by Brenda Trim
She stormed out of the office, and her legs couldn’t move fast enough toward the back door. All she wanted was to pack her things and never see Bart Smith again. She should’ve known he was too good to be true. The bomb finally dropped, annihilating her small corner of bliss.
At the end of the day, there was no such thing as happily ever after.
Chapter 17
Bart stared at the guest house from his office window. A light shone through the living room, and he wondered if Erika was there. As badly as he wanted to go to her, nothing had changed since they last spoke. The bottom line remained the same. If Bart wanted to retain his position as governor, he had to let go of the shifter issues. At least for now.
“There you are,” Patricia said, interrupting his thoughts. Bart turned to see his assistant standing in the doorway.
“Hey, Pat. What do you need?” he asked, and his gaze returned to the guest house.
“Not what I need. More like what you need,” she said and walked to his side. “You know? I really like her. She’s good for you,” Patricia admitted as she glanced out the window.
“Probably too good,” Bart confessed.
“No argument there. So, why are you so quick to let her go?”
“It’s not that simple,” he shrugged.
“Actually, it is. You know, I haven’t seen you happier than this past week. You’ve practically skipped down the halls. And, you’ve whistled. I didn’t even know you knew how,” she teased with a laugh.
Patricia was right. Bart was on cloud nine since making love to Erika. She was his first thought in the morning and the last one before he drifted to sleep. It was killing him to think it was over between them.
“I had to choose, Pat. Her, or my job. I can’t walk away from all this. It’s my whole life. All I’ve ever wanted in a career,” he explained.
“So what? A job is a means to pay your bills, Bart. Nothing more. But love? Now, that’s everything. If you’re lucky enough to find that special someone, that’s what you can’t walk away from. You’ll be miserable for the rest of your days if you let Erika go. And, I, for one, can’t deal with you if that happens,” she declared, and her emerald-green eyes blazed with conviction.
He threw his hands up in the air. “What about the voters? They elected me to represent them, and their best interest. They see shifters as a threat.”
“But you see it differently, don’t you? You see their needs, as well as, humans. If the voters can’t support that, then fuck ‘em,” she cursed, making Bart’s eyes fly wide. He’d never heard a single swear word come out of her mouth until now.
“Listen to you. I hope you don’t eat with that filthy thing,” he teased.
“Haha. The exclamation fits this situation. And, you get my point.”
“I do,” he said and stared at the house again. “What if it’s too late? I think she left earlier.”
“No. I saw her car before I came to see you. If you hurry, you can stop her from leaving,” she encouraged and gave him a slight shove.
Every word Patricia said rang true. His heart told him to stand up for shifters. For Erika. Hell, he was in love with the sexy wolf, and hadn’t bothered telling her. And, what was the point of having a good job, making great money, if you didn’t have anyone to share it with? She made his world happy, and that was worth fighting for.
“Thanks,” he said and smiled. “I say this all the time. What would I do without you?”
“You’d be lost,” she replied with a wink.
“No doubt about that. Hey, I should stop by the garden and pick some flowers. That should at least get my foot in the door, right?” he asked.
“Can’t hurt. Better take a flashlight or you’ll end up covered in thorns. By the way, I’ve noticed fewer bunnies lately. You know anything about that?”
Bart shrugged. “Beats me.”
“Well, I’ve set my own little trap to catch the culprit,” Patricia quipped then her gaze cut toward Bart.
“Okay, Super-sleuth,” Bart teased. “I’ll let you know how it goes with Erika.” He left Patricia standing by the window in his office as he bolted toward the back door.
He grabbed a small flashlight along the way then stepped out into the cool night. A full moon shone overhead, illuminating his way to the garden. Absently, he wondered about Patricia’s comment. Had Erika’s wolf taken care of the pesky bunnies? She said her animal enjoyed snacking on the small critters.
He stopped at his favorite rose bush. He had no clue the name of the flower, but the color was so unique. An orange center with lavender petals on the outer edges. Eager to see Erika, Bart reached for his pocket knife but was distracted when two shadows emerged from the darkness.
Two men, or at least Bart thought they were men given their height and build, were dressed head to toe in black. Ski masks concealed their faces. What the heck was going on, he thought when his gaze cut to the side and he caught sight of the weapons in their hands. One tapped a baseball bat against his palm, and a metal chain dangled from the hand of the other.
“Hello, Governor,” barked a male voice.
“I take it you aren’t here to water the plants,” Bart joked as he silently prayed his martial arts training came in handy. His sensei always preached the art was designed for defense purpose only. Bart imagined this situation would garner his master’s permission.
“We are if your blood qualifies,” replied a gruff voice then the man with the bat charged toward Bart.
He swung the wooden pole and Bart made a grab for it. The guy was fast and prepared for his counterattack, and wheeled around with his hand out of reach. Bart lunged before the guy could gain his bearings, and managed to yank the bat from the man’s grip. In the next breath, Bart leaned the bat to the side and stomped it with his foot. The wood snapped like a twig, and Bart jabbed the pointed tip toward the guy’s chest. It pierced his shoulder, and the man screamed out in pain.
The second man, holding the chain, rushed into the melee. His arm swung wide and the metal whirled in a circle above his head. He brought his arm down, and Bart felt a whoosh of air as the chain barely missed his face. That would’ve done serious damage, he thought as he dodged the guy’s second attempt.
The first guy yanked the bat from his flesh, and barreled toward Bart. Bart used chain-man as leverage and jumped on his back, then swung his leg. Bart kicked the injured man’s gut and he slumped to the ground, gasping for air. Before either one could retaliate, Bart hopped to the ground to face the man with the chain. They danced around, trying to determine the other’s next move.
His opponent swung the chain and turned in a circle at the same time which prevented Bart from moving closer to him. Suddenly, the man paused and whipped the chain at Bart’s head. The metal wrapped around Bart’s neck and coiled like a snake around the sensitive flesh. The guy yanked and the chain tightened, cutting off Bart’s airflow. The metal bit into his skin, suffocating Bart.
“How does that feel, Governor?” gritted the man holding the chain.
Bart grabbed the metal, and tried to loosen the chain. He choked and gasped for air, but the man only laughed at his struggle.
“You should’ve accepted Elaine’s offer. Now, you suffer the consequence,” he threatened and pulled the chain tighter.
Dizziness assailed and Bart’s vision blurred. He recalled his sensei telling the martial arts class it took an average of four minutes to die from lack of air, but only two minutes before passing out. Life slipped from his grasp as his lungs struggled for oxygen.
Oddly, he spotted something colorful, and focused on the vibrant orange hue. The roses for Erika. He wished he could go back to earlier that day and take back what he said. He should’ve told her he loved her, and that nothing was more important than fighting for her and the shifters. He was such a dumbass. Now, it seemed like he’d never get the chance to tell her how he truly felt.
Suddenly, a large shadow loomed overhead. Was it the Grim Reaper knocking at his door? A low,
menacing growl permeated the air and Bart wondered if death would be swift and permanent, or if his soul would suffer for all eternity. Maybe he could torment his killer for the rest of his days.
“What the fuck?” the man muttered when he turned toward the noise. Thankfully, Bart felt the chain loosen and he was able to suck in some air.
Pushing the guy, Bart rolled to his side, choking uncontrollably as oxygen returned to his lungs. Clarity returned, as did his vision. Seemed like he cheated death, and he could thank the large wolf for that, he thought as he glanced sideways. The light-gray animal pounced on top of the assailant, pinning him to the ground.
“Erika,” Bart whispered, making the wolf turn toward him. Sky-blue eyes met his. Her animal was the most magnificent creature he’d ever seen. “Captivating,” he murmured.
The momentary distraction cost the wolf as the man on the ground wrapped the chain around the wolf’s muscular neck. The animal yelped when the chain bit into its thick fur.
“You’re going to learn some obedience, bitch,” the man snarled as he pulled the noose tighter.
Bart scrambled to his feet then rushed toward the wolf. He pulled the chain enough for the wolf to slip its head through the noose and escape. A scuffle ensued between Bart and the guy on the ground. A flurry of fists flew in all directions as each tried to gain the upper hand. The wolf dove between them, and latched onto the guy’s jugular. Its large canines sunk into the flesh as an ominous growl left its throat.
“Die, bitch!” rent the air and Bart turned to see the other guy barreling toward them, the broken bat high above his head.
In the next blink, two things happened simultaneously. The guy with the bat stabbed the sharp object into the wolf’s shoulder, and the wolf’s jaw locked onto the other man’s throat. Bart heard the snap of his neck before it lolled to the side.
Bart jumped up, and yanked the bat from the wolf’s flesh. The animal yelped but quickly recovered and charged toward the other man. Bart figured he’d be faster than the injured animal, but it unleashed its rage as it pounced on the last guy’s back, forcing him to the ground. Growls echoed as the beast attacked ferociously. Blood spurted from the wound like a spigot turned to full blast.
Bart rushed over and yelled, “Erika, stop before you kill him!”
The wolf paused in its attack, and met Bart’s gaze. “You don’t need his blood on your hands,” Bart pleaded.
The wolf released the man, and backed away. Bart crouched and extended his hand. “It’s okay, girl. I won’t hurt you.”
The wolf stepped closer, and Bart noticed she was limping. “Come here. Let me take a look,” he cooed and motioned her forward.
The wolf hobbled over and laid at Bart’s feet. He inspected the wound. It was a deep laceration, but he remembered wolves healed quickly. “Looks like you came to my rescue tonight,” he professed as he stroked her face. The wolf whimpered and licked his palm.
“I need to call the police,” he stated and grabbed his cell from his pocket. “Why don’t you go back to the guest house,” Bart suggested.
In a fluid motion, the wolf shifted. A nude Erika laid on the ground beside him. “I’m staying with you. As your witness. What in the world were you doing in the garden?” she asked incredulously.
“Coming to see you,” Bart replied and removed his suit jacket, placing it around her body. He noticed the injury to her shoulder was healing but she hissed when the fabric brushed across her flesh.
“Sorry,” he muttered as he gently covered her exposed breasts. “I wanted to tell you I was wrong. I never should’ve let you walk out of my office earlier today. You mean the world to me. Nothing matters more than that,” he admitted and brushed her hair away from her face.
“I couldn’t leave. I thought about everything you said, and a lot of it made sense. I know you want to help, but need to do it the right way. One that brings shifters and humans together, rather than dividing them further,” Erika replied. She never ceased to amaze him. She was the most compassionate being he’d ever met.
He kissed her forehead. “This situation is bad. You should go,” he declared as he eyed the two men on the ground. One was dead, and the other was barely breathing. Hopefully, the paramedics could save him.
“I know, but I’m not leaving you. This was self-defense, Bart,” Erika asserted as she stared at the bloody mess.
He pressed 911 on his keypad and called for help as he brought Erika into an embrace. “Let’s hope the police see it that way,” he murmured. He prayed they didn’t see this as a violent animal attack and demand her death. Before his mind went down that ugly path, he explained to the operator what happened and gave their location.
Minutes later, three police vehicles, a fire truck, and two ambulances pulled through the gate and made their way to the back of the main house. When the paramedics removed the ski masks, Bart told the officers he’d never seen the young men before then proceeded to tell them what happened. When he finished relaying the events, one of the officers reached behind his back and retrieved a pair of handcuffs. He made a move toward Erika, and Bart stepped between them.
“What are you doing?” Bart demanded.
“I’m arresting Miss Pittman. There’s one man dead, and the other is in critical condition. She’s responsible,” the uniformed officer replied.
“They came onto private property, and attacked me,” Bart blurted. “This woman saved my life tonight, and risked hers in the process,” he added.
“That may be the case, but she’s still going to be held accountable for her actions. I suggest you call your attorney, ma’am,” the officer suggested as he handcuffed Erika and led her to his police car.
Erika glanced over her shoulder to Bart. “Please call Lawson and tell him what’s happened.” Tears filled her eyes and Bart saw sheer panic on her face.
“Don’t worry. I’ll take care of everything. We’ll get you out of jail, I promise,” Bart replied as Erika was stuffed into the back seat of the vehicle.
Could this day get any worse, Bart thought as he watched the police car drive away. His gut told him it would, and to get prepared.
Chapter 18
Steve waved to the security guard, Nick, as he drove them through the open gate. A group of protestors stood along the perimeter of Bart’s property, holding signs that demanded his resignation.
How did it get to this point? One moment he was loved and admired, and, in the blink of an eye, detested and shunned by the same people. He questioned if the job was worth the persecution. He no longer felt safe in his home. Maybe it was time to step down and do some serious soul-searching.
His phone rang, and Bart glimpsed at the screen. He sighed when he saw the name, but decided to take the call. “Hi, Larry. How are you?” he asked politely as the car pulled onto the freeway.
“I was going to ask you the same thing. I heard about what happened. Are you okay?” the senator asked.
Bart rubbed his neck. It hurt when his collar rubbed against the raw skin left by the metal chain, but at least he was alive. “I’m doing okay. Thanks for asking. I think you’re the only colleague that hasn’t turned their back on me,” he admitted.
Larry’s sigh echoed through the phone. “I hate to say I told you so, Bart, but I warned you. This situation with shifters is volatile, and it isn’t going away anytime soon. Look, I hate to be the bearer of worse news, but you should know a motion was filed for your impeachment. You might consider resigning before your reputation is dragged through the mud. And, for what it’s worth, I am sorry.”
Bart shook his head. The senator’s words didn’t come as a surprise, but he hoped it wouldn’t come to this. “I’m glad I heard it from you. The cut isn’t as deep when it comes from a friend. I’ll announce my decision soon. Right now, I’m on my way to see Erika, and that’s my primary focus.”
“Of course. Keep me posted and let me know if there’s anything you need,” Larry offered.
“I will. Thanks,” Bart replied t
hen ended the call.
Minutes later, his driver pulled into a parking lot and Bart spotted Lawson and the others standing on the sidewalk leading to the county jail. He glanced at the large white building and his gut churned. Erika was inside, locked in a tiny cell. She had to be terrified and wondering if anyone was coming to her rescue.
Bart stepped out the vehicle and was greeted by his attorney and longtime friend, Richard Wright. “Hey, Richie. Thank you for meeting us here,” Bart greeted then introduced Richard to the group. Lawson, Liv, Cassie, Ryan, and Lawson’s three sisters were there to support Erika, and Bart knew that would mean the world to her.
Richard greeted each of them then led the group into the building and down a long hallway. “I can’t tell you how much I appreciate the private room,” Bart said when they entered a large area that looked like a conference room of some kind.
“Don’t mention it. I’m just sorry I couldn’t convince the judge to post bail,” Richard explained and met Bart’s gaze.
Bart waited for the others to enter the room before responding. “Honestly, I expected him to deny bail. Hopefully, we can get the trial date pushed ahead of schedule because I don’t see this getting dismissed after the attitude we encountered at Elaine’s hearing.”
“I’m not sure how long they’ll give us, so we need to make the most of our time,” Richie replied as he held the door for the others.
Bart perused the tall, muscular shifters and would’ve laughed at the comical scene if he wasn’t so worried about Erika. It looked like a convention for body-builders. Well, all of them except for Cassie. The dwarf among the giants, Bart concluded as he glanced to the door again.
Where was Erika? It took two days to reach Richard and arrange a meeting but to Bart it seemed like he hadn’t seen her in months. What was taking so long? They should’ve brought her to meet with her attorney by now.
A knock sounded, and Bart rushed to the door. His anxiety deflated when Erika wasn’t the caller. Instead, a young man in his early thirties greeted him. “Governor Smith. My name is Zane Walker, and I’d like to discuss Miss Pittman’s case with you, if I may.”