Fae-ted to the Bear - Harmony Raines Page 0,39

to go?” Caleb waited in the doorway of the hotel kitchen as Elise dried her hands. He’d gotten up early and put in a full day’s work before leaving Aiden to continue work on the leaking roof.

Now they were ready to take their mate to the wildwood.

It’ll be good to spend time alone with Elise, his bear said.

It will. Last night, after Elise had made her wish on the beach, they’d grabbed a pizza and driven back to the house. Even though Karros had offered to eat alone, they had ended up sitting outside discussing his plans for the yard. Not that Caleb was complaining, he’d enjoyed being in his mate’s company and she seemed more relaxed when her brother was around.

That will soon change, his bear said. The more time we spend together, the easier it’ll be.

His bear was right. Relationships took time to bloom and grow. Just because they were mates didn’t mean it was easy to find plenty to talk about.

However, they were learning more about each other, little things like how much Elise loved mushrooms. She’d promised to forage for some today so that he could truly appreciate why she was so passionate about them.

She’d also promised to find some honey from the bees that lived in the wildwood. They gathered pollen from the plants that grew there, giving the honey a truly distinctive flavor.

His bear licked his lips, he couldn’t wait to taste the honey and savor every drop.

“I just have to put those ingredients away in the fridge and then we can go.” She went to the counter and gathered up the ingredients.

Caleb watched her as she scooped the containers up in her arms and carried them to the fridge. He loved the way she moved, the sway of her curvy hips, the way her bottom lip stuck out as she balanced the containers in her right arm while opening the fridge with her left.

“Caleb.” Ivan entered the kitchen unnoticed. Normally Caleb would have sensed his brother, but he was too focused on his mate.

“Ivan.” Caleb stood up straight and dragged his attention away from his mate. “How are you?”

“I’m good.” Ivan’s eyes flicked from his brother to Elise. “Not as good as you, though.”

“Oh.” Caleb’s cheeks flushed pink, unsure of what his brother meant.

“Your trip to the wildwood, after talking to Aiden, I’m jealous.”

“I told you, I can take you there.” Elise closed the fridge door. “I’ll gather what I need today to make a potion that will make you seem...different.”

“I appreciate it,” Ivan said. “But I like myself just the way I am.”

“And Valerie has always wanted Ivan never to cross into your realm.” Caleb locked eyes with his brother. “I don’t think she would have told you not to go so emphatically if she didn’t have a good reason.”

Ivan nodded. “You’re right. Although maybe it’s time I asked her why.”

Caleb nodded. “Perhaps it is time you talked with Valerie.”

We’re not supposed to repeat what Aiden told us about Fiona and what she did for Ivan, his bear said firmly.

We aren’t telling him. But I do think he needs to know. Caleb’s eyes lingered on Elise as she went to the small room where the staff lockers were. But think how we felt finding out the truth about our parents. Isn’t it better to know?

That our parents were murdered? His bear shook his head. I’m not sure. The truth made me want to go out and rip someone’s head off.

Caleb knew exactly whose head his bear wanted to rip off. But after talking it over with Aiden, they had decided to focus on the future rather than tracking down the person responsible for the death of their parents.

“Maybe I will.” He glanced at the clock on the wall. “But not today. I need to get home, I have a few chores to do before I get back here for the evening.”

“Are you sure you don’t need me?” Elise asked.

Ivan opened his mouth as if he were going to say a smart retort but instead, he shook his head and said, “No, you and Caleb go have fun.”

Caleb nodded his thanks to Ivan who could easily have pointed out to Elise that he had run this restaurant for years without her and he could continue to do so. “I’ll talk to you tomorrow.”

“Have fun, Caleb. Bring me back something tasty to eat.” He aimed his comment at Elise who looked flustered for a moment before she let out a long breath and nodded.

“I