Page 12 of Bear Haven
She grew up in the hospitality industry. She had a degree in it. She had worked in the field throughout college.
Just because she was part bear didn’t mean she couldn’t answer a few questions with a smile and Southern graciousness.
She stepped outside with Michael at her back. He wasn’t as intimidating as Gus, but he pretty damn close. She didn’t need his help or protection, but in a strange way, she was glad for it. Gus never left if Michael wasn’t at the house. He never left her alone, not with the Mayor still lurking somewhere.
“Are you the owner?”
“Yes, I am.” Bex smiled at the gruff looking man she recognized. He lived in the house behind hers. A line of oak trees and tall bushes along with a six foot fence separated the properties, but she’d caught him looking through his upstairs windows when she’d been doing the same.
“There’s been a lot of unusual activity going on here since you moved in.”
“Yes, there has. What are you doing?”
That question came from a small, but fierce looking woman with short dark hair, a deep frown marring her brow, and dark piercing eyes. She was one woman Bex likely didn’t want to cross.
“The house was zoned as residential or business and I’m using it as such. I’m so sorry for all the mess and noise lately. We’re renovating.”
“For what? What do you plan to do with it?”
“The house? It’s going to be a…” How was she supposed to explain that it was essentially an animal haven, but that the animals were human, too? “A retreat.”
“Like a spa?”
“No. Not exactly.”
“Then what sort of retreat?”
She could lie. She knew she could. She had to lie. She didn’t have a choice. “A bed and breakfast for both people and their animals.”
“Animals?”
“Yes. So many travel with their pets and there are some decent places that will accommodate them, but I thought it would be nice if there was a more personal option.”
“See, Mildred? I told you they weren’t up to anything nefarious.”
“Bill, you said there were very large dogs in her yard. You said they looked like wolves.”
“They were wolves. Or, you know, there are hybrid dogs that have mated with wolves.”
All eyes focused on Michael and for the moment, Bex was very glad he stood at her back.
He settled a hand on her shoulder and she sighed. She was trying to do everything just right, say everything just right and it wasn’t coming out as she’d intended. But Michael kept it simple, kept it easy and uncomplicated.
She was grateful.
“Is that true, young man?”
“It is. I own one.”
Bex turned her head to the side and smirked. She wondered if the wolf in question knew that. What a fun conversation that would be to overhear.
“You’re not going to leave feces all over the yard, are you? You’re going to clean up after the animals, correct? I don’t want to have to call animal control or the health department. I don’t like to cause trouble, but I will. I will call them on you.”
“No, Mildred. May I call you Mildred?” The older woman blushed beneath Michael’s charm. If she only knew it was an act. If she only knew the tension flowing through his body. But Mildred didn’t know. None of them. “We’re going to make sure everything is well maintained and cleaned. You won’t have to worry about a thing.”
“Where’s that other man? I haven’t seen him in a few days. The big one with all the tattoos. I don’t think I like the look of him very much.”
“He’s out of town right now. He’ll be back tomorrow.”
