“You mean I’m going to turn into a bear, a polar bear!” My voice goes higher in pitch as I struggle to get out of his arms.
“Well, maybe it depends on your body and how accepting it’s to the transfer. At the most, you could change completely or just take on our traits of enhanced senses, faster healing, and longevity.” He tries to explain, but I’m too far gone in my hysteria.
I can’t believe he forgot to tell me that little tidbit. Or he held it back for a reason that I would love to know. Shit, I should have been fully informed before making such a drastic decision. Evan sets me on the porch swing as he runs back in and grabs a blanket for me. I don’t even register the cold temperature. I must be going into shock. I can deal with this. It’s already done, now I need to face that fact. Trying to breathe deeply and calmly, I relax my body. I try not to focus on the burning pain. As I do, the pain recedes. My heart rate is slowing and I’m starting to breathe normally. The burning pain is receding, even my aches and pains are leaving. I look at my bruised side and watch in awe as it slowly heals. A blanket appears in my face and I look up into Evan’s face. “Okay, we can deal with this. Right?” He wraps the blanket around me and pulls me in his lap as he sits down on the swing.
Headlights flash across our faces and we both look to see Allie run out of the bronco as Lucas is hot on her heels.
“You son of a biscuit eater! What did you do!?!?” She says as she climbs the porch. She looks like she is about to take on Evan but Lucas grabs her around the waist at the last minute pulling her back against his chest.
I giggle out of nowhere, my sweet innocent friend. “I really need to teach you to cuss so people will take you seriously.” Not feeling any of the pain anymore, I stand to face them. “We had a miscommunication but I think we can work it out. Alone.” I give them a pointed look. What I need to say doesn’t need an audience.
Ignoring me, Lucas looks at Evan, “You good?”
“Yeah, just panicked. We kind of let the moment get away from us without having that conversation first.” Evan looks almost embarrassed. Is he embarrassed that he claimed me? My insecurities hit me hard as if he can sense them, Evan turns to me and looks me in the eyes. “We’re good. Just not ready to have this conversation with anyone but with my mate first.”
“Right,” Lucas says as though he’s not completely convinced. “Meet me at the clan house tomorrow morning.” He gives him a pointed look, “dressed.”
Evan moves behind me and says, “I’ll be there.”
Allie hugs me before Lucas grabs her hand and they both head to the truck. She looks back at me as I wave bye.
As they drive off, I turn to Evan, “Okay, so why didn’t you tell me when I asked for everything to be put on the table?”
Evan has the good graces to look guilty, “I was afraid you would panic and bolt for the door. It’s not easy explaining not only do I have to bite you to complete the bond but you would take on my animal’s DNA.” He looks at me with a knowing look, “and don’t tell me you wouldn’t have. You were already looking panicky when I mentioned the marking. Lets go back inside where it's warm and private.” He wraps an arm around my shoulders and opens the door. We head to the living room. He goes to sit in one of the two oversized recliners but I pull him to the couch to snuggle. I want him to know I’m upset that he held back but I don’t want him to think I’m done.
I put my hands on each side of his face and turn his eyes toward me, looking into his eyes, “I’m not giving up but you need to know I’m not happy that you held back something so important. I’m curious, though, why did you take me outside and call Lucas?”
“Oh, yeah, that,” he looks perplexed.
“Yes, that.” I push, wanting to know why and how being put outside could help the situation.
“Well, I was afraid I put a bear in you and you’d change in the cabin. I wanted you to have space to shift,” he finally says.
“Oh.” I’m not sure what to say to that. I’m still reeling from the changes already taking place in my body and thinking about a bear inside of me just doesn’t comprehend right now. I suddenly feel drained. The adrenaline rush is over and now I’m crashing.
He kisses me and can see that I’m tired. He sweeps me into his arms and takes me to his room. I raise my eyebrows. “I can’t be away from you right now. It this okay?” He asks as he sets me on the bed and crawls in beside me.
I don’t want to think right now so I just go with it. “Yes.” I snuggle up to him and fall asleep.
Chapter Ten
Evan
I lay on the bed with Layla curled up next to me as the morning sun shines through the window. Staring at the ceiling, my mind is in overdrive. I didn’t sleep much last night. I’m fucking this up left and right. I should’ve been up front when she asked but I chicken out, I was worried she would’ve ran. We’ll sit down and talk it all out when she wakes up.
I slide out from under her and head to the kitchen to start some coffee and breakfast. Looking back at her my heart hurts, I’m so worried she’ll hate what has happened. My bear purrs to say it’ll work out.
I make simple ham and cheese omelets. As I’m putting them on plates, Layla walks in yawning and stretching and sits at the table. “Morning,” I say as I give her a quick kiss and put her plate in front of her.
“Morning,” she responds to the kiss, that’s good. “So, what do you have planned this morning?”
“I need to run over to the clan house and talk to my alpha about last night but first we need to talk.” I explain as she eats, I go over what we discussed last night, adding that this is permanent. I look to make sure she isn’t going to freak out. “I know you need time but you’re it for me and my bear. We’ll take it as slow as you need.”
“Thank you. I have strong feelings for you, I just don’t know what they are yet. I mean the attraction is there and I want to be near you all the time but I would still like to get to know you better. I need to run up to my apartment to grab more clothes and stop by the college to settle a few things. I can do that while you go talk to Lucas.” She finishes her food and rinses her dishes before putting them in the dishwasher.
I don’t want her to go anywhere without me but I know I need to give her space. My bear, on the other hand, is having another shit fit. She’ll be fine, I reassure him.
“Okay. Let me give you my number, so you can text me when you’re on the way back.” She hands me her phone and I program my number in.
“I’m going to take a shower, want to join me?” She wiggles her eyebrows at me with a wicked grin. Who can say no to that?
* * *
Layla
After our very interesting shower, I will never think of the detachable shower head the same way. We both dress and head for our vehicles. We kiss goodbye, I have a sense that I don’t want to leave him and that it’s a bad idea to be apart. I shake it off, getting in my truck for the drive to town.
I need to check my messages, I haven’t looked at my phone since before I left the hospital. It has several messages from the professor. Shit! I call her back quickly, I make my apologies and she is forgiving but asks to meet. I tell her that I was going to see her today. So we set an appointment time which gives me enough time to hit my apartment for more clothes.
I make it to the apartment in record time, daydreaming does that, I guess. I make quick work of packing, I take note that several belongings of Allie’s are gone. She must be staying with Lucas. Go, Girl!
I head to the university and park near the rear of the building where the professor’s office is located. As I walk in, Tom is walking out and he looks pissed. “You bitch! This is your fault!” He moves aggressively toward me.
I jump back, “What the hell are you talking about? What’s your problem? I haven’t done anything to you!” At that moment the professor walks out of her office, “What’s the meaning of this?” She demands.
Tom takes a step back, “I was trying to apologize, but she’s…”
> “Excuse me. I don’t think so, asshat.” I interrupt him.
“Actually, I heard and saw everything, thank you,” the Professor says to me and turns to Tom, “I think it’s best if you leave, you are already expelled, do I need to add criminal charges as well?”
“Fuck! I’ll fix you, you just wait!” He screams as he storms out passed me, trying to knock me off balance. He only makes me take a step back once. Excellent! I must be gaining some shifter reflexes.
“The nerve,” huffs the Professor, “If you’ll come into my office we can talk about your grade.”
I join the Professor in her office and take a seat across from her as she sits at her desk.
“I wanted to let you know as you have heard, the Dean has come down hard on Tom. He was expelled for the university. We did an intensive investigation and found him at fault from the accident. Even though you didn’t press charges, we felt he was a liability.” Smiling, “Now about your grade. You already had a 98% in the class before the field test experience and because you were able to take care of yourself after your fall, I feel that has been more challenging for you than anything I could have set for you. So, you have an A for your field experience.” She explains.
“Thank you. It means a lot to me. This class was a great experience for me.” I’m completely overjoyed. I was worried I would have to make it up somehow before graduation.
“No thank you is needed, you earned the grade, If there isn’t anything else, I would like to complete the grades for this semester. Good luck.” She says as she stands.
I stand and shake her hand, “Thank you again.”
I head to the front office to fill out the graduation paperwork and pay the dues. They tell me my cap and gown will be mailed to me and graduation will be in six weeks.
Getting back in my truck, I text Evan and tell him I’m on the way and since I’m in such a good mood I add a couple of hearts. Rolling down the windows I play some eighties rock and sing along to it loudly and off-key.
About halfway back to the cabin, I notice that my brakes seem kind of loose. Weird. Since I’m on a back curvy mountain road, I look for a pull off so that I can check them out. As I come down a hill on a curve, I hit my brakes to slow down but there is nothing there. Taking the hairpin turn at forty-five miles per hour doesn’t seem too bad until you do it yourself. I can’t get the truck to turn that sharp at this speed and lose control as it hits the shoulder. The truck tilts over the small edge and starts to slide down the sharp decline. What’s with cliffs and me falling? As the truck fully slides on the side of the steep hill, it starts to tip sideways. It flips sideways and rolls several times until it comes to a stop next to a tree on its side. I hit my head on the driver side window which knocks me senseless for a moment.
My first thoughts are that I should plant more trees. They seem to be my savior. I groan and look around. My heart is pacing high and my adrenaline is pumping full force. I start to hyperventilate as my body starts to burn. Oh, shit. What is wrong with me? Groaning, my body twists and contorts as white fur grows from my pores. Everything is a blinding pain to the point that I black out.
When I come to, I realize that my body doesn’t feel like it should. I look around and inspect my truck. The windshield is gone, it must have been broken out when the truck was rolling. The truck is so dented up that it looks like a soda can that has been crushed. Damn, I loved that truck. I snort and growl. Wait, What?! I don't growl! I try to stand up but my balance is off. I look at my hands and see white fur covered paws with opaque, four-inch claws. The paws are about the size of dinner plates. There are noticeable rust color stains on them. I drop back down on all fours and feel a slight sting. I can smell blood. I rush backward like I'm trying to get away from the obvious. I turn and run straight into the woods down the rest of the embankment.
After running madly through the forest, I find myself in a beautiful clearing. Out of breath and I feel like I have been running a marathon for twenty-four hours straight. I slow down as I tire. The adrenaline rush has ran its course and I feel drained. I collapse on the ground, my body aches as I shift back to my human form. Not knowing how I actually did it, I curl up and promptly pass out.
Chapter Eleven
Evan
I watch Layla drive away while trying to restrain my bear. He is not happy with me that she’s going alone. She needs this, I tell my bear. He huffs and pouts. As I head inside to make a list of things we need from the store, I decide at the last minute to make a grocery run and then head to the clan house. It only takes me thirty minutes at the general store. I will have to go into Yamika to get stuff to stock up on later. I just need some small items for now. I receive a text from Layla as I drop off my groceries at the cabin telling me that she is on the way back. It ends with cute little hearts. Damn, she is so adorable. I can’t wait to see her again. I’ve just enough time to go see Lucas and be back for lunch.
With that taken care of, I head to the clan house. I see that Lucas is already there. Walking in, I see that I’m right, and of course, Allie is beside him grinning. Jeeze, she is super bubbly. I wave hello and take a seat in the living room that is used as a common area. “Well...” She says as she rolls her hands wildly for me to spill.
I raise my eyebrows, what does she want me to say? I look toward Lucas for guidance.
“She wants to know what happened after we left last night. She’s dying to call Layla but I told her she needed to wait until you guys are ready.” He gives her a pointed look.
“I know,” she huffs, “But really, is she okay? I know I’m supposed to wait for details but I need to know she is fine with everything.”
“When she left this morning to go pack more clothes and speak with the university, she seemed okay with everything.” I try to put her at ease.
I look at Lucas, “So you two, huh?” Shrugging my shoulders, I’m not too sure where they are in their mating. I can tell he marked and bonded with her though, but as I’ve learned with Layla, that doesn’t mean anything.
“Oh, yup, we are totally a couple,” Allie speaks up before Lucas. She shows me her bite mark on her shoulder like it's a badge of honor, to which Lucas covers up with a growl. “Oh, please, it’s not like he is interested. He hasn’t given me two looks since I’ve met him.” Allie rolls her eyes at Lucas.
I bark out in laughter, “We bears, are kind of aggressively territorial, most shifters are, especially when it comes to our mates.”
Lucas shifts Allie to his lap and snuggles her neck before looking at me, “So, are you guys up for dinner over here tonight?”
Allie giggles, “You’ve got to come. I know she is yours now, but she was mine first. I need some BFF time,” My Bear doesn't like people putting a claim on his mate. I growl softly before clearing my throat, “I don't think it will be a problem. I'll check with Layla when she gets back.” Looking at my watch, I see that she is twenty minutes late. My forehead draws together with worry.
Lucas looks at me in concern, “What is it?”
“It may be nothing, but Layla was supposed to be here like twenty minutes ago.” I stand and start to pace with worry.
Allie’s phone rings, “Hello. Yes, it’s me. Oh, hi, Professor. What can I do for you?”
Lucas and I look at Allie intensely. We can hear the conversation on both ends.
“I know you are friends with Layla and I want you to know that she had a nasty incident with Tom. He made a threatening statement to her. I reported him to the campus police but he left the property before they could question him.” The professor pauses, “I tried to contact Layla to see if she is alright but she’s not picking up. I’m not too worried at the moment because she’s still recovering from her ordeal. She may still be asleep, I know I would have like to recover as quickly as possible.”
I grab my phone and dial Layla, It rings several times before going to voicemail.
“Thank you, Professor, I’ll check on her,” Allie says before she hangs up. She’s up and puttin
g on her boots and grabbing her jacket.
I’m already heading out the door. I turn to see what the hold up is.
“Whoa... Where do you think you're going?” Lucas grabs her jacket out of her hands.
She sniffs and tilts her head high, “I’m going to look for my best friend. Don't you think for a darn picking minute that you are going without me.”
“We’re the professionals,” Lucas points between he and I. “We’ll find Layla, while you head over to Evan’s cabin to make sure she didn't already get there. She may have fallen asleep waiting for Evan to come home.” He’s trying to please her while keeping her from danger.
I turn to her and say, “I know you want to help but you will slow us down.” I know I’m being blunt but I need to get to my mate to make sure she’s alright. Lucas growls and gives me a look to back off. I don't have time to baby her like he is. I snort and head out the door without him.
By the time I get to my truck, Lucas is sprinting up next to me as Allie gets into his Bronco.
“She’s going to check at your cabin, then text me to let us know if Layla is there sleeping. She’ll wait there until she hears from us.” Lucas climbs in the passenger side as I start the engine.
I want to speed but I know if she’s on the side of the road somewhere, I need to go slow to look for her. We sit in silence as we look for her. About fifteen minutes down the mountain road Lucas shouts and points at the side of the road where trees have been knocked down by something. It looks recent, there are trees that have been snapped near their bottoms, and the guard rail is missing.
I drive to the next pull over and park. I jump out and run back to the scene as Lucas grabs a medi-bag out from behind my seat. I don't see any skid marks from breaking tires. That is strange, there should have been some kind of marks from her trying to slow the truck down. I look over the edge and can see Layla’s truck and it looks like a crumpled tin can. My heart sinks as my Bear starts to struggle for control. I tell it to calm the fuck down. I need my hands to help her if she’s hurt. He calms for the moment knowing I can’t help her in my animal form. Climbing down to the truck, it looks worse up close. The windshield is gone but I can see that her bags are still in the cab of the truck. There is blood on the glass and the driver side window. I can tell it belongs to her. I don't see her. Lucas comes up behind me, looking at my hands, “Calm your bear, man. I need you human to help her.” I don't realize that they are growing claws and fur.
Evan’s Rescued Mate Page 8
