My birthday week came up so quickly. I finally relented and let Kaid invite some people to have dinner with us. Again, he asked me to choose pendants and rings, as a birthday gift and a token of gratitude.
Siona was the first to arrive. She gave me a small box of rose gold pendant with intricate details.
"Happy Birthday, my dear Trinity. This is for you, chosen personally by Kaid. He asked me to cast a protection spell, for good measure." She kissed me on the cheek, her fingers cold as always.
"Thank you, Siona. I guess this pendant is a gift from you rather than from Kaid," I smirked.
"Let me help you wear that," Siona opened the clasp and put it on my neck, "The gemstone will change color when exposed to dark magic."
"That bad, huh?" I said half joking.
"Worse than you can imagine, my Lady. Kaid wanted to keep you safe."
"Is this going to help with my nightmares?"
"You are having nightmares again?"
"Not always, but it's getting intense."
"Tell me about it."
"I can't really remember. It's just a feeling of dread. Maybe it has something to do with my worries."
"What worries you, my Lady?"
"I just have a lot on my mind, that's all."
Siona waited for me to continue.
I relented, "Zara knew I was born cursed."
"She could be the key to breaking your curse, Trinity," Siona suddenly spoke as if in a trance.
"What in the world are you talking about?" I couldn't believe what I heard.
"The war against dark witches are going to break chains and boundaries," Siona's eyes glazed over.
"Siona..?"
"Ah, my Lady, forgive me. If you are worried about the king's feelings for Zara, don't be. Feelings are fleeting. What you two have, when nurtured, could be stronger than any mate bond."
"I need you to tell me more about my past, Siona," I demanded.
"Now is not the time, my dear, but I will tell you what I know in due time," she mused, "and if you are worried about people comparing you to mere concubines, don't be. You are precious in the king's eyes, even when he couldn't seem to show it."
"Did you read my mind without my permission, Siona?" I asked, trying to mask a quiver.
"I might have."
With that she left the room gracefully. I found myself clutching the pendant she gave me. Am I that easy to read?
-----
I went outside for some fresh air. Too many people making small talk. I lit my cigarettes, letting the taste and the scent ease my mind.
Strangely, it did very little in making me relax. Maxine, I assured her, hold on just a bit longer. We'll go for the hills later tonight. I could feel her restlessness.
A maid approached me, "Someone is looking for you, my Lady. He said his name is Jerry."
I felt Maxine perks up hearing Jerry's name.
"Who did you say coming for her?" I heard Kaid asked her again, his eyes glaring at me.
"It's Jerry," I answered, and motioned the trembling maid to leave, "Jeremiah Kingsley."
"I thought you didn't do birthdays," Kaid's voice was laced with irritation.
"I didn't invite him, if that's what you were insinuating," I tried to keep my tone in check, but I could feel Maxine defending me. I lost interest in my cigarettes. All these mansplaining was draining me.
"Such a long way from Paris, for a business partner," Kaid sneered.
"Can you let this go, Kaid? I am in no mood to argue and explain myself."
"Your wolf seems eager to meet Jeremiah Kingsley," He retorted, unable to let go.
"That's uncalled for. Jealousy is not a good look on you, my King," I addressed him, barely containing Maxine's rage.
And then, I saw a tall lanky blonde man coming up to me, with his bright smile beaming up at me. That smile used to soothe me, but right now was seriously bad timing.
"Don't mind me, Lycan King Kaid, why waste your jealousy on me?" He was pushing all the wrong buttons, "You guys were loud. The maids were eavesdropping by the door, and don't you remember you actually have guests?"
I stood very still, feeling light-headed. I didn't expect this man to walk in so recklessly.
"Happy Birthday, my Lady. Sorry to barge in like that, I was not gonna wait another second, it was so cold outside!" He kissed me lightly on my forehead, "I brought you a present...and a document you requested."
He handed me a brown envelope and a small black box, but I couldn't bring myself to say anything. I glanced at Kaid, and he was restraining his wolf not to make a scene in front of a commoner.
I looked at the black box, and stared at Jerry. "It's a watch, my dear, you've been wearing yours for so many years."
"Thank you," I mouthed, clutching the envelope and the box.
This crazy man walked up to Kaid and extended his hand, "Jeremiah Kingsley —Jerry, for short. Private investigator and a business interest."
Kaid coldly returned his handshake, "Private investigator, you say?"
"Yes, correct. Trinity requested me to dig facts and stories, now and then, but the brown envelope is for your eyes only, Trin," He sneered at Kaid.
My head was ready to explode. This was really not my scene. I could feel Maxine surging out and ready to break walls.
"Thank you, Jerry...Y-you should go," I somehow managed to form sentences. I could not let Kaid rip this daring man alive.
Jerry sensed my wolf.
"Tell Maxine, Windsor said hello. I will take my leave, but one thing you should know by now, my dear, whatever written on that paper, whatever season you might be in, you should be with someone who knows your worth." He gave me a soft peck, and turned his head once again on Kaid.
"This lady of yours, flat out rejected me. So, really, save your energy," he continued, "See you soon, Trinity."
5 minutes of Jeremiah Kingsley had tipped my world over. I couldn't care less what Kaid had to say. I wanted to get out and let Maxine take control.
The document, I suddenly remembered. My fingers fidgeted around the flap, opened it, and pulled out a piece of paper and a piece of yellowing Polaroid.
Madam Olivia Grant. Registered wet nurse for Silver Shadow pack. Assigned to Luna Serena, who birthed twin Troy Atlas and Trinity Atlas. Madam Grant was known for her healing practices. She was later accepted into Luna Slaton coven.
A picture of her. A face I would remember anywhere by heart. A woman who nursed me, bathed me, feed me, tucked me in. She was more of a mother than my own. I thought she was already dead.
My head was spinning. I swallowed hard; my vision blurry and my mouth dry. I needed to get out. I needed control.
It took every last ounce in me to toss the whole document into the fireplace.
I ran for the terrace. I let Maxine take over and shifted. I could feel Kaid's wolf, Garnet, tugging at the back of my head, but I couldn't care less. I could feel my guests staring at me in shock, but I just wanted to run as far away as I could. Out in the open. Out. Out. Out. I needed to breathe.