Page 77 of My Unbearable Mate

“You’re right. I need to stop thinking that everyone will turn against me.” I waited for him to open my door for me. I’d never considered myself a chivalry type of girl, probably because no one but this bear had ever shown me any. Bellamy had a quiet way of demonstrating he had every situation handled, and it was making me fall even harder for him.

But last time we were here, he’d been pushed to losing that control. Over me.

“Clover, it’s not your fault the clan put you into this impossible situation. I’m proud of you for taking your life back.” He kissed my forehead. “I love you.”

Sweet moon, it was the first time he’d said those words to me. My heart fluttered as I let the emotion wash over me. “I love you too.”

He took my hand in his and squeezed it. There was no missing how tense he was. “Let’s do this.”

Rocks crunched under our feet as we made our way to the green. Bellamy was determined, looking straight ahead, his body on point like his bear would burst out at any moment.

We passed a few clan members, and I smiled and waved. Every single one of them responded with an open-mouthed stare.

Not good. Although not unexpected. Bellamy hadn’t exactly lost Edgar’s challenge, but anyone who dared to make our alpha look weak wouldn’t be welcomed back with open arms.

I felt like shaking everyone who looked at us with suspicion. Telling them that what they knew about the clan was a lie.

And I wanted to tell them all that this bear loved me.

They’ll know, my bear said. Everyone can see it.

Bellamy slowed his pace, and his grip on my hand intensified.

“Is something wrong?” I asked. My heart was in my throat. My bear felt close, but I had no idea how to tell if she was coming…the other night might have been a fluke, a spell cast by Bellamy’s body.

If I had to fight…no. I had to stop expecting the worst. But Bellamy had said to trust my intuition, and I had a bad feeling the worst was about to be served at this feast.

“I swear that’s Alba and Anders up ahead,” he said.

“How?” I asked as I squinted. “What do they want from us?”

“Looks like we’re about to find out.”

Bellamy held out his hand and Anders took it, giving it a hearty shake. Then the ghost bear offered his hand to me.

So many emotions rocketed through me. It felt like we were choosing a side, aligning with these bears. Possibly the wrong side. But I was also relieved they were here. Even if they had a funny way of showing it, these ghost bears had my back.

Anders clapped his hand on my shoulder and gave it a squeeze. “I’m proud of you,” he said.

Alba stepped forward and took both of my hands in hers. Energy tingled through my veins on contact. “We’re so glad you’re learning to trust your intuition. The Lynwood clan knows you’ll do the right thing.”

“Thank you.” Tears welled in my eyes.

“There’s something I need to tell you before you get there,” she continued. “Your grandmother…she’s considerably weaker.”

“You mean she’s dying.” All the air went out of my lungs. I wasn’t ready to lose my nana.

“The time to act is now.” Alba stepped away from me with a reassuring nod and turned to follow Anders to the green. Music and laughter spilled from the party, waiting to greet us.

If she was right, how could the clan possibly be celebrating at a time like this?

Bellamy put his arm around me and followed them. My legs were heavy. Sweet moon, I didn’t want to find out Alba was right.

“Am I dreaming again?” If so, I could wake up and fix this. I could help Nana.

“I think so,” he whispered back.

The party was in full swing. Picnic tables had been set up around the green, circling the spot where we’d all gather for the fire later. Families perched at each one, enjoying heaping plates of food. Edgar was manning the giant grill. As alpha, he certainly wasn’t expected to do the grilling, but he was totally in his element.

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