Malcolm wouldn’t let up and, as tired as Melody was, she didn’t have it in her for a prolonged argument. He wanted things his way and he would get it by wearing her down and he didn’t have very far to wear her down. There she was lying in bed determined not to sleep and then she was waking up to light coming in from an enormous window and Malcolm coming into the bedroom with David chattering away in his arms. “Hey, are you ready to say morning to mommy? I bet you are, and I think she’s finally rested enough that we can have a sane conversation once you’ve had breakfast and are ready for your day. Morning sunshine, it appears we have a busy day ahead of us. If we don’t hurry, we may miss out on breakfast with the pack.” Melody sat up and took David from Malcolm. He seemed far too alert and happy suddenly. What happened to the wolf on the warpath from last night? “What alternate universe it this? Why would I be eating breakfast with your pack? Malcolm

Melody and Ellie didn’t have time to talk to each other for quite a while because Malcolm and Jordan were so focused on what they planned to do. Ellie and Melody didn’t find out what the other’s opinion about all of this was until far later. Right now, Malcolm and Jordan were introducing them to person after person. Their names, positions, and attitudes were a whirl for Melody. She ended up asking for something to take notes with. She expected paper and a pen. What Malcolm handed her was a tablet, and Malcolm told her to keep it. It was connected to the pack’s indoor systems, and she could access anything she wanted or needed. When she looked more closely, he’d given her his personal tablet. That made her wonder about the security and why wasn’t he concerned about her being a security risk? It was like an old-fashioned staff introduction to a grand house. As breakfast ran its course and fewer people entered looking for their morning meal. The purpose of the r

“In this affair, I make the rules as well. In this case, we aren’t welcome in that conversation and I like my heart beating in my chest as much as the next guy.” “You left Melody in there where she could die?” “Oh, she’s the only one that’s safe from him. He’ll never do her harm. It’s if you or I interfere, we could be in danger. Also, I’m not much into watching them get intimate with each other. Now, if you wanted to have an adult version of parallel play, I could easily take part in that kink.” “What is parallel play?” “It is where two kids play side-by-side doing different things.” It scandalized Ellie by the visual that entered her mind. The four of them having sex on the floor in the shop at the same time. It engrossed each couple in their partner, ignoring the other couple. It was kinky and interesting at the same time. Ellie felt her core melt, her panties dampening as her thoughts brought back what they’d done with each other last nigh

“Sign here. Here and here. Now this requests the documents to be changed. Mr. Richards will appear as the father and David’s name will appear with the last name of Richards.” The lawyer put papers in front of Melody. The pressure to sign them overrode her need to stay with her pup. She was exhausted from Malcolm’s use of her. She couldn’t believe how he could make her enjoy his dominant nature and actions. Yet hate it when she had to take a stand. Right now, taking a stand was not in her cards. She needed to keep her head down and make him happy. She just prayed he wouldn’t change his mind about this situation. There was no way she could grow to love him willingly right now as he was. Melody was worried about Ellie. What was happening to her? She didn’t like the idea of stepping back and becoming a silent partner. She was also trying to find out what happened or was happening with Malcolm’s mate. He appeared so sure he knew who and where she was, but

Melody found Malcolm in the Sunroom where his office was, with David on his knee and talking to him about a spreadsheet on the laptop screen. David’s eyes watched the moving colours of the interactive graphs. “This is the first time I’ve seen you work. Want me to take David and get him ready for bed?” Melody stood at the entrance to the Sunroom and watched Malcolm with little David. “Perfect timing. Actually, I got quite a good amount done, but I couldn’t use your opinion on something. This account is on a business that’s been struggling with its social media presence. I was debating on recommending a full-time person or a contract part-time person. You’ve got experience with this. What do you think?” Malcolm continued to look at his monitor, changing things to move the shapes for David’s amusement. “Let me see how large the company is? Also, what’s their current social media presence and the size of the market they currently have?” Melody took David and c