Mending the Bear

by Vanessa Devereaux

  She rested her head on the pillow and looked up at the ceiling. Not that she was complaining in any way. The orgasm he’d given her. No, make that plural. Had been like the ones she’d read about in books and magazines but never thought they existed in the real world. How he’d done the cock-vibrating thing she didn’t know. In fact, she didn’t care because once her muscles recovered, she wanted more.

  She turned over onto her side, grimacing as she did so. Would each post sex encounter hurt this bad? She didn’t care if it did because the pleasure part was so worth any discomfort. He hadn’t asked her for another date. After they’d fucked he’d kissed her, simply pulled on his pants, said goodnight, and left.

  She flipped over to her other side. She’d already fallen into the trap of having sex once and becoming anxious about him calling again.

  Shit, when would she ever learn? She grimaced again. She was guessing wherever he was right now, whatever he was thinking, it wasn’t about them having sex and definitely not about calling her for another date.

  ****

  When Ian and his brother arrived at the clinic, Bear was at the front desk, just about ready to head home.

  “How’s Charlie?” Ian asked.

  “He’s resting comfortably, but Cole and decided it’s best if he stay at the hospital for a few days to make sure he’s okay. Charlotte’s on the night shift and she said she’ll keep a close eye on him.”

  “Can we go visit with him?” Cade asked.

  “Sure, but don’t tire him out too much. He’s in room five.”

  They walked down the hallway and to their left, where through the glass window they saw Charlie sitting in bed with his eyes closed. They tiptoed in and Ian thought maybe he was asleep. He suddenly opened his eyes and looked straight at them. “Boys what are you doing here? It’s almost ten.”

  “We came to see you,” Ian said, perching himself on the side of the bed. He lifted Charlie’s hand and sandwiched it between both of his. Poor Charlie’s arms and chest had never fully healed from the burns he suffered the night they’d landed here. He’d been so brave, saved so many, and tried to save a whole lot more who sadly didn’t make it through the night. Even in his bear form, fur was still missing in the spots where he’d been so badly singed.

  “You feeling okay?” Cade asked.

  Ian saw they were giving Charlie oxygen through feed a tube in his nose. He wheezed slightly as he took a deep breath to answer them. “A lot better since they got me here. Guess old age is creeping up on this bear.”

  “You’ve still got lots of years ahead of you,” Ian said.

  “I’d like to think that, but I have to prepare for the inevitable. No creature, shifter or human is immortal.”

  Ian knew that Charlie was the oldest bear shifters. He was their sage, the person everyone went to for advice. What would they do when he was gone? Who would take over as head Spirit Guardian?

  “So my young bear, I hear you ran wild in Goodsen’s supermarket.”

  When would people forget about that?

  “Yeah, bit of a crazy day for me, but Joanne’s a sensible bear. She’ll come to her senses.”

  “Is that what you want? Because a little bird told me you’ve been seen dinning with a human. I didn’t raise you to be dating one woman while you’re trying to win back another. That’s not what you’re trying to do, is it?”

  Both Charlie and Cade looked at him. It was just like sitting in front of the shifter board all over again. When would people get off his case?

  “Joanne is my mate,” he said.

  “Ian, a true mate wouldn’t do what she did. You know that just as much as I do. Max Goodsen is her mate. You have to accept it and perhaps this human is your mate. Have your sensed that in any way?”

  He wasn’t sure. He did enjoy her company more than he could ever have imagined, but was that enough?

  “Wouldn’t you feel that I’d let you down if I picked a human mate?” he asked, knowing that Charlie was the most traditional bear he knew.

  “It’s not for me to say, but fate. You know how these things work. Many of the bear shifters are picking human mates and I think it’s a smart plan. Our genes will eventually die out. We’re having trouble reproducing among ourselves and this way it ensures our species lives on. Look at all the wonderful hybrid babies being born. Have you ever seen anything so beautiful as a child with a bear father and a human mother?”

  While he wasn’t into babies and all that cute stuff, he had to admit some of the babies who’d been born to shifters like Aiden, Christopher, and Dane were beautiful. Not to mention the triplets that Trent’s human mate had produced for him.

  “Now, I want to meet this human that you’re seeing just in case she is your mate and I don’t live long enough to check her out and give her my seal of approval.” He winked at Ian.

  “And you Cade, any chance that you’ve found your mate, or Trey for that matter? I was hoping for spirit grandchildren to spoil.”

  “I’ve been busy looking for a place for my motorbike business,” said Cade.

  “I’d die a happy bear if I knew all my spirit children had found their mates.”

  Someone knocked on the door. Ian turned to see Charlotte standing there in her lab coat.

  “Hope I’m not disturbing anything,” she said.

  “Come in, sweet girl. I’m just telling my boys that they need to find their mates and soon.”

  Charlotte checked on the oxygen level for Charlie and he took her hand. “I was also saying how beautiful the hybrid babies are. Your Bridgit is the prettiest girl I’ve seen.”

  “And you know she’s turning two this weekend?”

  “Two, has it been that long?” Charlie asked.

  “I know it seems like just yesterday I was in here giving birth, but it’s true. I’ll let you into a little secret. Aiden and I are trying for baby number two.”

  Charlie lifted her hand and kissed the back of it. “Perfect time for a bear family to add to its clan.”

  “Is there anything I can get you?” she asked him.

  “How about some vanilla ice cream with lots of honey poured over it?”

  “Wow, for the last three weeks that’s been Bridgit’s favorite thing.”

  “Your daughter’s bear side is emerging, so you’ll need to keep a watchful eye on her.”

  “Really?” Charlotte asked.

  Charlie nodded.

  Yeah, what were they going to do if Charlie left this world? Who knew stuff like that?

  “I’ll leave you to visit with Ian and Cade and go get that ice cream,” Charlotte said.

  “Aiden chose so well, and I know both you will, too. In fact, this woman you’re dating, I think I’d like to meet her tomorrow if I can.”

  “You would?” Ian asked.

  Charlie’s eyes began to flutter.

  “I think we should leave you to get some rest, but let us know if you need anything and when you’re coming home.”

  Charlie nodded and then closed his eyes.

  Ian and Cade headed outside just as Charlotte was walking toward Charlie’s room with the bowl of ice cream.

  “That does look good,” Cade said as they walked by. “So tell me more about Eve,” he said, turning to Ian.

  ****

  Eve didn’t know how it had happened, but she’d overslept. She didn’t feel like making breakfast, but she was hungry and opted to stop by Starlight Café to pick up some coffee and whatever they had on offer this morning.

  She recognized Celia who’d served her and Ian the night before.

  “Hi, Eve, isn’t it?” she asked.

  “Yes, that’s right. I thought I’d get something to take away that I can eat at my desk before my patients start rolling in.”

  “Sure, I’ll get you a menu.”

  Eve waited at the desk while Celia pulled out a menu and set it down in front of her.

  “Is Hannah around this morning?” Eve asked.

  “Nope, she’s been feeling unde
r the weather the last day or two so she’s taking some time off.”

  “I’ll let you look at that while I serve this table over here.”

  Eve looked through the breakfast items while hearing someone else walk in. She turned around to see Ally, whose husband had once owned the practice, walking in with a man who she assumed was her new husband.

  “Hi, how are you doing?” Eve asked.

  Ally, who looked very pregnant now, waddled over to Eve and hugged her. “I’m doing just great. Have you met my husband, Kent?”

  “No, I don’t think I’ve had the pleasure,” said Eve.

  “Kent, this is Eve, Eve, and Kent.”

  “Nice to meet you,” he said, shaking her hand.

  “Same here,” Eve said. “Guess you’re getting excited about the baby.”

  “We are,” Ally said, rubbing her belly. “And would it be okay if I dropped by to see what you’ve done with the practice? You’re the talk of the town.”

  “I wasn’t aware of that.”

  “Everyone said you have a certain way with animals, just like my late husband did.”

  “I’m happy to hear that and sure, drop by whenever you feel like it. I’m always around.”

  Celia walked back to Eve and she realized she hadn’t even looked at the menu yet.

  “How about a coffee and some waffles with a side of sausage patties?” Eve said.

  “I’ll get that order in straight away.”

  “We’re eating in before we do some more shopping for the baby, but it was great running into you. I’ll be by one day soon.” She hugged Eve, then turned and walked beside Kent. They sat at a table by the window. As she waited for her order her cell phone rang. She looked at the screen and saw that it was Ian. He hadn’t called her for almost five days. She’d tried to forget about him, the great sex, the dates, but she couldn’t fool herself. She wasn’t the type of woman who liked casual relationships and probably never would.

  “Hi Ian.”

  Was he going to ask her out? Would she say yes if he did?

  “Hi there. Could I ask you a favor?”

  “Sure, fire away.”

  “Someone very special to me is in the hospital and I said I’d pick him up and take him home, but I don’t think the doctors would like me putting him on the back of my bike.”

  “Ah, so now you’re realizing what a stupid mode of transport they are.”

  “While they might not be great for that purpose, they are the best way to get around town, but I won’t argue that point any further. However, as he wants to meet you anyway, I thought you might be willing to offer him a ride home.”

  “He wants to meet me?”

  That meant Ian had told him about her. Good or bad thing? And the fact he knew loads of other people with cars, but still asked her, had some significance, right?

  “Sure. When do you need me to pick him up?”

  “Anytime you’re done with work. And once we’ve dropped him off, how about we go bowling? Which, by the way, will be our third date.”

  Third date meant they would get horizontal. Her hormones jumped to attention just thinking about. Maybe she was getting to be more like a man.

  “Sure. Swing by about five thirty, okay?” she told him.

  “Will do.”

  Eve ended the call. Bowling. She hadn’t done that since college.

  ****

  Eve heard Ian pulling into the space out front long before she saw him parking his bike. She armed the alarm, shut the door, and stepped outside. Ian stood behind her. He hadn’t shaved today, making him seem sexier, almost bear like. She wasn’t sure why she’d thought of that, maybe it was the bear earring and the setting sunlight bouncing off of it. His eyes looked so blue, so come and get me.

  She coughed, remembering to keep her libido under control, at least until later.

  “You ready to go pick up… You didn’t tell me his name.” Eve unlocked her car door and Ian slid in beside her.

  “It’s Charlie.”

  “Is he a relative?”

  “Sort of. He took me and my brothers under his wing when our parents died.”

  She turned to look at him. “Ian, I had no idea, I’m so sorry to hear that.”

  “You’ll love Charlie. He’s over one hundred years old, but looks and acts like someone a lot younger,” Ian said.

  “Oh my God. He’s probably seen a lot of changes in the world.”

  “Oh, you wouldn’t believe what he’s seen.”

  “And he’s not been well?” Eve said.

  “Breathing trouble.”

  “Is he at Kalispell General?”

  “No, actually a private clinic,” Ian said.

  “Then you’ll have to give me directions.”

  “Take the main road here and I’ll tell you where the turn offs at.”

  Ian turned on her radio and sat back in the seat. “You ready for some bowling?” he asked.

  “I am, but I’m sort of rusty.”

  “No problem. I can give you some tips. Turn right here and then take the next left.”

  She had no idea where she was going. Not that she knew all of the Kalispell area that well, but this seemed to be in the middle of nowhere.

  “Turn here and the parking lot is to your left.”

  It was the lot of a huge white building tucked behind trees that made it almost hidden from view. No name on the building either. No ambulances out front. Strange, but maybe that’s how the patients wanted it and hence the word, private.

  She got out and followed Ian across the road to the entrance. Once inside she saw a girl sitting at the reception desk and then noticed Ash walking by with a clipboard in his hand.

  “Hi,” she said.

  “Eve, great to see you. I have to tell you Chloe loves her job, and thank you for offering to give her vet assistant training. It means so much to her. In fact, it’s all she’s been talking about.”

  “I think she’s going to be a perfect match for the job.”

  “I do, too. So when are you coming to dinner? She mentioned she’d asked you.”

  “Let me know a day and time that works for you and I’ll be there.”

  “How about Friday night? And Ian, I hope you can come along, too.”

  If she didn’t know better, she’d guess that maybe Chloe and Ash were doing some matchmaking.

  “Would love to, and I’ll bring some wine.”

  “Then it’s a date, and I have to go run these tests for one of my patients so I can’t stop.” He waved and was gone.

  “Will that be our fourth date?” Eve asked.

  “I think it will be, and what do you allow guys to do to you for that big event?”

  “I’m not going to tell you all my secrets.”

  He smiled at her. “Then I’ll have to create something special.”

  He put his hand on the small of her back, reminding her the other night and how he’d excited her body like no man ever had. They headed down a corridor and Ian stopped in front of one of the rooms.

  “This is where Charlie’s at,” he said. Ian knocked on the door and then walked inside with Eve close on his heels.

  A man with pure white hair sat in the chair reading a book.

  “Ah, there you are. I hope I’m not riding home on that damn motorbike of yours? Why do all three of you Mallory boys insist on riding those death traps?”

  Eve liked him already.

  “I knew you were going to say that so I’ve brought along Eve, and she has a car.” Ian stood to one side so Charlie could see her. “Charlie, say hello to Eve.”

  “It’s a pleasure to meet you,” Charlie said, getting up from the chair.

  He reached for her hand, pulled it up to his lips, and kissed the back of it. “That’s very kind of you to offer to give me a safe ride home.”

  “I agree that motorbikes aren’t the best form of transportation,” Eve said.

  “She says that now but once she’s been on the back of my bike there will be no turnin
g back for her,” Ian said.

  “He always gets his way, Eve, so watch out. Now I’d like to get out of here, but I need a doctor to okay that. I think Cole’s on duty so he can sign my release form.”

  “I can go get the doctor if you want to visit with Ian,” Eve said.

  “He’ll probably be done the hallway to the left,” Charlie said.

  Eve exited the room and walked down the hallway, but had obviously taken the wrong turn. She looked into the room ahead of her and saw anatomical drawings of a wolf, a cougar, and a bear hanging on the wall and tables and chairs in front of it. Almost like it was a training room. But for doctors? How strange was that?

  “Can I help you?” It was a man’s voice. He touched her shoulder and made her jump. She turned around to see a tall man wearing scrubs looking at her.

  “Sorry if I startled you,” he said.

  “I was looking for the doctor who could check Charlie out.”

  “That would be me. Dr. Cole MacDonald. Pleased to meet you.” He put out his hand.

  “Eve, I’m a friend of Ian’s.”

  “Right, Hannah mentioned you’ve taken over the vet practice.”

  “That’s right.”

  “Well, let’s go get Charlie checked out and he can be on his way.”

  He walked along beside her, waved to a few people as they walked by, and then turned into Charlie’s room.

  “I hear you want to go home,” Cole said.

  “I do. I guess my cats will be missing me,” Charlie said.

  “Okay, but only on the condition that you take it easy. No…”

  He paused and Eve wondered what he was going to say.

  “No running or dancing?”

  Cole winked at Eve. “And if you feel lightheaded or short of breath again, you’re to come back in here ASAP. We don’t want to lose an old treasure like you.”

  Charlie saluted him. “Yes, doc. Ian will keep an eye on me,” Charlie said.

  “Then you’re good to go,” he said, signing the form by Charlie’s bed. “Nice meeting you Eve.”

  “Same here.”

  He left and Ian helped Charlie to his feet. Eve took his bag.

  “Did I hear you say you have cats?” Eve asked.

  “Yep, three of them. Turned up at my door one day and didn’t want to leave.”