Page 115 of Flirting with Darkness

Evening had fallen, and the cool air was refreshing. She inhaled and immediately felt her body relax. Her backyard was her oasis. She had all the comforts of home outside. There were matching outdoor couches along with a fire pit in the center. There had been plenty of nights where family and friends had spent time around a roaring fire. She had hung strings of lights around the yard to provide light after dark.

Shekita loved to entertain and wanted to get back to it. Maybe she could invite over a certain bear shifter for dinner. She could cook a wonderful meal for them, and then they could come outside and light a fire in the pit. She had a big blanket they could snuggle under, watching the flames and the stars in the inky sky.

Shekita’s heart warmed at the thought. A smile formed on her lips. Planning a date for them would be fun. She had wanted more time, and dating would be the best way they could get to know each other. If they were truly meant to be together, then Pola wouldn’t have a problem with doing things her way.

Satisfied with her idea, she planned a grand meal for them. She wanted to impress Pola. She didn’t want Pola to only want her because of fate. She wanted Pola to like her for who she was.

With ideas brewing, she realized she was going to have to stop at the market. Excited, Shekita stood and stretched. She needed to go through her pantry, make a list, then run to the store first thing in the morning. She turned to walk back in her house but paused.

A rustling in the trees behind her yard caught her attention.

What was that?

The wind wasn’t blowing that hard. She stared off in the direction of the sound. It was probably her overactive imagination. There usually wasn’t much that would be in her little wooded area except rabbits, raccoons, deer, and the occasional possum.

“I’m losing it,” she murmured. Her gaze wandered around her property, and she didn’t see anything out of the ordinary. She eyed the woods again and froze in place.

A set of amber eyes met her gaze.

Whatever it was must be a large animal. From the height placement of the eyes, she knew she wasn’t dealing with a small, docile creature.

A low growl sounded.

Definitely not a deer.

Shekita took a step backward. It would take her a few seconds to reach the door. Whatever it was would not be eating her.

A large brown grizzly bear emerged from the trees.

“Oh, hell no!” She cried out. She tried to get her feet to move but she was frozen in place, fear consuming her.

The bear slowly ambled halfway to her before stopping. It lifted its head, sniffing the air.

For some strange reason, there was an air of familiarity to the beast. Shekita relaxed slightly and took the time to study it. She couldn’t make out much detail since nighttime had fallen. The lights around the yard only allowed her to see a little.

The bear returned her stare, not moving. If this was a crazed animal on the attack, it would have charged at her.

“Pola?” she whispered.

The bear’s ears twitched in recognition. Shekita took a step toward the bear. This might be one of the most insane things she had ever done. If she was wrong, then she may pay dearly for the mistake. The bear whimpered as she drew closer.

“This is crazy.”

She stopped in front of the bear and shivered at the sheer size of it. Power radiated from the massive beast. Its eyes were kind, and the longer she stared into the amber orbs, the more she knew she had been correct.

“Pola, your bear is beautiful.”

The bear lowered her head and butted Shekita in the chest. She must want Shekita to touch her. Shekita reached out hesitantly, her fingers making soft contact with the dense fur. She was in awe of the softness as her hand traveled along her head.

Pola raised her head, sending Pola’s heart rate skyrocketing. Their eyes met, and Shekita was sure this was Pola. The bear pressed her nose to Shekita’s neck to nuzzle her. Laughter spilled from Shekita at the bear’s antics. Her large snout was warm and tickled Shekita’s neck.

“Let me speak with Pola.” Shekita pushed on the bear’s head and stepped back.

The bear hesitated for a moment. She rolled her eyes and whined.

“Please?”

After a hefty sigh, the air around the bear shimmered. Shekita was fascinated with the process. She had never been so close to a shifter transforming. The brown fur receded into warm tan skin. The massive body decreased in size. What was once a sizable and bulky frame, was now morphing into a tall, full-figured woman who knelt on the ground. Her thick brown hair fell forward, hiding her identify.

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