Fae-ted to the Bear - Harmony Raines Page 0,16

not exactly doing this out of kindness. I have a vested interest in the outcome,” Caleb admitted.

“And that’s why I like you, Caleb.” Karros studied the bear shifter. “You’re an honest man. My people are renowned for their trickery.”

“But not their magic wands.” Caleb chuckled. “We have a lot to learn from each other and I want you to know that I intend to do whatever it takes to win Elise’s heart.”

“I get that.” Karros glanced upstairs. “All I’ve ever wanted was for her to be happy.” He turned his attention back to Caleb. “But her happiness doesn’t revolve around being a homemaker. She wants to be a chef. Children haven’t fit into her idea of a perfect life for a while.” He lowered his voice. “At least that’s what she’s convinced herself.”

“So, you’re saying she does want children?” Caleb’s brows knitted together. After Karros’s admission that his people were tricky with their words, he didn’t want to get caught in a trap.

“She does. At least she did until she got scared.”

“Scared of what?” Caleb asked, wanting to run past Karros and join his mate in the apartment above.

“Scared that she was too old to find the right man and settle down. It was easier to convince herself that she didn’t want those things anymore.” Karros held out his hands, palms up, as if he were balancing scales. “Now she believes that being a chef is all she needs for a fulfilling life. At least until she met you.”

“And now?” Caleb asked hopefully.

“Now I think there’s going to be a war inside her, a battle for what she truly wants.” Karros placed his hand on Caleb’s shoulder. “But maybe with you, her true mate, she might get to have it all.”

“I’d give her everything if I could,” Caleb assured Karros.

“I believe you.” Karros glanced upward. “We should go join Elise, she’ll wonder where we are.”

“Sure.” Caleb hoped his mate was wondering where he was. Or maybe she didn’t care at all.

She cares, she feels the connection, his bear replied. I can see it in the way she looks at you.

Are you sure that’s concern and not annoyance? Caleb asked. Meeting us sure has messed with her plans.

Without us, she wouldn’t have gotten the chance to work with Ivan. It’s one of the many ways she needs us. His bear was resolute in his conviction. She also wouldn’t have a chance to view this apartment.

True. He followed Karros up to the first floor and headed down a short hallway. The first door on the right stood open, the light from the apartment spilling out.

“Wow.” Karros stood in the doorway and stared at the view that met them.

“Stunning, isn’t it?” Mr. Kipper turned to face them.

“It sure is.” Karros crossed the apartment to stare out at the ocean beyond.

“I’m not sure anything else about the apartment matters except for the view.” Elise’s eyes shone as if filled with tears as she turned her face to her brother. “What do you think?”

“I think you should thank Caleb for bringing us here.” Karros looked over his shoulder to where the shifter was hanging back by the door.

He was afraid to intrude. The decision as to where they lived was not his to make. This was between Elise and Karros.

But we certainly wish it was our decision, his bear said. If only we were moving in with our mate.

That would be incredible, Caleb agreed. And one day it will be us. We will win Elise’s heart and she’ll live with us and wake up each morning beside us.

“Shall we check out the rest of the apartment?” Karros tugged at Elise’s sleeve.

“Sure.” She cast a beautiful smile in Caleb’s direction as she followed Karros toward the bedrooms. “Thank you, Caleb.”

“My pleasure,” Caleb answered.

And it truly was. He loved seeing his mate so happy.

From this day onward that would be his sole goal in life.

Chapter Seven – Elise

“What did you think?” Elise asked Karros as they left the apartment building. She’d have agreed to rent the place right away, but she suspected Karros had some reservations.

“I like it. I like it a lot.”

“But?” They turned around and looked back at the apartment.

“I wish there was some outdoor space. A back yard or a front yard. Somewhere I could grow things.” He shrugged. “But this isn’t about me.”

“Yes, it is,” Elise insisted. “This is about us finding somewhere for us to both live.”

“Why don’t we go look at the house,” Caleb suggested. “Mr. Kipper doesn’t need an answer