“It’s my doing, my decision to go see her. She is by the way just as awful as you described.”
“I take it you asked her to call off the Quest?”
“Oh yeah, and she’s not going for that. Sounds like she wants a war. I don’t think this is all about you. I think she’s angry about something we know nothing about.”
Bear came back in with everything he needed and set about patching Cade back up.
He grimaced but tried not to let Gillian see the fact that he wasn’t a big tough bear when it came to needles.
“There that should do it and I’ll get the blood to the lab right away. I’ll leave you two alone and have someone bring you in a bed.”
“You were very brave,” said Gillian leaning over him. She kissed the tip of his nose. “Anything I can do for you?”
“There’s just one thing I want and when I get out of here, we’re going to make love. Your sister’s going to cause trouble whether she rules or you do so I don’t see any reason for us not to have sex.”
*****
Cade had finally fallen asleep but Gillian was too wound up so she decided to take a walk around the clinic. Charlotte was on duty and waved to her from the lounge. She signaled for her to come join her. Gillian headed in there.
“How’s Cade doing?” she asked.
“He was fighting it, but he’s finally given in and gone to sleep.”
“Yeah, bear shifters are stubborn. Bridget, my little girl, is not only in the terrible two stage of childhood, she’s in the don’t try and make me do anything I don’t want to, stage of bearshifterhood.”
“Cade obviously never outgrew his.”
Charlotte laughed. “You want something to drink? I have some soda as my late-night coffee fix is off the cards now that I’m pregnant again.”
“I’d love one.”
“Coming right up.”
She came back a few minutes later with an orange soda which she sat on the table in front of Gillian.
Charlotte sat down and checked her phone. “Thank goodness. Bridget enjoyed her bedtime story. She’s been really picky about those for the last week. Poor Aiden had to read the beginning of six stories last week before she found one matching her current taste,” said Charlotte, putting air quotes around the words current taste.
Gillian couldn’t help but laugh.
“Maybe it’s because she’s getting a brother or sister.”
“We thought she’d be exited but she gets pouty every time we mention the baby.”
“Nothing worse than sibling rivalry.” Gillian immediately thought of Matilda. Maybe if they’d grown up together things wouldn’t be so bad between them. If only something as big as leading the witches wasn’t at stake. Their mother had ruled, well with a soft glove, Gillian wished to do the same, but her half-sister had a different approach.
“You suddenly look miles away,” said Charlotte.
“I was, I can’t stop thinking about my half-sister and what she did to Cade. She is nothing like our mother.”
“Who was her father?”
“That we don’t know. I didn’t know about her until after my mother died. I guess when you’ve been a pregnant teenager you keep lots of secrets.”
“Maybe you should try and find out, perhaps he can talk to her and make her see reason.”
“That’s a thought.”
Charlotte looked at her watch. “Time for my rounds.”
“I guess I should get back to Cade and try and get some sleep.”
“The beds are much better than your usual hospital brand. Thank goodness we have Brady Walsh’s generous donations.”
*****
Cade woke up around midnight to see Gillian fast asleep in the bed next to his. Her face pressed against the pillow, her hair covering half of it. Her chest rose and a slight murmur that he couldn’t quite understand, escaped from her mouth.
He wanted to be next to her.
He had to be next to her.
Cade got out of bed and grimaced as the sutures pulled against the skin in his chest and stomach. A little pain wasn’t going to stop him from cuddling up with Gillian. He grimaced again as he got close to the bed and lifted the cover and slid in next to her. Her nose twitched and she turned. Damn, he’d woken her because she looked him straight in the eye. He’d wanted to just lay beside her, her totally unaware he was observing her.
“Hi,” she said.
“Hi,” Cade said, rubbing his leg against her calf.
He wrapped his arms around her and she snuggled into him. He wanted to wince but didn’t want her to feel worse than she already did about what her sister had done to him.
“You’re warm and so soft,” Cade whispered in her ear.
“Your brother, Trey stopped by and said to say hi. He didn’t want to disturb you and said he’d see you back home tomorrow.”
“Geez, I just remembered I have to pick Ian and Eve up at the airport tomorrow evening.”
“You sure you’ll be up to it?”
“Positive because you’re going to make me feel better.”
He kissed her lips, his tongue slipping inside her mouth. Despite all his pain, he wanted to do nothing more than make love to her, to claim her as his, and only his.
Gillian slowly pulled away, obviously feeling his erection beginning to get more urgent.
“I think you should go back to your own bed and rest.”
“You’re probably right.”
He kissed her and regrettably left the warmth of her body, and slowly walked back to his own side of the room.
“I love you,” he said. No bear shifter ever told a woman that before he’d had a chance to make love to her and knew in his heart that she was his mate. But he knew, he felt it throughout his entire heart and soul.
He wanted on tender hooks for a response.
“I love you too,” she said.
Cade let the air he’d been holding in escape. He could sleep in total peace now.
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Chapter 22
Gillian woke the following morning to see that Cade’s bed was empty. Panic set in, thinking that maybe something was wrong but she knew they would have woken her. She rolled onto her back guessing she must look a total mess. She hadn’t brought any make up with her and her purse contained only a comb. Running her tongue over her teeth in hopes that would at least freshen them up, she heard the door open and in walked Cade carrying a tray of food.
“Breakfast in bed,” he said.
She sat up. “You’re supposed to be the patient,” she told him.
“I feel one hundred perfect better and I woke up early with an idea.”
“To fix me breakfast in bed?”
“That was part of the idea,” he said, putting the tray on her lap.
He’d cooked the works, eggs, bacon, hash browns, and toast with a pot of honey sitting beside it.
“What was the other idea?” she asked.
She saw him slide down onto his knees. If she didn’t know better, she’d…
“Gillian Finnagan, will you do me the honor of being my wife?” he asked.
Tears filled her eyes and then she laughed when she saw him pulling out a ring that he’d made with aluminum foil.
“Are you laughing because this is the silliest thing a man has ever asked you?”
“No, because it’s the sweetest thing, and yes, I want to be your wife.”
Cade slipped the foil ring onto her finger and they were about to kiss when Cole walked in on them.
“Sorry, should have knocked,” he said.
“Cole, you can be the first to know that we’re engaged,” Cade told him.
“It’s true,” said Gillian, holding up her hand.
“Wow Cade, you really out did yourself with the ring, what did it cost you, all of a penny? I’m just kidding with you buddy,” he said, slapping him on the back. “I’m happy for you and yet another wedding to attend. Samantha loves any excuse to buy a fancy dress and shoes. And more g
ood news, all your blood tests look good so you can head home with your fiancé whenever you’re ready.”
*****
“I go away on my honeymoon and my brother’s finds himself his mate,” said Ian.
“I’m so excited,” said Eve. “I’m going to have a human sister in law…not that I have anything against having a shifter as one, but I won’t feel so strange being the odd one out in the family.”
“You do know your sister-in-law to be is a witch, right?” asked Cade.
Eve looked at him and then to Ian who shrugged his shoulders. “Every family needs one,” he said.
“So, when is the big day?” asked Eve.
“We were thinking maybe having a winter or even Christmas wedding. We have lots to plan and sort out,” said Cade.
“And where is my future sister-in-law?” asked Ian.
“She’s gone to see her half-sister. They have some business to take care of and then we’re going to pick out a proper ring.”
*****
Gillian lingered in her car, looking at Matilda’s house. She bit her lip and took a deep breath. She’d be nice to her, and wouldn’t mention what she’d done to Cade. She was sure she’d be very excited and relieved to hear what Gillian had to tell her.
She exited her car before she lost her nerve. Before she reached the front step, her sister had already opened and the door and stood in the entryway.
“Well, what a lovely surprise,” said Matilda, her sarcastic tone more evident than ever.
“Can we go inside and talk?”
“If this is about your bear shifter, he got what he asked for.”
“No, it’s nothing about his visit here.”
She stepped aside and Gillian simply followed her inside and shut the door.
Matilda had already sat on her couch. Gillian decided to sit beside her so she didn’t look so confrontational sitting directly opposite. Something their mother had taught her. Matilda hadn’t been so lucky to have a witch raising her, so she had to cut her some slack in the manners department.
“This is a lovely home,” Gillian began.
“Oh, cut the crap, Gillian. You’re not here for the two of us to get all warm and fuzzy. That is never going to happen.”
Gillian took a deep breath. She understood her sister’s anger. Their mother had simply given Matilda away at birth. Gillian didn’t know anything about the parents who had adopted and raised her. They could have been loving parents but she guessed Matilda would always hold a grudge.
“I really hope that one day we can be like actual sisters.”
Matilda waved her hand around. “Cut the crap. Why are you here?”
“I’m engaged.”
There it was out. It was easier than she’d thought and Matilda was only the second person Gillian had told.
Matilda touched her chest. “And you want me to help you shop for a dress or perhaps be in the wedding party.”
“If that’s what you’d like to do then you’re more than welcome to. I’m here to tell you that I’ve chosen my path. The Quest has taught me that. My destiny is to be Cade’s wife not to be a leader. I’m leaving that to you.”
“How exciting and how strange it will be when I banish the shifters including my own sister when I demand you leave the area.”
“That’s what I’m here about. You are not to do anything to the shifters. They’re not harming anyone and they have families and businesses.”
“And what fun would that be?”
Gillian tried to keep her cool but her sister was making it hard. She clenched her fists together, feeling her nails biting into her skin. Better she hurt herself than her sister.
“Being head of the counsel isn’t supposed to be fun or in any way vindictive. Mother would have…”
“Go on, finish what you were going to say. Mother would have taught me that had the bitch not given me away. Had the bitch raised me.”
“Matilda, I get that you’re angry but you can’t take your revenge out on people who haven’t harmed you. That’s not how witchcraft works.”
“I cannot have other paranormal activity in my area of rule.”
“They shift and that’s all. They’re not going to compete with you.”
Matilda got up and walked to the window. She crossed her arms. “How about we come to an agreement. One that I think will work for both of us.”
“Absolutely,” Gillian said, thinking how suddenly her sister had been won over.
“Here’s my offer. You give up all your witch craft activities, the store closes, and you live like a mortal for the rest of your days.”
“My store, you want me to close The Apothecary?”
That was a blow to her heart. She hadn’t seen that one coming.
“Hard of hearing?”
“Okay, I’ll do it.”
She’d have to find another way to make a living but she could do it.
“And Cade will not shift ever again. I’m sure he’d rather give up doing that then give up sex. Much better for you too, sister dear.”
How could she agree to something like that on Cade’s behalf?
“Either that or shifters leave the area and no one is allowed to shift. The deal is valid for…” she looked at her watch. “Five seconds.”
Her sister had backed her into a corner. She knew Cade wouldn’t mind this small sacrifice on behalf of the whole community. At least they’d finally be able to have sex.
“We have a deal,” said Gillian.
“And I take over right now,” said Matilda.
Gillian stood.
“Be the leader that our mother was. Don’t be self-serving. People loved her for her compassion and always putting others first.”
“That’s assuming I’m not more like my father whoever that bastard was.”
“I will send you a wedding invitation and it’s up to you if you accept or not. You’re going to have a bear shifter as your brother-in-law.”
“How do you stand the smell?” Matilda asked.
She ignored the snarky remark and the two walked to the door in silence.
Gillian walked down the path and got into her car. That was settled now all she had to do was break the news to Cade.
Back to Top
Chapter 23
Cade paced up and down waiting for Gillian to return. He hoped she’d dealt with her sister better than he had. They were going shopping for a real engagement ring and then stopping by the Starlight Café for salmon night.
Gillian drove in and parked in front of his store. She got out and stood looking at her shop. She didn’t look happy. She finally came inside and burst into tears. He ran to her and hugged her.
“She’s making me give up the store. I can’t use any of my skills as a witch.”
“Oh baby, it’s going to be alright. You’ll find another calling.”
“And I…”
“You what?”
Gillian began pacing. He didn’t know about witches, but when shifters paced, something was wrong, very wrong.
“She wanted the deal there and then and I know I shouldn’t but…”
“Gillian, calm down, just tell me.”
“She’s banned you from ever shifting into a bear again. If you do, she’ll banish all shifters and ban them from shifting.”
He hadn’t seen that one coming, not shifting into his bear half. Could he do it?
She threw her arms around him and kissed him.
“Did I do the right thing?”
He wanted to say no, but he knew she had. He couldn’t put his own needs before the community.
“The biggest gain is we can make love now. You can take my virginity.”
He sighed, at least one great thing had happened today.
“I like the sound of that, baby.”
Yeah, not shifting again, no big deal as long as he could make love to his mate then everything would be rosy.
*****
“It’s beautiful,” said Hannah, looking at the engage
ment ring Cade had bought Gillian less than an hour ago. It sparkled under the light. She couldn’t wait to show it to Aunt Louise and her grandmother. She glanced across at Cade. He’d been unusually quiet since she’d told him about the ban on him shifting.
“Any idea when we’ll be invited to a wedding?” Hannah asked.
“Did someone say wedding?” asked Melanie walking by the table with Dane and their son in tow.
“Did you know that Cade and Gillian are engaged? Take a look at this diamond,” Hannah said.
Melanie lifted up Gillian’s hand. “Cade, you have great taste in rings. Dane, can you believe these two are already engaged?”
“I’m happy for you, buddy,” Dane said, slapping him on the back.
“Dane, do you think we could talk?” Cade asked him.
“Sure, right now.”
“Yeah, if we could.”
Gillian watched as the two men headed outside.
“I might as well sit with you and wait for Dane,” said Melanie. She took off her son’s coat and sat it across her lap.
“Salmon,” he said, pointing to the plate of food Hannah was carrying to the table.
“He’s so cute,” said Gillian.
“Now he is, but when he gets home, he’s in the terrible two and stubborn bear phase.”
Gillian laughed recalling what Charlotte had said about her daughter. She couldn’t wait for her and Cade to have a family, stubborn child bears and all.
“That can’t be true,” Gillian said, tapping him on the nose while keeping her eye on Cade who looked like he was in deep conversation with Dane.
“I was going to ask you if you had any more of the foot balm. It’s a huge help. When I’m pregnant my feet ache more.”
“I think I have one bottle left. I’ll bring it to you before I close the store.”
“You’re closing the store, why?” Hannah stopped in her tracks.
“It’s a deal I made with my sister. She’s banned me from owning a store and mixing any brews and Cade can’t ever shift again.”
That last bit had slipped out. The two women looked at her with their mouths wide open.
“Gillian, you do know that’s a huge thing for a shifter, right?” asked Hannah.
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