Mary and the Bear

Chapter Nineteen

Charles went through his mental checklist to make sure he had everything he needed for his trip. A one-way plane ticket to Knoxville was in his pocket. The confirmation paperwork for the cargo van he rented was in his briefcase. Being familiar with small towns, he knew the quickest way to be noticed would be to be seen driving around town in an unfamiliar luxury car. He didn't want to chance drawing any attention to himself while he was there.

Also in his briefcase was a bottle of quick dissolve tranquilizers, just in case his fiancé proved a bit reluctant. He'd humored her minor rebellion thus far, but his patience was coming to an end. Yes, he'd made a mistake in marrying The Whore and his true love was entitled to her pound of flesh—a woman scorned and all that bull—but enough was enough. It was time to end this foolishness and bring her home where she belonged.

Neither one of them were getting any younger. They needed to get to work producing his heirs as soon as possible. He had to have someone to leave his empire to, and it would be one of his own. He'd make sure Mary Elizabeth was properly taken care of, as well. He'd already made provisions for her future financial security in his will, as any good husband would.

She'd discover that he was an excellent provider. He'd already settled a generous monthly allowance on her that would began next month, so she could give up that ridiculous job of hers. As if he'd allow any wife of his to work, especially after what happened the last time.. No, she could spend her time taking care of him and the children. If that wasn't enough to keep her busy, there were always charitable organizations. They always needed dedicated workers. Not only would it give her a chance to use the business skills she'd acquired in college, it would make him look good as well.

He'd found a boutique with a good reputation and had them create a wardrobe just for his love. Although they'd done an excellent job in clothing The Whore, he'd chosen not to use the same retailer that The Whore used when she was alive. He didn't think his fiancé would appreciate any more comparisons being made with that of her sister. A few of the items he'd ordered had already been delivered; the rest should arrive shortly. When Mary Elizabeth came home, she'd discover a closet full of clothes waiting just for her.

They'd be leaving that clunker she called a truck behind in North Carolina. She'd have her choice of vehicles and if there was nothing she wanted to drive already parked in the six-bay garage, then he'd just take her out and buy her the vehicle of her choice. He could easily purchase it under his business name and use it as a tax write-off.

It shouldn't take more than a couple of days to retrieve his bride. He already had the minister booked and the marriage announcements ready to go. He figured something private but tasteful would be appropriate this time around since he was still a grieving widower. His business associates would understand his hasty remarriage. After all, he was marrying his wife's sister, keeping it in the family as they say. He already knew her background was impeccable and the practice was common among his set.

He informed his staff that he would be bringing his fiancé back with him and to have everything prepared. Everything that he could think of that needed doing was done. Oh yes, his insurance policy. His bride could, on occasion, be extremely stubborn. Going to the safe, he pulled out his secret weapon, something no southern gentleman worth his salt would be without. He doubted he would need it. He was sure she would see the error of her ways once they'd had a chance to talk face-to-face. If not, well there nothing like a nine millimeter to help push matters along.

Opening the safe, he pulled out the gun case and ammunition. He wasn't worried about security at the airport. His case would be checked in with his luggage and as long as he had all the appropriate documentation, there should be no problem. If not, well, that's why he had money. What good was it if it couldn't be used to occasionally pave the way?

The first day, sheer panic kept her moving. She ran from everything, but mostly she ran from herself, and from Hugh. Not, surprisingly enough, from what he was. She had no problems with his being a shifter. It was his feelings for her that scared her.

She had no experience with love. She knew how to give it, but she had no practice in receiving it. In her experience, love came with strings. It was only given when you did something to earn it. She'd done nothing to earn Hugh's love. He gave and she received. That was the basis of their relationship. The only thing she gave to him was her body, and she didn't see how that counted for anything because he always made sure she received more pleasure than she ever gave.

It puzzled her and she couldn't trust what she didn't understand. She didn't realize that love wasn't supposed to make sense, that it wasn't logical. It astounded her that Hugh could really love her. After all, no one else in her life did.

The next day, the panic receded and she could think clearly, but she wasn't ready to return home. Going home meant facing Hugh, and she wasn't quite ready. She still wasn't sure how she felt about everything. It was difficult for her to comprehend that what she thought of as an affair was something more, something permanent. Just the idea of it made her head hurt.

By day three, she acknowledged that for whatever reason, Hugh really did love her. It showed in his actions, and in every word he spoke to her. It was apparent in the way he cared for her. She'd soaked up his attention like a sponge, not being used to it. She was the caretaker in all of her relationships. No one ever took care of her. She hadn't examined his actions too closely, because if she had, her innate sense of fair play wouldn't have allowed her to enjoy his attention, knowing that he wanted more from her than she was willing to give.

But she still couldn't go home. Not until she figured out what she wanted. It wouldn't be fair to Hugh for their relationship to continue when she didn't know her own heart and mind. She wasn't a user.

On day four, loneliness kicked in. She kept wanting to share the things she'd seen with Hugh. Somewhere in the last two weeks, he'd become her best friend. She missed sharing her day with him, the amusing and sometimes troubling things that happened. She'd find herself thinking, ‘Oh, I can't wait to tell Hugh about this,’ or ‘Hugh would love that.'

The nights were the worst. She tossed and turned, seeking the heat of his body. She missed the sound of his breathing in the still of the night. She missed his scent filling her nostrils. It went far deeper than sex, though she missed that, too. She didn't just miss the sex. She missed Hugh.

While she wasn't looking, he'd imprinted himself on her soul. She felt incomplete without him. He'd subtly made himself such a large part of her life that she hadn't realized how big until he was gone, even if it was by her own doing. Did she really want to spend the rest of her life like this? No, she didn't. She wanted him in her life, totally and completely.

One thing she knew for sure, Hugh was not Charles. With him, she'd never have to worry about infidelity. Maybe she didn't know how to deal with his love and maybe she didn't completely trust it to last, but according to Kiesha and Shannon, she could trust in the mate bond. According to them, it was more permanent than marriage, and more binding in love. Yes, she could put her faith in something like that.

By day five, only sheer stubbornness was keeping her going. She was way past ready to go home. She missed her bed, her apartment, and she missed Hugh's cooking, but most of all, she missed Hugh. She had an assignment to complete and she was determined to get it done. Once she got home, she didn't plan on leaving again unless Hugh went with her, and with his schedule at the diner, she didn't see that happening any time soon.

That was one of the things they needed to discuss, the time he spent at the diner. It was fine for now, but when the kids started coming things were going to have to change. With the way they'd been going at it like bunnies, it wouldn't be long before there was a little one on the way.

Another thing they needed to talk about were the living arrangements. While the apartment was nice and convenient to both of their places of employment, she wanted a house. She'd planned for half of her life to build her dream home and she wasn't giving up the dream now. She was sure Hugh wouldn't mind. Before her, he'd been living in an efficiency apartment. He said he didn't need more than a bed to sleep in since he spent most of his time at the diner. It was a wonder he didn't sleep in his office.

It was after three o'clock before she finished with the last store. She had the information Kiesha needed and she was ready to go home. It was a four-hour drive back to Refuge. She'd checked out of the hotel, was packed, and ready to go. A quick stop through the drive-thru to get something to eat and she'd be on her way. Next stop, Hugh and home.

Where was she? He'd been in this rinky-dink little town for two days now and hadn't seen a sign of her. She wasn't at her apartment, although he'd seen some guy coming and going from the place as though he lived there. Her truck was never home and never at the store where she worked. It wasn't like he could just walk into the store and ask for her, not after he'd gone through so much trouble to keep his presence here a secret.

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.

Mary Elizabeth phoned Kiesha. “I'm done and on my way home."

"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.

Charles watched the big guy get into the Hummer and leave. That was strange. His vehicle hadn't moved in the five days that Charles had been there. Maybe his luck was finally changing. He took advantage of the Hummer being gone to move his van closer to the diner. He'd found the perfect spot that allowed him to still keep an eye on the apartment without easily being seen.