The Alpha's Unclaimed Mate (Jason and Laila) by Caroline Above Story novel Chapter 200

“I was told that Claire would be in our meeting, as well,” Jason said. “In fact, I insist.”

Adelaide’s smile slipped entirely and she sneered. “She’s not a very good assistant anyway. She may return to you, Vanessa. For now. But only after she cleans up this mess.”

“Yes, ma’am,” Claire said. Adelaide glared at her, likely because she had not been addressing her, but Claire was too rattled to notice. “I’ll be right back with the mop and broom.” She turned and once and all but ran out of the room. I would never accuse her of running away, but I couldn’t blame her haste in trying to escape Adelaide.

“Vanessa,” Jason said. “Perhaps we should leave your aunt to her business and return to your office.”

“Yes,” I said, quickly accepting the out he was giving me.

“We will talk later, Vanessa,” Adelaide said.

“Of course,” I said, agreeing like I had a choice in the matter. While she remained in the position she held, I had to do my best to appease her. Not only was she a danger to this company, but she also posed a very real threat to my life.

Jason held out his arm for me, and I accepted it.

“If you will excuse us,” Jason said, but did not wait for an answer before he led me out into the hallway.

He cast me curious looks along the way, but didn’t say a word again until we were safely in my office with the door closed. “Adelaide bought your company?” he asked, worry on his face and accusation in his voice. “When were you going to tell me? You promised to keep me in the loop about her.”

“I wanted to tell you,” I admitted, “But I… I thought you might have your hands full.”

His confusion smoothed out and his voice softened. “You know Brittany is lying. She was never pregnant. It’s all an act. She’s hoping to garner sympathy from the pack.”

“We know it isn’t real, but the rest of the pack doesn’t. I’ve heard people talking, Jason. They are blaming you.”

“They are being deceived. Don’t worry about me, Vanessa. I am taking care of this.”

“But Jason-

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“Brittany is trying to destroy my reputation,” Jason said. “That is important, I’m not diminishing that. But what you are dealing with here is life or death. If Adelaide killed your parents, then she could do the same to you. That takes priority, Vanessa. Please. Don’t keep things from me because you are convinced you are trying to help me or save me, or whatever else you are thinking. I am Alpha. I can handle it.”

“Maybe that’s true,” I said. “I’ve seen you carry so much weight on your shoulders. I know you are capable. Strong. But… how can you ask me to burden you with this? You shouldn’t have to carry everything on your own, adding my problems to yours.”

Jason stepped closer to me, eliminating the space between us until only mere inches separated us. His eyes were burning with confidence, with passion, as he looked down at me. Through me.

When he stared at me like this, I felt exposed. Vulnerable. With anyone else, it would have made me want to run and hide, but with Jason, I was like a moth called to a dancing flame.

I should have leaned away, but instead I leaned closer.

“I don’t want you to have to carry everything alone,” I said, my voice a whisper now, worried that if I spoke too loudly, it would ruin this moment. I would do anything to stay right here. Right now. With him. “But maybe we can carry it together instead.”

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