Page 14 of The Right to Bear Claws
"If she accepts it. And if you complete the claiming ritual before whatever's hunting her makes its move." Lucien's expression grew serious again. "But there's a catch. Incomplete bonds can actually make things worse, giving the entity partial access to both dreamwalker and mate. You'd both be at risk."
Of course there was a catch. There always was when it came to supernatural solutions.
"I need to talk to the Tansley brothers," Elias said, closing his book with more force than necessary. "If there are protective measures we can take in the meantime..."
"Already ahead of you." Lucien stood, brushing dust from his jeans. "I spoke with them this morning after the reports of increased supernatural activity. They're working on some specialized protections."
An hour later, Elias found himself in the cluttered back room of the Hollow Mercantile, surrounded by crystals, herbs, and enough arcane paraphernalia to stock a small museum. The Tansley brothers moved around the space with practiced efficiency, Edgar consulting ancient texts while Rufus worked over a small forge, crafting what looked like jewelry from silver wire and unusual stones.
"Dream catchers won't be enough," Edgar said without preamble, his weathered face creased with concentration. "Traditional protective amulets are designed to keep nightmares out, but what this is is trying to get in from the inside. We need something more sophisticated."
"How sophisticated?" Elias asked, watching Rufus shape a delicate pendant that seemed to glow with internal light.
"Anchor stones," Rufus grunted, holding up his handiwork for inspection. "Specially attuned to dreamwalker frequencies. Should help keep her consciousness tethered to the physical plane."
"Should?"
"Nothing's guaranteed when you're dealing with unknown entities," Edgar admitted. "But these are based on historical designs that showed some success. The stones are charged with protective intent and bound to Hollow Oak's ley lines. As long as she's wearing one within the town limits, any attempt to drag her consciousness into the dream realm will encounter significant resistance."
Elias accepted the pendant, surprised by its warmth against his palm. The stone in the center was unlike anything he'd seen before, shifting between deep purple and silver depending on the angle of light.
"There's more," Rufus said, pulling a larger item from his workbench. "Dream catcher, but not the tourist version. This one's woven with silver wire and blessed salt, inscribed with protective runes that have been in my family for six generations. Hang it over her bed, and anything trying to influence her dreams will have to get through the equivalent of a supernatural minefield."
The piece was beautiful in its complexity, far more intricate than the simple hoops and feathers sold in gift shops. Power radiated from every carefully placed knot and bead.
"How much do I owe you?" Elias asked, already reaching for his wallet.
"Nothing," Edgar said firmly. "Kaia's part of the community now, whether she knows it or not."
He'd known intellectually that Hollow Oak would accept his mate, but seeing the proof of their protection offered so freely made his bear rumble with satisfaction.
"Thank you," he said, meaning it more than the words could convey. "Both of you."
"Just make sure she understands how to use them properly," Rufus said, returning to his forge. "The anchor stone needs to be in direct contact with her skin, and the dream catcher has to be positioned where she can see it from her bed. Symbolism matters with this kind of magic."
Elias nodded, carefully tucking the items into his jacket pockets. "Anything else I should know?"
"Yes," Edgar said, his expression growing grave. "These protections will help, but they're not permanent solutions. Whatever's hunting her will adapt, find new ways to reach her. Your best bet is still completing the mate bond as soon as she's ready."
"And if she's not ready?"
"Then you'd better hope we're all wrong about what's coming."
The walk back to the inn gave Elias time to process everything he'd learned, but instead of clarity, he felt the weight of impossible choices. Push Kaia toward a claiming bond she might not want, or risk losing her to something that fed on dreams and fear. Protect her independence, or protect her life.
His bear had no patience for such dilemmas.Claim her. Keep her safe. Everything else is secondary.
But Elias had seen what happened when alphas let their protective instincts override their mates' autonomy. Broken bonds, resentment, relationships that turned toxic because one partner felt trapped rather than chosen. He wouldn't do that to Kaia, no matter how desperate his bear became.
The inn's common room was warm with afternoon sunlight when he arrived, and the sight that greeted him made his steps slow in appreciation. Kaia sat curled in her favorite chair by the window, but she wasn't alone. Miriam occupied the oppositechair, a basket of yarn at her feet as she taught Kaia the basics of knitting. Twyla had claimed the sofa, sorting through what looked like a collection of crystals while keeping up a steady stream of commentary.
"No, no, dear," Miriam was saying patiently. "Loop the yarn over first, then pull through. There you go."
"I think I'm hopeless at this," Kaia laughed, holding up a lopsided square that bore only passing resemblance to the scarf she was attempting. "My grandmother tried to teach me when I was little, but I never had the patience."
"Patience can be learned," Twyla said, selecting a rose quartz from her collection. "Like most worthwhile skills. And speaking of patience, this little beauty is supposed to help with emotional healing. Might be useful given recent circumstances."
Kaia accepted the crystal with the same genuine gratitude she'd shown everyone who'd offered help since her arrival. No false protests about not deserving kindness, no attempts to minimize her needs. Just honest appreciation for the care being offered.
