Page 54 of Rejected Beta

Once I get the mother and her kids settled, I wrap my sweater tighter around myself, sliding my hands into my pockets. I frown when I feel a piece of paper inside one of them.

I pull it out, frowning at it in confusion when I see it isn't some old receipt like I thought.

It's a note.

From Jareth.

Meet me tonight in the park at six. This isn't what you think. I'll explain. Trust me.

Love,

J

Chapter Seventeen

Moira

––––––––

I'M NOT GIVEN A CHANCEto breathe or think for the rest of the day, people constantly coming in and out of the studio. Something I'd usually be thrilled over, but today I just need a single goddamn second to breathe. To think. To have a panic attack in the closet.

But instead, I have to pretend I'm not drowning, that my world didn't just tilt on its axis, that bile isn't searing the back of my throat.

The note from Jareth is starting to tear from the constant handling. I check my pocket to make sure it's there every thirty seconds or so. I have no idea what to think. Why the secrecy? We're not fucking spies or something like that. We're just old friends caught up in alpha bullshit. What are they up to that he has to sneak me notes and invite me to secret meetings?

What the hell do they have planned?

Aurora and Enzo show up and Aurora comes straight for me, wrapping me up in a warm hug. Only our audience keeps me from sobbing in her arms.

She leans back and inspects my face, worry on hers. “We wanted to check on you since you've been ignoring messages from everyone."

I wince and step back with a sigh. “Sorry, the studio got unusually busy all of a sudden. And I didn't know how to put all the insanity in a text message."

Aurora snarls. “I wish Trix was here. She'd fuck some assholes up for you."

I chuckle. “I can't wait to meet her. Maybe she can teach me the same."

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