Page 65
Story: The Bear's Reluctant Mate
Daisy’s expression shifted to concern as she watched his face darken.
“My sister, Heather,” Marion explained, her voice tight with tension. “She showed up on my doorstep this morning. She wants Charlie back.”
Alfie’s blood ran cold. “I’ll come straight over.”
“No,” Marion said quickly. “I’ll come to you. Maybe we can talk alone, while Charlie watches the butterflies.”
“Of course. Come over when you’re ready,” Alfie agreed, already on his feet. “I’ll be waiting.”
He ended the call and stood there for a moment, the morning’s joy evaporating like dew on a hot summer’s day.
“What happened?” Daisy asked, setting down her mug.
“Marion’s sister showed up,” Alfie explained, running a hand through his hair. “The one who’s supposed to be in prison. She wants Charlie back.”
Daisy’s face hardened with concern. “That poor boy. And after he’s just starting to feel safe.”
“They’re coming here,” Alfie said, pacing the small office. “Marion wants to talk somewhere Charlie won’t overhear.”
“Don’t worry,” Daisy said, rising from her chair. “I’ll care for Charlie while you two talk. We can look at the butterflies, or Charlie can help me water the plants.”
Alfie stopped pacing long enough to give Daisy a grateful look. “Thank you.”
He drained his coffee in one long gulp, his mind racing through possible scenarios for how this might play out, each one worse than the last.
His bear was already in protective mode, growling at the idea of anyone threatening their mate’s happiness—or Charlie’s.
No one is taking him from us,his bear vowed fiercely.
We need to stay calm,he told his bear.For Marion’s sake.
Alfie walked out to the front of the garden center, scanning the parking lot anxiously. Ten minutes crawled by like hours before Marion’s car finally pulled in. He watched as she helped Charlie from the backseat, her movements steady and controlled despite the strain evident on her face.
As they approached, Alfie could see she was holding it together but was obviously upset. Something he could tell Charlie had picked up on. The boy was unusually quiet as he walked by his aunt’s side.
“Alfie!” Charlie called out when he spotted him, some of his usual enthusiasm returning.
“Hey, buddy,” Alfie replied, crouching down to Charlie’s level. “Daisy is about to check on the butterflies. Want to help her?”
Charlie’s eyes lit up. “Really? Can I?”
“Of course,” Alfie said, ruffling the boy’s hair. “Daisy’s waiting for you in the café. I think Welland has some cakes he’d like you to sample, too.”
Charlie looked up at Marion, silently seeking permission.
“Go ahead,” she nodded, her voice encouraging despite the worry in her eyes. “I just need to talk to Alfie.”
They watched as Charlie raced toward the café, his momentary concern forgotten in his excitement.
When he was out of earshot, Alfie turned to Marion, taking her hands in his. “Tell me everything.”
Marion’s hands trembled in his, her fingers cold despite the warm morning. Alfie gave them a gentle squeeze, trying to infuse his strength into her.
“She was just...standing there on the porch when I opened the door,” Marion said, her voice barely above a whisper. “Like she had every right to be there.”
“Let’s go somewhere more private,” Alfie suggested, glancing toward the café where Charlie had disappeared.
He guided her toward the office, his hand resting protectively at the small of her back. She was so tense, just like that first morning they’d met. And he hated seeing her like this.
Table of Contents
- Page 1
- Page 2
- Page 3
- Page 4
- Page 5
- Page 6
- Page 7
- Page 8
- Page 9
- Page 10
- Page 11
- Page 12
- Page 13
- Page 14
- Page 15
- Page 16
- Page 17
- Page 18
- Page 19
- Page 20
- Page 21
- Page 22
- Page 23
- Page 24
- Page 25
- Page 26
- Page 27
- Page 28
- Page 29
- Page 30
- Page 31
- Page 32
- Page 33
- Page 34
- Page 35
- Page 36
- Page 37
- Page 38
- Page 39
- Page 40
- Page 41
- Page 42
- Page 43
- Page 44
- Page 45
- Page 46
- Page 47
- Page 48
- Page 49
- Page 50
- Page 51
- Page 52
- Page 53
- Page 54
- Page 55
- Page 56
- Page 57
- Page 58
- Page 59
- Page 60
- Page 61
- Page 62
- Page 63
- Page 64
- Page 65 (Reading here)
- Page 66
- Page 67
- Page 68
- Page 69
- Page 70
- Page 71
- Page 72
- Page 73
- Page 74
- Page 75