Chapter Eight
The accommodations in the condo were far better than she was used to. Her own house was practically falling apart, but here, she had state of the art appliances, a fireplace, a beautiful patio overlooking the woods, and high-end designer furniture. Never if her life had she imagined that she’d be staying at a place like this. But Micah’s message convinced her that she’d be safer here.
Stacey, I’ve made arrangements for you to stay within my territory. I have reason to believe that your attack was because of me.
Why would any of his enemies attack her? It wasn’t like she meant anything to him.
With the exception of the message, Micah hadn’t communicated with her again. She’d stayed under Dr. Gratsky’s care for another day, and a few hours ago, two men escorted her to her new home. Her head was still swimming with thoughts.
But most of all, she remembered seeing the pain on Micah’s face when she’d sent him away. Somehow, she needed to tell him that it was okay. She needed to know that he wasn’t feeling guilty on her behalf.
There were clothes in the closet. As she shuffled through them, she realized they were all her size. She’d been wearing her scrubs when she’d been attacked, and the client had some sweats for her leave the clinic in.
She pulled on a pair of jeans and a t-shirt. She nearly laughed out loud when she realized the shirt had Bite Me scrawled out in white lettering.
If she could laugh about it, that was a good sign.
Pacing nervously, she finally opened the door and stepped out into the hall. No one jumped out at her and screamed for her to go back inside, so she bolted down the hall and hit the elevator button. She was restless, and she wanted to find Micah.
An older woman was already in the elevator when the doors opened. She was attractive with silver hair and a gentle smile. Stacey nodded nervously as she stepped in. Glancing at the buttons, she realized the woman should have been getting off on this floor. Hastily, she punched the doors open button. “Is this your floor?”
The woman looked her up and down. “It was,” she said softly.
“But now it’s not,” she asked slowly. Suddenly, it dawned on her. “Oh. You were looking for me.”
“I was.” The woman stuck out her hand. “Lynette Gordon.”
“Gordon as in Micah Gordon?” Stacey asked nervously.
“He’s my son.”
Stacey nodded and racked her brain for something to say. Awesome job raising an alpha bear? I’m sorry your son bit me? I’d really like to spend all night in your son’s bed?
Nope. None of those things sounded appropriate. Luckily, Lynette broke the silence first. “You must be feeling brave if you’re leaving your apartment so quickly.”
“It’s more like a hotel room,” Stacey said hastily. “I’m sure I’ll go home once Micah has this all figured out. But I’m a little restless. And hungry. There’s no food in the condo. And now I realize that I don’t have my wallet on me. So that’s also going to be a problem.” Stacey frowned. She was babbling.
“I’ll treat you to dinner,” Lynette said with a smile. “I’d like to get to know you more, and the pack is curious about you. I’m sure they’d love to meet you.”
She wanted to reject the woman’s offer, but her stomach picked the inopportune time to rumble. She smiled. “I’ll pay you back.”
Lynette nodded. “I have no doubt that you will,” she said mysteriously. “The diner is actually just down the street. Are you okay to walk that far?”
Stacey nodded. She felt better than okay. She felt like she could run a marathon. Lynette chatted amicably as she pointed out the different buildings they passed. Stacey listened half-heartedly. There were clearly questions simmering below the woman’s friendly façade, but she, for whatever reason, chose not to ask them.
All eyes were on her when they entered the diner. Most of them were curious, but she felt waves of hostility coming from a couple of the patrons. Lynette led them to a booth, and Stacey slid in and immediately held a menu up to her face. “Everyone is staring,” she moaned.
“You’re all anyone can talk about, my dear. I’m sure the doctor told you that it has been some time since a bear shifter has bitten a human. You’re a bit of a celebrity around here.”
“But I’m nothing special,” Stacey muttered. “I just happened to die at the right time.”
Lynette laughed softly. “Oh, my dear. You’re more special that you can even imagine.”
“Why would you say that? You don’t know even know me.”
“Everything Micah does is deliberate. If he saved you, it’s because you’re special to him. And everyone knows that.”
Nervously, Stacey tucked her hair behind her ears. “We just went on one date. That’s all.”
“It’s more than that. But I think you already know that. Excuse me. I’m going to go wash my hands. Look over the menu,” Lynette ordered as she slid out of the booth.
No sooner had Lynette left than a beautiful blonde slid into her place. Stacey blinked when she felt the waves of hostility. This woman hated her. “Stay away from Micah,” she hissed.
Stacey blinked. “I’m sorry. Do I know you?”
“I’m Bridgette. Alpha bear. Micah belongs to me, and I’ll be damned if I let some weak human get in the way,” she snarled.
The need to protect Micah rose up within her. Before she knew it, Stacey was slapping the menu on the table. “I don’t know who you are, but Micah is a grown ass man. He can make his own decisions,” she hissed. “And I don’t appreciate you getting in my face like this. I don’t know you. You don’t know me. And frankly, I think I’d like to keep it that way.”
The entire diner fell silent as people stopped to stare. Bridgett’s face was so contorted with rage that Stacey was braced for a fight.
“Bridgette. Hello, darling. I see you’ve introduced yourself to Stacey.” They both turned as Lynette plastered a fake smile on her face. “I’m sure you’re planning on giving Stacey a warm welcome. I believe she and I are going to be good friends.”
And just like that, the power shifted. Bridgette flushed but scooted out of the seat. Lynette nodded her head before sitting back down. Craning her neck, Stacey watched the blonde return to her seat a few booths away. A man was sitting next to her, and he looked just as angry.
“What just happened,” Stacey muttered.
“As the wife of the past alpha and the mother of the current alpha, I am the most powerful woman in the clan. You are my guest, and Bridgette seriously overstepped her bounds by provoking you,” Lynette said with a smile. “The burgers here are to die for.”
“Who is that with her?”
“Her brother. Travis.”
Stacey frowned. “Is she engaged to Micah?”
Lynette sighed. “It’s a delicate situation.”
“It’s really not,” Stacey snapped. “Is that woman engaged to Micah?”
“Pack law states that the alpha must mate with the strongest eligible woman in the pack. That would be Bridgette. Of course, if you turn, it’s possible that you’ll outrank her. And Micah will be yours, fair and square.”
Stacey bit her lip. “What makes you think I want him?”
“It’s written all over your face, dear. Now order something hefty. You’re going to need your strength.”