of a father who knew how to take care of his son.

Investors had also skyrocketedwhen stocks had gone up. Christoph had said several weeks ago they were hovering around a dollar a stock, but now they were racing up the market at eight dollars. Those who had bought in earlier were starting to make more money than ever.

David was an upstanding citizen. He had never had a scandal. Up until his son's incident, he had only had good new coverage. He was an honest man, and some people found him weak while others looked up to him.

Tay liked David, always had. Other than being a good man, he was also intelligent. It had been his idea for Tay to study engineering. He had nown business wasn't his thing, and Tay loved airplanes. He'd helped him with his applications and sometimes homework.

The Marquette's were his second family. Damian was his friend and Antonia had treated him like one of her own. Now they really were family, and not much had changed. Except by law, he was their son.

Damian emerged from the crowd with his mother on his arm. His blond hair was tamed, slicked back out of his face. The tailored black suit clung to him in all the right places. He'd fussed as he'd dressed, but like Tay, he wasn't a grandiose person. He was uncomfortable, but he would do anything for his family.

Tay was proud. Damian had come so far since that night. He was a little broodier, but he had come back gentler than he had been. He was more compassionate and soft-spoken. He listened more and never made snap decisions.

The attack changed him, yes, but it never hardened his heart. He was still the sweet Omega Tay had met in sixth grade. Now he was Tay's sweet Omega. Not too much had changed, except the claiming of his Omega.

Damian made eye contact and smiled. It was sweet and reached his eyes. Tay's knees went weak as his blood raced to his groin. Once this was over, he was going to enjoy taking that suit off.

Once this was over, hopefully no one would have to look over their shoulder.

Tay spotted Reaux two groups over. David had provided the detective an invitation. He'd also employed a dozen body guards who blended in but kept an eye on his son. Tay knew who they were, but he didn't care. As long as they got this asshole, he didn't care who did it.

The detective meandered over. He was dressed better than usual. His typical attire was jeans and a button up. He looked good in a suit.

"Any word from Jak?" he asked.

Reaux had set some ground rules for Jak. He was not to attack anyone, and the only place he was allowed to search was the office. If he didn't find anything after an hour, he had to leave. He was to call regardless of evidence.

Tay was amazed Reaux had let him go through with it. Unlike Damian, Jak was an Alpha. He could make his own decisions without a stigma being attached to it. However, Reaux had one thing over Jak that made the young man listn to him.

Somehow, Reaux had claimed Jak. tay was't sure how, but Jak had told him about a year ago. He'd sworn him to secrecy so he hadn't told Damian. But Reaux had changed him for the better.

"He made contact with the secretary," the detective said. He looked at his watch. "He has forty-five minutes to find something or get out."

"I'm amazed you let him do this," he said.

"I wasn't going to, but he thinks Evers' secretary is part of it. She's an Omega and was sporting fresh bruises as well as some old ones."

Tay's anger raged just under the surface. He desperately wished he could beat the shit out of Evers, but he needed him to prove that he was insane. Omega trafficking was a serious offense. He could spend a lifetime in jail. They just had to prove it.

David meandered over, smiling to his guests as he did. "My men are at your disposal, Reaux. You just have to give a word."

"We have to wait forty minutes. If you can stall, I will have an answer for you," the dark headed Alpha said.

The businessman was tortured. "My son is here with that madman fifteen feet away. I'm ready to be done with this."

"We just need a little more time."

David sighed and nodded. "I'll try. I'll see how the silent auction is going for the mental hospital."

Tay watched the older man walk away. He wanted the same thing. He wanted Evers off the street. But they had to wait.

He scanned the crowd again. But something was wrong. Antonia was with David at the auction table. Where was Damian?

He set his glass down and pushed through the people. Reaux followed him, unsure what was going on. He looked around to figure out what the other man was looking for.

"What is it?" he asked.

Tay's throat dried out as his heart thundered in his chest. "Where's Damian?"