Rescued By The Beta

Chapter 20

CLAIRE

Freya and Trisha didn’t believe the council were humans, they had their own theory. Last night, before I went to bed, I received a letter back from Alpha Jordan and we arranged to meet the following day.

I was currently sitting at a diner in the city, waiting for him to show up, before we met with Killian. He arrived about some minutes later, his blonde hair braided and discarded on his right shoulder. As his eyes wandered around the place looking for me, I gave a little wave to draw his attention.

“How are you certain that Killian wouldn’t say anything to Jet?” He asked right away, using that as a conversation starter.

“Because he’s charging us more for keeping his mouth shut. Did you bring the down payment like we agreed on?” I inquired, leaning away as the waiter approached us to take our order.

I frowned when Jordan picked up the menu casually, like he was here to eat. I darted a nervous look around, hoping my disguise was enough to hide my identity. The last thing I wanted was either Hunter or Jet, finding out about this from a front page headline.

When it was my turn to order, I ordered a glance of juice, earning me an eyebrow raise from Jordan.

“Yes, I brought the money. Although I’m a little worried about what will happen when we find Gianna, if you’re willingly to betray your mate and family, how am I sure that you won’t betray me?”

“Don’t call them my family.” I hissed, snatching the money from across the table. “I will allow you to torture her but I get to put an end to her miserable life.”

He nodded in agreement, going silent as the waiter arrived with both our orders. Right on the time we agreed on, Killian strolled into the dinner, it only took him a second to find us where we sat and I didn’t need to get his attention or anything.

“How are you able to spot us so easily?” Jordan asked him, moving to create an empty space next to him.

“She’s the only one here hiding her identity.” Killian replied in a matter of fact tone. His eyes stayed on the money, and without waiting for us to offer it to him, he took it.

“We need her alive, or else half is all you are going to get.” I informed him, standing up to leave.

However, Jordan turned to him. “How about I buy you a meal?”

Seeing that I had nothing left to do and frankly, I didn’t care to know what Jordan planned to discuss with him. Adjusting the drapes over my head, I walked out of the diner. Aside from the servants moving around performing their duties, there was no sign of anyone at the main quarters which raised a lot of questions until I remember Freya got a bubble to escape to.

“Claire…”

I stopped, as Hunter called out to me. Shutting my eyes briefly, I spun around to look at him. “Yes?” I tried to look as innocent as possible, but the cloak I was wearing wasn’t helping me out.

His eyes scanned over my form. “We are in Jet’s study discussing what to give priority and you might like to weigh in.”

“No.” I swallowed hard, holding on to the edge of the cloak. “I don’t want to partake in anything that has to do with the council. It’s too much of a trigger, if you don’t mind, I would like to assist Camille instead.”

“Sure… sure.” He agreed, looking guilty for even suggesting it.

Before he could say anything more, I continued on my way. Getting to the bedroom, I remove the cloak. When a knock came through the door, I first thought it was Hunter until I realized he wouldn’t have to knock, to come into our room.

“Lady Claire.” Hazel bowed slightly as I opened the door. “Luna asked me to come see if there’s anything you need my assistance with. I was told you were no longer comfortable with having a maid…”

I interrupted her. “And what made you both think I will be comfortable with you?”

“Because Hazel’s the best.” Kale butt in, appearing from nowhere. Unaware of the girl blushing, he continued. “Also she’s Freya’s maid, meaning she trusts her. We think you could use some help, you know a companion.”

“Isn’t that what Hunter is for? A companion?”

He laughs. “Good one, I’m going to use that one on him later but no. With everyone busy with one thing or the other, there are times you will need someone to talk to. Hazel isn’t just a maid, she also serves as… what do you call them again?” He asked the maid, looking down at her.

“Er… a beta reader.” She answered, rubbing her neck nervously. “And you don’t have to worry about me being in your space, I still have to help Luna, so you won’t see much of me.”

“What she said,” Kale agreed.

“Fine, I suppose there are a few things I need help with.” I opened the door wider for her to step inside. “Have you seen Camille? I’m to help her with interviewing staff for the refugees.”

“Yeah, check the Beta house, she should be there.” He replied, walking away.

Shutting the door, I stared at Hazel for a few seconds as she started arranging the bed right away. “You can help me pick out an outfit while I take my bath. No dresses please, pants or dresses that have pants underneath.”

“Why? You don’t like dresses?” She asked, curiosity getting the better of her.

“I do like dresses, I just find them restricting when I have to train in them. A dress with pants underneath would kill though, let me paint a picture.” Now, I’m starting to see why Freya sent her to me, the girl was nosy and knows how to get you to talk.

“Imagine me training with Hunter, and I lift my dress. He will think I have nothing but underwear underneath and that will build his excitement, until I crushed his excitement by using the distraction to kick him in the first. Giving me an ultimate advantage.”

She blinked, surprised at first then she burst out laughing. “That is so wicked! I love it!”

“I know right?” I joined her laughing, before going into the bathroom.

When I came out some minutes later, she was nowhere to be found but a dress had been laid out on the bed for me. Approaching it, I raised the dress, smiling when I saw the short underneath it.

There’s always some time of commotion going on there whenever I make an appearance. At least the place has staff now, meaning Camille has successfully found some. Currently, she was trying to calm down a human who swore a hovering shadow startled her.

“Calm down, Trisha is checking it out.” She whispered, embracing the young girl.

Trisha came out shaking her head. Her eyes reflected surprise when she saw me. “Claire, I didn’t know you were here.”

“I just got here. What seems to be the issue this time around?” I asked her.

She pulled me away from Camille and the girl. “Are you sure it’s okay to be around humans now? You don’t have to push it, it might take some time to get used to them like before.”

“I’m fine Trisha, I may have lost connection to my wolf, but that doesn’t make me human. Tell me what’s going on with the refugees, isn’t this the second person to complain about seeing a shadow.”

She took a deep breath. “I’m starting to think the mansion might be haunted.”

“What?” I blurted out, laugher stuck in my throat. “Trisha, if any building in the estate is haunted then it’s the castle. It’s the oldest building here, forget the fact that Jet’s ancestors have it renovated. That would explain why the spirits are angry though.”

“But the shadows are not being seen in the castle but the mansion. I understand it's one of the recent buildings in the estate but it’s not far-fetched. Perhaps a witch is haunting it?” She suggested.

“What will a witch get out of scaring humans? They are already scared of the fact that they are here. A place they’ve never heard of, a fate uncertain? Perhaps the witch wants to scare them to death.”

“This is not a joke Claire, you should have a little sympathy for these refugees. The only witches we have here is me… my powers are currently dormant. Sophie!” Her eyes widened in realization.

“Sophie? Sophie is weak and tied up in the dungeon, she can’t conjure any spells. And if she wants to go after someone, it will be Freya or Jet.” I pointed out, because the lady certainly had it out for Freya.

How does she get to be alive but Morgana is dead?

“I will talk to Jet to give me access to the dungeon where she’s held, I need to make sure she’s completely ruled out before considering any other choice. Too much is at risk here, if Sophie’s is regaining her strength then we may have no choice but to kill her.” She told me, walking away.

“Do you really think it's Sophie?” Camille asked, appearing beside me.

“It’s either Sophie or some other witch on the loose. Today it’s shadows, who knows what they will be conjuring next..?!”