“Caden can stay with us too,” Gramma spoke up suddenly.
“Yes,” Ne-ma agreed. “Our grandsons are big, burly bear shifters, and one of our great-grandsons is a lion shifter like Caden. I can give the boys a call and ask them to come over to the inn. Our boys will make sure that no one comes near Broomstick Inn. Caden will be safe.”
Rocco had met Gramma and Ne-ma’s four grandsons, and they were all trustworthy, respectable men. They were also strong, powerful bear shifters, so they would be able to protect Caden and their grandmothers.
Rocco turned to Caden and asked, “Do you want to go with Gramma and Ne-ma? They’re good people...”
“I want to stay with you,” Caden replied at once. “Please.”
His grip tightened around Rocco’s fingers and he moved closer to Rocco. The young lion had chosen Rocco to be his protector, and a powerful bond of trust and loyalty had been forged between them.
Rocco knew that bonds between shifters could be formed instantaneously, and these powerful bonds could last a lifetime. Their animals acted on pure instinct. There was no need to think, explain or rationalize their decisions. They just knew.
In almost all cases, instincts and intuition worked far better than convoluted human reasoning and logic.
Rocco put his hand protectively on the boy’s shoulder, and his bear rumbled with pride and approval.
Our cub.
Our mate!
Rocco jerked as his bear forcefully directed his gaze to Emma.
What was his bear doing?
Why was his crazy beast claiming a lion cub and a human woman as his cub and mate?
CHAPTER ELEVEN
Emma looked up and met Rocco’s intense, burning gaze. She felt her pulse and breathing quicken and she could almost feel the heat radiating off his broad, muscular body.
Emma couldn’t help trailing her eyes down Rocco’s tall, brawny body. He was well over six feet tall and his black t-shirt and gray sweatpants molded to his defined, hunky physique.
Her libido perked right up and whistled. What a handsome, sexy hunk!
Emma sucked in a breath. She really hoped that she hadn’t said those words out loud.
Rocco was indeed breathtakingly handsome. He had short blond hair and intelligent blue eyes, and his features were strong and angular.
Even though he towered over her, Emma didn’t feel intimidated by him. She had seen how gentle and caring he was with Caden.
The little boy clung to Rocco, and looked up at his savior and protector with hope and trust in his eyes. Clearly Emma wasn’t the only one who felt safe with Rocco.
“We’d better get ourselves home,” Gramma said loudly, startling Emma from her reverie. “Just call us if you need any help, Rocco.”
Ne-ma smiled at Caden. “Come over to Broomstick Inn anytime, Caden. Ice cream’s on the house!”
Caden smiled back. Emma saw that he was still holding on to Rocco. The boy had lost everything, his family, his pride, his world. Rocco was his rock now.
“Hmmph! With our broomsticks in pieces, we can’t fly home,” Ne-ma grumbled.
Emma stared at Ne-ma. The sprightly grandmother seemed none the worse for wear. Yet she had heard Ne-ma say that she had broken something.
“Ne-ma,” Emma said worriedly. “Are you injured? Did you break something...”
Ne-ma chuckled and waved a hand. “Just the heel of my stiletto!”
“I told you not to wear those flimsy stilettos tonight,” Gramma admonished.
“They matched my broomstick,” Ne-ma answered petulantly.
The witches bickered for a while before declaring a truce. “Let’s go home. It’s late. What a night!” Ne-ma yawned.
“We can’t fly, but we can float home!” Gramma said brightly. She muttered a spell and a big bubble formed around the two witches.
A steering wheel appeared in Gramma’s hands and Emma saw Gramma and Ne-ma both trying to steer the bubble as it rose into the air.
The two witches appeared to be squabbling but no sound escaped from the soundproof bubble.
The huge bubble soared into the air and floated away.
CHAPTER TWELVE
“Will they be all right?” Emma asked uncertainly as she watched the bubble disappear over the rooftops.
Rocco laughed. “Don’t worry about Gramma and Ne-ma,” he said. “I’ve been in Shadow Point for about a year now, and I’ve seen those two witches throw themselves into all kinds of adventures and shenanigans! They’re really fun-loving and kindhearted, and the whole town loves them.”
Emma gave a lopsided smile. “I can see why.”
Silently, she walked out of the alley with Caden and Rocco and started down the street. When Caden reached for her hand, she held his small, chubby hand tenderly.
The three of them strolled down the quiet street hand in hand. After that dramatic, terrifying confrontation with Hector, the stroll was calming and comforting, and it soothed Emma’s nerves. She also didn’t want to leave Caden and Rocco. She liked them both very much, and she liked being around them.
It just felt so right being with them.
Rocco kept the conversation going by telling Emma about himself and his experiences in Shadow Point. He had moved to Shadow Point a year ago, and he was pleasantly surprised at how close-knit and vibrant the Shadow Point community was.
“The people are genuinely warm and friendly,” he said. “They make newcomers feel welcome almost at once.”
Emma fell silent for a while. Exhaling a soft sigh, she said, “Gramma and Ne-ma did try to befriend me, but I kept pushing them away. I could tell they were really lovely people, but...I just didn’t trust myself to trust anyone. Besides, I try to stay away from the paranormals in town. Humans are complicated enough. I don’t want to get involved in the paranormals’ business.”
“Well, you’re neck deep in shifter business now,” Rocco deadpanned.
When Emma blinked at him, he went on gravely, “You protected a lion cub and fought the new Alpha of the Kingston Pride. You’ve put yourself in a very perilous situation, Emma.”
“I’d do it again in a heartbeat,” she said in a steely voice. “I won’t let anything bad happen to Caden.”
Caden looked up when he heard Emma mention his name, but he wasn’t paying any attention to the conversation. He yawned repeatedly and started dragging his feet.
The kid was dead tired and it was obvious that he was struggling to keep his eyes open.
Emma bent down to pick Caden up but Rocco stopped her. “Let me,” he said softly.
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
Rocco hunkered down and spoke gently to Caden, “Hey, buddy. I know you’re very tired. And it’s okay to feel tired. I’ll carry you...”
“I’m not a baby,” Caden protested at once.
“I know you’re not. Let me ask you something, Caden,” Rocco went on. “Friends help each other, right?”
“Yes.”
Rocco smiled. “I’m your friend. Let me help you now. When I need help, I’m sure you’ll help me too, right?”
“Of course!”
Rocco grinned. “Tell you what. Why don’t you shift to lion form and sit on my shoulder?”
Caden hesitated a beat before shifting. The lion cub jumped onto Rocco’s broad shoulder and curled himself around Rocco’s neck.
Rocco put a huge hand protectively on the cub and straightened up.
As they walked on, Emma stared at the cub snoozing contentedly on Rocco’s shoulder.
“Do shifters prefer to be in their animal form? Why did you ask Caden to shift?” she asked curiously.
“Our animals are the stronger, fiercer part of us. Our animals automatically emerge when there is danger,” Rocco explained. “To protect us and those we care about.”
“I see. So when you shift, it’s like...putting on your armor,” Emma remarked.
Rocco patted the snoring cub on his shoulder. “Yeah. It makes him feel less vulnerable if he has claws and fangs.”<
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“Do you have kids?” she asked after a while. When she saw the surprise on his face, she added quickly, “I mean, you’re pretty good with kids...”
“No. I don’t have any kids.” Rocco let his gaze linger on her and he saw her blush furiously.
I will only have kids with my fated mate.
Rocco heard his bear growling inside his head. His bear was eager to get closer to Emma. His lusty, impatient beast wanted a taste of this brave, beautiful female.
Rocco fought down the urge to take Emma into his arms and kiss her senseless. He was deeply and powerfully attracted to her.
Emma was courageous, caring, strong and beautiful. Her beauty was both inward and outward, and Rocco knew just how precious and special she was.
They turned the corner and walked up a peaceful street. There were only five houses on the street and they were all evenly spaced apart.
Rocco gestured around and said, “Do you know what they call this street?”
Emma raised a brow and turned to stare at the street sign. “It says Belt Street on the sign.”
“Well, most people in town refer to this street as Bachelor Belt,” Rocco answered with a laugh.
“Why?” She looked up and down the street. “Oh.”
She pointed at the five houses on the street and chuckled. “Let me guess. Only bachelors live here?”
“Yup. What a strange coincidence, right?” Rocco led her up to the third house on the street. “Here we are!”
As he was unlocking the front door, Caden woke up suddenly and shifted to human form.
Rocco caught the child as he tumbled off his shoulder.
“Easy now, buddy,” he said, setting the boy on his feet. “This is where I live. Come on in, and make yourself at home. I’ll show you to your room later.”
Caden rubbed his eyes and looked around. He looked lost and confused as he stood rooted to the spot. When Emma stepped forward, the boy let out a shaky smile, visibly relieved to see her.
“Are you staying here, Emma?” he asked in a small voice.
“Um, I...”
He reached out and grabbed Emma’s hand. “You won’t leave me, right?”
“I won’t leave you, Caden.” She squeezed his small hand reassuringly.
“Promise?”
“I promise I’ll be right here,” Emma said.
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
Emma followed Rocco into the modern two-story house. The place was neat and tastefully furnished, but she was surprised to see no paintings on the walls.
Didn’t Rocco say he was an artist? Wouldn’t he frame up his own artwork?
She shrugged. What did she know about art? She could doodle but she couldn’t paint a picture to save her life.
Caden yawned loudly and rubbed his eyes. It was clear that the kid was bone-tired and he was having trouble staying awake.
“Come on, Caden,” Rocco said gently. “Let’s get you to bed.”
“I’m not tired,” the boy said and yawned again.
Rocco smiled. “Let’s just take a look at your room then.”
“Okay.” Caden climbed the stairs with Rocco and looked back at Emma. “You’re staying here, right?”
Emma gave an awkward smile. “I won’t leave you,” she said at last.
Rocco opened a door and said, “Here’s your room, Caden.”
They stepped into the guest room, and Emma saw that the spacious bedroom was furnished with a comfortable bed and a writing desk.
“I’m sleeping here tonight?” Caden asked.
“Yes,” Rocco replied.
“And...tomorrow night?” The little boy’s voice trembled. He knew that he no longer had a home and nothing was safe or certain anymore.
“Tomorrow night too. And all the nights that follow. You can stay here for as long as you want.”
Caden smiled gratefully at Rocco.
“Go on. See if the bed’s comfortable enough,” Rocco prompted with a grin. “It’s your bed.”
Having gotten the green light from Rocco, Caden clambered onto the bed and flopped down on the soft covers. Once his head touched the pillow, his eyes closed and he was fast asleep in an instant.
“Poor thing,” Emma murmured. “He’s exhausted.”
Rocco flicked off the lights and was about to close the door when Caden cried out. In a heartbeat, Rocco was at Caden’s side.
The little boy was shivering and sobbing in his sleep. His closed eyelids were twitching and his legs kept moving as though he was trying to run.
Rocco took the sleeping child in his arms and rocked him gently. “Shh, it’s just a nightmare. You’re safe, Caden. No one will hurt you,” he whispered. “You’re safe now.”
Caden shifted to lion form in his sleep, and Rocco tenderly placed the cub between two pillows and tucked him in.
He switched off the lights and watched Caden for a while. When the cub didn’t stir, he left the room quietly with Emma.
“I don’t have another spare bedroom, so you’ll have to sleep in my room tonight,” Rocco said. When he saw the expression on her face, he hastened to add, “I’ll sleep on the couch.”
“But...” Emma stammered.
“You promised Caden that you’ll stay,” Rocco said solemnly.
Emma sucked in a long breath. She understood the full import and meaning of his words.
A promise was a promise. And he expected her to keep her promise.
Rocco meant every word he spoke. There was no dishonesty, guile or deceit in his words and actions.
He was honest and trustworthy, and he would never dream of going back on his word. He held Emma up to the same standard.
Everything that Rocco said and did showed his integrity and character. He was brave, honorable and protective. He had stepped up to protect and shelter a hunted lion cub, making himself an enemy of the Kingston Pride. He honored his word and was open, forthright and dependable.
Emma closed her eyes for a moment. I used to be like that.
“What?” Rocco said.
She opened her eyes to see Rocco staring curiously at her. Had she spoken her thoughts out loud?
Emma gave a mirthless laugh and said softly, “I just realized how much I’ve changed. I used to be very obliging and approachable. I made friends easily and I liked reaching out to people. But...” She sighed deeply. “I stopped doing all that. I stopped being me.”
“No. You haven’t changed,” Rocco said. His deep blue eyes seemed to pierce right into her soul. “This detached, wary persona that you’ve put on isn’t the real you.”
Emma shook her head. “I’ve become cynical, close-minded and selfish...”
“A close-minded, selfish human would never risk her life for a shifter cub,” Rocco answered.
When Emma looked down, he tilted her face up to him and said firmly, “Emma, you fought a deadly Alpha lion tonight with nothing but your bare hands. You could have walked away, but you risked your life to protect Caden. This is the real you. A strong, courageous, loving woman. This is who you are, Emma.” He smiled proudly at her. “A hero.”
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
Emma blushed and stammered, “I’m no hero. I’m just...” She cleared her throat and tried to change the subject. “I, um...I heard you’re an artist.”
Rocco smiled and rubbed the back of his neck. “Yeah, but I haven’t been able to finish even one painting in the past year. When I came to Shadow Point, I was hoping that a change of pace and scenery would awaken my muse.”
“Can I see some of your paintings?” Emma asked. “If it’s okay...”
“No problem.” Rocco took her hand and led her down the corridor. He opened a door and flicked on the lights.
Emma walked in and saw a huge, messy table covered with paper, pencils and brushes. Half-finished sketches and paintings were strewn around the table.
There was one finished and framed painting tucked into the far corner of the room. Emma stepped up to the painting and leaned in for a closer look.
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When she saw the signature at the corner of the painting, she gasped, “This is a Roc Jones painting! It’s a collector’s item. It’s worth...millions!”
She knew that an original Roc Jones painting could be sold for at least a few million dollars. Roc Jones was famed for his vivid watercolor landscapes and dreamscapes. Banks and multinational corporations commissioned his paintings for their office buildings, and collectors rushed to auctions to get their hands on his older works.
And here was an original Roc Jones painting sitting on the floor, languishing in an untidy, chaotic studio! Did Rocco know the true value of that painting in his possession?
As Emma gaped at the beautiful painting, the pieces clicked together all of a sudden in her mind.
She whirled round. “Rocco Jones! You...you are Roc Jones!” she exclaimed.
Rocco smiled and gave a nod. “Yeah.”
All Emma could do was stand there with her mouth flapping wide open.
No way!
This was Roc Jones, the famous artist!
What was a wealthy, successful and popular artist like Roc Jones doing in the small, remote town of Shadow Point?
Shouldn’t he be rubbing shoulders with the rich and famous in some glitzy art gallery?
As Emma continued gawking at him, unable to formulate a coherent sentence, Rocco gestured around his messy studio and shrugged. “As you can see, I haven’t been able to complete anything for the past year. So these are all just unfinished, uncompleted works lying around. I actually came out to take a walk tonight to try to clear my head and get some inspiration.”
Emma finally found her tongue. “You’re living here, in Shadow Point...” she sputtered, still unable to believe that she really was having a conversation with the renowned painter Roc Jones.
“I like it here,” he said simply. “In fact, I don’t think I’ll go back to the city. I’m currently renting this house, but the owner has offered to sell it to me. I am seriously considering his offer.”
Bearly Mated Page 3
