Page 30 of Hunny and the Bear

Hunny blushed harder, her fingers tightening on his as she stared at the human owner. “Um, I’m actually just looking for some different teas. Do you sell any boxes?”

“Absolutely. I’ve got anything you can think up.”

“Okay, I need a box of peppermint, turmeric, and …” Hunny trailed off, her brow furrowing.

“Chamomile?” Nessa guessed.

“Yes! How did you know?” Hunny asked.

“All stuff to help with colds and inflammation. Figured that’s what you were looking for.”

“Well, you really know your tea,” Hunny joked. “Maybe you should open your own shop one day.”

Laughing, Nessa opened a cabinet and pulled out three different colored boxes of tea. She brought them to the register, ringing up each one. After giving them the total, Tank paid,listening to the two of them talk as Nessa packed up the boxes into a bag.

“What’s your name?” Nessa asked, handing the bag to Tank while she kept her eyes on Hunny.

“I’m Hunny, and this is Tank.”

“Yourfriend.”

Hunny blushed again. “Yes.”

“Well, it’s been a pleasure to meet you both, and I hope you stop by again soon.” Nessa pulled out a small rectangular card from her pocket, handing it to Hunny. “That’s my business card, if you ever want to call about tea. Or anything, really. I-I’m new here,” Nessa blurted out suddenly. “It’s been difficult meeting people, and I feel like you’d be a fun friend to have.” She wrinkled up her nose. “Not like the hand-holding friendship you two have going on, though.” She waved at Tank dismissively, which was more than fine with him. “But still.”

“Do you like puzzles?” Tank asked, speaking to her for the first time.

Nessa floundered for a second before asking, “Who doesn’t love a good puzzle?”

Tank grunted. Two yappers who both loved puzzles. It was a match made in heaven already. Hunny elbowed Tank in the side, as if she’d heard his thought loud and clear. “I’d love to hang out sometime.”

He smirked as they exchanged farewells, waiting until they were outside before he asked, “What’s all the tea for?”

“You,” Hunny told him simply.

“Me?” He didn’t even like tea.

Sending him a soft look, she confessed, “This kind of tea helps with sore throats. I just thought, since your throat hurts after talking too much, maybe it’ll help you. And Jasper said you loved honey, so if you mix some in your tea, I’m sure you’ll lovethe taste.” Surprised, he stared at her for so long she shifted awkwardly on her feet. “I-It was a dumb idea—”

“No, it wasn’t,” he replied, tugging her to him. He hugged her then, dropping his head to nuzzle her crown with his chin.

“I forgot to even ask if you liked tea,” Hunny admitted on a sigh, wrapping her arms around his waist.

“Love it,” he lied, holding her close.

“Thank you for today,” Hunny murmured into his chest. “I don’t know what I’d do without you.” He kissed the crown of her head then, running a hand up and down her back.

“Come on, darlin’,” Tank uttered softly. “Let’s get home.”

With that, he led his little rabbit back to the truck.

Twelve

Six days later …

Seated in a leather chair in Murphy’s office, Hunny fidgeted with a busted seam on one of her armrests, feeling both nauseous and anxious as she waited for the Alpha to begin their meeting. Tank was here, too, lurking in a corner of the room behind her like a dark knight. It was probably for the best that he couldn’t see her face, otherwise he’d know how terrified she felt being here.

And then he’d probably tell his brother to fuck off, pick her up, and carry her back to his cabin, insisting they spend the afternoon unwinding with a show on TV while cuddling on the couch under one of her ‘cozy blankets.’

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