I Am Me (Book Two): Fate Is Wrong

Chapter 15: Family Meeting

Valerius' POV

I arrive during a large party that my father was hosting for business to be made. I am dressed in a  navy blue suit, black shirt and a matching navy tie to blend in with the crowd. It has been years, but now, I am back to feeling what a Valentine heir feels like and I want to go back. Back to my mate and back to our simplistic life. Yeah, I like all the fancy parties and the nice service, but I don't need, nor do I want it if it will turn me into him. Given how father was always babysitting me through business negotiations, it is clear that his intent was to turn me into another him for this damn company that I wouldn't hesitate to burn to the ground if given a bottle of gasoline and a match to with it.

I find dad at the balcony, conversing with what I assume are a group of potential business partners he seeks to rip-off for his own gain. I walk towards a guarded staircase. These two shifter are larger than I, but they seem to know exactly who I am, since with not a word, they nod for me to enter. Dad must have spies set up since I don't see any notable cameras anywhere beyond the ballroom floor. Clearly, father was seeking secret business dealings and having as little security usually came with it. At least in terms of the kind of security that recorded footage. When I get to the top of he staircase, I am met with the scene of my father with his arms around two shifters. One skinny Omega, the other a real beefy gamma. Likely both sluts he hired for a night of pleasure not from mom, not that she cared. From what I've been told, their relationship was always strictly business. Combine money and power, make an heir to rule over it once they passed.

"My boy! Come sit with us! There are some people I want you to meet." Ah, lovely. Getting back into old habits. "I'd like you all to meet my son, Valerius Valentine." I had no interest in this. I didn't come to rejoin the family business. I wanted to get my father off my back and out of my life. Still, if I want his cooperation I need to play his game.

"Pleasure. Dad, when can I have a minute with you alone?"

"After this meeting son. Say hello to the CEO's of the Vontail Co. and the Howell and Rich Inc." I don't like the look either of them are giving me. My father has had a tendency make me not only his protege, but he has pumped me out every now and then to get me to convince them to take deals with a good time. I'm not gonna lie, it was one of my favorite things to do when I was a teen and no shifter of high-class would care about what goes on behind closed doors because they all have something to hide. So, when I found my mate, my whole viewpoint of the one good thing about my life shifted faster than I could do physically. I was whore and something disgusting for my mate to want, but I couldn't live with the thought of not being with my mate. So, I took what chance I had and kept my life a secret. Nathan always respected it, whereas my father and mother figured I'd fold under he pressure of living a simple life. They were clearly wrong and they didn't know that their efforts would be so fruitless. That's why I'm here now. Their greed and selfishness about living a life they want from me.

"You weren't kidding, Valentine. Your son certainly has the look of a real heir to the Valentine fortune. I'm sure we'd work well together, don't you think?" His flirting is not amusing in the slightest, but I luckily don't need to do anything as suddenly, they finally get a whiff of my scent. Thank god for my mating. All the more reason to show my appreciation to Nathan when I see him. "Oh, you're mated. Congratulations. Where is the lucky wolf?"

"He's out on vacation. He's waiting for me and I don't want to keep him waiting any longer than is necessary. I really beg your pardon, but I'd really like to settle a business matters before they worry about me."

"Nonsense, child! I'm sure your mate is quite understanding of your situation. Sometimes, you got use a firm method to make them understand the circumstances surrounding your decisions." I'm not stupid. He's threatening me behind his persuasive offer, or at least persuasive to anyone with no moral compass or self-control. Not I. I won't be lured back into this world.