Tara closed the door, turned the truck on, and threw the transmission into reverse. She turned the truck around and floored the gas pedal. The truck fishtailed on the gravel driveway, but Tara kept it on the road. She looked up into the rearview mirror. Mary walked out the front door of the house. Jason and several other people came around the side of the house.
“I’m sorry Jason, but I won’t let anyone else get hurt because of me.” Tears ran down Tara’s face. As long as Haley and Ben were safe, it didn’t matter what happened to her.
CHAPTER 9
“106B. 106A. What were they thinking when they named these roads? This is ridiculous. Give the roads different numbers. Don’t throw letters after already existing numbers.” Tara tightened her grip on the steering wheel. “Please, please, be around this corner.”
The gravel road turned to the left. Tara slowed down, but as soon as she was around the corner, she pressed the gas pedal. The surge of power sent the bed of the truck swinging from left to right. Tara almost went into the ditch a couple of times before the truck quit fishtailing.
Out of the corner of her eye, she saw the green sign marking County Road 106. Tara slammed on the breaks. The tires locked up and the truck skidded several feet. Rocks and dust flew in all directions.
Before the truck stopped moving, Tara drew the transmission into reverse and stepped on the gas. The truck jerked and groaned at the sudden change in directions. Tara backed up about ten feet.
She slammed her foot down on the brake. The truck skidded to a halt, and she shifted it back into drive. The engine whined as Tara turned the steering wheel to her right.
Finally, she was on County Road 106.
The road made several sharp turns. Each corner caused Tara’s nerves to tighten more. She came to a turn that had to be close to ninety degrees. She slowed the truck so she wouldn’t slide off the road. As soon as the truck rounded the corner, she saw a sign for the Bryant Station Cemetery.
She had to be close to the bridge.
“Donald, you had better not have hurt my children.” Fear of the unknown fueled the anger growing inside of Tara.
The road made a sharp turn to the left. Tara came around the corner and found the river and two bridges looming in front of her.
The bridge closest to her was newer. It was made of cement with metal side rails. The bridge further away was an outdated monstrosity. It was an iron cage with a wooden road going across the river.
Tara looked down at the river as she drove across the newer bridge. She heard the roar of the water even though she had the windows closed. The water moved swiftly under the older bridge.
Donald’s threats of throwing either Haley or Ben into the river took on darker meanings as she stared at the waters. If one of the children went into the river, he or she would not make it out alive. She wondered if an adult would even make it out of the murky water.
The road coming off the bridge had a steep grade and disappeared around the corner to the left. As soon as Tara rounded the corner, she saw Donald’s expensive SUV parked in a small clearing on the banks above the river not far from the old bridge.
Tara turned the truck so it faced the direction she had come and pulled into the clearing but kept the truck close to the road. She put the truck into park but left the engine running. Tara opened the door and slid out. She turned to move around the truck, but stopped. Pulling the cellphone out of her back pocket, she tossed it into the center console.
“What are you waiting for? Get your butt over here.” The designer clothes he wore looked ridiculous out in the middle of nowhere.
Tara pushed her hair out of her eyes. She bit her lip to keep from telling Donald what he could go do. She had to get Haley and Ben away from him first.
“Quit wasting my time.” Donald climbed out of the SUV.
“Where are the children?” Tara stopped at the front of the truck.
Donald opened the back door of the SUV. Ben climbed out with Haley in his arms.
Tara swallowed and blinked several times to keep the tears from falling. Relief hit her hard. She wanted to rush over to them and hug them, but that wasn’t possible. She had to get them away from Donald. That was her priority.
“You’ve seen them, now get your fat ass over here. You and I have some unfinished business.” Donald crossed his arms. He thought she would blindly follow his orders.
“Send the children over first.”
Donald snorted. “Do I look stupid?” He yanked off the dark sunglasses he wore and hung them from the collar of his shirt.
“I have no clue what you’re talking about.” Tara figured playing dumb was her best bet. Donald thought he was smarter than everyone around him was. She hoped to use that to her advantage.
“Get your ass over here and then we will talk about what to do with the children.”
Tara knew better. If she did what he wanted, the children wouldn’t be safe. “What if I start walking to you and you send the children in my direction?”
“Will it get you over here faster?” Donald sounded frustrated.
“Yes.”
Donald grabbed Ben and shoved him toward Tara. “Get moving and don’t stop.”
Ben walked as fast as he dared. He didn’t look left or right, he kept his eyes on Tara as she walked toward him.
“Can you hear me?” Tara whispered.
Ben nodded.
“Can you drive?”
Ben nodded. He cradled Haley to him.
Tara felt a spark of hope. “Put Haley on the passenger floor and drive away from here.”
“I’m not leaving you,” Ben whispered to her.
“You don’t have a choice. I need to know you and Haley are safe. Don’t argue with me; just get to your dad as fast as you can. Do you understand?”
Ben pressed his lips together. His eyes narrowed.
“Don’t say anything just do what I told you to do.”
“Don’t do it. There has to be another way.”
Tara paused when Ben and Haley reached her. She frowned when she saw the bruises on Ben’s face. “Just get to safety. Let me worry about this.” Tara waited until Ben walked past her and then she started walking again. She slowed her progress, tying to give Ben as much time as she could.
“Would you hurry up? I want to get out of this stinking, backwater town. We’ve got a lot of miles to cover, among other things.” He leered at her, making her skin crawl.
Tara heard the crunch of gravel as the truck drove away. She smiled. Her babies were safe. She studied her surroundings. “Donald, you need to leave.”
He stared at her. “Oh, I’m leaving, but you’re going with me. I’ve got plans for you.”
Tara shook her head. She had a good idea what his plans involved.
“Get over here and get in the truck. You’ve got an audition.” Donald laughed.
Images of his audition flickered through her head, making Tara sick at her stomach. She shook her head. She couldn’t get into the SUV. If she did, she would never see the children or Jason again.
Tara did the only thing she could do. She turned and ran.
“You fucking bitch! Get back here!”
Tara tripped on a branch hidden in the grass. She stumbled and almost fell, but managed to stay on her feet. A hand grabbed her shoulder. The next instant, she was facing Donald.
“What do you think you’re doing? You can’t get away from me. You’re not smart enough.” He grabbed one of her breasts and squeezed it. “You’ve been nothing but a tease. Now, you’re going to pay for that, and when I’m done fucking you I’m going to make a lot of money with this body. I’ve already got men waiting to fuck you.”
“If you’re so desperate for money, you fuck them because there’s no way in hell I’m going to.” Tara planted her fist into Donald’s stomach causing him to let go of her shoulder and double over.
“Bitch!” Donald’s eyes glazed over with pain and anger. His face contorted into a weird grimace. “You’ll fuck whoeve
r I tell you to, even if I have to tie you to the bed.” He stood. “But first I’m going to teach you what it’s like to be with a real man between your legs. There will be no question who’s in charge when I’m through with you.” He took a step toward her. “I’m going to enjoy breaking you.”
Shaking her head, Tara took a couple of steps backwards. She had never seen this Donald. She turned to run and ran again.
Donald grabbed her arm and jerked her.
Tara’s world exploded with a thunderous roar. Her ears started ringing. Pain radiated throughout the right side of her face. Tara tried focusing but the pain blocked out everything. She wasn’t even sure if she was still standing because she couldn’t feel her legs.
“That will teach you to hit me.”
Tara knew someone spoke to her, but she could barely make out the words. DONALD, her mind screamed. Tara swung her right fist, hoping to make contact. She heard a grunt and the sting of her knuckles connecting with flesh. She tried smiling, but wasn’t sure if the muscles in her face were working or not.
She tried swinging her fist again, but her face exploded. The new pain was worse. Tara tasted and smelled blood—her blood.
Darkness threatened, but Tara fought it.
Donald grabbed a handful of her hair and pulled her. Tara stumbled.
“Fall down and I’ll drag you.” He yanked her hair.
The pain caused Tara to scream before she could stop herself.
Donald’s laughter filled the air. “This is more fun than I anticipated. If I had known you like playing rough, I would have done this a long time ago. It would have saved me from chasing you.”
Tara fought the pain and focused on staying on her feet. It seemed like an eternity before he stopped dragging her. She looked up. One eye was swollen shut, making her world fuzzy. She stood next to the SUV.
“Get your ass in. I don’t have all day.” Donald shoved her toward the passenger seat.
“No!” Tara turned to fight, but her body refused to cooperate.
She felt herself picked up and dumped onto the seat. The door slammed shut. No, this isn’t happening, her mind screamed. Tears fell out of her good eye and run down her cheek. Her stomach rolled at the taste and smell of her blood. Jason, please take care of Haley and Ben. I’m so sorry. I don’t want to leave you. I want to have cubs with you. Watch them grow up. I want to grow old with you. Please forgive me. Please forgive me.
Donald got in on the driver’s side and slammed the door. The engine roared to life. Donald laughed. “Looks like I’ve hit payday after all.” He put the SUV into drive.
Tara felt the movement of the vehicle. “I’m not going anywhere with you.”
“Too late, bitch. The men will love you. All my debts will be paid off in just a few months.”
“I’m not going with you.” Tara threw herself at Donald. She grabbed the steering wheel and jerked it toward her.
“Get off of me you crazy bitch!” Donald pushed and hit her.
Tara felt every blow, but she didn’t let go of the steering wheel. Her back hit the console. Jason, please forgive me. I love you. Tara twisted and let go of the steering wheel at the same time. She threw both hands on Donald’s right foot, forcing him to push down on the gas pedal.
The SUV lurched forward.
Donald yelled and turned the wheels hard to the left as he stomped down on the break with his left foot. He drove his right knee into Tara’s face.
Tara heard a loud crack as her head hit the bottom of the instrument panel. Stars danced around her.
The SUV spun.
Donald yelled something, but Tara didn’t hear it. Everything dimmed. Tara felt the SUV tip and roll. Her body was thrown around the cab, hitting everything in its path. Jason, I love you.
Darkness claimed Tara as the SUV crashed into the river.
CHAPTER 10
A soft hand touched Tara’s face. It’s time for you to wake up.
Tara moaned. She opened her eyes, bracing herself for lots of pain, but she was surprised when she realized there wasn’t any pain. It happened. I’m dead.
Musical laughter startled her. Tara looked up. The woman kneeling next to her was beautiful. Her long dark hair cascaded over her shoulders and surrounded her like a cape. Her facial features looked Native American, but something was different—something unworldly different.
The woman smiled. It’s good you are awake. Your bear was worried.
Tara blinked. My bear? I don’t have a bear.
The sow is definitely your bear, said the woman. She worried about you. I think she was afraid you wouldn’t come for her.
Why would a bear be worried about me?
I know of one bear who is worried about his mate.
Tara blushed. Okay, so there’s one, but it doesn’t do any good if I’m dead. I am dead, aren’t I?
No, you are not dead. At least not yet, but you have a choice.
I’m not dead, but I’m not alive. Is that what you’re telling me?
Something like that.
Where are Jason and my cubs? Tara looked around. She saw bears, lots of bears, moving in the shadows.
They are in the land of the living.
If they are in the land of the living, then where the hell am I?
We have much to talk about. Come. Walk with me. The woman stood up and held out her hand to Tara.
Tara took the woman’s hand. She needed answers and this woman had them.
You are on a spiritual plane, said the woman as they walked. It is somewhere between the land of the living and the realm of the dead.
Tara looked around. She saw a few people walking among the bears. Is this some kind of stop over between the two worlds?
Not in the way you think. I created this place for my bears and the humans who care for them.
A bear pressed its head and shoulder against Tara’s leg. Without thinking, Tara reached down and ran her hand through the animal’s fur.
I see your bear couldn’t wait. The woman smiled.
How can I have a bear? I thought you had to be born with one.
Over the centuries, my bears have dwindled to only a few dozen. They once inhabited the area you know as Alaska, but hunters found them.
You are talking about Kodiak Island.
Yes.
Did the hunters know what they were hunting?
Do you mean…did they know they were hunting humans with symbiotic relationships with the bears? Mother Bear’s face didn’t show any emotion.
Tara nodded her head.
Yes, they knew.
Tara swallowed. What does this have to do with me?
You are the mate to one of my bears, and you carry a cub in your womb. The woman stopped and turned to face Tara.
I’m pregnant? Tara’s eyes widened. She put her hands over her stomach. I didn’t know. Is the baby safe? I didn’t hurt it, did I?
The cub is safe. She is strong, just like you. You are special. You recognized Ben as yours and you are determined to protect Ben, as you are Haley.
Ben is Jason’s son.
But, you feel he is yours.
Yes. In my heart, I know he belongs to me. How is that possible?
You were too young to become Jason’s mate. The human, Allison, was able to see and understand things that other humans cannot, but she was dying. I loaned your bear to her so that she could be Jason’s mate, so that she could conceive Ben. Your womb may not have carried the cub, but he is yours. Never doubt that. The woman smiled at Tara. You are strong. You are the strength that will guide and protect the future of my bears.
Tara shook her head. I don’t think you have the right person. I didn’t stand and fight. I ran away.
I know I have the right person. You did what you had to do to protect what is yours. Now I need you to protect all my bears. You are a warrior. You are my warrior.
How do you know? Tara frowned.
I know because I’m the Great Mother Bear.
But—”
&nb
sp; Ben is special. Protect him. I fear a darkness is coming. The woman looked down at the bear leaning against Tara. You must go back, but you will not go alone. The Great Mother Bear put one hand on the bear’s head and her other hand on Tara’s head.
A strange warmth flowed through Tara. Darkness claimed her again.
* * *
Wake up. Our cub is in danger.
The voice filtered through the darkness surrounding Tara. The cubs are safe.
But our cub is not safe. You have to wake up.
Tara tried opening her eyes. Only one would cooperate. The other eye was swollen shut. She tried moving. A groan escaped from her. She closed her good eye.
Ignore the pain. It will go away. Our cub needs us.
Tara opened her eye again. The passenger seat came into view. Tara tried frowning causing pain to radiate from every muscle from her face. Tara sucked in a deep breath and let it out. She was cold and wet.
You have to get up. Our cub needs us.
Who are you?
I am your bear of course. I was with you when you spoke to the Great Mother Bear.
Tara searched her memories. It wasn’t a dream? It was real?
Yes. Now get up. Our cub needs us.
Tara tried moving her legs, but they refused to work. She put her hands down on the floor to push herself up. Her hands sank in the cold, muddy water.
A loud cracking noise filled the cab of the SUV. Tara looked up again. The cab of the SUV was dark. The only light came from the rear.
Another loud cracking noise filled the cab.
Tara looked toward the front windshield. Her eyes adjusted to the dim light. The windshield was cracked and she was partially lying on it.
We have to get out of here. Our cub needs us.
Tara put a hand on her stomach. Is the cub okay?
Cub is good. I will protect. You have to get us out of here.
Tara inched her way off the windshield. It crackled and popped as she moved. The roof was at an angle. Tara realized the SUV was upside down in the river. The other thing she realized was Donald wasn’t in there.
Chasing Tara (Bryant Station Curves) Page 8
