“Yes, I’d like that.”
“Great, I’ll stop by the store and we can set something up.”
“Hi Gillian, we just saw Cade and he suggested we sit with you because you were feeling all alone in the row by yourself.”
It was Hannah. “You remember my husband, Bear, and our son, Sam?”
“Yes, yes, I do.”
“Hi Gillian,” Bear said.
She moved her legs to let him and Sam walk by and Hannah sat down next to her.
“I love this orchard and what a beautiful venue for a fall wedding with all these pumpkins and leaves,” Hannah said.
Gillian had to admit it was something that looked like a scene created by an artist’s brush.
“I love Halloween, I bet you do too,” said Hannah. “I’m sorry I didn’t mean that because of what you told me,” she whispered.
“It’s okay and I like Halloween but not for the reason you think. I have a sweet tooth.”
“Mom, how long before we get to eat?” asked Sam.
“After the ceremony and didn’t I see you eating before we left the house.”
“He’s a growing boy, isn’t that right?” said Bear.
“This is sort of boring just sitting here waiting,” said Sam.
“It won’t be when it’s your turn to get married,” said Hannah.
“Yuck, I’m never doing that. I hate girls.”
“You’ll be eating those words before you know it,” said Bear.
“Why would I eat words?” asked Sam. “You can’t eat words.”
Bear tussled his hair and laughed.
Music began playing. Gillian noticed Cade and Trey take their places up front and soon they were joined by Ian and a man who she guessed was the person who’d be officiating the ceremony.
Cade looked over at Gillian and winked at her.
“I don’t think I’ve ever seen those three in suits before,” said Brady.
“You know I think you’re right,” said Bear.
“And I didn’t realize how much they look alike,” said Jenna.
Gillian had to admit there was no mistaking they were brothers but Cade was the best looking of the trio.
“I could tell you stories about Cade that would make your hair curl,” said Brady, tapping Gillian on the shoulder.
“I don’t think you should,” said Bear.
“Well, maybe I’ll keep that for dinner conversation at the reception,” Brady responded.
Would she want to hear stories about him? She wasn’t quite sure.
The wedding march began to play and they all stood. Gillian turned to see Eve walking down the aisle on, who she guessed, was her father’s arm. Her dress was gorgeous, lace with a long train dragging behind. Her hair tied up and a tiara on the front of her head. She looked like a princess.
If only I was one of those instead of a witch. That probably wouldn’t help because someone could still challenge her right to be the ruler.
Eve nodded and smiled at everyone as she walked by them. When she got to the front, her father kissed her and then took his place in the front row. Gillian wondered if he knew he was handing his daughter over to a bear shifter. If he did, did he care? Gillian wouldn’t because finding true love and ever lasting happiness was the most important thing.
“Please be seated everyone,” began the man performing the ceremony. “We’re here to celebrate not only a wedding but the love these two people have for one another…”
*****
Cade hoped no one saw him crying. He’d never been a best man before and the whole thing was getting to him. The words his brother had read about Eve were beautiful. He’d found his true mate. Not everyone did. Cade glanced over at Gillian. Even from where he stood, he could see she was also crying. She’d obviously felt something during this ceremony too. Sometimes that meant a shifter had found his mate but could she be it?
“And if we could now have the rings,” said the judge.
“Cade, the ring.” He felt Trey nudge him in the ribs almost making him cough.
“What, oh, sure, yes,”
Cade dug into his breast pocket and searched around, but no ring.
He must have put it in another pocket. He searched both jacket pockets, but no, pant pockets, nope, not there either.
“Cade, what the hell,” whispered Trey. “Ian’s going to have a heart attack.”
“Just a minute folks,” said Cade, slapping the front of his jacket and pants.
“Cade, did you lose Eve’s ring?” asked Ian.
“What?” asked Eve
“I knew I should have kept it myself,” said Ian.
“Don’t panic, it has to be here someplace.”
“Sorry folks, looks like we have a missing ring,” said the judge.
“Where was the last place you saw it?” asked Ian.
“My breast pocket,” said Cade.
“This is bad luck. I read it in a bridal magazine. If the rings are lost it’s a bad omen for what’s to come,” said Eve.
Cade could tell she was on the point of tears and he hated that she was so upset on her wedding day.
“Honey, it is not. We’ll find it,” Ian assured her.
“I think I know where it could be.”
Cade looked up. Gillian had said that.
“You slipped when we were walking in and it could have fallen out of your pocket. I’ll go look for you.”
“If she finds it then you need to thank her for saving your ass,” said Ian.
He watched as Gillian, even in her high heels, ran toward the parking lot, people turning their heads and watching her while mumbling between themselves. He even heard two guys whistle her. He’d deal with them later.
Everyone began looking at their watches. Ian continued to give him sideways glances. He was going to be in hot water if the ring wasn’t found. Where could he have lost it? He’d had it when he’d left the house.
He heard people cheering and whistling and when he looked up, Gillian had returned holding the ring in the air. “Found it, it’s a bit muddy but it’s safe,” she said, running toward Cade.
Everyone clapped as she handed it to him.
“I owe you big time,” he whispered to her as he leaned over and took it. He wiped it down the side of his jacket to free it of the dried mud and handed it to Ian.
“Hope you’re not going to lose any rings at your own wedding,” said Trey.
“Don’t have to worry about that because I’m never getting married.”
Back to Top
Chapter 17
The ceremony had been beautiful, the vows moving, and apart from the lost ring, it had been perfect.
The plates and food had been cleared away and now Mr. and Mrs. Ian Mallory had taken to the dance floor. They glided around almost like they were hovering inches above the ground. They looked like they’d been dancing together all their lives. The music stopped and the leader singer of the band announced that everyone else should now join the bride and groom.
She saw Brady and Jenna were the first couple to take him up on the offer.
“He’s taken ballroom dancing lessons,” said Cade. “And he’s always been a showoff. He and Cole were bitter rivals at school and it wasn’t until recently that they became best buddies.”
“He’s like a pro,” said Gillian, in awe of the way he swung Eve to the sound of the singer belting out the lyrics to Sway.
“You want to give it a try?” Cade stepped in front of her and held out his hand.
“I can’t dance like that,” said Gillian.
“Neither can I so we’ll look foolish together.”
Before she could protest any more, he’d pulled her to the middle of the dance floor as Brady and Jenna glided by them.
“It’s easy really,” said Brady. “Follow my steps.”
Cade shrugged and began swaying with Gillian in his arms. She actually giggled as he spun her around and then he caught her and they rubbed noses just like Brady and Jenna were doi
ng.
Next Dane and Melanie joined in and Dane even sung along as they all sashayed around the floor.
They were so elegant for such big guys. Cade swung her around as more people joined in.
“It’s just like the words say, I only see you,” Cade whispered to her as he began grinding his body into hers. “You’re the most beautiful girl here.”
He made her feel special. She knew he would. She’d done her research. Underneath the tough guy who didn’t want to settle down, was a caring, attentive man. The only thing that had ever held him back was he hadn’t found the right girl. He didn’t know it, but she did.
“What are you thinking?” he asked.
“Why do I have to be thinking about anything?”
“We all think about something every second of the day, even if it’s something trivial.”
“Just wondering where you learned to dance so well?”
“I could ask you the same question,” he said, swinging her around until she laughed.
She hadn’t done that since…since many years ago.
“I feel so lucky because the other shifters have tried to hide what they are from their human girlfriends and with you I don’t have to worry. You already know my secret.”
She had to admit that must have been a problem. They all seemed well paired, in love, some with children now joining them on the dance floor. She watched as Bear and Hannah danced cheek to cheek. Hannah waved to her and smiled.
She caught sight of her aunt and Eddie who had arrived just after everyone had finished eating. Louise waved and blew her a kiss. She looked so lovely in a long pink floral dress, and Eddie wore a suit complete with a bowtie.
“Don’t they look like a cute couple?” asked Cade. “Not as cute as us, but they’re in no way shabby.”
Eddie maneuvered them over so they were now dancing next to her and Cade.
“Taking notes about my dance moves?” Eddie asked Cade.
“I’m taking notes about your evening suit and bowtie. That’s quite the look on you, you old bear.”
Louise squealed with laughter as he dipped her to the floor and then spun her away so fast, her dress rose, revealing her long legs.
“Would you be jealous if I whistled? Your aunt’s got legs that go on forever.”
“I wouldn’t mind at all because she’s in such good shape for a woman who is 140.”
Cade suddenly stopped.
“140, but that means she’s either found the Fountain of Youth or she’s not human. What is it you’re not telling me? Is this your secret?”
Her heart almost stopped beating. She’d let her guard down by being under Cade’s spell. She’d revealed too much.
*****
If only he could find Gillian. He’d seen his brother and Eve off on their way to the hotel where they’d stay the night before heading to Wyoming.
He hadn’t seen her since he’d asked about how Louise could be 140 years old. He’d tried to go look for Louise but when he’d asked, he’d been told she and Eddie had headed out to the parking lot. What he hadn’t expected to see was the 140-year old woman and the old bear doing the wild thing up against the barn door.
Embarrassed, he’d left and wondered how such a perfect day with Gillian could go downhill so quickly.
“Did you happen to see Gillian?” he asked Jenna as she walked by him.
“Last time Brady and I saw her she was out near the maze the owners are installing ready for Halloween. It’s over on the south side of the property.”
“Great, thanks.”
Cade walked over there. The moon shone down on the bales and he saw her leaning up against one, her hair blowing gently in the slight breeze that had picked up now that it was dark.
“Hey you, what you doing all by your lonesome?” he asked her.
He’d taken her by surprise. She looked at him. She’d been crying.
“What’s wrong? Something I said?”
“Sort of.”
He put his arms around her. “I have a tendency to put my foot in my mouth.”
“It’s not that, you’re a sweet, sweet guy.”
He pulled her chin up and kissed her. She put her arms around his shoulders. She opened her mouth for him, and he slipped his tongue over her lips. She was cold and he felt her shiver.
“I’ll warm you up, baby.”
He ran his arms up and down her back.
His erection grew with each pass of his hand. He tugged on the belt around her dress, surprised how easily the sides fell away. He swallowed. As per usual, she wasn’t wearing a bra. Both her nipples bore tattoos. He imagined how painful it must have been to get them. Looked like a family crest of some sort. He ran his fingers over the right one, hearing her draw in her breath.
“Sorry, I didn’t mean to hurt you,” he said.
“You didn’t. It’s just I wasn’t expecting you to do that.”
He touched her again, this time pulling on her nipple and feeling himself grow harder. He was going to take her tonight. Maybe right here up against the bale of hay. He ran his hands down her belly, slipped his fingers down the front of her panties and pulled them down her legs.
Glancing down, he saw the beautiful mound of hair. He caressed it as he kissed her. Slowly, ever so slowly, he pushed his finger through the thickest part of her pubic hair, quickly finding her clit.
“Cade, I have to tell you something,” she whispered.
“It’s okay, I have a condom.”
“It’s not that. You can’t have sex with me because this is all part of a test. It’s my Quest. If I fail, someone else wins and takes over my position and I knew she’s going to change everything not just for us, but for you shifters too.”
She said nothing else but simply took off, leaving him more puzzled than ever before.
******
The rain began falling the minute she’d ran away from Cade.
She’d kicked off her panties in her haste to flee and now the rain beat down on her bare breasts. He’d been the first and only man who’d ever seen the tattoos on her breasts. She touched them, remembering when they, and the ones on her legs, had first appeared right after her first period. She’d been scared and ran to find her mother.
“It’s okay, it’s okay, it just means it’s your destiny to lead our tribe of witches. Just as you’ve become a woman today, you’ve also been chosen by a higher power. The marks prove it.”
She’d been forced into a new way of life, a new reality that she would be responsible for so many people when she turned 21 and took her rightful place as the witches’ leader.
But a challenger with the same markings had stepped forth and challenged her. Who she thought was a complete stranger had turned out to be her half-sister, Matilda. Gillian’s mother had become pregnant as a teenager and given away the baby to a couple who had raised her as their own. Upon the husband’s death, the wife had revealed to Matilda who her birth mother was. Queen of the Greenwick Witches. She too bore the same marks as Gillian and had stepped forth as the older child of the Queen to take what was rightfully hers.
The committee had come to the decision that Gillian should be heir as her father was a wizard but to also be fair to Matilda, she would need to go on a Quest to prove herself worthy. Tier one was to resist mortal temptations, to find a man who attracted her and resist his charm, resist him bedding her as proof that she’d be able to focus on the needs of the witches despite outside distractions.
Gillian burst into tears as she ran, but heard Cade calling her name. She wanted nothing more than to have him make love to her. She felt someone grab her and hadn’t realized Cade had caught up with her so quickly.
He swung her around. “You’re soaked. You’re going to catch your death of cold.”
He swooped her up in his arms and ran toward the nearest barn. Music from the reception played in the background, clearly the party was still in full swing. A clap of thunder sounded as she sat and pushed the wet hair from her face.
&
nbsp; “Why do you keep running and avoiding me, avoiding my questions?” he asked her.
“I’m a witch, Cade, a witch.” There it was out, he knew.
He sat beside her.
“My half-sister, Matilda is challenging my right to rule. My first test is you.”
“Me.”
“I chose you because you’re so gorgeous because of your bear shifter’s appetite for sex. I wanted to prove I wouldn’t lose my virginity to you.”
“So, let me get this right, you’re a witch and also a virgin? I’ve never fucked a virgin before.”
“We can’t let it happen, Cade, because if she takes over then she plans to do some evil things.”
“Define evil?” asked Cade.
“She’ll take away all my powers. My power to make things to help people. She’ll even outcast Aunt Louise. She’ll start a war between all members of the paranormal world.”
“That will never happen…but wait that means…”
“We can never have sex,” said Gillian.
Back to Top
Chapter 18
“But do you want me as much as I want you?” asked Cade.
She looked up at him. “I thought I’d be able to pass this test with flying colors, but then I met you, got to know you as the sweet guy that you are. Now all I want is for you to show me what making love is all about.”
He knelt down beside her. “There’s got to be some way out of this dilemma. How about I go talk to your sister and try and reason with?”
Gillian shook her head knowing if it was that simple then she would have tried the whole reasoning thing herself. “She wants this so badly and feels it’s her birthright. She’s revengeful, she hates my mother for giving her away, hates me because I took her role.”
“Sounds more like a bitch than a witch.”
Gillian couldn’t help but smile as his last comment.
“You have the prettiest of smiles, baby,” he said. He leaned in and kissed her again. “I guess we could do some foreplay, I mean as long as I don’t deflower you, right.”
“Are you going to be able to stop yourself from doing that?”
Bewitching The Bear Page 9
