Embracing the Wolf (Ritter Werewolves #2)(22)
Author: Catherine Bybee

She’d missed being in a relationship. Having someone to talk to about her day, her worries, her life. Her arm was healing well, but the thought of going back to work raked her nerves. Max and Richard were no closer to finding the man who shot her than they were the first day.

He’d vanished. Richard insisted Joey stay out of school and she stay under constant security.

Janet took her maternity leave and waddled around in misery. Kate noticed the baby drop over the last couple of days but kept the information to herself. It wouldn’t be long before the baby came.

Although she hadn’t known the Ritters for long, she looked forward to the birth like an expectant Auntie. Even Joey ran around asking if it was time yet. One early afternoon, two and a half weeks into her stay, Kate suggested they get out of the house to shop for the baby.

“Come on, it’ll be fun.”

Even Janet felt the pinch of staying home. “You think we should?”

“The guys haven’t seen or heard from the punk who held me up. He’s probably long gone by now.

Besides, take it from me. Shopping after the baby

comes is much more complicated.”

“All right, but we’ll bring James along.”

“Whoo hoo. I’ll get my purse.”

Even Joey bounced with joy when they left the house.

James was a little more reserved.

Janet called Max and left him a message on his cell saying they were leaving and giving him a detailed plan as to what they were going to do.

The mall was crowded with busy shoppers. The temperatures outside were reaching into triple digits, bringing in several people for the sole purpose of cooling off.

The four of them hustled through department stores, searching the baby departments for clothing and little trinkets for the room. Janet and Max opted not to know the sex of the baby until delivery day.

Therefore, their choices were green and yellow.

Janet held up a package of white T-shirts and cooed over the size. “What about these?”

“Not white, Janet. It will stain after one wear.”

“I didn’t think of that.”

“Trust me, white is a wear once color for infants.”

James had Joey in a secluded corner, pulling the strings on mobiles that hovered over cribs.

“I’m so glad you’re here. I would have bought way too much.”

“I am the queen of thrifty. I had to be doing all of this on my own with Joey.”

“It must have been hard.”

Picking through the sale rack, Kate lifted up a striped blue and white jumper that would work for both a boy and a girl. A quick nod from Janet had her stashing it in the keep pile. “I’m happy I didn’t have a girl. Just look at all of the clothes they have for girls opposed to boys.”

“I noticed. The little hats and sweaters are so stinking adorable.” Janet picked up pint size shoes

that matched the pink purse. “So cute.” Then she noticed the price. “Fifty bucks? They have got to be kidding.”

“See what I mean. Boys are way cheaper.”

“That is crazy.” Janet put the items down and went the next isle.

T-shirts and jeans, Kate mused. Boys were easy when it came to clothes.

For one brief minute, she wondered what it would be like to be like Janet, pregnant and married to the man of her dreams, with enough money in the bank to buy a silly purse and shoes for fifty bucks.

Would Richard be appalled if she came home from a day of shopping having spent hundreds of dollars on silly things? Or would he kiss her deeply and say ‘Anything for you, dear.’

Kate shook her head dismissing the thought.

She was jumping way too far ahead.

She and Richard were mutually enjoying a physical relationship. Neither of them spoke of love and forever yet.

Arguably, she couldn’t even say they were dating. More like roommates with separate bedrooms.

At the sound of Joey’s voice, Kate glanced up to see a woman standing next to him talking.

As if sensing her stare, the woman turned, glanced at Kate, then turned back to her son.

Blocking him from Kate’s view.

James had stepped aside with a book in his hand. He didn’t seem to notice the woman with her son. Not liking how the woman was talking in low tones, Kate moved toward them.

Another glance over her shoulder and the strange woman left Joey’s side.

“Who was that?” Kate watched the woman walk away. Long black hair hung down her back, her steps quick and decisive as if in retreat.

“I dunno,” Joey said.

“What did she say to you?”

Joey fiddled with a bright red Elmo. Its giggle stood in dark contrast to the icy tension that crawled up Kate’s spine.

“She asked why I wasn’t in school.” Scanning the department store, Kate noticed that the woman was gone. Then Kate realized what was bothering her about the woman. She didn’t carry a purse. Nor a bag of any kind.

Joey pushed the button again, sending Elmo into another fit of laughter.

Pushing the doll aside, Kate bent down to her son. “What did you tell her?”

“Tell who?”

His six-year-old mind was already on to the next thing. All the while, Elmo kept giggling.

Frustrated, Kate pulled the stuffed toy from his hands and forced his eyes to hers. “The woman, Joey. What did you tell her about you not being in school?”

“I told her I couldn’t go to school till the bad guys are caught.”

An honest answer that anyone would question.

Swallowing the lump, which formed in her throat, Kate continued her interrogation. “What did she say?”

“Nothing, she gave me him.” He reached for Elmo. Kate kept it from him. “Is it mine?” It wasn’t right. Call her paranoid, but who would ask a kid about his school and say nothing at a reply like his. “No, Joey. He isn’t yours. Do you remember what I said about talking to strangers? If anyone comes up to you and starts talking, I want you to walk away.”

“But she was nice, she gave me Elmo.” Kate placed both hands on his shoulders, her fear kept her hands rigid, and her voice firm. “I don’t care if she gave you a million dollars. You should

never talk to strangers.”

“But…”

“No but’s. Never! Do you hear me?” Her voiced reached higher octave, almost a shout. James dropped his book and Janet started her way.

Joey’s lower lip started to tremble, his eyes filled with unshed tears. “I’m sorry, Mommy. I didn’t mean to make you mad.”