Saving Courtney (Bryant Station Curves Book 4) (2 page)

Screams filtered through the wooden door, and then silence. A few minutes passed, the door opened, and Jared stepped out of the apartment. He glanced at the withered shell lying on the floor just inside the apartment.

Jared cracked his knuckles and closed the door. The bald man’s essence was not strong, but it made a good snack. Jared glared at the door to Courtney’s apartment. His eyes turned black.

It was not her apartment anymore. She had moved out. The bald man was not friends with Courtney, but he was a snoop.

Jared learned what the man knew as he took the man’s essence.

He knew where Courtney was going.

“You can run if you think you must, but I will find you. I will always find you.” Jared turned and went downstairs to the parking lot.

He got into the sleek, black sports car. He would have preferred a different means of transportation, but while using the body he was in, he was limited to what the human would have used.

The leather seats hugged Jared’s body. The engine purred. Jared slipped on a pair of sunglasses. He grinned. Human transportation was not all bad, he thought as he pulled out of the apartment complex.
“My sweet, sweet Courtney. The chase only makes the capture sweeter. You belong to me, and I’m coming for you.” Jared chuckled as he headed toward the Interstate, and toward Bryant Station.

*              *              *

“Crap!” Ben muttered as he pulled the old blue truck over to the side of the road. No one liked seeing red and blue lights flashing in their rearview mirrors, but Ben knew he was in serious trouble. His dad was going to kill him when he found out.  There was no way around it.

Ben knew he was not supposed to drive without a licensed driver in the truck with him, but Uncle Todd’s cellphone kept going to his voicemail and Uncle Harrison’s cellphone
was turned off. What Ben had to tell them could not wait. It was too important.

They had to know.

They had to be ready.

The tap on the window startled Ben. He looked at the officer and swallowed. Yeah, he was in some serious trouble. Ben slowly rolled down the window.

“Turn off the engine, give me the keys, and get out of the truck.”

Ben stared at his Uncle Todd who was also the town’s sheriff.

“Do you have a hearing problem?”

“No sir.” Ben shook his head as he turned off the truck and handed the keys to his uncle. Ben slowly got out of the truck.

“Get in my car.” Todd gestured to his patrol car with his head.

“But—”

“I don’t want to hear it. Just go and get into the car.” Todd knew his tone was harsh, but he had to make Ben understand the consequences of driving without a licensed driver with him. Too many things could happen.

Ben lowered his head and walked over to the car.

Todd waited for Ben to get in and close the door. He sighed as he rolled up the window and locked the truck. He slipped the keys into his pocket as he walked back to the patrol car.

“Uncle Todd, I can explain.”

Todd shook his head as he slid into the driver’s seat. “Save it,” he said as he closed the door and put on his seatbelt. “Buckle up.”

Ben grumbled, but put on his seatbelt.

Todd put the car into drive and carefully turned the car around. “Haven’t I warned you about driving without a licensed driver in the truck with you?”

“Yes sir.”

“What were you thinking? Do you realize you can lose you permit? Have you even thought about what your dad and mom are going to think about this?”

“I had to find you or Uncle Harrison. It is an emergency.”

Todd’s face paled slightly. “Is something wrong with Tara, Hailey, or the baby?”

“No. They are fine. Well…Mom is having a lot of morning sickness, and not just in the morning.” Ben slumped back in the seat. “Why do they call it morning sickness if it happens all hours of the day and night?”

“I don’t know.” Relief washed over Todd. “If they are fine, then what is the big emergency that has you breaking laws to find Harrison or me?”

“Do you remember the demon Abby killed?”

Todd sucked in a deep breath. He remembered all right. He still had a lot of questions and an unidentified skeleton. He was just thankful Abby and her baby survived. “I remember.”

Ben turned toward him as much as the seatbelt would allow. “There’s another demon coming.”

“What!” Todd slammed on the brakes causing the car to skid in the loose gravel. He looked at his nephew.

“There is another demon, and it is headed to Bryant Station.”

“What are you telling me for? We need to warn Abby and Skylar.” He reached into his pocket and pulled out his cellphone. “Damn! It’s dead.”

“Yeah, I know.” Ben rolled his eyes. “And Uncle Harrison’s is turned off. That’s why I took off in the truck to find you.”

“Give me your cellphone.” Todd threw his dead cellphone up on the dashboard.

“Uncle Todd, the demon is not after Abby. Yeah, she could be in danger, but it is not after her. The demon is after your and Harrison’s mate.”

Todd stared at his nephew. Ben’s prophecies always unnerved him, but now…he was not sure what think. “Harrison and I don’t have mates.”

Ben frowned at his uncle. “Of course you don’t have mates. You and Harrison are twins. You will have one mate.” He shook his head as if he had just explained something to a child for the tenth time.

Todd blinked and looked out the window. Back in high school, he and Harrison came to the same conclusion. One day, they would share a mate. The thought scared them as much as it excited them. They even figured their bears would fuss at the idea, but their animals were more accepting than they were.

In college, they had even tried sharing a woman. Todd closed his eyes. Memories washed over him. They had both been attracted to the woman, but it was not what they were looking for. They learned they had no qualms with making love to a woman at the same time, but something was lacking. Later, when he and Harrison talked about it, they both agreed it was a learning
experience, but it wasn’t the right woman. Their bears had no interest in the female. Hell! Their bears never took an interest in any female they dated or bedded. Todd often wondered if there was something wrong with their bears.

“Uncle Todd?”

Todd shoved the memories to the back of his mind and opened his eyes. “You said there is a demon coming and it is after our mate—a mate Harrison and I will share.”

“Your mate needs both of you. You and Uncle Harrison
can’t let the demon get her because he will use her and destroy her. She needs your love and your protection. I’m not sure Mother Bear will be there for her, especially after what she did to Aunt Abby.”

Todd stared at Ben, wondering when the child grew so old.

His bear is old.

I figured that much,
said Todd.

His bear is older than time. Only Great Mother Bear was before.

You’re joking.

The bear butted its huge head against Todd’s ribs.
We find mate and protect mate.

But
how do we find her?

We find her.
His bear curled up and closed its eyes.

Todd took his foot off the brake. “I’m taking you home, and I’m having a talk with your dad.”

“Oh man! I’m grounded for life.”

“You will have to deal with whatever punishment he gives you. Think of it this way. At least
I’m not writing you a ticket. You would lose you permit, and be grounded by your dad.”

Ben sat back and crossed his arms. His dad was going to be pissed. It would probably be months before he could drive again. Sometimes, life sucked!

“Courtney, wake up.”

Courtney struggled to open her eyes.

“Wake up, Courtney.” Scott gently shook her.

“I’m awake.” She rubbed her eyes. “Where are we?” she asked as she stared out the passenger window at the old brick buildings they passed.

“We will be at the diner and your new home in a few minutes.”

Courtney yawned and stretched as best she could.
“My new home. What do your parents think about the whole thing? I mean…the fact you’ve been living with me for the past few months.”

“That I’m the luckiest guy in the world?”

Courtney rolled her eyes.

“I saw that.” Scott grinned at her. “My bear and I are going to get a workout keeping my cousins away from you.”

“You are so not funny. I honestly doubt anyone is going to be interested in me. Besides, I don’t want anyone to be interested in me. It’s safer that way.”

Scott frowned. “Courtney, you are a beautiful woman. We will stop Jared and you will be safe. Hagen
wouldn’t want you to hide from the world. He would want you to move on…find someone to love…start a family.”

“I know.” Courtney took a deep breath and slowly let it out. “I’m afraid and I’m really tired of being afraid. It’s not who I want to be, but I can’t shake it.”

“It’s okay to be afraid. Just don’t let it rule you.” Scott put on the left turn blinker.

“I know, but I’m also being realistic.” She knew it was not what Scott wanted to hear, but u
ntil she got rid of the problem plaguing her life, it was the best she could do. She knew she needed his protection. There was no way she could fight Jared on her own, but she did not want anyone else hurt because of her. Courtney knew she could not live with another senseless death on her hands. It would kill her. She had already lost Hagen. She could not let herself care about anyone else. Broken hearts hurt, and she could not imagine what it would be like to lose a lover.

Scott shook his head. He turned into the parking lot of The Blue Plate Diner. “We are here,” he said as he parked the truck.

“It’s cute.” Courtney got out of the truck. She did not wait for Scott to come around and open her door. She ran her hand nervously over her sweater.

“Do you want your jacket?”

She shook her head. “I’m fine. We’re not walking far, are we?”

“No.” Scott tucked her arm in his. “See the building right next to the diner?”

“The one that looks like it’s under construction?” Paper covered the windows, and the front desperately needed paint and a designer to make it look inviting.

“Yeah, that one.”

Courtney chewed on her bottom lip. “Is that supposed to be the bakery?” She hoped the inside was finished, or at least the kitchen ready to use. She could deal with the dining area needing work.

Scott nodded. “And there’s a two bedroom apartment right above it. Joy’s apartment is above the diner.”

“It doesn’t look like the bakery is ready to open for business.” Courtney felt her shoulders droop. She wasn’t sure why she was disappointed about how the outside of the building looked, especially when she had no idea what to expect. Scott had arranged everything with his sister…a sister he had not seen in years.

“Let’s go in, see Joy, and get a bite to eat.” Scott led her into the diner.

The smells of burgers and fries hit Courtney as soon as she stepped into the diner. Her stomach rumbled, embarrassing her. She knew Scott heard it.

“Table or booth?”

She shrugged her shoulders. “Either. I don’t care.”

Scott guided her to a booth toward the back.

Courtney was conscious of the eyes watching her. She hated being the new person in town. Everyone thought
they had the right to stare at you and judge you because you were the new woman in town.

“Scott!” A redhead yelled from across the room.

Courtney stepped away from Scott. The redhead ran across the room and leaped into Scott’s arms.

“Scott, you’re really here.” The redhead hugged him.

“Joy, you’re going to have to let go. I can’t breathe.” Scott laughed at the woman who was clinging to him. “And you’re not making a very good impression on Courtney.”

Joy let go a Scott and stepped back. “I’m just so glad to see you. I know you said you were coming home, but you said that several times and it never happened.”

“I’m here,” said Scott.

“Have you been by to see Mom and Dad yet?”

“We just arrived in town. I wanted to get Courtney settled in before I went to see Mom and Dad.” Scott turned to Courtney. “Joy, this is Courtney Greenwood. Courtney, this is my sister and your new boss, Joy Anderson.”

Joy smiled and held out her hand. “It’s nice to meet you, Courtney, and call me Joy.”

“It’s nice to meet you.” Courtney shook her hand. Scott had told her Joy was her age, but he did not tell her how beautiful and bubbly she was. Courtney felt plain and almost ugly in comparison to the woman.

“What do you want to see first?
The bakery or the apartment?”

“I think we’re going to get something to eat first,” said Scott.

“Actually, I would like to see the bakery, if you don’t mind?” Courtney gave Scott and Joy a little half smile. “And talk about what you expect.”

“I was hoping you would say that. If at all possible, I really need you to start tomorrow.”
Joy was almost pleading. “I really hate baking, and can’t wait for you to take over that job.” Joy grabbed Courtney’s arm and led her through the diner’s kitchen and over to the bakery’s backdoor. “Scott, why don’t you take the bags upstairs? When Courtney and I finish looking at the bakery, I’ll show her the apartment, and then I can get you something to eat.”

Scott
watched his sister lead Courtney away. He shook his head. Joy had just dismissed him, and sent him away. So much for Joy missing him. He covered his mouth to hide the chuckle.

“What exactly is my job going to be?” asked Courtney. A cold wind whipped around the corner causing her to shiver.

Joy fumbled with the key to the backdoor of the baker. “You will be in charge of the bakery. You are the head baker. I have several applications for staff that you and I need to go through. I didn’t want to hire anyone. I figured that should be your job, since you will have to work with them. Some of your baked goods will be used by the diner…you know, pies, cakes and stuff like that.”

“What about the construction?” asked
Courtney.

“Abby just n
eeds to finish the front and install the door between the diner and the bakery. Mostly, it’s just cosmetic work. I’m closing the diner early today, so she can get her crew in and finish.” Joy opened the door. “Abby is our sister-in-law. She is married to our older brother, Skylar.”

Courtney nodded. “Is it just the three of you?”

“Just me and two brothers, but we have a lot of cousins and a growing number of nieces and nephews. In fact, Abby is due in about three months.”

“Should she be around the paint and stuff?” Concern filled Courtney, even though she had never met the pregnant woman.

Joy grinned. “If Skylar isn’t being over protective, her wolves are. If she doesn’t eat when they think she should, they bring her food.”

“Are all shifters like that? Over protective, I mean.”

“I thought you knew about shifters.” Joy frowned slightly. “Scott said you knew about us.”

“I know you exist and I can sense when someone is…is different. But I have never really been around shifters on a daily basis, or had a friend who was a shifter.” Courtney was curious. She hoped she did not sound rude or anything.

Joy sniffed the air. She did not smell any deceit, and knew Scott would not have brought Courtney with him if she were not okay. “Shifters tend to be over-the-top protective with their extended families, and even more so with their mates and children.

Courtney nodded. She had more questions, but figured they could wait for now. Another gust of wind whipped around the building. She could not stop herself from wrapping her arms around herself and shivering.

“Let’s get you inside.” Joy stepped into the building and flipped a switch. In seconds, the room filled with light.

Courtney closed the door behind her and looked around.
Supplies filled the storeroom.

“I made sure you have everything for basic breads, pies, cookies, and cakes. Once you have had a chance to go through the inventory, let me know what you need, and I’ll set you up with my supplier.”

“Is there anything specific you want baked for here and the restaurant?” Courtney as she followed Joy through the storeroom and into the kitchen.

“What you bake
is up to you. You are actually doing me a huge favor. I love cooking, and creating recipes, but I hate baking. I can do it if I have to, but I would rather have someone else do it, and you are it.”

Courtney’s eyes widened. “You’re joking, aren’t you?”

“No.” Joy shook her head.

Courtney looked around the kitchen.
“This kitchen is huge. All the equipment is high end stuff.”  Courtney could not believe what she was seeing and hearing. There had to be a catch. “And you’re giving me free rein with the menu?”

“Yes.”

“But you don’t know me. I haven’t even filled out an application.” Courtney stared at the woman.

“Scott told me about your baking skills, and he told me the name of your employer. I called and had a talk with him. He was not happy you had quit. He gave you a glowing reference.”

“But—”

“No buts. I just need you to start tomorrow. I don’t mean to rush you, but I really need your help.”

Courtney’s smile started out small but slowly grew bigger. “I can start tomorrow. It will be good for me to be busy again, especially a baking routine. I’ve missed it.”

“If your baking is as good as I’ve heard
, you won’t even have time for cup of coffee.”

“I hope you’re right.”
All the praise embarrassed Courtney.

“Here are the keys to the bakery and the keys to the apartment upstairs.” She held out two sets of keys. “I still can’t believe you’re sharing an apartment with Scott.” Joy wrinkled her nose. “I don’t know how you put up with him.
Don’t get me wrong. I love him, but in high school, his room was a pig sty. Mom and Dad constantly yelled at him because of it.”

Courtney shrugged her shoulders. “It’s no worse than when I shared one with my brother.” Courtney felt the tears forming. She plastered a smile on her face.

“Hey, I’m sorry.”

“I’m fine.” She rubbed her eyes. “How do we get to the apartment from here?” She turned away so Joy would not see any stray tears she missed.

Joy did not immediately answer. She just stared at Courtney.

She is sad.
Joy’s bear cocked its head to one side.

I think she is afraid too.

We protect until her mates find her.

Scott isn’t her
mate?
Joy asked even though she knew the truth.

Sister like you.
Not mate.

Joy sighed
. Too bad. If she were, maybe he would stay. Mom and Dad have really missed him. I’ve missed him.

“Are you okay?” When she turned back around, Courtney noticed Joy was staring at her.

Joy blinked. “I’m good. Let me lock the door and I will show you where the stairs are hidden. The cool thing is you don’t have to go outside to get into you apartment, or into the bakery from the apartment.”

“It has two entries?”

“The front door up the stairs outside, or through the kitchen door from here.” Joy led her through a short hallway and opened the door at the end of it. She flipped another light switch, revealing a set of stairs.

“Cool.” Courtney followed her new boss up the stairs. Things were starting to look up. Now, she just had to make sure no one got hurt because of her.