The Keeping

by Nicky Charles

  Finally, Ryne had enough. He turned with a snarl and grabbed her upper arms, “I said there would be no interview.” He accompanied each word with a little shake. Her hair swished back and forth as her head bobbed, the scent of her shampoo wafting around him. He steeled himself against its enticing effects. “Now get it through your stubborn head before I do something I’ll regret.” The last word was accompanied by a backwards shove and he released her arms. Without the support of his hands she stumbled and he restrained himself from reaching out to steady her, despite the fact that his wolf was growling angrily at him.

  Brushing her hair from her face, she glared at him, but stepped right back up to confront him once again.

  “This interview is important to me.” Her chin was stuck out, her face belligerent.

  “And it isn’t to me.”

  “There’s a lot riding on it. Finishing my education—”

  He snorted. “Do I look like I care?”

  “If it’s money you want, maybe I could work something out… ” Her tone changed. Ryne could see her mind racing and wondered what she’d come up with. From things she’d told him earlier, he assumed she had no cash reserves. Hmm… He could use that against her right now.

  “Forget it. You don’t have enough money to cover what I’d want and if you think the sex we’ve had can be used as a down payment, forget it. You weren’t that good. It wouldn’t buy you five minutes of my time.”

  She gasped at the spitefulness of his statement and for a moment he thought she’d slap him, but, he had to hand it to her, his Melody was never predictable. Instead, she tried to kick him.

  Ryne easily sidestepped the blow that was aimed at his groin. In response, he grabbed her wrist and twisted her arm behind her back. Using it to keep her under control, he dragged her close so their bodies were pressed together. Pitching his voice as menacingly as possible, he growled a warning. “That wasn’t funny sweetheart. Little girls, who play those types of games, better be prepared for the consequences.”

  Before she could protest, he gripped the back of her head and delivered a punishing kiss. He ravaged her lips, ignoring her whimpers. His tongue invaded her mouth, dominating her, demanding her submission. There was no tenderness, no concern for her pleasure. She struggled against him, but he pulled her arm up tighter and she gave a cry of pain, before finally stilling. Releasing his grip on the back of her head, he ran his hand insultingly over her body, squeezing her breast then pulling her hips against his so that he could grind against her. A tear trickled down her cheek; he tasted the saltiness but hardened his heart. Mercy didn’t enter into this; others were depending on him to get rid of Melody. Lives hung in the balance. Personal feelings had no place in the situation he was faced with.

  When he could literally smell the fear coming off of her, he ended the kiss and hissed into her ear. “Now listen closely Ms. Greene. There will be no interview. Not now. Not ever. No matter how many times you plead and beg and spread your legs for me. It’s not going to happen. My suggestion is that you go back to where you came from and forget you ever heard about me because if I see you around here again… Well, I’ll let you finish the sentence.”

  Ryne allowed her to pull away fractionally, the threat hanging in the air between them. He could hear her heart pounding, her rapid breathing. There was an aura of hurt and fear and anger around her; it was exactly as he had planned.

  She stared up at him for a moment, then spat in his face and pulled herself completely free. He made no move to grab her nor to wipe the spittle from his cheek.

  “You bastard.”

  “And don’t you forget it.” He winked, blew her a kiss, and walked away, nonchalantly grabbing a socket wrench and started to loosen the nuts on the next wheel he needed to change. His sensitive hearing conveyed the story that unfolded behind him. Melody stood watching him, her breathing ragged. There was a slight hitch to it, as if she’d like to cry, but wouldn’t allow herself the luxury. Finally, he heard her spin on her heel and stalk away muttering obscenities about him under her breath.

  Once she was out of hearing range, he let the tool fall lifelessly to the ground. The sound of metal hitting cement echoed through the cavernous space of the garage. It was a cold, lonely sound and reminded him that he stood alone in the dim and damp space. He ran his hands through his hair. That had been God awful. Hurting her like that was the last thing he’d wanted to do, but there was no other way. She couldn’t be here when the Loberos arrived. And the longer she stayed, the more attached his wolf got to her.

  The beast inside him had been wily these past few days; first convincing him there was a logical reason to keep Melody around, then encouraging him to agree to the interview. Supposedly, he was to have been determining her motives… In actual fact he’d done only the barest minimum with regards to investigating. Instead, his wolf had led him into a crazy relationship with the woman, one that should never have even started.

  He compressed his lips. It was over and done with now; he’d sent her on her way and hopefully she wasn’t masochistic enough to return. So far, she’d given no indication that she knew about werewolves. As long as it stayed that way, he could let her live. He had a few contacts in Chicago that he’d use to keep loose tabs on her activities. If it looked like she was going to head back to Smythston or start investigating him again, well—his hands clenched into fists—that would be have to be the end of her.

  *****

  Mel walked with quick angry steps down the length of Stump River’s main street. She wished it was longer because she was quite sure that two blocks wouldn’t be sufficient for her to have vented her anger or to get a handle on the sense of betrayal that filled her soul. How dare he just cancel the interview? How dare he say she was only ‘moderately’ entertaining? And as for spreading her legs! Could he have been any cruder than that? While they had never really exchanged tender words, she’d somehow believed there were some gentler feelings growing between them. Now, after the way he’d just used her… Blinking rapidly, she pushed back the tears. He wasn’t worth ruining her mascara over! The man was a jerk, a bastard and a… a… well, she couldn’t think of anything else at the moment, but when she did, she’d add it to the list.

  She was storming up the other side of the street now and Ruth’s was right ahead. Well, she’d better make her call to Aldrich and tell the miserable man she was heading home. At least she was angry enough that there was nothing he could say that would upset her any more than she already was.

  Pulling open the door with more force than necessary, she went to the pay phone and jabbed at the buttons as she dialled his number. It only rang twice before he picked up. Giving him no time to talk she launched into her speech.

  “Mr. Aldrich, it’s Mel Greene. I’m leaving Stump River and I’ll be back in Chicago in a few days. I’ll contact you then.”

  “Can I assume that your trip has been successful and you’ve met your objective? That you’ve discovered the necessary information regarding Mr. Taylor?”

  She gave a short, ironic chuckle. “Oh yeah. I’ve discovered lots about Ryne Taylor.”

  “Good. I’m both surprised and pleased to hear that. I’ll see you in a few days.”

  She didn’t bother to correct his assumption that what she’d discovered about Ryne was relevant to her assignment. “Right. Bye Mr. Aldrich.” She hung up and then wondered why she always felt the need to say ‘bye’ when she didn’t even like the man. Damn her mother for instilling manners into her subconscious!

  Turning abruptly, she walked right into Lucy. The woman appeared to just be arriving for her shift.

  “Fancy seeing you here this early, Mel. You’re going to throw my whole day off schedule.”

  “Sorry. My plans for the day took an unexpected turn and I had to make my phone call earlier than planned.” Mel wandered over to her usual seat and plopped down, crossing her arms in front of her.

  Lucy automatically set a cup in front of her and then headed towards the
back to hang up her coat. She called a question over her shoulder. “I’ve been meaning to ask you, who is it that you call every day? Not that it’s any of my business, I’m just wondering.”

  “It’s this guy named Aldrich. He’s sort of like my supervisor and I hate calling him. He’s always super critical and never happy about anything I tell him.” Mel shouted her response at Lucy’s back.

  Ruth poked her head out of the kitchen at that moment, spied Mel, and started wringing her hands. “Mel, what are you doing here? You’re never early! Oh this just messes up everything.” She seemed agitated and kept peering into the kitchen behind her.

  Taken aback, Mel apologized. “I’m sorry. Do you want me to leave?”

  “No, no need to do that.” Ruth wiped her hands on her apron and took a deep breath.

  “Are you sure, because I could just… ” Mel started to stand and Ruth rushed forward shaking her head.

  “Don’t do that dear, it’s just… ” She paused and then burst into speech. “It’s just that Al and I planned on surprising you. I went on the internet and found a bunch of recipes and Al and I’ve been practising making those fancy coffees you’re always talking about. We were all set to surprise you today. When you asked for one, I was going to be ready to hand one over.”

  “Oh Ruth, that’s so sweet of you.” Mel stood and gave the woman a hug, wincing when her arm came in contact with Ruth’s boney frame. “Where’s Al, I want to thank him, too.”

  “Oh, he’s out back arguing with our meat supplier; the hamburger has been too greasy lately. He’ll be out shortly.”

  Mel sat back down, absentmindedly rubbing her arm.

  Lucy returned and noticed the gesture. “Hey, how’s your arm doing?”

  “Still sore.” Mel extended the limb and was surprised to see that it showed red around the edges of the bandage.

  “That doesn’t look good. I think you’re developing a bit of an infection.” Ruth shook her head. “I have some antibiotic cream in the back that will fix it right up. I’ll just go get it.”

  After Ruth had doctored the wound to her satisfaction, Al appeared and Mel thanked him for his efforts in learning how to make ‘fancy coffee.’

  “Nothing’s too good for my favourite girl.” He rubbed his chin self-consciously, but then grinned sheepishly at her. “You liven things up around here. Ruth and I reckon we’re in a bit of a rut.”

  “That’s right.” Ruth nodded, beaming. “We’re going to try to expand our customers’ horizons and make some special dinners every Saturday and Sunday. Maybe even fold the napkins all fancy like I see in the restaurants on my soap operas.”

  Al rolled his eyes at this comment, but said nothing, merely grunting that he had to return to the kitchen to start work on the lunch menu. Ruth followed, after insisting that Mel keep the antibiotic cream, just in case.

  Mel watched them go sadly. “I’m going to miss them.”

  “Miss them? Are you leaving?” Lucy looked up from the silverware she was wrapping in napkins.

  “Yeah, it’s time I headed back home.”

  “But, you’ve not finished your interview with Ryne, have you?”

  “No. He changed his mind and isn’t granting me one.”

  “Why that dirty bastard.” Lucy glared across the street to where Ryne was backing a car out of the service bay.

  “My sentiments exactly, but it will be nice to get back home.” Mel tried to sound positive, but in truth the idea of her dumpy little apartment surrounded by concrete, pollution and too many people held little appeal.

  “I’d like to go to Chicago some time. It must be pretty exciting.” Lucy sounded wistful and on the spur of the moment Mel made an offer.

  “Would you like to come back with me for a visit? You can stay with me and I can show you the sights.”

  Lucy’s whole face lit up. “Do you mean that?”

  “Sure, why not?” The more Mel thought about the idea, the better it seemed. She didn’t really want to go back to Chicago, but if Lucy was with her, it wouldn’t be so bad. “Can you get some time off? Maybe a week?”

  “It shouldn’t be a problem. I haven’t taken a vacation in years. Let me just go check with Ruth and Al and then I’ll call Armand. Oh, I’m so excited!” Lucy hurried out back, grinning ear to ear.

  With Lucy gone, Mel allowed herself a few minutes of doubt and self-pity. She was really in a pickle now. Once she was home in Chicago, Aldrich would want to know what she’d found out and when the article might be ready. He wouldn’t be pleased to learn that there was no article because Ryne had backed out. And then there was the whole issue of the cash advance. Last time the subject came up, Aldrich had basically said that if she didn’t produce, she’d have to return everything. All expenses would have to come out of her own pocket. Unfortunately, said pocket had nothing in it.

  She caught herself chewing on her thumbnail, but was too worried to feel guilty about falling back into old habits. Staring across the street, she wondered if she dared ask Ryne one more time. Maybe if she begged and told him that she really needed to earn the money this article would bring… No. She couldn’t do it. Not only would it be pointless, but her pride wouldn’t allow her to grovel like that, not after the way he had treated her.

  There had to be another solution, but what?

  Chapter 28

  Lucy was ecstatic about being able to get some time off work and with amazing ease. Mel obtained another ticket to Chicago, even though it did mean rebooking for Friday rather than Saturday. It was almost a ten hour drive to Toronto, but by taking turns behind the wheel, they’d get there in plenty of time to catch their flight if they left by mid afternoon.

  While Lucy packed, Mel headed back to the Gazette to say her goodbyes to Beth. She offered to pay rent for the rest of the week, but Beth had refused, saying it wasn’t fair for her to pay when she wouldn’t be using the cabin. Mel didn’t argue the point, since she was in serious doubt as to her finances. If Greyson started legal proceedings in an attempt to retrieve the entire advance, she didn’t know how she was going to survive. Hopefully, she could get her waitressing jobs back, but all thoughts of finishing her education in the near future would have to be put on hold. On top of that, the rent on her apartment was only paid until the end of the month, after which she’d be searching for friends who had couches she could crash on.

  Mel drove back to the cabin to do her own packing, spending much of the drive mulling over various scenarios for her future; none of them were very appealing. She’d known she was taking a gamble when she accepted this job, but it had seemed like such a perfect opportunity. After years of scraping by, she thought her life was finally turning around. Instead, she was in a worse mess than ever.

  A depressed feeling settled over her as she parked the car in front of the cabin and climbed out. She stood for a moment looking around, knowing she’d miss the place. Surprisingly, she had come to enjoy the peace and solitude the location offered. Far from feeling that she was in the middle of nowhere, there was a certain sense of homecoming once she got over the initial culture shock. The sounds of the birds, watching the trees slowly turn green as spring deepened, the fresh air… There really wasn’t anything about this experience that she hadn’t enjoyed—well, except for her encounter with the wolves and that jerk, Ryne.

  Just thinking of him made her blood boil and she straightened and slammed her car door shut. The sound echoed through the quiet, and was followed by the sound of someone calling her name. A quick visual search located Josh near the rear of the cabin, his hand raised in greeting. Mel waved back and then watched as he bent over to pick something up before walking towards her. She waited for him to get within earshot before calling out.

  “Hi Josh. Beth said you might be doing some work outside the cabins. I see she was right.”

  “Yep, too nice a day to be stuck inside so I thought I’d just do a bit of tidying up and start to get ready for the summer visitors.” He coughed and looked a bit embarr
assed. “Er… I found something under the bushes back there that you might want to take care of.”

  “Really? What would that be?” Mel couldn’t think of anything outside that would concern her, but took a step towards where Josh had been working.

  “Oh, you don’t have to go get it. I have it here.” He finished crossing the distance between them and handed her a rumpled bundle. It appeared to be a set of men’s clothing. Hesitantly, Mel accepted the offering, not sure why Josh thought she needed to ‘take care of them.’

  “Um… thanks?” She examined the clothing. It looked vaguely familiar.

  Josh nodded and cleared his throat. “I recognize the shirt; it’s Ryne’s. Apparently, you two must have been… well… you know, and he forgot to collect his stuff afterwards.” He rubbed his neck and looked everywhere, but at Mel. “I didn’t think it was warm enough outside yet for that sort of thing, but you young folks are made of sterner stuff, I guess.” He shuffled his feet and coughed again. “Anyway, I’ll let you give those back to him. I’ll just… um… go finish up around the other cabins” With that, he headed on his way, leaving Mel staring at the clothes she was holding.

  She scrunched up her face, trying to figure out how Ryne’s clothes ended up under the bushes. Last time she’d seen that shirt on him, he’d been… Mel paused and felt her jaw drop. He’d been wearing it on Tuesday when the whole ‘wolf by the river’ fiasco had happened! Ryne had stormed out of the cabin buck naked carrying his clothes and claiming he’d get dressed outside, but… apparently he hadn’t.

  Surely, Ryne hadn’t walked home in the middle of the night without any clothes on! Even up in northern Canada, there must be rules about that kind of thing. And how had he got home anyways? It was miles to his house, but there hadn’t been a vehicle parked any place that she could see, nor had she heard the sound of an engine. So he must have walked home, but… naked? There couldn’t be any other explanation. He’d left with those clothes in his arms and she couldn’t imagine that he would’ve just happened to have a spare set waiting for him at the edge of the woods.