Page 23 of Secrets of the Forgotten Heir

‘Is that something we have to deal with?’ I asked. ‘Someone’s death being foretold?’

‘It’s hisowndeath and it hasn’t been foretold at all,’ she said. ‘According to him, they’ve been predicting his death every week for the last decade. No, it’s all fuss and nonsense. Another thing, we’ve had a bit of a problem with young water shifters leaving puddles with fish on people’s doorsteps. It’s hardly the worst type of criminal activity, but it’s worth keeping an eye on in case it starts getting out of hand. If there are some repeat offenders, we’ll speak to their parents.’

‘Sounds good,’ I said. ‘And the rest of the time, when I’m not answering the phone?’

‘Up to you, I suppose. I’m sure you’ve got things to keep you busy.’

‘Yes. Yes, I have.’ My mind went straight to Fraser Banks – and the way his broad shoulders filled out the top of his shirtperfectly.

I hurriedly brushed aside the image and remembered why I was meant to be thinking about him. ‘Yanni, is it possible for me to access some of the police files online?That way, if names come up on calls I can check if they’re repeat offenders. It’d save time going back and forth and bothering you.’ I looked at her, wide eyed and innocent.

She looked back at me cynically. ‘That look didn’t fool me when you were a teen and it doesn’t fool me now.’ She studied me. ‘It’s important?’ I nodded. ‘You want to tell me about it?’

I grimaced. ‘I can’t. Not yet, anyway.’

She sighed. ‘Okay. Well, I trust you and one day soon I hope you’ll trust me too. Dig into whatever you need, Bea. I’ll give you general access.’

‘Thank you. And I do trust you, Yanni. I really do.’

‘Come to me when you’re ready,’ she said. ‘Whatever it is, I can help.’

Her words made me feel both warmed and incredibly guilty. Ididtrust Yanni, but she was one for the rule book and I didn’t want to put her in an invidious position by telling her about the Eternal Flame’s absence. Being between me and the covens would be one heck of a hard place.

She cleared her throat. ‘Alright, let me sort out those logins for you. You make yourself comfy.’

Given the mess, making myself comfy was easier said than done. I pulled out the wheelie desk chair, only to discover it was also covered in papers. I’d just leaned downto pick them up when I heard the door creak open. A moment later, someone cleared their throat.

‘Hey, Trixie.’ The voice was deep and husky, like a whisky-soaked promise of trouble. ‘Did you miss me?’

Chapter Fifteen

I immediately recognised the voice and a smile crept onto my face. As I stood and faced him, my breath hitched. Maddie hadn’t been kidding: Ezra had grown upgood.

Yanni huffed. ‘Just let yourself into the office,’ she grumbled to Ezra.

He blew her a cheeky kiss then turned his attention to me again. ‘So you’re back and you still haven’t come to say hi. You’re making me hunt you down and do the hard work like always.’

‘Ezra.’ I smiled and shook my head. ‘Ezra Bentley. You look … different.’

‘Yeah. I grew up a bit.’ He grinned.

Ezra had absolutely grown up a bit – well, a lot. He was easily six foot six, and any jokes about being the runt of the werewolf litter were very much in the past. In fact, if he got any taller he could rent out his forehead as a billboard. He had a scar through his right eyebrow that gave him a “tough guy” vibe, and I wondered how he’d gotten it.

As Istood there struggling to find my voice, I couldn’t help thinking back to when we were kids and I’d used him as my sparring partner. With his quick werewolf healing, Mum didn’t feel too bad when I’d thrown him across the floor and, on more than one occasion, broken his nose.

I wasn’t so sure I’d get the best of him so easily now. He was dressed in a plain black T-shirt that hugged his torso, hinting at the chiselled abs underneath. Not that I was looking. Much. Just scientifically observing for the sake of research. He had a paper under his arm and he was holding two paper cups.

‘Here,’ he said, passing me a drink. ‘Maddie mentioned you’d had an early start after a late night. She didn’t think you’d had time to grab a coffee, so I thought I’d bring you one.’

‘Thank you.’ I reached out and took the cup, not realising until the smell wafted under my nose that I was desperate for a caffeine hit. I took a long sip. ‘Oh my God, this is divine.’

‘And where’s mine?’ Yanni complained. Without missing a beat, Ezra offered her the other cup. She sighed. ‘It’s fine. I don’t actually want to steal your coffee.’

‘I had mine in the shop,’ he promised. ‘I really did bring this for you.’

She eyed him dubiously but took him at his word and accepted the hot drink. ‘I’ll leave you two to catch up. Bea, I’ll be in my office if you need me.’ She went through a plain wooden door to the right and shut it behind her.

I looked after her then turned back to the fibbing werewolf. ‘Youtotallyforgot about Yanni.’

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