Chapter 206
Chapter 206
Mattie
I couldn’t shake off the feeling that Wolfie was trying to shield me from something… something dark lingering just out of sight. He’d been grumbling and pacing all morning, clearly anxious about me being at the spa. His behavior wasn't just overprotection—it was like he sensed something I couldn’t quite grasp. It wasn’t like I was in immediate danger, I was just at work, not running for my life. The heightened feeling of anxiety didn’t feel like it belonged to me, yet it was overwhelming. The only thing that kept a panic attack at bay was to stay busy.
I’d already gone through almost all of the supplies, whipping up batch after batch of beauty products until a section of the wire shelves were lined with little bars of soap, shampoo, conditioner and containers of balms, lotions, and creams. I’d asked Rita about how to order new supplies. We had slowly started a friendship but Rita remained guarded at work. My other colleagues barely acknowledged my existence so I could see why Rita was always on guard. That didn’t mean I was going to continue to let her be a bitch to me so I asked in a sugary voice for budget and ordering supplies a second time and that seemed to do the trick. She reluctantly explained the online system they used. She gave me a tight smile when handing over a printed budget sheet but it was a start.
I was currently sorting through the information on my own, but failing to see how they could produce any decent products with the budgetary restrictions. I was pretty good at math but currently I couldn’t make these numbers even out. It felt like I was trying to build a castle with a handful of sand. Scoop after scoop trickling through my fingers.
“There you are!” A cheerful voice chimed from the doorway. I glanced up. Luna Jessica stood in the doorframe perfectly posed. She always looked effortlessly put together, with her glossy blonde waves and expertly lined lips.
“Yes, ma’am.” I pulled away from the computer screen. As plastic and fake as I thought she looked, she was still my boss and deserved some level of respect.
“Oh, please, I’m too young to be called ma’am.” She laughed lightly, shaking her head. Her body and voice shifted with a practiced charm, “How are you settling in?”
“Really well. Everyone is so nice and helpful.”
“Perfect!” She grinned. I wonder what has brought her to this room after basically leaving me alone for the last week. instead of asking the questions burning in my mind I gave her a polite smile. “If you need anything just asked Rita and she will get it for you.”
I glanced back at the computer screen, where the budget numbers still glared at me in quiet accusation. This budget barely covered anything that I would need to stock a basic apothecary. I open my mouth to bring it up, but closed it when Jessica sets a small, polished, wooden box in front of me. Her features melt, softening into something that resembled concern, through her eyes remained unreadable, “I have a small favor to ask of you.”
“Of course.” I eye the box with caution, a chill curling low in my stomach.
Jessica pulls out a small, black notebook about the size of a postcard, bond in worn leather and fastened with a tiny brass latch. She set it down gently next to the wooden box, as if it were something precious or sacred.
“Since my son was born, my poor husband has fallen ill. According to all the doctors, it is some sort of autoimmune disorder that is slowly eating away at his body.” She dabbed beneath her eyes with one manicured finger, through not tears fell. Her performance was absolutely stunning, but it was just that—a performance.
Bullshit. Wolfie growled from somewhere deep inside me. I stifled the urge to laugh. It did make me feel validated in my caution. I crossed my arms over my chest. I crossed my arms over my chest to put space between me and the box. Jessica continued, undeterred, “We’ve tried everything modern medicine can offer but nothing helped. The only medicine we have found to work even slightly is contained in this little notebook. Along with other medicines various members of my pack need. Ones that are not something you can pick up at any other pharmacy.”
She taps the leather cover gently, letting her fingers linger. Then she paused with a heavy and dramatic sigh. I observed the theatrics with a cautious eye. I forced my voice to remain neutral, “I’m glad you have found something to help.”
“Exactly!” Jessica claps her hands together. Her face lit up before it fell into a sad pout again, “But here’s the problem, the medicine requires the touch of a witch. Every step must be followed to the letter. Otherwise, it fails horribly and my poor husband is in pain.”
Ah, There is was. That was why she hired me. Not for the pharmacist skillset but for the products that require magic. She needed me to make these magic infused medicines. It all made sense now why the budget was so small. It was for the ingredients needed to make this medicine. I pick up the notebook, unlatch it, and skim through the thick, yellowed pages. The instructions were handwritten in looping script, punctuated with careful illustrations. Diagrams. Potions. Rituals. It was all too tidy and neat. As i’m reading through the carefully written notes, Jessica leaned over the counter and drummed her sharp nails on the top of the wooden box. I stop reading. There was something ominous about that box that made my skin crawl. It’s just a box. No harm ever came from opening a box…
“What’s in there?” I asked without looking away from her fingers tapping rhythmically. I wonder if this was how Pandora felt the moments before she opened the box of evils and miseries.
“A rare ingredient. An ingredient that is so rare that I don’t want anyone else to know about it. I will supply it personally when you run out.” This whole encounter was sketchy. I wanted to ask more questions but Luna Jessica snatches the box away. She tucked it under her arm and points to the small notebook, “The rest of it is all in the book. For now, I just need the medicine labeled Lisa.”
“Lisa?” I asked in a tone that prompted for more information.
“Yes.” She sighed, “My dear friend has insomnia. It’s a natural sleep aide.”
“I’d rather meet with the patient. It’s important to ensure the correct dosage, symptoms, and cause before handing out medicine like candy.” I stated. It was unethical to create medicine without a proper diagnosis.
Luna Jessica’s smile tightened and her eyes lit up with a quiet anger. It was clear that I’d misstepped but I wouldn’t want anything avoidable to happen because I didn’t do my due diligence and examine a patient. Luna Jessica’s voice was strained as she kept her anger in check, “I can arrange for her to see you at a later date. She is an important part of my pack and has already gone through the proper channels with the last pharmacist.”
“I understand, however, It would be unethical and dangerous not to see her myself.” I insisted.
“Yes, in the meantime will you make the tonic ahead of time so she doesn't have to wait if you concur with the previous pharmacist?”
I studied her features trying and failing to understand what I was missing. I give up after a few minutes because her mask of concern gives nothing away, “I’ll read through this and get the formula ready in a few days.”
“Perfect! I knew you were the best candidate for the job.” She sets the box back down in front of me. “Hold on to this for me. I’ll let you know when we are ready for it.”
“Sure.” I automatically nodded but my mind was racing. I opened my mouth to reiterate that i would not be giving out any herbal concoction until I’d seen the patients or received a doctors script but Luna Jessica left with a Chao and air kisses. The anxious feeling deepened into my bones as I stared at the box and notebook before me.