But I promised myself I would win her heart first. Make her choose me because she wants to, not because some cosmic force decided for her.
“You’re my guest,” I say finally. “And guests don’t have to worry about money.”
She doesn’t look convinced, but she lets it go. Turns back to the stir-fry and adds some sauce that makes my nose wrinkle.
“What is that?”
“Soy sauce.”
“It smells... strong.”
“It smells delicious. You’ll like it.”
“Bears don’t?—“
“If you say ‘bears don’t eat soy sauce,’ I’m going to throw this spatula at your head.”
I close my mouth.
She smirks and keeps cooking.
We eat at the table, the stir-fry hot and fragrant. It’s good. Better than good. My serving of chicken is perfect for me, the vegetables are crisp, and even the soy sauce doesn’t bother me as much as usual.
“Well?” She’s watching me eat with barely concealed amusement.
“It’s acceptable.”
“Acceptable.” She rolls her eyes. “High praise from the man who eats brown sugar with a spoon.”
“I never said I eat it with a spoon.”
“Do you?”
I take another bite instead of answering.
“That’s a yes.” She grins and digs into her own plate. “So. Tell me about your clan.”
The question catches me off guard. I set down my fork.
“What do you want to know?”
“Everything.” She shrugs. “I’ve never really talked to a bear shifter before you. I didn’t even know you had clans. I thought it was packs, like wolves.”
“Wolves have packs. Bears have clans. Dragons have—“ I pause. “Actually, I don’t know what dragons call themselves. They’re not very social.”
“There are dragons in ShadowWolf Creek?”
“A few. Bear shifters tend to keep to themselves, so I haven’t taken the time to get to know any of them.”
“Huh.” She chews thoughtfully. “So your clan. The Ironwood Clan. That’s your family?”
“That’s everyone. The whole community. Maybe fifty bears, give or take. We live on the eastern slope of the mountain, in a valley that’s protected from the worst of the weather.”
“And your mother still lives there? And your brother?”
“Yes.”
“What’s it like? The valley?”
