Beneath the Depths - Book Four (Moon Child Series)

Chapter Five

MJ POV

The week went by quickly as I spent it with my family. My father and I went fishing with my uncle Magnus, I caught up with all my old high school friends, spent an afternoon with my mum and aunt just baking cookies and even spent a few afternoons with Mia when she wasn’t dodging her mate. It felt great to be home, which is why I was filled with dread when my phone rang. My work phone. As an agent I had to keep it on me at all times.

I’d been on my normal morning run, enjoying the pleasant scents of my home around me when it rang. My bosses name flashed on the screen as I pulled it from my pocket. I pressed accept and placed it to my ear.

“Good morning, MJ. Sorry to bother you on your holidays but it’s urgent.”

“Good morning, sir. It’s no problem. What’s happened?” My muscles tensed as I waited for him to brief me on the situation. Something felt wrong, and his tone did not help the feeling. I sighed.

“It’s June. She hasn’t reported back in a few days. It’s radio silence.” My heart dropped. June was one of our best warriors and like family to me. If she wasn’t reporting it had to be serious.

“Comms aren’t just down? Maybe it’s a technical thing.” I provided, Desperate for him to be wrong.

“ I thought the same thing. I had IT go through all that. Her phone is still on, communications is open but nothing. No response to any kind of contact.” I sighed, stress tensing my shoulders and making me stiff. This was bad. An agent missing in action, and one that’s more than capable of handling themselves too.

“Where do you need me?” I asked. He wouldn’t have called me for nothing. Aside from June I was the best warrior the Guild had. There were things that I possessed that others didn’t, making me the best. If anyone was going to have a chance to find June it was me.

“Denmark. There’s an art school there that is very popular and hard to get into. I’ve sent you the file in your email and I’ll organise your transport as soon as I can. I need you in this ASAP MJ.”

“Yes sir.” I replied gravely. We said our goodbyes and I took off back home at a jog. It was very inconvenient for me to leave right now. I wanted to spend more time with my family, and I felt as if Mia would need all the support she could get. Leaving them had to be one of the hardest things to do. But it was what I had to do to ensure their safety.

As I entered my parents’ house my mum was at the kitchen counter sipping at her coffee, my father hugging her from behind, his nose nestled into her neck. I shielded my eyes dramatically and cried out.

“Ahh. Get a room you two.” I joked. My mum giggled as dad tightened his grip on her

“This whole house is my room son.” Fake gagging I ran past them and to my room where I began packing. It helped that I didn’t have much and usually kept things neat and orderly. My mum walked in as I was zipping up the suitcase, her brow furrowed in confusion.

“Where are you going? What’s wrong?” On the way home Id read the file the Director had sent me to get my story straight to tell my family why I was leaving early, and I just hoped she’d fall for it.

“I kind of applied for this art school and I just got the call that I’m in. But they’re having early orientation, so I have to get there as soon as possible.” My mum beamed in happiness.

“Oh honey that’s great!” She pulls me in for a tight hug as the familiar voice of my dad rings over her shoulder.

“What happened to the business degree you’ve spent so much time on?” I tense, my jaw tightening as I ready myself to lie. But I get no chance to say anything as my mum strides to his side and smack his arm.

“I think what you meant to say is congratulations son we’re so proud of you.” I watch in slight amusement and fear for my dad as her eyes change colour and the floor trembles slightly. She turns back to me as she’s exiting the room.

“I’m so proud of you my dear one.” My dad watches her leave, a sheepish look on his face before he follows her. No doubt to apologise. With a chuckle I grab my suitcase and walk to the living room where my uncle Magnus is gleefully watching my dad try to apologise to my mum. I step up next to him and can’t help but laugh at his expression.

“It’s always amusing watching your father apologise to your mum.” His tone almost excited. “Remind me next time your home to tell you about the day he returned home from our other pack and got his ass whooped by your mum.” He slaps his hand on his leg. “Hilarious.” Turning serious all of a sudden, he extends his hand for a shake before pulling me in for a hug.

“Be careful out there MJ.” His eyes pierce into mine with a knowing look and I freeze. What does he know that he’s not saying? Before I can I investigate mum and dad walk toward me with big sad smiles.

“Do you really have to go? You just got home.” My mums eyes are sparkling with unshed tears as she throws her arms around me. The sky outside darkens, reacting to her emotions. I hug her tight and kiss the top of her head. I hated leaving so early. But it was important. They wouldn’t be pulling me back so early if it wasn’t.

“I’m sorry mum. I have to get there for the orientation. I promise I’ll stay longer next time.” With one last squeeze she lets me go and I shake my fathers and uncles hands. “I’ll call as much as I can. I better go say bye to Mia and Luca.” I found Mia hard at work in her office, laptop open and paperwork piled around her. She looked up as I walked in, and I tensed up when my eyes met hers. Her eyes were rimmed with red, her nose a rosy shade.

“What happened?” I ask, coming to a stop in front of her desk. She stood with a sigh, her shoulders slumped as though a heavy weight sits upon them and comes around to sit in front of me on the desk.

“Nothing anyone can do anything about. What brings you here?” my heart breaks as she puts on a brave face. Leaving my family never felt harder than right now. Mia needed all the support she could get, but I had to leave. My job is important, I’m protecting those who can’t protect themselves. And Mia would get that if she knew the truth.

“I got accepted into this top art school in Denmark. And orientation for it starts this week. I just… my hearts not in business.” Mia smiles softly and stands from the desk to engulf me in a hug.

“You don’t have to explain yourself to me. You do whatever makes you happy.” She pulls back from the hug, her hands holding my shoulders as she smiles at me. “And don’t worry. Dad will get over it.” After another tight hug I turn to leave, but Mia’s voice stops me as I reach the door.

“MJ.”I turn to her, her eyes serious as she stares into mine. “Be careful up there. And trust in your intuition.” I stare at her in confusion before nodding and heading out the door. Saying the rest of my goodbyes I make my way to the airport where my tickets are waiting for me at one of the desks and I’m directed towards the terminal where Director Johnson had organised for a private jet to transport me and my team to Denmark. Grim faces greet me as I board the plane, everyone’s concern for June palpable in the air. With a last few checks on the plane and to make sure we have all the supplies we need, we’re off, and as we draw closer to our destination an intense feeling grows within me. a feeling of apprehension and something I couldn’t put my finger on. Whatever awaited us in Denmark I was ready for.