Wolves, Witches and Bears...Oh My!

by Nicky Charles

  Of course, as with all rules, there were grey areas and she was pretty sure this was one of them. If push came to shove… She paused in her mental monologue.

  Push, shove; she slid a sideways glance at Lulu’s stomach. Bad choice of words considering Lulu would be doing a lot of that one of these days. The idea of giving birth totally grossed her out.

  Anyway…what had been the point of her train of thought?

  Oh right, grey areas.

  Who could tell what to who. Or was that whom? Whatever the grammar rule, she didn’t even know if she was allowed to tell the news to Lulu should the doctor mention something wasn’t right. All shifters had their own version of the Keeping law and were adamant about following it; they had to trust a person impeccably before sharing their secret. It was one of the reasons she’d been pestering for Lulu to contact Armand; if it all went horribly wrong, he’d be the one responsible and not her.

  And speaking of that, she hadn’t nagged in at least a week. Time to start another round.

  “Have you talked to Armand about this?”

  “No.” Lulu sighed, obviously knowing what was coming.

  She didn’t let that stop her from her mission. In her experience, persistence paid off. “A father has the right to know.”

  “I told you, I’ll tell him.” She made a face and then mumbled, “someday.”

  “And someday will be when? Before the baby is born? After? When it learns to talk or goes away to college?”

  “It’s not that simple.”

  “Yes, it is. We have the technology. Pick up a phone, press the correct numbers and voila! You’re talking to the man.” She nimbly hopped over a slushy puddle as they stepped off the curb to cross the road.

  “And what will he say?” Lulu plodded along at her side.

  “How should I know? You’re the one who slept with him.” She shrugged. “He seemed a decent sort though. He’ll do right by you.”

  “He’ll insist I go back home.”

  “And would that be so bad?”

  “You’re trying to get rid of me?”

  “No, but a father—”

  “Has the right to know. Roxi, you’re like a broken record. I’ll tell him when the time is right.”

  They’d arrived at the bus stop and stood waiting. Snow had started to fall; big fat flakes that obscured the view and had drivers turning their wipers onto high. Ugh.

  She shoved her hands in her pockets and hunched her shoulders against the weather. So maybe persistent nagging wasn’t going to work…at least not today. Time for being sympathetic and understanding. It wasn’t something she was comfortable with but hey, you did what you had to, right?

  Once they were on the bus, she tried again. “You’re scared, aren’t you?”

  Lulu turned her head slowly and gave her a ‘duh’ look. “Of course, I’m scared! I’m going to have a baby and I’m all by myself, and,” she shook her finger, “don’t you dare say what I know you’re going to say because if you do say it, I’m not talking to you ever again!”

  “That doesn’t even make sense!”

  “Of course, it doesn’t. You expect me to make sense at a time like this?” Lulu folded her arms on top of her belly and slumped down in the seat.

  Roxi leaned her head against the window and sighed. This was going to be a long, long pregnancy.

  Lou flicked a glance at Roxi and debated about apologizing. She knew she was being difficult. Roxi was trying to help. It was just that her emotions were all over the place. Typical of an expectant mother, or so she’d read, but hard to handle both for her and those around her.

  The problem was she didn’t know what was the right thing to do.

  Tell Armand.

  Don’t tell Armand.

  How many nights had she spent staring at the ceiling going over and over those two options. She’d even picked up her phone a few times only to put it down, unable to make herself dial his number.

  She wanted to. She missed him dreadfully and still dreamed about him at night, imagined him lying beside her or holding her hand while they watched a movie. Instinctively she knew he’d be thrilled about the baby and would be happy to attend prenatal appointments with her.

  Having him at her side would make this whole experience less scary.

  But she’d feel she was returning home a failure.

  People might say ‘Good old Lucy finally got knocked up.’

  It would already be awkward enough explaining how she was coming back from the dead without everyone thinking the only way she could get a man was by trapping him with a baby.

  Damn, this wasn’t how she’d planned on her life going. Some might have said she could have avoided it, but that was never an option in her mind. Regardless of circumstances, the baby hadn’t asked to be conceived, so why should it have to pay the price? Even if Armand had been a complete douche—which he wasn’t—she’d have kept her child. After all, it was half of her.

  Yes, it was the right choice even if it wasn’t easy. She drummed her fingers on her stomach and furrowed her brow then stopped. She didn’t want her child growing up feeling he or she was a burden. To make amends, she rubbed her belly and leaned forward slightly.

  “It’s not your fault,” she whispered to the baby. “I love you and I’ll do my best to take care of you, no matter what.”

  Roxi leaned close. “Is she replying?”

  “She?”

  “A little girl will fit in with our lifestyle. I’ll buy her frilly pink dresses and hair bands.”

  “You don’t even like pink.”

  “I know, but those dresses are adorable.”

  “Well, I think it’s going to be a boy.”

  “Why?”

  “I don’t know. It just feels right.” She rubbed her belly, a belly that seemed to grow noticeably every day. This baby was going to be a whopper if things continued this way. The very idea had her wincing.

  “What’s wrong? Are you in pain?” Roxi paled, her eyes widening.

  “No. I’m fine.” Had Roxi been the right choice for a birth coach? She was certainly interested in the baby but how would she handle labour?

  “Oh. That’s good. Well, back to boy versus girl. You could ask the doctor and find out for sure so we know what to buy.”

  “I suppose. But right now I like the idea of it being a surprise.”

  “You realize the suspense is going to kill me?”

  “I’m due in May. You’ll survive a few more months.”

  May.

  Where had the time gone?

  She’d been scared at first, still was, but at least it was manageable now. Everyone was being so good to her. Ashton had offered to shorten her shifts at the diner if she was too tired and he gave her time off for appointments. Neil, after getting over his initial shock, had slipped back into the role of friendly co-worker. He’d even found pamphlets and booklets on gestation and childbirth which, for some reason had made Roxi burst out laughing.

  Yep, things were falling into place. Even the guidance department at the college had been extremely helpful. Her second term courses had been changed and, combined with the credits she already had, could be applied towards getting a Human Services certificate so at least she’d have something in her hand at the end of the year. After that, there were online courses that could help her work up to getting a degree in Social Work. It wouldn’t happen as fast as she’d hoped but at least she didn’t have to abandon the dream completely.

  It was funny how things turned out. She’d refused to go back to Stump River because she hadn’t wanted to change her plans, and yet here it was happening anyway.

  Roxi nudged her. “It’s our stop next.”

  “Right.” She gathered her purse and was preparing to stand up when the bus driver suddenly slammed on the brakes. Her foot slipped on the wet, slushy floor and she grabbed at the back of a seat to steady herself. She almost succeeded when a vehicle hit the bus from behind. Her feet flew out from under her, her hand slippe
d off the back of the seat and she landed on the floor on her back.

  Chaos reigned.

  People were shouting and cursing. Horns were blaring. Roxi was demanding everyone stand back.

  “She’s pregnant. Call 911. Lulu, don’t move!” Roxi was at her side, her eyes exceptionally wide and dark against her unusually pale face.

  “I’m fine,” she tried to push herself up on her elbows. “I just slipped. It’s no big deal.”

  “Don’t. You. Dare. Move!” Roxi glared down at her then switched her attention to the rear of the bus where someone was complaining about wanting to get by. “Hey you! Complainer! You wanna get by, you climb over the seats. She’s not moving until I know she’s okay!”

  The floor was cold and hard. Dampness was creeping into her clothes. Was it just the slush or was she bleeding? Her initial calm began to fade. The baby! She couldn’t lose the baby!

  She bit her lip, trying not to cry but having no success. Her heart was pounding, her ears started to ring. Was she panicking or was something really wrong? Reaching out, she grabbed Roxi’s hand.

  “I’m here, Lulu. Are you in pain? Is it the baby?”

  “I don’t know. I….”

  The sound of a siren filled the air and then the emergency responders were there. After that it was a blur of questions and activity as she was checked and loaded onto a stretcher.

  “You’ll be okay. The baby will be okay.” Roxi reassured her.

  “I know,” she nodded even though she wasn’t at all sure.

  “And don’t worry, I really do have your purse this time!”

  She managed to give a shaky laugh through her tears.

  Roxi paced the waiting room, nibbling her thumbnail and wondering how Lulu was and wishing she’d told Armand. What if Lulu was seriously hurt? Surely, Armand should know. But if she lost the baby, then maybe Armand never needed to know. On the other hand, what if the baby was born early? Was three months premature too young to survive? They could do some amazing stuff nowadays with medical technology and the baby was part shifter, so it would have a better chance, wouldn’t it?

  She looked around for a vending machine, needing food to help her think. There wasn’t one, so she sat down and dug through Lulu’s purse looking for some gum to chew; her own supply had been depleted earlier in the day. Mental note: buy larger packs next time.

  Comb, tissue, keys, phone…aha gum!

  She popped a piece in her mouth and immediately felt less tense. Thoughtfully chewing, she stared at Lulu’s phone. Armand’s number would be on it, wouldn’t it? She picked up the phone and entered the PIN. Lulu hadn’t exactly told her the password, but she’d seen her use the phone numerous times and had absentmindedly memorized it.

  There was a twinge of guilt as she opened Lulu’s contacts. She brushed the pesky feeling aside and began to search through the names. Where was Armand’s number? It wasn’t under his first name or his last name. Maybe a nickname? Nothing seemed like the right kind of nickname for the man. She left the contacts and looked at the phone call logs, slowly scrolling back, pausing to study the numbers. The diner, the drop-in centre, Neil, the doctor, her own number. Lulu didn’t seem to call a wide variety of people except…

  She slowed as she came to an un-named and unfamiliar number. Could it be Armand? The only real way to know would be to call the number and see who answered.

  Lulu would probably kill her when she found out. If she found out. It might not be Armand. And if it was, well then it was meant to be, right?

  She glanced towards the double doors where Lulu was being examined, then looked at the phone again. Damn, indecision was annoying which was exactly why she avoided it at all costs.

  Screw the consequences. She pressed ‘call’ and crossed her fingers.

  Chapter 26

  Back in Stump River, the atmosphere in Miller’s Service Station was distinctly chilly. Frost decorated the edges of the window and the breath of the occupants showed as white puffs in the air. Outside a cold February wind buffeted the building, creeping in through the cracks around the service bay doors and taunting the efforts of the ancient furnace that valiantly fought to keep the small block building warm.

  Ryne rubbed his hands together and stomped the snow off his feet before popping the hood of the car he’d just driven in to the service bay. The warmth coming off the engine was welcome except for the fact it was melting the snow left on the hood and the cold water was dripping down his neck.

  He checked the oil and, as suspected, it was long past due for changing. No wonder the car hadn’t been running properly. When Nunnie, as the owner of the vehicle was affectionately known, returned he’d have to give her a gentle talking to about car maintenance. He smiled, thinking of their conversation earlier that day…

  ~~~

  “I don’t know why my sweet girl is acting up,” Nunnie patted the hood.

  “You haven’t had it in for tune-up in quite a while,” he suggested as he shut off the engine and climbed out of the driver’s seat. “It’s running rough.”

  “I know, but I’m just so busy organizing the charity bazaar and euchre parties. And then my gentlemen friends come calling…” Nunnie shook her head.

  “An engine needs care if you want it to keep running, Nunnie.” He stared down at the tiny, white haired woman who must be over ninety if she was a day. “Oil helps keep the parts lubricated and—”

  “No lectures on lubricants, young man. You just concentrate on getting my girl working properly again.”

  “Yes, ma’am” He nodded trying to keep a straight face at the unintended double entendre. Turning to get a service agreement for her to sign, he froze in place at her next comment.

  “And make sure you’re wearing those snug coveralls that show off your butt when you work on her. My girl likes a little thrill now and then.”

  ~~~

  Yep, Nunnie was a real firecracker, quick witted, sharp as a tack and constantly on the go. Being without her vehicle, even on a cold day like this, was probably leaving her chomping at the bit.

  Well, he’d better not keep her waiting. The bay with the hoist was currently occupied by a car waiting for parts, so he drove Nunnie’s car up on a set of ramps, grabbed a socket wrench and then got down on his creeper to slide under the vehicle. He’d just finished loosening the plug on the oil pan when his phone rang.

  He wiped his oily hands on a rag and pulled the device from his pocket. It was Lucy. Based on what Armand had told him, he hadn’t expected to hear from her again.

  “Hey Lucy, what’s up?”

  “Who is this?” An unknown female voice sounded in his ear.

  “Who is this?” He countered back.

  “I asked first.”

  “And I’m not answering.”

  “Is this Armand?”

  “No.” His senses went on high alert. With a kick of his foot, he propelled the creeper cart out from under the vehicle and sat up, resting his arms on his knees. Who had gotten hold of Lucy’s phone and why were they asking about Armand?

  “Damn.” There was a long pause. “Okay, sorry I bothered you.”

  “Wait!” He wasn’t going to let the unknown caller go until he knew what was going on. “Who are you and why do you have Lucy’s phone?”

  “I’m her roommate, Roxi, and I need to get a hold of this guy named Armand.”

  Roxi. Yeah, that was the name Armand had mentioned when recounting what had happened in Chicago. The girl was a demi-witch, clever and fast-talking. Armand wasn’t sure if he considered her a trustworthy friend or not, but she’d helped him get Lucy back when she’d been kidnapped.

  He quickly weighed the pros and cons and decided to listen and see what she had to say. “I might be able to help you. Tell me why first.”

  “There was an accident.”

  “Shit!” He surged to his feet. “Is Lucy okay?”

  “I don’t know. I think she is but the baby—”

  “Baby?” What the fuck? His mind ra
ced. Lucy was pregnant? And if Roxi was looking for Armand, he must be the father except Armand had never said anything about it. Did he know? He wasn’t the kind to ignore his responsibilities.

  Roxi was still talking. “I’m worried she might lose it or, if there are complications, the doctors will find out the father is a….” Her voice trailed off to nothing.

  “A shifter?”

  “You know?” Her voice rose to a squeak and then she exhaled loudly. “Well, that makes this conversation a lot easier!”

  “Yes, I know. And Armand mentioned you to me.”

  “Great, you know me, but I still don’t know who you are.”

  “Ryne. Ryne Taylor.”

  “The dog whisperer!”

  “Yeah.” He winced. Was the story going to plague him for the rest of his life? “But back to the baby. What are you worried about with regards to the doctors?”

  “I don’t know how your physiology works, if the doctors would notice anything unusual about the baby.”

  “It’s safe. There’s nothing discernable as an infant, only scent, and humans won’t notice that.”

  “Well that’s one less thing to worry about.” She exhaled noisily. “I’ve been sort of freaking out here wondering how I’d cover things up. Now I just have to hope Lucy and the baby are okay.”

  “Right.” He rubbed the back of his neck. What a mess this was. “I can give you Armand’s number. Do you have something to write it down on?”

  “Just a sec…” There was a rustling sound and then she spoke again. “Okay, what is it?”

  He recited the number and Roxi repeated it back to him.

  “Got it. Thanks.” Roxi cleared her throat. “Umm…do you think it’s the right thing to do, to tell him?”

  He frowned. How would Armand react to the news? The man had been seeing a lot of Jenna lately. Had he switched his affections?

  Roxi continue talking. “Because I don’t know if I should or not. It’s not really my place to make the decision but a father has the right to know. Well, unless he’s a douche and Armand isn’t one from what I could see. Anyways, I was just thinking that this isn’t the sort of news to get over the phone, right?”