I shifted into my jaguar form, hissing, as the wounds stretched. Thankfully, the change actually helped heal some of them, and I was walking a lot better.
I started towards the center of town with Paul behind me. I wasn’t sure where they would have taken Jordan, but I figured starting at the scene would be best. Maybe I would catch a scent.
The two of us walked in silence and as we got closer, the only scent I caught was the metallic smell of blood. The street was covered in it and there was more than one puddle.
I walked carefully, keeping an eye on my surroundings. The town was eerily quiet, reminding me of what happened only minutes before. Something was wrong.
Once we reached the four-way crossing, it became obvious that it was where most of the fight went down. In other words, it was where the most blood was spilled. I sniffed the ground, catching the scent of Jordan’s blood and began following it right towards the Town Hall.
“Alex,” Paul said from behind me.
I turned my head to look at him and my eyes widened when I saw his gun aimed at me. I stared into his dark eyes, and at first, I saw nothing but his usual emotionless expression. Then a flash of regret flared before he quickly masked it away.
“I’m sorry,” he said just before a scuffling sound had me turning my head away from him.
It was too late, though. Something hit me hard on the side of my head, and I was out cold, just like that.
28
Sam
I placed my book on the nightstand and grabbed my crutches. I was tired of lying around, and my nerves were shot. As I turned the corner, I saw Bear seated on the couch, mumbling on his cell phone. Without speaking, I continued past him and into the kitchen. I felt his eyes on me as I walked by, but I ignored him.
The first day with Bear was great. We played some board games and talked. He was fun, and I instantly felt a connection with him. He would be a good friend and was easy to talk with.
However, ever since the night before, he had become tense and closed up. His cell had been ringing off the hook, and no matter how many times I asked, he wouldn’t tell me a thing.
It had been three days since Jordan and Alex left, and it was finally the day my men should be coming home. I would have been excited, but I had a bad feeling things weren’t going as planned.
I had a doctor’s appointment the coming week, and I couldn’t wait to bring the guys with me. They would get to hear the baby’s heartbeat for the first time. I thought I might be able to talk the doctor into giving me another ultrasound. I was betting the men would love that. I hoped it all worked out.
I opened the refrigerator and pulled out the milk. The jug was almost empty. I wondered if I should ask Bear to go to the store or if that was impolite. I shook my head. I guessed it didn’t matter if it was polite or not, because I sure as hell couldn’t drive to the store.
I poured a glass of milk and thought about how I wished I could just jump in a car and drive to the store, or anywhere for that matter. I looked down at the cast on my left wrist with a frown. I had three more weeks before I healed enough to have it and the one on my leg removed.
I sighed, knowing those weeks would crawl by slower than molasses. At least Liz would be back within the week, and I couldn’t wait to see my friend. We had so much to talk about.
“Here, let me help you with that,” Bear said as he walked into the kitchen.
He took the milk jug out of my hand and put it in the fridge, before turning back to grab my glass. I followed him to the table and sat down in the seat he pulled out for me.
“Thanks,” I said as I took the glass from him.
I sipped my milk, while he sat down in the chair next to me. His hazel eyes were trained on my face, his expression serious. I knew he had something important to talk to me about, and I was afraid of what it might be.
“Want to play monopoly?”
“Huh?” I wasn’t expecting him to want to play a game.
“Listen, I’m sorry I’ve been kind of out of it lately, but I’ve had a lot going on with work.” His smile didn’t quite reach his eyes.
“Want to talk about it?”
Bear shook his head. “I can’t. I’m sorry.”
I knew he would say that, but it didn’t stop me from feeling disappointed. Again, I wondered if Jordan and Alex would be coming home. I wanted to ask, but I knew he couldn’t tell me anything. I would just have to wait it out, and a game was a perfect way to get my mind off things.
I agreed, and Bear went to the hall closet to get the game. He brought it over and began setting up the board. His smile was a little wider, and I knew he was about to say something ridiculous.
“Prepare to get your pretty little behind beat.”
I raised an eyebrow. “Is that a threat or a promise?” I asked cheekily.
Bear threw his head back and let out such a loud bellow of laughter that it had me chuckling right along with him.