"Chaz was there?" I ask, surprised Shay's son would even be there.
"Chaz was investigating the imposter for Shay."
Considering Chaz was the closest thing to a best friend I had while growing up, I'm surprised he didn't tell me he and Shay were also suspicious. I haven't seen him since our moms had their big fallout, but I would have called him if the situation was reversed.
"So they never touched you?" I ask, feeling relieved to know that.
The imposter came in so beat up she spent weeks in healing. I suppose that was all for show.
"Never," she says reassuringly. "They knew your father was looking for me. That could have prompted them to send in an imposter to douse suspicion so they could move forward with whatever they're planning."
"Does this have anything to do with the black diamond of Roth?" I ask, remembering a theory once spawned by Gage.
She shakes her head in a shrugging manner. "I don't know. They never spoke, and they all wore masks. They more than likely knew I wouldn't give them any answers."
I feel like she's holding back—like there's more to the story than she wants to give me. My head is already about to explode though.
Picking up my tea, I stand to head out of the kitchen. "Will you be here when I wake up?"
"Of course," she murmurs softly.
"Your mother will be staying with me until we get this imposter situation sorted out. There's no place safer for her," Drackus says while placing a protective hand on her shoulder.
It's odd to see them so at ease with each other.
"What about Cruella... er... I mean... Amari?"
He lets a laugh escape, and Mom stifles a laugh of her own. Drackus just smiles as he answers.
"I only ever got close to Amari so I could get close to Gage. With your mother staying here, I went ahead and cut ties to Cruella."
Mom's haughty grin intrigues me a bit. I don't say anything else, though. Instead, I turn on my heel to head up to the room that once felt so much like a place of refuge.
My phone rings in my hand, and I roll my eyes when I see Kane's name. It's time I end things with him the way I just did with Gage. I'm sick of his baggage, just like I'm sick of Gage's deceit.
"Hello."
"Fuck, Alyssa. I've been calling nonstop. Where are you?" Kane scolds, making me cringe a little from his harsh tone.
"I'm with Drackus right now. Kane, I know you say you're not supposed to be with Amy, but I think we both know—"
"You don't know a damn thing, Alyssa. Go ahead and believe them if you want to. I'm tired of defending myself to you and everyone else. Amy needs me, but I sure as hell don't need her. The second she gets her shit under control, I'm leaving my whole damn coven. Zee's coming with me. Deke, Sierra, and Amy can live happily ever after for all I care."
I'm obviously taken aback by this. He's so close to Deke and Sierra. They've been together longer than he and Zee.
"I'm sorry, but I think you're wrong. Lycans and night stalkers have been tied for centuries. I've never seen the bond myself, but Drackus has. He knows the two of you are meant to be together."
The disgruntled groan he releases curses me more than words. "Whatever, Alyssa. I just wanted to know you were safe. You know how to reach me if Castine makes a move. Tonight's the red moon, so stay inside, please."
I forgot about the red moon. Mortals can't see it, but immortals can. It's the night the savage creatures of our world lose it a little. Well, more than a little.
"I'm sure Amy will definitely need you tonight," I sardonically release.
"Thanks for reminding me. Any more stabs you feel like taking, or should I let you go now?"
I wince, realizing how cold he can be when he's mad. I don't want us to go back to that place. We'll still have to see each other with Castine on the loose.
"Yeah," I huff with a clipped tone, hanging up directly after.