From Frying Pan to Strange Fire

Joan’s legs grew heavier with every step she took as they walked further into the house. Moments ago, she was admiring the wonderful work of art displayed in the building. But that admiration was dissolving into something else the heavy feeling that she had been brought to her place of death.

But she didn’t stop following Trevor, who was moving a step ahead of her. Maybe if she was cooperative, they would let her go without harm.

They arrived at the top floor and walked a little further to the right of the rather quiet hallway until Trevor stopped in front of a shut door.

“Here we are. This is your room, Madam. I hope it meets your taste.” Trevor spoke, moving his hand to the door handle to open it.

“You too are calling me Madam?” Joan asked in a soft voice and Trevor turned to her. She looked into his eyes and realized he was the same man who used to call her Mrs. Joan Brandon whenever she had the opportunity to meet him in the past. Now he was calling her Madam and acting like there wasn’t a dead or almost dead person lying on the floor before his boss’ feet downstairs. Who are these people?

“You don’t like it? Do you prefer I call you boss lady instead?” Trevor asked.

“None. You know my name, Mr. Baliante.”

“Indeed I do. However, you are now my boss’s wife and it is only right for me to address you in the proper manner befitting your new status. Also, you can just call me Trevor.” He flashed her a smile and proceeded to open the door

Joan walked into the room without another word and was once again left speechless. It was beautiful and lavishly decorated. If she hadn’t heard Trevor say it was her room, she would have believed they were expecting a princess.

In a normal situation, she would have been all excited and jump around like a little girl as all her childish fantasies came alive by mere looking at the room.

“We got all we could to make you comfortable. But as men, we may not know everything you need. If after looking around you see that there are some things lacking, please don’t hesitate to call my attention by pressing that bell beside the bed.” Trevor informed her.

Joan turned to the bed and indeed there was a small device on the bedside stool which she wouldn’t have known was a bell if he hadn’t said it.

“Also, you can now text your friend the list of things you want her to get for you.” Trevor shut the door softly and walked away after his last words, leaving her alone in the room.

Now that he mentioned it, Joan fished for her phone in her handbag. Bringing it out, she dropped the bag and the large file containing the travel papers, which were the only things she was allowed to take from Richard’s house.

After they were declared husband and wife by the priest, Roman insisted they leave immediately. When she brought up the issue of her belongings still in the house, he suggested she text Grace a list of the things she will need, which must not include anything Richard got for her. He had Trevor give Grace his card so she would be directed to the house to drop off the items.

Joan immediately dialed her number, and on the first ring, Grace picked up.

“Hey, Jo, please tell me you’re okay because I’m freaking out and losing my mind here.” Grace’s voice rang out from the other end of the phone.

“I’m also losing my mind here. For now I’m physically okay, but I don’t know how long that will last.” Joan whispered for fear that someone may be outside the door, listening to her conversation.

“What do you mean? What’s going on? What are they doing to you?” Grace panicked.

***

“Rome-” Williams started to speak, but…

“I forbid it, Liam. You are not allowed to interrogate her concerning this issue. End of discussion.” Roman cut Williams off, his brows pulling together.

“What if she is a witch?”

“Isn’t she supposed to be one?” Roman asked back, his brows arching.

“Well, she is, but I don’t sense it.”

“Neither do I sense a werewolf. But she reacts exactly the way an omega would react when I’m angry. Hers is even worse. I don’t need to be furious. Just a slight shift in my mood toward the angry side and she runs out of breath.”

“That’s what I’m talking about about, Rome. She might be pretending. I don’t trust her one bit.” Williams insisted.

“When did you begin to underestimate me, Liam?”

“I don’t underestimate you. I’m only concerned about your safety.” Williams revealed.

Roman smirked. “You worry too much. Even if she’s pretending, a little witch can’t kill me. I am more of a danger to myself than anyone is to me. You know that already. I wonder what you’re working yourself up for.” Roman shifted his eyes to the dead man on the floor, then looked at the waiting cleaners. “Clean this up.” He ordered and they moved instantly while he proceeded to walk toward the dining room.

“Fine.” Williams relented. “Does she know what you are?” He asked, following Roman.

“I highly doubt that. She’s human, remember?”

“Meaning it’s safe for me to say she doesn’t feel the mate bond. How then did she agree to marry you?”

“Let’s say I gave her a reason to, although I don’t believe she would have easily agreed if the mate bond wasn’t at play.” Roman answered thoughtfully, a sly smile on his face

Williams narrowed his eyes in suspicion. “What did you do, Rome?”