Mary and the Bear (20 page)

He was reduced to driving by her place, and then only at night, hoping for a glimpse of her truck. He couldn't risk being seen driving around too much or people would get suspicious. There were no tourist for him to blend in with and as a result, he stuck out like a sore thumb.

He was beginning to realize taking Mary Elizabeth was going to be more difficult than he'd planned on. Susan didn't tell him that she lived in the center of town over a diner. The self-centered bitch probably didn't even know. After all, Mary Elizabeth wasn't her precious Babs. If Mary Elizabeth wouldn't come willingly, then it was going to be tricky getting her out of there. The only good thing about her location was that the entrance to her apartment was at the rear of the building. Since he'd been checking, only one other vehicle had parked back there, a massive Hummer that must belong to the guy who owned the diner.

Taking a big risk, he went into the diner the third night he was there. If asked, he'd pretend to be lost and in need of direction. He sat down at the counter with some of the other men and picked up the menu. Fortunately, he'd bought clothes that were not his usual style of dress. With the jeans and flannel button down shirt he purchased at one of the local thrift stores, he blended right in.

An hour and a half later, he was back out on the street and in possession of some much needed information. It seemed Mary Elizabeth was out of town on a business trip. No one knew for sure when she'd return, but it wasn't expected to be longer than a week. She and the big guy who owned the diner were going at it hot and heavy, but it seemed that Mary Elizabeth was trying to put an end to things. She must have come to her senses. She hadn't even told the big guy she was leaving. Just took off. His time spent in the diner was well worth the risk.

He pulled away from the building and then found an out of the way place to park. Thankful he was dressed in dark colors, he walked back to the diner, sticking to the alleys and back streets. Once there, he found a place to sit and watch. He was so focused that he never even noticed the cold. He watched, waited, and planned. He had the next few days to learn everyone's schedule and determine the best way to successfully complete his plan.

"That's great. Have you told Hugh?” This was news he would definitely want to know. He had been calling every day to check up on her progress.

"No, I want to surprise him. We have a lot to discuss and I'd rather not get into it over the phone."

"I understand. To be honest with you, I surprised you managed to stay away from him this long.” Kiesha paced while she talked.

"I was ready to come home two days ago. I just wanted to make sure I had all the information we needed while I was out. Once I finally get home, I won't be leaving again anytime soon."

"As if Hugh would let you,” she chuckled. “Well, I know business-wise the trip was a success from talking to you during your daily check-ins. What about emotionally? Are you okay with everything that's happened now?"

"It scares me how much I missed him while I've been gone. He's such a big part of my life and I didn't even realize it. Yes, I'm okay with being mated to him, because I have to be okay with it. The alternative is living without him and that's no longer an option for me."

Kiesha sighed, understanding totally where she was coming from. “It's a little scary at times, how intense everything is, but you won't regret it. I was scared to let go with Alex, to trust in my feelings for him but I'm glad I took a chance on a future with him. Things have only gotten better as time goes by. When will you be home?"

"Probably in another two hours, if I don't get lost. I'm following the directions they gave me at the hotel. Barring any unforeseen complications, I should definitely be home in time for dinner."

"Well, I for one am glad you're on your way home. I missed you, and that big lug of yours misses you, too. Call me when you get in, that is if Hugh lets you out of bed long enough to get to a phone. He's going to be one happy man.” Kiesha could feel her mouth stretching in a grin too large to contain. Mary Elizabeth was coming home and everything was all right.

"Remember, don't tell him I'm on the way home."

"I won't. Be careful and drive safely."

"I will. Bye."

Alex walked up behind his mate. “Was that Mary Elizabeth?"

Kiesha turned to him and leaned back against the counter where she'd been standing, happy with the world. “Yes, she's on her way home. Everything's going to be okay. She's had time to adjust to the idea of being Hugh's mate and she's fine with it. I would call Hugh and tell him but I promised not to. She wants to surprise him."

Alex kissed her lightly on the mouth and then went to the fridge to get the things he needed for their dinner tonight. “Good. I'm glad things worked out. You look a little tired. Why don't you go relax in the tub while I get started on dinner?"

Her eyes lit up, as he'd known they would. She loved their tub. “Are you sure you don't want me to help with dinner?"

"I'm sure. You go ahead and relax. I'll call you when dinner's ready.” He waited until she was in the bathroom with the water running to pick up the phone. He called the diner and asked to speak to Hugh. When Hugh came to the phone, he said briefly, “Your mate's on her way home. She just spoke to Kiesha. She should be there in about two hours."

"Thanks Alex for the heads-up. I owe you one,” he said and then hung up the phone. Alex disconnected the call on his end as well. Hugh didn't owe him anything. They were men and men had to stick together or get taken over by the women in their lives.

Hugh made a few phone calls and called in some workers to replace him. Then he adjusted the schedule to allow him to be free for the next few days. Once his workers arrived, he left and went back to his place. He'd run out of clothes at Mary Elizabeth's and needed to change. He was also packing the rest of his things. Now that she knew the truth, there was no need to be cautious and play it safe. They were living together and she'd just have to adjust to the reality of it. They were going to have a long talk when she got home, once he got rid of a little of his pent up frustration, that is.

[Back to Table of Contents]

Time to quit lollygagging. No telling how much time she had, but hopefully it was enough to take a shower and refresh herself. She grabbed her purse and the bags of clothing she'd purchased while she was gone. Her arms loaded down with the bags, she wondered if maybe she should have bought a suitcase like she started to. She didn't need more luggage but if she had, she would only be making one trip upstairs instead of the two it was going to take to get everything inside.

She took her things into the bedroom, taking the time to put things away rather than doing it later. Hugh could walk in the door any minute, so she'd better do this while she could. She'd bought a bit more than the little she'd needed to wear while she was gone. Who knew shopping could be so therapeutic? Besides, she'd run across some deals that she just couldn't pass up. With Kiesha paying her travel expenses, she'd been well able to afford her little shopping spree.

After hanging the new outfits up and throwing the dirty clothes in the hamper where they belonged, she went to go back out to the truck to get the rest of her belongings only to pull up short. “What are you doing here?"

He reached back and got his briefcase. Everything was prepared and waiting. Once he had her, he could be on his way and leave this little hellhole behind. Checking to make sure no one was around, he got out of the van and quietly closed the door. He climbed the stairs rapidly, wanting to catch her while she was still inside. He made it inside and was pushing the door closed when Mary Elizabeth came out of one of the rooms in the back.

"What are you doing here?"

Surprisingly enough, his future bride didn't seem all that pleased to see him. Oh well, that would change soon enough. “Gee, Mary Elizabeth. I came all this way to visit you and you don't appear happy to see me. Is that any way to treat family?"

She responded just as he knew that she would. “I'm sorry, Charles. You took me by surprise. Of course I'm happy to see you. Why didn't you call first and tell me you were coming?"

"Then it wouldn't have been a surprise. I've been here several days, waiting for you to arrive. Your friend Kiesha told me you were out of town on business."

"Yes, I was,” she said slowly. “As a matter of fact, I just arrived home not five minutes ago. That's strange. I just spoke to Kiesha and she didn't mention..."

"Aren't you going to ask me to sit down?” He interrupted quickly, not giving her time to finish that thought.

"Oh, where are my manners? Come in. Have a seat. Can I get you anything? I'm not sure what I have but you're more than welcome."

"No, I'm fine. Come, sit beside me and let's talk."

She came and sat, but she kept looking at the door expectantly. “Are you expecting someone?"

"My landlord. Kiesha said he was looking for me."

So the big guy was her landlord. Makes sense. Maybe the folks in the diner had it all wrong.

"Charles, why are you here?"

"I came to take you home. Your parents miss you and asked me to bring you home."

Mary Elizabeth closed her eyes and sighed. “Charles, I wish you hadn't come. I've told you and mother countless times that I like it here. I'm not coming home. Refuge is my home now."

"Mary Elizabeth, I think this foolishness has gone on long enough and your mother agrees. I've told you how I feel about you. Yes, I've made mistakes but it's time we moved past that. You've had your revenge, moving away, making me chase you and even playing around with that yokel. Now it's time to stop playing hard to get and come home so we can marry the way we should have all those years ago."

She looked at him as though he wasn't quite sane. “Charles, I'm not playing hard to get. This is my home and I'm not marrying you. I told you that before I left and again on the phone when we last spoke. Your insistence on referring to me as you fiancé has me concerned. I don't think you've dealt with Babs’ death like you should. Maybe you should get some professional help."

"I AM NOT CRAZY!” He screamed at her, causing her to flinch away from him and slid to the edge of the couch, ready to jump to her feet, watching him warily. He took a deep breath to calm himself and held out a hand in silent appeal. “I'm sorry, dear. I didn't mean to frighten you. It's just that your sister used to say things of that nature to me all the time. That's why I had to do it, you see?"

"Why, had to get rid of her, of course. She wanted to leave me. She was going to tell everyone who would listen that I was crazy, not that anyone would have believed her. Still, the scandal would have been horrendous. Couldn't have that, now could we? Can't have any taint associated with the Remington name.” He laughed, a horrible maniacal sound that raised the hairs on the back of her nape.

Mary Elizabeth looked at him in dawning horror. There was something seriously wrong with Charles. She was beginning to believe his mind had snapped. “Charles, Babs’ death was an accident, remember? She was hit by a drunk driver."

He smiled at her as though amused by her naivety. “Actually, it was a hit and run. Don't
you
remember? Presumed to be caused by a driver who'd been drinking and fled the scene to avoid detection. It really wasn't that difficult to plant that idea in the mind of the investigating officer. Happens all the time. No witnesses to contradict the supporting circumstantial evidence and case closed. Now come along. We've wasted enough time. Let's go before your friend with the Hummer decides to return.” He rose to his feet and held out his hand to her in expectation.

She shook her head in denial. “Charles, do you realize what you're saying? You're saying you killed Babs."

"Really, dear. She needed killing. I don't see what the problem is."

She looked at him, really seeing him for the first time. “You
are
crazy. You stand there and confess to killing Babs and think I'd go anywhere with you?"

She stood and began backing toward the door. Charles moved to intercept, blocking the path to the door. “Get out of my house. I never want to see you again."

"Don't be foolish. Of course you want to see me. You
love
me. We're getting married, remember? Now come along, we don't have time for this. We need to leave before your landlord arrives."

He really was insane.
She needed to get him out of here. He stood between the door and the bedroom. That left the phone. “Charles, if you won't leave on your own, I'll call the police."

He took a step toward her and she backed away, stepping closer to the phone. He stopped and a puzzled expression crossed his face. “Mary Elizabeth, are you
afraid
of me? I love you. I would never hurt you.” He took another step forward.

Mary Elizabeth put her hand on the phone. “Just leave, Charles. Don't make me call the police."

He stood there, looking hurt and confused. “You obviously need a little time to yourself. I forgot you just returned from a trip. You're tired and not thinking straight. Let me grab my briefcase and I'll go. We can finish talking later."

He came closer to her and she tightened her grip on the phone, until she realized he was just getting the briefcase he'd laid on the coffee table near where she stood.

"I know you left because of your mother. She's never given you the love or appreciation you deserve. All of that will change once we're married.” He turned and started walking to the door, one hand holding the briefcase, the other playing with something in his pocket. Mary Elizabeth followed behind, careful not to get too close. She wanted to lock the door as soon as he was safely on the other side.

"I wish you could have seen her face when I told her we were marrying. She was so happy, especially when I promised to give her plenty of grandchildren to spoil."

Mary Elizabeth bit her tongue, trying to keep from commenting. He was almost to the door. Just a few steps more.

"Tears came to her eyes when I told her we'd name one of our daughters Anne, in Babs’ honor."

Just then, the phone rang. She automatically looked in its direction. Charles swung the briefcase at her head and it connected with the side of her face. The force of the blow spun her around in a semi-circle and she dropped like a rock. Pain exploded in her head, so intense, she almost threw up.

She lay there crumpled on the floor, struggling to get to her hands and knees. She shook her head, trying to clear her mind. As the buzzing in her ears stopped, she could hear Charles droning in the background.

"Look what you made me do. I knew you were going to be difficult about this. You can be so stubborn, Mary Elizabeth. No matter, I came prepared.” He set his briefcase on the table and opened it.

"Since you can't be reasonable about this, I'll just have to tie you up. I brought plenty of tape and insurance, for just in case.” He held the gun up where she could see it, then placed it on the table. Then he reached back inside of the briefcase and came out with a roll of duct tape.

Mary Elizabeth made it to her knees and drunkenly tried to crawl away, heading for the door.

Charles tisked at her. “And where do you think you're going? I would really hate to put a bullet in that lovely body of yours ... but ... if that's what it takes. I brought tranquilizers so you won't feel any pain on the long ride home if I have to shoot you. I realize you're angry, but once we're married all will be forgiven. I really am a superb catch. I intend to take good care of you. Leave all of this trash behind. I've already purchased you a wardrobe befitting your position as my wife and it's waiting at the house for you. And you can forget this silly little job of yours. As my wife, your only responsibility will be to take care of me, and our children, of course. Come along now. I've already spent more time here than I planned."

Each word he spoke caused the anger building inside her to grow stronger. Anger was good. It cleared her head and strengthened her resolve to get out of this alive, no matter what it took. Charles wouldn't get away with his attempt to kidnap her, for that's what this was.

"We'll have to drive all night to make it back in time for our wedding. Let me get you tied up. Then I'll carry you down to the van, which won't be easy. You
are
a little on the heavy side. That's something we'll have to work on once we're married."

Mary Elizabeth was so angry, she was literally seeing red. There was a strange tingling in her arms and legs which she ignored, her attention wholly centered on Charles.

"You ought to appreciate the trouble I'm going through for you.” The sound of ripping filled the air as Charles tore off several strips of tape and hung them on the briefcase for ease of use. “Now let's get you all bundled up. I really wish this wasn't necessary, but I can't have you flailing around distracting me while I drive."

He put the tape back in the briefcase and accidentally knocked the gun off of the table. Seeing her opportunity, with a mighty roar, she rose up in a rush and lunged at him.

Her roar made him jump and jerk in her direction. His eyes opened wide in shock and the color left his face. “
What the hell?
"

It was all he managed to get out before she struck. The hand groping for the gun never connected as with another roar of pure fury, she hit him with all the strength in her body. He flew across the room and slammed into the wall before dropping to the floor like a limp, rag doll; eyes rolled up into the back of his head.

The door burst open a seconds later and Hugh came rushing in. He took in the scene in a glance, his eyes widening when he saw her before he turned and saw Charles crumpled on the floor. Hugh checked Charles's pulse while she paced back and forth, cursing under her breath.

Mary Elizabeth wanted to hit him again. She didn't care if he was crazy. He'd hit her! She'd never been struck in her life. Who did he think he was? First, he calmly announced that he killed her sister. Then, despite how many times she told him she wouldn't marry him, the man goes and arranges their wedding, and was willing to kidnap her to make sure she fell in line. Then, he hit her, after calling her fat! The woman he supposedly loved. She wanted to kill him. It was all she could do to keep herself from going over there and kicking him until she broke a few ribs while he lay there unconscious. It was the least that he deserved.

Hugh walked over to the phone and made a call. “Rome, this is Hugh. I've got a situation over here. Attempted kidnapping. Perp's unconscious right now. I'll tie him up before he comes around.” He listened for a moment and then said, “Right. The apartment above the diner. Door's open.” He made short work of tying Charles up and then turned to his furious mate.

"Mary Elizabeth, I need for you to calm down."

She growled in reply.

"Honey, I know you're angry right now and you have every right to be, but I really need for you to get a hold of your temper and calm down."

She shook her head so hard she wobbled as she paced back and forth, citing all the things she'd been through. She wasn't calming down anytime in the foreseeable future.

Hugh took a deep breath, placed his hands on his hips and shook his head. “I want you to remember that I tried doing this the easy way. Mary Elizabeth, look at your hands."

Of all the stupidest things she'd ever heard in her life, this was the worst. Look at her hands! She knew what her hands looked like. The man hadn't seen her in days. He walked in on an attempted kidnapping and all he could say was calm down and look at your hands? She gave him a look that showed how stupid she thought his command was.

"I mean it, honey. Trust me. You need to look at your hands."

Giving a huff of aggravation, she did as he'd said and screamed in surprise. Her hands were gone. In their place were some big, hairy paws with lethal looking claws on the end. She followed the line of her paw up her arm as far as she could see.

Her arms were also covered in fur. Everything that she could see had thick, brown fur on it. Now that she was calmer, she realized she was still on all fours. She looked between her front legs at the rest of her body and saw that she had two in the back just like the front. She tried to get a good look at the rest of her body, only to give up when she spun around uselessly in circles.

She looked at Hugh with fear in her eyes. Unless she was mistaken, she was a bear. She didn't know how she got this way. More importantly, she didn't know how to change back.

"Take it easy. As soon as you calm down, you'll change back. It's strong emotion that brings on the Change. Take some deep breaths. Practice your yoga breathing."

He looked up as Rome and one of his deputies, a man by the name of Harris walked through the door. Rome looked around at the evidence, and then gazed at Mary Elizabeth with interest. “I take it that's your mate? First Change?"

"Yeah, I'm trying to get her to calm down long enough to change back. She's got a hell of a temper and I'm sure that's what triggered the Change."

Mary Elizabeth sat down on her haunches abruptly. Now that the crisis was over, the adrenaline was leaving her body. Suddenly, she was too tired to be angry any more. She just wanted this whole day to be over. She felt a tingling in her spine and looked down to see her body changing. In a matter of seconds, she was back in her own skin. Her very bare, very naked skin. Where were her clothes?

Hugh stripped off his shirt and put it around her, before scooping her up in his arms. “We'll be in here when you need us,” he said as he headed toward the bedroom.

Mary Elizabeth looked over his shoulder and saw shredded pieces of material on the floor of the living room. That explained the missing clothes.

Rome nodded as he directed Harris to put the unconscious prisoner in the patrol car. Then he pulled out a camera and began taking pictures while another deputy began collecting evidence. Having taken all the pictures he needed, he went to the room to get Mary Elizabeth's statement.