Bearing It All

by Tl Reeve

  Her friend leaned in. “Your secret is safe with me, but between us, you need to talk to him. He likes you.”

  Emma snorted, then instantly regretted it when all eyes were on her. “No thanks.”

  Hayden pulled her through the crowd towards their renovated kitchen. “Look, he likes you and has been working up the courage to talk to you.” She glanced over her shoulder. “I know how intimidating he can look, but you have to understand, he’s always been a little ... unsure.”

  Emma narrowed her eyes. “What? Why? I don’t understand.”

  “Look, it’s not my part of the story to tell, but give him a break, okay? He’s not the kind of guy you think he is.”

  “What’s your part of the story?” Curiosity gripped Emma. She had to know everything. Wanted all the small details, the minutest parts of their lives. Yep, definitely entering psycho territory.

  “Mine?” Hayden shrugged. “Our car broke down in front of my uncle’s Sheriff’s department.”

  Confused, Emma shook her head. “I don’t think I understand. Weren’t you raised together? We know Loraine is your step-mom, you tell us all the time, but nothing else.”

  “It'll be easier to show you than to tell you,” she announced, turning her back towards the crowd. “Which means, you have to pick a car.”

  “I think I should pick one with enough room for Cassidy and me,” she said before nibbling on her lip.

  “Yeah, so, Miss-I-have-my-own-secrets, why didn’t you tell us about Cassidy?”

  They walked through the group of people still inside the house to where Bell stood holding a clipboard. “Well ... everyone sees her as a complication. I see her as the last bit of my family, and I'd do anything for her.”

  “You never have to feel like that around us. We would have always accepted her as part of the prick,” Hayden replied.

  Emma cocked a brow. “Prick?”

  Hayden nodded. “We’re trying out new variations of what we are. “Last week it was paid.”

  “Um ...”

  “It’s a work in progress,” Hayden stated.

  “Hey guys,” Bell said with an easy-going grin. “Have you signed up for a car to ride in?”

  “No,” Emma answered. “I need space for two. Me and Cassidy.”

  Bell glanced at the list. “Cassidy signed up for Tate's truck. She'll be with Tate, of course, Henry, Victor, and Shelly. By the way, who's Cassidy?”

  “My sister,” Emma answered. Maybe she’d been a little too cautious when it came to keeping things to herself. “Surprise.”

  “I already gave her the speech, don’t look at me,” Hayden said shrugging as she squeezed past them. “Are we ready to get this shindig on the road?

  “You and I have so much to talk about on the way,” Bell said, as they headed for the door. “Lucky for you, we have one more seat in Jackson’s truck.”

  Emma grimaced. “I don’t know. I don’t want to interrupt anything with you, Christoph, or Jackson.”

  “You won’t be,” Bell answered, waving her off. “Besides, Bodhi is joining us.”

  What, did everyone know about her deal with Hayden’s twin? “Uh ... well ... I guess, right? I mean it is the last spot.” She gave a nervous laugh.

  “Oh, don’t be such a silly billy,” her friend chided. “We’re going to have fun. It’s only for a few hours.”

  “Right. A couple of hours. What could go wrong?”

  “Are we ready to go?” The deep, soulful sound of Bodhi's voice rocked Emma to her core.

  “We were just finishing up car assignments.” Bell beamed. “Let’s go every—”

  “They’re already outside, I came back in to get the both of you.” Bodhi pointed at Emma. “Little brunette out there said, and I quote, “you suck, carry your own shit,” end quote.”

  “I am going to kill her.” Emma rubbed her forehead. “Sorry. She’s mad because she’s not at the lake with her friends.”

  “’S okay,” Bodhi said. “I grabbed your stuff and put it in the back of Jackson’s truck.”

  Did he have ESP, too? “Uh, thanks.”

  “You’re welcome. We’re burning daylight, though.” Bodhi motioned for them to get going.

  “You heard the man,” Bell said. “‘We’re burning daylight.’”

  Two hours into the trip, Bodhi thought he’d blow a gasket at any moment. The intoxicating scent of his mate made his head spin and his gut knot. He itched to hold Emma in his arms and inhale her natural, honey and sugar perfume. The worst part? She didn’t even know it.

  When Hayden told him that she wanted to go home for spring break, he’d been all for it. It would give him a chance to see his family and hopefully spend time getting to know Emma, too. Since the Greek Shifter Games, he’d tried to put himself in her way, but nothing seemed to work and, most times, he didn’t have a clue where she’d gone after classes were over. He thought about approaching Terri and talking to her, however, he also didn’t want his intentions to make the gossip rounds around campus.

  Now, seeing her there, it all made sense. She had a younger sister she’d been taking care of. No wonder she never stuck around for idle chit-chat. He liked Cassidy, from the little bit he talked to her. She reminded him of Colin. His cousin had a no-nonsense approach to life. He also had a mouth like his father, Kalkin. His aunt Keeley had given up on reprimanding Colin, especially when his father took advantage of her temper—in a sexual way. Their little trysts were legendary and were only rivaled by his aunt Danielle and his uncle Caden.

  He realized at a young age, mates were different from most couples. Their bond was deeper, unbreakable. They were tied together in more than one way—sometimes. The idea he could physically knot his mate, when the moon was full, blessed by the spirits ... it made him more determined to win Emma over. Sure, they were young and had time to live and get to know each other before they had kids, but still the body wanted what the body craved, and his yearned for her.

  But, how did he tell her?

  Every time he got close to her, she clammed up. The smell of her arousal would thicken, and then, she’d run away. She had to know the truth. She had to realize what they were by now. Right?

  Bodhi eased forward. For the last hour, Emma had been doodling in her journal. He hadn’t thought much about it. Yet, her hand kept making the same motion. He’d gotten good at observing people. Following in his uncles’ and then his dad’s shadows had honed his skills. What the hell is she writing? Curiosity gripped him, and he leaned closer.

  Emma Raferty.

  Emma Diane Raferty.

  E + B Forever ♥.

  It’s a nice day for a white wedding ...

  Holy shit. He sat back, trying to process what he saw, compared to what he believed he saw because he wanted her. Could it be? How many times had she written his name or their names together in that book of hers? Inquisitiveness said he should take it from her and look through it when she wasn’t paying attention, yet, he didn’t want to be an asshole either. She had to come to him willingly. It was what his uncles and his father had taught him. Never force a mating. If the right one comes along, you’ll both know, and it’ll happen, naturally.

  Yeah, well, he had to find out if she meant what she wrote, too. He inched forward again, this time placing his face next to hers. Her intoxicating scent shot straight to his head and groin. “Whatcha doin’?”

  Emma gasped, her hands slammed down on the page she’d been doodling on. Hearts and squiggly lines surrounded their names along with little bows, and bells. He found it adorable.

  “Nothing. Bored is all.” Her gaze slowly slid towards his. “What are you doing?” A pink tinge colored her cheeks and the bridge of her nose, darkening her freckles. God, he loved those, too. She was everything he wanted in a mate ... and then some.

  “Bored, too. Getting hungry. Bell, when are we stopping to eat?” His eyes never left hers as he talked to his cousin. Whatever connection they were building in those scant few seconds, he didn’t wan
t to break.

  “In about thirty miles,” she answered, turning in her seat to glance back at them. Her blue-eyed gaze sparkled. “Emma, are you okay?”

  She gave a shaky nod of her head. “Uh, sure. No problems here. Need to stretch my legs, though.”

  Bell frowned. “This is always the longest part of the trip. I swear it gets easier from here. Hey, how about some music to distract us?”

  “Nothing from Bodhi,” Christoph growled.

  “Somehow, I don’t think Wheels on The Bus, fits this little journey,” Jackson added.

  “Fuck, you guys,” Bodhi chuckled. “One time I get hacked, and you never let me live it down.” The problem hadn’t been his, anyway. Lacey and her hench-bitches had messed with his equipment and tried to ruin Bell’s party. Thankfully, once Christoph saved the day with his phone, Bodhi used the skills his aunt Keeley taught him, and with a few simple strokes of the keys, he fixed the issue. The other hench-bitches were dealt with by Bell.

  “I have mixtapes!” Emma began rummaging through her bag, uncaring that she had eights sets of eyes on her.

  “A mixtape?” Bodhi cocked his head to the side. “Serious?”

  She glanced at him. Excitement and a bit of happiness hit him square in the solar plexus as it washed over him. “Yes. All of my favorite songs are on it. Well, some of them.” Emma giggled. “I have more at home. I thought maybe a few for the trip would be plenty.”

  Bell frowned. “Emma, Jackson doesn’t have—”

  “It’s okay. I brought my own with an AV cable. I come prepared.” She grasped what she’d been looking for. “Ah-ha! Got it.” She pulled out the clear case with a clear cassette inside with pink and yellow writing on it, along with a small, black tape player.

  Bodhi had seen stuff like she held at Mrs. Martin’s place all the time. In fact, she used to have books on tape; ones specifically for kids, and he’d listen to them for hours. However, he’d never seen one outside of her shop before. “That’s really cool.”

  She blushed again, this time a deeper shade of crimson. “Thanks. I’m kind of old school, I guess. I get it from my mom. She loved 80’s music. It’s how I keep her close. You know?”

  Sadness washed over him as he listened to her. He wondered what happened to her parents to cause her to care for her younger sister. But, by the way her scent changed, he knew the answer. Her mother died. Fuck.

  “We’d be honored to listen to it then,” Jackson whispered. “In honor of her memory.” He reached out for the tape player and cable.

  Emma sighed. “Thanks guys, for ... you know, not making fun of me.”

  Bodhi growled. “No one as special as you should ever be made fun of.”

  Her mouth fell open. “T-thanks.”

  “You never have to thank me for imparting the truth. So, what kind of songs are on this tape of yours?”

  Emma settled, turning slightly toward him, and Bodhi considered it a small victory. “Only the most kick-ass music ever made!”

  Chapter Two

  They were finally stopping for lunch. Emma couldn’t wait to get out of the damn truck. For several reasons. The biggest being Bodhi and his substantial bulk. Every time she adjusted herself in the backseat, her hip or shoulder rubbed against him. If it wasn’t for the windows being down and the warm air flowing through the car, she suspected the other occupants would smell her desire. It dampened her panties and made her severely self-conscience of the fact. Bad enough with Bodhi sitting right next to her she’d be hard pressed to hide the overwhelming need crawling through her. He was, after all, a wolf.

  As Jackson’s truck pulled into what could only be described as a run-down hamburger joint, Emma saw her sister standing on the sidewalk, stretching her legs while she waited. A bubble of happiness welled up in her chest when her younger sister flashed her a smile and a wave. Guess all was forgiven, now. Which was good. Emma didn't want to have to deal with a moody sixteen-year-old on top of dealing with her own over the top hormones.

  Bell, Jackson, and Christoph got out of the truck rather quickly, while she’d been content making sure her beloved journal was placed back into her backpack and all of her belongings were secure.

  “You forgot this,” Bodhi said, holding her favorite bright-pink, pom-pom pen.

  “Thank you,” Emma replied, reaching for it. She jerked her hand back in surprise, when their fingers touched. A bolt of electricity rushed from her fingertips to the tip of her toes.

  Bodhi cocked a brow.

  Giving a nervous chuckle, she reached for the pen again, this time she avoided contact. She fumbled the exchange, all thumbs, Emma, and it fell between her legs. Bodhi’s boyish smile distracted her as he reached for the pen. The calloused tips of his fingers grazing across her legs, sending tendrils of current through her system. She quivered, the soft throb of her clit only intensified the aching need between her thighs, and the soul-crushing longing Bodhi didn’t, or better yet couldn’t understand.

  Or maybe he did.

  Bodhi’s gaze became heavy-lidded and filled with lust. Emma was sure he could sense the rapid beating of her heart. She needed to get out of the vehicle. Like right now, before she did something stupid like ask—hell, who was she kidding—she’d beg him to touch her again and then some.

  The banging on the back-passenger window had them both jumping. Cassidy stood by the door, her nose pressed tightly against the glass, and her eyes crossed as she made distorted faces.

  “Let’s go. Everyone else is inside, we’re waiting on you two slow pokes. I’m starving, and all the good seats are going to be gone!” Cassidy whined.

  “Thank you,” Emma mumbled, snatching her pen from Bodhi’s hand, before shoving it in her backpack. She pushed open the door and all but fell out of the truck in her haste to get away from him.

  She swore she heard Bodhi chuckle as he got out on the other side while she tried to right herself and not look like such a doofus. Too late. Cassidy came up beside her to help keep her steady when a strong arm wrapped around her waist.

  “You okay?” The dark timbre of Bodhi’s voice sent shivers up her spine.

  No, she was far from fine. If Hayden was standing beside her, she'd tell Emma she was a hot, freaking mess. And, Emma would have to agree. Although, she'd be damned if she'd even admit it to him. Instead, she lied, “I'm good.” Slinging her pack over her shoulder, she’d been determined to ignore everything that just happened. It was for the best, anyway.

  “She’s a klutz,” Cassidy piped up as they made their way to the front entrance.

  Before she could defend herself against her sister’s statement as they entered the diner, Cassidy took off across the restaurant and claimed a seat between Henry and Tate.

  She scanned the tables that had been pushed together to accommodate their big group. Only two seats remained. Side by side. Freaking Great. Could this day get any shittier? The last thing she wanted to do was sit beside Bodhi and have him watch her eat. Her stomach rumbled, reminding her she’d had nothing to eat since breakfast, which was hours ago. Didn't help that she already, thanks to Laney and her bitch squad, felt overly self-conscious with her curvy figure.

  “Everything ok, Emma?” Shelly asked.

  “Yup,” Emma replied, plastering a fake smile on her face before she picked up the old, sticky laminated menu from the table.

  Bodhi eased back into his chair, his big body encroached slightly into her personal space. Emma was determined to ignore the warm press of his shoulder and the ounce of security she experienced while perusing the menu. Not a single salad, vegetable, or soup could be found. It seemed this restaurant only sold a wide variety of meats served between two pieces of bread. Peachy. Going without a meal wasn’t an option. Bears tended to get hangry if they didn’t eat regularly, and she was quickly approaching the feeling.

  “So, my dad and uncles can't stop raving about this place,” Bell said across the table, interrupting her thoughts. “Utah claims they've got the best milkshakes. He told m
e the chocolate peanut butter is to die for. Ask for it extra thick, he said we won't regret it.”

  Didn’t it just figure they’d have two of her favorite combinations: chocolate and peanut butter? Emma was convinced it had been formed by the gods, it was so good.

  I’m not getting it, though. I don’t care how much I want it.

  Not wanting to get into a discussion on what flavor shake she was getting, Emma kept her gaze on the list of options presented to her, even though she had already figured out what to get for her meal.

  Every single person at the smooshed together tables ordered some variation of a hamburger, fries, and a shake, except her. She politely requested a hot dog, no fries, a bag of veggie straws, which seemed to be the only vegetables they sold, and a glass of ice water.

  “You don’t want a milkshake?” Bodhi’s warm breath caressed the shell of her ear as he leaned in to ask her the question.

  She shook her head. “I’m good.”

  “I’m going to the bathroom,” Zoe announced from the end of the table. “Anyone want to join me?”

  “I'll go!” Emma pushed her chair back and stood. Placing her backpack on it, she glanced over at her sister. “Watch this, please?”

  Cassidy nodded.

  Zoe, dressed in her normal, black biker/gothic girl mix garb, looped her arm around Emma’s and all but dragged her to the ladies’ room. Surprisingly, for such a dump, the bathroom was spotless and modern.

  “Oh, thank God,” Zoe proclaimed, making a beeline for one of the stalls. “I can't pee in a dirty bathroom, even if I squat. Skeeves me out. I'd rather hold it or pull over to the side of the road.”

  “How does Rocky feel about you relieving yourself on the side of the road?” Emma teased, making her way to the other empty stall to take care of business.

  “Oh, he doesn’t care. He says it’s part and parcel of being a badass, biker bitch,” Zoe answered, flushing the toilet.