Welcome to the Neighborhood

by Abshire, Mary

  “What about you?” Alexi asked.

  He nodded. “I’m okay.”

  She stared at the dark area under his eyes and suspected he wouldn’t admit if he needed more food or sleep. He’d promised to help her, and that seemed to be his number-one priority. Amazing. He set aside his own needs for her and asked for nothing in return. Greg was a good, honest man who didn’t think with his dick. He was unlike any other in the world.

  And she was in love with him.

  Anxiety bubbled within her and she turned to face the window on her side. Her feelings for him ran deep. She couldn’t help but wonder if he felt the same way. Sure, he acted as if he loved her. Clearly, he cared about her. Yet, they’d only known each other a short time. How could either one of them know if their feelings for each other would last?

  The question plagued her mind. She didn’t want to lose him or ever let him go. Yet, she might have to leave him. Vampires were immortal. Werewolves lived longer than normal humans did, but they were vulnerable all the same. They could be hurt and eventually, they died. The thought made her queasy, especially since they were going to face the thieves her stole her safe. She would hate to see one of them hurt him. Moreover, she couldn’t handle seeing him die. He deserved a good life, one full of happiness. Although he’d said he didn’t want children, he might change his mind later. She didn’t want him wasting years of his precious life with her if he could be happy with one of his own kind and producing offspring.

  Dread slowly crept into her soul, and she swallowed the lump rising in her throat. Her heart rebelled what her mind told her what she had to do. If you love him, let him go.

  “Alexandria?”

  She blinked her eyes to stop the tears from forming. “Yeah?”

  Warm fingers glided down the side of her face, and she turned. “Are you okay? I sense some strong feelings coming from you.”

  How quickly she’d forgotten werewolves could tune in to one’s emotions.

  “I’m fine. I’m just anxious to get my safe back.”

  He stared at her as long as he could before he had to face the road again.

  “They’ve had it now for several days. If they managed to open it, and recognized some of the information on them, my career might be over and my name ruined.” It was the most plausible excuse she could concoct. After all, anxiety was an emotion that could explain just about anything.

  “Well, if that’s the case and you run out of finances, you could move in with me and Corey. I doubt Andy will mind. He’s probably going to move in with his girlfriend soon anyway.”

  “Money isn’t the long-term issue. I have enough to last several lifetimes. The problem is I work with very influential individuals. They have money and resources to hunt me down, if they really wanted to.” Did she think they would do it? Some of her clients threatened her when the markets crashed and they’d lost money. She’d convinced them the market would change and vowed she could regain their losses. She’d even volunteered her own funds if she were wrong. They eventually withdrew their bullying tactics and agreed to let her continue managing their investments. She’d held true to her word and within six months, they’d recouped their losses. In another six months, they’d doubled their gains. But for a year, she felt as if she were living on the edge of annihilation. She never wanted to go through an ordeal like that again.

  Greg faced her with his brows scrunched and a look of concern. “You mean…they might come after you and hurt you?”

  “They have harassed me once before. I could go into hiding, but I’d rather not spend decades on the run, if possible.”

  He tightened his grip on the wheel. “If anyone ever tried to hurt you, I give you my word, they wouldn’t walk away.”

  A chill shot down Alexi’s spine. The firmness of his words made him sound one hundred and ten percent believable. He’d protect her and defend her no matter what the price was. How honorable and noble of him. The sudden desire to kiss him and make love to him overwhelmed her. A shame they were speeding on the interstate. Making matters worse, his intentions further supported the notion she had to let him go. She’d have to leave him soon to ensure he didn’t end up hurt at her expense.

  “Greg, I appreciate your concern for me. But…”

  “I’m more than capable of handling your would-be attackers. If they’re human, they don’t have a chance in hell against me. If the other…” He paused to brush the hair away from the side of her face. “I’ll do whatever I have to do to protect you.”

  Her gut tightened. Damn the man. He was not making her feel any better.

  She grabbed hold of his hand and slowly lowered it from her face. “Let’s get there and hope for the best.”

  He sighed heavily as he returned his hand to the steering wheel. The tight features on his face along with his sealed lips indicated he was probably pondering over her and her situation. Staring at him, she really wished she could read his mind. Would it have changed her decision to leave him? No.

  Turning to face the window, she created a list of things to do. First, get her safe home, or at least the contents. They couldn’t exactly load a heavy safe into her vehicle. Second, look for a new place to live. Third, break off ties with Greg. The third would be difficult and perhaps a slow process, but necessary. Once she found a new place to live, she’d disappear and he’d never have to worry about her again. He could live his life freely and find a mate. Her chest constricted her heart as she thought about walking away from him, but it was for his benefit. No matter how painful, she had to do it.

  Silence lingered while she stared out the window. Greg drove fast, flying past semitrucks and other vehicles until they reached an area of road construction. A single line of cars driving ten miles below the speed limit quickly slowed their progress. Fifteen miles later, they roadwork ended. Greg zoomed around the truck and in less than a minute, they were cruising back at their accelerated rate.

  Alexi continued gazing out the window. When she noticed a sign showing eighteen miles to Merrillville, she perked up.

  “We’re almost there.”

  Greg dug into his pocket. “Does your GPS work?” He withdrew his cell phone and held it in his hand.

  “Yeah.” She powered the small device and watched the screen change.

  “I’ll get the address for him. I imagine we should be there in twenty to twenty-five minutes.”

  Alexi grinned. At the rate he was driving, twenty minutes max. She wasn’t complaining. They had left her house a little later than she’d planned and he’d tried to make up the time. He’d done a great job until they’d hit the road construction. Still, they were less than hour off their projected time.

  “Chris, this is Greg Holmes,” he said with the phone next to his ear.

  “How close are you?” the voice on the other end of the line asked.

  “Less than eighteen miles. What is the address we’re meeting you at?”

  “Come to 735 Greentree Lane. It’s several miles outside of the main part of town, but the area is friendly. You can park in the driveway and come in. We can talk about what to do once you arrive.”

  “How close are they from you?”

  “One house down, but we should talk first.”

  Alexi entered the address into the GPS device. In less than a minute, it gave her a satellite view. The property appeared to be in a rural area with maybe a handful of neighbors on the same street. She smiled at the small screen as glanced at the homes on each side of 735 Greentree Lane. The thieves were hiding in one and if they started trouble, the neighbors probably wouldn’t hear and call the police. Finally, her luck was changing.

  She touched the screen a few more times until the navigation system gave her directions. “Got it.”

  “We’ll be there in roughly twenty minutes,” Greg said.

  “See you soon.”

  Greg lowered the phone. “What did the area look like?”

  “Semisecluded. If we wait until night time, I doubt the neighbors wi
ll notice if we show up on foot.”

  “He said the area is friendly. I’m assuming he means werewolves live in there. And since we’re meeting him at one of the neighbor’s homes, he probably informed the owner of the situation. This is our territory, so if there is a problem, we will have the support to resolve it.”

  The sound of more good news lifted Alexi’s weakened heart. They could sneak up on the thieves, knock them down for the count and then grab the contents of her safe. There were three and if they were in human form, she wouldn’t have much problem beating the shit out of them. Would they run to the police to file charges against her? Highly doubtful since they were the criminals.

  “So we get to the house, talk about a plan and wait to put it into action,” she said, leaning her shoulder against the seat as she faced Greg.

  “I don’t think you want to walk up to their front porch and knock on the door. That approach might leave you dead, er-uh…”

  “I know what you mean.”

  “I’m sorry. It was the wrong choice of words. In my eyes, you’re living like the rest of us. You feel just as much as anyone does. You walk. You talk. You’re smart, sexy–”

  She grinned. “I get what you’re trying to say.”

  “You’re not much different from any of us. I could never treat you unfairly because of what you have to do to survive. I’m loyal to my pack as all werewolves are, but I’m also loyal to the woman I love, regardless of what race she is. You can count on me, Alexi. Always.”

  Hearing his words, tears threatened to stream down her face. His confession of love was too much for her, especially when he’d said always. Leaving him was not going to be easy at all.

  “I appreciate everything…” She choked on her words and turned to the window. Damn it, she was on the edge of crying. “You’re a good man, Greg. I’m glad I met you.”

  “Okay, are you sure something isn’t wrong?”

  “I’m fine. Really. But if something were to happen to you–”

  “Sweetheart, nothing will happen to me.” He reached over and touched her cheek again. “In case you hadn’t noticed, I’m a big boy and I wear big shorts.”

  She laughed. “Yes, I’ve noticed your big boy, and I do so love him.”

  “Him or me?”

  “You of course, silly. Okay, and him too. I love both of you.” Realizing what she had just said, she froze. She hadn’t meant to say the words, but they slipped out of her mouth before she could stop herself. Her flub couldn’t have come at a worse time.

  Greg’s attention shifted from the road to her. His wider than normal eyes and lowered jaw indicated his surprise.

  Alexi looked away, trying to find a distraction. The GPS screen showed they didn’t have much further to go. “Our exit is coming up,” she said and pointed at the device. “Maybe you should start making your way over to the next lane.”

  “Right,” he said, and lifted the handle for the turn signal.

  She leaned back in her seat and gazed out her side window, hoping he wouldn’t comment on her words. Did she mean them? In her heart, the answer was an easy yes. And if she had to go into further explanation, it would only make it more difficult for her to leave and increase the pain for Greg later. To avoid discussing the matter any more, she’d try to keep him distracted. Speaking of which, a green information sign came into view.

  “Merrillville exits are ahead. Looks like there’s food options too, if you’re hungry.”

  “Let’s find the house, meet Chris and work out a plan first.”

  She smiled at him. “Fair enough.”

  “Alexi, I lov–”

  She looked away and saw another green sign. “Exit. Half mile.”

  Fear twisted in her gut and she wished she’d never fallen in love with him. She didn’t want to hurt him, to let him down, or to see him suffer. If he confessed his feelings for her any more, she’d have to consider leaving sooner than expected. She’d have to disappear, and without a doubt, it would crush both his heart and hers.

  She silently cursed at herself as Greg drove the car on the exit ramp. Her life and his would’ve worked out better if they’d never gotten to know each other. Why couldn’t she hate him? Why did she allow him to pleasure her in the bathroom the night of the Welcoming party? Why didn’t she refuse his offers of help? Why did she agree to go on the date with him? Why couldn’t she have stayed home the night of the full moon? Because he’d pursued her with kindness, honesty and genuine compassion. Because he was a unique man, unlike any other she’d ever met. Because he was willing to love her with his heart and soul, and not use her. How could she not fall in love with such a rare man?

  Fuck!

  She glanced at the GPS. “Looks like you’ll be on the next road for twelve miles.”

  Greg turned the wheel, steering the car onto the wind road. His expression showed little emotion, yet she sensed unease within him. “Have you ever been here before?” he asked.

  “No. I stayed in the city limits of Chicago. Have you?”

  “I’ve been here a couple of times, for conferences. It’s a nice place.”

  Merrillville did look like a pleasant city. In fact, it reminded her of Westport, except bigger with shopping centers, gas stations and restaurants along both sides of the street. Traffic flowed smoothly, considering they were in the evening rush hours.

  The further he drove the number of vehicles on the road lessened. They entered an area where apartment complexes and houses appeared down the side streets. Greg turned onto one of the smaller roads and stayed on it for six miles before making another turn, then another. Seven minutes later, they found themselves in a rural area. Homes scattered on both sides just as the GPS satellite imagery had indicated.

  Alexi glanced at the screen of the device. “The next street should be Greentree.”

  The car slowed as they drew near a four-way stop. One glimpse at the sign showed the navigation system was correct.

  “Six blocks to go,” Greg said as he steered the car onto the road.

  Nervous energy rose within her and she started twitching her foot under the dash. She was so close to getting her property back. Her safe was within reach, and the thieves didn’t have a clue she was in the neighborhood, ready to take back her belongings. They were going to be in for a big surprise, and she couldn’t wait to give it to them.

  21

  Greg drove slow as he passed the first house. The ranch home looked weather-beaten with chipped yellow paint and faded green shutters. A swinging bench hung from the front porch and toys were scattered in the yard as if a child had played with them and recently ran inside for dinner. Passing the green mailbox, Greg noticed the tattered white numbers. They were 682, which meant the home they were searching for was much farther down the road.

  He pressed his foot on the accelerator, giving the car a little oomph while he glanced at Alexi. Her leg twitched, and she rubbed her thumb into her palm. Nervous? Excited? Probably both, but they weren’t they same emotions he picked up earlier. No, he sensed grief. After such a wonderful time together, he pondered what could have caused her to feel such sorrow. Did she think he’d advanced their relationship too fast? Was she afraid of how their relationship might turn out? Did she fear losing him since she was immortal and his life, though longer than a human’s, would eventually weaken and die? While the answers were unclear, he knew one thing for sure based on her admission. She loved him.

  Her words warmed his body and soul. She’d said them fast, instinctively. He’d sensed she cared for him, possibly loved him, but wasn’t sure until she’d actually said so. She always ran away, tried to hide how she truly felt. And she did it again when he tried to tell her he loved her. She’d cut him off and changed the subject. The heart-warming moment died within seconds. His gut twisted with regret. He should’ve pulled off to the side of the road and shared his feelings, expressed them with words she couldn’t ignore, but they were late and he didn’t want to delay the chance of her getting her proper
ty any longer.

  “Maybe that’s it,” she said, pointing at a home that resembled a cabin.

  Greg tapped the brake and the car slowed. The dark wood made it difficult to see any numbers identifying the address. As he passed the driveway, he spotted a large rock spray-painted with the digits 722.

  He gave the car some gas. “It must be coming up on your side.”

  The car ran over a small dip in the road and shook them slightly. Ahead, a white, two-story home came into view. Bricks held up and encompassed a black mailbox. The numbers on it read 735.

  “It looks like a farmhouse,” Alexi said.

  Greg slowed and turned the wheel. “This is where he said to meet him.”

  “I heard him say the thieves were one house away. Since I didn’t see any moving truck at the cabin we passed, they must be at the next one down the street.”

  He steered the car down the long, smooth driveway and came to a stop behind a big, Ford truck. Another idle vehicle sat in front of it. “We’ll find out soon enough.”

  She surveyed the area, turning from the front, to Greg’s side and the back. “This is a nice area. There seems to be an ample amount of land to explore. It’s definitely a farming community. The fertilizer odor is strong.”

  “I take it you don’t like the smell?” he asked, smiling.

  “Not exactly.” Her gaze drifted to the side of him. “We’ve been noticed.”

  Greg twisted to face his window. A short and stocky man stood on the front porch.

  “We should probably introduce ourselves,” Alexi said as she pushed open her door.

  Greg reached for the handle on his side. “If you don’t mind, let me do most of the talking.”

  “Sure. I don’t want to show any disrespect to the people helping us.”

  Inhaling a deep breath, he pushed open his door and stepped from the vehicle. He faced the man standing on the porch and smiled.

  “Mr. Holmes?”