Page 34 of The Monsters Within

“Mimic, you are a member of this club, correct?”

Thorne nodded.

Dr. Dunaway didn’t seem bothered by Thorne’s quiet response. He spoke to me next. “And you are part of the Nyght Nymphs?”

I nodded similar to Thorne. I was nervous about speaking. King had told me how important it was for this first meeting to go the right way. It would ensure that Dr. Dunaway wouldn’t be able to call Montana when he learned who we really were.

“I want to assure you both that anything you tell me is strictly between us. Unless you sign a waiver, I am legally bound to keep all conversations private. I take my oath very seriously.” He waited for us both to nod before saying, “I’d like to start with a family history. What are your legal names?”

Thorne squeezed my hand. He wouldn’t speak. I would have to do it all.

“Thorne and Rosebud Peterson,” I said, waiting for him to react. When he didn’t, Thorne frowned.

“And you mother’s name?”

“Vivian Greenbush,” I answered.

“And your father’s name?”

This was where I hesitated. I waited for him to look up at me before I said, “Justin Peterson.”

He didn’t react. Except for the tiny flare of his eyes. He looked from me to Thorne, something akin to recognition moving across his features. And with a heavy sigh, he removed his glasses and said, “Please excuse me a moment.”

He stood up from his seat and walked out. It was a short dash from my seat to the door. I held it open just enough to hear Dr. Dunaway yell at King.

“You fucking bastard. You set me up.”

“I didn’t set you up,” King argued. “Kytten needed a new therapist, but I can’t have Montana bringing shit down on my club.”

“And Reaper? Does he know?”

“No. Val doesn’t even know,” Cash added.

“Where the fuck is Pippen?”

“Home with his family. He doesn’t know who they are; neither does Sypher.”

“You mean there’s something even fucking Sypher doesn’t know?” He rubbed the back of his neck. “You’ve fucked me over, you know that? When Montana finds out—”

“Are you telling me your president doesn’t respect your chosen profession?” King asked.

“This was a shit move on your part. Those are my brother’s kids!” Dr. Dunaway yelled.

“And I am trying to protect them!” King hollered back. I looked over my shoulder at Thorne. He hadn’t moved.

“Torment, please. My woman needs someone to talk to,” Cash pleaded.

“You have two very successful psychologists in your club.”

“I am already seeing Haizley. It would be a conflict of interest. And Rose doesn’t want to talk to Mellie.”

“Did you know?” Dr. Dunaway turned toward Jingles.

“I didn’t know Ellie called you until after.”

“You always were an asshole, Bastian.”

Jingles shrugged, unconcerned with Dr. Dunaway’s assessment.