Page 2 of His Dark Pact

“I could use some sleep.” Her gaze rose to her bed on the other side of the studio. “It’s great to hear from you. How are your studies going?”

“Good.” It was Jonah’s turn to sound uncertain.

“But?” she prompted, sensing he hadn’t just called for a social chat. “What’s wrong, Jay-Jay?”

Sethy and Jay had been the boy’s nicknames when they were little, and something about using the term of endearment soothed her as her maternal anxiety stirred. Jonah had grown into a strong, resilient man since his brother’s abrupt departure, so if, as she suspected, he was calling her for help or support, something must be wrong.

“I hate to ask, Mum.” Once again, he hesitated, the delay ratcheting her ballooning apprehension. “But there’s an accelerated revision program my tutor wants to send me on, and—”

“And it’s more than you can afford.” The answer was suddenly obvious as she interrupted him.

Jonah was already working to pay for himself as he studied, but much like his mother’s bank balances, there was little slack in his system for unexpected expenses.

“That’s about the size of it,” he confirmed. “Look, I know you’re up to your eyes in debt since Dad died, but I wondered if there was any way you can help. I don’t want to miss the chance to take this program. My tutor thinks it’ll nudge me into the top five percent.”

“In your college?” Pride swelled as she processed his words.

“No, Mum.” He laughed. “In the country.”

“Wow.” Amy smiled, despite the demands of the piles of paper around her. “I’m so proud of you, Jay-Jay.”

“Thanks.”

She heard the shift in his voice.

“I appreciate that, Mum, but... what about the money?”

The money.

The bubble of delight that had grown burst at the reminder. There was never enough money, and everything good in the world seemed to be dominated by the currency, but its flow only seemed to go in one direction—outof her hands.

“I know it’s a lot to ask, but can you help?” Jonah’s question thrust her straight back into the then and there.

“Of course I will, love.” She cringed as she promised the impossible. “Send me over the details, and I’ll work it out. I’ll find the cash, somehow.”

“Thanks, Mum.”

Even as Jonah expressed his gratitude, and without even knowing what his needs were, she realized she was never going to be able to meet the new costs.

Not without a miracle.

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