Joseph’s POV
My behavior had been erratic for several days. I was on edge, careless with my work, and barely spending any ti in the office. Eleanor had been giving space, assuming it was because of my father, but I suspected she was beginning to doubt that explanation.
"You look like hell," Dean, my wolf, comnted as I stared blankly at my phone screen. "Can’t keep running from your problems forever."
"Shut up," I growled internally. "I don’t need your comntary right now."
I was still staring at my phone when Eleanor knocked on my door.
"Joseph, do you have a minute?" she asked, poking her head in.
"Sure, Eleanor, co in," I answered, my eyes still fixed on my phone.
"What’s wrong?" she asked directly, settling into the chair across from .
"What do you an ’what’s wrong?’" I replied, a bit coldly.
"That expression on your face," she said, pointing at .
"Oh, it’s nothing. Just thought it was strange to receive a mind-link from Beta Jared asking to co to the social club," I explained.
"Oh Joseph, what have you done now?" Eleanor laughed, knowing the social club only called mbers when rules had been broken.
"You always assu the worst, don’t you, Eleanor?!" I shot back.
"Of course! Your past is your curse!" she teased.
"Hmm." I tried to smile, but it didn’t reach my eyes. "Tell , what do you need?"
"I need to know what’s going on," she said, and I felt the blood drain from my face.
"W-what... um... what are you talking about?"
"She doesn’t know about Ava," Dean said in my mind. "But she can sense sothing’s wrong. You’re not exactly subtle, you know."
"Exactly!" she pointed at . "What trouble have you gotten yourself into now?"
"Eleanor, I..." My face turned ashen, words failing .
"Joseph, out with it!" she demanded sharply, making flinch.
Thankfully, the phone rang, saving from having to answer. Julia rushed into the office looking flustered.
"Joseph, I’m sorry, but your father is causing a scene in the reception area," Julia reported, and I rubbed my face in frustration.
"For fuck’s sake! When will that useless man leave alone?" I exploded. I picked up the phone and dialed security. "Send two security guards to escort Steward Garcia to my office. Nowhere else, straight to my office."
I hung up and looked at Eleanor with annoyance in my eyes. Taking a deep breath, I continued,"Eleanor, isn’t this enough? The man is insufferable!" I tried to regulate my breathing to calm myself. "If you and Julia want to leave to avoid him, go ahead."
"Your father brings out the worst in you," Dean observed. "But rember who you are. You’re the Alpha of the Nightbane Pack. Don’t let him see your weakness."
I straightened my shoulders, letting my Alpha presence fill the room subtly.
"No, Joseph. I’m staying to help you deal with him," Eleanor said. As the daughter of Alpha Gerald from Blood Moon Pack, she wasn’t one to back down from confrontation.
Soon enough, security arrived with a bellowing Steward Garcia in tow. I t them in the reception area and instructed the security guards to stay close.
"Steward, what do you want now?" I asked, my voice taking on the commanding edge that ca naturally to an Alpha. The security guards, both wolves from my pack, instinctively lowered their heads.
"You know what I want, you little punk!" Steward roared with rage.
"And I’ve already told you that you’re not getting it," I replied firmly.
"I’m going to crush you, you insolent brat. Always defying , always interfering, always thinking you’re better than , but you’re not!" Steward began, and I realized I’d never seen soone so petty in my entire life. "I’m going to take everything from you, and I’ve already started." He flashed a malicious grin.
"Joseph, what is he talking about?" Eleanor asked.
"Nothing important," I answered dismissively. "You madman, get out of here and stop harassing everyone!"
"No, I won’t leave. I’m going to take this company from you! You think you can match ? You can’t. I’m going to manipulate your sister into transferring all her shares to . You know she’ll do anything I say, the fool, so desperate for daddy’s attention. Then I’ll have a prominent position on the company board, and I’ll turn everyone against you until, when you least expect it, I’ll have you thrown out."
Just then, the elevator doors opened and Flora stepped out, overhearing our father’s appalling words. Tears stread down her face as she listened. I was carefully considering what to say, my eyes fixed on my sister standing behind our father, when Eleanor decided to take control of the situation.
"You despicable excuse for an Alpha!" she said coldly. "If you can even be called Alpha. You’re nothing but a disgusting, opportunistic parasite. Thankfully, Joseph and Flora had an amazing mother who raised them well, and they’re nothing like you."
"Who do you think you are, you little slut?" Steward turned on Eleanor. "Just because you co from a prestigious family, you think you’re sothing special? Ha, you’re nothing special. You’re just a spoiled little bitch!"
"Keep going! Your insults don’t work on because your opinion ans absolutely nothing!" Eleanor said, moving closer to him. "Now listen carefully. Security is going to throw you out onto the street, and you are never to pass in front of this building again. You will not harass your children or grandchildren anymore, or I promise that whatever tricks you try to pull, that generous monthly allowance will be cut off, and you’ll end up begging outside churches. Before you try any stunts, I guarantee I have the power to make that happen! Do you understand?" She shouted the last word in his face, and he looked at her in terror.
"Who do you think you are?" he glared at her.
"Eleanor Larson! I believe my reputation precedes ," Eleanor said confidently. "I can even make you disappear. Want to try ?"
"You’re insane!" Steward said, shrinking back.
"That’s right! I just got out of the ntal hospital last week. That’s another reason you shouldn’t ss with . You know my brother, Alpha Sebastian, can crush you like a cockroach, and Alpha Gerald doesn’t take kindly to threats against his daughter." She was clearly aware of her pack’s influence and connections, and wouldn’t hesitate to use them if necessary.
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