Teddy uses an alpha command on me.“Shift.”
I refuse.I’m more dominant than him.
“Shift, fucker,” Darius also uses alpha command.
When I remain in bear form, they exchange a look.It takes me longer to decode the look because I’m in bear form, and my thinking is different, but then I catch the acrid scent of fear, and I understand.They’re afraid for me.
They think I’ve turned feral.
Maisy.Maisy.Maisy.
Maybe I have.I haven’t taken the Moon Cure since Maisy caught me with it in Vegas.Knowing how much it bothered her, I couldn’t take it again.
Which, I guess, leaves me…
Fuck.
I attempt to shift.
The twins try again at the same time, infusing the word, “shift” with alpha command.
It works.I find myself naked on my ass on the cold wooden floor.I ignore the relief on their faces and glare up at them.
“You need a shower.”Darius points toward the bathroom.“Now.”
I try to speak, but only bear growls come out.
The twins exchange another worried look with each other.
Not wanting to deal with their concern or have a conversation with them, I get to my feet and stomp to the shower.Darius is probably right.I haven’t showered in days.I’m sure I smell.
Walking is difficult.I’m not used to walking on two legs, and my feet feel like they’re made of lead.My chest feels like an anvil cracked my ribs and remained there, weighing me down.
This is what it’s like to live without claiming my mate.
Maisy
“I have a grande mocha latte with extra whip for Sara,” I call, and a tall blonde woman approaches the counter.I recognize her from the front desk at the clinic.
“Thanks, Maisy.I also was going to pick up the to-go order for Nancy?”
“Oh it’s right here.”I grab it and hand it over.“Nancy the nurse, right?At the clinic?”
“That’s right.It’s good to see you back.”
“Thanks.”Most of the townspeople know I was gone.They know the Bad Bear Bros were involved too but don’t know the extent of it.Just that there was some bad business I got tangled in because of my dad, and Matthias and his brothers pulled me out.
Matthias.It still hurts to think of his name, but not as bad as it was a few days ago.Like pressing on a bruise or running a finger over a raised scar.The pain is proof I survived.
In the past few days, I’ve made a lot of progress.Daisy and I finalized the paperwork for me to take half ownership of the cafe.I sent thank yous to the Bad Bear Brothers for rescuing me.Hutch actually got me in touch with the hacker named Kylie, who helped hunt me down after the kidnapping.She also dug into Allen’s family, and connected me with the law office that set up the Dankworth trust.I’ve ordered a marriage certificate sent to them, and once they receive it, I’ll come into full ownership of my trust.Most of it is invested, and I intend to keep it that way.I have a meeting scheduled with Paloma to talk about how to make the money grow, and another with Lana, so she can help me with business advice.Everyone’s been fully supportive.
I still haven’t seen Matthias.My guess is he’s gone back to work, but he hasn’t been into the cafe.
Sara’s his colleague.She would know.And she’s still lingering at the counter.
Before I decide whether my heart can take asking about him, she leans in.“Actually, I was hoping to talk to you…”
The cafe is full, but there's no line.Most everyone has settled in with their drinks.I have no idea what Sara would want to talk to me about, but I nod for her to go ahead.
