Chapter 22: : Chapter 21

His plan is solidifying.

Gerard shows up in the late morning to retrieve his keys.

“I’ll wipe the security footage,” Erik informs him. “So you can keep your job.”

“You can do that?” the guard asks. “It’s that easy?”

“I built half of these programs. It takes a few codes, and all the footage is lost from the last two days.”

Gerard looks impressed, but weary. “Sounds good.”

“I’ll give you another fifty thousand for your second set of keys,” Erik offers. “The ones in the front office.”

Gerard’s eyes practically bulge out of his head. “Done,” he offers quickly. “And you’ll make sure I won’t get caught?”

Erik scoffs. “If they can’t catch me, they won’t catch you. Just get them to me as soon as possible.”

“Damn,” the guard sighs. “She’s worth that much, huh? All for a piece of pussy?”

Erik advances on him is a second, his blood boiling with rage.

“She’s…worth…everything,” Erik snarls, backing him into the doorway. “And don’t ever fucking talk about her like that again.”

Gerard scurries out to retrieve the set of keys.

He really doesn’t like Gerard. His attitude towards Ellie is unacceptable, and he’s going to need to take action soon.

But that’s secondary to his first plan; the one where he makes his girl his forever. Now that he’s had a taste, it won’t be enough.

She’s the only one who can understand him. She’s the only one that can look up at him with wonder and make him feel like he has a heart again.

But to make things easier, he needs access to Doctor Porter’s office, and uninterrupted time with his computer.

And the sooner he can have it, the better.

* * *

“I need to ask you something.”

Doctor Porter pulls him into his office at the end of the weekend.

Erik smiles to himself. Doctor Porter has been more open about Ellie than he realizes. He takes mental notes of every piece of information and files them away for future reference.

But, to his surprise, it’s not about her.

“Have you noticed anything unusual about Gerard?” The doctor looks anywhere but at Erik, frowning.

Oh, this is perfect.

“How do you mean?” He does his best to sound ignorant.

“Have you seen any of his interactions with Ellie?” the doctor asks, his brow furrowed. “Does he make her uncomfortable?”

That gets his attention. “Has something happened?” He leans forward on the couch, a low growl forming in his throat.

“I can’t prove it, but I believe he’s been a bit inappropriate with her. If you see anything, please let me know.”

He sees red. His fists clench, his nails digging into his palm.

He hurt Omega.

“Inappropriate with her how?” He hisses.

The doctor shrugs, frustrated. “Some comments, I believe. She won’t clarify, but I would wager it has something to do with her Omega status.”

He looks at Erik pointedly. “I know you think she’s…special. And she’s important to you.”

Erik shrugs. “She’s good at her job, and I’m not a fan of anyone who disrespects an Omega.”

“Right. Well, if you see anything, let me know.”

“I will.”

They continue their session and Erik gives rehearsed answers, reciting the words he knows the doctor wants to hear.

But all he’s focused on is Gerard.

He wonders if the guard knows how much time he has left.