Page 5 of Baratta's Darkness

Baratta

I drop off my Uncle at the Wolfsbane clubhouse so he can meet with Timber and the guys. They still have some things to work out. Uncle Tony asked me to drive Aunt Morgania to Bella’s Brew where the girls are supposed to be hanging out today.

Through the window I watch as Morgania joins the women. Delilah, Bella’s mom, is serving customers and refilling coffee cups. I’m about to go sit in the car where I can watch them without being in the way when Fiona turns to look out the window.

I immediately notice her red eyes and tear streaked face. Something about her kicks my protective instincts into overdrive and I storm into the shop ready to kill whatever has caused such distress to her. Before I even think about what I am doing I grab her chin so she can’t look away.

“What’s wrong? Why are you crying? Did someone hurt you?” The questions just fly out of my mouth and then she starts laughing.

My hands drop and I step back. A minute ago she was balling her eyes out and now she is laughing? She is laughing ... at me. Dear Lord, she is insane. Going from one extreme to the other, what the hell have I walked into? I look around at Bella, Mina, Miranda and that Hayden chick that runs the local gym and they are all laughing.

My Aunt pushes me to the side and hugs Fiona. “What’s wrong, dear?”

“Nothing is wrong. These are happy tears. I am going to be an Aunt.” she says as she wipes her eyes one more time.

Aunt Morgania looks at each of the women one at a time, and they all shake their heads. Until she gets to Miranda, who nods.

I feel a weight lift off my chest. When did I care so much about this woman’s tears? I barely know her yet I was ready to kill whoever made her cry. I start to back out of the store but Morgania stops me to ask if I’ll go with Fiona over to her shop so she can prepare for opening.

I try to convince Aunt Morgania that I need to stay and protect her but she looks at the women and says, “Who is packing.” every hand in the group goes up. I know when I am outnumbered. So I concede by asking Fiona if she is ready to go.

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