Britta moodily paced in her room. She had tried calling Laylah's e-comm and each time Jacques answered and said Laylah was busy. She didn't buy that excuse. Laylah never missed a call from her. Their friendship had endured ten years so far and Laylah was predictable in her habits. No, something was going on.
It was early evening and the Newsome house was buzzing with last minute preparations for Friday night's party. Britta decided to try again. Maybe this time Jacques would let her speak to Laylah.
She put on her ear comm and impatiently waited for the call to connect. Britta wasn't surprised when Jacques answered. "Mr. Jacques, before you give me the same tired excuse, I want to say I only need one minute with her. Please? I need to hear her voice and know she's all right." She heard him sigh.
"Britta, Laylah's grounded. She's lost all privileges. You'll have to wait until tomorrow at school to speak to her. Good evening, Miss Newsome."
"Wait! Drat it all!" She shouted in frustration. He had terminated the call. "I can't believe he hung up on me!" She resumed pacing. "I know! I'll get Donil to help her. I will not have my best friend miss my party."
Grinning, Britta placed the call. Donil answered immediately and sounded distracted.
"Hello? Britta?"
"Yes, Donil, it's me. What are you doing? Got a minute?"
"For you, Britta, always. What's up?"
"It's Laylah. She got in a fight today at school and the principal sent her home. I've tried calling several times and Jacques won't let me speak to her. He told me she's grounded. At this rate, she won't be able to come to my party. I was hoping maybe you can find someone to sneak her out and get her here tomorrow night."
He was quiet for so long Britta thought he'd disconnected. She wasn't prepared for the fury in his tone when he did respond.
"She got in a fight today? When? And with whom, Britta?"
"At lunch. Violet is a bully who torments Laylah every day, but today she beat up Laylah. I tried to help, but couldn't get to Laylah."
"I see. Of course, Henry would punish Laylah," he growled.
"I know. He's such a jerk! I can't wait for her to turn eighteen."
"Britta, I hate to cut you off, but I have to go. Don't worry. I promise Laylah will be at your party tomorrow."
She grinned. "I knew I could count on you. Buenas noches, Donil!"
He chuckled and hung up. Now she could rest. He never broke a promise.
~***~
Jacques was in a foul mood. He laid the blame squarely at Henry's feet. His Alpha's arrival had upset everyone.
As usual, Henry was more intent on punishing Laylah for things beyond her control. He had to admit that he was shocked when Henry had backhanded her. As far back as he could recall, his Alpha had never resorted to such an overtly aggressive response to one of Laylah's perceived acts of disobedience.
It was new, puzzling, and a cause for concern. Jacques stared at the security screens. He felt like a coward, hiding out in the security room.
"I shouldn't have yelled at her. She only wanted to hug me." Ashamed and angry at his tumultuous emotions, he quickly left the office and headed for the forest. He needed to run and clear his head.
Jacques shifted into his black wolf form and raced into the woods. Tonight a full moon hung in the starry sky. Happiness welled up in his soul and he howled his joy. He quickened his pace and continued to give voice to his most primal feelings.
He heard forest creatures scatter from his path. Any other time he would have hunted, but tonight's agenda was to feel less guilty about not interceding on Laylah's behalf. Maybe she did need better protection than a stupid old man that couldn't stand up for her. It galled him to think that way, but perhaps it was the truth.
::I always seem to catch you at bad moments.::
::Stefan! Why are you talking to me? You know the rules!::
::Forget the rules, Jacques. My insider says Zina will make another grab at Laylah really soon. No date or location, yet, though. You need to be ready, not distracted.::
::Vague as usual. Laylah is safe and happy. Besides, the role of doting uncle doesn't suit you. You have nothing to worry about, Stefan.::
::I seriously doubt that, Jacques. Maybe your eyesight is going bad, because the last time I checked, a large bruise, scrapes and an aching body does not make a person safe or happy.::
Jacques stopped in the middle of the clearing, sides heaving after his hard run. ::What do you want, Stefan?::
::I'm trying to understand why it's so hard for you to keep my niece safe. Laylah gets beaten up and, instead of comfort, you give her the cold shoulder. Oh, how the self-righteous have fallen. You claim to be a protector, but you're failing miserably. I hope you can sleep at night knowing that she's suffering, Jacques..::
::Shut up! Just shut up! If you bother me again, I will tell Henry and you'll have something bigger to worry about than Laylah's social life.:: Jacques knew he sounded peevish, but he didn't care. Stefan's words had pricked his conscience.
::I see how it is, then. Well, when it all goes to hell, don't say I didn't warn you. You once were the best, Jacques. Too bad Henry's destroyed that part of you.::
Jacques growled, but it was pointless. Stefan's mental touch was gone. He threw back his head and gave a hair-raising mournful howl of self-recrimination before resuming his run from his inner demons.