MANNY #2
They waited until I’d eaten half of my burger before starting the interrogation. Rafferty went first. “Do you have dizzy spells a lot?”
I grimaced. “No, I wasn't thinking. I know better than to do physical stuff without eating first.” Not that it was any of their business, but I felt like I owed them answers since they’d been so nice today.
Rafferty rewarded me for my response by letting me eat another few bites. “How long does it take for your magic to fully recharge?”
Well, shit. I contemplated the remains of my burger, then I reached for my water, taking a long sip. Elton frowned, recognizing my avoidance tactic, dammit. “Would a better question be, when was the last time you actually were fully recharged?”
Nope, not answering.
Rafferty breathed in and out slowly, as if he were trying to keep his temper. “Is there anyone who helps you out?”
I cocked my head. “What do you mean? What kind of help?” I couldn’t afford a maid.
He sighed. “Who makes sure you eat regularly? Are you getting enough sleep?”
I stuffed some French fries into my mouth.
Rory would be over here in a heartbeat if he knew how I’d been running myself into the ground.
I’d been careful to time our get-togethers for when I had energy and my magic was at least at a quarter strength.
I hadn’t told him about my healing abilities. He’d just worry.
Elton was the one sighing this time. “Correct me if I'm wrong, but it sounds like you live here all alone, with no security system. And an unknown number of people have heard of your healing abilities and they have your address. Does that sound right?”
It sounded like exactly why I had trouble sleeping at night. To cover up my discomfort, I went on the attack, glaring at them. “I’m fine. I appreciate the food and the help with the yard, but I don’t need anyone butting into my life.”
Rafferty pointed out the window. “Collapsing in the backyard is a big sign you do.” Not much I could say to that. I swallowed against the lump in my throat, staring down at my food. “Manny, I'm alpha of a pack, which means if somebody needs something, I’m hardwired to help.”
Elton muttered, “I'll say.”
“So you can either take help from me, or we can call the local District Monitors.”
I stiffened and looked up in alarm. “No, there's no need to bring them into this.” Geographic areas had magic carriers who acted as sort of sheriffs-slash-social workers, mostly to help the local Wonders who couldn’t pass for human.
My big problem with this was that the two District Monitors for all of East Texas were my best friend Rory’s partners, Shane and Ellis.
Who I hadn’t told about my healing ability.
And Shane was my landlord.
I glanced uneasily around the kitchen and into the living room.
Any day now, one of the ghosts Rory talked to regularly would visit me at the wrong time, and I’d have to come clean.
At least Rory getting bonded had given everyone he considered family, which of course included me, the ability to see ghosts too.
So at least if any of the dearly departed popped in, I’d know.
Rafferty’s expression warned me I wasn’t going to like what came out of his mouth next.
“Okay. In that case, you have two options.
One, my pack owns an apartment complex near the Medical Center.
You can move into one of the empty units there.
It's gated and you'd be surrounded by wolves to keep you safe.”
I was shaking my head before he finished speaking. “I'm not losing my privacy, and I'm already paying rent on this place, so I can't afford to move.”
He let out a deep breath, like I was working his last nerve.
Too bad. I didn’t invite him here. “I have a bunch of apartments sitting empty. I won’t charge you rent.
However, you have another option”—he held up one finger—“at least for the time being until we get any indication that you're not safe here. Give me your phone.”
I couldn’t quite stifle my eye roll as I handed it over. Daddy Rafferty wanted me to call him if I was in danger. He typed in his number, then he gave my phone to Elton to enter his.
I laughed when I saw Elton’s last name was Johnson. “I'd like to meet your parents.”
Elton smiled fondly. “They’re definitely unique. They retired a few years ago and they’re traveling around in an RV. I think they’re in Oregon right now.”
“Good for them.” I held my phone up toward Rafferty. “I have your numbers now. I'll call you if I need anything. Happy?”
He smirked like he’d won a bet. “That's just the beginning. My people will be checking on you at least once a day, twice when we can manage it.”
I stared at him incredulously. “What the fuck? Why? I'll be at work a lot of the time, or asleep. What are they gonna do, drive by? What use will that be?”
“One of my pack members runs a security firm. You'll give me your work schedule, so we know when you're supposed to be home versus not. We will do drive-bys, yes. But we’ll also require at least one text or voice check-in per day.”
“No. I won't agree to that.” What a fucking waste of everyone’s time.
“Alright. In that case I’ll park someone out in front of your house twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, and they’ll follow you to work or wherever you go.”
I jumped out of my chair, making it scrape across the floor. “I don't understand you. That'll cost so much money. What would you even get out of it?”
Cool as a cucumber, Rafferty sipped his water and leaned back in his chair.
“Wonders, including wolf shifters, have been kidnapped and trafficked for decades. Someone like you, who can heal people, cure something like leukemia if the rumors are correct, is probably the most valuable person on this planet.” My mouth dropped open.
I’d known about the trafficking, but when I’d considered my own safety, I’d mostly pictured someone trying to force me to heal a loved one.
I hadn’t taken into account how much money I was worth. Holy shit.
Rafferty knew he had me. “It's only a matter of time before the wrong types find out you exist. They'll try to kidnap you and use you for their own benefit. My pack members live together for community and friendship, yes. But we also live together for safety. I don't care how much it costs. The pack has been lucky enough with our investments that we can afford it. I won’t let you be another statistic.” He pointed a finger at me, staring me down.
“But make no mistake. As soon as there is a verified threat against you, we're moving you into an apartment in the packhouse.”
Fucking hell. I pulled my chair back to the table and sank into it, my mind spinning.
Elton leaned forward. “This isn't news to you, Manny.
You know it. If you came into your abilities at puberty like everyone else, I'm honestly shocked you're still able to live on your own.
Why haven't you taken precautions before now?”
I shook my head. “I didn't come into my powers at puberty. It's a long story, but I didn’t have magic until last summer.”
His eyes went wide. If he only knew how weird I really was. “You were human?”
I touched my belly, feeling the raised scar under the fabric of my joggers. “I don't want to talk about it. But I'll accept your help.” I slumped in my seat. “Thank you.”