Breaking the Bond that Binds.

Chapter 12 - Tick Tick Tick time bomb

This is only a short chapter, it's Christmas Eve and I really can't concentrate on writing while watching Die Hard .  Wishing everyone a happy and safe Christmas.

Vote if you are enjoying the story.

...

Damien's (PoV)

Paul Holt walked into the spacious office. Damien watched him as he silently closed the door behind him. Then made himself comfortable in the seat in front of his desk. The PA tucked a small briefcase under the chair. His expressionless face never gave away even the smallest hint of what he was thinking, or what sort of business he was involved in at the time. Paul Holt was the perfect PA. Damien knew this wasn't going to be a pleasant conversation. The past week and a half had been one long nightmare and this was the conclusion. He closed his laptop and waited.

The PA removed his dark glasses and began his report. "It didn't take us long to find Virgil. He has been working and living in the same place for approximately a year and a half. When he arrived in Melbourne he lived for a short time in a hostel. When he decided to stop using his allowance and break all ties with the pack, he ended up living on the street."

Damien felt emotions bubble up in him, it had been so long since he felt strongly about anything. He couldn't help but shake his head that it had come to that.

"He's employed at a bakery run by Kevin Wilson and lives with the owner and his son James. Humans. He appears to be happy living outside the pack. I asked around and he's well-liked by the locals. Everyone I spoke to said the same thing, he was a nice guy, very friendly with the customers. Physically, he appears fit and healthy. I was surprised to see that he still has his plait."

Damien's breath caught in his throat and he coughed suddenly. He knew what his hair looked like. The PA stopped for a moment. He could see that his boss was struggling. The same boss who for the past two years had been as unresponsive as a solid block of ice. "Continue Please."

"The son is James is his lover or should I say one of his lovers." Damien's skin was crawling but he tried to look calm. "You were correct that the human has been bitten. But as far I could see Virgil did not mark him as his mate."

That PA waited, allowing Damien to ask a question, but he said nothing. "I asked Virgil if he intended to take the human as his mate and he said no. However, he is very protective of the human, even though he has not marked him. Virgil barely managed to hold back his wolf from attacking me when I insulted the man. The same goes for the human."

Damien frowned and started to examine his hands. "James is unaware of what Virgil is."

The PA pulled the briefcase onto his lap and removed a folder. Inside the folder, there were several photographs. He pushed the first two across the desk. "The bakery and the house, addresses are on the back."

He pushed another two across "Kevin and James Wilson" Damien carefully examined the photo of James. The PA couldn't help but notice the look on the Alpha's face was one of pure hate. His fangs dropped and he let out a low angry growl. The PA was curious to know why in the last couple of weeks Damien's impenetrable façade had started to crack. He seemed fixated on is ex-mate. The PA was sure he was missing something.

"The last is of Virgil." Damien hesitated to pick it up.

"What happened in regards to the apartment and the financial matters." Damien left the photo on the desk and changed the subject. He would look at it when the PA was gone.

"Virgil said he wanted nothing from the Alpha, the pack...." The PA paused for a moment, then went on. "...or you. I left the paperwork with him and the solicitor's details. I also asked if he intended to continue living at his present home. Virgil said that was his intention. As far as I can see he is happy. In my opinion, he would never consider returning to the pack."

The briefcase was snapped closed and the PA stood up to leave. "Is there anything else you wish me to do?"

Damien was silent for a while. "I have a number o important meetings this week. I also have to make sure my father is well enough to bring home from the hospital. If all goes well you and I will fly to Melbourne on the weekend. I think I need to see the situation myself. Before I work out what to do next."

The PA removed his glasses "Is there something I need to know that you haven't mentioned?"

Damien looked at the PA, who he had inherited from his father. He wondered if he could trust Paul not to run straight to the Alpha he had worked with for 10 years. Could he tell him what was going on?

" No. Nothing. That's all for now. I appreciate your discretion." He shooed him out of the room. Paul Holt wasn't a fool. He knew something was ticking away like a time bomb inside the Alpha's head.

When he was alone Damien picked up the photograph of Virgil. His heart jumped so hard against his chest it felt as if it would burst out. His wolf let out a low pained growl and leapt out. The photograph fell to the floor. The huge black wolf lay next to it gently, rubbed its face against it, and whimpered.