Page 46 of The Bear's Chosen Mate
The biggest crates contained wild animals nearly as big as James in his shifted form.
Kaylee folded her arms over her chest and held a staring contest with the biggest of them.The midnight black of the wild animal’s fur was marked with the faint tracings of a panther.
When the panther blinked first, Kaylee let out a sharp snarl then opened her cage.The animal offered no resistance, striding by Kaylee’s side into the house where she immediately made her way to the oversized couch, claiming it as her territory.
The rest of the full-sized wildcats cooperated in the same way.
Kaylee wiped the sweat from her brow as she refilled another set of bowls with water.It was a lot later than she’d hoped, but there was plenty of time for her to make it to the gala to be with James.
She turned and addressed the room.“Make yourselves at home, I’ll be back later.No fighting,” she warned, “or you’ll all be grounded.”
The panther on the couch yawned lazily, one paw draped over the armrest.Her tail swayed slightly as the baby Bengal played catch with it.
Kaylee slipped outside and locked the door behind her.She had a passing thought that this would not be a good day for a burglar to break in.
She was still giggling over that mental image when she went to turn the key in her truck.The engine squealed in protest right before it clicked three times and fell absolutely silent.
A set of swear words that would have made James proud flew from her lips.Kaylee didn’t bother to try to open up the hood because she knew nothing about trucks other than the last time she’d heard that noise, it had cost her over a thousand dollars and taken three weeks to get the parts.
There was no choice.She slammed the door closed and stomped to the front porch.Stripping off her sweaty clothing was a bit of a relief, to be truthful.She smelt like wet cat, and that wasn’t a pleasant aroma whether it was her or someone else’s problem.
She put her feet on the grass and took a deep breath.Eyeing the sky for a moment, she knew daylight wasn’t going to be a problem.It was distance.There wasn’t a great shortcut between her parents’ house and the fairgrounds.The straightest line put a whole bunch of water in the way.
Support came from the most unexpected of quarters.Her inner cat sighed mightily, but urged her on.
You told the bear you’d be there.Get your tail in gear,the beast ordered.
There’s a lot of water in our way, Kaylee pointed out.
Wecanswim.We just don’tliketo swim.Her cat nodded decisively.Just don’t make this a habit.Not even for the cute furry one.
Kaylee snickered but agreed, wondering what James would think of his new nickname.She repeated it back as a promise.Not even for the cute furry one.
She shifted, then ran toward the man she loved.
Toward the man who was probably wondering why she wasn’t already by his side.
19
As the afternoon slipped into evening, James’s faith that Kaylee would be there never faltered.It didn’t matter how many looks Alex gave him, and it didn’t matter that he caught Amber staring at him with a sad expression.
“She’ll be here,” he told the human woman bluntly.
Amber smiled sweetly.“I’m sure there’s a good reason why she hasn’t arrived yet.”
“I hope she’s not in trouble,” James muttered, checking his phone for the millionth time as he once again attempted to message her.
He was all but stalking her online, and he hated that, but at the same time, he was worried.This wasn’t about needing her help at the gala or trying to figure out how they were going to go forward while not being mates—although the mate thing was a nonissue.
He felt it.That box inside.
What’s more, he could’ve sworn that an hour ago something had adjusted.As if the ribbon tied around the box had loosened off, and he was one step closer to seeing what was inside.
Still, his watch said it was now nearly nine o’clock.They’d moved the gala inside and switched from casual family picnicking to grown-up dancing with endless champagne and expensive hors d’oeuvres.
He wore a suit that he knew fit well, and he was dashing and ready to charm.But as he walked through the crowds and accepted handshakes and pleased smiles, there were also curious glances and questions about where Kaylee was.
It was killing him.
