George, Mary Lou - Prey (BookStrand Publishing Romance)

by Mary Lou George

  She couldn’t stay in the town square no matter how beautiful it had been. She had no desire to run into Sam and Michele. As she drove the short distance to her home she tried to think rationally. A little hopeful voice inside her head kept nagging at her. Was she jumping to conclusions? Thinking with her insecure little heart instead of her head? Last night Sam had made no indication that he’d rather be with anyone else but her. What kind of man was he? Shouldn’t everything she’d ever known about him make her doubt her current suspicions? Surely the man she knew would never hurt her this way. She was doing him a disservice. Her inexperience and lack of self confidence were driving her.

  Instinctively Jade slowed down as she glanced down at her cell phone. He’d called her earlier, and she hadn’t had the courage to pick up the message. How stupid was that? Sam deserved better from her. Looking quickly at her phone, she pressed the buttons that accessed her voice mail. Putting the phone to her ear she braced herself to hear his voice.

  Rags barked a warning, and she didn’t get the chance to listen to Sam’s message. Instead, she let go of her phone and put both hands on the steering wheel. Was there something there? Something out there in the woods that lined the road she was traveling? Yes, and it was fast enough to keep up with her car. As she sped up so did the creature tracking her. Rags started to shake and whine. She wondered if they’d be safe in the car. Doubtful. The creature could probably break through her car windows if it had to. Her mind racing, Jade maneuvered the car with every ounce of expertise she possessed.

  Jade learned to drive at an early age. Too often her father was so inebriated he had no business behind the wheel of a car. From the age of fourteen, Jade had been driving his car with greater skill than he. Keeping her eyes on the road in front of her she increased her speed. The thing crashing through the brush kept up with her. The car was moving at such a high speed, she didn’t dare turn her head to look in the woods at the thing that pursued.

  Jade could almost see it in her peripheral vision. It darted out in front of her headlights and she swung the car in an evasive maneuver. Through the front windshield they faced off as the car slid to a standstill. Their eyes locked. She flinched. She could feel its vast hunger. Her hesitation gave the horrendous, ever changing thing a second’s advantage. It pounced. Jade pushed the accelerator to the mat and aimed the car at it.

  The unnatural creature had some evasive maneuvers of its own. At the last second, it slipped back into the forest and out of sight. Afraid to stop for fear that the thing was still stalking her, Jade sped toward a road that would circle back to town. Speed limits forgotten, in a matter of minutes, she made it back to civilization and to the crowd milling around the lit tree.

  With a huge sigh of relief she spotted Chase. She parked the car and ran toward him, Rags racing alongside her.

  She bumped into Travis at full tilt. He was as solid as a rock and didn’t lose his footing.

  He put his arms around her at once. “Whoa there. Jade? What is it?”

  Chase heard Travis’s words and took her shoulders in his hands.

  “What’s happened to you?” His tanned face turned white with concern.

  She assured them that she was fine and scanned the crowd for Sam and Michelle. They were nowhere to be found. For a split second Jade imagined where they might be and winced. Chase put his arms around her tightly.

  Reggie squeezed her husband’s arm. “Let the poor girl talk.”

  Jade took a deep breath and told them what had happened on the drive home.

  Travis instantly called his deputies. He sent a team to the forest lining the road to Jade’s house and promised to join them there.

  “You got a good look at this thing,” Travis’s voice was flat, businesslike..

  Jade nodded. “We locked eyes for a moment. It was the most terrifying moment of my life. So strange, it kept changing. I can’t describe it… it was hairy one second, scaly the next. It had a snout then it didn’t. It was like a shape shifter that couldn’t stop shifting. I couldn’t communicate with it like I can with most animals. There’s no way it’s an animal, and it sure as hell isn’t human.” She was talking a mile a minute and couldn’t stop. “The last victim’s car was abandoned, right? Well I think it did the same thing to her that it tried with me tonight. It forced her off the road, and when she brought the car to a stop it took her. Luckily I was able to evade hitting the thing and drive back here.”

  “That’s it, Jade. You’re moving in with Reggie and me. We’ll get all your animals tonight, and you can pack up what you think you’ll need tomorrow morning.” Chase’s tone brooked no argument and in that moment Jade didn’t have the energy to take issue with him. She let her brother and Travis take care of things just for a little while.

  * * * *

  Standing in front of a purple Christmas tree in his parents’ living room Sam didn’t mince words.

  “I don’t know why you’re pushing Michelle at me, but you have to stop. She’s going to get hurt.” He leaned his arm on the mantel and looked around the room with distaste. It was immaculate, the perfect setting for his band box parents.

  He looked in his mother’s dense brown eyes. “I have absolutely no interest in Michelle Thompson. I’ve been trying to get her to accept that fact, and you keep encouraging her. I’m not going to change my mind.”

  His mother looked bored and took a deep drag of her long white cigarette. “Really, Samuel, you don’t know what’s best for you. Michelle will make the perfect wife for you. She’s your match.”

  “Are you high?” Sam was astounded at his mother’s cool declaration. “You don’t even know who I am.”

  “Son. Don’t use that tone with your mother.” Graeme Daniels spoke quietly.

  “Oh and what tone is that, Father? The I-can’t–believe-you-gave-birth-to-me tone?” Sam’s voice rose. “Do you stuff your own shirts or send them out? What a stupid question. Of course you send them out.”

  “I won’t listen to any more of this foolishness.” Graeme stood up to leave.

  “Don’t you dare leave this room. I’m not finished with you yet.” Sam pinned his father with a look that forced him to sit back down, but it didn’t wipe the bored expression from the cold, blue eyes. That was permanent. Sam continued to address both his parents through the smoke in the air.

  “Michelle is one thing. I’ll talk to her again and let that be the end of it.” He ran a hand through his hair and said in a steady tone, “I have more to say. Daniels Pharmaceuticals is a horror show, a blight on the family name and I plan to do everything I can to bring your activities to an end.”

  His father laughed. “Don’t be naïve. Daniels is so much bigger than just this family. It’s a multi-national. What can you do?”

  “I’ll do whatever I have to. I will inherit your majority shares in the company on your death. If I can’t stop you now, I will after you’re gone.”

  Shannon Daniels laughed without humor. It wasn’t a pleasant sound and Sam winced when he heard it. Her voice grated. “Your father will not leave the shares to you.”

  “He has no choice. Grandfather’s will makes it clear that I inherit everything. When I do, I’ll either turn the company around or dismantle it. And you, Mother? You can go live at one of your ‘spas’. Too bad they can’t give you a conscience augmentation. That’s what you both need.” Sam sighed. Nothing he said penetrated their complacency, and his frustration level rose.

  Before he left, he stated. “Stay out of my personal life. I’m going to talk to Michelle one more time and convince her to look somewhere else for a husband. Don’t you dare encourage her again. She’s an innocent in this. She doesn’t deserve to be your pawn.”

  * * * *

  On the drive back to New Crescent Sam stewed. He hadn’t really made much progress with his parents, and he doubted he ever would, but he’d stopped caring. He suspected that something his mother said to Jade this morning had made her cut and run. She’d been with Tom Weatherby earli
er at the tree lighting. He’d wanted to walk over and sweep her away from him. It galled him that she could look so comfortable with another man. Sam liked Tom, but seeing him with Jade earlier in the square, made him feel a hatred so pure it took his breath away.

  When Jade smiled up at Tom and he touched her face, Sam had wanted to tear him apart. Fleetingly, Sam marveled at his own violence and wondered if he had something in common with the creature they sought.

  It didn’t help the situation when Michelle turned up and wrapped her fur covered body around him. She’d surprised him. When he asked what brought her to New Crescent she’d said, “I want to live here one day, and I thought I may as well become a part of the town’s celebrations. I talked to your mother and she said that there’s no time like the present. Please be a friend, Sam. I don’t know many people here. Can I stand with you?”

  Sam couldn’t say no, but as soon as he could, he drove to his parents’ home and set them straight. He should have known it would be an exercise in futility.

  It was late when Sam crossed the town line. He drove by Jade’s house and frowned when her car wasn’t in its usual place. With his heart struggling to break out of his chest, he drove by Tom Weatherby’s house. He sighed with relief when the driveway was empty.

  Sam drove to McCann House. Something must have happened. Jade was a stickler about being home with her animals. If she’d agreed to stay with Chase, she must have had a reason. Sam pulled his truck into the empty spot beside her little car.

  A light went on inside the entrance way, and Chase opened the big door. He motioned for Sam to come inside.

  Silently they walked into the living room where the Christmas tree welcomed them with its evergreen scent and sparkling lights.

  Chase didn’t waste words. “What’s up between you and my sister?”

  Chapter 24

  Jade didn’t get much sleep that night. It was so different than the previous night she’d spent in Sam’s arms. In the morning, when she came downstairs, she caught a glimpse of Chase kissing Reggie in the kitchen, and she had to fight back tears. Hadn’t Sam told her that was what he’d been looking for? Well she wanted it too. Would Sam find it with Michelle? Would she ever find it without Sam?

  Reggie turned and saw Jade standing in the doorway.

  “Good morning, Jade. Did you sleep okay?”

  Jade nodded but was honest. “As well as can be expected, I guess. The bed was comfortable, but after what happened yesterday, sleep was a little elusive.”

  “Are you going to work today?” Chase asked with concern.

  “Yup. I just thought I’d grab a quick bite to eat and head over.”

  “Why don’t you take the day off?” Chase suggested.

  Reggie agreed with her husband. “Oh you should, Jade. We could make cookies. I have a tendency to lick the batter, and you might be able to stop me from eating too much. Maybe then I’ll have enough for the children.”

  “The children?”

  “Yes. I’m baking cookies for the Christmas pageant tonight. You know, you must remember this, Jade. Every year, after the performance we gather together and share punch and cookies. This is the first year I’m actually going to contribute some baking. In previous years I’ve just eaten a lot.” She laughed and touched her abdomen.

  Jade didn’t have the energy to even wonder about the meaningful look her brother exchanged with his wife before he said, “I talked to Sam last night and told him what happened. He’s not expecting you, should you choose to take the day off.”

  Jade considered it, but shook her head. Petra, Tammara and Erick the donkey would be missing her. She’d told them she’d be taking one day off, not two. They’d worry about her.

  “Thanks for the invitation though. I have responsibilities at the clinic.”

  “Are you sure? You won’t take the day?”

  Jade took a deep breath and frowned at her brother. “I’m sure.” She knew she had to face Sam sometime, and she figured it may as well be sooner rather than later.

  As it turned out she’d had no choice in the matter. Jade didn’t see him all morning. Feeling a little cabin feverish, Jade decided to go to the diner for lunch. She asked the other staff at the clinic if anyone wanted her to bring something back and ended up taking orders.

  The diner was busy so Jade sat at the counter. She gave Kayla the waitress her order and placed the takeout order as well, explaining that she wouldn’t need it until she was finished her lunch.

  Lunch noise settled round her like a comforting blanket. Rags sat at her feet. He was still edgy from their experience the night before. She looked around the diner and saw four or five other dogs. She smiled tentatively at each one and could feel their discomfort. Like Rags, they were nervous. There was nothing Jade could do to reassure them, and she felt helpless. The waitress placed her toasted tomato sandwich on the counter in front of her and said, “Enjoy your lunch, Jade.”

  Jade smiled at the young woman. “Thanks, Kayla.”

  “Hi, Jade. Do you mind if I join you?” Struck speechless, Jade turned to see Michelle take the seat beside her. Today she was dressed in a camel colored cashmere coat with matching leather gloves and boots. A winter white cowl neck sweater peaked out the open buttons at the top of the coat. It didn’t matter what she wore, Michelle’s image was tattooed on Jade’s memory and it was always impeccably dressed and absolutely beautiful.

  Michelle said, “I’m alone too today, so why don’t we be alone together?”

  Jade tried to smile at her, but didn’t quite make it.

  The other woman didn’t seem to notice Jade’s awkwardness and continued chatting happily.

  “Maybe you can help me, Jade. I’m looking for a Christmas present for Sam. You’re like a sister to him. You’re bound to have suggestions.” She didn’t wait for Jade to respond and continued talking, “We just made up. We had a little battle of wills recently, and I made myself unavailable in order to bring him to heel. But all’s forgiven now. We’re adults. Don’t feel badly, Jade, I know all about Sam. I just hope he didn’t hurt anyone in his attempt to make me jealous. You’re very important to him, you know, Jade dear.”

  Jade vowed that if Michelle said her name one more time, she’d hit her over the head with a heavy object. She glanced around the diner looking for just the right blunt instrument. Coffee pot? Not heavy enough, besides she might burn herself and anyone within splattering distance. There had to be something back in the kitchen. She didn’t know how she made it through lunch without committing violence, but she did.

  She almost sneered when Michelle shrugged on her coat and said, “I’d really like us to be friends Jade. I never had a little sister.”

  This was too much. Jade almost choked. “Lunch is on me.” She forced her voice to steady. “Hey, Kayla, do you have my takeout order ready?” She smiled and took the bag. Turning to Michelle she pasted what she hoped was a believable smile on her face. “Sorry, but I’ve got to get this stuff back to a bunch of very hungry people. See you later.”

  She almost ran to her car. When she got behind the wheel she was shaking. Did Michelle tell the truth? Her affect certainly suggested that she was being honest. Jade felt sick. Had she completely misinterpreted Sam? She’d sure thrown herself at him. For Jade, the sex had been amazing, but to a very experienced man like Sam, maybe it had been commonplace or heaven forbid, lackluster. Sam wouldn’t have wanted to hurt her feelings, and she’d really given him no other choice showing up at his door like that. Now Sam and Michelle were together again. Jade didn’t even want to think about where that left her.

  Back at the veterinary clinic, Jade handed out the takeout lunches then made her way to the stables. She felt defeated after her impromptu lunch with Michelle. Her beloved four legged friends offered her sympathy, and she accepted it gracefully.

  Outside it had started to snow, but Jade took Rags, Tammara, Petra and Erick for a walk anyway. Standing in the paddock, Jade and Rags watched as Tamarra, Petra and Er
ick kicked up their heels in the snow. It was her first real smile of the day, and it was that smile that Sam saw when he walked out of the barn and spotted her.

  “Jade. I’m glad you’re here. After what Chase said last night I didn’t expect to see you.”

  “This is my job. I don’t shirk my responsibilities so easily. Don’t worry, Sam.” She looked away from him.

  “Are you feeling okay?”

  She moved away before he could touch her. “I’m fine. I just had lunch with Michelle in town.”

  Sam frowned. “How did she seem to you?”

  “Happy.”

  Sam sighed. “Whew. I was worried.”

  Walking away from him, she flashed a false smile over her shoulder. “Well now you don’t have to worry about anything, do you? Trust me, Sam. Your conscience is clear. Everybody’s just fine.”

  She headed in the opposite direction, leaving him behind.

  Her walk with the animals was singularly unsuccessful. The snow continued and ended up making the walk treacherous. She had to head back to the barn after about ten minutes. Sam was waiting for her. Silently he helped her get the horses into their stalls and walked with her back into the clinic. Dodger followed him around. Jade spared a smile for the limping dog.

  Once inside, Sam took hold of her arm and spun her around. “What is it, Jinx?”

  Taking a deep breath, she said, “Last night was almost more than I could bear. Added to that, this whole thing between us has been too much for me. I thought I could handle it, but I can’t, obviously. Look, I regret coming to your door that night. I hope I didn’t wreck our friendship.”

  He was silent for a long moment. His deep brown eyes searched hers looking for something he obviously didn’t find.

  Finally he said, “Jade, nothing could wreck our friendship. I just want you to know I want you to be happy. That’s all I’ve ever wanted.”