Wolves, Witches and Bears...Oh My!

by Nicky Charles

  “What did Lucy say when you told her you were moving to Chicago?”

  “Nothing.”

  “Is that a bad sign?” Ryne quirked a brow.

  “No.” He gave a crooked grin. “It means I didn’t tell her.”

  “Going to catch her by surprise?”

  “That’s my plan. She’ll have no time to think of excuses.”

  Ryne laughed. “I wish you well. Keep me posted.”

  Armand picked up his bag and tossed it into his truck then climbed inside. For a moment he sat there, hands gripping the steering wheel. When he’d arrived in Stump River many years ago, he was sure he’d found his perfect home. In fact, he had, but sometimes love required compromises. Now he had a new vision of perfection and it was wherever Lucy and Caleb were. The months they’d spent apart had made that clear to him.

  Taking a deep breath, he put the key in the ignition and set out on his journey. He was lucky to have been able to get a last-minute seat on a flight from Timmins, rather than driving to Toronto. It would cost more but having made his decision, he didn’t want to waste hours on the highway.

  He drove through the town, giving a casual wave to Ben Miller who was pumping gas into a car. No one knew he was leaving today, well, apart from Ryne and his pack, and Jenna who had noticed his suitcase sitting near the rear door. The explanation he’d given her had been almost the truth—a business trip to determine the future of the bar. She’d nodded and wished him well, explaining she, too, was leaving town that day and she’d stopped in to say goodbye.

  Once again, he’d had the briefest sense that there was something off about her but since she was leaving and he was preparing to go as well, he’d not pursued it. It was time to cut his ties to Stump River.

  It was a shame he was going to be missing the fishing derby and craft fair that was scheduled for the weekend…or maybe not. Already the town was filling up. There were cars parked the length of the main street and unfamiliar faces could be seen in the various businesses. His spare rooms above the bar were all booked and the Kennedys said their cabins were rented out as well. It promised to be a successful weekend.

  With too many people around, his bear grumbled.

  But not as many as there will be in Chicago, he pointed out.

  The animal sighed and curled up for a nap, resigned to their fate.

  The drive passed uneventfully. He hummed along with the radio, steering the car around the usual ruts and potholes that comprised the road from Stump River and then relaxing when he hit the main highway. His plan was to get to Timmins as quickly as possible, find something to eat and then look for a store so he could buy a small present for Caleb that said ‘Canada’ on it.

  Truth be told, he was nervous about meeting the child. He liked babies but knew nothing about caring for them. How to feed them or lull them to sleep or change their diapers. His research on the internet had been informative, however actually performing the tasks would be an entirely different thing. Babies were small and his hands were large. How would he ever manage miniscule buttons and snaps?

  Maybe he and Lucy could trade off the various duties. He would handle washing diapers and she could trim tiny toenails.

  To take his mind off that particular problem, he examined an even bigger one. When to tell Lucy what he was. It wouldn’t be right away but at some point, he’d have to broach the subject. Maybe if he searched on Ryne’s Lycan Link he could find some tips on the subject or even a help forum. He snorted at the idea and turned the radio up louder hoping to drown out the concerns that swirled through his head.

  Lucy gripped the steering wheel as she made her way down the road towards Stump River. The last time she’d travelled this way, she hadn’t noticed what poor condition it was in. Carefully, she manoeuvred around a large pothole, then glanced in the rear-view mirror. Caleb was sleeping soundly in the car seat she’d rented along with the car, bless him, no doubt worn out from entertaining everyone on the plane. If he’d been fussy or hungry right now, it would have been even more difficult to concentrate on driving, a task she hadn’t done since leaving for Chicago with Mel.

  She checked a mileage sign and calculated she’d be in town around five o’clock. It wasn’t the best time. Armand would be working in the bar and she didn’t want an audience for their reunion, plus the Broken Antler was no place for a baby. She could call Armand from the parking lot, say something cute like ‘look outside and see who is here’ but that didn’t feel right either.

  Instead, she planned on enlisting Ryne’s help. She’d call him when she got to town, sure he’d know of a way to lure Armand away from the bar. It should be somewhere private; even though she looked different with glasses, a scar and her hair its natural colour, it was too much to expect no one would eventually recognize her. She definitely wanted to make things right with Armand before dealing with that problem.

  A sign announcing Stump River came into view and she slowed the vehicle, tears pricking her eyes. She hadn’t expected that and dashed them away, taking deep calming breaths. There were so many memories wrapped up in the place.

  Just outside of town there was a little cemetery and she pulled over to stare at it. Her mother was buried there. If Caleb hadn’t been in the car, she’d have gotten out and walked over to the gravesite to pay her respects, but that would have to wait until later. Instead, she peered out the window and squinted her eyes, finally making out the marker. It was at the edge of the cemetery near a grove of trees.

  It was surprisingly well-tended, the grass neatly trimmed around the base, the same for the stone beside it. With a shiver, she realized it was hers. It gave her a queer feeling to see her old name, Lucy Chalmers, carved in marble, to think that very well could have been her buried there. Fate had been kind to her.

  Taking a deep breath, she donned a pair of sunglasses knowing a strange car would draw some attention and she wanted to stay under the radar as long as possible. She flipped the sun-visor down as well just to be sure, then pulled back on to the road and headed into town.

  It was busier than she remembered, cars lining the street and people filling the sidewalks. The buildings were the same though. She passed the medical clinic and then Ruth’s Diner. Next came the church with its modest spire and pioneer graveyard that contained the remains of the founding fathers. The newspaper was on the other side of the road as was Miller’s garage and then the Broken Antler…with a for sale sign on it!

  She almost slammed on the brakes to stare, barely having enough presence of mind to pull over to the curb. What was going on? Why would Armand sell the bar? He loved that place!

  Her hands shaking, she took out her phone and called Ryne. As soon as he answered, she started talking.

  “Ryne, what’s going on?”

  “Lucy? What do you mean? What’s wrong?”

  “Why the hell is the Broken Antler for sale?”

  “Why is the…?” He paused. “How do you know about that?”

  “Because I’m sitting across the road from it and there’s a gigantic sign on it!” The sign probably wasn’t that big, but at the moment it certainly seemed that way.

  “Sitting across the road? You’re in Stump River?”

  “Of course, I’m here. How else would I be across the road from the bar? I wanted to surprise Armand.”

  “Well shit.”

  She shifted in her seat, sensing everything was not as it should be. “What’s wrong?”

  “This is complicated.” His sigh sounded in her ear. “Armand isn’t there. He’s on his way to Chicago. To see you.”

  “Oh no.” All her imaginings of a reunion with Armand evaporated into thin air and she slumped back in the seat. Tired from hours of travelling, she felt tears threaten and tried to hold them back. Caleb, possibly sensing her distress, had no such reservations and began to whimper in the back seat.

  “Is that the baby I hear?” Ryne questioned. “You have Caleb with you?”

  She nodded, realized he couldn’t see her an
d cleared her throat. “Yes. Oh damn, now what am I going to do?”

  “Let me think…”

  There was a pause and she could picture him scowling, brows drawn together, eyes narrowed while he ran a hand through his dark hair.

  “Okay, listen up. The town’s bursting at the seams due to the fishing derby and craft show but you can stay at my place. Do you remember where it is?”

  “Uh-huh.”

  “Good. I want you to go there. I’ll have Melody meet you at the front gate—”

  “Melody? Does she know about me? Still being alive, I mean?”

  “Yep, no worries there. You can spend the night with us and in the meantime, I’ll try to get hold of Armand. I don’t think he’ll be on the plane yet.”

  “Really?” Her spirits perked. “Oh, thanks so much Ryne! I really appreciate this.”

  “It’s okay.”

  She winced. The tone of his voice didn’t exactly match his words.

  Ryne ended his call with Lucy and then immediately called his mate to warn her of their unexpected guests. Of course, Melody was ecstatic at the thought of seeing Lucy again; and having a baby in the house quite suited her as she’d been making noises that it was time they expanded their family again. Given that Grace was in her terrible twos, he had his reservations, but the activities involved in trying to make a baby certainly helped.

  Next, he called Armand, checking the battered clock that hung on the wall in the repair shop at Miller’s. Armand’s flight was due to leave soon, if he remembered correctly. Hopefully he wasn’t already in the air. If he was, it would be hours before he’d get a flight back.

  Damn, what a mess. He hoped to hell those two could get their relationship sorted out. He wasn’t made to play cupid or whatever you called what he was doing.

  Armand’s phone rang several times before he answered.

  “Ryne? What’s wrong?”

  “Are you boarding yet?”

  “No, it’s been delayed by a few hours. I’m at a fast food joint nearby.”

  “Good. Don’t get on that plane. I need your ass back in Stump River.”

  “Why?”

  He rubbed his neck debating if he should say Lucy was here or not. It seemed she’d been hoping for a surprise reunion but unless he spilled the beans, he doubted anything else would keep Armand off that plane.”

  “Ryne? You still there?”

  “Yeah, listen.” He took a deep breath. “Lucy’s here. In Stump River. With the baby.”

  Armand muttered several curses in French before replying. “I’ll be there as soon as possible.” The call ended abruptly and Ryne imagined the Ursa striding across the parking lot towards his truck, chin jutted and eyes blazing as people quickly stepped out of his way.

  About to go back to work, the sound of a plane overhead had him looking up. Probably another float plane with a fishing crew from the more northerly areas. The nearby lake had transformed into a temporary airport and the locals were acting as taxi drivers, many even renting out spare rooms to fishermen who didn’t want to camp out. The town had never been this busy and the merchants were already talking about holding the event again next year. Even Ben Miller was pleased about all the gas that had been sold and the potholes on the road into town had resulted in several cars needing repair work as well. Which reminded him…

  He grabbed a wrench and looked at the car he was fixing. He’d wasted time doing his imitation of advice for the lovelorn so he’d have to stay later to finish this job. Then he’d head to the Broken Antler and make use of Armand’s shower to get cleaned up. Daniel’s band was doing a special performance tonight with some new original music he’d written. Most of the pack said they’d be there to support him and it wouldn’t look good if the Alpha didn’t show up.

  Of course, Daniel was probably only worried if Tessa was going to be there or not. It wasn’t her night to work but Marco and Olivia would likely bring her in. Daniel and Tessa…he sighed; another set of star-crossed lovers. Why couldn’t they all be sensible like he and Melody had been? Well…at least he’d been sensible. Melody on the other hand…he shook his head.

  He loved women but they could be damned complicated. Sensible ones, like that Jenna who worked for Armand, were few and far between. Too bad she was moving, she seemed to fit in nicely; friendly, helpful, interested in the town.

  His wolf stirred inside of him at the mention of the woman. The creature was puzzled by her. She exuded some wolf-like qualities that seemed out of place in a normal human.

  For himself, he dismissed them. Maybe she had some Lycan in her background, it wasn’t unheard of but he wasn’t about to go poking about in Jenna’s life to find out. He’d had enough mystery and intrigue to last him a lifetime. If it didn’t affect his pack and his territory, he’d let someone else deal with it.

  Chapter 35

  “I’ll be fine, Mel. Go!” Lucy shooed Melody towards the door.

  Upon arriving, they’d had a tearful reunion followed by some fussing over Caleb and an introduction to Grace, who was pretty as a picture. Now settled in a guest room with a playpen for Caleb to sleep in, Lucy was looking forward to some time alone. Travelling with a baby was tiring and, combined with the stress of returning home and anticipating Armand’s reaction, well, she was exhausted.

  “Are you sure?” Mel gave her an assessing look. “You’ve just arrived. You shouldn’t have to babysit Grace as well. No one is expecting me at the bar…”

  “Then it will be a nice surprise for everyone.” Lucy folded her arms and gave Mel a stern look. “Go and enjoy yourself. If you have another baby like you were talking about, your days of partying will be limited.”

  “Well…”

  She took Mel by the shoulders and gently pushed her towards the door. “If there’s a problem, I’ll call you. You gave me your cell phone number. I’m going to rest until Armand shows up. I suspect I’m going to need my wits about me then.”

  “It will be fine.” Mel assured her. “He loves you, I know it.”

  “We’ll see.”

  “I’ll have Ryne call you as soon as Armand arrives at the Broken Antler. I can head home then and watch the kids or maybe he’ll want to come here…” She frowned and then shrugged. “We’ll work something out.”

  After a bit more discussion, Melody was on her way and Lucy sank down in an armchair that was near Caleb’s makeshift bed. Grace’s room was across the hall so keeping an eye on her should be easy. It would be a quiet night, exactly what she needed.

  She looked around the room, appreciating the high ceilings and natural woodwork, the muted paint colours and comfortable furnishings. Ryne and Melody had done a nice job on this place. Melody had explained they’d built some cabins on the property and rented them out to friends and family who wanted to live in the area. It was a way to help pay for the upkeep of the house and the large tract of private land.

  A yawn escaped her, and she took off her glasses to rub her eyes. Maybe she’d take a nap so she was wide awake and thinking clearly when Armand arrived. The bed did look exceptionally inviting.

  The sound of a helicopter overhead had her pausing and looking out the window. Armand wouldn’t have rented a chopper to bring him back to Stump River, would he? No. That would be way too expensive. It was most likely more people heading in to town for the fishing derby. Melody had mentioned the increased air traffic when they’d been talking earlier.

  Setting her phone on the night table, she settled on the bed, drawing the comforter up over her. Her head sank onto the soft pillow and she sighed. Distant sounds drifted by, voices talking, car doors slamming. Mel and the others were leaving to head into town.

  With a soft sigh, she drifted off to sleep.

  Some time later, she woke with a start from a dream about being in a helicopter trying to catch up to the airplane Armand was in. It had seemed so real, she was sure she could still hear the sound of the chopper. How strange was that? She yawned then pushed herself up with her elbow to check
on Caleb who, it turned out, was still sleeping soundly. He must have found travelling as tiring as she had!

  Easing back down so her head rested on the pillow, she slowly exhaled, allowing her mind to wander. She imagined her life with Armand; their joyful reunion, the two of them creating a playroom for Caleb at the Broken Antler, maybe a swing set in the garden. Eventually they’d get their own home but living over the bar would do for now. Once they were settled, she’d sign up for her courses online, Armand would watch Caleb when she needed to study. It would work. It had to work. All that was needed was for Armand to forgive her, to want her back.

  A soft sound drew her attention and she cocked her head, trying to place it. It wasn’t Caleb. Maybe Grace? Mel was trying to potty train her so maybe the little girl had woken up and wanted out of her crib.

  She stood up, intending to check on the child when she heard the sound again. It wasn’t coming from the bedroom across the hall though. Head cocked, she listened carefully. It definitely sounded like footsteps, but they were overhead. Hadn’t Mel said no one would be home and the security alarm would be set, the outer gate locked? She’d not heard an alarm, so no one had broken in... or had they? Security systems could be disarmed, couldn’t they?

  Quietly she moved to where Caleb was sleeping trying to think of logical explanations for the noise that didn’t involve a criminal element. Grace could have climbed out of her crib and gone exploring; Melody had said she was an imp. Or perhaps there were raccoons on the roof?

  No.

  Those were definitely footsteps.

  “Shhh….” She made soothing sounds as she picked up Caleb and cradled him to her chest.

  He sighed and snuggled closer, thankfully not waking up. Crying now would not be a good idea. She tucked her phone in her pocket, headed to the door.

  The house was in semi-darkness, silent except for the occasional shuffling sound above. She tip-toed across the hall and peeked into Grace’s room. The girl was still in her bed, tiny lashes fanning over sleep flushed cheeks, one thumb tucked between her slack lips.