Claused: BBW Holiday Bear Shifter Paranormal Romance (Christmas Bears Book 2)

by Harmony Raines

  “Maybe she needed someone to come along and pull her out of her mundane world.”

  “Rupert certainly seems out of this world,” Ron said. “I really did see sparkles. Or maybe it was moondust. He could be an alien, you know.”

  “Believe me, he is not an alien,” Marra said.

  “So where do you know him from, Marra?” Naomi asked as they got out of the car.

  “From around. We frequent the same places.”

  “Which places?” Ron asked her bluntly.

  “Places you wouldn’t have heard of.” Kain came to stand next to Marra, and she was glad of his support. “Out of town places.”

  “Ahh. I see.” Ron said, but Marra was certain he was seeing whatever he wanted. He was suspicious of Rupert in a big way, and he was right to be, yet it was a secret Rupert was keeping and Kain was going to respect that.

  “One day you are going to have to tell me exactly where you come from, Marra,” Naomi said. “And why you have gone to so much trouble to help me.”

  “Because you deserve it. And that dress deserved to have someone wear it again. It’s been stuck in my shop for a while.” Marra cocked her head on one side. “It’s yours, you know, to keep?”

  “I can’t accept it.” Naomi traced her hand over the cream embroidered bodice, which was offset with pearls. Marra had never noticed how beautiful it was before. If she didn’t know better, she would say there was magic woven into the very fabric, which had come alive when Naomi put it on.

  “Please. I think it was meant for you.” Marra had the sneaking suspicion, not for the first time since her wand had vanished, that she was being tested, that if she trusted in herself, this would all turn out OK. But sometimes trusting in yourself was the most difficult thing in the world, especially when someone else’s future was in her hands.

  Naomi looked down at her dress. “I’ve never worn anything so beautiful. My mom has struggled to support three girls, and my eldest sister always got the new dresses, while I got the hand-me-downs.”

  “Then let’s get you into the party, and you can pitch your idea to Marcus Dagan, and make your own fortune.”

  “Marcus Dagan won’t let anyone else get rich off any idea he takes on,” Connie said. She and Rupert had appeared as if from nowhere to stand behind Marra and Naomi. Kain was on the other side of the car, talking to Ron and adjusting the young man’s tie. Although, if Marra didn’t know better, the tie adjustments were a screen for the intense conversation they were having.

  Standing in the parking lot, it felt as if everything was crowding in on her. Images of ducks and frogs flashed across her eyes. This was it, this was when she had to make sure nothing went wrong.

  But how did you do that, when you didn’t know what was right?

  Chapter Fifteen – Kain

  Kain kept his voice low as he spoke to Ron. “I think you need to talk to Naomi and tell her what you just told me.”

  “But she’s ready to go into the party And speak to Marcus Dagan. What if I stop her and then let her down?” Ron asked, his eyes glancing sideways to study Naomi. Kain wasn’t sure whether Ron had a crush on Naomi. If he did, would this sway his judgment? Was it possible he wanted Naomi for himself?

  Ron had made it clear he didn’t want to lose Naomi. For Ron, the ideal solution would be for him and Naomi to work together on this project. But was that the right thing for Naomi?

  Kain dragged his hand through his hair, and then rubbed the back of his neck. He was beginning to realize how difficult this was for Marra. To feel the weight of another person’s future on your shoulders, and have to make the best decision you could, with no magic to guide you.

  Wait. This was Naomi’s decision. It wasn’t up to Kain, or Marra, or Ron, to make her mind up. Magic or no magic, there always had to be free will involved. Marcus Dagan didn’t sound like a nice person, and to push Naomi into his path, if it wasn’t what she truly wanted, was just plain wrong.

  He looked up. The others were already heading towards the elevator, things were about to be set in motion, and he wanted to air his opinion first. After all, he was a lawyer; he needed to put his argument across.

  “Come on, Ron.” He slapped Ron on the shoulder, a little too hard. “Sorry.” He forgot his own strength sometimes.

  “That’s OK.” Ron half skipped in a bid to keep up with Kain as he covered the distance to the elevator, and his mate, in long strides.

  “Marra,” Kain said as he approached. “I need to talk to you.”

  “Not right now.” She held her hand up. “I need a moment.”

  “This is important.” Kain moved to stand next to her, not willing to be brushed off.

  “Naomi’s future is more important.” Marra dug in her purse and brought out the chewed-up piece of paper with the drawings on.

  “Marra. Instead of looking at that, we need to think this through.”

  “Hey.” Naomi said. “This is my life. I have thought it through. Marra was right earlier today.” Naomi looked down at her dress, running her hand over the silk fabric. “I’m fed up of hand-me-downs, it’s time I took hold of the opportunity in front of me. I believe in my idea. I believe in myself. And I’m going to make Marcus Dagan believe in me too.”

  “I’m telling you, Mr. Dagan is not that kind of man, he will take your idea and make it his. Why do you think he has these open presentations?” Connie said. “It’s not because he’s a kind-hearted, benevolent man.”

  “My mind is made up. I have to risk it, I can’t make a go of this on my own. I need some cash to start it off.” The elevator opened and she held out her hand for Ron. “Come on, Mr. Fisher, let’s go to the ball.”

  “Sure, Naomi,” Ron said forlornly.

  “Wait.” Marra put her hand in front of Connie and Rupert as they were about to get in the elevator too. “Naomi. Gnome. Gnomie. Ron Fisher.” Her face went pale, and she looked from one to the other of them.

  Kain got what she was saying, and stepped forward. “Elevator pitch, Ron.” And with that he leaned in, pressed the button to take elevator up to the thirtieth floor, and then stepped out. The doors shut and two surprised faces looked at him, as Ron and Naomi began the journey to their future.

  “You knew?” Marra said to him.

  “No. But it seems so right. Ron has this idea for a Kickstarter campaign that would make Naomi’s idea a reality, and mean she would keep control of her business.” He shook his head. “But I did not get Naomi Fisher. Gnome Fishing. Naomi Fisher. That is a stroke of genius.”

  “A stroke of genius? It was pure luck,” Marra said, sounding cross with herself. “If they hadn’t said their names, I’d never have got it.”

  “We all know there is no such thing as pure luck,” said Rupert. “You worked it out, Marra.”

  She sighed. “I don’t think I’m cut out for being a fairy godmother if I can’t use my wand.”

  “What could you have done differently if you had your wand?” Connie asked.

  Marra’s face paled. “Wait, you know about my wand?”

  “Sure, Rupert here’s filled me in on all of it.”

  “Rupert!” Marra exclaimed. “You’ve only just met.”

  “And you didn’t tell Kain all about your wand and you being a fairy godmother as soon as you met?” Rupert accused.

  “That’s different,” she said.

  “Is it? So it’s one rule for you, and one rule for the janitor?” Rupert asked.

  “Hey. That is not fair,” Marra said.

  “But he’s right, Marra,” Kain said. “And for what it’s worth, I think honesty is always the best policy.”

  “Great. Thanks for your support, Kain,” Rupert said drily. “And for the record, Connie believed me right away, there was none of this thinking I’m a crazy person.”

  Kain smiled wryly. “Point taken.” Then he frowned, and asked Connie, “Why did you believe him right off?”

  “Because he took me in to his janitor closet and showed me his magic,” Conn
ie patted Rupert’s chest. “If anything is going to make a girl into a believer…”

  “OK, too much information,” Marra said, putting her hands over her ears.

  “She means I showed her the real Connie. The woman she was inside.” Rupert put his arm around Connie. “You see what I have to put up with?”

  “You love them all really, you miserable old goat,” Connie said.

  Rupert laughed, and Marra said, “Maybe Connie showed you the real Knecht Ruprecht too?”

  “She may have,” Rupert agreed, a whimsical look in his eyes.

  “And maybe Mrs. Claus sent you to help me, so you wouldn’t see that she was also trying to help you.” Marra held Rupert’s gaze. “You know how she likes to spread love around the world in the same way Santa likes to spread gifts and happiness.”

  “I do.” Rupert’s voice was serious, the normal levity it carried gone, replaced by a sense of wonder. “She planned this all along.”

  “I think she did,” Marra said.

  “And we’re about to see your Cinderella with her Prince Charming,” Kain said as the numbers showing which floor the elevator was on began to count down.

  Four faces turned their focus on the elevator as the doors slid open, and a radiant Naomi stood before them, holding hands with an equally radiant Ron. Kain had never thought of these two people as being a match, but who was he to argue with fate, and fairy godmother magic, and Mrs. Claus.

  If what Marra and Rupert had said were true, he had a lot to thank the wife of Santa Claus for.

  He slipped his arm around Marra and said, “Who needs a party? Let’s all go get pizza.”

  Chapter Sixteen – Marra

  “Pizza?” Rupert asked. “You guys go ahead. But I promised Connie a party. With dancing.”

  “You did,” Connie said, leaning on Rupert’s shoulder like a lover, her hand on his chest, a look of love in her eyes.

  “You two go ahead. I don’t want to spoil your plans.” Marra tilted her head to one side, and studied Rupert. “Tell me, Rupert, you are held by the same laws as I am?”

  Rupert narrowed his eyes at Marra and then burst out laughing, a sound not too displeasing to her ears. “You mean, have I used magic on Connie? You think I can’t get a girl without it?”

  She frowned, not used to this jovial Knecht Ruprecht. It was weird, and a little unsettling, and a whole heap of out of character. Was she witnessing the magic of love, winding its way deep into Rupert’s heart and penetrating his soul?

  “I was just checking,” she said sheepishly, feeling terrible. Did she really have to question his motives?

  “I have cast no spell, woven no magic on Connie, other than opening my heart to the possibilities of love.”

  “A profound statement,” Kain said, stepping forward. “I can’t believe I’m standing here, with all of you, and we’ve each found our soul mate in the space of two days.”

  “All of us?” Naomi asked sharply, the smile dropping from her face. “Found our soul mates?”

  Naomi exchanged a confused look with Ron, who shrugged. “Beats me.”

  “Wait. You two aren’t in love?” Marra asked, her good mood vanishing.

  “No. Why would we be? It takes more than an elevator ride for two people to fall in love,” Naomi said matter-of-factly.

  “Not for some of us,” Kain muttered. “But for others, you’re right, it takes a while.”

  “But the name,” Marra said. “Naomi Fisher.”

  “I’m not Naomi Fisher,” Naomi said. “I’m Naomi Meyers. And he’s Ron Fisher.” She stepped forward and placed a hand on Marra’s arm. “Did something happen to you all while we were in the elevator?”

  “No.” Marra looked confused, but she cleared her throat and regained her composure. “Wishful thinking, that’s all.”

  “That is so sweet, but the only thing we discussed was a business plan. Ron has convinced me to take a chance, run a Kickstarter campaign and keep the business as our own.”

  “So maybe that’s it,” Marra stated. “Your company might be called Naomi Fisher.”

  “We’ll give it some thought,” Naomi said indulgently. “Maybe pizza is a good idea. We can talk there.”

  Marra switched her attention back to Rupert and Connie, who were holding hands, while Rupert stroked Connie’s hair, and then her cheek, as if he couldn’t get enough of the warmth, the realness of her. “Are you sure you don’t want to join us?”

  “No. We are going to set this party on fire. I’m sure it’s full of stiff suits and women who have spent too long preening themselves to risk letting their hair down to have some fun.” Rupert pulled Connie over to the elevator, and pressed the button to open the doors of the waiting cart. “Come, Connie. Let us shake our tailfeathers, like they’ve never been shaken before.”

  Kain chuckled. “I wish you the night of your lives.”

  “I might just take that wish and turn it into something real for all of us.” Rupert’s voice was back to deadpan, and Marra had no idea if he was joking or not. Then the elevator doors closed, as Rupert bent to kiss Connie, and they were lost from view.

  “OK. This is not turning out anything like I expected it to,” Marra said to Kain as they walked back to the car.

  “Don’t second-guess yourself,” he said, taking her hand. “You went with your gut instinct, and for what it’s worth, you came to the same conclusion as me. Naomi was not supposed to make a presentation to Marcus Dagan. And I think your Naomi Fisher was spot on. Looks like it will be a business partnership rather than a love match.”

  “It has to start somewhere,” Marra said, trying to convince herself this was right. “I just expected love at first sight. That’s one of the criteria for a Cinderella.”

  “She broke the mold. Just like you should break the mold.” He held the car door open for her, leaning into her so she could feel the warmth of his breath on her cheek. “You have no idea how much I’d rather skip pizza and take you home instead.”

  She put her hand on his chest, partly to keep him at bay, but also because she wanted to feel the beat of his heart under her palm, to know he was real, and not make believe. “You were saying, about breaking the mold.”

  “I was,” he said dreamily, staring into her eyes.

  “You two should get a room,” Ron said as he opened the car door and got in.

  “If you want, Ron and I can go eat alone,” Naomi said, sliding in the car next to Ron.

  “What do you think?” Kain asked. His expression told her exactly what Kain was thinking, skip dinner and go straight for dessert, sweet, wonderful dessert.

  Damn, it was so tempting. “No. We have to go with them.”

  Kain straightened up and focused on her face, in that shrewd, lawyerlike way she loved. He was assessing what she said. “Then we go with them.”

  “Thank you.” He trusted her, trusted her judgment, maybe more than she trusted herself. “This isn’t over.”

  “Because we haven’t found the frog?” Kain asked.

  “No.” She shook her head, creasing her brow as she tried to recall the reason she knew the night wasn’t over, the fairy tale wasn’t done. “Call it instant, but we have to go with them.”

  “Then we go.” He lifted her hand and kissed the back of it, sending shivers through her whole body. What she wouldn’t give to abandon her duties, ignore her instinct, and take him home to bed.

  “There’s a great pizza place around the corner from where I live,” Ron said.

  “Good, I’m starving,” Marra said. She’d been nervous, scared she would get it wrong. Something had clicked inside her, as if she had stepped into the real Marraine Le Fey’s persona, and stepped out of the shadow of her mom and her grandmother, who had always seemed so together, so natural, at being fairy godmothers.

  Marra remembered the nights her mom would come home, filled with joy at making the dreams of another person come true. Her mom and grandmother would often trade stories, trying to outdo each other at who was t
he best fairy godmother of all time in the family. They were both so competitive. However, Marra had discovered something about herself. She didn’t really care who was the best, she didn’t really care if she never was as good as her mom or grandmother. All that really mattered was that she did her best, and got the job done. The happy ever afters would take care of themselves; it didn’t matter how fancy the dress was, or how big a diamond was in a tiara.

  Or whether a meal was pizza or a lavish banquet.

  “That’s the kind of smile I’d like to wake up to every morning,” Kain said. They were back out in the traffic, retracing their journey back to where Ron lived. Marra had been deep in thought, while in the back seat Naomi and Ron chatted excitedly like brother and sister.

  Marra got a glimpse of her future in that moment, her and Kain, a little older, a little wiser, with their two kids in the back. That was what her life had to offer, and it made her happy. Very happy.

  “I’m thinking of us. Of being a normal family.”

  “Except the fairy godmother part and the clock that chimes on the wrong hour. You know, that thing totally screwed with my head last night. I couldn’t work out what time it was.”

  She laughed. “Yeah. You know antiques aren’t my thing. And while the fairy godmother side of me will always be there, always need answering… I think I’ve decided what I want to do with my life.”

  Kain snapped his head around. “As long as it includes me, and doesn’t include going to live somewhere I can’t defend those who need my help, I’m OK with whatever you decide. If you want to sell the shop, then you can move in with me.”

  “I’m not selling the shop,” Marra said. “I’m going to convert it into a café. Like a drop-in center for anyone who needs to talk, who’s lonely, or has a problem.”

  “That idea I like,” he said. “Was this brought on by the realization you don’t need a magic wand to weave your own special kind of magic?”

  “Something like that.” She sighed. “I have to get it back. My wand, I have to get it back. It belongs to me, and my family. To my daughter. Or our son.”