“I’m sure those people were concerned for your welfare,” Darla says. “The situation only escalated because the witch used her powers.”
I really hate her, and from the looks of the others, she’s not popular here, either.
“Darla,” Sadie says, her voice firm. “I heard you play a similar tune at my trial. Don’t you have anything new to say?”
Sadie had a trial?
The two women glare at each other. Eventually, it’s Darla who looks away.
“I want these pack members reprimanded,” Owen says. “They are all very lucky they were allowed to leave my property unharmed last night. I will defend my mate and my property, with lethal force if necessary.”
“We stand with Owen,” Rhys says. “Any challenge made against him will result in direct opposing action from all of us. End the trial now before this gets messy.”
“We will interview the perpetrators,” Rafe says, looking displeased but resigned. “I hope that appeases the alphas?”
Rhys, Owen, and Shane all confirm their satisfaction, and Owen calls for the end of the trial. All the council members look displeased—especially Darla—but they agree. Owen takes my hand to lead me outside, and my head spins as we go down the dark hallway.
Get me the fuck out of here!
The light from the foyer gets brighter, and I hold tighter to Owen’s hand, rushing to get out. He jogs ahead of me, andboth of us practically run out the front door. The second we get outside, I throw my arms around Owen’s neck and hug him as hard as I can.
“I thought you weren’t going to come,” I whisper, burying my head in his shoulder. “I was so scared.”
“I had to organize some backup,” he says, stroking my hair. “Don’t worry, Trina, we’ve got you.”
I cling to Owen for a bit longer, slowly composing myself. The others say their goodbyes and depart, then Owen turns to me.
“I have to go back to the infirmary, but I’ll take you home now. You must be in need of a rest after that.”
“Actually…” I begin hesitantly. “Could you take me to work? I’d like to show my face there, to appease Angela. It would be better to make an effort to come in instead of taking the day off.”
“Okay,” Owen says. “If you’re sure.”
“I am,” I reply. “Thank you.”
I don’t want to tell him, I’m afraid to be home alone in case something like this happens again.
Owen drives me into the museum and even comes in with me to smooth things over with Angela. Even though I’m still rattled, it feels good to be in a quiet, orderly place with work to do that occupies my mind without stressing me out.
Luckily, I’m not on the phones today. I don’t think I could even fake being bright and cheerful.
***
While I’m organizing the library and updating the filing, I’m drawn to a section of older texts. Even though the books have historical significance, they are too fragile to be on display at the upcoming gala.
They should be wrapped in protective sheets and put in the special section, I think.But even Sadie is barely allowed up there now.
Since Angela came back, she has moved most of the very valuable items to a locked cage in the very back of our storage area. Only Angela and Fern have full access to it, and I know Angela would never let me in there.
She thinks I’m a fumbling idiot. As if I haven’t already worked here for years. I probably have more experience with artifacts than she does!
I take the old books out one by one, carefully going through them. One of the books feels warm to me, and I’m immediately worried something is wrong with it.
Mold can be a big killer of these old texts. We should probably treat the paper.
After a quick look through the book, I don’t see any sign of decay. Puzzled, I flip carefully through it, and a few pages slip through my fingers as the book falls open on a page near the back. I’m about to close the book when I realize what it says.
“Awakening a witch’s powers.”
