Chapter Eighty-Five
Delanie
“She’s so beautiful,” Alexandra said as she pushed the stroller.
Annika cooed in response. Watching them together warmed my heart I called Betty before I left home but she didn’t respond. The park wasn’t far from the clinic so while Alexandra and Annika strolled around I hurried to see my friend
I expected dozens of clients at the clinic but it was quiet. Betty wasn’t behind the desk when I arrived. It didn’t look like anyone was there. I went behind the counter and found a box with picture frames, some cosmetics bottles and clothes.
“Delanie,” Betty’s raspy voice startled me.
“Oh, I didn’t know you were here,” I said.
She gave me a watery smile. Her cheeks were red and her eyes were swollen. She wrung a piece of cloth in her hands.
‘What’s going on?”
“Oh, Shaina fired me. Just like that!”
I gasped. “Why?
Betty shrugged and picked up the box behind the counter. She picked it up and carried it out the front door. I followed her.
“Betty, you’ve worked here for ages something must have happened.”
“Shaina’s been different lately. I know it has something to do with that damn report.”
“When did she start acting weird?” I asked.
Betty opened the minivan and dumped her box in the backseat. She looked at the clinic with a hint of caution in her eyes.
“Where’s Shaina?” I asked.
“She left after she kicked me out. She started acting weird when she started working at the Alpha’s house.”
She hasn’t said anything about Reign attacking her or Oscar being a pain to work with. Something has to be wrong.
“I told Ajax about Rebecca’s pregnancy and he was adamant she wasn’t pregnant. I saw the report myself and it said Rebecca wasn’t pregnant.”
Betty’s eyes wide and threw her arms in the air. “That must be the reason! She totally lied.”
“Are you sure though, Betty? Maybe you didn’t see the report right?”
Betty shook her head. “We spoke about it Delanie. I know Rebecca was pregnant. Shaina’s lying. I think she’s protecting the real killer.”
“Or they’re threatening her,” I said.
Betty sighed. “I don’t know but Ajax is still a suspect and she might help put your man in jail or worse.”
“That won’t happen. I’ll talk to her.”
“Good luck, Del. I’m going to stay with my aunt for a while.”
“I’m sorry. If I hadn’t told Ajax she wouldn’t have fired you.”
“Don’t worry about it Del. You didn’t make her do it. I’ll be fine,” she said with a smile.
***
We arrived at home after having lunch at a restaurant in town. Everything was so new to Alexandra. She wasn’t overwhelmed but curious about how life had changed. The atmosphere was light I didn’t want to bring up her Mother’s death or her Grandmother’s death. I wanted to take things slow before dumping her with a bunch of bad news.
When we arrived Harvey and Ajax were still at the house. I noticed Alexandra stiffen when she realized Harvey was still around.
“Um, you can wait here while I figure out what they found out.”
She had Annika in her arms and nodded. “Thank you, Delanie.”
I smiled before marching into the house. I stopped and pinched my nose. It smelt like acid and smoke.
What had they done to my house?
“Ajax?”
“Delanie?” he coughed. “You’re back early.”
He appeared out of the hall, his shirt torn and burned and his hair a wild mess. I planted my hands on my hips.
“You didn’t have enough time to clean up your mess, I see.”
He raked a hand through his hair. “Yeah… things didn’t go to plan.”
“Did you get it out?” I asked.
“No, we got our asses kicked by a tree. Harvey has his suspicions,” Ajax said.
I swallowed and followed him to Annika’s room. I found my Dad in the same beat-up state as my mate. The plant looked untouched but the roots had spread across the walls, peeling the paint and slipping the wood. The floor had burnt patches and the ceiling had a huge black circle on it.
“Geez! You really got your asses kicked.”
Harvey sighed and planted his hands on his hips. “Is your Mother around?”
I nodded.
“She still doesn’t want to see me?”
I shrugged. “Sorry.”
“It’s okay. I have a bad feeling this is moon magic.”
“What’s that?” I asked.
“Can’t be,” Ajax said, stepping in front of the plant.
“Um, hello? What’s moon magic?” I asked again.
“Moon magic is the moon goddess’s power. It’s not as common as witch magic and it’s a hell of a lot more powerful,” Ajax explained.
I nodded staring at the plant, eating up my daughter’s room. I swear it was breathing.
“I’ve come across it once in my travels. This is moon magic, you guys. I don’t think it’s wise to sleep in this house tonight. Stay at a hotel until we figure out why there’s moon magic here.”
Ajax pulled me into his arms and sighed heavily. “What do you think about a little getaway?”
“Sounds like an adventure,” I said with a shaky voice.
I didn’t know about moon magic but the thing in the room was alive and it made me uncomfortable. Why of all places in this house did it pick Annika’s room?