“Disgusting,” I bit out.
She instantly realized what I meant and the cold mask came back. “Yes, well, you’re fighting for a life for yourself, and I did a lot to build what I have. I value it. I value my reputation and Idon’t fail clients, so—this isn’t to hurt her. I’m in it to set her free. She got me free even if it was a disaster and I will set her free.”
I snorted. “Sure you will.”
“What am I missing?” she demanded.
I ran my tongue over my teeth, riding a fine line because Aurora would never forgive me if I betrayed her confidence. “I can’t tell you.”
Theresa’s eyes widened slightly. “You truly care for her. Aurora won over another—”
“Stop,” I snarled. “You don’t know thetruthof the shit you throw at her and it kills her soul. But she does it foryou. You and Ellie. She would eat shit for the rest of her days if it made life easier foryou. And I don’t see any reason why she should. I think she should tell both of you entitled brats the truth so you can choke on your righteous indignation.”
She narrowed her eyes at me. “Aurora lies like water and you’re a mob attorney. I won’t be lectured by either of you—”
Unfortunately, she hit the right nerve with me and I snapped. “The fact you don’t know what I do and didn’t see hermedical recordsafter she was abused and suing for damages from that abuse is negligence,counselor. And if Aurora lied to me on this and I’m that bad of a judge of character, I’ll fucking kiss your toes and do your bitch legal work for two years. I’m that sure.”
I got about ten feet away before I cursed under my breath, knowing my temper just made me easier to play. I didn’t outrightly betray Aurora, but I gave Theresa the path to find out what Aurora didn’t want her to know.
But she needed to know as Aurora’s attorney. She really did and… Fuck.
I was a ball of nerves when I arrived for lunch. Aurora was already sitting there looking so forlorn that I cursed myself several times.
“What happened, beauty?” I asked gently as I sat down.
She flinched and quickly met my gaze but then gave me a sad smile. “I found out I’m really as stupid as everyone has always accused me of. You were right and Alexis didn’t judge me. Apparently, elders of covens did the same to many women she’s known.” She looked at the picnic basket and started pulling things out. “I’m always such the fool.”
“You’re not a fool. You have a good heart, and this world is too harsh for that,” I said gently, swallowing loudly. “And I hate to add to your day, but I made a mistake. I have to tell you and I hope you don’t hate me.”
She froze and let out a slow breath. Then she handed me two containers and nodded. “Okay. Tell me.”
So I did. I told her how Theresa showed up and what happened. “I’m sorry, Aurora.”
“I’m sorry she harassed you when you didn’t do anything wrong. It’s me. I’m wrong. I’m the one who…” She quickly wiped her face. “Please excuse me. I’m not feeling myself today.” She stood and grabbed her picnic basket so fast that I wasn’t ready for it. She was out of the garden area before I’d even realized what had happened.
I chased after her and almost caught her by the main entrance.
“What do youmeanshe might have lost her immortality?” a loud female voice demanded, death in her tone. “And you didn’t think to tell me that?”
Aurora froze in her fleeing and slowly looked over her shoulder towards the commotion. I followed her gaze and mentally cursed when I saw it was Ellie and Theresa Reed talking with two people in lab coats and another woman I didn’t know. Shame covered Aurora’s face and she shot me a look of pain before she fled.
I couldn’t get my body to work, torn between yelling at my boss a few times removed for making a scene right there and going after Aurora. By the time I decided to go after her, she was already in the back seat of the car and the bodyguard gave me a shit look before he slipped into the driver’s seat.
And then they were gone.
“Fuck,” I growled. I stormed back inside ready to knock some heads but found two pissed vampires focused on me. “Oh, stuff your shit. I just found out yesterday and you both have beenneglecting herin yourcareall this time. And you just announced it like that. Awesome. Great. So glad—I didn’t even get to explain now.”
“Don’t,” Ellie muttered as she held up her hand to someone. “He’s right. I’m the asshole here and this is personal.”
“I hate him, but he’s right,” Theresa admitted. “I should have known this, and it could have bit us in court.” She rubbed her face and sighed. “How could she not tell us?”
I snorted, glancing between their confused faces when they focused on me. “You’re kidding right? I’ve missed the beginning act of this, but she is the parent and acts like the grounded kid around you. I’m sure that comes from a place where she feels able to speak up and was listened to.”
“He’s right, and as much as it’s going to chap both of your asses, I need to tap in on her case even if I’m not licensed in Europe,” the woman said. “She talked to me this morning and confessed things she didn’t want herdaughtersto know, but it could blow everything up. It also probably explains the delays on the divorce that should be simple.”
“Alexis?” I checked, sighing when she nodded. “She said you didn’t judge her like I promised no one sane would, but that she was a fool again, and—I don’t like what I smelled from her. What did you say to her?”
She went pale—like really fucking pale. “That it would come out in court. That if her parents had a spy in the Reed coven or were in communication with one of the elders that they knew and would use it as ammunition. That they were pushing for court and so was Theresa and they would bring it up.”
