He's on My Mind

by Crystal Red

  This was it. Bad news. Why did cops have to let bad news linger? Whatever happened to getting to the point, no matter how terrible the situation ended up being? She sucked in a sharp breath, waiting for worse news to hit her.

  “Which is?”

  “Your mother is in the hospital. She was attacked by someone or possibly a…”

  Kelsey bit her bottom lip so hard blood dripped into her mouth. The coppery taste made her gag. Her heart nearly stopped beating. How could this be? Why would someone or something go after her mother? Her mother, Linda, was all Kelsey had left.

  She continued to pace her bedroom in a circle. The dizziness didn’t keep her head from spinning. “Or an animal, right?”

  “Yes. She was found behind your bookshop a half an hour ago. The same way we found Ms. Wein’s body.”

  “When can I see her?”

  “In the morning. She has to have surgery right now.” Officer Tieman spoke in a hard and firm voice as if he meant business.

  “Fine.” She pinched the bridge of her nose. “Thanks for telling me.”

  “Have a goodnight, Ms. Mayfield.”

  Yeah, right. As if she’d be able to sleep tonight after a call like that. Kelsey hung up. She was tempted to slam her cell to the floor, but what good would it do? What if her mother didn’t wake up?

  Tears rolled down her cheeks. She sniffed. If she lost her mom this way, she’d never forgive herself. Sure Linda, her mom, was a pain in the ass, but she was all Kelsey had now. After her dad had walked out on them, it’d been her and Linda since she was four years old. Her mother had never wanted to have kids, and Kelsey was an only child.

  In the end, her mother had made the choice to keep Kelsey. Linda always told her how Kelsey’s so-called father, Harry, told her to have an abortion. No wonder he’d left. He’d never wanted a child in the first place.

  She shook her head. It didn’t matter. The idiot was a fart in the wind now. No matter her differences with her mom, she’d always loved her, and had been there for Kelsey when she needed her. She needed her mom to be okay. Without her, Kelsey wouldn’t be.

  That night, she cried and rocked herself to sleep.

  * * * *

  The next morning Kelsey didn’t waste any time running to Brandon’s place in hope he’d drive her to the hospital. Even if Chad had to drive her, or she had to ride on Brandon’s motorcycle, she’d suck it up for her mother. She pounded on the door and then rang the doorbell three times. It opened with a loud creak.

  Chad popped his head out. “Brandon had to go to work. What do you want?”

  She stumbled into the doorway as tears poured down her cheeks.

  Jesus. What the hell did Brandon do to her? Knock her up or what?

  Kelsey glowered at Chad. “This isn’t about Brandon! I need a ride to the hospital. My mom is in the ICU. I think a werewolf attacked her.”

  Chad’s eyes widened. “Holy shit. You can really read minds, can’t you?”

  “Yes!” She shoved a hand at his chest.

  Chad stumbled back a little until he regained his compose. “Relax. I’ll give you a ride. You’re lucky you caught me. I was about to head to work.” He stared at her with amazement.

  Kelsey followed Chad to his car. They climbed in and then he drove off. She gripped the dash until her knuckles turned white. This shouldn’t be happening to her. What the hell did she do to deserve this shit, anyway? Her tears continued to fall.

  Chad glanced over at her when they approached a red light. “You okay?”

  “No!” She wiped her damp palms on her dark blue jeans. “My mom could die. How can I be okay with that?”

  “Right.” Chad stared straight ahead. “I see your point.”

  “What am I going to do? She’s all I have. My dad ran off when I was four.” She leaned back and sobbed into her hands. “I don’t have any siblings.”

  Wow. I’ve never seen a woman cry so much, but I guess I would too if I were her.

  The second the light turned green, Chad pressed his foot on the gas pedal. “You have me and Brandon. Plus Beth. You have people who care about you. You’re not alone.”

  Kelsey gasped as she clung to the door rest. “Yeah, but how do I know it will last?”

  “By believing in your relationship. You have to fight for what you want,” Chad said with a firm voice.

  “What if I’m not strong enough?” She swallowed hard. Fear knotted in her stomach. Why did she always feel so safe with Brandon despite the fact he was a werewolf? Could he really be the dream guy she’d waited for all her life?

  “I think you are.” Chad pulled in front of the ER building and then parked his car. “I’m going to call Brandon. He can come stay with you if you’d like.”

  She shook her head. “It’s okay. I don’t want him to keep missing work because of me.”

  “Kelsey,” Chad rubbed the back of his neck as he turned to face her. “I’ve never seen him this way. Ever. Since he met you, he acts as if he’s walking on air. He’s falling for you, and I think the same thing is happening to you.”

  “But,” she whispered, “he’s never…uh, shit.” She rubbed her aching temples. Love was complicated enough, but throwing a werewolf into the mix made things downright terrifying. What the hell was she going to do?

  Chad pulled out his phone and then texted Brandon. A message popped up right away. “He’ll be here in a few minutes. You want me to wait with you?”

  “Yes.” She wiped her wet eyes. “Thank you.”

  He patted her hand and smiled. “To be honest, I think the two of you make sense.”

  She chuckled. “Like you and Beth?”

  What? Beth would never go for me.

  “You might be perfect for each other.”

  “I’ll believe that when I see it,” Chad muttered.

  Kelsey climbed out of Chad’s car and then rushed over to Brandon as soon as he parked his motorcycle in an empty spot across from them. She clung to his muscular arms as she shook like a leaf in the wind.

  He stroked the back of her head. “Shh. It’s okay. Let’s go see your mom. Maybe she’s awake now.” He placed a soft kiss on her forehead, then took her hand in his.

  Kelsey waved as Chad took off. She and Brandon walked hand in hand inside the main lobby of the Kansas City hospital. They stopped by the information desk to ask what floor her mother was on.

  “Room 415. On the fourth floor.” The young blonde receptionist spoke in a falsely high voice.

  Brandon and Kelsey hurried toward the elevators, boarded one and rode to the fourth floor. They got off and then walked into her mother’s room. The nurse asked Linda how she felt and then took her food tray away. Kelsey’s heart slowed when her mother looked over at her. Linda pointed to the red chair next to her bed. Despite being awake, her mom was hooked up to heart and oxygen machines. Kelsey sat in the chair, and Brandon pulled up another one beside her. He plopped down onto it.

  “So.” Her mom’s voice came out in a croak. “Who is the hottie? Your new boyfriend?”

  Kelsey managed to nod. “This is Brandon Woltman. We’re neighbors. How are you feeling?” She reached for her mom’s hand.

  “Why does everyone keep asking me that? I get attacked by a wolf and lived, but everyone still thinks I’m dying.” She chuckled so loud it almost came out as a snort.

  Tears welled in Kelsey’s eyes. “You know what came after you?”

  “Yes.” Linda pointed her French manicured nail toward the door. “It was because of her. That blonde chick behind you.”

  Her gut clenched hard. Kelsey whipped around to face Victoria. Literally. What the hell?

  Chapter Twelve

  The wicked grin on Victoria’s face made Brandon want to slap her. His insides twisted, and bile threatened to rise in his stomach. He’d never lay his hands on any woman. No matter the situation.

  He frowned as he faced Victoria. “What the hell are you doing here?”

  “I heard about what happened to Kelsey’s m
om. I wanted to make sure Ms. Mayfield was all right.” A coy Victoria looked wounded.

  No. He wouldn’t fall for her I’m-so-innocent bullshit act. He’d been there too many damn times.

  Kelsey leapt to her feet and jumped in Victoria’s face. “What the hell did you do to my mother?”

  “Nothing. I tried to help her. I was the one who called the cops after I saw a wolf run away. I think you should be thanking me. I saved her life.” Victoria’s smile widened as if she were proud.

  Kelsey rolled her eyes. “You don’t fool me for a second.”

  “You know this woman?” Kelsey’s mom groaned as she sat up in the bed.

  “Yes, she’s my ex-girlfriend,” Brandon muttered.

  Ms. Mayfield’s lips tightened into a thin line. “Then why is she hanging around?”

  “Beats the crap out of me.” Brandon threw his hands up.

  “I only wanted to help, but I can see I’m getting in the way.” Victoria bowed and strode out of the room.

  He sat and squeezed the edges of the chair. Victoria had no right to come there and butt her nose into his and Kelsey’s business. The animal in him wanted to teach her a lesson, but he wouldn’t. It wouldn’t be right or solve anything. He’d avoid violence when he could. Even if it wasn’t easy. If he didn’t get some air now, he’d lose his mind.

  Brandon patted Kelsey’s hand. “I’m going to go for a walk. Are you okay staying here with your mom?”

  She frowned. “Don’t go after her.”

  “Sweetie.” He looked into her eyes. “I’m not going to.” Okay, so maybe that was a little white lie, but she didn’t need to know that.

  Her lips twisted into a scowl. “Don’t take long. I know you’re not going to listen to me anyway.”

  He jumped out of the chair. Adrenaline rushed through his veins as he headed down the hallway to find Victoria.

  “Victoria!” he yelled.

  The witch came around the corner and hurried toward him. “Yes, you called, Brandon?”

  Now face-to-face with her, he glared at Victoria. “Why did you go after Kelsey’s mom? I don’t understand why you keep denying you’re behind this when I know it’s you.”

  She laughed as she threw her head back. “I’m not a werewolf. You could have gone after her for all Kelsey knows. I’m a witch, or have you forgotten?”

  “How could I forget?” Brandon rubbed his throbbing temples.

  Victoria flipped her hair over her shoulder. “Who am I to tell you who is right for you? You chose Kelsey for a reason, and if she makes you happy, you should do your best to make it work.”

  As if he was going to believe one word that came out of his ex’s mouth. She’d been known to tell a lot of white lies while they were together and some big ones too. She talked smoothly, but he didn’t want to have any part of her drama.

  He’d play along with her game. For now. “Whatever you say.”

  “Did you want anything else? I really wonder how well Kelsey can take care of your needs. I know I was pretty good at it. You must miss that part of our relationship.”

  He smirked. “Actually, she’s better than you.”

  “Humph.” She stuck her nose into the air and ran off again as her heels smacked the floor.

  Despite the slight satisfaction the words gave him, his gut still ached with pain. Victoria probably was behind the wolf attacks. That had never happened when he lived in Texas. Not when they were dating. As he drew a deep breath, he walked back into Kelsey’s mom’s room.

  “Everything okay?” Kelsey looked up at him.

  “Yeah.” He smiled. He sat again, and her mom looked at him.

  “Do you plan to marry my daughter? You know she’s an only child. I expect a couple grandchildren.” She pointed a fake nail at him.

  “I, uh…”

  “Mother!” Kelsey rolled her eyes.

  “Maybe someday.” He rubbed the back of his neck. “We haven’t been dating very long.”

  Her mom smiled. “Kelsey tells me you have a motorcycle. You have to get her to take a ride.”

  “Mom.” She sighed. “You know I don’t like motorcycles.”

  Kelsey’s mom laughed. “How do you know until you try it?”

  “Yeah.” He held Kelsey’s hand and kissed it softly. “You have to try everything at least once. Otherwise, how do you know?”

  “Sure,” she muttered, sinking down into her chair.

  He ran a hand through his wavy strands and looked at Ms. Mayfield. “What did Victoria say to you?”

  Ms. Mayfield turned sideways, holding her side and groaned. “She basically said I should rest, and hoped the animal control people caught the wolf that attacked me.”

  Wolf, my ass. More like a werewolf from Victoria’s wolf pack. What a liar.

  Kelsey gaped at him, but remained quiet. She stared at the floor and clenched her fists in her lap. Sometimes it was easy to forget she could read his thoughts. In most ways, it disturbed him, because she’d always know what was on his mind, but he’d get over it. She was worth the risk.

  Ms. Mayfield nudged Kelsey’s arm. “It’s okay, sweetie, you don’t have to stick around. I know you probably have to get to work.”

  Kelsey rocked back and forth in the chair as she busted into sobs. “It’s hard for me to go back to work.” She sniffled. “The cops showed up yesterday and found Ms. Wein murdered behind the back of my shop. I keep wondering if I’m next.”

  Brandon’s heart ached for Kelsey. He wanted to take away her pain. He gave her shoulder a squeeze. “Don’t cry, honey. I’m sure the police will find out who is behind this soon.”

  Ms. Mayfield’s face softened. “Oh, darling. I’m so sorry.” Her mom handed Kelsey a tissue. “This can’t be easy for you, but I’m here still, and I don’t plan on going anywhere any time soon.”

  “I’m here for you too, Kelsey,” he whispered.

  Kelsey wiped away her tears. “You scared me. I thought I lost you.” She sobbed into her hands.

  A tightness settled in his chest. His breath came out rough. He did the only thing he could to help his girlfriend—he comforted her. She needed him more than ever. He sensuously trailed his fingers up and down her back.

  She sighed as she sniffled, then rested her head on his shoulder. “You always know how to make me feel better.”

  “So, we’ll be planning a wedding after all, huh?” Kelsey’s mom’s lips widened into a grin.

  “You never know what the future brings.” He shrugged.

  Kelsey flushed. “We should go. I don’t want to keep you from work.”

  “Well,” he leaned forward and lowered his voice, “you realize you’re going to have to ride on my motorcycle, don’t you?” He placed a hand on her thigh. She trembled at his touch.

  “Maybe I should take a cab,” she said in a choked tone.

  “Honey,” her mom peered at her, “you can’t let your fears keep you from enjoying life.”

  Kelsey snorted. “So, if I was scared of heights, I’m supposed to jump off a building too?”

  “That’s not what I meant. What I mean is you have to try new things. Even if it scares you,” her mom said.

  Kelsey rose off the chair on wobbly legs. “I’ll have to think about it.” She wrapped her arms around Ms. Mayfield in a tight embrace. “Take care, Mom. Call me if you need me. I’ll be here for you, no matter what. I love you.”

  Tears filled Ms. Mayfield’s eyes. “I was going to say the same thing. I love you too, sweetie.”

  Brandon stood and walked over to Kelsey, smiling at her mom. “Take care, Ms. Mayfield.”

  “You can call me Linda, Brandon. Someday I hope you’ll be my son-in-law and give me some grandchildren.” Linda winked as she grinned.

  He nodded as he patted her hand. “See you later.”

  He and Kelsey walked out to his motorcycle.

  “Ready for this?” he asked with a smile.

  *

  Kelsey’s shoulders tightened at Brandon’s questi
on. Am I ready for this? Hell no! There were a lot of things she could be ready for, but riding on his motorcycle hadn’t been at the top of her to-do list. Could she honestly face this fear? She wasn’t totally sure she could.

  She swallowed hard, and a knot formed in her stomach. Maybe she could do this for him. Her heart pounded louder and faster as he handed her the helmet.

  Oh, boy. She looks as if she’s about to throw up.

  Hand over her mouth, she gagged. No doubt about it, she was about to barf. Her chest heaved in and out as she cleared her throat. She tried to get rid of the bitter taste in her mouth.

  “I’m good,” she whispered, despite the lump in her throat.

  “Oh, really?” One of his dark brows lifted. “From where I’m standing, it looked as if you’re about to blow chunks.” His fingers caressed her temple up and down. She shivered.

  “How can you make me feel better about this? Right now, I don’t think I can do it.” She did her best to sound less weak and pleading, but she ended up failing anyway.

  “By trusting me.” He pulled her close to his chest. “Do you?”

  “Yes.” Her knees buckled, but for him, she’d try. Besides, how else would she get home? It’d be a long ass walk, and taxis weren’t cheap.

  She took a deep breath and slipped the helmet onto her head. As soon as he started the bike, her heart jumped. Brandon put his helmet on and hopped onto the motorcycle. Kelsey stared at him for a second and wondered if she should run the other way. No. She could do this. Time to put her big girl panties on and ride on her boyfriend’s motorcycle. She swung one leg over and climbed onto the bike as she gripped his waist as if her life depended on it.

  “That’s a girl. Just lean toward me and hold on tight. You’ll be fine. I promise.”

  Now that, she wasn’t so sure about, but still she wanted to try for him.

  “Here we go, baby,” he murmured.

  Brandon drove off with a loud roar. He weaved through the traffic and passed all the slow cars. Despite how fast her heart pounded, she enjoyed the spicy scent that lingered on his neck, and she held him close. He made her feel so safe.