Page 10 of A Bunny for the Bear
They could say that they didn't want to be with me. I had every belief it was possible.
I mean, just look at me. I wasn't a prize to most people. To be honest, I hadn't dated anyone in so long, I didn’t really know what anyone would think of me. I based it all off my interactions in everyday life.
When I was done eating, I locked the house up and went upstairs to shower. I wanted to let the water wash away the despair I felt. By the time I climbed out and dried off, I knew that delaying things further wasn't going to work.
I picked up my phone and dialed my aunt's number. She answered with a laugh. "Oh sweetie, I was just thinking of you. When will you be getting to town? Tomorrow, right?"
I sighed. “Actually I'm already here.” The noise around her picked up as she went silent. Wherever she was sounded quite busy.
“Can you repeat that for me?” she said, her tone taking on a hint of frustration. "Because I think you just told me that you made it into town and did not come straight to see me. Where are you?"
The way she spoke had a smile coming to my face. As much as the woman drove me mad, she was also family.
“I can come see you now if you want. I just took a shower so I'm clean. No funky car smell or anything.”
She tsked at me. "You're the only one who thinks things like that. I don't care how stinky you get. I raised you, remember?"
I grunted an acknowledgement of her words. She was right. She had raised me, stinky teenage boy stage and all.
"Tell me where you are, and I'll be there."
She replied, "I'm in the park with a bunch of friends."
I groaned as the memory of my judgment of the group came back to me. Of course she was with them. I should have known.
"All right, I'll be there in a few. I won't even have to drive since you're that close."
"This is perfect. I can't wait for you to get here. I have so many people I want you to meet. It's been ages."
At her words, I fought back the urge to tell her we could meet up later. Even if I got to see her alone first, she would be trying to push me off on her friends. Better to get it out of the way now.
Besides, it wasn't like I had anything else on my mind. I could hold off the hunt for my fated mate until I could give it the appropriate amount of focus.
Chapter Five
Ross
My nerves tooka bit to calm down after everyone made the initial introductions. Despite us not openly talking about our shifter sides, I knew there was more than one large animal in the group.
In the past, I’d been intimidated by those types of people. I’d only ever experienced hatred from them. It was new for me to be welcomed and included in their jokes.
As time passed, I relaxed more and more. I found myself smiling, even sharing a bit about myself when I felt comfortable to do so. This group actually embraced who I was without question. I appreciated that more than words could say.
About an hour into our fun, Souli’s phone rang. She stepped to the side to answer, though that didn’t really matter. Shifter hearing was impeccable. All of us knew who she was talking to and what was going on even as we continued to chat amongst ourselves.
I really liked Souli. She might have been my favorite of the group, aside from Barrett. The human who didn’t act all that human was excited to chat about recipes with me. Apparently, the baby he was carrying this time loved vegetables, and he was clueless on how to prepare them.
Souli wrapped up her call by telling her nephew she was eager to see him again. For some strange reason, my heart skittered with her words. Was I ready to meet yet another person? Would he be as accepting as his aunt?
I had a feeling she wouldn’t let him be outright rude. That didn’t mean he couldn’t throw snarky glances my way or treat me differently when she wasn’t around.
Clynt’s voice drew me back to the conversation and away from my inner thoughts. “What about you, Ross? How do you like Collier Cover? Is it a lot different from where you lived before?”
Taking a deep breath, I answered him honestly. “It’s been a bit of a dream. Most of you can probably tell I don’t have the best history. Let’s just say I’d be considered prey to most of the bigger shifters. My former home had no other people like me, which kept me singled out often. I faced hatred, bullying, and even some very unfortunate incidences that got violent. Collier Cover is a breath of fresh air in comparison. And you all have been so kind today. I… I actually feel like I’m home.”
The group was silent for a moment before the three Omegas promptly broke into tears. My eyes widened at the coordinated movement.
“Oh, shit. The waterworks are here,” Champ stage whispered as he pulled Arisha close. She was also wiping away tears, though she hadn’t made a noise in her despair.
