Chapter 7

The next few days seemed to fly by. Mistrea went about her life, working with her writing group and teaching one day a week at the university. She’d only agreed to teach for a few months and that time was almost up. She was looking forward to spending more time at home writing.

Her ever present protector was with her and he turned many a girls head as he walked by doing his best to watch over his childhood friend. Mistrea was safe, she knew that. What Oliver was really concerned about was her taking ill, especially if she was driving or out and about. Goodness knows what would happened if she succumbed to pain in either of those situations. So she didn’t complain, she accepted his presence and in many ways enjoyed having him around.

For the most part Mistrea was well, she’d put on a bit of weight and looked a great deal better than she had when Oliver found her all but collapsing in town. He made sure she didn’t overdo it and because she wasn’t always up to a big meal, he started producing lots of snacks throughout the day.

Mistrea started leaning on Oliver too, she didn’t feel quite so alone and it was more fun cooking for two. Kyle, Reece and Dylan stopped by every other day and she relaxed back into life in Ransom. There were only a few days until Founders Day and people were getting excited. It was a weekend event, the entire town put on a show on the Saturday, with a parade and speeches by local dignitaries, as well as a community gathering where the locals had stalls selling barbeque ribs, corn, desserts, drinks and other food stuffs. Overall it was usually a big success, bringing in people from all over to celebrate.

Mistrea remembered going to the town celebrations as a child, but she also remembered the private celebration the Pack had the next day. The whole community came together to celebrate the founding of the town. It was a day when people got to relax, enjoy themselves and spend time renewing friendships.

Mistrea decided not to attend the town celebration this year; she needed time to get her head in the right space. It was time to lay her cards out on the table, past time that she confronted Zac about who she really was and why she’d returned to Ransom.

She was looking forward to the Packs celebrations, but even so, felt apprehension. She had no idea how what she had to say, would be perceived by those she’d come to care about. The Pack and its people were important to her and she hoped with all her heart that they’d understand why she’d kept her true-self hidden since her arrival.

Mistrea did her best to lose herself in her writing and it worked to an extent. The trouble was it was interfering with her sleeping and Oliver wasn’t happy about it. He didn’t like that she’d be up most of the night writing, then spend her day doing whatever else needed to be done. He was concerned she was deliberately trying to exhaust herself. And he was right.

Oliver called out to Mistrea as he made his way up stairs to her office. “It’s Friday, I was thinking we should have a barbeque dinner. We could invite Mae and Kyle over? I’m sure Reece and Dylan will want to come too, what do you say?”

“Huh?” was all the reply he got.

He sighed, “Enough already! Save what you’ve done and lets to get the fixings for steak and ribs!” he saw the look on her face, “Okay we can make a salad as well.”

Mistrea did as he asked knowing full well he’d harp on about it until she did. “You drive and I’ll call Mae. She can let Kyle and the guys know.”

Mistrea loved barbequed pork ribs, especially if they were marinated in barbeque sauce. She made sure they had plenty of ribs as well as steaks. They spent some time in the kitchen getting organised and she couldn’t help but shed a tear or three when she was peeling and chopping onions to cook with the steaks.

Oliver had become the official cook, that is to say he insisted on cooking when they had a barbeque. He was good at it too, the meat was always cooked to perfection and the smell alone made your stomach growl in appreciation of what was to come.

Mistrea organised a Greek salad and a pasta salad. Mae was supplying dessert. By the time the guys got home from school to drop off their books t Mae had boxed up an apple and rhubarb pie and a chocolate cake.

By five thirty Oliver was in the back yard and had the barbeque fired up. Dylan and Reece had arrived and were doing their best to convince him they should be doing the barbequing. It didn’t work. Mistrea heard Kyle call out that they were there and when she turned to greet them she stopped in her tracks.

Kyle rolled his eyes her and shrugged his shoulders. Mistrea blinked and turned to Mae, hoping she’d explain why Zac was with them. She smiled at the woman and gave her a hug. “It’s good to see you Mae. Come on in.”

“You look well Mistrea; Kyle told me you haven’t been well.” She called out to Kyle, “put desert in the kitchen for now son.” Mistrea waited quietly until Mae spoke again. “I hope you don’t mind, I ran in to Zac on the way out the door and thought it perhaps it was time you two put aside your differences.” She smiled sweetly and headed towards Oliver leaving her with Zac.

Zac gave Oliver a nod then focused on Mistrea, “Mae insisted I come along with her. I hope you don’t mind?”

Mistrea sucked up her anger and smiled at him, “Of course not, Mae’s like family and if she invited you, then you’re more than welcome. Please come join everyone. Would you like a beer?”

Zac was surprised at how pleasant she was being, but went with it, “Yeah a beer would be nice.” He smiled and watched as she turned away from him.

Mistrea moved quickly and stood in front of the refrigerator leaning her forehead on the coolness of its door. She took a minute to calm herself, because the last person she wanted in her home was right now in her back yard. She opened the fridge and grabbed two beers before making her way back outside. She handed one of the beers off to Oliver and placed the other in front of where Zac was sitting.

“Mae, what would you like? I have soft drink, iced tea, beer and mineral water.”

“Iced tea would be nice dear, then maybe we can catch me up on how things are going with you?”

“Sure, I’ll be right back.” Mistrea headed back to the kitchen to get some iced tea for Mae and wishing she had a double scotch for herself. She wasn’t sure how she was going to handle Zac being there, it was going to be a long afternoon.

Thankfully Kyle and Oliver helped ease the awkwardness have having to spent time with Zac. They did a great deal of the talking and when the food was served everyone was too busy eating to chat. The food was good and Mistrea set a few bowls of warm water on the table with napkins so they could rinse the sauce off their hands from the ribs.

After they’d finished eating, Mistrea got up to clear the table, but Mae asked Kyle and his friends to do it instead. Once they got started she turned to Mistrea, “Why don’t you show Zac around, I’m sure he’d like to see what you’re doing to the place?” she smiled sweetly and Mistrea did the only thing she could do, she nodded and got to her feet.

Zac noted that Mistrea kept herself at a distance from him and for some unknown reason it irked him, especially when she was so relaxed with Oliver. He gave himself an internal shake and cleared his throat, “I noticed your building a house close to where my building is locate. May I ask why?”

Mistrea could feel her nerves starting to fray but sucked it up. “Charles, my lawyer did a great deal of research about this land and discovered there’d been plans for a house lodged years ago. He had them checked out and updated to code just in case I wanted to use them and we figured, why not. I can use it as a guest house or have family move in.”

She shrugged and moved towards what looked like a huge pit. “This is the main reason I wanted the fencing put up.” She saw the confused look on Zac’s face and smiled. “It’s a swimming pool. I don’t want anyone falling in and once it’s build I’ll make sure it’s fenced off to keep little ones from trying to go for a swim.”

Zac laughed, “Somehow I don’t think it’ll be the little ones you’ll have to worry about.” He looked back towards the house and shook his head. “Kyle is really taken with you, so are Dylan and Reece.”

“Yeah, they love my cooking and the fact that I have a huge DVD collection.” She laughed as they started walking towards the gazebo where the big swinging bed would be. It was close to the gate the guys used to come and go between their homes and Mistrea’s house.

“They’re good kids, they’ve been a big help in me settling in here. It’s like having three over protective brothers, but it’s kind of nice.” She smiled. “The place is actually starting to feel like home.”

Zac sighed, he felt like a bastard for the way he’d been treating her, “Look, I’d like to apologise for…” he was stopped short when he saw the stunned expression on Mistrea’s face. He turned to see Shelby, the woman he’d been spending time with lately, coming through the gate leading to his territory.

He was not happy, “Shelby, what are you doing here?”

“I was looking for you lover,” Shelby spoke in a seductive voice. “We were supposed to be going out for dinner. Then you promised me…” she batted her eyes and did her best to look embarrassed.

Zac almost growled at her. “If you recall, you suggested dinner and I told you I was busy.” He sensed how tense Mistrea was and wasn’t surprised when she turned to leave.

She didn’t get the chance though, because Shelby came right up to her a smile on her face. “You’re Mistrea Larkin, the writer everyone’s been talking about?” Mistrea nodded. “I’m Shelby Stratford, Zac’s girl friend.” she was watching carefully, Mistrea assumed to see if she’d react to her words. She didn’t, she had her game face on and looked at her blankly.

“Thank you for informing me Shelby.” She turned to Zac, “I’ll leave you to it. I need to have a word with the guys in regards to locking gates behind them.”

Shelby growled at her, but Mistrea ignored her and moved back towards the house. She’d only taken a few steps when Zac came up beside her. “I apologise for Shelby just showing up like that, she has a habit of showing up when you least expect it.”

“No apology necessary Mr Hunt, I’m going to see about coffee and dessert. If you and your friend would like to join us?” Mistrea didn’t wait for an answer; she started walking and didn’t stop until she was in her kitchen.

She organised coffee then set up a tray of mugs, sugar, milk and spoons. She was about to pick it up when she felt strong arms on her shoulders. “I’ve got it Misty. Relax I’ll stay close, now if you can get the cake and pie ready, I’ll take this tray out.”

She could have kissed him; he said exactly what she needed to hear to stop her from doing or saying something she shouldn’t. She did the next best thing; she wrapped her arms around him, held him tight and breathed in his scent knowing it would help calm her.

“Hey Mistrea, do you need a hand?” Kyle looked at them curiously, “Umm do you two want to be alone?” he grinned and got the cake and pie to take outside. “You might want to get plates and forks.” He shook his head and left them alone.

Mistrea blushed and Oliver laughed as he picked up the tray leaving her to get dessert plates and cutlery. In no time at all everyone was seated and eating either pie of cake. Mistrea stayed close to Oliver and barely touched the pie Mae placed in front of her.

Shelby looked glanced at everyone and smiled before turning to Mistrea, “So, are you going to the Founders Day celebration next Saturday? It should be lots of fun.”

Mistrea leaned into Oliver without realising she’d done so, “No.” she picked up her coffee and took a sip, hoping Shelby would leave it at that. She didn’t.

“What you think you’re too good to go or something?” she glared at Mistrea and Zac grabbed her arm letting her know to let it go.

Mistrea sighed and looked at her, “Actually it’s quite the opposite. It would seem I’m not good enough for the town.”

“What the hell does that mean?” Shelby asked.

“Enough!” Zac stated, but Mistrea glared at him.

“She asked a valid question. From what I’ve been told there’s a parade through town that finishes at the High School. I believe that’s where the speeches will happen and all the stalls will be set up. If you remember correctly I was told in no uncertain terms that I was not welcome there. I don’t particularly want to spend the weekend in jail. Besides, I told your principal buddy, that hell can freeze over before I set foot on his school grounds again.”

Zac really did feel like a bastard, “We might be able to lift that ban, at least for…”

She shook her head, “No Mr Hunt that’s not necessary. I have more than enough to keep me busy here.”

Kyle spoke up then, “At least you’ll be able to come to the gathering on Sunday, it’ll be just like the last one only a lot bigger. You’ll come won’t you?”

Mistrea looked from Kyle to Mae and back again. She saw out of the corner of her eye that Reece and Dylan were waiting for her answer as well. She smiled, “Okay, I’ll come, but only because you guys want me there.”

Kyle gave her a hug, “Good because I was going get Oliver to drag you there anyway.” He grinned and hugged her again.

Zac couldn’t help the smile on his face and covered it up by lifting his cup to his face. When he put it back down he spoke to Mistrea and nodded towards Kyle, “He’s right, the gathering will be a great deal bigger. In fact over the next week people will be coming from outlying areas to join us.”

He sighed hoping Mistrea would agree to what was needed. “In fact, in the past many have camped in and around the building that was on your land. The building has bathroom facilities and room enough for some, but the rest pitch tents or bring camper-vans with them.”

“What does that have to do with me?” Mistrea looked at him a little confused.

“They will need access to the road you’ve gated off as well as the area directly behind the building to pitch their tents or park their vans.”

Mistrea did her best to remain calm, “Mr Hunt, I know that is how you’ve managed things in the past, but not anymore. This land is mine, I have divided our boundaries by fencing them off, all at no cost to you I might add. I am not about to have the fences pulled down and open my land to people I don’t even know.”

She took a breath and shook her head, “There is a caravan park and camping area at the edge of town. That’s only a fifteen minute drive. I’m sure that won’t be too great a hardship for your visitors.”

Zac was not happy, but Mistrea didn’t care. “Tell me Mr Hunt, is this the only reason you got Mae to invite you today?” she shook her head, “You’ve known this about this for some time and you choose now to tell me. Founders Day is a week away Mr Hunt, did you think leaving it until the last minute would make me give you want you wanted?” She laughed, “You didn’t even ask, you expected that I’d do it. I’ll open the gates so your guests can get through, but I don’t want them camping on my land.”

“What if they do?” growled Shelby.

Zac growled and Mistrea turned to him. “If this is how you feel, perhaps you shouldn’t attend.” He got to his feet, grabbed Shelby and walked away. He turned back after taking several steps, “Mae, do you want a lift home?”

Mae looked flustered, it had been her idea to have Zac there and now it had all gone to hell. Before she could reply Oliver spoke. “I’ll see that Mae and the boys get home.”

Mistrea ignored everyone and started clearing the table then stacking the dishwasher. She’d had about all she could take of Mr Zac Hunt and what angered even more was the fact that had he spoken to her sooner and actually asked and not expected, then she would have gladly given him what he wanted. But now! Now as far as she was concerned he could go to hell.

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

While Oliver took Mae and the guys home Mistrea finally poured herself a large glass of scotch, dropped an ice-cube in it and added a splash of soda water. By the time Oliver arrived home she was on her second glass and feeling a great deal, more mellow that she had been before he left.

“Mistrea, do you really think that’s going to help?”

“Nope! Not completely, but it will help numb the pain.”

“Pain? What do you mean?” then her hand come to her heart and she gaped for breath. “Shit! What can I do to help?”

Mistrea concentrated on her breathing and when she was able she answered him, “Pour me another drink and make this one stronger. It’s going to be a long night Ollie and unfortunately I won’t be up to doing much of anything tomorrow.”

Oliver growled and had Mistrea have been sober it would have scared the bejesus out of her. He scooped her up and carried her up to her room. The fact that she didn’t protest told him she either didn’t have the strength or was beyond caring.

He placed her on the bed and turned towards the door, calling over his shoulder, “Get ready for bed and I’ll bring you up another drink.”

Mistrea nodded and started stripping off her clothing before he was fully out of the room. She dumped her clothing on the floor and pulled a pair of pj’s out of one of her draws almost falling to the floor as she tried to put them on.

Oliver entered the room to find her dressed, but sprawled on the floor panting. He got her into bed and pulled the covers over her just as the pain hit again. He couldn’t do anything about the pain, but he could be there for her so he sat on the bed and pulled her into his arms.

He smoothed the hair off her face and rocked her gently as he spoke words of comfort into her ear. When the pain eased she fell into light sleep and that was when Oliver acted. He knew she’s be pissed, but he believed he had no choice. He made sure Mistrea was covered and quietly left the room.

He didn’t stop until he was on the back porch where he pulled out his phone and dialled. “Mae, its Mistrea, I need your help.”

“I’ll be there shortly.”

They phone went dead in his hand and he moved at a run when he heard Mistrea cry out in pain. He held her as he did earlier, but this time stayed with her. He’d never seen her in this much pain before and he was scaring the hell out of him.

This was how Mae found them, Oliver sitting up against the headboard with Mistrea in his arms. She took in the scene and nodded when he looked at her as if asking for help. “How long as she been like this?”

“She was in pain when I got home. Mae I’ve never seen it this bad before, not even when…”

Mae gave his shoulder a squeeze, “She’ll be fine Oliver, we’ll both see to that. Come, now, let me take a look at her. I want you to go down stairs and make a pot of tea.” She saw the look on his face and handed him a container. “This is a special blend; it’ll help with the pain and hopefully put her into a deep sleep until it’s over.”

Oliver gave her a nod, took the container and left the room to do as Mae had asked. He knew damned well what had happened, why Mistrea was in pain and he wanted nothing more than to beat the shit out of Zac. He couldn’t though; if he did it would hurt Mistrea and cause major problems for them both. So for now he’d suck it up and do what he could to keep her safe.

Mae looked at Mistrea with concern written across her face. She sat on the side of the bed and took Mistrea’s hand in hers, “Mistrea, can you hear me dear? It’s Aunt Mae. Open your eyes child and let me see you.”

Mistrea’s eyes fluttered open ever so slowly, “Aunt Mae…” they closed again and she struggled to open them.

Mae sat quietly stroking Mistrea’s hair and speaking softly to her. When Mistrea came back to consciousness again she smiled, “It will be all right my dear. I have Oliver brewing some tea that will help, but I need you to stay awake long enough to drink it. Can you do that for me?”

Mistrea nodded, she didn’t think she had the strength to speak and when she tried to sit up, Mae helped get her into a comfortable position. A wave of pain came over her just as Oliver came back in the a mug of tea. She looked from Mae to Oliver and he could see she was more than angry that he’d called for help.

Mae spoke to her doing her best to help her stay calm and go with the pain. As soon as it eased off Oliver climbed onto the bed and held her up so Mae could hold the mug of tea to her lips. It took a good ten minutes but Mistrea managed to get most of the tea down. As Oliver put her head back on the pillow, her eyes closed and this time sleep truly took her.

Mae and Oliver stayed by her side throughout the night, at first they remained silent, neither wanting to admit what had just occurred. Finally Mae spoke and in doing so eased the guilt that Oliver was feeling for calling her in the first place.

“She’s weak Oliver and to be honest I’m not sure she can take too many more incidents like this. It’s time she put an end to it.”

Oliver sighed, “I’ve already had this discussion with her.” He laughed, “She somehow thought it would be appropriate to talk to him on Founders Day.”

“Is this,” she indicated the state Mistrea was in, “why you decided to be her protector?”

He nodded, “Yes. I found her in pain about ready to collapse. It was nowhere near as bad as this, but it was enough to make me see she shouldn’t be alone. I mean what if she was driving, or crossing the road or something. I swore and oath to protect her Mae and I will, even if she doesn’t always like what I have to do to make sure she’s safe.”

“I wouldn’t go looking for trouble if I were you,” she couldn’t help but laugh, “I can remember the last time you two got into it, it took four men to pry you both apart.”

Mae checked on Mistrea in the early hours of the morning and gave her a kiss on the forehead before leaving. “Oliver, I don’t think she’d happy to find me here when she wakes up. Things need to play out how she wants them too. If she asks why I was here, let her know you were worried and I helped get her settled enough to sleep “

“Thanks Mae. Mistrea should be back to herself in a few of days and I’ll make sure she rests.”

“You’ll need to feed her up for the next couple of days. I have a feeling she’s going to need all the strength she’s got when she confronts Zac. I’ll come back later and put up a pot of soup for you both.” she gave Oliver a hug and a kiss on the cheek before she left.

Oliver put his head down on the couch for a few minutes and ended up sleeping for a few hours. When he got up he showered, dressed and put a pot of coffee on before starting breakfast. He made enough for two in case Mistrea woke up, but she didn’t.

Mae did as she said and came by to make soup. Oliver was glad for the company, because he could at least speak openly about his concerns with her. She made sure she was gone well before Mistrea woke up; told Oliver to make sure he called let her know how Mistrea was doing.

Mistrea woke just before mid-day. She was sore and sluggish, but she got up and headed to the bathroom hoping a shower would help. She had little energy and by the time she was showered and dressed, she had to lie down and rest.

Oliver knocked on the door and when he heard her murmur a ‘come in’ he opened the door and crouched by the side of the bed. “How are you doing?”

“I feel like I was hit by a truck.” She lifted her head off the pillow, “what happened to the drink you were going to bring me last night?”

“I drank it. And just so you know, for the next couple of days you’re either in bed or on the couch.” He came to his feet and scooped her up into his arms. “You need to eat and then you get to sit lay back on the couch and relax.” He saw she was ready to argue and cut her off, “No arguments Misty, you scared the crap out of me last night.”

She sighed and relaxed into his arms, “Okay Ollie, I haven’t got the strength to fight right now.”

Mistrea let Oliver take care of her for the rest of the day and the next. After that she was determined to get up and do for herself. She was still weak, but on the mend and wanted nothing more than to get on with things.

Oliver did back off, but watched her closer and made sure she ate at intervals throughout the day. Mae was right; she needed to build up her strength, because if she didn’t there was no way she would come away from what she needed to talk to Zac about whole.

For the rest of the week Mistrea was careful of what she did and where she went. The last thing she needed was to run into Zac or even Wade. She didn’t want to appear weak and at the moment she would.

Friday arrived and she was getting a little antsy, Oliver stayed close and in the end she all but locked herself in her office and pretended to write. They had pizza for dinner, then sat outside under the gazebo. It was a warm night and there was a light breeze that seemed to soothe her.

They sat drinking a beer and taking in the night. Oliver went inside to get more beer and came back with a CD player. He turned it on and it wasn’t long before they were singing along to some of their old favourites. Kyle showed up with Reece and Dylan and it wasn’t long before they took over the music.

It wasn’t long before Dylan pulled Mistrea to her feet and had her dancing. The music and the laughter attracted more of their friends and it soon turned into a party. Thankfully it was a Friday night because they didn’t get to bed until late.

No one noticed Zac standing in the background watching as his people danced, sang and laughed with Mistrea and Oliver. It frustrated him no end and when Oliver took her in his arms he had a sudden urge to rip his arms off. This thought froze him in his thoughts, there was no way he could or should be having thoughts like this. Not now… not ever again. He turned and slipped into the night wondering what the hell had come over him. Oliver was his friend and he’d wanted to harm him for hold a woman that had done nothing but anger and frustrate him since the day they first met.