Page 16 of A Bunny for the Bear
Speaking of which, I asked my aunt, "Do you know the pack's name?"
She shook her head. "I don't, and I suggest you don't try to find it, Hutton. These people, whoever they are, will get their own karma. Fate does not let things like that go without punishment."
While her words should have comforted me, they didn't, because I wanted to dole out their punishment. I wanted to see them suffer. I wanted to know that my mate was safe.
I vowed to myself that I would get the information in some way, shape, or form.
After she finished explaining everything, I let my body collapse against the back of the couch. All the adrenaline from earlier poured out of me in an instant.
“After hearing that, I can see where I really fucked up,” I said.
I knew they both agreed with me, because no one had a word to say about my language. Not even a single joke.
"It might have been bad," Aunt Souli told me, "but that doesn't mean it's forever broken. He told me he wasn't rejecting you. I think it's just a matter of timing. If you can keep your bear patient, then we can fix this, I think."
“How do we fix it, though? Whatever it is, I'll do it. Just tell me."
My uncle came over and sat on the coffee table. He faced us, and we created this triangle of sorts, each sharing looks with one another. We understood that it was time to figure out all the details. We would work together like we had in the past to come to a resolution.
Uncle Champ was the first one to suggest something.
“I think you should treat this more like a hibernation than you usually do. Don't go out. There's more of a risk of running into him if you do. We can deliver your groceries or run any errands you need. Anytime we want to see you, we can call ahead and then stop by. Is there anyone else you wanted to see while here?”
I shook my head. “I didn't come here to visit people. I came because this woman demanded it.”
Aunt Souli flicked my ear. I jumped back at the touch, which amused her greatly.
"You be happy that my annoying ways got you here, son. Your mate is living right on the other side of that wall. And he's open to the idea of being with you. Give it time. Give him space. The more he sees that he can trust you and that you're not going to fly off the handle like you did earlier, the better it will be. Ross is a kind soul, but he's hurt. He's been broken, but he's not beyond repair. Together, I think the two of you will be amazing together. I'm willing to do whatever I can to help, just like your uncle said. Slow and steady. That's how you win his heart.”
I gave a firm nod at her words.
Slow and steady.
Okay, I could do that.
I would take it piece by piece. And eventually, my mate would be in my arms. Then we would build a family together.
I would have him forever. He would be worth it.
Chapter Seven
Ross
Heavy knockingat my door woke me the morning after the horrendous encounter with my mate. I scrambled out of bed, worried I’d somehow messed something up. I threw on a shirt and some shorts before answering the door.
When I pulled it open, Barrett greeted me with a smile. He also held a basket overflowing with items.
“Good morning? Did I forget about something we’d setup?” I asked him as I rubbed my tired eyes.
I’d tossed and turned all night thinking of my mate. I wanted to know if he was ok. It pained me that his bear was upset enough to try to challenge Nolan. And I truly hated leaving him like I did.
While I wasn’t ready to talk to him yet, I also wanted him to know my choice wasn’t a rejection. Hopefully he could be patient with me because my emotions were all over the place.
“We didn’t have anything planned,” Barrett said. “Mind if I come in? This is heavier than it looks.”
I jumped into action, moving to the side. “Shit! Yes. Yeah, come on in.”
He went straight to the kitchen, placing the basket on the counter. I shut the door, then approached him hesitantly.
