Page 58 of Bear Facts

“Yeah, might be Zander.” Shane checked the message, then grimaced. “It’s Eric. He wants a meeting. Xav found something, he says.” Shane shut the phone off and clasped Freya’s hand. “This time, you’re coming with me.”

Chapter Seventeen

Freya walked beside Shane to Eric’s house, her smaller hand in his large one.

If anyone had told her a month ago that she’d be in a Shiftertown, ready to visit a Feline’s home and wanting to stick close to a bear, she’d have laughed herself sick. She’d have shared the prediction with Rolf, and he’d have doubled over in mirth.

Her eyes stung. Rolf had to be okay. Just had to be.

Shane led Freya onto Eric’s front porch and announced through the screen door that they’d arrived. Eric and family would already know, but it was courteous to tell them.

The leggy, blond Cassidy opened the door one-handed, her other arm cradling a girl of about four with dark hair and beautiful brown eyes. Both mother and daughter regarded Freya with Feline curiosity.

“Freya, welcome.” Cassidy’s voice was pleasantly velvet. “I’m so happy to meet you. Blessings on the mate-claim.”

“She hasn’t said yes, yet,” Shane reminded her. He released Freya to slide into the house first, Shifter fashion, and continued to the living room.

“Mmm.” Cassidy remained on the porch with Freya. Her eyes held something Freya couldn’t read, but she sensed that Cassidy understood Freya’s dilemma. “This is Amanda.”

The pride in her voice was unmistakable. Freya smiled at the girl. “Hi, Amanda.”

“Hi,” Amanda said brightly. She wrinkled her nose. “Wolf.”

Freya laughed. “That’s right. But I’ll try to keep it under control.”

Amanda considered this. “Okay.” She wriggled to get down, and Cassidy set her on her feet. “Want to see my downstairs room?” she asked Freya.

Cassidy’s eyes widened, and Freya realized what Amanda had just offered. The cub didn’t mean the place where she slept, but her secret room somewhere under the house. A true honor.

“Maybe later,” Freya said quickly. “But only if it’s all right with your mom.”

Before Cassidy could answer, Amanda said, “It will be. Matt says you’re nice.” Her nose wrinkled again. “He’s a wolf too.”

“She’s such a Feline,” Cassidy said, her pride still evident. “Go play with Callum now. I have to talk with Uncle Eric.”

“Too much talking,” Amanda announced. “We can see the room later, Freya.” With that, she scuttled off the porch and into the side yard, calling for Callum, who Freya assumed was Eric and Iona’s cub.

“Love you, sweetie,” Cassidy called after her.

“Love you too, Mom.” Amanda tossed it off over her shoulder, but Cassidy glowed.

Freya’s regret that she’d had no chance for cubs decided to kick her again. Of course, now that Shane had offered the claim …

No. Freya needed to answer him with her head straight. No wishful thinking and no decisions made in the height of mate frenzy.

Sure. That should be so easy.

“Come on,” Cassidy said. “Let’s squeeze in.”

“I absolutely do not have to see the downstairs,” Freya murmured quickly to Cassidy. “Promise.”

Cassidy made a little shrug. “We’ll see.” She sailed from the porch into the living room. “You can start now.”

To Freya’s surprise, Eric had waited for them. On the sofa, sitting hip-to-hip with Eric, was the dark-haired Iona. She bathed Freya in a warm smile and patted the empty cushion on her other side.

Freya had assumed Amanda and Callum were being watched over by one of the Shifter parents who lived in this house, but Diego stepped close to Cassidy, his arm stealing around her waist.

“Peigi’s out there.” Cassidy noted Freya’s concern and waved in the direction of the backyard. “And Lindsay. Cubs are well looked after.”

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