160
Lucy
After we finished with the interview, the sisters agreed to go with David at least for the night. He led them to one of the SUVs and shook his head.
“What a mess.”
“Thank you for taking them,” I said.
I was grateful for David's quick thinking and protective nature. He had always been a dependable and caring person, and in times like this, it was even more obvious.
He smiled. “They’re basically family. How could I not? Besides, Blue is going to adore having more people to fuss over, and I’m sure Duke will appreciate having someone else to complain to.”
He closed the door and sent the SUV on.
“What about—“
“I’m not leaving you until Stacy or someone comes to get you.”
We went back inside Coven Hall to wait in one of the conference rooms.
“What happens now?”
“Now, we wait, and I may have to take a bunch of phone calls.”
A few moments later, his phone rang. He wrapped his arm around me, pulling me close and letting his warmth sink into me as he answered. It seemed like he was talking with Blue or maybe someone on the Council about Michelle, Sarah, and Amy. I couldn't help but feel a sense of admiration for his dedication and protectiveness. It was clear that he cared for all of us.
When he got off the phone, he sighed. “They’ll be getting to the Estate soon, and the Council has agreed to let me handle their integration.”
“What does that mean?”
“When humans get exposed to supernatural things, they either get their memories wiped or they become integrated. Michelle, being their sister, means that memory erasing isn’t an option. I don’t know how well they’ll take everything, but I’ll look after them.”
"I appreciate everything you're doing for them," I said sincerely. "I know it's not easy."
“Nothing that’s right is.”
His words touched my heart, and I knew he meant every word.
As time continued to drag on, David pulled me into conversation, filling the silence with what he’d been up to. I couldn’t understand how he seemed so calm when I was still on edge about everything that had happened.
He told me about the deal he closed, and whenever he took a call, he kept me up to date about the arrangements he was making for Michelle, Sarah, and Amy. For now, he was having their apartment emptied and all of their things moved to the Estate. If they decided they didn’t want to stay in his care, he was going to put them up in his high-rise apartment in the city with all the security necessary to make sure they were safe.
Tears spilled down my cheeks, and all I could do was say thank you.
“For the record,” David said. “The option to stay with me is always open.”
My heart lurched as the fear gripped me. I could see that vision again. Trapped and unable to get out. I knew that David was nothing like that, but the rest of me didn’t. The attack, the fear, the chaos—it was all too much to process. David's offer to stay with them for the night was kind, but I couldn't bear the thought of being around anyone right now. All I wanted was to go home, to find some sense of safety in my little apartment.
"I-I appreciate the offer, David," I stuttered, my voice trembling, "but I just want to go home."
He looked at me with concern, understanding my unease. "I understand. Take all the time you need, and don’t feel guilty. There’s plenty of time for you to hear all about Sarah’s lavish new accommodations.”
I laughed. I could practically hear her now.
“She's probably going to think she stumbled into some fantasy castle."
David chuckled, clearly amused by the idea. "Oh, you have no idea, Lucy. Sarah's reactions are always priceless. I can already hear her saying, 'Is this for real? Am I dreaming?'"
I could see her expressive face going through a whirlwind of emotions. "And the lavishness of it all will probably make her eyes pop out!"
He nodded, playing along with the jest. "Absolutely. She'll think I’ve been living secret lives as royalty or something."
"It's going to be quite the shock," I said, shaking my head with a grin. "Could you tell me about the Estate?”
He smiled. “Would you like to see pictures?”
I nodded, leaning into his side.
Image after image, he showed me pictures of the Blood Moon Estate. The first photo displayed the grand entrance with its imposing iron gates, flanked by ancient trees. As he let the slideshow play, I saw images of the vast gardens, the elegant fountain in the courtyard, and the breathtaking view from the terrace overlooking a large forest filled with mountains.
“Is that a waterfall back there?”
“It is.”
"Wow," I couldn't help but exclaim, amazed by the grandeur of the Estate. "It's like a dream!"
David chuckled softly. "I'm glad you think so. It has been in the family for generations, and every alpha has put a lot of love into maintaining it.”
"I can see that," I remarked, studying each picture with fascination. "It's like something out of a fairy tale."
“I’m hoping to repair the damaged wing within the next year… We’ll probably need it as the pack expands."
“Expands?”
“Well, some of the pack are having children, then of course there are people like Duke who I’m taking in as needed. I’m hoping to offer sanctuary to families that are struggling without a formal pack until they can get back on their feet if they don’t ever want to join a pack.” David shook his head.
“What will happen to Amy, Michelle, and Sarah? Will you have to kick them out?”
“Of course not. We’re not even at half capacity at the Estate as it is… Honestly, I’m hoping they’ll take me up on it, and they’ll eventually get used to it. It might take a little while, but they'll find their way around, and before you know it, they’ll be calling it home too."
"I'm sure she will," I agreed, my amusement blending with a sense of warmth.
Riley came out with a smile. “Hey. Stacy’s going to be another hour or something like that. Should I just get an officer to take you home?”
I nodded. “That would be great.”
Soon, an officer approached, ready to escort me. My mind was still spinning from the attack, but I knew I was doing the right thing. I needed to calm down and be alone for a little while.
Before I could fully process what was happening, David cast a calming spell around me. It was like a gentle embrace, soothing my frayed nerves and easing the panic inside me. My breathing slowed, and the trembling in my hands subsided.
“You should be able to get some sleep,” David said. “I’ll have Duke call you in the morning.”
"Thank you," I managed to say.
David offered me a small smile. "You're welcome, Lucy. Take care."
With that, the officers gently guided me to their car. As we drove away from the scene, I couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions—fear, relief, and uncertainty. The world around me felt different now, darker and more dangerous. Tony and Matt might not have ordered it, but somehow, if they had succeeded in taking me, I knew I’d end up on the Blue Moon Estate again.
My stomach turned.
The car ride was mostly silent, giving me time to reflect on everything that had happened. The memories of the attack and the bag being put over my head were still vivid, haunting me with their intensity. But I held on to the fact that I was safe now, thanks to David and the officers. As we neared Stacy’s building, I took a deep breath, preparing myself for the comfort of my own space.
When we arrived, I thanked the officers for their help, and they assured me that they would keep an eye on the area. Once I was inside, I went up to my room; saying hi to Tina on the way, locked the doors and windows, and crashed into bed.
As I settled down, I couldn't help but think about David's offer again. Part of me wanted to be with him and the others, but the fear that still gripped me was too strong to have been comfortable. For now, I needed time alone, to process and heal.
I sighed. Was I ever going to be free of everything that had happened to me? I didn’t know. I wanted to be.
I wanted to be stronger.
When I thought of the way Michelle had lunged at that man, I felt so ashamed. I was taking magical combat, but I hadn’t been able to do anything. I’d panicked and if it hadn’t been for David and Trent, I would have been kidnapped.
I had to get stronger. It was the only thing I could think of as I was going to sleep.
I’ll get stronger.
I won’t go back.
I won’t.
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