By the time less than a third of the bottle remained, I could finally breathe a little easier. Just as I decided I ought to catch some sleep, a small figure came barreling out from the trees, her midnight-black hair flying like a banner in the breeze.
“Is your phone broken?” She cocked her hip while glaring at me.
This was the first time she’d displayed such an attitude, and despite the blanket of grief weighing me down, a small spark of amusement flickered like a lightning bug in my head.
“I figured it was, seeing as how you left me on read, even though you disappeared with no explanation, which I find really rude and not atall nice and definitely not something a so-calledmatewould do!” The word vomit ceased when she ran out of air and had to take a breath.
I dropped the bottle. It clanked on the deck and rolled away, spilling precious liquid, but I gave no shits.
“Are you quite finished?”
A small huff of annoyance told me no, she wasn’t.
“I’m upset. Upset and pissed off.” Raven didn’t cuss, so the fact she’d used a swear word told me how much my absence had bothered her. My bear woke up and grumbled at me. He thought we needed to make things right with our mate.
I scrubbed my beard and sighed. She was right. I should have messaged her back. In my defense, I had planned to go find her in the morning, before classes.
“I’m sorry. It’s been… a long few days.”
The little witch’s scowl vanished, her gaze softening as she took in my exhaustion. I’d barely slept for two days. Each time I closed my eyes, I saw his face. Smelled the coppery blood. Heard my mother’s agonized roar as Seamus dropped to the floor.
Raven’s small hand stroked my cheek. I inhaled her sweet chocolate and cherry scent, letting her nearness calm my chaotic emotions. She crawled onto my lap, and despite the lateness of the hour, and also the fact we were outside, where any passing shifter or cloaked magical could see us, I didn’t protest.
“Why are you so sad? Your aura is dull and pale.”
Raven could read auras? Such a gift was rare in witches or mages. I wondered if anyone knew she had it. Her hands cupped my cheeks, stroking my beard.
“My uncle turned feral. I had to put him down.” I almost choked on the words.
“Is this the same thing that’s affecting wolves?”
Raven’s violet eyes darkened with anxiety.
“Yes, bears have been immune until now, but it looks like we’re no longer safe.” None of the other bears on the mountain had shown symptoms yet, but everyone was on their guard. All trading had ceased, and the lumberyard would remain closed for the next few weeks.
“I’m so sorry.” She snuggled into my chest and carried on stroking my face. If I were a cat shifter, I’d have purred. Instead, a soft rumble vibrated through me, making her smile.
“Is that your bear?” She chuckled with delight.
“Yes. He loves having you close. He’s missed you.”
“What about you?” Her voice caught at the end, betraying her hurt.
“Of course I missed you, baby.” She wiggled on my lap and almost immediately my cock hardened, which she noticed. But I refused to get sidetracked. My mate needed to sleep. A sensible bear would have escorted her back to her dorm before anyone saw us together, but I was much too tired and sad to do the right thing.
“Come, little mate. You can stay with me tonight.”
“Is that a good idea?” She scrambled off my lap, her cheeks pink. I noticed her gaze slide down my naked chest before skittering away. Arousal scented the air, and my bear perked up.
“Probably not, but I need you.” I grabbed her small hand in mine and pulled her into the cabin, locking the door behind us.
42
Raven
Maverick saw me shiver in the cool air and immediately tucked me under his huge arm.
“I didn’t bother lighting the fire. Seemed no point when I don’t exactly feel the cold,” he told me.
