New Home

    I stand up and stretch my back before rubbing my rounding stomach. I let out a long whistle as I take in my surroundings. This place is beautiful! Beautiful and big. I have no idea how I will take care of the house, let alone the land, but it was too good of an opportunity to pass up. 

   I press my hand to my forehead to cancel out the setting sun and smile. The rustic mansion isn't just beautiful; it is gorgeous, and the backdrop is something you would see on a postcard. I still can't believe this is all mine. 

   When I contacted the lawyers handling Hazel Layne's estate, aka my grandmother, I learned about the size of the house and how much money I was inheriting. When the lawyer had informed me I would be receiving just under 63 million after taxes, I fainted. 

  I don't know the story behind my father's family and where their money came from, but I know I am a millionaire—a millionaire with no idea where to go from here. 

  "Well, baby, we are here, so we might as well make the most of it," I mumble as I walk towards the fantastic wrap-around porch. 

   I pull the key I received via FedEx and open the door. It makes a creepy screeching sound, and I feel a shudder run down my spine. 

  "I should have bought a gun," I mutter as I search the wall for a light switch. 

   When my fingers finally find what I believe is a switch, I sigh. I flick the first one on, and a gasp leaves my throat as my eyes take in the luxurious living room. 

  "Oh my," I whisper as I take a small step forward. 

   The cleaning crew I hired before arriving did a fantastic job. Every square foot of this place is polished right down to the wooden wolf carving hanging over the fireplace. All the furniture looks like it has been custom-made for this place. The wooden pieces are thick, gleaming, and smell like pine. 

    After I look around the living room, I spot the kitchen, and again, my mouth drops open. 

  "This place can't be real," I whisper as I gently run my fingers over the marble countertop. 

  The island alone can seat at least six people, and the cabinets are almost neverending. The sink is a huge double, and there is an industrial level dishwasher. 

"What are we going to do with all this space," I whisper to my stomach as I turn off the light and head for the stairs. 

  The lawyer said this place has five guest rooms, a master bedroom, and a mother-in-law suite. It also comes with four bathrooms and a basement. 

  I have no idea how Hazel maintained this place, but if she can do it, so can I...right. 

  I find what looks to be a guest room and smile. For the time being, this will be my room. It feels too weird to go jumping into Hazel's bed when I didn't personally know her, and this room is nicer than all my rooms growing up. 

   I yawn as the long hours of driving catch up to me and rub my eyes. It's only 8 PM, but I am brushed. I slide off my tennis shoes and head straight for the bed. My small amount of luggage can wait. Baby and I need a good night's sleep. 

*******

    When I wake up in the morning, I actually freak out a little for a moment. I am so used to my all-white hotel room that the dark rustic decorates in the Layne home startled me.  

  But after remembering where I am, I smile. I am home. I'm no longer in an emotionless hotel. I am in the house that will welcome my child, and I want to get to know it. 

  First things first, I head out to my second-hand Nissan and grab my bags. I need a comfortable snooping outfit. I have nothing but time on my hands and a million questions that need to be answered. Like, what did my parents even look like? I'm hoping I find at least a picture of my father. 

   I drag my bags back to my room and pick out one of my favorite cozy sweats. I slip out of my yoga pants and pull them on. I leave the shirt since it is as comfy as all the others and head to find the master bedroom. 

   I know when my baby comes, I will want pictures in my room. So maybe Hazel has pictures of her son in her bedroom. 

  My stomach twists with excitement as I open each door. Every room is as beautiful as the last, and every bathroom looks as if it was remodeled in the past decade. If I ever have to sell this place, I should make a fortune. Especially since my property line goes all the way to the border of Yellowstone National Park. People could turn this into bed and breakfast for tourists. 

  Finally, I come to the last door in the hall. I let out a deep exhale as I push open the door to what I can only assume is the master bedroom, but when my eyes see the state of this bedroom, a scream erupts from my throat. 

  I slam the door shut with my eyes wide and my hands shaking. I guess the maid service decided not to clean this room for obvious reasons. 

  I let my heart rate decelerate before reopening the door to what appears to be the room where Hazel took her last breaths. 

  I place a shaking hand over my mouth as my eyes examine the claws marks covering almost every surface of the room and the dark brown crusty blood stains on the bed. 

  "Lord have mercy," I whisper as tears begin to pool in my eyes. 

  An animal from the park must have gotten in her room and attacked her as she slept. There's no other explanation for the damage carved into the furniture and floors. 

   Maybe I shouldn't live here. Much less alone! This place isn't safe. Why didn't they tell me she died like this?...... Like my parents! Mauled!!

  A sob bubbles out of me as I piece the connection together. I bolt from the room and pull out my phone. I scroll down to the law office I have been talking to for the last couple of weeks. They knew I would be alone! They know I'm pregnant! This isn't okay. 

  "Stanley and Brothers, how may I assist you," a receptionist answers as I make it back to my guest room. 

  I close the door and lock it before answering her. 

  "Yes, Ms. Samantha Layne, for Mr. Gray, please," I answer, slightly out of breath. 

  "Umm, yes, just one moment," she replies with curiosity dripping from her voice. 

   I'm only on hold for a moment before I hear the familiar voice of Mr. Gray. 

   "This is Gray; how can I help you," he answers, and I jump right into what I found. 

  "Why was I not warned that Hazel Layne was mauled to death in her room?! And why would any sane person think a single pregnant woman would be safe in a home where one woman has already died? I mean, is this some sick joke? My parents died the same way while hiking," I scream/sob as my emotions and stress run over. 

  Mr. Gray stays silent for a moment before making a strange grunt-like sound in his throat.

   "Uhm, Ms. Layne, how much do you actually know about your family? I mean, has anyone ever told you any stories or anything," Mr. Gray asks, and my eyebrows draw together in annoyance. 

  I wipe my face aggressively until every single one of my treacherous tears is gone. I hate crying, and I hate sounding weak, but I am so over being strong. I am so over dealing with stupid men asking stupid questions. I spent months dealing with this kind of behavior during my divorce, and I am sick of it. 

  "As I stated before, I was orphaned before the age of one! I don't know anything about these people. My parents died in a mountain lion attack, and now I find out some kind of animal killed my grandmother! Why don't you stop asking me dumb questions and accept responsibility for putting me in a vulnerable position," I shout, and the phone goes dead silent. 

  I breathe heavily as my mind catches up with my emotional outburst. I want to facepalm and backtrack, but it's too late now. All images of dignified Samantha are long gone. I sound like an overly emotional hothead. But damnnit, I'm scared. It's just my unborn child and me here...all alone. 

   Finally, just when I think he hung up, he responds. 

  "My apologies, Ms. Layne; I was under the impression you had been told about your grandmother. Please don't be afraid. Your home is safe. The...rabid wolf was immediately destroyed when your grandmother was found. I am sorry you had to witness such a devastating scene. I will personally contact a proper cleaning service...My family actually lives right next to your property, and I am sure my brother would welcome you with open arms for a couple of days while your home is being cleaned," Mr. Gray says, and I feel the shakiness in my hands lessen.

   I weigh my options quickly. I have nowhere else to go, and the thought of staying here is terrifying... The nearest hotel/motel is a good hour away...

  "Umm. Yes, I think I will take you up on that offer...I don't feel comfortable here now. As I said, I'm by myself and expecting my first child. I just got through a very messy divorce, and seeing her bedroom really rattled me," I answer while trying to keep my voice controlled. 

  "I completely understand. Let me contact my brother. His name is Daniel. He will be by to pick you up as soon as possible," Mr. Gray says, and I nod even though he can't see me. 

   "Thank you," I manage to say before he hangs up, and I collapse. 

  My grandmother was mauled by a rabid wolf a little over five years ago...right down the hall. 

  That information plays on a loop through my mind for the next forty-five minutes...until I hear a loud doorbell go off downstairs.