Page 58 of Dark Moon Secrets

“Let me see her properly this time,” said Willow, stepping too close to me for my liking.

I cringed as Willow looked me up and down, trying not to back away. I couldn’t if I wanted to as it seemed Pepper was holding me still.

“For the best. Now, you really should leave, both of you.”

Willow made a tutting sound as she stepped back from me. “The power is strong in her.”

“Glad you’re pleased about that.” I couldn’t help but be sarcastic.

“Pepper, grab some food from the Chinese takeaway two doors down. Tanjie is nearly half starved,” said Willow.

“Fine, but don’t talk about anything of interest before I return.”

“Better hurry then.”

Pepper glared at them and then slipped out the door quickly.

“I didn’t think takeaway food was something I should eat?” I asked.

If the café were open, I’d be getting a coffee right now. I didn’t care how late it was or if the caffeine kept me awake. All this talk about my initiation was setting me on edge, and I didn’t think I would get to sleep anytime soon.

“I’ve been keeping her on a clean diet,” said Luna.

“In one day, you’ve begun to starve her.”

“If you wanted to be the one caring for her, then you should’ve volunteered when Maria asked after her parents were killed. You didn’t put up your hand.”

“What, you told her that her parents were killed? You shouldn’t have said that. It will only complicate things. She’ll be too distracted during her initiation now.”

“Give Tanjie more credit than that,” retorted Luna.

“Yeah,” I said. I had done much better just now with my magic than I had all day, and I was tired and ready for bed. It might’ve come close, but I hadn’t burned down the store. “Don’t I have a say in all this?” I added.

“No!” Both women turned and glared at me.

“Like that is it?” I huffed.

“You will know everything soon enough,” said Luna. “You need to concentrate on your magic ability… all this other stuff you can learn later.”

I didn’t want to be learning about my parents’ killers later, or how the coven worked, or about mystical creatures I thought were pure fantasy. I wanted to know now.

Since I was sure I had exhausted my concentration and more magic practice was out of the question today, it was time for a discussion. I just had to convince two very determined women that this was the case.

“Isn’t it better I know that wolves killed my parents? And shouldn’t you be telling me about the wolves and what the hell they are? Until now, I didn’t think wolves were in Australia.”

“Tanjie, you need to learn to keep your mouth shut,” said Luna, shaking her head. Her shoulders slumped as if she’d lost.

“When have you’ve seen a wolf?” Willow’s eyes widened.

“Last night.” I glanced at Luna, hoping she realized I hadn’t meant to say so much. How was I supposed to know what to say or not say anyway?

“This isn’t good, Luna. We need to sit and talk.”

“Cup of tea then?” asked Luna tightly.

“Please, my usual,” Willow replied.

In the small kitchen at the back of the shop, I sat opposite Willow at the table while Luna got plates ready for the Chinese and boiled the kettle. Her movements were slow from the injuries, so I went to help, but she brushed me away.

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