Page 14 of Jorax
Though pride and fierce protectiveness roared through me, I forced myself not to intervene, sensing Jorax needed to fight this battle himself. He stood tall and proud, righteous anger lending his normally uncertain baritone commanding resonance. The other patrons murmured amongst themselves, clearly as taken aback as Icaron by Jorax’s bold words.
Now the confrontation takes a turn I never would have expected. Although I’ve often wondered how Jorax was wounded, I never could have expected this in a million years. It was doneon purpose?By the male who continues to torment him to this very day?
I consider myself a pacifist, and I’ve certainly never wanted to kill anyone before, but if I had a gun in my hands, I believe Icaron would be on the floor in a puddle of his own blood right now.
I blink tears from my eyes. Jorax doesn’t need to worry about my emotions at this moment. He probably feels as though live wires are sparking through every part of his body like an electrical storm.
Jorax’s words ring with conviction in the candlelit ballroom. “As of tonight, all will finally know where the true innovation stems from. Choose your own projects to leech off of, Icaron. My research can stand proudly on its own merits and I’ll no longer allow you to claim my work as your own.”
His gravelly proclamation hangs in the air. Before the stunned Icaron can retort, the distinguished-looking Chairman of the Board strides over. The shaggy blue Whelpie’s keen eyes move between them as though he’s watching a tennis match.
“Well now. These are bold allegations.” His assessing gaze takes in Jorax, towering and fierce despite his anxious tells: the hand raking his flat scalp, the shoulders tight as bridge cables.
I twine my fingers with Jorax’s, uncaring of propriety. He squeezes gently, shooting me a grateful look. I offer a proud smile in return. No matter what happens, I’m here, at his side.
Chairman Feldor turns to Icaron with one eyebrow raised. “Icaron, you claimed credit for developing the Eryxi treatment, did you not?”
Icaron smooths his tailored lapel. “Indeed. My team has been working diligently under my guidance—”
“False.” Jorax’s voice brooks no argument. “That we’re close to a cure stems from years of my personal research. Icaron merely appointed himself figurehead of the project and appropriated all the accolades.”
Murmurs rise from the circle of onlookers as they edge closer. Feldor rubs his chin. “I see. And do you have documentation to corroborate your assertions?”
Jorax dips his head. “I do. Lab notes, test trials, proposal drafts—all extensively annotated in my password-protected archival files.”
I give his hand another encouraging squeeze. He glances down at me, affection and gratitude shining in his citrine eyes. My breath hitches. I want nothing more than to pull him into myarms and never let go, but I restrain the impulse. This is his moment.
Feldor asks, “Can we get into your archives via your wrist-comm?”
Long minutes later, after Feldor has perused the three-D visuals retrieved from Jorax’s notes, the Chairman levels Icaron with a stern glare. “The evidence is pretty damning. How do you explain yourself?”
Icaron tosses his pale hair. “Clearly a ploy for attention from my insecure underling. Jorax has always been jealous of my easy leadership and innovation, as well as my…” He arches an eyebrow, his expression superior. Clearly he almost said, “good looks.”
“You heard him yourself. His delusions extend to believing me responsible for a tragic accident though I was cleared of all wrongdoing. He’s held a grudge for a long time, and now he’s created this elaborate revenge plot.” His tone rings with blatant dishonesty. My hand clenches around Jorax’s as my lips tighten in fury.
Before Jorax can refute the audacious lies, Feldor raises a hand. “Proof will reveal the truth soon enough. I’ll go over this evidence more thoroughly later.” His sharp eyes take in the rapt crowd. “Back to the festivities, ladies and gentlemen. We shall resolve this shortly.”
As the band strikes up another waltz, the tension ratchets tighter. I rub my thumb on the back of Jorax’s hand, hoping it gives him strength and encouragement.
That I ever rode in a hover with Icaron, drank his wine, considered kissing him, makes me want to vomit. No matter what Feldor decides, I’ll be giving my notice the moment I get to my computer to write the letter. How can I ever tolerate being in the same building as the male who disfigured Jorax? On purpose.
After a few endless minutes, Feldor and his assistant close the three-D display and they continue their murmured discussion.Feldor’s lowered brows indicate just how thunderously angry he is.
I hold my breath at his stormy expression. Beside me, Jorax radiates anxiety. I wrap my arm around his waist, hoping my touch will soothe him.
Finally, Feldor looks at Jorax as he announces, “The archived data clearly shows Jorax as the mastermind behind the Eryxi treatment.” He spears Icaron with a dagger-filled glare. “You have not only stolen credit from your colleague, but besmirched this institution’s reputation with your lies.”
Excitement bubbles along my veins as Jorax’s shoulders sag, relief etched on the rugged features that still have steampunk cogs and wheels fastened to his cheeks and forehead. As murmurs ripple through the crowd, I can’t contain my proud smile.
Feldor turns to Jorax. “What you’ve achieved is extraordinary. You clearly have the dedication and brilliance our research division needs. As Chairman, I formally offer you the Director role, effective immediately.”
Joyful laughter escapes me. Jorax gapes, throat working. “I- Sir, are you certain? Someone with my obvious… limitations—”
Although he’s ten times stronger than me, you’d never know it by how hard I squeeze his hand. “You deserve this,” I whisper fiercely.
Jorax blinks down at me with naked vulnerability. Feldor chuckles. “Well, Doctor? Do you accept the role?”
Jorax drags his stunned gaze from mine. “Y-yes. I accept, and am honored by your faith in me, Chairman Feldor.”
