THE RICH ALPHA

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

Maggie's pulse quickened. "Side-effects? What kind of side-effects?"

He lay the mirror on his lap and shook his head. "I couldn't begin to guess, but the doctor may know. We'll wait for him to give us the diagnosis."

Maggie turned her face toward the window and grasped the handle. Her hand trembled as her mind conjured forth terrifying images of her becoming a monster like the man who sat beside her.

The car ride was very long for all the occupants, but at last they arrived at the home of Dr. Ficus.

Albert opened the door and Adrian stepped out with the mirror in his hand. "Stay with the car," he commanded his servant, and Albert bowed his head. Adrian half-turned to the open door. He stretched out his hand to the small figure that glared at him. "I am trying to help you."

Maggie's eyes narrowed. "Only to help yourself."

"The situation has changed. Let us see if you have, as well," he persisted.

Maggie pursed her lips but slid out of the car, ignoring his outstretched hand. She followed Adrian up the walk to the split-level door. Adrian raised his hand, but the entrance flew open. Ficus stood in the doorway with a frown on his lips.

His eyes flickered from Maggie to Adrian. "I told you she was supposed to come alone."

Adrian held out the scorched mirror. "The situation has changed."

Ficus's eyes widened. He took the mirror and flipped it over in his hands. His bushy eyebrows crashed down and he stepped to the side. "Get in."

Adrian walked inside and Maggie reluctantly followed. She jumped when Ficus slammed the door behind them. He marched up to Adrian and wagged the mirror in the taller man's face.

"What the hell have you done now?" Ficus snapped.

Adrian arched an eyebrow. "I merely followed your instructions and administered a tear of an innocent maiden onto the mirror. The results were shall we say explosive."

The doctor narrowed his eyes and jerked his head toward Maggie. "How'd you get the tears from her?"

"I-"

"He tricked me into getting into his car and crying," Maggie spoke up.

Ficus's face darkened and he returned his attention to Adrian. "Is that true?"

Adrian smiled and bowed his head. "I submit to the lady's wording of the event."

Ficus poked the top of the mirror into Adrian's chest. "Then it's your fault it's broken again and-" He paused and turned the mirror so the face stared back at him. His eyes widened and his mouth dropped open. "The magic. What happened to the magic?"

Adrian nodded at Maggie. "I believe it entered her body."

Ficus spun around and surveyed her. Maggie stumbled backward until her back hit the door. He swept up to her and waved his free hand over her body. The doctor straightened and pursed his lips. He glanced over his shoulder at Adrian. "You're a complete fool. The magic's in her now, and there's nothing to do with it but teach her how to keep it from destroying her."

Maggie's eyes widened and she shook her head. "No! Whatever's in me I don't want it!"

Adrian frowned. "Surely it can be removed."

Ficus shook his head. "Not this magic. It's found a soul it likes and has fused with it. The only way to remove the magic now is to kill the girl and transfer the orphan magic back to the mirror."

Maggie's legs shook so hard her knees buckled. Adrian leapt forward and caught her before she reached the ground. He lifted her into his arms and carried her over to a wooden armchair covered in books. Adrian kicked off the books with his foot and lowered her onto the seat. She leaned over and clutched her head in her hands.

Adrian turned to Ficus. "How will this magic affect her?"

Ficus shrugged. "How the hell should I know? I'm not the i***t who tried to trick an innocent into doing what he wanted." Maggie lifted her head and showed off her red eyes.

Adrian narrowed his eyes and pursed his lips. "My intention was only to-"

"I don't give a damn what you meant to do," Ficus interrupted him. He pointed a finger at Maggie who flinched. "What you did was force energy into the mirror, shattering the fragile glass and forcing the magic to find another container. This young woman."

Adrian's eyes followed the old man's finger and his gaze settled on Maggie. He studied her tear-stained face for a while before he closed his eyes. His sly smile slipped onto his lips and he chuckled. "I see. Well, in that case, I must make amends for what I've done." He strode over to the seated young woman and smiled down at her as he offered her his hand. "Will you allow me to do this?"

Maggie blinked up at him. She leaned back and furrowed her brow. "You'll help my father?"

He chuckled. "And yourself, an important item you often forget."

Maggie glanced past him at Ficus. "There's nothing you can do?"

The old man shook his head. "Not a thing. This magic's too strong for my powers."

"All the more reason why you should let me help you find someone able to help you," Adrian spoke up.

Maggie looked into his face. His eyes glistened with the sultry yellow of his kind, but they were soft and his smile was true. She took a deep breath and placed her hand in his.

Adrian grinned and wrapped his fingers around hers. "You won't regret this."

He pulled Maggie to her feet and turned them so they faced Ficus. His eyebrows were pointed downward and met between his narrowed eyes. His gaze lay on Adrian. "You'll keep care of both of them?"

Adrian bowed his head. "With all my powers."

Ficus stepped aside and gave them a clear path to the door. "Then get out of here."