Together Forever: Billionaire Alpha

by Ali Parker

  “I’ll go with you. I wanted to get you to help calm my fears. I’ve eaten enough Tums to kill a large baby calf.” Matt walked past them, his comment making little to no sense.

  “Don’t let that boy fool you. He’s wicked smart.” Martha nodded after Matt, her voice soft and full of truth.

  “Oh, I know. He thinks he’s got all of us fooled…” Bethany rolled her eyes and laughed loudly at Matt’s response.

  “I can still hear you two. Jeez!”

  “Tell me why you’re nervous? The wedding or the flight?” Bethany walked into the bedroom and moved to the closet in search of her large suitcase. Her mother had picked up a few things for her to take on the trip, but she had yet to try them on. Whether they were going or not was another story altogether.

  “Neither. My father invited Erica to join us, you know.”

  “That’s a good thing, Matt. She’s a big part of his professional life. He probably thinks of her like a daughter of sorts.” Bethany glanced over her shoulder in time to watch Matt flop down on the bed dramatically. She laughed and tugged out the suitcase that she had originally brought to Kent’s a few weeks back.

  The plan had been to spend a week with him, but that had quickly turned into several weeks. She wasn’t sure about returning to her apartment now. Not with the situation with Krista being so bad. Her friend was still in police custody.

  “I don’t care what he thinks of her as. She intimidates the fuck out of me. I wanted to relax, wear what I wanted and eat like a pig.” He let out a long sigh. “Now I have to behave and play the part.”

  He sounded so much like a wayward teenage girl that Bethany had to give him some hell over it.

  “Yeah, I don’t think she’s going to like the pink panties you wear, or the way you eat your food like a dog from a dish…” She paused as he lifted his head and rolled his eyes. “Move over so I can put my suitcase up here with you, you big girl.”

  “You have no idea what the pressure is like.” He rolled over onto his back, his eyes focused on the ceiling as he pressed his hands to his chest. “She’s perfect. Perfect teeth. Perfect record. Perfect ass. Ugh. It gets old.”

  Bethany laughed so hard a snort resounded. “You’re so dumb right now.”

  “I’m telling Damon you’re a snorter for that.” He lifted his head and winked at her.

  “I think Erica is only perfect in one way and that’s what scares you so damn bad.”

  “What way is that?” Matt rolled over, almost falling off the bed. He caught himself and moved to his stomach, his hands holding his chin up.

  “Perfect for you.”

  “Oh please. We’re like oil and vinegar. Total opposites.”

  “Nope. Not even close. You’re both artistic, good looking and have a great outlook on life. I think you should stop trying to turn her into a big scary monster.” Bethany moved to her closet and started to pull out clothes.

  “Okay. I’ll do that… when you do it too.”

  She glanced back at him, lifting her eyebrow. “I have no clue what you’re talking about.”

  “Sure you do. It’s just a little different. I treat Erica like an untouchable and you treat Damon like everything he does or every word he speaks is meant as is. I’ll give her a chance to just be her when you give him a chance to just be him.”

  Bethany grabbed a few shirts and walked to the bed, throwing them in the open suitcase.

  Matt moved to his knees, pulling them back out and folding them.

  “I’m perfectly fine with Damon being who he is.”

  “Were you hurt by him not talking to you this morning?” Matt pulled out another shirt, folding it and adverting his eyes from her.

  “Yes.”

  “Why?” He glanced up at her quickly, his eyes wide as if he were worried.

  “Because if we’re going to be together, I expect him to communicate with me. I was on the fucking phone with him and he didn’t say anything, Matt. Not two words.” Heat rushed up her chest and coated her throat. Surely Matt wasn’t taking up for Damon when he was a cock earlier that day.

  “And why didn’t he say anything to you?”

  “Because he’s an ass and doesn’t think of other people.”

  “Who’s staying behind to take care of the mess at McKenzie and Bryant?” Matt moved off the bed and nodded toward the closet. “Go get more clothes while I drag myself deeper into this hole for the sake of my wayward older brother.”

  “Damon is staying back to take care of things. It’s his damn job.” She stormed to the closet and yanked out a few more items, not giving two shits about what she wore. No one would be there to impress anyway.

  “No, it’s my father’s job to take care of large scale things like this.” Matt paused and lifted his hand as Bethany started to retort. “Damon has his faults, I’ll give you that, but him staying behind totally debunks your claims. He’s caring, and he does think of other people. He’s not used to being exclusive with someone and is working through his own demons. He was stressed, I bet, and didn’t want to snap at you. It was the same thing I would have done, sparing you from my wrath. You don’t deserve to get hit with it.”

  Bethany started to bite back, but truth stopped her. Matt was right. She was pushing so much angst onto the situation only because she wanted to be the one holding the cards. If Damon was a true bastard and things didn’t work out, she could simply blame that.

  She dropped the remaining items in front of Matt, her shoulders dropping. “You’re right.”

  “Yep. This time I am. Write it down. Doesn’t happen often.” He moved around the bed and pulled her into a tight hug. “I’ll try and give Erica a bit of grace, but you do the same to Damon. Who knows… we might both end up happy in the end.”

  “I think we will.” She wrapped her arms around the big guy in front of her and pressed her cheek to his chest.

  “Now… you’re not my sister for another few days. Throw your undies at me and I’ll fold them for you.” He moved back, lifting his hands as if preparing for the onslaught.

  Bethany grabbed the closest pillow to her and started to beat him with it. He screamed like a small child, getting a hold of a larger one and wailing back.

  He was exactly what she needed in her life. A friend. A brother.

  Bethany picked up the bread and walked into the dining hall behind Martha, her mom and Kent already seated at the table. They all took their seats, Damon’s still empty. Sadness rolled over her, but she forced it away. He would be there soon and she would work hard to make him feel welcomed. She needed to be his centering, his soft place to land, no matter what that meant.

  “All right, let’s pray?” Kent bowed his head and prayed over the food and the trip they were leaving for in the morning.

  Bethany whispered amen and glanced up, Damon sliding his arm over her shoulders and smiling.

  “Sorry I’m late. Long day at the office. My boss is a monster.” He smirked as everyone chuckled.

  Bethany leaned over and pressed a soft kiss to his lips before squeezing his thigh softly. “My prayers are answered.”

  “You were praying for me to have a slave-driver of a boss?” He winked and pointed to the large plate of chicken in the middle of the table. “Someone start passing that toward my end of the table. I need it… now.”

  “How was everything? You get anywhere on all of the stuff at the office?” Kent picked up the platter and passed it, his voice shifting to business.

  “It’s good. We can talk later. Let’s just enjoy our dinner together, Dad. You guys get everything wrapped up on the wedding decorations and stuff? Aunt Allison driving anyone mad yet?” He smiled and stood, reaching for the platter. He offered the serving fork to Bethany and glanced down at her, a smile on his lips.

  “Yes. I swear I’m not sure what I did to be blessed and cursed so much by my only sibling. She’s been planning beside Karen, but we wanted this to be small. Intimate. It’s going to be over two hundred people.”

 
Bethany turned, her mouth dropping open. “On a destination wedding? That’s insane.”

  “I agree.” Bethany’s mom picked up her wine glass and took a long drink.

  Kent reached over and squeezed her shoulder. “The good thing is that between Allison and Matthew, we’re almost done. Just a few things to be done once we get on the island, but other than that… we plan on relaxing. I want you guys to do the same.”

  Matt looked up from his plate. “When is Erica coming out?”

  “She’s already there. I believe her flight was at lunch today. She’s wrapping up the negotiations on the liability contracts for one of our partners who’s out there already.”

  “Of course she is.” Matt huffed and picked up his chicken, biting into it without cutting it.

  Bethany laughed. “Hey. You’re breaking our promise.”

  He put the chicken down and started to cut it, a smirk lifting his mouth. “It was more for your benefit than mine.”

  “Most things are.” Bethany turned to Damon as a look of question slipped across his handsome face. “I’ll tell you later.”

  “Please do. If Matt and Erica are involved… I want to know all about it.”

  CHAPTER FIVE

  The night had been filled with laugher and wine, the stories everyone told embarrassing to someone in the room. Each of them got their turn in the hot seat. Damon hadn’t stayed long, but gave her a long kiss at the door and promised to be in Jamaica as soon as he could.

  Bethany worked hard not to think about it as she moved into the airport the next morning, her mother beside her. They walked to the long line of people already there for checkin. Kent and Matthew had stayed back with the driver, pulling out luggage and checking it all on the curbside check in.

  “I’m so nervous. Tell me this is going to be great.” Her mom pressed her shoulder against Bethany’s, her smile tight.

  Bethany wrapped an arm around her mom and smiled down at her. “This is going to be a dream come true. We’ll get checked in and get us a good magazine and a coke.”

  “You’re right. I just feel so jittery.”

  “That’s a good thing. This isn’t just a vacation, Mom, but a huge change in your life. I’m so proud of you.” Bethany squeezed her mom tightly before releasing her and moving up a little. She glanced over her shoulder, looking for Kent and Matt and not finding them yet.

  “Well, your pushing a little helped. I probably would have stayed on the fence until I convinced myself that I was really good enough for Kent, which would never have happened.”

  “I do the same thing with Damon. I swear I’m waiting for the other shoe to fall. There’s no way someone as incredible and so put together could really want me.” Bethany moved up another step.

  “You have to be kidding me, right? You’re the full package. It’s him that should be worried.” Bethany’s mother cocked her hip and gave a funny look.

  Bethany laughed and turned as Kent called to them.

  “Girls. Come over here. Let’s take the premier line for check in.” He urged them to join him as Matt walked up to the counter.

  Bethany repositioned her bag and shrugged as her mom glanced at her questioningly.

  “You and I have a lot to get used to.” Bethany’s mom chuckled and moved back through the crowd.

  “I’m just stoked to have more than one meal a day. Martha has officially spoiled me. She’s my favorite person now.” Bethany moved in behind her mom.

  “Hey. Watch it. That’s my spot.” Her mom glanced over her shoulder, moving out of the long line of impatient people. They moved through the premier line within a few minutes and made their way to security.

  Matt seemed to be laser focused on getting them through the various stops and safely to the gate. His demeanor was all business, the sight of him being so demanding and taking charge almost comical. He did it well though.

  They found the gate and sat down, Bethany looking up at him as he let out a long sigh.

  “Your guard is down.” She tilted her head as her eyebrows lifted.

  He looked down at his pants, checking his fly. “No it’s not.”

  Bethany rolled her eyes and stood, glancing down at her mom and Kent. “We’re going to get a drink and some snacks for the flight. You guys want anything?”

  They put in their orders. Bethany slipped her arm into Matt’s as they walked to the open market in the center of their terminal.

  “Since when does someone refer to the fly on your pants as a guard?” She had to know.

  “Hell, who knows. You kids today have all new names for old stuff. I thought you were talking about my pants. What guard is down?”

  “Yours. You were very mature and businesslike back there. You better watch yourself or your father might think you capable of doing something grown up… like running a business.”

  “Oh no! You don’t think he noticed do you?” Matt gave a look of panic, the expression melting into a sarcastic smile. “He’s not fooled. Neither are you.”

  “This is true.” Bethany released him and moved to pick up the latest fashion magazine. The girl on it looked far too familiar. She moved toward Matthew, making sure not to walk on the outside of the store and have the item pick up the security device. That’s all she needed - to look like a thief.

  “Matt. Do you know this girl?” She held up the magazine.

  He scowled and pushed it away. “Ugh. I hate that bitch.”

  Bethany pulled the magazine up to her face and studied the girl. “Is she on a TV show or something? She looks like someone I know.”

  “You don’t know her and be thankful. She and Damon were a thing a few times over the last thousand years. Her name is…”

  Bethany cut him off. “Christa.”

  “Yes. Go put that up. Don’t support her shit. She’s a venomous snake. Not sure what my brother ever saw in her.” He turned and walked to the cash register with a bunch of items. “Grab what you want and come on. I’ll buy, but you have five seconds.”

  She chuckled, putting the magazine down and picking up a candy bar. She stood there for a minute more before picking it back up. She was a glutton for punishment. She had to have it, needed to know more about this girl. How in the world was she supposed to compete with a model?

  You’re not. Stop it.

  Christa was beautiful, no doubt. Her silky looking blond hair and big full lips had nothing on the mixture of blues that made up her eye color. Bethany dropped both on the counter and Matt picked up the magazine.

  “No. I’m not buying that. You seriously don’t want to know anything about her, Bethany. She’s a horrible person and all you’ll see is what she wants you to see. She wears a tight mask.”

  “Please? I want to read all the other articles.”

  “You’re not getting it to read up on Damon’s old flame?”

  “No. Promise.”

  “Liar.”

  The flight to Jamaica was much quicker than Bethany imagined, but most of that had to do with the fact that she had fallen asleep.

  Matt pushed softly at her shoulder, waking her. She jerked up and looked around as everyone began getting up and pulling their bags from the overhead bins. Finally gaining awareness of her surroundings, she grabbed her magazine from the seat pocket in front of her and slipped it into her handbag.

  “Come on, sleepyhead. No more rest for you.” Matt moved back and made room for her to get out.

  The seats in first class were large and worn leather, so incredibly comfortable. She didn’t remember even hearing the safety announcements before she had passed out. Moving out in the aisle, she lifted to her toes and spotted her mother and Kent getting off the plane in front of them.

  “I didn’t even realize I was tired. I slept good last night.” She glanced back at Matt. “Are we going to baggage claim next?”

  “Yeah. We’ll get our stuff and load it up on the resort’s van. They should be sending one after us.” He walked behind her as she moved off, the air warm around them in
the tunnel that connected the plane to the terminal building.

  “Is it an all-inclusive resort?” She slowed a little, letting Matt move up beside her as they walked out into the building. Her mother waved at her.

  “Yeah. All the food and drinks you want. I wish I could enjoy it like you will, but I’ll be on a damn interview the whole time.” He grumbled under his breath about the lack of fairness in life.

  “You aren’t on an interview. Just enjoy yourself. If Erica doesn’t like you for who you are then forget her, Matt. She’s not worth your time.”

  “I don’t want her to like me. Relationships take work.”

  They stopped in front of Kent and Bethany’s mom, Kent glancing between the two of them. “Matt bitching about Erica again?”

  “He sure is.” Bethany glanced at Matt and smiled. “How on earth did you know?”

  “Whatever…” Matt moved up to Bethany’s mom and offered his arm. “Karen, let’s leave these rascals and go have a lovely vacation with buffets and fruity drinks.”

  “I’m with him.” Bethany’s mom laughed as they walked off together.

  Bethany shook her head, glancing at her soon-to-be dad as he seemed to slow his stride a little.

  “I wanted to tell you that I’m so far beyond blessed to have you and your mother in my life. I’m thrilled at the family unit we’re already becoming and I want you to know something.” He stopped and Bethany paused beside him, turning toward him and begging the water works to stay down.

  “What?”

  “I know you and your mother had a rough go at life due to some of the decisions your father made. I’m not him. I will never be him, but if you ever see me slipping into someone you don’t like, you can’t respect, you question… come talk to me. Love me enough to let me know?”

  Bethany nodded as her eyes filled with tears.

  He extended his hands and she slipped into his arms, wrapping him into a tight hug. Everything was going to be okay. Her mom would be taken care of and so would she. Warmth spread down her chest and rested in the center of it, the moment one she would remember forever.