Page 58 of Fated Moons
“Danger is close,” she whispered. “Remember what my dad said.”
“Constant contact so his powers can protect us both. Too bad I can’t actually use his magic.”
She laughed, though it was more nervous than humorous. “You couldn’t handle it.” She slipped from his Jeep, waiting for him to walk around the front, guilt tearing up her insides. Hopefully, she never had to use the spell. “But you can harness it. Just remember we can’t communicate through projection. She’ll know if she’s using black magic.”
“I’m not liking your witch side very much right now.” He took her hand, squeezing it tightly. “Ready?”
“Let’s do this.”
Her aunt’s limo had been parked across the street, taking up two parking spots, without having to pay the meter, something Amanda, her siblings, and her parents would never do, but Auntie Alley constantly used her privilege to avoid what the rest of the common folk had to deal with. Humility wasn’t her strong suit. While she made it clear that she didn’t like werewolves, Amanda had never known her to use her magic to hurt others or to benefit herself. She’d been all bark, no bite.
The second Amanda walked into the restaurant with Jackson, heads turned. The restaurant was always packed, but it seemed someone alerted the public to their destination because the line to be seated went out the back door.
“Lady Amanda, your aunt is waiting for you in the back room,” the hostess said.
Wonderful, she probably made them clear it from all the rest of the patrons. “Thank you.”
The hostess stepped in front of Jackson. “We were told to allow only the lady in the back room.”
“You can tell my aunt that breakfast is canceled then if she’s not willing to meet with me and my mate.” She loved how the word mate rolled off her tongue.
“I’ll be right back.” The hostess scowled.
Customers from around the restaurant lifted their cell phones, snapping pictures. Normally, it didn’t bother her when she went out. Part of being a royal and a movie star. But this was different. It was like the press was waiting for Jackson to whip out a gun and go bonkers. She squeezed his hand tighter.
“She already knows we suspect her,” Jackson whispered, leaning in close to her ear. “Something is really off.”
“We need to get to the back room,” she said, tugging him through the main dining area. Not once had she used black magic in her life, but she’d use it now if she had to.
No sooner did they make it to the private room, guarded by two employees of her aunt and the royal family, than the hostess stepped through the door.
“She wants to see you alone, but said if you insist, Mr. Ledger can join you.” The hostess quickly breezed past them, her face pale and fear etched in her features.
One of the guards opened the door, glaring at them both, giving Jackson a disgusted look of pure hatred. The guard opened his mouth.
“I wouldn’t try a spell,” Amanda warned. “Not unless you want to be food for my aunt’s pet python.”
The guard stepped back.
“I’d heard about that snake once,” Jackson whispered. “I thought it might have been folklore.”
“I wish. That damn snake is dangerous.”
With Jackson’s fingers still laced through hers and her head held high, she entered the room with her heart in her gut. Her aunt sat at a table, sipping a cup of tea as if there wasn’t anything wrong in the world.
“I knew you’d bring that fifthly creature.” Her aunt waved her hand over the table. “He smells like a wet dog.”
“Nice to see you too, Auntie Alley,” Amanda said, her words sopped with sarcasm. “But Jackson is now family, so I’d appreciate it if you treated him with kindness and respect.”
“That’s never going to happen,” her aunt said, dabbing her lips with a napkin. “He’s vile, just like his father.”
“It’s nice to meet you, too,” Jackson said with a snarl. He actually showed his teeth. “I do think we should get to know each other, considering this vile animal, as you called me, mated with Lady Amanda, and there isn’t a damn thing you can do about that.”
“Sure there is.” Her aunt stood, graceful as always. “You see, witches stick together no matter what.” She snapped her fingers,waving at one of the servants, who turned and opened the door where Arianna stood. “You see, your sisters know your father has lost his mind and frankly, so have you. We will stop this mating. It’s unholy.”
“You can’t be serious,” Amanda said, swallowing the lump in her throat. If her sister had betrayed her, then this wouldn’t end well for her and Jackson.
“Your other two sisters are outside, waiting for instructions,” her aunt said. “I had wanted to meet with you in private, but since you refused, I’m happy to speak my peace in front of this… this… thing. Hopefully, your sisters will be able to break whatever tinge of a bond you’ve made with him.”
