“Really?” George asked. He remembered his own cub days. His first shift was like learning to walk and run all over again. “How did you get him down?”
“Brad, who’s now the local sheriff, was a couple of years older and used to hang around with his buddies up in the mountains. They heard me calling for Marcus when he didn’t come home that night, and they helped track him down. If they hadn’t, he’d still be stuck up there today.”
“Did he learn his lesson?” George asked. They reached the creek and sat down on a roughly sawn bench, listening to the water crash and splash over the rocks.
“I’d like to think so. But it wasn’t the last time he and his bear got into a scrape. But Brad and his friends, they watched out for him. And by the time Sage and Luke began to shift, Marcus had grown up just enough to teach them all about being a bear.” She fell silent, deep in thought as she watched the water as twilight gathered around them. “It’s not the same as having a parent there to teach you.”
“No. I can imagine it isn’t. My parents taught me. How to shift, how to climb, how to run, and how to not get my head bitten off by other bears. Of course, this was a few years ago and the mountains were not too full of hikers as they are today.” George remembered vividly how they would spend the weekends climbing all over the mountains. Not here in Bear Creek, but in other remote places all over the world. “We used to go on expeditions, too, into remote areas of the world.”
“Is that where your love of history comes from?” Nana leaned back and angled her body toward him. George did the age-old move of stretching and placing his arm along the back of the bench. He might have been the teacher, but that didn’t mean to say George hadn’t learned from his students, too.
Nana either didn’t notice or didn’t react. George’s fingers itched to make the next move and place his hand on her shoulder and pull her close. But just as his parents had taught him, baby steps were the way to get wherever you wanted to go.
“Yes. My mom was a teacher, too. We traveled around, going wherever we were needed. My dad turned his hand to whatever work he could find. We were never rich, but we were happy.” George’s childhood had been charmed in so many ways. “It wasn’t until I got a job teaching here in Bear Creek that I finally hung up my hiking boots and set down deep roots.”
“This is a good place for roots. I think it’s in the water, or maybe it’s the mountain, which has deeper roots than any tree.” Nana turned away from him.
“Do you see us living here? Living out the rest of our lives in the shadow of the mountain?” George made his move, placing his fingers on her shoulder. Nana stiffened but didn’t push him away. “Or do you have another dream you want to follow?”
“I don’t have a dream of my own.” With a deep breath, she relaxed into him, tilting her body toward him once more. “We don’t all have the luxury of doing what we want. Sometimes we have to do what is needed of us.”
“And sometimes we have to live our own lives and forge new paths.” George leaned into her. “I am not expecting anything from you, Nana, other than asking you to allow me to share your life with you. I don’t care if it’s here, or elsewhere. I’ll work hard to help out here at Chance Heights if that’s what you need. Or if you want me to whisk you off and take you away somewhere else, I’d do that, too.”
“George, you can’t give a person that much power over you.” Nana straightened, and he missed the warmth of her body next to his.
“It’s mine to give,” George told her gently. “And anyway, I trust you. I can see what kind of a person you are, Nana. You only have to look at how you raised those kids to see that.”
Nana rose abruptly. “We should go back to the house.”
George pushed himself to a standing position. “Is everything okay?”
“Yes, I just want to make sure those kids have done their chores.”
George placed his hand on her arm. “That wasn’t what I meant.”
Nana turned to face him, her mouth turned down at the corners as she said, “George, you can do so much better than a woman like me. Fate must have made a mistake when it decided we were meant to be.”
“Fate never makes a mistake.” George gazed into her eyes. Dark, unfathomable, what secrets did she hide? “Tell me what I can do to help you.”
Her head jerked back. “Who said I needed help?”
A sad smiled played across his lips. “Just promise me one thing.”
“Which is?” Her voice caught in her throat.
“If you need anything, you’ll come to me. I’ll keep whatever secrets you want me to keep. But if you need anyone or anything, I’m the one person in this world you can depend on.” He stroked her cheek, and she leaned into his hand, rubbing her face on his fingers.
“George…”
“Promise me,” George urged as he bent down and captured her lips in a searing kiss. Fire flooded his veins and the longing to mate with her grew in intensity.
When their kiss broke, she whispered, “I promise.”
He caressed her cheek, his hand trembling as she pulled away and set off back toward the house. His only hope was that she would keep her promise and trust him with her life. A life he held dear.
They reached the house, but before they went inside he asked, “Can I take you out tomorrow? There’s something at the museum I’d like to show you.”
“A girl doesn’t hear that every day,” Nana said playfully.
“Is that a yes?” George asked hopefully.
“Yes.” She nodded.
Finally, we’re making progress, his bear said.
Yes, I think we are.
Chapter Seven – Nana
Being with George made her forget. With him, it was as if anything was possible and Vito could never hurt her.
After George had asked her to accompany him to the museum, they’d gone inside and drank coffee while the children told George all about their work. By the time he said goodnight and drove away from Chance Heights, George was like one of the family.
She was blessed, Nana knew it. At least where her mate was concerned. If she had to pick a man, as corny as it sounded, she would pick him.
That blessed feeling lasted until she went to bed. After undressing and brushing her teeth, she’d climbed into bed, only for her phone to buzz.
Her heart faltered. No one texted her this late. No one except Vito.
At first, she lay in bed, covers pulled up to her chin as she stared at the ceiling and tried to fight the panic building up inside her.
Finally, she turned over, switched on the light on the nightstand and reached for her phone.
Missed me?
“No,” Nana whispered at the screen. She didn’t reply, maybe he’d think she was asleep.
I know you are awake.
Nana’s hand flew to her mouth and her eyes flew to the window. The curtains were drawn, but anyone outside could see the light on. Fool, she thought and tapped out her reply.
I’m trying to sleep.
Nana switched off the light and placed the phone back on the nightstand. Tomorrow night she would leave it switched off downstairs. However, when her phone buzzed again, Nana couldn’t help herself, she picked up the phone and read his next text.
Dreaming of me?
Dream? More like a nightmare, but she didn’t put that in her reply.
I’m not dreaming because I’m not asleep, thanks to you.
Vito might have a hold over her, but that didn’t mean she had to be nice. Part of her hoped if she was vile to him, he would give up and go away.
Since when had she become delusional? Vito would never give up. Not when he wanted something from her. It wasn’t in his nature to leave people alone once he’d gotten into their heads. He liked toying with his victims, she’d seen it countless times.
That’s not nice. How was dinner? Did you have a date?
That hit her hard. She didn’t want George dragged into this any more than he already was. Luckily Vito did not kn
ow about shifters, as far as she knew. Which meant he could not use George in the same way he used everyone else. But if he ever found out, he would use the mating bond and control George through his hold over Nana.
The urge to get out of bed right now, pack a suitcase and leave, sparing everyone around her pain and hurt, was overwhelming.
No, I did not have a date. It wasn’t a lie. Not exactly. Nor was it any of Vito’s business.
Who was the guy?
No one. What do you want? I need to sleep.
I want you to know I’m watching you. Sweet dreams.
The sound of an engine revving in the distance made her pulse quicken. He wanted her to know he was out there. He wanted her to know he was watching.
As she lay down in the darkness, sleep deserted her. Soon, Vito would reveal his plans and she would have a choice. Stay or go.
If she left she would hurt those she loved. If she stayed Vito would hurt those she loved.
Loneliness consumed Nana. Should she tell George? Could she live with herself if he became embroiled in this mess?
Perhaps tomorrow when he took her to visit the museum, she would find the courage to tell him. It would be easier for a stranger to judge her than her family.
Finally, sleep took hold of her and she slept for a few hours. In her dreams, she wandered around Chance Heights looking for her children, but she could not find them. No matter how many times she searched, calling out their names, they were not there.
And in the background was the sound of an engine revving as Vito drove all over her life.
When the light of a new morning pulled her out of her restless sleep, her resolve returned. Damn Vito and his threats. Today she would demand to meet him and tell him to leave her alone or she would go to the police. So what if her past came out. She’d always taught her children you could move on past anything life threw at you and make a new better life for yourself. It was this ingrained belief that was the cornerstone of Chance Heights Activity Center.
Why had she forgotten that? Why had she let herself slip back into despair?
Nana couldn’t answer that question. Or maybe she hid from the truth.
Swinging her legs off the bed, she headed for the bathroom. After a quick shower, she dressed and went downstairs feeling like her normal self. “Morning,” Nana called as she entered the kitchen. Her three children were sitting around the table eating breakfast and drinking coffee, they all looked up in surprise.
“You look happier today,” Sage commented and rose from the table to plant a kiss on Nana’s cheek and give her a hug. “I was worried.”
“I told you, I just needed sleep.” Nana opened the fridge, which was well stocked as always, and helped herself to a glass of orange juice.
“I don’t know, that twinkle in your eye is new,” Luke teased. “Does it have anything to do with a new man walking into your life?”
“Luke, I’ve survived all these years without a man. I will not allow my mood to be defined by one now.” Nana sat down at the table and helped herself to cereal.
“Are you saying George is not at least part of the reason you look so happy?” Sage asked. “Not just a tiny, little bit?”
Nana ate a spoonful of cereal while she pondered that thought. “What woman wouldn’t want a man to like her? But then this isn’t normal, is it? This is fate.”
“Good ol’ unpredictable fate.” Marcus poured himself another cup of coffee.
“You don’t believe in fate?” Sage asked.
“I believe in it, I just don’t know if we should put as much faith in it as we do. How do we know George is right for Nana?” He sipped his coffee thoughtfully. This was an unusually deep statement from Marcus who always cultivated a tough exterior and devil may care attitude.
“I like him,” Luke said defensively. “He’s a good guy. He came up with some great ideas about how we can expand and help more kids.”
“We’ve managed okay so far with our own ideas,” Marcus retaliated.
“Ah, the man of the house feels threatened.” Sage spread butter on a second piece of toast and took a bite, while her older brother simmered.
“I don’t feel threatened, I’m just saying it like it is.” Marcus drained his cup and moved to leave the table. Nana reached out and took hold of his hand, pulling him back down.
“Let’s not do this. We’ve always been strongest together. I don’t want anything to change that,” Nana’s words choked in her throat.
“We’ll always be stronger together,” Sage replied. “But that doesn’t mean we can never change. George is your mate. One day I hope we all find our mates. And each time that happens, our family will evolve. Just as it evolved when we lost Mom and Dad.”
Marcus swallowed hard and stared down at the table, where he traced the wood grain with his thumb. “I’m sorry, Nana. I overreacted. Sage is right, this is a good change. I just need to get used to it.” He looked up and gazed at the three people sitting around the table and gave a short laugh. “I am used to being the man of the house. When Mom and Dad died, I knew I had to be the protector.”
“Most of us have grown out of needing a protector,” Luke replied, earning him a dig in the ribs from Sage. “What?”
“Who saved your ass when you caused a stampede of cows over on Rookery Plain?” his sister asked.
“He wasn’t protecting me,” Luke replied firmly.
“No, Marcus was circumventing the need for you to need a protector. If those cattle broke through Old Man Peterson’s fence, even your bear would not have outrun his wrath.” Sage began clearing the dishes and dumping them in the sink.
“We all need and protect each other,” Marcus conceded, cutting off any further argument from Luke. “Let’s never forget that. No matter who comes into our lives, no matter who tries to come between us, we are always family.”
“Agreed,” Luke said, his usual aversion to confrontation kicking in. Out of the three siblings, Luke was the peacemaker, the one who always wanted life to carry on in a smooth and orderly fashion.
“Agreed,” Sage said resolutely.
Nana paused, before saying, “Agreed.” She knew pacts and promises were not easy to keep because there was no telling what life had stored up for you. But as she helped Sage dry the dishes, her own resolve was strengthened. She would give Vito her own ultimatum, leave town, and never come back. If she ever heard from him again she would go to the police and have him arrested for harassment and blackmail.
An hour later, Nana got into the car and drove to Bear Creek. George had offered to pick her up and drive her to the museum, but Nana had declined. If she wanted to make a quick getaway it was much easier if her car was close by. Not that she expected to make a quick getaway from George.
Luke was right, he was one of the good guys. And right now, a good guy was what she needed. She only hoped she could match his love and affection. If not, she would have to let him down gently. She’d given over half her life to the Chance children and their happiness and she did not regret a single moment. However, she did not want to end up in a loveless marriage just because fate said she should.
Nana parked her car in the museum parking lot and got out. As she locked her car, she took a moment to look up and around. Was she overreacting? Would Vito follow her and expose himself in the light of day, or did he plan to harass her by phone alone?
She sighed, if he was here she didn’t recognize him, but she hadn’t seen him for so long, he could have changed beyond recognition. He didn’t exactly have the healthiest of habits. Drink and drugs were his staple diet. Nana had half-expected him to go to an early grave, but he’d obviously proved all medical advice wrong. Unless he’d changed. Although in one way he definitely had not changed, he was still a bully who thought he could pick on people and bend them to his will.
Enough of Vito, she wanted to focus on her day with George. As she strolled across the parking lot, she saw him waiting at the entrance to the museum. His uncertain expression cracked
into a smile when he saw her approaching. He’d thought she might stand him up.
A wave of guilt swept over her. Last night she’d been withdrawn, unable to let him in. Today, she wanted to make amends, if only to stop him from questioning whether she had a problem. His offer to help was noble, but she didn’t need him to step in and deal with Vito, she would do it herself.
No man was going to boss her around. It might have worked twenty-five years ago, but she was more experienced now and capable of saying no.
A twinge of concern tugged at her. What if Vito carried out his threat to hurt her family? If that’s what he’d meant by or else.
As a parent, it was Nana’s job to make her children aware of danger. Perhaps, she should make them aware of the threat Vito might present. Perhaps, since Nana stood on the cusp of a new life, it was time she embraced her past and told her adopted children who she truly was and where she’d come from.
She also owed it to George, who looked handsome in dark gray slacks and a blue open-necked shirt, as he waited for her on the steps of the museum. Very handsome indeed.
Nana walked up the steps to join him and smiled warmly at George. “Morning,” she said brightly.
“Morning, you look beautiful.” George kissed her cheek as if it were the most natural thing in the world and she didn’t complain. She might not have the same shifter blood as him, but the attraction was there. Her skin tingled at the thought of his touch and her body ached in places it hadn’t for a while. Not the muscle ache of gardening or doing chores, but the intense ache of longing for another human being.
“Thank you. You don’t look so bad yourself.” Compliments did not come as naturally to her, but she was ready to try.
“Shall we go inside?” He opened the large wooden door, and she stepped into the cool interior of the museum. There was something calming about being here in an old building that had stood for hundreds of years and witnessed the lives of so many people wax and wane.
Silverback History Bear (Return to Bear Creek Book 20) Page 5
