Page 7

Chapter Six

ARIEL

“S o, you’re saying it’s all real? Shifters really exist?” I ask, staring at Callie like she’s partially lost her mind. I mean, I’ve read shifter romances before, but I never thought the fictional stories I love had any basis in truth.

“I know,” she laughs. “It sounds crazy, and if I didn’t see Kodiak change into a big bear in front of me, I wouldn’t have believed this was possible either.”

I hold up a hand. “Wait. Kodiak is a bear?”

She nods.

“And he changed into one in front of you?” I’m flabbergasted. “How is that even possible?”

Callie shrugs. “I don’t know the specifics of his DNA or how he’s able to do it, I just know that he can.” She gives me a tiny smile. “And Chomp is an alligator shifter.”

I saw the gator. I firmly believe it exists. No delusion there. But I don’t know if I believe that Chomp is changing into it or shifting or whatever Callie is saying. It’s too fantastical to even fathom and after all the mental hits I’ve taken recently, I’m feeling just a bit overwhelmed. The reality of what I saw the other night wars with how Chomp has treated me since I woke up in his home.

As the gator, he was lethal, ruthless. He never hesitated as he pulled Ricky off of me, then destroyed him, nor did he allow Perry to continue to live when he came to help Ricky. As the man, he’s been very charming in so many ways. He’s been attentive, taking care of me in a way that makes me feel safe and secure, something I haven’t felt in a very long time.

“He’s never hurt me, Ariel. Kodiak never would. His bear is protective of me, possibly more so than Kodiak.”

“So, it’s two different parts? Like a human part and an animal part?” This is a lot to take in, and my head is swimming as she continues to lay it all out for me.

“Yes, that’s a good way to explain it. They’re shifters. Each of the guys in the club are different animals. Spike is a dragon, you know.”

No way! “A dragon. Like an actual dragon?” Okay, that’s kinda impressive. “How can Spike fly around as a dragon without anyone seeing it? Or Kodiak’s bear? Or even Chomp’s alligator?” This just isn’t logical. People would know about this if shifters existed, right?

“They’re very good at keeping that secret. At least, until they meet their mate.”

Mate? “What’s that? I don’t know what you mean by mate.”

“Soulmate. Each of their animals recognizes the one female destined to be their mate. Or lifelong companion, I guess you could say. A wife, but also so much more.”

As she describes it, I finally get what she means. Um, shit. Does that mean Chomp thinks I’m his mate?

Callie reaches for my hand and squeezes. “I think your situation is unique. Chomp found you during the worst possible time. His gator lost it when he saw you being abused. It’s made this whole thing tense and strange for you, I’m sure.”

She’s right. I close my eyes, and I can still see the image of that gator as he attacked Ricky and Perry. Their screams don’t bother me. Neither does the fact that they died. But it does freak me out to know that Chomp is the one behind it. It wasn’t just a wild animal attack.

Chomp killed them for hurting me.

Blinking, I struggle to process what this all means. “He saved me.” My voice is barely above a whisper as it dawns on me that because of Chomp’s actions, I will never be violated like that again by the likes of Perry or his disgusting friends.

Callie squeezes my hand again. “Yeah, he did. Kodiak protected me too. It’s because he’s my mate. He’d never let anyone or himself or his bear ever harm me.” Her gaze meets mine, trying to offer comfort. “And Chomp is the same with you.”

“He’s my mate.” It’s a statement, but I don’t know that I believe it. Maybe if I say it often enough, it’ll sink in, but right now, it’s information overload for me. My mom and I used to watch Married With Children, and the daughter, Kelly, would forget stuff. When pressed, she finally said something along the lines of her brain could only hold so much info, and when something new came along, it kicked out something old. That’s kind of how I feel right now.

“Yes,” Callie confirms. “But if you don’t believe me, that’s okay. It might take time for all of this to get sorted for you. But think of how Chomp has acted since he found and rescued you. How has he been?”

“Kind. Thoughtful. He’s cooked for me twice now, and he drew me a bubble bath with scented candles.” Wow. He’s been doing all of that because he thinks I’m his mate. “Is that his motivation? Because he thinks I belong to him?” I don’t need another guy trying to control me or dictate my life. I won’t let that happen a second time.

“It’s not like that at all. I promise. Kodiak is fiercely protective of me, but he doesn’t interfere much in my choices. He’ll voice his opinion, and sometimes it’s pushy, but it’s because he worries for my safety. We’ve got a baby coming too.” She pats her slightly rounded belly. “I’ve never felt coerced or forced to do anything. Kodiak respects me and my decisions, as well as my boundaries. He just gets grumpy about them on occasion because he’s a bear.” Her laugh makes me smile.

“What if I don’t believe or want any of this?” I dare to ask.

“Then that’s your right and Chomp will honor your choice, whatever it is.” She releases my hand but gives me an encouraging smile. “I can’t imagine what you’re going through or how hard this must be. If you need time, I think I can help.”

“I do. Chomp has been great but being in that house is starting to feel stifling. I need space and to heal.” In more ways than just physical. I have to return to the independent woman I was before I got involved with Perry, because I’ve forgotten pretty much everything when it comes to making my own decisions.

“That’s understandable. I’ve got a friend who lives in town who’s looking for a roommate. She works at Beanie’s Brew, the coffee shop with the best beans in the state. If you’re interested, I can give you Michelle’s number.”

“That would be great.” This is perfect, except for the fact that I don’t have a job. “I don’t have a way to pay for rent,” I admit, feeling vulnerable. “My ex had control of everything.”

I don’t have to say more. Callie gets it. “Then we help you with a job too. I know a secretarial position that’s opened up. Are you interested?”

“Sure. I have a degree in that field of work.” Granted, I probably won’t get a good reference from my former employer since Perry managed to get me fired when he came up to my job and threw a hissy fit because I had to work late. He was angry because his dinner wasn’t ready on time.

“Oh, that’s perfect!” Callie exclaims with excitement. “There’s just one tiny hitch. I hope you won’t mind your new employer.”

Uh-huh. Was he a jerk or something? “Who is it?”

“Chomp.” She shrugs. “He runs a canoe and rafting shop on the river. It’s one of the club’s businesses. He also gives tours, oversees the campground, and takes kids on school trips onto the lake, and handles guided fishing trips. On top of that, he’s got to run the store and oversee the finances. It’s a tall order for one person. While he has part-time helpers with the tours and stuff, no one but a club member or someone affiliated with the club handles the paperwork aspect. Unfortunately, while I help where I can, I’ve got my own business, so it’s been hit or miss. He is organized, though.” She grins at my confusion then explains further. “I’m a professional organizer. I come in, assess a company’s needs, then make recommendations. He didn’t have a filing system at all, nor did he have the right software. He has all of that now, but it’s still not been fully filled in since this is one of their busiest seasons.”

“He must be swamped.” While I’m a tiny bit worried about working alongside him given the current circumstances, what she’s talking about that his business needs is right up my alley.

Her lips twitch with humor at my reference. “He is. That’s why he’s been looking for help. Someone to handle the appointments, keep the books up to date, work in the store, and keep everything organized. Also, inputting all the old data into the computer system while keeping up with the demand on current sales.”

I can do that. In fact, I love to keep things organized. “I think this could work.”

“Good. You want to let him know, or should I?” she asks.

“I can.” I’m not afraid of Chomp, I just need a little space from the eager, caring, intense gator shifter who thinks I’m his mate. Working together shouldn’t be too hard. And at night, we’ll go our separate ways. “How soon does Michelle need a roommate?”

Callie rises to her feet, and I stand, hopeful I’m taking the right steps to put my life back together. “Michelle has been looking for a month. She’s going to be thrilled to meet you.”

“Do you think she’s working? Could we see her now?”

“Not sure, but we can drive to Beanie’s and get a cup of coffee anyway. I’ll call her if she’s not there, and you can talk to her about the room.”

“I could use a good cup of coffee. It’s been a long time.”

“Then it’s my treat. Let’s go.”

* * *

Beanie’s Brew, as I find out, is always busy. A steady stream of traffic is constantly present, but there’s a friendly vibe as soon as you walk in the door, regardless of how crowded the shop seems to be. It’s a stroke of good fortune that Michelle is working as we enter.

Callie greets her as we approach the counter, and Michelle takes our order. “So, you still looking for a roommate, Chelle?”

“I sure am. Why?”

Callie gestures to me. “My friend Ariel just moved here and needs a place. Thought you might like to have a chance to talk and see if it works for you.”

“Ariel?” Michelle asks as I nod. “Nice to meet you! I’m off in thirty minutes. Mind hanging around so we can talk after my shift ends?”

“Hi. Not at all.”

“Yay! I’m so excited. Let me get your drinks while you find a seat.”

We manage to find a table in the corner and sit, striking up a conversation as we wait for Michelle to deliver our drinks. While there’s a line for people ordering to-go, the staff takes the time to deliver the orders to each table for those who are dining in. The shop has a glass case filled with the most tempting pastries, brownies, and cookies. If I had money, I would have bought one of each! Desserts were always my favorite as a kid, and Perry knew it. He never let me eat sweets. God, I crave them now.

Blinking, I focus on Callie and realize I haven’t been paying attention. “Sorry,” I mumble as she catches my distraction with a laugh.

“No worries. You’ve got plenty to keep your thoughts occupied.”

True. While minimal, I still have stuff at Perry’s that I want to get. Mementos from my mom, an antique hutch, some clothes; nothing major, but it means something to me, and I wonder if Callie would ask Kodiak to go and retrieve it for me. I don’t know if the room Michelle has will be big enough for the hutch, but maybe they can store it for me until I get my own place. I also know where Perry hid his money, and quite frankly, I have no problems getting it since he won’t need it anymore. I’ll just consider it payment for all the hell I endured at his hands.

“Are you okay with this? Getting a room in a stranger’s house?”

“Well,” I admit, “not under normal circumstances, but I’m taking my recommendation from you. Someone who’s proving to be a friend and trustworthy.”

Callie looks surprised before a dazzling smile lights up her face. “Yeah, I think the same about you. We’re going to be close. I can feel it.”

“It feels weird to start over,” I confide. “I don’t have a cent to my name or a piece of furniture. I don’t even have a bed.”

“But it still feels good, doesn’t it? To have the freedom?”

“It’s amazing. I can almost brush all the bad stuff away.” I take a few sips of my coffee before I continue, “But everything is going to be okay. I can believe that now.”

“Good. You deserve it.”

“But there’s some things I wish I had. A few things of my mother’s.”

“Where are they?”

“At my ex’s place.” I shiver with the thought of ever returning to that house. “I won’t go back there, though. I can’t.”

She nods in understanding. “What if I send Kodiak? Chomp can go with him, and they’ll pick up your belongings.”

Thankfully, she’s falling in with the mental plans I made, and I didn’t even have to ask her.

I shake my head. “Chomp has done enough for me. I don’t want to ask him for more.”

“He’ll insist once he learns about it from Kodiak.”

She’s probably right.

“You should make a list of what you want,” Callie suggests, pulling a pad of paper and a pen from her huge purse. It looks more like a tote bag to me, but she’s been calling it a purse, so I’ll go along with her.

Taking the items from her, I lean down and start writing. “Um, Callie? Do you think it’s bad if I list where Perry used to hide his money?” I whisper so no one can hear me.

“Hell no! Jot that shit down,” she advises. “I’ll also tell Kodiak to make sure they search the house thoroughly just in case there are other places you weren’t aware of him having.”

“Good idea,” I muse as I continue writing. “Maybe with that, I’ll be able to get a bed and stuff.”

She starts laughing while shaking her head. “I can already tell you that Chomp has ordered a bedroom set for you based on what Kodiak told him we were doing.”

“Wait, how does Kodiak know where we’re at?” I ask.

“Um, well, with us being mates, we’re able to telepathically talk to each other. It’s the only reason that he and the rest of the club haven’t barged into Beanie’s by now. I let Kodiak know what we were doing and after a brief tussle with Chomp, he got on his phone and placed the furniture order.”

I shake my own head in disbelief. “He really believes I’m his, doesn’t he?” I ask.

“What you have to understand about them,” she says, looking around while carefully choosing her words in case anyone is listening in, “is they can sense when they’ve met their one. It’s built into that side of their genetics, Ariel. While they can choose someone to build a life with, they won’t have the same connection as I have with Kodiak and as you’ll eventually have with Chomp once you complete your bond.”

I open my mouth to respond when I spot Michelle headed our way. We’ll have to finish this conversation later.