Mated Runaway

Confrontation

While I was getting ready I had to keep reminding myself not to take my anger out on my hair. I can’t believe Mabel violated my privacy like that. I trusted her! I’ve never trusted someone that much since my mother died. I look at the clock on the wall and see that it’s 5:30, just 30 minutes until Mable will be here to pick me up. I look at myself in the mirror. Well this will have to do. I brush the wrinkles out of my shirt and comb through my hair one more time making sure it’s laid down and walk out the door. Making a point to close it completely. I walk down the stairs and out the front door. I sit on the bench outside of the shop. Soon I find myself questioning my next moves. Should I stay? Or should I suck it up and go ahead and move on? Hopefully soon I’ll have some answers and I can make my final decision. After a few minutes, Mable pulls up in a little blue Nissan. She cuts the car off and steps out, “What are you doing outside? “She asked me with a puzzled look on her face.

I was finished getting ready and wanted to make sure I had the door completely shut since someone was up in my room snooping around.

I let every word drop with sarcasm and knew I was giving her a cold stare. Her face changed from puzzled to concerned, “What are you talking about?”

My door was open Mabel, you forgot to close it when you were in there snooping around.

“I haven’t been in the bakery since we closed up this afternoon. What do you mean your door was open when you came back? Where were you?”

I went for a walk around the town and when I came back the bedroom door was open.

Mabel took a step back and looked thoughtful for a minute. “Did you check the shop and make sure nothing was missing?

Of course I did, that’s the first thing I did. That’s why I thought it was you in my room. Mabel, be 100% honest with me. You’re saying you weren’t in my room today?

“No sweetheart I wasn’t in your room. I have no need. I know you have no belongings with you. I want to get to the bottom of this not only was your privacy violated but my business has now been compromised to someone that had no business being there. Did you leave the front door unlocked when you left?”

I’ll look down at the ground feeling guilty.

Yeah I did, I didn’t have a key and didn’t think it would be a problem.

“Well this has never happened before and believe me I have left the door unlocked more than once. I’ll have you a key made so that this doesn’t happen again.” She didn’t look at upset as she sounded, maybe there’s more to her thoughts than she’s letting ok. “Do you mind getting yourself something to eat tonight instead of going out?”

No I don’t mind. I’m sorry I accused you of snooping around my room.

“It’s no problem, just next time ask before you accuse.” She gave me a half smile.

I will, I promise.

I leaned over and gave her a small hug before turning and walking down the street. So if it wasn’t Mabel, who was in my room and why? Maybe it was a thief, but after realizing there was nothing to take, they left. Still, I can’t shake the strange feeling that this isn’t the end to this problem.

I clinched the money in my hand that Maple handed me before I left and feel another wave of guilt. She has done nothing but help me and show me kindness since I met her. I was so quick to see her as the villain. I sigh and walk down the street. There’s a small deli a couple of blocks over that I want to try. I’ve noticed a few people come into the bakery with a bag of their food and it always smells so good. I’m still nervous about meeting new people, especially since I seen that wolf. I turn the corner and walk into the deli. When I step inside I’m instantly surrounded by so many amazing smells. I look up at the board that has the hand written menu. They have different sandwiches and a few soups to choose from. A matter of fact women named Alice that was at the counter told me the daily special option and I decide to get it. Half of a sandwich and a small cup of soup. I pay and head back down the street to the bakery. When I turn a corner I see Mable’s car is still out front but it’s been joined by a fancier silver Audi. I sit on the bench savoring every bite of my food and letting the feeling of hope feel me back up. I clean up from the small meal, hoping to bypass whoever Mable is to talking to, I quietly open the door and slip inside. As soon as I shut the door my wolf starts going crazy and I notice it’s quiet. My heart rate picks up and I have no idea what’s going on. I instantly think of Mable. Did something happen to her? I call out,

Hey Mable, I’m back.

Almost instantly a man is directly in front of me. With a small smile he says, “Mate.”

No. This can’t have happened. I turn around and run out the door. I run straight to the woods not caring that I’m about to destroy my new clothes. I shift as soon as I’m out of sight. I run as fast as I can, feeling more panic fill me up each time my paws hit the ground. I’m not sure where I’m heading all I know is I can’t stop. My wolf keeps begging me to stop and turn around. There’s no way. This has been our plan. Avoid. The further I get the more my wolf try’s to take control, but I keep going.