Page 66 of Flare
“I didn’t mean—” Ward began.
“I know,” Mom interrupted.“You’re scared, sweetie. Maybe Emily can’t feel a mating bond the way you do, but if she chooses you despite everything, that’s the strongest bond of all. Think about how many people in this family—myself included—aren’t shifters. But they’re still absolutely committed to their mates. Can you imagine Annabeth ever leaving Dane? Or me leaving your father?”
Ward shook his head, properly chastised.“No. Of course not.”
“Exactly,” Dad said.“Because those relationships are built on love and choice, not just instinct.”
“And that’s what makes them powerful,” Mom added.“When I chose your father, I choseeverythingabout him—including his bear.”
Ward felt something tight in his chest loosen.“You’re right, Mom.”
“Of course I’m right,” Mom said, returning to the dishes.“I usually am.”
“I’ve always loved how modest you are, my love,” Dad said with a fond chuckle. Then he turned serious again.“Look, son, I know it’s difficult. The waiting, the uncertainty—it goes against every instinct your bear has. But if Emily is truly your mate, then she’s worth waiting for. And in the meantime, just be the man she needs you to be.”
“And from what I’ve seen today,” Mom said,“Emily is developing feelings for you.”
Ward felt a surge of hope at his mother’s words.“You think so?”
“The way she was looking at you when she thought no one was watching?” Mom smiled.“Oh yeah. There’s definitely something there.”
Dad clapped Ward on the shoulder.“Just give her the space to come to you. I’m sure she will.”
“Thanks,” Ward said, hugging first his mother, then his father.“I needed to hear that.”
“That’s what we’re here for,” Dad said.“Now, let’s finish up so we can join the others before they think we’re in here gossiping about them.”
“Aren’t we?” Mom asked innocently.
Ward laughed, feeling lighter than he had in days.
Chapter 19
Comfort
Sunday, May 17
Emily stared into the darkness, sleep eluding her yet again. It had been days since Ward had kissed her, but the ghost of his lips on hers still haunted her in the most delicious way.
She closed her eyes and let the memory wash over her. Her fingertips drifted to her mouth, tracing where his had been. A hot throbbing sprang to life between her legs as she recalled the heat that had sparked under his hungry kiss, then spread like wildfire through her body.
Staying at his place over the past few days had only deepened the connection she felt with him. The way he moved around his kitchen in the morning, fixing her coffee exactly how she liked it. The way he checked in on her without hovering. The way his eyes lit up when she made him laugh.
Being with Ward felt…right.
And then there was the way he looked at her when he thought she wasn’t paying attention, as if she were the most important thing in his world.
Emily shifted beneath the covers, a restless heat spreading through her. Her body ached to be closer to him. And not justfor comfort. He was so sexy it should be illegal… that broad, hard chest, his big, sinewy hands, bulging biceps. And he was kind in a way that seemed bone-deep and unshakable.
There was just one problem… A rope of anxiety tightened around her chest, squeezing her.
Ward was a bear shifter. Just like Andrew.
Could she trust her feelings about Ward? After all, Andrew had made her feel special, too. His chosen one. She’d been so naïve, so eager to believe in the fairy tale he was selling.
Ward was nothing like him. She knew that.
But what if I’m wrong again? What if my man-picker is broken?
