Gabriel walked into the hotel, tapping his ear to indicate he was on the phone when the hotel manager rushed to greet him. The woman took the cue, keeping pace a respectful distance behind him.
"The trucks disappeared in Ottowa. That's Larsson Family territory," Theo continued to speak on the other side of the line "You could ask Marianne if she knows whether her mother has been meeting with Ivan recently. Then we would get a better understanding of what's going on."
Theo's suggestion was logical. As the daughter of Liv Larsson, the Larsson Family Alpha, Marianne could be aware of her mother's dealings with Ivan. But Gabriel would not ask questions that would put her at odds with her family. "I see little chance of a collaboration between the Larssons and Ivan. They have no reason to help him."
"You're right," Theo sighed. "Marianne is your fiancé, so for them to sabotage your position in Lupus Corp is equivalent to cutting their own line of influence in the company...Damn! Ivan always fought with lies and corporate intrigue, but now he's even stealing?"
Gabriel was a bit surprised himself that the Alpha had resorted to such tactics. As much as he disliked the werewolf and didn't agree with the way he led his pack, Ivan had never crossed into the realm of the illegal. Morally questionable, yes, but nothing like downright theft.
"Liv owns personal shares in the chocolate factory that the trucks were carrying almonds to," he told Theo as the hotel manager rushed past him to press the elevator button. "Get in touch with her PA and organise a conference call. She will have vested interest in helping recover the goods. Message me the time."
"Will do," Theo agreed, then hung up. Gabriel took a deep breath, grateful that Lupus Corp management elections only came up once every five years. The energy that went into fixing the series of sabotages kept the company from growing at its maximum potential and annoyed the hell out of him.
"My apologies, Dolores. I trust everything is in order?"
"Not at all, Alph- Mr Moncrief. Everything is running smoothly," the general manager assured him quickly. "We are set for the charity ball next week and Ms Larsson arrived ten minutes ago. She is waiting for you in Petrichor."
"Good," Gabriel nodded. "Chef Bisset is getting good reviews. Are the guests pleased?"
"Very," Dolores smiled enthusiastically. "The Boston Globe is printing an article on our Chef tomorrow. As you predicted, his popularity is rising quickly."
At least a few things were going as planned. Gabriel stepped into the now open elevator doors. "Keep up the good work."
"Enjoy your meal, Sir."
Gabriel felt the excitement in the air before the restaurant manager spotted him approaching from the elevators and rushed over.
"Mr Moncrief, welcome!" Jacques' smile was hesitant, his eyes shifty. Among all the upper management in the hotel, he was one of the only humans on his staff. Jacques held his position due to his extraordinary talent and experience so Gabriel was not used to seeing such uncertainty in his expression.
"What's wrong?"
"Nothing," Jacques raised his brows innocently. "Everything is running smoothly and Ms Larsson has ordered your drink. If you would follow me?"
Gabriel frowned, taking in the faces of the customers around them before opening himself to their thoughts. Happiness, sorrow, discomfort, elation; everything came at him at once, but with practiced ease, he held the voices at bay and zeroed in on what he was looking for. A contest?
"The guests look like they are waiting for something. Care to tell me what?" he watched the manger.
Jacques' step faltered and he looked at him with embarrassment. "Luca, I mean Chef Bisset, has decided to serve everyone lobster appetisers."
YOU ARE READING
Alpha's Moon
WerewolfShe catches his scent from a mile away and it smells like trouble. * * * No one knew what Mama Fan looked like or where she came from. Despite offers from Michelin starred establishments from across the globe, the 26-year-old Chef rarely left the...