Ulterior Motives

**Alaric's POV**

I reach over and shut down my computer system. The dual monitors go black, reflecting the tense, unyielding set of my jaw in the dark glass. I rise from my leather executive chair and head across the spacious office toward the sitting area just as Gideon Hayes pushes through my heavy oak door.

He enters with his usual presumptuous air, acting as if he owns the building. Gideon i