Think a title for :Joe always knew that he was apart of a very elite circle in LA. He knew that once upon a time he had brushed shoulders with the most powerful of business people, socialites and personalities. Before he had left for Kenya, he had still been on every VVIP exclusive list despite only attending ones he was commanded to by David or his distant relatives who still sat on IDM Inc boards. 

So it should not have been a surprise when he walked into an upscale Vietnamese restaurant in one of the most exclusive districts in LA, and came face to face with Robert Cummings. The same Robert Cummings who would endlessly stare at him at every event they both happened to attend despite the fact that he would attend with David looming over him, his Alpha pheromones warning Robert that he would destroy him if he ever looked at something that belonged to David. 

The same Robert who would “coincidentally” run into him at the hospital he worked at and would tell him he had pretty eyes for an unpresented Alpha. Joseph knew that the older man had some sort of a crush on him in the past, and as the man sat himself down at Joe’s table at the restaurant, Joe could only hope that he’d put those feelings behind him or that they would allow Joe to get a better rate for the medicines he was seeking. 

“Ah, the Prodigal unpresented Alpha Joseph Iverson.” Robert greeted, his chubby cheeks pulling into a friendly smile. 

Schooling his features, Joe stood up and extended his hand in greeting and giving Robert’s a firm shake despite feeling an uncomfortable feeling in his chest at the mention of his unpresented sub-gender. 

“Robert Cummings,” Joe laughed, pulling the man into a half hug before sitting down. “I had my suspicions that it was you, but this is a very pleasant surprise. How have you been?” 

“You know what it’s like here. The same shit, different year. How’s it going on the other side of the world. Living in a third world country is good look on you.” Robert commented, his eyes analyzing Joe’s newer and more mature features. 

He always thought that Joseph was gorgeous and would have made an amazing trophy husband but despite the fact that the younger had refused to marry his betrothed, he would never even look at the men in David’s circle – Robert included. 

Joe chuckled in response, the flush of pink on his ears the only indication of his embarrassment at the compliment. “You don’t look so bad yourself.” He muttered, smiling. 

Robert stood a little shorter than Joe, slightly rounder than the younger remembered, but he could see he was still a little fit. Probably from playing golf with his rich buddies. 

After catching himself staring for a moment too long, Robert’s brain kicked back into action. He cleared his throat, looking around for a server. “Are you hungry? You must try the Pho here. You’ll absolutely love it.” 

Smiling, Joe nodded, “After so much time abroad, I would love to have some Pho. It’s been too long.” 

After placing their orders and catching up briefly as Joe could manage, he steered the conversation to the purpose of the meeting. He wouldn’t get swept up in the conversation only to waste his time on a pathetic offer like the last one. 

“I received the list of the medicines you want, and I’d love to help. My company is doing well, and I think it would be prudent to give back to the community – even if said community is in Kenya.” Robert said decisively, leaning back in his seat. 

Joe nodded gratefully, “Pray tell.” Joe added jokingly, his eyes narrowing slightly in suspicion. “Ten years ago TeCum Pharmaceutical was a small company. I witnessed it near crash just before I returned to LA for residency. Now, it seems that you’re part of the top 6 companies in the States.”

Sighing in resignation, Robert nodded in concession. “You know then that there are people who poured into the business and assisted with more than just finance. I have a friend who helped me restore TeCum from the ground up. He still has a large influence on the company. I’m very grateful.” 

Joe analysed him, feeling a little bad for bringing up the company’s near bankruptcy. “I am too. Without it, you wouldn’t be able to assist so many people in Kenya. I’m grateful for your offer to help, Robert.” 

Robert gave him a small smile, “How many medicines are we talking and how much of a discount are you looking for?” 

Handing him the typed out compilation and description, Joseph held his breath as Robert looked it over, nodding in approval. 

“We have enough of the requested stock of about 25 of these. However, the other 7 would require a month or two to finalize the shipment to ensure you have enough quantities and back up.” Robert nodded, writing notes on the copy Joe had handed him. 

Joe smiled gratefully, his heart leaping with joy at being able to complete his mission in less than the 3 months allocated. “Really? That is great. If we can push it to under a month or a month, it would be perfect. Then we can allocate less than 2 weeks to shipment to Kenya. What are we talking in terms of price. As you know, we don’t have a big budget.” 
“To be honest, the best I can do without board approval and the sanction of a major shareholder would be about 20%. It’s not cheap to produce and ship these medicines to USA.” 

Groaning softly, Joe’s shoulder’s dropped. “We actually need almost a 60% discount to account for the storage facilities that would need to be constructed in two different locations. Do you think I could talk to the shareholders about it, maybe we can swing more and get the rest from another company?” 

“Well, we would need a majority vote from shareholders on that amount. But we can try. Maybe speak to my friend – the shareholder. I’m supposed to visit him in a few minutes so you can tag along and maybe convince him? He would be your best shot.” 

“Yes. Yes – anything. Let’s go!” Joe cheered, before thinking about it. “But will he be okay with that? Won’t it put you an awkward position?”

Robert waved it off, chuckling, “Think of it as a gift to you.” He smiled at Joe, staring him deep in the eye. Joe ducked his head in discomfort, making Robert retreat from the boldness he’d just felt. “I- I mean, I truly envy the work you do. Making a difference. Nothing about profit.” He supplemented. 

“Ah, Thank you.” Joe mumbled. 

“Let’s go right now. I don’t want to be late.” 

Standing and walking to Robert’s own luxury vehicle and drove away in it, with Joe’s following close behind them. He watched the city center disappear and the suburbs coming into view, driving past very nice neighborhoods which housed the upper middle class, the upper class before reaching the neighborhood where one residence took up way more than some people could dream of. High walls and large expanses of greenery stretching far took Joe’s attention. 

The neighborhood familiar but not quite ringing a bell. He’d been to way too many parties in this neighborhood. As they were allowed access into a large estate, the trees on either side guiding their drive, Joe began to remember the residence. 

“This is my friend’s late father’s house. It belongs to the Marx’s youngest Alpha.” 

Joe kept his face neutral, the bitter feeling of betrayal rising up his throat. It was too late to turn back and he could feel the burn of Robert’s analytical gaze on him. 

Damn this man to hell. 

They walked into the recently renovated and re-designed mansion, the twist familiar to Joe’s soul as he remembered so many fights taking place in these very halls. His heart twisted with nerves, his conscious laughing at the predicament. 

He should have known. 

They approached a figure, tightly wrapped in a blanket on his shoulder, despite the fact that it wasn’t truly that cold yet. Sure winter was approaching but it was hardly even sweater season. His body didn’t seem familiar, but the neat trim of his hair was something that Joe had already memorized in his youth and the four years since they last saw each other hadn’t erased the way his haircut emphasized his neck. A neck that Joe had been expected to bite in claim. 


“Hello, David.” Joe forced himself to say politely.

Robert excused himself from the room silently. He had known that there was nothing more to discuss because he’d done what David had instructed him to do. Although he was curious how this would play out, he knew better than to test David’s patience or Joe’s kindness. 

Joe and David didn’t even acknowledge Robert’s exit, instead focusing on each other. The emotions between the two running high. One knowing more than the other but knowing his intended was likely hurting, refrained from commenting on how the years had treated him.

“Am I still David?” David responded, voice light only breaking the silence as the tea pot was placed on the table between them before the staff scurried away, motioning for Joe to take a seat. Without breaking eye contact, Joe sat down across from him. 

“Wow, Alpha David. I can’t even conduct business without running into you. How many enterprises have you bought in this city? Should I expect to run into you whenever I try and conduct business?” 

Unsurprised and unimpressed, David rolled his eyes and decided to pour them some special Chinese medicinal tea. “How about you just try this tea and keep civil, intended?” David grumbled, pouring the tea without letting Joe get another word in. 

Taking a calming breath in, Joseph put the puzzle pieces together as he regarded David unsurprised and monotonous response to his presence. Of course David had put all this together to bring him to his knees begging for held. Bastard. 

“You made Robert give John that info on purpose didn’t you?” 

Scoffing and rolling his eyes as he took a sip of tea, “You contacted him first, didn’t you? I haven’t been interested in the pharmaceutical company in too long.” He replied calmly, letting his eyes glow red in warning. 

Joe wasn’t stupid. He knew David was powerful enough to know when he landed. He knew that he didn’t contact him on purpose. He probably set this whole thing up. Stubbornly, he took a sip of tea, letting David’s words wash over him. He had contacted Robert first. He was the one who made the move first. Joe had known the risk when he contacted people from his old life. 
 
“Let’s talk business then. What will it take for you to give me the discount we need for our DWB mission? Name your price.” Joe relented.