Crash (Moon Burrow Bears Book 7), page 11
“This.” Greed shoved his cellphone in front of my face.
I squinted at the screen. It was a local news article. I read the title out loud. “Barista saves mother and son from vicious cutpurse.”
I paused, scrolling through the article. Then I saw a photo of Jared, looking dazed as Zack helped him up.
I cursed, because the last thing Jared and I needed was unnecessary publicity.
Pittman and his associates haven’t made a move towards Jared because we assumed they haven’t managed to zero in on his location yet.
This news article was bad news. I nearly crushed Greed’s phone in my hand, but he managed to wrestle the device from my fingers. Greed threw me a dirty look.
“It’s a good thing we’re leaving for Fair Creek tomorrow,” Jared piped in.
I walked up to him, bent down and gave him a quick kiss on the mouth.
“Micah, what’s the verdict?” I asked.
“He’s good to go, although Jared, you should really take it easy,” Micah said.
“Leave all the heavy lifting to Crash. That’s what he’s there for,” Greed added.
“I’ll do exactly that,” Jared said.
He rubbed his left arm with his right.
“Micah, I’ve avoided talking about it, about what I saw, because it spooked me so much,” Jared admitted.
“Hey, don’t be too hard on yourself,” I reminded my mate.
“You asked me when it would happen, but I don’t have a clear answer yet,” Jared said, looking at Micah.
“This vision seemed fuzzy compared to the others I’ve gotten before. It’s like watching a video online with a bad Wi-Fi connection.”
“But it won’t happen anytime soon?” Micah asked.
Jared shook his head.
“I don’t think so. Another massive headache would warn me if what I saw would come to pass,” Jared explained.
“If it happens, it happens. We’ll deal with it then,” Greed said, pragmatic as ever.
Nothing ever fazed my best friend. Death never scared me before.
As a member of the Grizzly Reapers MC, I frequently gambled with my life, but that was before Jared entered my life.
If death claimed me, then Jared wouldn’t be far behind. He’d die of a broken heart, because shifters mated for life.
I pushed the morbid thought aside and focused on the now.
“Greed, let’s give them some privacy,” Micah told his mate. He pushed Greed towards the door.
“Crash, I’ll find the jerk who posted this article and make him take it down,” Greed said.
“Thanks Greed,” I said.
While I appreciated the gesture, the damage was already done. The news of Jared’s heroic deeds was already out there.
When they were both gone, I looked at Jared, surprised he got out of bed. Jared did a few stretches.
“I’ve been stuck in bed for too long. I need some fresh air,” Jared said.
“Then put on your shoes and some pants. We’ll take a walk,” I suggested.
Fifteen minutes later, we were outside. Jared held my hand as we took a slow stroll in the nearby woods.
“That news article really worried you, didn’t it?” Jared asked.
“You should be worried, too. That nosy reporter had no right publishing that article without talking to you first,” I pointed out.
“It’s just the local paper,” Jared reminded me. “No reason to panic just yet, besides Greed promised he’d convince them to take it down.”
“I’m glad you’re calm as a cucumber,” I said drily.
Jared kissed my cheek, then ran his fingers down my stubbled-covered jaw. That appeased me a little.
I privately conceded that I was being too paranoid.
“You need a shave,” Jared reminded me. His expression softened. “You’ve been worried about me, haven’t you?”
“Well, you slept all day yesterday,” I pointed out. “I was scared you were never going to wake.”
“My body just needed time to recharge,” Jared said. “But I’m at full battery now. By the way, Joseph Tate, that little boy I saved, he sent me a thank you email.”
I frowned, looking at Jared’s phone screen. I quickly scanned the kid’s heartfelt message.
The kid probably had help from his mother typing that out. Sweet of the kid, I thought.
“How did that kid get your email?” I asked.
“Rico gave it to him. Apparently, Joseph and his mom, Kim, stopped by Cool Beans yesterday. Rico and I were still wearing our cafe aprons when we went for lunch, so I guess it was easy to figure out where we worked,” Jared said.
“Hmm, I don’t know how I feel about Rico just giving out your private email,” I pointed out.
“Joseph isn’t just anyone,” Jared said. “Besides, I think Rico had good intentions, so don’t get mad at him.”
I only grunted in response and decided to leave the topic alone.
“So, are you looking forward to our trip this weekend?” I asked Jared.
“Yes, surprisingly,” Jared said with a smile. “You’ll be with me, so for once, I don’t dread going back to Fair Creek.”
16
BERNARD
Bernard Pittman curled his upper lip as he read the news article Floyd sent to his email.
The author had already deleted the original article, but Floyd managed to save it before it disappeared from the web.
Reliable old Cousin Floyd. Loyalty was hard to buy in their cutthroat world.
Floyd had been with him even during the early days, before Pittman’s elevation to a higher plane of existence.
Floyd was also his cousin, his blood. That was the reason Bernard was willing to share some of his power, even though he could just hoard it all to himself.
After all, Floyd might have the magical potential, but he lacked ambition and talent. But why had it taken Floyd this long to track their errant psychic?
Bernard reminded himself of Floyd’s role in the company. He would try not to be that cross with his second-in-command.
Sweat dribbled down his forehead. Bernard pulled out a silk handkerchief embroidered with his initials on it, then used it to dab his face.
The white fabric came away with pink spots. It was sweltering hot in the warehouse.
The supervisor hadn’t fixed the broken air-conditioning yet, despite being warned once.
“It’s practically humid in here,” Floyd said with a scowl.
He joined Bernard on the second floor. They both stood on the metal balcony overlooking the warehouse floor.
For a moment, they watched their workers milling about.
They appeared like busy little bees to Bernard, tirelessly moving boxes, while the supervisor walked around and shouted at them.
“The supervisor needs to go,” Bernard said.
Happy workers were essential to his organization. Discontent ones only slowed down the entire operation.
Speed was one of his company’s best-selling points.
“I’m already in search of a replacement,” Floyd said.
Floyd grimaced as two of the workers dropped one of the heavier boxes. Bernard stilled. His first instinct was to lash out, punish those responsible.
The magical artefact handled by those clumsy workers cost more than their life savings, but he silently counted to ten in his head.
Bernard tried to contain his smoldering rage. He always had anger issues, even when he was human.
Giving in to his emotions had already cost him dearly once this year.
The supervisor, these workers and even the products—they were commodities. Jace Church, on the other hand, was a rarity Bernard was finding difficult to replace.
The supervisor zoned in on the clumsy workers like an attack dog. The shifter probably knew the big boss was watching.
Floyd excused himself to deal with the problem himself. Bernard watched Floyd examine the merchandise.
Floyd must have determined there wasn’t any notable damage done to the artefact.
He then took the supervisor to one side. The balding and overweight shifter turned sheet white as Floyd whispered a threat in his ear and gripped his meaty forearm with sharp and long ebony claws.
The supervisor walked like a shattered man after Floyd released him. Floyd promptly returned to Bernard’s side, as was his place.
Bernard decided to return to the major topic at hand. He decided to confront Floyd directly about his incompetence.
“Why did it take you this long to find Jared Church?” Bernard asked.
He tried to keep his voice pleasant, conversational. Floyd stiffened and Bernard didn’t miss the look of momentary panic that briefly appeared on his cousin’s face.
“I’m not angry, Floyd,” Bernard said patiently.
That was a lie, of course, but one Floyd needed at that moment. Floyd licked his lips. Bernard wished Floyd would say what was on his mind.
“I never anticipated Jared Church would go to Moon Burrow,” Floyd admitted.
He was sweating now but unlike Bernard, he didn’t carry a handkerchief with him, so he constantly sweated blood.
“Is he under the Grizzly Reapers MC’s protection?” Bernard tried to keep his voice calm but deep down, he trembled with barely suppressed rage.
He’d given Floyd a simple job. Locate Jace Church’s twin brother and recruit him to the organization.
Jace’s absence had been sorely felt. Half of his business deals went sideways since Jace’s death. Jace should have known his place.
The psychic shouldn’t have gone snooping around his warehouses. Jace threatened to call the paranormal agency on Bernard for distributing dangerous artefacts.
If only Jace had followed instructions, he could have prevented his unfortunate death.
“The associate I’ve sent to Moon Burrow is still confirming the details, but I assume Jared has an in with the Grizzly Reapers MC,” Floyd said.
A good answer. Bernard’s father always taught him to expect the worst, and tangling with those monsters was bad business.
Their two groups were alike in some ways. Both of their organizations were weapons dealers.
The MC sold guns and ammunition, Bernard dabbled in a more specialized market.
The Grizzly Reapers MC might be small compared to Bernard’s own group, but they had earned his respect.
The MC had successfully slaughtered every other opposing group that crossed them.
That only solidified their reputation in the supernatural world that they were a force to be reckoned with.
“Boss, I can’t help but ask, but is acquiring Jared Church—” Floyd didn’t finish his thought.
In moments, Bernard had closed his sharp claws around Floyd’s thick neck. Floyd knew better than to struggle.
Bernard might have shared a portion of his demonic power with his second, but Floyd was only a shadow of what Bernard was.
“When Jace was by my side, we were the top dogs in this wretched city. Jace had prevented one catastrophe after another,” Bernard hissed. “Now we’re fallen dangerously close to the bottom of the food chain.”
He knew his control was breaking apart. His human features melted away like wax.
The skin of his face turned leathery and his horns burst forth. All his anger swept over him like a raging inferno.
If Bernard wasn’t careful, he might break his most useful tool, so he loosened his grip on Floyd’s neck.
Bernard could move his organization to another city, somewhere with less competition, but that was close to admitting defeat. Failure wasn’t part of his DNA.
“We used to have an edge, but now we don’t,” Bernard reminded his cousin.
He willed his human skin back as he adjusted the lapels of his suit jacket. Floyd watched him wearily, then lowered his head.
“I’ll get the job done. In fact, I’ll head to Moon Burrow myself,” Floyd said. “And get yourself torn apart by those grizzly shifters?” Bernard asked in disgust.
“What will you have me do, boss?” Floyd asked.
“Play it safe. Catch Jared Church unawares and bring him to him. Where were the brothers originally from?” Bernard asked.
“Fair Creek. Small town in the mountains,” Floyd asked.
Floyd had always been a slow learner, but he soon connected the dots.
“I’ll order my associate to continue watching his movements. If Jared returns to Fair Creek, I’ll be waiting for him there.”
“Do that,” Bernard said.
17
JARED
“Home sweet home,” I whispered as we passed the Fair Creek town welcome sign.
Crash, who was at the wheel, took his gaze off the road for a fraction of a second to flash me a reassuring smile.
I had initially debated taking Buster along, but eventually decided to leave him with Micah and Greed.
I knew they’d take good care of him. Since I planned on boxing up some of my stuff and moving it to my new apartment, we decided to take my Honda.
It was an eight-hour drive, so Crash and I had taken turns at the wheel.
“You nervous?” Crash asked. “About coming back here?”
“Not at all. It’s not like I have friends back here,” I muttered.
We entered the main town area. I gave Crash directions to the local supermarket, so we could stock up on some supplies before heading to the house.
Crash found an empty parking slot opposite the grocery store. I’d been nervous about coming back here, but I knew I had some unfinished business to attend.
Packing up my belongings was one thing, but during the drive here, I’d been thinking about selling the house as well.
After all, I couldn’t imagine living here again. My future lay in Moon Burrow, with Crash and the new friends I have made.
We received stares the moment we entered the grocery store. I wondered if we should turn back, but we really needed some supplies, so I decided to just muscle through.
A woman in her sixties, who I didn’t know, pulled her grandson close to her as we walked past her.
I sighed, unsurprised. Think positive thoughts, I reminded myself. I thought of Joseph Tate and his mom.
They dropped by Cool Beans again, so Joseph could drop off a homemade card. Rico said he’d give it to me once we returned.
I was looking forward to reading that card. I’d gotten used to being treated like a normal person in Moon Burrow, but nothing in Fair Creek had changed.
Why had I expected it to?
Two women by the fruit section eyed me, then started whispering furiously to each other.
I usually ignored the way the locals reacted to me, but today it bothered me for some reason.
I’d done literally nothing to these people. My entire family was dead, so why were they still afraid of me?
Did they think I was going to curse them or something?
“Don’t worry, everyone’s probably looking at me,” Crash joked.
He was trying to lighten the mood for my sake, so I forced myself to relax.
To act normal, but I had a feeling Crash didn’t buy my act one bit. Crash was also on his best behavior.
He hadn’t even growled or glowered at anyone, but that didn’t last long.
His patience quickly wore off as we proceeded to the check-out counter. Now Crash wore a perpetual scowl on his face.
He growled at a bunch of guys I knew in high school who immediately went into gossip mode after spotting me.
One even pointed at me rudely, as if I was invisible and didn’t know they were talking about me.
They immediately scattered at Crash’s growl. I was relieved when we finally exited the store with our bags.
“No offence, Jared, but your town sucks,” Crash complained.
We loaded our groceries into the truck.
“Jared! Hey, Jared, you’re back,” a familiar voice called.
Crash tensed, ready to fight off anything and anyone who came at me. Ronda ran up to me, smiling.
Crash shut the lid of the trunk. Spotting him, Ronda came to a halt. She eyed him warily, and I decided at that point to make introductions.
“Hey Ronda, I’m only back in town for a few days. This is Crash, my boyfriend. Crash, this is Ronda, my former manager,” I said.
Crash didn’t seem to mind I referred to him as my boyfriend. Ronda looked surprised when Crash held out his hand.
Ronda didn’t hesitate. She shook it, and I could tell Crash liked her immediately.
Maybe I had been a little oversensitive in the grocery store. Crash might be right. People stared not only at me, but also at him.
It was hard to ignore the only six-foot-five ripped grizzly shifter in a store.
“I see. So he’s the reason you left Fair Creek?” Ronda asked. She nodded in satisfaction. “I get it. Let’s catch up and have coffee sometime when you’re free.”
“I’d like that,” I said.
“Is your number still the same?” Ronda said it was.
After we parted ways, Crash and I returned to the car. This time, I took the keys and drove us to Fair Creek’s residential area.
“She seems nice,” Crash remarked.
“Yeah, Ronda’s okay. She’s the only reason I lasted that long in that fast-food joint. Before that, I kept switching jobs,” I said. “Jace once theorized that we give off this strange aura that’s off-putting to most normals.”
“Aura? I didn’t sense anything when we first met,” Crash said, sounding confused.
“I don’t think it affects supernaturals,” I said. “That’s why my family had no problems with the town’s paranormal residents.”
“Huh, interesting,” was all Crash said.
We finally entered my street. I half expected to find garbage in my driveway and more graffiti.
Thankfully, it looked like the kids in town left my place alone. I took my time getting out of the car.
Crash seemed to study the dilapidated house with interest, although what caught his attention, I didn’t know.
“It used to look different when I was growing up,” I mumbled. “More lively.”
“The house is great. All it needs is some repairs,” Crash said.
I squinted at the screen. It was a local news article. I read the title out loud. “Barista saves mother and son from vicious cutpurse.”
I paused, scrolling through the article. Then I saw a photo of Jared, looking dazed as Zack helped him up.
I cursed, because the last thing Jared and I needed was unnecessary publicity.
Pittman and his associates haven’t made a move towards Jared because we assumed they haven’t managed to zero in on his location yet.
This news article was bad news. I nearly crushed Greed’s phone in my hand, but he managed to wrestle the device from my fingers. Greed threw me a dirty look.
“It’s a good thing we’re leaving for Fair Creek tomorrow,” Jared piped in.
I walked up to him, bent down and gave him a quick kiss on the mouth.
“Micah, what’s the verdict?” I asked.
“He’s good to go, although Jared, you should really take it easy,” Micah said.
“Leave all the heavy lifting to Crash. That’s what he’s there for,” Greed added.
“I’ll do exactly that,” Jared said.
He rubbed his left arm with his right.
“Micah, I’ve avoided talking about it, about what I saw, because it spooked me so much,” Jared admitted.
“Hey, don’t be too hard on yourself,” I reminded my mate.
“You asked me when it would happen, but I don’t have a clear answer yet,” Jared said, looking at Micah.
“This vision seemed fuzzy compared to the others I’ve gotten before. It’s like watching a video online with a bad Wi-Fi connection.”
“But it won’t happen anytime soon?” Micah asked.
Jared shook his head.
“I don’t think so. Another massive headache would warn me if what I saw would come to pass,” Jared explained.
“If it happens, it happens. We’ll deal with it then,” Greed said, pragmatic as ever.
Nothing ever fazed my best friend. Death never scared me before.
As a member of the Grizzly Reapers MC, I frequently gambled with my life, but that was before Jared entered my life.
If death claimed me, then Jared wouldn’t be far behind. He’d die of a broken heart, because shifters mated for life.
I pushed the morbid thought aside and focused on the now.
“Greed, let’s give them some privacy,” Micah told his mate. He pushed Greed towards the door.
“Crash, I’ll find the jerk who posted this article and make him take it down,” Greed said.
“Thanks Greed,” I said.
While I appreciated the gesture, the damage was already done. The news of Jared’s heroic deeds was already out there.
When they were both gone, I looked at Jared, surprised he got out of bed. Jared did a few stretches.
“I’ve been stuck in bed for too long. I need some fresh air,” Jared said.
“Then put on your shoes and some pants. We’ll take a walk,” I suggested.
Fifteen minutes later, we were outside. Jared held my hand as we took a slow stroll in the nearby woods.
“That news article really worried you, didn’t it?” Jared asked.
“You should be worried, too. That nosy reporter had no right publishing that article without talking to you first,” I pointed out.
“It’s just the local paper,” Jared reminded me. “No reason to panic just yet, besides Greed promised he’d convince them to take it down.”
“I’m glad you’re calm as a cucumber,” I said drily.
Jared kissed my cheek, then ran his fingers down my stubbled-covered jaw. That appeased me a little.
I privately conceded that I was being too paranoid.
“You need a shave,” Jared reminded me. His expression softened. “You’ve been worried about me, haven’t you?”
“Well, you slept all day yesterday,” I pointed out. “I was scared you were never going to wake.”
“My body just needed time to recharge,” Jared said. “But I’m at full battery now. By the way, Joseph Tate, that little boy I saved, he sent me a thank you email.”
I frowned, looking at Jared’s phone screen. I quickly scanned the kid’s heartfelt message.
The kid probably had help from his mother typing that out. Sweet of the kid, I thought.
“How did that kid get your email?” I asked.
“Rico gave it to him. Apparently, Joseph and his mom, Kim, stopped by Cool Beans yesterday. Rico and I were still wearing our cafe aprons when we went for lunch, so I guess it was easy to figure out where we worked,” Jared said.
“Hmm, I don’t know how I feel about Rico just giving out your private email,” I pointed out.
“Joseph isn’t just anyone,” Jared said. “Besides, I think Rico had good intentions, so don’t get mad at him.”
I only grunted in response and decided to leave the topic alone.
“So, are you looking forward to our trip this weekend?” I asked Jared.
“Yes, surprisingly,” Jared said with a smile. “You’ll be with me, so for once, I don’t dread going back to Fair Creek.”
16
BERNARD
Bernard Pittman curled his upper lip as he read the news article Floyd sent to his email.
The author had already deleted the original article, but Floyd managed to save it before it disappeared from the web.
Reliable old Cousin Floyd. Loyalty was hard to buy in their cutthroat world.
Floyd had been with him even during the early days, before Pittman’s elevation to a higher plane of existence.
Floyd was also his cousin, his blood. That was the reason Bernard was willing to share some of his power, even though he could just hoard it all to himself.
After all, Floyd might have the magical potential, but he lacked ambition and talent. But why had it taken Floyd this long to track their errant psychic?
Bernard reminded himself of Floyd’s role in the company. He would try not to be that cross with his second-in-command.
Sweat dribbled down his forehead. Bernard pulled out a silk handkerchief embroidered with his initials on it, then used it to dab his face.
The white fabric came away with pink spots. It was sweltering hot in the warehouse.
The supervisor hadn’t fixed the broken air-conditioning yet, despite being warned once.
“It’s practically humid in here,” Floyd said with a scowl.
He joined Bernard on the second floor. They both stood on the metal balcony overlooking the warehouse floor.
For a moment, they watched their workers milling about.
They appeared like busy little bees to Bernard, tirelessly moving boxes, while the supervisor walked around and shouted at them.
“The supervisor needs to go,” Bernard said.
Happy workers were essential to his organization. Discontent ones only slowed down the entire operation.
Speed was one of his company’s best-selling points.
“I’m already in search of a replacement,” Floyd said.
Floyd grimaced as two of the workers dropped one of the heavier boxes. Bernard stilled. His first instinct was to lash out, punish those responsible.
The magical artefact handled by those clumsy workers cost more than their life savings, but he silently counted to ten in his head.
Bernard tried to contain his smoldering rage. He always had anger issues, even when he was human.
Giving in to his emotions had already cost him dearly once this year.
The supervisor, these workers and even the products—they were commodities. Jace Church, on the other hand, was a rarity Bernard was finding difficult to replace.
The supervisor zoned in on the clumsy workers like an attack dog. The shifter probably knew the big boss was watching.
Floyd excused himself to deal with the problem himself. Bernard watched Floyd examine the merchandise.
Floyd must have determined there wasn’t any notable damage done to the artefact.
He then took the supervisor to one side. The balding and overweight shifter turned sheet white as Floyd whispered a threat in his ear and gripped his meaty forearm with sharp and long ebony claws.
The supervisor walked like a shattered man after Floyd released him. Floyd promptly returned to Bernard’s side, as was his place.
Bernard decided to return to the major topic at hand. He decided to confront Floyd directly about his incompetence.
“Why did it take you this long to find Jared Church?” Bernard asked.
He tried to keep his voice pleasant, conversational. Floyd stiffened and Bernard didn’t miss the look of momentary panic that briefly appeared on his cousin’s face.
“I’m not angry, Floyd,” Bernard said patiently.
That was a lie, of course, but one Floyd needed at that moment. Floyd licked his lips. Bernard wished Floyd would say what was on his mind.
“I never anticipated Jared Church would go to Moon Burrow,” Floyd admitted.
He was sweating now but unlike Bernard, he didn’t carry a handkerchief with him, so he constantly sweated blood.
“Is he under the Grizzly Reapers MC’s protection?” Bernard tried to keep his voice calm but deep down, he trembled with barely suppressed rage.
He’d given Floyd a simple job. Locate Jace Church’s twin brother and recruit him to the organization.
Jace’s absence had been sorely felt. Half of his business deals went sideways since Jace’s death. Jace should have known his place.
The psychic shouldn’t have gone snooping around his warehouses. Jace threatened to call the paranormal agency on Bernard for distributing dangerous artefacts.
If only Jace had followed instructions, he could have prevented his unfortunate death.
“The associate I’ve sent to Moon Burrow is still confirming the details, but I assume Jared has an in with the Grizzly Reapers MC,” Floyd said.
A good answer. Bernard’s father always taught him to expect the worst, and tangling with those monsters was bad business.
Their two groups were alike in some ways. Both of their organizations were weapons dealers.
The MC sold guns and ammunition, Bernard dabbled in a more specialized market.
The Grizzly Reapers MC might be small compared to Bernard’s own group, but they had earned his respect.
The MC had successfully slaughtered every other opposing group that crossed them.
That only solidified their reputation in the supernatural world that they were a force to be reckoned with.
“Boss, I can’t help but ask, but is acquiring Jared Church—” Floyd didn’t finish his thought.
In moments, Bernard had closed his sharp claws around Floyd’s thick neck. Floyd knew better than to struggle.
Bernard might have shared a portion of his demonic power with his second, but Floyd was only a shadow of what Bernard was.
“When Jace was by my side, we were the top dogs in this wretched city. Jace had prevented one catastrophe after another,” Bernard hissed. “Now we’re fallen dangerously close to the bottom of the food chain.”
He knew his control was breaking apart. His human features melted away like wax.
The skin of his face turned leathery and his horns burst forth. All his anger swept over him like a raging inferno.
If Bernard wasn’t careful, he might break his most useful tool, so he loosened his grip on Floyd’s neck.
Bernard could move his organization to another city, somewhere with less competition, but that was close to admitting defeat. Failure wasn’t part of his DNA.
“We used to have an edge, but now we don’t,” Bernard reminded his cousin.
He willed his human skin back as he adjusted the lapels of his suit jacket. Floyd watched him wearily, then lowered his head.
“I’ll get the job done. In fact, I’ll head to Moon Burrow myself,” Floyd said. “And get yourself torn apart by those grizzly shifters?” Bernard asked in disgust.
“What will you have me do, boss?” Floyd asked.
“Play it safe. Catch Jared Church unawares and bring him to him. Where were the brothers originally from?” Bernard asked.
“Fair Creek. Small town in the mountains,” Floyd asked.
Floyd had always been a slow learner, but he soon connected the dots.
“I’ll order my associate to continue watching his movements. If Jared returns to Fair Creek, I’ll be waiting for him there.”
“Do that,” Bernard said.
17
JARED
“Home sweet home,” I whispered as we passed the Fair Creek town welcome sign.
Crash, who was at the wheel, took his gaze off the road for a fraction of a second to flash me a reassuring smile.
I had initially debated taking Buster along, but eventually decided to leave him with Micah and Greed.
I knew they’d take good care of him. Since I planned on boxing up some of my stuff and moving it to my new apartment, we decided to take my Honda.
It was an eight-hour drive, so Crash and I had taken turns at the wheel.
“You nervous?” Crash asked. “About coming back here?”
“Not at all. It’s not like I have friends back here,” I muttered.
We entered the main town area. I gave Crash directions to the local supermarket, so we could stock up on some supplies before heading to the house.
Crash found an empty parking slot opposite the grocery store. I’d been nervous about coming back here, but I knew I had some unfinished business to attend.
Packing up my belongings was one thing, but during the drive here, I’d been thinking about selling the house as well.
After all, I couldn’t imagine living here again. My future lay in Moon Burrow, with Crash and the new friends I have made.
We received stares the moment we entered the grocery store. I wondered if we should turn back, but we really needed some supplies, so I decided to just muscle through.
A woman in her sixties, who I didn’t know, pulled her grandson close to her as we walked past her.
I sighed, unsurprised. Think positive thoughts, I reminded myself. I thought of Joseph Tate and his mom.
They dropped by Cool Beans again, so Joseph could drop off a homemade card. Rico said he’d give it to me once we returned.
I was looking forward to reading that card. I’d gotten used to being treated like a normal person in Moon Burrow, but nothing in Fair Creek had changed.
Why had I expected it to?
Two women by the fruit section eyed me, then started whispering furiously to each other.
I usually ignored the way the locals reacted to me, but today it bothered me for some reason.
I’d done literally nothing to these people. My entire family was dead, so why were they still afraid of me?
Did they think I was going to curse them or something?
“Don’t worry, everyone’s probably looking at me,” Crash joked.
He was trying to lighten the mood for my sake, so I forced myself to relax.
To act normal, but I had a feeling Crash didn’t buy my act one bit. Crash was also on his best behavior.
He hadn’t even growled or glowered at anyone, but that didn’t last long.
His patience quickly wore off as we proceeded to the check-out counter. Now Crash wore a perpetual scowl on his face.
He growled at a bunch of guys I knew in high school who immediately went into gossip mode after spotting me.
One even pointed at me rudely, as if I was invisible and didn’t know they were talking about me.
They immediately scattered at Crash’s growl. I was relieved when we finally exited the store with our bags.
“No offence, Jared, but your town sucks,” Crash complained.
We loaded our groceries into the truck.
“Jared! Hey, Jared, you’re back,” a familiar voice called.
Crash tensed, ready to fight off anything and anyone who came at me. Ronda ran up to me, smiling.
Crash shut the lid of the trunk. Spotting him, Ronda came to a halt. She eyed him warily, and I decided at that point to make introductions.
“Hey Ronda, I’m only back in town for a few days. This is Crash, my boyfriend. Crash, this is Ronda, my former manager,” I said.
Crash didn’t seem to mind I referred to him as my boyfriend. Ronda looked surprised when Crash held out his hand.
Ronda didn’t hesitate. She shook it, and I could tell Crash liked her immediately.
Maybe I had been a little oversensitive in the grocery store. Crash might be right. People stared not only at me, but also at him.
It was hard to ignore the only six-foot-five ripped grizzly shifter in a store.
“I see. So he’s the reason you left Fair Creek?” Ronda asked. She nodded in satisfaction. “I get it. Let’s catch up and have coffee sometime when you’re free.”
“I’d like that,” I said.
“Is your number still the same?” Ronda said it was.
After we parted ways, Crash and I returned to the car. This time, I took the keys and drove us to Fair Creek’s residential area.
“She seems nice,” Crash remarked.
“Yeah, Ronda’s okay. She’s the only reason I lasted that long in that fast-food joint. Before that, I kept switching jobs,” I said. “Jace once theorized that we give off this strange aura that’s off-putting to most normals.”
“Aura? I didn’t sense anything when we first met,” Crash said, sounding confused.
“I don’t think it affects supernaturals,” I said. “That’s why my family had no problems with the town’s paranormal residents.”
“Huh, interesting,” was all Crash said.
We finally entered my street. I half expected to find garbage in my driveway and more graffiti.
Thankfully, it looked like the kids in town left my place alone. I took my time getting out of the car.
Crash seemed to study the dilapidated house with interest, although what caught his attention, I didn’t know.
“It used to look different when I was growing up,” I mumbled. “More lively.”
“The house is great. All it needs is some repairs,” Crash said.
