Fae-ted to the Bear - Harmony Raines Page 0,72

chuckled.

“I think I’m going to like your grandma.” Caleb took a deep breath and puffed out his chest. “I’m ready for the challenge.”

“Good, because we’re here.” She sat up straight and pulled away from him as she pointed to the left. “Take the next left up here.”

“I don’t see where to turn.” Aiden leaned forward, staring into the twilight.

“There, just after the big rowan tree.” She kept pointing to the left as a rowan tree covered in bright berries appeared in the gloom.

“I still can’t...” Aiden turned onto what looked like a game trail, but it was just wide enough for the truck. As they drove off the road it, became clear they were on a rough trail, although there was no sign of Elise’s grandma’s house.

“It’s hidden away,” Flora said. “I remember coming here when we were children. I always used to think the house was like the one out of the fairy tale.”

“Which fairy tale?” Elise asked.

“The one where the children get lost and wind up at the witch’s house made of gingerbread.”

“Hansel and Gretel.” Caleb ducked his head and stared out of the window. “I’m starting to get that vibe.”

“Well, firstly, my grandma’s house is definitely not made of gingerbread and secondly, she’s not a witch. One way to upset her is to call her a witch. She’s a fae.” Elise glanced at Caleb. “You have been warned.”

Flora chuckled. “I expect she could still turn you into a toad, though.”

“Please, don’t put ideas into her head. Once she knows you are shifters, she might decide your other side needs a makeover and instead of turning into a fierce bear, you might end up being a fluffy bunny rabbit.” She put her hands up as if they were paws and showed her bunny teeth.

“No one can change what we are,” Aiden insisted, although he didn’t sound too sure.

“No, she can’t actually change you into something you’re not but that doesn’t mean she can’t make you think that you are.” Elise chuckled. “I can just see two bears hopping around like bunnies.”

“I’m going to pretend that you are joking and be really careful about what I say around your grandmother,” Caleb told her.

“Oh.” Flora leaned forward as the truck headlights illuminated a car parked outside of a log cabin. The trees around it seemed to crowd in protectively.

Caleb shivered and placed his hand on her thigh. “Why do I get the feeling that if your grandma was ever under threat, the trees would reach out their spiny branches and grab hold of me and drag me off into the trees, never to be seen again?”

“You’re scared of the big bad trees?” Elise teased.

“Not unless they come alive. Your wildwood does have a reputation.” He tensed as she leaned forward and stared at the car parked in front of the house.

“What is it?” Elise sat back in the seat and took hold of his hand. “As if things can’t get more complicated...”

“Is that your Grandma Sylvie’s car?” Flora half-turned in her seat, her eyes wide as she caught Elise’s eye.

“Yep.” Elise nodded and squeezed Caleb’s hand.

“I’m assuming it’s not the nice, accepting grandma we need to help us dream walk.” Caleb sighed and wriggled in his seat as Aiden parked the truck next to the car. “It seems we’re going to need to be at our most charming.”

“You look worried,” Caleb whispered to Elise.

“Not worried. Anxious, I guess.” She touched his cheek. “This could be a problem. Not just for us and our relationship but also for Zara.”

“You mean we might not be able to dream walk?” Caleb raked a hand through his hair as he exhaled slowly. “We don’t have time to waste.”

“Why don’t I go inside with Flora and see if my grandmother is leaving anytime soon?” Elise suggested. “She might not be staying overnight in which case we could wait until she leaves and then you and Aiden could come inside.”

“And if she doesn’t leave?” Caleb asked gently.

“Then we’re screwed.” Elise chewed her bottom lip.

“We should all go inside together,” Caleb responded. “I know you’re worried but if your grandmother thinks that we’re hiding, that we’re scared of her, then it’s going to be harder to win her round.”

“I think Caleb is right,” Aiden agreed.

“You haven’t met Elise’s Grandma Sylvie,” Flora told her mate.

“Is she really that bad?” Caleb asked. “Surely she wants you to be happy.”

“She does.” Elise turned around to face the front of the car. “And normally she probably wouldn’t be too upset. But...”