(BL)Alpha Made-Chapter 294: Who is going to shame you for cuddling your man?

Andrew rolled into his office with a pep in his step. He’d gotten cuddles and kisses from Maxwell and was now ready to face the day.

Dr. Cox and Dr. Piper didn’t look as excited or calm as Andrew was. They may not have said anything, but they were up to their eyeballs in things that Richard normally handled, so that meant that everything else would fall onto Andrew’s shoulders since he was trained for it.

Andrew didn’t complain, didn’t even make a noise about it. Instead, he changed his clothes, pulled on his jacket for work, turned on his computer and got to work. He wasn’t about to leave them panicking, and he was a good worker.

He could help out.

~

It appeared as if the other managers of the research departments hadn’t been able to come to a reasonable outcome for who would take over while Richard was ’indisposed’. That wasn’t a big deal in the grand scheme of things because the alpha department didn’t have any urgent projects in the works for this quarter, and almost every other department did.

What it did mean was that more weight was on Dr. Cox’s shoulders because she was the most senior member of the team and very responsible. Andrew could tell it was already taking a toll on her and it had only been two days at this point since Richard had collapsed.

During that time, Dr. Cox had been trying to get to work earlier since she couldn’t stay longer as the daycare that Bella was at had a strict time when it came to closing. Dr. Cox wouldn’t accept any help. Her stubbornness bordered on foolishness, but that only meant that Andrew tried to help out where he could, along with Dr. Piper.

Files needed printing? Done. Where was the spreadsheet for this study? Andrew already had it ready. Dr. so and so was asking about this specific thing? Don’t worry, Andrew would send it over. Dr. Cox could focus on more important things.

It didn’t seem to matter. Andrew could see how this was affecting her. Andrew already knew that Richard was a big part of how the team was able to keep itself together. That was the kind of guy Richard was. He was silent, but he was the glue.

Andrew knew that the ladies already knew that, that was why they had panicked almost immediately. He was just sure that the rest of the managers were now going to come to a startling realisation that Richard had been far more important than they gave him credit for.

Also during this time, Ford did call Mr. Kensington to confirm that yes, Andrew had gone to speak for May. It wasn’t the proper choice, but their minds were a little frazzled from everything that was going on. Once Ford had realised that Andrew had revealed a partial truth to what was going on, it was far easier for him to explain the situation without revealing too much. Mr. Kensington told Ford that after they had met Mr. Dalton, one of May’s clients that she would recognise the name, Andrew’s identity had all but been confirmed.

It was clear to Andrew when Ford recounted the story that Mr. Kensington had clearly wanted to ask more, but hadn’t done so. Ford’s little smirk on his lips told him that he knew it too, and had reveled in the silence on the phone when he hadn’t. Ford enjoyed it. Andrew’s new fame and fortune.

Not because he benefitted from it. Oh no. Both him and May fought Andrew tooth and nail over any little thing he tried to do for them. No. They just liked the bragging rights. They liked to be able to casually pull it out in conversations that not only did they know the Beckett family personally, but they also knew the Proctors and-what’s this? A secret, hidden family name that holds just as much meaning?

Oh, they loved it. Rose came by her behaviour naturally.

They didn’t abuse it, obviously, otherwise everyone at May’s workplace would have known about Andrew and he would have had an easy time going to her office. It wasn’t to flex, it was to brag, and Andrew was glad that was how they distinguished themselves.

Andrew may have been having a hard time with work being what felt like chaos, but he was able to see Ford and May easily, check up on Richard, and work through a trauma he hadn’t realised he’d had until Richard’s collapse.

Maxwell was there, always there if he needed him. Andrew had gone up after both of his lunches with the Gates to get some comfort from the other man. Maxwell hadn’t questioned it, and instead had opened his arms for his larger partner. He hadn’t cared about the location either.

The second day he had been having a casual conversation with a few of the managers on the upper levels and when Andrew had rounded the corner, Maxwell hadn’t hesitated. He just opened his arms, still speaking to his employees and Andrew tucked himself into Maxwell’s embrace, not caring what that said about him.

The managers had been a little stunned, but managed to continue to speak to Maxwell as Andrew was soothed by the other man. Andrew hoped that he hadn’t caused any problems for him, but it was clear that if there were any problems, Maxwell wasn’t going to let Andrew hear about it.

It was nice to be protected like that.

~

It was by the third day that Richard had been down for the count that something interesting happened. Firstly, Maxwell let Andrew know that the purchase of the building next to them was going smoothly. The board was completely aligned with getting a daycare and cafeteria in place for their employees especially after they realised the government was offering an incentive for having child care and food for their employees.

Secondly, Maria arrived on the third day with just little Hewett on her hip looking for Andrew. Andrew hadn’t been expecting her. She hadn’t sent a text, nothing, she just showed up. Andrew didn’t know what to do. He didn’t exactly have an office that was safe for others to visit since it was underground and he normally ate with Ford and May during lunch.

Maxwell told him to just speak to her first before he started worrying about why she was here. Andrew calmed down enough to agree with him and let May and Ford know that he was probably going to be late if he even came to lunch today due to a friend showing up.

Ford told him to have a good time and not to worry about two old people. Andrew couldn’t exactly agree with him but didn’t make a big stink about it.

Instead, he made his way up to the lobby, a little nervous about meeting Maria after so long. He had meant to catch up with her sooner, but with his rut and everything else, it had slipped his mind. He hoped Maria wasn’t upset.

When he stepped out of the elevator, he wasn’t expecting the wolf whistle. He jerked his head towards the sound, noticing it was Maria with her same, infectious smile on her face, her blue eyes warm, her blonde hair styled perfectly as was the rest of her. Even little Hewett looked perfect, all smiles like his Mom and chubby cheeks.

"Look at that man in a coat? How handsome! No wonder Maxy couldn’t keep his hands off of you." She called, loudly, and Andrew felt his face heat. He’d forgotten that part about Maria. She waved widely with her hand, all giggles and softness, and Andrew felt a part of him melt when Hewett tried to mimic his Mom.

"Hey Maria." Andrew said as he approached, but Maria wasn’t going to have it. She reached for him, her grip surprisingly tight as she pulled him into a one arm hug, Hewett between them. The little boy giggled as he was squeezed between them.

"It’s so good to see you! It’s been forever, and when you didn’t contact me, I figured you’d just forgotten!" She didn’t sound upset, but Andrew knew better. He gave her a little squeeze before pulling back. He glanced around, at all the big ears and sharp eyes, and sighed.

"This isn’t the perfect place to talk. Max gave his permission. Did you...want a tour?" He asked carefully and she gasped, covering her mouth.

"Really? Oh Andy, that sounds delightful! Do I need to sign anything?" She asked, glancing around and Andrew chuckled as she searched for a paper to sign. She was bubbly, but not stupid. She knew she was about to see something normally she wouldn’t.

"As long as you don’t plan to sell any details of what you see to others, I feel we’ll be fine. Max said it was okay, so..." Andrew trailed off with a shrug and she nodded.

"I’ll be in big trouble, and so will my husband if I say anything. Got it." She said with a smile. She looped her arm through Andrew’s, something they used to do when they were younger and in university. "Gosh. It’s so strange to see you like this now. All big and burly and an alpha. You were ginormous as a beta, but you’ve grown so much since becoming an alpha. I think it suits you, of course, but how are you doing? Are you settling in well?" Her words got straight to the issue and Andrew chuckled.

That too, was very Maria of her. Andrew waited to answer her question until they were in the elevator. freēnovelkiss.com

"I’m learning. One of the reasons I didn’t reach out was because Max and I had a huge argument, and then I had my rut. It feels like it’s been one thing after the other." Andrew told her and Maria’s eyes widened.

"You two had an argument? About what?" She asked and Andrew hesitated before he decided he could tell her. So, he explained everything, taking her to a few chairs that were set up on one of the lower floors where they could catch up. Maria listened, pulling out a few toys from her pockets for Hewett to play with and Andrew loved the simple action of it.

How easily it came to her, caring for her children while also speaking and listening to Andrew. It warmed a part of his heart to see how Maria handled motherhood, and how happy she seemed doing it. While also making time for him. Damn it. He should have done this a lot sooner.