by Flora Dare
Lira shrugged, "A jealous ex-boyfriend isn't exactly huge trouble."
"Magda sees something deeper in the problem. I didn't listen to her once, and I swore to her I would never do that again. She asked me to help you, shepherd you and protect you. Please, don't run." Grace's voice was soft, pleading.
"You know I think you are all kind of crazy." But the sadness in Grace's eyes was real and touched Lira.
Grace said, "It's a lot to take in."
"And then someone turned into a wolf, in front of me. That really happened?" Lira knew it did, she just wanted confirmation.
"It did. I would turn, but my old bones get cranky if I flip back and forth. But if you really need the proof, I will, for you."
"Please don't, then. I believe you. And Magda...she's a shifter?"
"She is. She takes her guardianship of you very seriously. That you were all less than a day's drive away...and never a peep about how close you where, she was."
"Magda is a mother to me. She's been with me my whole life. When my mother died, she just expanded her role in my life."
Grace smiled, her eyes looking suspiciously damp. "I'm glad Magda got to be a mother. Wolves are very protective of their young. Let's have some dinner. I'd like to hear about your life."
"And I'd like to learn more about Grayslake. Are you going to introduce me to the whatsit...bear boss?"
"The Itan, and not yet. I guess I'd like to keep you to myself a little longer. You'll have all kinds of hulking bears sniffing around you. You're new, they'll never leave you alone."
Chapter Six
"Gran, are you really asking me to stop, again?" Jake wanted to scream. They should have been back at Grayslake two days ago. He should have been able to start looking for Lira already. He wanted to scream at his grandmother.
"Jake, are you questioning me? I've been wanting to stop at this museum for ages. You know, at my age, I might not have the chance again."
She wasn't afraid of using the 'I might die any moment now' card. He sighed and turned into the parking lot.
"I assume you'll want to spend all day here?"
"Don't be smart with me. Just the morning. There is a lovely pottery studio and artist collective across the way I'd like to spend this afternoon. There is a really delightful hotel that was recommended here. There is a hot spring that just does miracles for arthritis."
"Delightful. I'll call Grace and tell her we'll be another day."
"I've already spoken with her."
"Really? When?"
"Yesterday. She's the one who recommended stopping here. She knows what it's like to travel at our age."
He sighed heavily.
His grandmother slapped his hand sharply. "Did it ever occur to you that my delay was for Grace, not just me?"
"I had not thought about that in the least. Is it true, or are you just trying to get me all riled up again?"
Gran leaned back in the chair. "While I do enjoy riling you up, I've been talking with Grace for some time. A long-lost relation is visiting with her. It's a special and fragile time. You are still young and impetuous, you don't understand how things can be broken and never set right."
Jake said, "You could have just told me, you know? I would have just collected you later."
"And miss this time together? At my age, you take opportunities as they come up. It's not like you have a mate and cubs yet. That I would have let you off the hook for."
Jake couldn't' help himself. "Well, I think I might have found my mate."
She sat bolt upright and glared at him. "Jacob Riley Masters! Why didn't you tell me?"
"Well, I'm not sure...that's not true. I'm sure, but she kind of disappeared and I have to find her."
"And instead, you've been dealing with your cranky grandmother."
"Who I love very dearly and of course I stayed with."
Her mouth twisted wryly. "You don't have to butter me up. At my age, I can see right through that nonsense."
Jake wiggled in his seat. "It's just kind of embarrassing." He did not want to explain a one night stand to his grandmother.
"Let me guess. Bar, one-night stand, she was gone when you woke up because you sleep like the dead?"
"Gran! How did you know?"
She grinned and him and lifted an eyebrow. "How do you think I met your grandfather?"
"You did not. You were introduced at a picnic."
"Bless your heart."
Jake sat in stunned, horrified silence, then said, "I'm going to stick with the picnic story. It's better for everyone."
"Of course you are, dear. Every generation likes to pretend they invented sex. Lust is part of the human condition."
"And we are shifters."
"So even closer to our baser nature."
"Regardless, I need to find her." Jake clutched the steering wheel. She was out there and he needed to be with her.
His grandmother extended her hand and rested it on his, squeezing softly.
"It takes you hard, doesn't it? Take me to the hotel, I'll do a few spa days. Take a taxi around town. Although you will have to come get me, so don't take too long."
He grinned at her. "Thanks, are you sure? Do you want me to call mom? Have them meet up here?"
"God, no, they hover something fierce, you do not know what I had to tell Helen I collected to get her out of my hair. I want to do some exploring. Besides, you'll just get in trouble for leaving me."
"We aren't that far from where we met. I'll keep you up to date."
"Just find her, I'd like to meet her."
~ * ~ * ~
Jake was back in the parking lot of the dive bar where he'd met Lira. He could get the faintest whiff of her scent, but it was maddeningly illusive. Too much time had passed, and she'd gotten in a car.
He walked into the bar, relieved to see it was the same bartender who had broken up the fight and kicked Ethan out. Jake pulled up a stool to the bar and sat down.
The bartender said, "What's your poison tonight?"
"Oh, I'd say the curvy blond I met last time I was here. But I'll take a beer, whatever is on tap."
"You almost had a throw down for her, she's a nice girl."
"The guy gave me bad vibes."
The bartender looked Jake over. "You trying to give her more bad vibes?"
Jake held his hands up and warded the man away. "No way. I just wanted to make sure she was okay and see if there was a way I could get her a message."
"She leaves quite an impression, doesn't she?"
"She is the most beautiful woman I have ever met." Jake's quietly respectful tone earned him a nod and his beer.
"She doesn't live here."
Jake deflated. He wanted to casually run into her again.
"Ahh, well. That's that then."
"But, I know how you can leave a message. I know basically everyone. I wouldn't give this information out lightly. But you give me good vibes."
The bartender pulled an address book out from under the bar and scrawled a number down. He handed it to Jake.
"Tell Magda that Mark from the Shanty sent you. She won't give you the time of day, otherwise."
Jake took the paper from Mark. "Thanks man, I really appreciate it."
"Don't thank me. Magda is worried about Lira and I've been friends with her a very long time. So go already, I know it's not my company you want."
Jake was already walking away and dialing the number into his cell phone.
~ * ~ * ~
Jake pulled up to a modest house. It was very tidy, everything in ordered lines. He couldn't picture Lira here, he saw her in bold colors, swirling lines around her. But it gave him a hint about whoever Magda was.
He strode up to the door and rang the bell. The door swung open and a tall woman opened the door. She looked scattered, completely different from the women he'd talked to on the phone or whose orderly house this was.
His eyes squinted and he said, "Magda?"
She nodded and her eyes shot to the side
of the door. "I'm sorry, I don't accept door to door solicitors."
Something was wrong. Jake froze and mouthed, "You okay?" then said out loud, "But ma'am, I'm sure I can offer you something you'd enjoy."
She shook her head, vigorously. "No, no."
Jake took a deep whiff, he could smell her fear and someone else's scent, near her. He knew that smell. It was that asshole from the bar. Ethan. His bear roared in fury and Jake exploded into action.
He put himself between Magda and Ethan, then he grabbed the edge of the door with one hand and threw it back, hard, catching the man by surprise and sent him sprawling on the ground. Jake's other hand grabbed Magda and shoved her out the door and out of the way.
A gun skittered out of Ethan's hand across the hall. Ethan scrambled for it, but Jake grabbed his legs and tossed him out the front door. He was barely holding on to his rage and wanted to maul the man who had scared Lira and now Magda.
Magda grabbed Jake's arm and said something. His rage was too strong to hear it, but her low tones slowly calmed him.
"Breathe through it, Jake. If you change here, people will see. Breathe. I need you to look at me now."
Her hand grasped his chin and broke his gaze on the other man. Her voice soothed him until he realized what she was saying. She knew! She knew he was a shifter! His eyes went wide, and she shook her head. Wait, he took a cautious sniff. So was she and there was something familiar about her scent.
"Focus on me, Jake. I'm the only one here now." Tires squealed and he tried to turn his head, but her grip was too strong. "Look at me. Do you see me?"
His voice was harsh, "Yes."
"Can I let go? Are you in control?"
"Yes."
She released him, instantly.
"I'm sorry for that, you seemed on the edge. He can't get far."
"I'll find him." The rage started to come back but Magda shot him a hard look.
"You will not. Come inside, we have a lot to talk about."
She stepped into the house and Jake trailed after. She scooped up the gun and frowned at it.
Jake said, "Do you need me to do anything with that?"
She lifted one eyebrow as she removed the clip and cleared the chamber. "I do not." She flipped a painting forward on the wall, revealing a small safe that she keyed open and deposited the gun in. "Although I appreciate the gesture. I'm going to make myself some tea. I believe shock is setting in."
"For me or you?"
"Very funny, young man. I never expected Ethan to behave like this. I believe you've meet him."
"Briefly."
She bustled around the kitchen before finally settling at the table with Jake.
She gave him a good look over, her dark eyes dancing with laughter. "I can see why Lira said you had perfectly worn jeans."
Jake flushed and could feel his ears start to scorch.
"He can blush. How adorable."
Magda was cut from the same cloth his Gran was, albeit quite a bit younger.
"Should we call the cops about Ethan? He held you at gunpoint."
"I'll call the sheriff later. Ethan won't be coming back here anytime soon."
"Or he'll get another gun and be aiming at both of us."
"Fine, I'll call now."
Magda picked up the phone and dialed quickly. "Joe, its Magda. Ethan came by. With a gun. Thanks." She hung up the phone. "It went to voicemail, but Joe will take care of it."
"You are remarkably cavalier about the fact that a crazy man who is stalking Lira held you at gunpoint."
"Let's not kid ourselves, Jake. I was gathering information from Ethan." She slumped in her chair. "Although he is stalking Lira. I knew I could easily disarm him, but if I shifted, I was fairly likely to kill him."
Jake froze. "That's right, you recognized me as a shifter. I'm a bear."
"I'm a wolf."
"Do you have a pack?"
"I had a pack. I don't now." Her voice was fairly flat. "So, you are interested in Lira?"
"She's my mate."
"Are you sure?"
"I've never been so sure in my life."
"And you'll protect her?"
"With my life."
Magda's mouth quirked. "Let's hope it doesn't come to that. Even if she's human?"
"She's my mate. It doesn't matter what she is."
"I had a human mate. It ended poorly."
"I don't understand."
"I know, and I'm not sure when you will.” Magda shook her head. “Where do you live?"
"Grayslake, GA."
Magda leaned back and started laughing. "The universe is a funny thing."
Jake smiled weakly. "I guess it is."
"What have you been doing since you met Lira? It's been several days."
"Well, my family is relocating to Grayslake and my Gran wouldn't come without me being the one to drive her."
"Have you been to Grayslake yet?"
"No, she's only let us drive about an hour a day before she finds a new spa or museum she has to visit."
"So she's been slowing you down."
"Deliberately, it turns out. She'll be staying with someone who got an unexpected family visit and wanted a little private time first. She could have just told me."
"But she enjoyed the trip."
"Other than being desperate to find Lira, I've enjoyed it. I like my Gran. She's a lot of lady."
"Well, I look forward to meeting her."
"Meeting her?"
"What, you think you can just sweep Lira off and never deal with any of us again? Or you just haven't much thought past seeing her again?"
Jake felt the heat rise in his ears again and he looked down at the table. He really had not thought much past seeing Lira and holding her again.
"How long did your grandmother say she wanted?"
"Day after tomorrow."
"And where in Grayslake are you taking her?"
"Grace's B&B. It's new, for visitors. We didn't so much find a hotel. You know how it is, outsiders not so welcome."
"I'm aware. Shifters are alike the world around. Insular. Go spend time with your Gran for the next few days."
"Will she be safe from Ethan? Are you? I don't like the idea of just leaving you here."
"I won't be staying here, but you can give me a moment to pack my bags and escort me to my car."
"And you'll call me, in a few days? After you talk to Lira?"
"Something like that."
Magda stood and said, "Give me five minutes and we can both be on our way."
Chapter Seven
Lira came downstairs for a late breakfast. Nancy was up and bounding around the dining room.
She sat in the chair and stared at the young woman. "How are you such a morning person? I thought wolves were nocturnal."
"That is ridiculous. For one thing, I'm not a wolf. I'm a shifter. And I happen to be a morning girl. It’s nothing to do with my animal self."
She poured Lira a cup of coffee and handed her a warm croissant. Lira sniffed the coffee gratefully and tore open the buttery, flaky pastry.
"And that is a fresh baked good, another bonus to being a morning person."
Lira was impressed, "You made them?"
The girl giggled at Lira. "God no, I just ran over to the bakery and got them. And I would hardly call 10 am morning. It's practically afternoon."
"Grace and I stayed up pretty late talking."
"Anything especially interesting?"
"Just about my mom, who she was when she was younger. Lots of old albums and pictures."
"That sounds really great. I'm glad you and Memaw are having a good time. Is she ready to share you yet? Everyone in town knows you're here and everyone is just dying to meet you."
Before Lira could answer, the house phone started ringing.
Nancy rolled her eyes but picked up the phone and said, "Grayslake B&B, Nancy speaking. How may I help you?" She went a little white and said, "Of course, one moment." Then handed the phone to Lira before
running out of the room.
Lira said, "Hello?"
"It's Magda."
"Oh, Magda. What did you say to terrify that kid? She just ran out of the room like you set her tail on fire." Lira listened to Nancy run up the stairs, hollering for Grace.
"Oh, just to call me Auntie Mags, prepare a room, and then get you on the phone."
Lira was shocked silent for a moment. "Are you coming here?"
"I should be there this evening."
"You don't have to come here, if you don't want."
"Has...Grace been taking good care of you?"
"Very. Sharing things about my mom. It's been nice. Good to get away for a while. Has everything been okay there?"
Lira could practically hear the shrug from Magda. "I'm not so sure I would say it's been okay. I can tell you about it when I get there."
"Something’s wrong. Between what you've told me and what Grace told me, you would not be heading here if it something wasn't up."
Magda sighed. "Ethan showed up."
"Are you still there? You need to call the Sheriff right now! Did he try to hurt you? Are you okay?"
Magda made soothing noises at Lira. "Calm down, honey. I'm totally okay. He wanted to know where you were, and I obviously didn't tell him. He got a little loud and a little rough and you know I don't allow that in my home."
"He got rough with you?" Lira was practically screaming into the phone, and a burning rage slashed through her body. "I will murder him! I'm coming home now."
"Lira! You will do no such thing. I reported it. I'm leaving now and will be there tonight. You are not to leave. He has no idea where you are and I'd like to keep it that way."
"But what if he follows you?"
"Hmph. As if he could keep up, you've seen me drive. Plus, the sheriff is making me go to the mall, see if anyone follows me. It's going to be a real pain in the ass."
Lira thought she might crack the handset in two with her grip. "As long as you’re safe, okay?"
"I am safe, and I am okay. I'll give you all the gory details once I'm there. It's going to be a weird trip."
"Magda...Grace, I think she'll do everything in her power to make this comfortable for you."
"I know. It's still going to be really..." Magda sighed heavily. "I let it go longer than I should have, and by the time I realized that, I had no idea how to fix it. Neither of us did. It's a good opportunity. I've missed my family."
