Page 30 of Dark Moon Secrets

A sign indicated garden seating outside, and I headed to the back of the café. The encounter with Al had raised my spirits, and instead of thinking about my predicament, my head was full of hundreds of ways to undress the man.

I sat on a wooden chair and glanced behind me. Al wasn’t there, choosing not to follow me. I suspected that was part of his game plan—to leave me wanting—and fuck, he’d succeeded.

I leaned back in the chair, enjoying the gentle breeze on my face and the birds singing in the nearby trees. This was completely different from city life, and with a shiver, I realized it was one I could start to enjoy.

“Here we go.” Jessi arrived a few moments later, her voice breaking through the dirty thoughts reeling in my mind.

I sat up straighter, glad to finally have a decent cup of coffee. “Thanks.”

“You know Al likes you.”

“Really?” My stomach lurched, and another wave of moisture flooded between my legs.

“He doesn’t flirt with just anyone, so if you’re interested, go for it.” Jessi smiled. “Enjoy.”

Hell, I’d go for it, but I would need to see him again. I had no idea where to find him, though he was excellent at finding me. I was at his mercy, which frustrated me to the core. I liked to be in control.

I sighed, sipping the coffee. The bitter taste coursed through me, and my mind sharpened. It was all very well for me to get hot and flustered around Al, but that would only happen if I hung around here. If I did that, I would have to face running the store and finding out what was being kept from me.

By the time I finished my coffee, my mind was made up. I couldn’t leave now. Not only did I need to find out what was really behind me getting the shop, I wanted to know. Meeting Alaric gave me the perfect distraction to help get me through this.

The way my gut churned, I had a feeling that whatever it was I was going to find out, I wasn’t going to like it.

But now, after a coffee and a break, I was going back to Luna, and I would get it out of her, no matter what.

CHAPTER 12

Tanjie

Returning to the shop, the wings of lost creatures fluttered inside me. How would I get Luna to spill and let me in on this secret?

I pushed on the shop door, and a sense I was coming home washed over me. There was my intuition again, working overtime to guide me. Then I remembered something I’d spent so long trying to forget.

On the night my parents died, I had such a feeling of dread that I stayed at home. I’d tried to convince them to stay home and was embarrassed and confused that I hadn’t told them my reason. They were so happy, and when they insisted I go out, I reverted to the excuse of having to complete homework. Ever since, I’d pushed it aside, trying to ignore the fact I should have been in the car with them.

Since Maria’s death, all these emotions and memories had resurfaced, tangling and mixing together, reminding me of things I wanted to forget. So many things.

The door closed behind me, the bells sounding and indicating someone else was in the shop. At that moment, I knew I’d get rid of the string of bells too.

No, you won’t. They’re to help bring happiness.

The problem was I wasn’t feeling happy, especially not with Maria’s voice in my head again.

Luna finished serving a woman and handed her a large paper bag full to the brim. It was good to know there had been at least one other customer today, though I worried it wouldn’t be enough.

“You’ll find you can think clearer with these candles.” Luna had her best smile on for the customer.

I stopped myself from saying ‘what a load of nonsense’ as the woman walked past me. As if candles could help one think more clearly.

Maybe you should have one in your room? It will help you. Maria’s voice was once more in my head.

I didn’t mind burning a few candles occasionally, but it was for relaxation and because I liked the scent more than anything else.

The sound of the shop door closing meant Luna and I were alone.

“You have a lot of explaining to do.” I stood with hands fisted on my hips, staring directly at Luna.

To my surprise, Luna nodded. “I’ve contacted the others and have permission to tell you.”

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