The Genius Delta novel Chapter 26

The phone conversation Cillian overheard freaks me the fuck out. I still haven’t managed to wrap my head around Cillian being that Demonclaw girl’s mate. Yes, I’m still calling her that. Until she’s been cleared of suspicion, she doesn’t get to have a name. And I don’t think that will be happening. Persephone might be right that I’m targeted not because I’m Silvercloud but because I’m a Weaver biologically.

And I don’t know what’s more distracting. All this crazy shit or Persephone’s presence in my lab. Either way, I’m distracted, and it’s making coding difficult. Lunch break couldn’t get here soon enough. I may not be able to do much about the Demonclaw shit, but I can do something about Persephone and the gravitational pull the bond creates.

We hadn’t directly discussed our lunch plans, but the way we kept looking at each other, I felt we were on the same page. I’m not sure where we could go that would genuinely be private. Then the thought hit me that we could use my Silvercloud office. I need to get us into an empty elevator to enter the code. While trying to find the best way to do that, a voice that made me sick to my stomach called out my name.

“Jonny!” Mila shouted, pushing past someone else in the elevator to get to me.

Unable to stop myself, I growled when she tried to push Persephone out of her way. Jaci wanted to take control and put her in her place. Too bad we are in mixed company, or I might have let him. I moved to put Persephone in front of me as a buffer. Maybe not the best idea since Goddess knows my mate might decide to lash out. I’m not changing my decision now because I want that girl to stay as far from me as possible. Mila blinked in confusion.

“If you didn’t get the non-verbal message, let me clue you in. Jonny would like you to keep your distance. You’re freaking him out.” Persephone spoke on my behalf. In the mirror wall of the elevator, I could see her smiling. It was a scary smile somewhere between sinister and polite.

“He’s my mate. So if you touch him, I’ll make you compost.” Persephone whispered so quietly that only a werewolf or other supernatural creature could hear her.

Mila blinked again and looked at the mostly faded hickey on Persephone’s neck and the matching one on mine. Her gray eyes narrowed before snorting. Ugh, Cillian got stuck with a piece of work with this one. She doesn’t believe Persephone.

“Hickeys aren’t marks. Till he’s marked, he’s fair game, blondie.” Mila whispered back, glaring at Persephone.

Her whole demeanor changed when she looked up at me. A bright predatory smile spread across her lips. “We should have lunch together. I think we interns should meet with other department members. It would help build comradery and a sense of belonging in the company. It’s totally lame how they restricted our access to only the floor related to our department and common spaces.”

“No,” I stated. “I don’t want to have lunch with you. I don’t even want to be talking to you. I, for one, am thrilled upper management realized you were wandering the building instead of doing your job.” I elaborated, making sure I was loud enough so the others in the elevator would take notice.

“Now, back the fuck off, or we are going to have an HR issue for harassment.” I ensured my tone was harsher and more aligned with my Delta authority.

It’s a rare day when I use my Delta voice. I don’t like doing it since being a voice of authority isn’t really my thing. Mila didn’t seem bothered by the Delta authority. I didn’t expect her to, as she’s from another pack. However, the few humans in the elevator took notice as they unconsciously stood straighter. It didn’t stop them from all looking at Mila with distaste.

“Mila, come stand over here. You are my intern, and your actions reflect on me. I won’t have my reputation in this company tarnished because you couldn’t keep your grubby hands to yourself.” Reed huffed as he reached between some others and yanked Mila back to his side of the elevator.

“Wow, thanks, Reed. Who knew you’d ever give a shit about defending my honor.” I chuckled.

“I could care less about your honor, Weaver. How you retain a job here is beyond me. Especially as you are so blatantly sleeping with your intern.” Reed snorted as he pointed at our faded hickeys.

This, of course, got Persephone and me dubious looks. I rolled my eyes. They may not understand that we are mates, but the fact remains that we are both adults from all points of view and free to do whatever we fucking want together. I don’t care that they are judging us. I’m not going to sit here and look remorseful or act like anything we did was improper.

“If you have a problem with our relationship, that’s your problem, Reed.” Persephone rolled her eyes. “Maybe worry less about what Jonny and I do in our personal time and more about keeping your intern on a shorter leash. She crosses another line, and she will be an HR problem.”

“People in glass houses.” Mila scoffed. “How low can you get hooking up with her mentor on the first day.”

“Not that our personal lives are anyone else’s business, but Persephone and I have known each other for three years through mutual friends.” I shrugged. “It was fate, destiny, the will of a higher power perhaps that put her as my intern. I don’t know. I don’t make that call.”

No one else seemed to pick up on my meaning, but Mila must have understood. She has a mate. She doesn’t know it because his scent had been masked while he was spying on her. Persephone already said we are mates. The Goddess brought us together, and any werewolf with two neurons to rub together knows you can’t go against the will of the Goddess. I hope she takes the hint and leaves me alone.

“For a scientist to believe in such silly notions.” Reed rolled his eyes as the elevator dinged open.

I shrugged as he nudged Mila out of the elevator, and soon it was just us in the elevator. When Persephone went to step out of the elevator, I held her elbow to stop her.