YOU NEED ME!

One of the first things I learned back in my last life when I first got mated to Adrian was that money changed things, and it was just as true even now.

It didn’t change things in the way people often thought, with comfort or luxury. What it did help with though, was speed, access and the ability to act most times without asking for anyone’s permission.

And right now, speed was what I needed. I had told Damien that the herb was going to be scarce for the next few months, and that was right, but what I didn’t tell him though, was that the loss of the shipment was going to happen in three weeks.

And that meant I needed to start moving as fast as I could.

The warehouse I was eyeing sat at the end of the industrial district. It was not the largest building in the area, nor was it modern. But it was exactly what I needed – something accessible, isolated and most importantly, almost invisible.

It was just perfect.

With a calculating gaze, I stepped out of my car and adjusted my coat as my eyes began to sweep over the entire structure. It had large steel doors, minimal traffic and no unnecessary attention.

In short, it was perfect.

A man – whom I assumed to be the manager – was already waiting outside. He was overweight, and dressed in a wrinkled shirt that did not hide the fact that he had not expected anyone important today.

His gaze landed on me, and the first thing I saw was disdain and dismissal.

“Excuse me, lady,” he called out with a frown on his face, “Can I help you?”

I walked straight towards him, my heels clicking softly against the stone pavement.

“I was the one that messaged you,” I replied calmly, “I am here for the warehouse.”

His brows furrowed slightly as his expression shifted. He looked me over again before chuckling.

“This is not a viewing site, miss.” he said, shaking his head, “If you are confused and lost, then, the residential offices are over-”

“I’m not lost,” I said calmly, but my tone was cold enough to stop him in his tracks.

Silence stretched for a second as he realized I actually meant my words.

“I am here to rent the warehouse,” I continued, “Just for a year, and I would need immediate access.”

He let out another laugh, this one was even louder.

“Do you even know how much this place costs?” he asked while crossing his arms, “This is not some storage locker you can just walk in and expect-”

“I don’t have time for this,” I hissed, cutting him off,

His expression hardened, “I am just making sure you know what you are getting into,”

I took a step closer to him. He was shorter than I am, so he had to look up and stare into my eyes.

“Listen carefully,” I said, my voice dropping slightly, “You are not negotiating from a position of power here. I know you are desperate for a sale, and right now, I am your only saving grace.”

He froze, then, his eyes widened as I continued.

“This building has been empty for years,” I hissed, “The building has been abandoned enough that most people around have even forgotten that it exists. This means one thing – you desperately need me.”

His jaw tightened, but he didn’t interrupt.

“Good,” I nodded as I pointed at the warehouse behind him, “I am offering you immediate payment. There are to be no delays, inspections or complications.” I tilted my head and looked deep in his eyes, “Or I walk away.”

The air shifted, and I saw the exact moment his confidence was shattered.

“How long exactly?” he finally asked,

“Twelve months,” I answered, “With the option to extend offered to me first.”

He hesitated, but my next words crushed any resistance he had.

“I will pay upfront.”

That did it, his shoulders dropped slightly.

“Alright,” he smiled, “Please come in.”

An hour later, and the warehouse was mine.

The paperwork had been signed, access had been granted, and the locks had been changed. I made sure the entire procedure was as efficient as possible.

I stood at the entrance of my new warehouse. It was clean, had wide spaces, and had wide ceilings. It was more than enough.

My phone buzzed in my hand and I glanced down.

Suppliers confirmed. First shipment ready in 48 hours.

A slow smile spread across my lips, everything was moving just as they should. I stepped further into the warehouse and a smile spread across my face.

Soon, I would be all stocked up, and when the shipment gets lost, I would be rich.

***

Damien’s POV:

“She just paid for a warehouse.”

I did not look up immediately. Instead, I let the words settle in as I swirled the drink within my glass and watched the silver liquid catch the light.

“Where?” I finally asked,

“Industrial district,” my assistant continued, “She paid for a one-year lease. And she did everything upfront.”

The more I heard about her actions, the more I found Nyssa interesting.

I leaned back slightly in my chair and finally looked up, “Go on.”

“Over the past twenty-four hours,” he added, “She has been contacting multiple suppliers, it has been quiet and she is making sure that there are no public records of her actions.”

“But you know what she is ordering, right?” I asked with raised brows,

“I do,” he replied, “It’s-”

“Don’t,” I stretched out my hand, “Don’t tell me, and don’t make any moves against her. I want to see this to the end.”

He nodded, then paused,

“She’s moving carefully,”

Of course, she was. That was the first thing I had noticed when I saw her at the trade center. In just a matter of weeks, she had changed so much.

She hasn’t just become cautious, she had become deliberate.

“Anything else?” I asked,

My assistant hesitated and that caught my attention.

“Yes,” he shook his head, “This business deal and Nyssa. I don’t understand her,”

My lips curved slightly, “Meaning?”

“Meaning, nothing she is doing makes sense,” he said, shrugging, “She has no prior business activity. No financial history that matches the way she is currently spending.”

“And yet?” I cut in,

“And yet, she is moving like a pro.” he whispered, “Like someone who has been working for years.”

I nodded and kept silent, my thoughts were racing though.

“What has really happened to you, Nyssa?”

I had no idea, but at that moment, I knew one thing for certain: I was going to find out.