Contract Bound [Rewriting]

CHAPTER TWO

"What?" Belinda couldn't believe what her boss was telling her. She had done nothing wrong to be fired.

"You must understand that after what happened—"

"Those deaths weren't my fault." So, it was the people of the town who demanded that he fire her.

"I'm sorry but my hands are tied."

This was the job she'd had since she was sixteen, and she enjoyed it. Sometimes they did get a rude customer or two, but most who came to the café were wonderful people and cute kiddos who filled the café with laughter as they ate their pastries whilst their parents enjoyed their coffee.

"Fine." Without another word, she turned to leave, holding her chin high. Despite not agreeing with his decision, she understood the pressure. Families of those murdered yesterday hated her. In their eyes, she was the reason they'd murdered their loved ones.

As she strolled through the streets of the town, she noticed how everyone created distance from her, as though she had a contagious disease. Perhaps this was the reason no one ever returned to the town after being chosen. Everyone treated you like an outcast.

"Belinda, wait." Skylar seized her hand. "Did you not hear me? I've been calling you for the past few minutes."

"Sorry."

"Why aren't you at work?"

"Well, Jeffrey fired me."

"What? Why?"

"Honestly, I don't care anymore." She picked up her pace and Skylar kept up. "Everyone in this town now hates me."

"That's a bit of an exaggeration. Those who matter still love you."

She paused and smiled as she met her friend's gaze. "I know I shouldn't care, but how can I get another job?"

"I'm sure Luis will hire you at the bar."

Belinda chuckled. "And that would be a mistake. I'd be slow at making drinks."

"I mean I was too when I started." She draped an arm around her shoulders. "So, what did you think of Fane? You can't deny he has the looks."

"He's not my type."

Skylar let her go, laughing her ass off. "Oh, wow. How dare you lie to your best friend."

"Does it matter if he's got everything I want in a man? He is one of the supernatural."

Skylar sighed. "For centuries women have been chosen... I'd always hoped they were treated well, and not like lower beings... I hope Aurora is being treated well."

Belinda hugged her. "I hope so too."

"Is everything alright?" Ezra asked, stopping by their side.

Belinda pulled away from Skylar, forcing a smile. "Of course."

For a fleeting moment, his eyes rested on her mark. "Does it hurt?"

She brushed her fingers over it. All day she had avoided looking in the mirror, which was why she also had no makeup on. "No. Is it big?"

"No. It almost looks like a tattoo."

"I wish it could be removed like one."

"Weren't you supposed to work today?" he asked.

She hesitated for a moment, aware that he already didn't get along with Jeffrey. "I got fired."

His brows knitted together. "Why?"

She shrugged. "I have no idea." When he made a move to head down the street, she seized his forearm. "Where are you going?"

"I'm going to—"