I recoil from him, the movement causing Marcellus’ eyes to flash with wrath.
“Oh, you no longer desire my touch?” he chuckles dryly. “I used to drive you wild in the supply closet with my caress.”
I stiffen my expression and reinsert my meal into the bag. “I owe you no explanations. My affairs are my own.”
He seizes my wrist and pulls me forcefully towards him, his voice a growl. “Oh, but you do. You see, I was here first… and I believe I merit a fair opportunity, do you not agree?”
Exasperated by his nonsense, I swiftly strike his cheek, exploiting his brief astonishment to extricate my arm from his grasp.
“You have forfeited any opportunity you possessed,” I retort, driving my knee into his groin.
He collapses onto the floor, clutching his groin as tears well in his eyes and he emits groans. I seize my food and exit the lunchroom in a fury as my phone rings. I promptly navigate out of the building to the community gardens situated directly across from the clinic and answer the call.
A recognisable British voice resonates, instilling a sense of relief in me as I realise Tiana is alive and well.
“Ricky, can you hear me?” she enquires, her tone laden with exasperation. “Is this wretched device functioning?” She sighs in annoyance.
I erupted in laughter. Tiana has existed for almost 300 years and still cannot comprehend how to operate a phone.
“Ricky!” she retorts upon hearing my laughter. “This is not a matter for amusement!”
“Oh Tianaaa. Do not become overly agitated,” I chuckle. “I am merely pleased to hear your voice. I was concerned about your well-being,” I state, my tone becoming earnest.
She exhales into the microphone. “I apologise for causing you concern.”
“Are you currently at home?” I enquire.
“Indeed, dear, I am, and I require you to return home immediately,” she asserts firmly.
I locate a bench and sit down, sensing my legs weaken with apprehension. “What do you mean?”
“Do not speak on the phone, dear,” she exhales with anxiety, her tone laden with concern. “It is unsafe. Please return home immediately. I have already dispatched Jadi to retrieve Bray. Just hurry home.”
With no alternative, I hastily return to the clinic, beseeching any deities that may exist to spare me from encountering Marcellus. Fortunately, I locate my provider and fabricate a pretext of illness. I clock out and nearly dash back to the house, a sense of foreboding churning in my stomach as I unlock the door.
Laura’s Perspective
“Absolutely not,” I respond, shaking my head at Tiana as she articulates her proposal. “There is no conceivable circumstance under which I would relocate to a pack in California with Bray.” It is not feasible. Absolutely not!
She advances and seizes my hand. “Ricky-”
“I declined, Guinevere!” I exclaim, withdrawing my hand from her hold. “You, more than anybody, understand the atrocities those monsters have inflicted upon me!” I cannot be expected to entrust the protection of my son to another pack!
“I assure you, Queen Josie will safeguard you and your pup with her life,” declares the wolf beside Tiana, his eyes aflame with wrath.
“Your words hold no significance for me, wolf,” I retorted, my body quaking with fury at the presence of yet another wolf in my abode.
Could they not simply allow me solitude?
Tiana exhales in exasperation, directing a glare at me as she implores, “Rowan, refrain from involving yourself in this matter.”
“This request is untenable,” I assert, shaking my head. “You are aware of the reasons for my inability.”
Tiana states, “I would not request this of you if it were not imperative.”
“If it is so urgent,” I retort, “then elucidate the nature of the peril!”
Tiana clenches her fists and stamps her foot on the ground. “For the Goddess’s sake, Laura!” Will you please listen to me? I am attempting to preserve Bray’s life! I cannot explain the necessity of your departure; you must simply trust me! Do not place your trust in the wolves; instead, trust me, the woman who has consistently shown reliable!
Jadi snarls at the suggestion of Bray in peril, and I compel myself to disregard the fluttering in my stomach as I look at my witch companion. “Who is pursuing my child?”
Her countenance pales, and she shakes her head. “They will harm him if I disclose this to you…”
I cradle her face in my hands and implore her, “Who is pursuing my child?”
She gazes at me momentarily before grasping my hand and leading me down the corridor to my bedroom, securing the door behind her. She utters an incantation softly, and the room is enveloped in an unsettling silence. For an extended period, she remains silent, anxiously twisting her hands and wiping the perspiration from her forehead.
