“Themoreis mostly fun stuff,” he admits.
“Like what?”
“I know the smaller kids would love a doll’s house, plus the outside area could use a swing.”
I nod. “We are planning on rebuilding the building next to the packhouse as the new orphanage,” I explain. “Gamma Griffin is leading the project. We haven’t decided yet on who else will join, but it sounds like you would be a good fit. Is this something you can see yourself doing?”
“Help with the planning and building?” he asks.
I nod.
His whole face lights up at my question, and he stands a little taller. “It would be a great honor.”
Paul talks more about his mate’s work, the second warrior slowly joining our talk, too. His brother works in the infirmary, and while the infirmary is much better equipped thanks to Dr. Francis, I am glad to hear a little bit more about it from another insider.
“We should probably grab something to eat now,” I say. “Alpha Forest will join us soon, but we still have a bit of time left.”
“Can we really join you?” Paul asks.
“Of course. You’ve helped me for hours. I’ll invite you to a late lunch. Any preferences?”
The two men exchange a look, their eyes glossing over. I let them have their little discussion, waiting until they are ready to tell me their suggestion. “There is a good burger place here,” Paul says. “But we aren’t sure… if you would…”
I can’t help but grin at his awkwardness. “Do you think I am too high maintenance for burgers?”
“No,” Paul exclaims. “But… you are so elegant, Luna.”
I chuckle. “Burgers sound fine. Let me just head to the restrooms first.”
The two guys accompany me to the door leading to the restrooms. I leave them with the many bags before making my way through the corridor. I don’t mind public restrooms, but I hate the ones in malls. Either they are incredibly crowded or a complete mess of pee and toilet paper, or literally in the furthest corner of the mall.
This time it’s the latter. Now I get why there is barely anyone around. It’s like walking through an underground pathway in a deserted club or industrial building.
I walk past the male restrooms first when something catches my eye. Yellow tape? There is a paper stuck to the door to themale restrooms saying it’s under maintenance. Well, maybe it’s just the male restrooms. When I walk a bit further, though, I notice the same glaring yellow at the door of the female restrooms.
Odd. Why didn’t they put up a sign anywhere? I can get behind a notice at the main entrance disappearing, due to so many people walking by, and some people would probably mess with such a sign. But since I stepped through the main door, I’ve passed two more, and I am certain there should be signs.
Or… It’snota coincidence.
I grab my bag tighter.
It’s not a coincidence!
Damn it!
I don’t know what kind of trap it is, but I know it is one. Somewhere close to me, I hear footsteps, making my blood rush through my veins. My heartbeat picks up frantically, my blood pressure high enough to make my ears feel dull. Damn it! I have to act.
Now!
I am about to turn on my heels and make a run for it when there is a sudden growl and something hard hits my head.
My head throbs when I force my eyes to open, my mind going into survival mode immediately. I was used to being disoriented whenever Jordan slapped me around, and equally used to gathering my bearings and senses quickly.
I am feeling calm, too calm. It’s the same feeling I had when I broke into Harry’s study, and the reason why Forest is sometimes worried about me. Sometimes I just get… numb.
Alora is quiet, eerily so, so, wolfsbane probably.
Damn it, of course, whoever attacked me would make sure I can’t fight back. Talking about fighting back… I am firmly tied to a chair in a warehouse, not able to move my arms or legs properly. The place is dimmed; there is no noise other than my own breathing.
