The Courage to Love: The BraveHeart Series Book 2

Chapter 5 - Quincy

Everything that belonged to my father when he was Second-in-Command now belonged to me, which included his office and his endless responsibilities, but Trent added to my stress level when he appointed me as Gamma. I thought the extra workload would keep me from thinking about Thema, but I've never been so wrong in all my life. Even with the upcoming meeting of the species and all the festivities about to take place, I still couldn't stop thinking about her and how much I wanted to protect her. I was sitting at my desk working on the Spring Festival and anniversary when Thema popped up in my mind.

"We need to find mate..." Jabari groaned in my head, and I was forced to acknowledge the ache that has resided in my heart since that fateful day.

The first six months after my father's death, I was still numb. I had a zero-tolerance for mistakes, but once we approached the first anniversary of my father's and Alpha Drake's death, it hit me like a ton of bricks. That was five months ago, and since then, my feelings for this woman have grown deeper than I can understand. I was trying to focus on the new formations since the tribe has grown tremendously over the past year, but it was hard to do when all I could do was think about Thema. I was starting to get a splitting headache when someone knocked heavily on my office door.

"Who is it?" I wasn't trying to sound annoyed, but the headache had turned into a migraine because I was trying my damndest to block her out of my thoughts.

"It's Trent."

"Come on in." I got all my papers that were strewn across my desk in order, then stood to greet him.

"Am I interrupting anything?" Trent asked while peeking his head in slightly.

"Not at all. You're just the person I needed to see. I wanted to show you the new formations that I've been working on. I want to implement them during the festival. I also had some ideas for your anniversary, as requested." I walked around my desk, and we exchanged a firm handshake and a brotherly hug.

"Cool. I can't wait to see what you're working on, but I didn't come here on tribe or anniversary business." The way he sat down and crossed his legs let me know everything that I needed to know. He was here to talk about her.

"Well, talk to me." I tried to play it cool, but just the very thought of her was arousing Jabari, my wolf.

"I know the past year has been tough, but Thema's disappearance has allowed me to focus on what's best for my family and the company. Over the past couple of days, I've been thinking about what we could do to add more beneficial value to our tribe. With that being said, I retired David and brought in a new consigliere. Someone that would better understand us and what we're looking for."

He had leaned back in his seat and crossed his fingers together with a satisfied grin on his face. I usually can tell what Trent is thinking, but my concentration and focus have been greatly tested these past few days.

"As you know, for the past few months, I've been diligently working with the Umbutus on the bottled water contract, and we've been striving hard to have the deal closed by the Spring Festival. I am proud to say that this business deal will be the breaking point of my career, but I need your help, Q."

"What can I do to help?" For the first time in months, I was excited about an assignment outside of the mansion other than training. The day I knew that Thema was my mate, I purposely confined myself inside the mansion because I couldn't think straight, but because she was raging war, I had no choice but to see her destruction. That didn't make me want her any less. The hold that woman has on me is terrible, and I haven't even touched her yet.

"If I have my way, we'll be holding her soon enough..." I felt Jabari's tracking senses activate at the thought of Thema.

"Alpha Umbutu has announced his retirement and named his son, Prince Ahmad, his successor. Unfortunately, they've run into some financial trouble, and I've graciously offered them thirty percent of their initial advance. To celebrate, Prince Ahmad and his sister, Princess Amirah will be here for the festival to finish signing the contract, but he will be leaving shortly after the festival. Princess Amirah will stay and take on the role of consigliere. She will also be bonded into the tribe. I want you to guard the Princess, especially during the festival. Will that be a problem?"