Free Grayslake: More than Mated: Secrets to Bear (Kindle Worlds Novella) by Flora Dare Page B

here because this is where my mother was born."
    "I'm not stupid, you know. Your mother was a rich man's side piece. That's why there was all the money for you. But it's okay. I forgive you." He looked so sincere Lira wanted to scream. How could he say all those things? And the money thing was so crazy and out of left field. "But once I take out the trash, we'll get married and then it will be our money. And everything will be just fine."
    "Ethan, honey, I don't think there is any money, not from my mother."
    "Magda's been in charge of it. That is why you have to tell her. Everyone knows."
    She knew she couldn't reason with him, but he was making so little sense. "But even if I do have money, you wouldn't need it. You are such a good Realtor, everyone uses you."
    "Sure, I do okay. Enough to take care of us, after my debts are cleared up."
    Ethan was into something deep and it was agitating him. Lira decided to redirect the conversation. "Are you sure I can't just leave Magda a note? There really isn't a need for anything else. You know I've been staying with a very sweet little old lady."
    May Memaw forgive her lie. She might be old, but she was neither little nor especially sweet. It was at that moment that she saw Gran at the top of the stairs. Gran put her finger to her lips and Lira reached out a hand to Ethan to keep him distracted.
    Ethan frowned and looked out the front window. "I did think they would be back already. I could just come back to kill him later."
    Lira thought Jake and the Bears of Grayslake would make very short work of Ethan, but she was terrified of what he might do to Magda. He clearly saw her as a threat to something he needed. She had to keep him distracted and off balance.
    "Babe, you know I'm not much for the outdoors. They made me take a really long walk and I am just so exhausted. You know I don't have much energy left and we have a long drive ahead of us. Don't be stubborn." It was dangerous playing to him like that.
    He reached forward and stroked her cheek. "You really are a mess. You could go run through the shower while I wait for Magda." He ran his hand down her neck and circled her breast, cupping it. His voice thickened. "And I've missed you so much. Angela was a tolerable lay, but nothing compared to you.  Maybe we'll just get to a hotel where I can properly enjoy you."
    Lira couldn't help her body clenching away from his touch. His eyes narrowed and he squeezed her nipple hard. She squeaked. "I'm just so dirty. Please, let me run through the shower and change. I hate you seeing me like this. I'm just so embarrassed." She looked away as tears filled her eyes. Let him think they were shame.
    He released her suddenly and she staggered back. He shrugged and said, "Sorry, I wasn't thinking. You know how fastidious I am."
    She walked past him and into the hall.
    Ethan called out to her as she stood on the first step, "You know, if the money isn't yours and is Magda's, that's an easy solution. I'll take care of her too, and then it really will all be ours."
    Lira froze in horror as she realized what he was saying. "Ethan, I'm sure you can't be saying what I think you're saying. She's my parent. As much a parent as my mother."
    "She isn't your blood."
    "Neither are you."
    "Don't speak to me that way. You still have to earn my forgiveness. I'm just willing to let you." His eyes opened wide and she could see the whites all around them. She heard footsteps on the porch.
    Time slowed down as she saw the door knob turn. She forgot the weakness of her legs as she vaulted forward. Ethan raised the gun as Lira leapt in front of Magda. The blast ripped through the house and threw her on Magda as the force ripped through her body.
    Pain shot through her and she heard screaming all around. Ethan and Magda and Memaw and Gran and Nancy. Red swirled around her and white hot rage filled her. Pain gave her strength and she thrust herself off the ground.
    Ethan still had the gun raised. He tried to aim around