Chapter 0200
That was my grandfather’s name.
“So my mother’s the one who looks familiar, not me,” I said, lifting my glass of water.
“No, it’s both of you,” he said simply. “And I think your mom would remember me if she looked closely. You should ask her. My father was in that shop a lot all through our stay at that hotel.”
My mom did look close enough yesterday, and she doesn’t like you.
My mom did grow up in louisiana though, and Didier was indeed her father’s name. He died before I was born. By then, my mom had moved far away from her city of birth. According to her, the place held nothing but bad memories.
The only good thing about it was herbalist friend, whom she strongly believed could cure me of my sleepwalking.
“It’s been years,” Jet went on. “I was a little kid, but I recall that particular trip cuz of how my dad was.”
“How was he?” I asked even though I wasn’t particularly interested.
“Let’s just say he was out of his mind. He lost someone. Also, the shop’s name is on one or two of the stuff we bought. Which he hung on to for many years. Till now, as a matter of fact. He still wore a small wood carving he bought from your mom.”
“Good for him… I guess. I doubt my mom remembers you. She would’ve mentioned it if she did,” I said.
She did mention that you were trouble.
“You’re probably right. I mean, her memory is not like ours. But she might remember my dad. The name Rudolph would ring a bell. Ask her when you get home, will you?”
“Ok,” I shrugged.
Our food arrived just then. I was glad for the interruption because I craved a change of topic for some reason.
“So what brings you to this humble town, all the way from Australia.”
“New Zealand,” he corrected.
Same accent, same country. Maybe not, whatever, I don’t care.
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“Family matters brought me here.”
“Oh. You have family here? Who?”
“The Reigns,” he replied.
Ah. Of course. Royalty.
“Nick Reign and his project sure are bringing a lot of good to this town, like he promised,” I thought aloud.
It brought handsome guys. Husband. Nice cars.
He smiled. “I’m glad you think I’m good. I’m actually here to help take care of some trouble. That’s why I’d be out of town for the rest of the week. So ask me what you really want to know. Don’t be afraid, Jane.”
“I would’ve asked you to explain what you said yesterday…”
“But you already did your pre hunt, so surely you have a pretty good idea,” he finished for me.
“Tell me what you know about werewolves,” I said softly, looking around to see if someone heard me.
He let out a deep breath, relaxing in his seat as he did.
“I know that your mother isn’t one, but you are. Just like I am.”
Another confirmation. He must’ve seen the anxiety in my eyes as he quickly added,
“There’s nothing to be afraid of. We are a proud, blessed, powerful species created by Goddess of the Moon, Sky and Sea.”
Goddess, huh.
“The mother wills for you to kill sometimes.”
Nick Reigns words resounded in my head. Together with Jake’s curse last night.
It felt like I had been plucked out of my life and thrown into a fantasy world.
“You’ll be waiting for at least twenty more days,” he continued. “So you have time to mentally prepare for your first shift. I’ll be back before then. And I will be here to help you. Jake’s a very busy male, so I wouldn’t count on him.”
I didn’t want to ask what he meant by “first shift.” I knew it was what Jake meant when he said, “she will emerge.”
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But I couldn’t ignore the disgust that flashed in his eyes when he said the hubby’s name. I
was also worried about how much he knew.
“You know Jake’s helping me?”
“Yeah, I saw him parked in front of your house yesterday,” he breathed. “And this morning you arrived at work with your wolf awake. It had to be him because Sara spent the rest of the evening with Nick.”
It looked like he wanted to say more along that line.
I didn’t wish to answer any of his questions, but I wanted to know what he knew, so I waited.
However, he refocused the topic on me and his trip to the city.
“You are a true member of the Forest Moon now,” his eyes held calm excitement. “That indomitable pack of wolves.”
Forest Moon. That phrase took me back to Molly’s dinner last week, when Sara and I had nearly fought with that shiny–eyed girl from the city.
“Maybe all of this is too much information. There’d be a lot you would want to know in the coming days or weeks. You have my phone number. I’d like you to call. Or text. I know you got Sara, but I want to help too. Please.”
I’ve also got Jake, who isn’t speaking to me.
“Why? Why do you want to help?” I asked without looking at him.
“Cuz that’s what friends do,” he replied with a shrug. “You’ll soon find that us wolves are naturally like that. It gives us joy to take care of friends and family.”
“Thank God. Cuz I was afraid you’d want something more. Cuz, you know, like I told you, I have a boyfriend,” I dug into my meal.
“And like I said, I can’t promise not to steal you from him, but let’s see how things play out, shall we? Just go with the flow, Jane.” He smirked.
As we ate and time went by, I realized that the man’s company was surprisingly relaxing. Far from threatening. Good, in fact. Very much like Sara’s.
Rather than a fantasy, I began to feel like my life was more of a simple sitcom.
Soon, we were done and on our way out.
“Thanks for lunch,” I said.
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“Anytime. I’ll get you back to work,” he offered as we headed out.
Nice.
I was happy not to bother with a town shuttle or cab.
TV
“So you promise you’ll call when you miss me?” He joked while we walked out of the restaurant.
I was going to respond, but the words died on my lips as Jake and I locked eyes. He had just reversed his SUV and was swerving into the small driveway. A woman sat beside him on the passenger side.
Casually, as if he didn’t see or know me, he averted his eyes, shifting it to the person in the car. He shook his head at whatever she was saying to him, parking the car too close to another.
fought to look away too, and was aided by Jet leading me to his car, which sat on the opposite side.
So this is me,” Jet said, holding the door open.
started to get inside the red Lexus when the sound of Jake’s harsh voice caused me to reeze,
JETHRO.”
et and I turned around to find him approaching us. The woman followed hurriedly beside im.
