Chapter 4

Friday dawned on a clear blue sky, promising a warm, sunny day. Mistrea had spend all her time during the past few days writing so didn’t stop to think when the phone rang, she answered it as she always did with a good natured, “Hi this is Mistrea how can I help you?”

She was somewhat surprised to hear Principal Henderson’s voice, “Good morning Miss Larkin, I was hoping we could talk about the get together planned for this evening?”

“The get together I told you to cancel?”

“Yes, that would be the one. Unfortunately it was far too late to cancel and I am hoping that you might reconsider attending and speaking of course?”
         

“You’re serious aren’t you?”

“I’ve never been more serious Miss Larkin. We have some prominent community members attending, as well as people from several of the outlying towns and at least one person from a nearby university. Is there anything I can do to make you change your mind?”

Mistrea could feel her resolve crumble; “Fine, I’ll be there!” she hung up before Henderson could rabbit on about what he wanted her to speak about. If she was going to show up, she’d do it on her own terms and speak about what she damn well pleased.

She went about her day as usual and was surprised when she heard a knock on the front door. When she opened it she all but threw herself into her visitors’ arms. “Charles! It’s so good to see you.”

“I thought you could use some support tonight.” He smiled.

“Tonight… how did you know I’d change my mind?”

“I know you my dear and besides, you need to do this. You need to let them know they can’t treat the way they have been. You’re a strong woman Mistrea, they need to see that. Now how about letting in so you can offer me a coffee?”

They spend time catching up, that is to say Charles asking her a multitude of questions and Mistrea answering him. They had an early dinner not wanting to have to bother after the gathering at the Community Centre.

After dinner they got ready to leave, they took Mistrea’s car and managed to get a parking space fairly close. She was supposed to speak at six thirty and it was almost that when they arrived. Mistrea didn’t want to give Principal Henderson time to prep her in regards to what she should say.

When they walked in, Henderson rushed towards her, a pained expression on his face. “Good, you made it!” He handed her a sheet of paper and she reluctantly took it.

Sure enough he’d prepared several dot points on what she should speak about. She smirked as she looked at it, then followed him to the front of the room with Charles in tow. Chairs were set up and the room was all but full, she calculated there’d be about sixty or seventy people, maybe more. That some of these people were on the school board and responsible for her being removed from teaching wasn’t lost on her, but she remained calm.

Henderson stepped onto the stage indicating that they should sit down then moved to the podium. He looked out over the crowd and waited for quiet. “Good evening ladies and gentlemen. As advertised we have been able to secure our latest local, author Mistrea Larkin to speak to us about writing, her career and perhaps why she chose our quaint little town to settle in. I’m sure there will be time at the end, so please keep your questions until then.” he turned to Mistrea and applauded indicating she should come to the podium.

Both Mistrea and Charles came to their feet, she moved to stand at the podium and Charles stood a couple of steps to her side. He took out a tape recorder and pressed record before handing it to her. He gave her a slight smile and she placed it on the podium before looking at the audience.

She indicated Charles with a nod, “This is Charles Jenkins. He’s a good friend of mine and an even better lawyer.” She lifted the tape recorder so everyone could see it then placed it back on the podium. “This is his way of protecting me,” she eyed the reporter sitting in the front row, “his way of ensuring that I am not misquoted.”

Mistrea still held the sheet of paper Principal Henderson gave her, she smiled and started again. “Good evening, as you can see your Principal gave me a cheat sheet.” She held up the paper and looked at him for a moment, “or perhaps it’s was it looks like. A list of what he would prefer me to discuss with you tonight.”

She ripped the paper in half, then in half again before placing it on the podium. “I’m thinking I’ll wing it! I’m fairly good with words. I’m an academic and a published author so I should be do okay, right?” she smiled then her expression became serious.

“Some of you know a little of my background, for those who don’t I’ll give you the short version. I fast tracked high school and pretty much did the same with University. I was published in several academic journals by the time I was seventeen. I had my first book published that same year, it too was academically based. But the truth is I have a love of all genres, which shows with in my writing. I have published several academic books; based on my chosen field of study — English literature.

By the time I was nineteen I’d begun a paranormal romance series and for those of you who don’t know, paranormal romance is hot and it sells. I ensure each of my books has a good story line, with some kind of positive message embedded within it. Oh and the sex isn’t too explicit either. Actually it’s no worse than we see in a PG rated movie on television and as I said it sells and sells well.”

Out of the corner of her eye, Mistrea could actually see Henderson cringe. She took a minute to look around the room; she spotted Mae and gave her a nod. She also sensed Zac somewhere in the room, but wasn’t about to search him out.

“For some time now I’ve had a yearning to leave the big city. I was tired of the noise and the distractions. I wanted clean air, open space and a community I could become a part of. Ransom seemed like the perfect place to live and my publicist even talked me into teaching a writing class at the local high school. I had twenty two students all desperately trying to discover where they fitted within the school, within the community and within themselves.

Writing is my passion, it opened up a great many doors for me and I was hoping to help these students do the same. I only had the class for just over a month, but in that time each student showed progress and not just with their writing.”

Mistrea looked down at the podium taking stock of the situation and deciding if she should continue. She sighed, “I had my class, my students taken away from me. I was told in no uncertain terms that I was unworthy; unfit to teach your children. I was told to leave the school grounds and never set foot on it again. I was given time to go to my class room and pack my things. I was then escorted to my car and told by Gus, the security guy and I quote, “I don’t want to have to drag you down to the police station, so don’t come back!”

Mistrea stood straighter, a look of determination on her face. She looked at each person in the audience and several of them looked a little uncomfortable. “I had hoped to become part of your community. I made a point of contacting several charities in the hopes that we might form some kind of beneficial relationship.

Sadly that is no longer going to happen. I’m sure there are representatives from the Hospital’s Children’s Unit, the Children’s Cancer Hospice and also the High School Library. I’m now officially cancelling the meetings we’d scheduled.” She heard muffled gasps and whispers, but ignored them.

“I was in the process of having my earnings from teaching transferred to the school library. It was to be my way of giving back to the community for giving me a go… for trusting me and my knowledge with your children. I now decided to donate the money I earned from teaching to the local book store in the hopes that the owner will set up a children’s reading area.”

She paused letting her words sink in and there were several outbursts from those she would have been meeting with over the next few weeks. She sighed, “If you’re in need of a sponsor, perhaps you might consider approaching Mr Hunt. He has, I’ve discovered a great deal of influence with both your school board and your community.” She heard a low growl, and did her best not to laugh.

There were murmurs in the audience and several people didn’t sound happy. “Despite my experience with your education facilities, I like it here in Ransom. I’ve decided to stay. I may not be welcomed by you, or given the opportunity to become involved in your community workings, but I will be contributing in other ways. I’m having a great deal of work done on my land, all of which will generate money and jobs.”

Mistrea sighed knowing many wouldn’t like what she had to say next, “There are children living on the property adjacent to mine and I’m well aware of my responsibility in regards to keeping them safe. To that end all of my property will be fenced off. I was informed this morning that work will commence in the next couple of days.”

Mistrea turned to look at the Principal for a moment, noting how pale he looked. “I doubt this was what you expected to hear when you arrived here tonight, but I won’t apologise. I came here to live in good faith; I worked with your children to help them understand that they can find a place for themselves in this world.”

She laughed, “I was willing to support local charities and maybe even set up scholarships for those wanting to go on to college or university. I have a great many friends within the publishing world and connections with a good few writers. All of whom would be open to the possibility of mentoring an aspiring writer.”

Mistrea shook her head wishing things could have been different. “People often talk about humbling experiences and I was humbled by the strength your children found in themselves. I was however humiliated, by people who believed it was their right to pull me down and tell me that I was unworthy of teaching your children. Children who stood at their class room windows and watched as I was forced to leave.”

Mistrea looked out at the people in front of her and saw Zac, “I accidently discovered I had been billeted as speaking here tonight. I was never asked, invited or consulted; it was assumed I’d do it. Even after being told I was unfit to teach your children, Principal Henderson believed I should do his bidding and follow what he’d so diligently decided I should speak to you about.”

Mistrea turned to look him in the eye. “I am no mouse Mr Henderson; I am strong willed and have a mind of my own. Don’t ever make the mistake of assuming you are better than me or that you have the right to tell me what to do. You’ll be happy to know that hell can freeze over before I’ll set foot on your school grounds again. No matter how much you may eventually want me too.”

She could feel her nerves taking over and paused to take several calming breathes. “As for my students, if at any time they want to speak to me in regards to their writing or what their options are for further study, they need only call or stop by.”

There was dead silence in the room as people realised how serious she was about what she’d said. “I may leave town from time to time to keep my career going, but Ransom is now my home and I’m staying! Good night.”

Mistrea walked away from the podium and Charles was there his arm around her offering support. As she moved through the crowd a man moved in front of her. He extended his hand, “That was one hell of a speech Miss Larkin and I’m damned glad I was here to witness it.”

He handed her his card, “My name is Jonathan Winthrop; I’m head of the English Faculty at Westgate University. If you’re ever looking to do more teaching, we’d love to have you, either on a fulltime or even a guest speaker basis. Think on it and give me a call. Better still come visit and I’ll show you around.”

“Thank you Mr Winthrop, I may just do that.”

As they left Wade approached them. He gave Mistrea a nod, “Miss Larkin. Mr Jenkins, if you’re going to be in town tomorrow, maybe we can get together and see if we can work out a solution to the land situation?”

“I have a flight leaving at eleven thirty, how’s nine o’clock sound?”

“That’d be fine. Wade looked towards Mistrea, “That certainly was a mouthful young lady.” He grinned and walked away.

“So, home, coffee and we go over those blue prints.” Charles whispered in her ear.

Mistrea nodded, she was suddenly very tired and handed her keys to Charles so he could drive them home. When they arrived she made a pot of coffee and they sat at the kitchen table studying the blue prints, maps and aerial shots of her land. They spent a good two hours discussing their options and how best to get what they wanted.

Finally Charles sat back in his seat, “They aren’t going to like it Mistrea?”

“They don’t have to like it, they just need to agree to it.” she gave him a hug and they headed up stairs. Charles was to spend the night in the room next to hers and as much as she’d have liked to sit up all night and talk, she was way too tired to do so. She gave him a kiss on the cheek and went to her bed.

That night Mistrea tossed and turned, she couldn’t seem to settle properly and in the early hours of the morning she gave up and went up to her loft. She wasn’t in the mood to write, what she needed was reassurance that she was doing the right thing. That coming back to Ransom wasn’t going to break her heart and shred her soul.

Mistrea knew there was a safe built into the back of the in-built book shelves and had utilised it the day she arrived. She opened it up and pulled out a think A4 sized book. It was leather bound with a leather strap attached to tie it closed. She sighed when she opened it. It was like coming home.

This was her father’s journal, it told of his life, meeting her mother and their life together. They’d been happy, happier still when she came along. There were loose bits of paper and photographs throughout the book and as she turned the pages one fell to the floor.

Mistrea sat down on the carpeted floor and picked up the photograph. It was difficult to see it properly, for some reason her eyes were clouded over, she held back a sob then two strong arms wrapped around her.

She leaned into Charles, grateful that he was there and for the first time since she’d left her Guardian she let her emotions take over. Tears came and the sobbing increased. She let it all out knowing she was safe in her friends’ arms.

Charles had heard her moving around and with what had happed at the meeting he figured she’d need a friend. It all but broke him when he saw her on the floor pain and anguish clearly showing on her face. He sat beside her and held her close, she needed this release and he’d keep her safe until she was ready to take back control.

When she calmed down she wiped at her eyes and looked at the photograph still in her hand. It was of three children two sitting side by side leaning into each other, the third was more in the background but watching them. There were smiles on each of their faces, they were happy and had no idea of what life was soon to bring them.

She shook thoughts of the past away and looked at her friend, “Thank you Charles, you’re a good friend and I lean on you too much at times.”

He kissed the top of her head, “Mistrea, that’s what friends do. Now my dear considering we are both wide awake, how about we get an early start to the day?”

She nodded and they got to their feet. Mistrea waited until Charles left the room before putting the journal back in the safe then she made her way to her bathroom to wash her face before joining Charles down stairs.

He was making a fresh pot of coffee so she grabbed a couple of mugs and started pulling things out of the refrigerator so she could make a start on breakfast. They didn’t speak, they were comfortable in each other’s company, but when Mistrea finally set a plate down in front of him he had to say something.

“You do realise that if we weren’t such good friends and if your Guardian didn’t threaten to kill me, I’d marry you for your cooking alone.” He grinned and dug in.

Mistrea laughed and sat down to her own plate. Being with Charles would be so simple, he was a good man and in his own way he loved her, but they were too different and there were too many other issues that would prevent them even considering being a couple.

“So,” she began. “I want to stop by the book store before we meet with Mr Benson. Doing something good might just put me in the right head space to deal with them.”

“Them? I take it you mean Mr Hunt. I assumed he’d be there as well, but no matter. I’ll be with you and although I may not be as strong as a bear, I do have the law on my side.” He grinned and Mistrea burst out laughing.

Charles saw apprehension in his friends face, “Don’t worry Mistrea, I’m clear on what you want and if they aren’t willing to come to the party…” He grinned mischievously, “I’m very good at making people pay for their mistakes.”

Mistrea smiled and they finished their meal with general chit chat. Her Guardian was missing her and wanted her to return home for a visit as did her publicist Claire. When breakfast was over and they’d showered and dressed they went over the paperwork one more time. Charles needed to be certain that this was what Mistrea wanted.

All too soon it was time to go. Mistrea drove, “There’s no sense in us both driving. We should be back in plenty of time for you to pick up your rental and get to the airport.”

The book shop was just opening when they arrived and the owner invited them both in. “I’m sorry,” began Mistrea, “I don’t know your name?”

“Agnes Bradshaw. I have to say I was pleased to hear you speak up for yourself last night. I believe it’s about time some individuals in this town realised they aren’t the b-all and end-all of this town. If you know what I mean.”

Mistrea couldn’t help but smile, “Yes I know and thanks for your support. I have something for you Agnes.” Mistrea took out an envelope from her bag and handed it to Agnes. If this isn’t enough to set up the children’s reading area I mentioned last night, let me know.”

“I’m sure it will be more than enough. Thank you so much Miss Larkin.”

“Please, my name is Mistrea.”

Agnes opened the envelope and seeing just how much the cheque was for promptly hugged Mistrea in thanks. “I’d love to have your input on what I do, if you have time?”

“I’ll be certain to make time.” she smiled and they left to attend the meeting with Mr Benson and Zac.

They arrived at the building Benson’s office was in and took the stairs up the two flights. They came into an open spaced reception area that was furnished comfortably. The receptionist smiled, “Good morning, you’d be Mr Benson’s nine o’clock?”

She didn’t wait for them to reply, there was no need she knew who Mistrea was. A quick buzz to let Benson know they were there and a moment later he was greeting them. “I thought we’d be more comfortable in the conference room. Can get Jen to organise coffee or tea?”

“No Mr Benson, but thank you for the offer.” Mistrea forced a calm even expression even though she sensed Zac close by.

As they entered the conference room the first thing she saw was Zac standing at the window on the other side of the room. She glanced around the room, it had a large or rather long conference table with seats enough for perhaps two dozen people. There was an electronic whiteboard, a phone at one end and that was about it.

The room wasn’t very technologically orientated. Mistrea gave herself an inner shake, these men didn’t need to be tech-heads they just needed to know their job. She gave Zac a nod and took a seat.

Charles on the other hand walked around the table to shake hands with the man surprising the hell out of him. “It’s nice to finally meet you Mr Hunt. Mistrea has spoken often about you.”

Zac shook the offered hand and looked Mistrea’s way. “I’m hopeful at least some of what she said was positive.”

Charles laughed and returned to Mistrea’s side and took a seat, while she struggled not to roll her eyes at what Zac had said. When they were all seated Benson spoke, “I’m glad you could be here today, I… that is we would like to get this issue settled as soon as possible.”

Before either Charles or Mistrea could say anything Zac cut in, “We have consulted with our own lawyer and put together an offer I’m sure you will be happy with. Mr Jenkins,” he handed a document to him. “Take a look at the contract I’m sure you’ll find everything in order. The payment we are offering is more than what the piece of land is worth.”

Charles accepted the document and began going through it. Ten minutes later he looked at Zac, “Mr Hunt, you’re correct this is a very good offer but my client is not interested.”

Zac was not happy, he wanted this issued over with and was about ready to jump down Jenkins throat when Wade grabbed his arm letting him know to calm down. “As I said the amount we are offering is more than what the land is worth.”

Charles sighed knowing this was not going to go over well. “Mr Hunt I have had in-depth discussions with my client and have come to the conclusion that there are three possible solutions to this issue. Firstly Miss Larkin could sell you the piece of land as you seem to want. Secondly you could remove the building from her land and ensure that the property is redeveloped so it fits in with the surrounding area. Or thirdly we could discuss a land exchange.”

Charles turned to Mistrea and when she gave him a nod he continued, “Unfortunately Miss Larkin is only willing to discuss two of these options.”

Zac was becoming more and more frustrated. “Let me guess, selling isn’t one of those options?”

“You would be correct in your guess Mr Hunt,” replied Charles.

Wade spoke before Zac could, “Do you have an area of land you might consider for the exchange?”

“Yes,” said Mistrea, speaking for the first time. She gave Charles a nod and he opened his briefcase to take out a manila folder. He opened it and pulled out a map of Mistrea’s land showing all the official borders. A small piece of land that cut into Zac’s property was highlighted. “This is the area I’m willing to trade for.”

Zac took one look and shook his head, “No. That area is out of the questions. If you insist on an exchange there are plenty of other areas to choose from.”

“When I attempted to walk my boundaries I inadvertently crossed over this particular area and liked it. It has what looks to be a natural spring with a small waterfall and it’s surrounded with a hedge that will give me privacy if and when I choose to utilise the area. It would be a good place to sit and think, or perhaps clear my head.”

“No, this piece of land is not up for negotiation.”

“Then you would prefer to have the building in question removed?” Charles knew full Zac wouldn’t want to move the building. It was far too costly to consider, he’d already had several quotes done on it and pulled them out for Wade to go over.

“I took the liberty of having several quotes done. It’s costly and to be honest not the option I’d take, but it’s your decision.”

Zac turned on Mistrea, “That building has been on that piece of land for a very long time, it’s never been an issue before you arrived. If you won’t take the money then look at another area to exchange, because I’m telling you now Miss Larkin you are not getting the area you’ve indicated!”

Far from intimidated and in fact more angry than anything else, Mistrea got to her feet. “You’ve been told what I’m willing to accept Mr Hunt, if you won’t agree with one of the two options then our lawyers can fight it out.” She turned to Charles, “I’ll wait for you outside.”

Charles waited until Mistrea had left the room, “After last night, I’m sure you both realise that Miss Larkin is not about to let anyone push her around. We’ve given you two options to consider. You have fourteen days to make a decision. If I have not heard from you by then I will personally ensure that legal action is taken.”

“And what exactly will that mean?” asked Wade.

“It means Mr Benson that if you do not make a decision we will. You and your company will then be responsible for all costs not only in regards to the removal of your building, but putting the property back to some semblance of what it should be.”

He got to his feet put his paperwork back in his briefcase and moved away from the table, “Fourteen days. Gentlemen.”

Charles met Mistrea downstairs. They didn’t speak until they were well on their way to her home. “That went about as well as I thought it would.”

“You knew they wouldn’t agree?”

He nodded, “It was obvious they wanted to buy you out. It’s the simplest way to go and that way they don’t lose anything other than money. They’ll come around in time Mistrea.” He grinned.

“What did you do?”

“I left copies of the quotes I got to have their building removed. You’ve heard the phrase costing an arm and a leg right?” she nodded. “This would cost them an arm too legs and possibly a torso!” he smiled and Mistrea shook her head and laughed.

They were both in for a surprise when they pulled into Mistrea’s driveway. There were twenty two kids either sitting or standing in and around her front porch. “What on earth…” Mistrea parked the car and got out giving everyone a wave.

Charles came around beside her and waited as one of the boys moved towards them. “Hey,” said Kyle. “Did you mean what you said last night about us coming to you for help?”

“Yes, umm Kyle this is my friend Charles. Charles this is Kyle and the rest of my writing class.”

Charles offered Kyle his hand and they shook. “It’s nice to meet you Kyle, Mistrea speaks highly of you. I’d like to stay, but I need to get to the airport.” He kissed Mistrea on the cheek and gave her a hug, then waved in the direction of her class before getting into his rental car and heading out.

“I’ll send you a text to let you know I go home safely,” he grinned because he knew her well enough to know she’d worry if he didn’t. “Take care and call if you need me.” He gave her a stern look and she knew he was letting her know to call her Guardian. She’d put it off so far not wanting to discuss everything that had happened so far. She gave him a wave as he moved out then turned to her kids.

“You all have questions about your future?”

A couple of them laughed and Marney approached her. “We finished our assignment and were hoping you’d take a look at them? I know you can’t come to the school, but we could meet here one day a week after school or on the weekend?” she looked at Mistrea hopefully.

Mistrea wiped at a stray tear. It touched her heart that they’d come to her like this and damn it if they needed her she’d be there for them. “How about we go inside and get organised.”

It didn’t take long for everyone to find a place to sit in the living room, the guys brought in chairs from the dining room and kitchen and a few sat on the floor. “Okay, I have to ask this. Do your parents know you came here?” They all nodded and shook her head because she couldn’t find the words to say how she felt in that moment.

“How about we make a party of this?” stated Reece. “We could fire up the barbeque? It won’t take long to go to the butchers. We can get some steak or sausages and some rolls from the bakery?”

“That’s a good idea Reece. I tell you what, I’ve got salads in the fridge why don’t some of you guys go pick up some bread rolls and drinks and I’ll call and organise the meat for you to pick up.” she got some money out of her purse and handed to Kyle, “This should cover it all, I’ll pay for the meat next time I’m call in there.”

“What about our work?” asked Amy, one of the youngest in the class.

“I’ll spend some time through the week going over what you’ve done and we can talk about it next weekend. What do you say?”

Amy smiled, “That’d be good it’ll give us time to get to know each other again, if you know what I mean.”

Kyle, Reece, Dylan and Greg decided to go for the food, Mistrea handed Kyle her car keys and they gave a wave on their way out. Everyone else made their way inside and Mistrea immediately called the butchers to let him know that a few young men would be there shortly to pick up enough meat for their barbeque and that she’d call in on Monday to pay for it.

Once that was done two of the other boys went in search of the barbeque and pretty much declared they’d be doing the cooking. They made sure it was clean then fired it up so it would be hot enough by the time the guys got back with the meat arrived.

They had a fun day chatting and eating and eventually watching a few movies. It was exactly what Mistrea needed. As she sat watching everyone she realised she really didn’t have the room to teach such a large group. She let her mind wander and by the end of the day she’d formed something of a plan.

Mistrea had tossed around the idea of having a writers retreat on her land, somewhere for people to visit for a time and write without the hassles of everyday life. Now that idea had turned into a building specifically for groups to work on their writing. A group like her class. She made a mental note to speak to the builders as soon as possible and hopefully have this made a priority.

Some of the parents called by to pick up their children and Mistrea got Kyle to drop off those were left. They’d decided to meet next Saturday afternoon and take it from there as to when they’d meet again.

It was with a light heart and a sense of being needed that Mistrea finally put her head down that night. They were her kids and she’d be there for them.

                                             ~~~~~~~~~~~~

Zac spent most of the day fuming about the meeting. He’d expected Mistrea to take the offer they’d made to buy the land his building was on. When he picked up the documents that Charles had left for them he almost put a fist through the wall. The documents were the quotes the lawyer had mentioned and when he looked through them he shocked at exactly how much money it would cost to have the building moved.

There was no way they could spent that kind of money. The building was the training centre for the young men. It was also a means of them being able to blow off steam in a safe environment. It was purpose built for their needs, the materials strong so they’d last and the building itself was build close to the ground to hold it steady from the amount of use it would receive over the years.

There was no way they could move it, but Zac was not going to give away the piece of land that Mistrea wanted. It held memories for him and when he took up the position as Alpha he was promised that that piece of land would be his.

It took several hours for him to calm down and when he did he decided he needed to take a new tack in how he dealt with Mistrea. He needed to be more polite, be nice to her and try and convince her to look at other areas land in regards to the exchange they’d spoken of.

Late that afternoon he went for a run, he didn’t usually do so at that time of the day, not in wolf form but today he needed to. He wasn’t a bit surprised to find himself close to Mistrea’s home, but was shocked to see the number of people coming and going. It took him a minute to realise it was the kids from her class and their parents picking them up.

He growled low and deep, “God damned woman! Why the hell doesn’t she just go back to the city!” he turned and ran, not looking back and not thinking about anyone or anything except moving across the ground and expending that anger and frustration he’d been holding in all day.

He hated how he was feeling, had no real understanding of why Mistrea rubbed him the wrong way. It irked him that such a small woman could affect him so much then he’d put it down to his being cheated out of having a mate.

The fact that he was in some idiotic way drawn to the woman only aggravated him even more. He’d had his chance, but she’d been taken from him. He no longer had a mate and he knew that no matter how much he was draw to the woman, all Mistrea could be was someone to sleep with; someone to use and walk away from.

He made his way home and locked himself in his office for the rest of the day. He had to shake his anger, his frustration she always seemed to bring out in him. Hell they were neighbours and she’d already stated in front of most of the town that she was staying. Damn it all to hell! He had to find a way to work with this woman or he’d never find any peace.

That night as he lay in bed staring at the ceiling he came to a decision. He’d call in and speak with the woman in a few days and try talking her around. He’d see if he could make her see sense help her realise that she should take their offer. He closed his eyes, thoughts of how he’d turn things around with Mistrea filtered through his mind as he drifted off to sleep. I’ll sweet talk her and she’ll come around.