Page 60 of The Bear's Perfect Mate
Can I chase him off our land?Nero’s bear asked menacingly, claws itching to emerge.
No,Nero replied firmly.We need to be here for Sophie.
Tito stormed out, the door slamming behind him. A collective exhale seemed to pass through the restaurant, followed by excited murmurs as diners returned to their conversations, now with fresh gossip to dissect.
Nero turned to look at his mate, who stood rooted to the spot, the color draining from her face now that the confrontation was over.
“What have I done?” Sophie asked, her face suddenly pale. Her fingers trembled as they touched the ruby pendant at her throat, as if to draw strength from it.
“You stood up to a bully,” Cassia replied, stepping forward to squeeze Sophie’s arm reassuringly. “And you showed the world who he really is.”
“I had no idea he was so...” Sophie’s voice trailed off, searching for the right word.
“Rude,” Nero said, moving to her side.
“Egotistical,” Cassia added.
“Mean,” Sophie finished quietly.
“I know we could stand here and insult him all night,” Cassia said, switching back to her role as restaurant manager rather than a staunch supporter of a friend in need. “We have a dinner to prepare, and Sophie’s fans are waiting for her culinary magic.”
She ushered the staff back into the kitchen.
Sophie straightened, drawing strength from Cassia’s practical tone. Nero watched with pride as his mate visibly gathered herself, shoulders squaring beneath the elegant blue dress.
Nero wanted to scoop her into his arms and shield her from the world, but she didn’t need shielding. She needed space to breathe in her victory.
Or wallow in it,his bear teased.
Nero chuckled to himself.Or wallow.
“How are things going?” Leanne called as she and Hugo arrived through the side entrance, unaware of the drama that had just unfolded. “Is there anything you need us to do?”
“No,” Nero said, and went to Sophie and slid his arm around her shoulders. “Sophie, has it covered.”
He looked down at her, and her bottom lip trembled. For a moment, he thought she might crumble under the pressure. Then she sucked in a breath and said, “I do.”
Her gaze shifted past Nero, and her expression brightened. “Norman, Hilda, I’m so happy you are here.”
The older couple approached, hand in hand, dressed in their finest for their special night. Norman wore a well-pressed suit with a vintage pocket watch chain visible across his vest. Hilda was resplendent in an emerald-green dress that matched her bracelet.
“Happy anniversary,” Nero said as he went to meet them.
“Thank you, Nero,” Hilda said, giving him a hug. “And thank you for this.” Hilda held out her wrist and showed him the bracelet he’d repaired. The emeralds shone like plump ripe grapes on the vine.
“You are welcome,” Nero said with a smile.
“Happy anniversary,” Sophie said, joining them and presenting a beautiful bouquet of wildflowers and herbs tied with a silk ribbon.
“Thank you, Sophie,” Hilda said, leaning forward to smell the fragrant arrangement. “They are beautiful.” Her eyes twinkled as she looked up. “And so are you.”
Sophie blushed, touching the necklace at her throat. “Thank you. I hope you enjoy your special dinner tonight.”
“We’re looking forward to it,” Norman said, his arm around his wife’s waist. “Fifty years together, and we still love trying new things.”
“Me, too.” She turned to Nero, squeezing his hand. “I need to check on the kitchen. Will you make sure Norman and Hilda get seated?”
“Consider it done,” he replied, brushing a quick kiss against her temple.
