Page 4

Chapter 4

Thorne

Two fucking weeks after I started working on my mate’s bakery, the job is finally done. Last night, I finished up the last few touches while Mabel, Bethany, and Cora got the batter ready for tons of honey buns. Now, I only hope the town turns out to make their opening day a success.

My morning starts off with a fucking issue right off the bat when I get a call that throws a huge kink in my plans. “Good morning,” I answer when I see Momma Bear’s name flash across the screen.

“It’s not really.” My bear goes on full alert at the slightly distressed sound of her voice. “Papa Bear has a cold, and he’s already insufferable. I won’t be able to watch my sweet Angel Baby today.”

“That’s no problem,” I reassure my mother, knowing her day will be hell. Bear shifters are known for being bad patients. “I’ll ask Clay to take the little shit. He owes me a favor.”

“Don’t call my Angel Baby a little shit,” my mother hisses before hanging up.

I grab my phone and dial Clay’s number. “Hello, asshole.” My brother answers the phone on the first ring. “Finally decided to stop ignoring my messages and call back?” I forgot that I’ve been avoiding both of my brothers for the last week or so. My bear rebelled at the thought of another man coming into contact with my mate before I’m able to seal our bond. I’ve gotten him somewhat under control, but I’m still fearful I’m going to lose control today and beat some motherfucker’s ass if he gets too close to Mabel.

“I wanted to ignore your ass for at least another week, but I actually need a favor.” I’d rather eat dirt than ask my asshole brother for help, but I can’t disappoint my mate. This is shit timing for my dad to get sick. It wouldn’t be a problem any other day, but today is Honey Buns’ opening day. While I know Mabel and her sisters will handle everything with flying colors, I don’t trust the other men in town.

Once the other hungry bears in town get a taste of Mabel’s honey buns, the fuckers will be making plays for my girl and her sisters. There’s no way my bear will allow me to take the chance of losing my girl to some other hungry bear, so I plan to spend the next few days hanging out at the bakery, making my claim on Mabel clear for every other male in town to see.

“What can I do for you, older brother?” The tone of Clay’s voice tells me he’s in the mood to give me shit.

“I need you to babysit Angel Baby today.” My younger brother works from home every Friday and Monday, so I already know he’ll be there. “Papa Bear is sick, and Momma Bear is trying to keep him from tearing shit up.” Sick male bears are notoriously bad patients.

“Why can’t your little shit stay home?” My brother insists on trying my goddamn patience. Clay already knows the answer to his question, but he can’t resist needling me.

“Since you’re one of the assholes who spoiled him rotten, you should already know the answer to your question. Weren’t you the one who put the baby crib in my bedroom for the little shit to sleep in?”

My dickhead brothers joined forces with my parents to spoil Angel Baby rotten. The little shit no longer believes he’s a Chihuahua. My family has convinced the dog that he’s just a tiny fucking bear cub.

“I got Mamma Bear’s famous salmon souffle out of it. Plus, I got to irritate the fuck out of you so it was a win-win for me.” Clay laughs. “And my plan worked brilliantly. The little shit is good and spoiled and you’re good and fucked.” My bear adds this to the list of payback I owe my brother. “Bring my nephew by and I’ll make sure he’s reminded why he loves his Uncle Clay best.”

“If I had any other choice, I would tell you to suck my dick.” My asshole brother knows he has me over a barrel.

“I know you’re desperate for love, big brother, but we aren’t that kind of family. And I heard a rumor through the grapevine that you’ve found a sweet little morsel to take care of your needs.” The fucking Honey Pot Hollow grapevine has been busy. Fuck my life. “Wilder and I are betting on how long it takes for you to clobber some poor fuck when he gets too close to your mate today.” Nothing is ever private in this fucking family, and we’re known for our little wagers.

“What are you dumbasses wagering?”

“The loser has to wear a pink and white polka dot bikini all day long and wash the winner’s vehicles. Of course, the winner gets to take pictures for posterity. Do you want to join the bet?”

“And bet against myself?” My brother is a moron, but he knows I can’t resist a good bet.

“It should be an easy win unless you’re worried about keeping control.” Son-of-a-bitch. I’m screwed no matter what way I go.

“I’m in,” I hear my mouth mutter while my bear shakes his head sadly. “I bet I can go all day long without touching one asshole.”

“I’m recording this conversation. For proof and all.”

“Fuck off,” I tell him and hang up. Glancing in the back seat, I find Angel Baby sound asleep in the infant car seat my mother insisted I buy to keep my spoiled Chihuahua safe.

When his tiny eyes blink open sleepily, I tell him, “You’re going to spend the day with Uncle Clay while Daddy goes and wins this fucking bet.” Goddamn it. I sound as nutty as the rest of my family.

“Buy your shit and get moving,” I growl to Arnold Rupert as he walks past me. “And don’t let me catch you staring too long.” The long-mated bear shifter rolls his eyes and mumbles something under his breath as he heads for the counter.

When Momma Bear took my mate under her wing, she informed the town elders that they would treat the Sweet sisters like they’re family or face her wrath. No one is dumb enough to get on Momma Bear’s bad side, so they immediately caved and welcomed Mabel, Bethany, and Cora into our community. I’ve been sitting on this stool right behind the door since the packed bakery opened three hours ago, and it’s getting harder and harder not to knock some asshole’s block off. Every goddamn bear in town has come into the bakery to ‘ooh’ and ‘ahh’ over the honey buns and strong coffee.

“Keep your mouth full of this.” Mabel places a plate with another warm honey bun on the white laminate table. “And stop scaring off my customers.” Her sassiness turns my cock to stone.

“Kiss me and I’ll try.” I’m not above bribery.