Chapter 259
I wrote to him immediately, keeping it brief and vague. I said I was a healer academy student with an interest in Lycan historical accounts, specifically anything related to the Ashmoore bloodline, and I was wondering if his collection might include any relevant materials. I hit send before I could talk myself out of it.
His response came back within the hour.
“Yes, we have an extensive collection on the Ashemoore line specifically, including several artifacts that have never been publicly catalogued. You’re welcome to come see them in person. I should warn you that the collection is not digitized, so an in- person visit is really the only way to access it properly. We are open Tuesday through Saturday.”
I stared at the screen.
Four hours each way. The museum would require at least a full day to go through properly, probably more. That meant I was looking at a minimum of two days, most likely three.
Dominic was still away. He wouldn’t be back for at least another day or two. Maybe longer, if at all. Which meant Vivian and Mara were the only obstacles, and while Mara was diligent, she wasn’t infallible.
The plan came together quickly. I packed a small bag of the essentials, tucking it into the hallway closet while Mara wasn’t watching me. Then, I made my way to the kitchen, grabbed a pan and some bacon, and got to work.
I laid the pan on the stove, heating it high. By the time I placed two strips of bacon on it, the surface was already popping and sizzling with the fat. I didn’t turn on the hood fan, and I made sure the window was closed.
Then, I went to the bathroom, locked myself inside, and waited.
The smoke alarms went off within a few minutes. I heard footsteps pounding outside the bathroom door as the smell of smoke and grease filled the house.
“Who’s cooking?” a voice shouted. “It’s burning!”
“Luna?” Mara’s voice now. “Your bacon is burning!”
As her voice faded away, I slipped out of the bathroom, grabbed my bag from the closet, and hurried toward the exit. With any luck, by the time they got the smoke detectors to go quiet, I’d already be gone.
I was halfway to the door when I stopped.
Dominic was in battle. Potentially injured, or worse.
I hated that this was crossing my mind, but in that moment, it just… didn’t feel right leaving without a word. He would probably
worry himself sick if he came back and had no idea where I was.
A small, vindictive part of me almost wanted to leave without saying anything. To make him squirm a little, after all of the accusations and mistrust and everything else.
But I couldn’t. Despite everything, I just couldn’t do that.
I stood there for a moment, then turned and rushed upstairs.
Dominic’s bedroom door was unlocked. I slipped inside, where the scent of his cologne wrapped around me like a familiar old blanket. Everything was neat and tidy, bed perfectly made, nightstands arranged just so.
Looking around for a moment, I spotted a small pad of sticky notes on his dresser. I grabbed that and a pen, then jotted down a quick note.
“Dominic-Heading out for a few days. Personal matters.” I paused, sighing, then added, “And no, I’m not with Lucas. Be back
soon. -E.”
+30 Bonus
I hesitated before I tore one of the stickies off of the pad, then stuck it on his pillow. Then, before anyone could stop me, I turned and hurried out of the house.
By the time I drove away, my ears were ringing from the smoke alarms.
+30 Bonus
