Bear Meets Bride (R) - Amy Star Page 0,8

this initiation stuff, I feel like they keep it under wraps on purpose.”

She gave him a look, like she knew what he was trying to do: lighten the mood. But she seemed thankful for it, even if it was only her dark brown eyes that were doing the thanking. She leaned back in the chair and raised her hands on top of her head, staring at the ceiling. Dylan saw how lithe she was, her pale arms muscled but still thin, and looked away quickly when she saw his eyes brush across the low V-neck of her tank-top.

“We-ell… let’s see, nothing like this. Mostly it’s just… stupid stuff. Learning history, customs. Ceremonial crap; kind of boring. You got the better end of the deal… just get to spend your time living on an island,” she moved her head, as if to indicate his environment. “I’m a bit jealous, actually.”

“It’s not for everyone,” he said. “It can get lonely. With just two people-”

“Three now,” she said quickly, her eyes flashing. Dylan caught something in her gaze and tried to hide his blush again.

“Right, three. I like the wilderness though… it’s easier to feel the bear. Something about being around trees, a natural habitat. I’m going to miss this place, when we all go back,” he said, his voice suddenly drifting into melancholy. “This place… I dunno how to explain it, sometimes you just shift without even thinking about it.”

“Show me,” Sarah said.

“What, you mean right now?” Dylan stood up. Something sparked behind his eyes. He knew that of course eventually they would both see each other in form – and naked – but it was another thing he hadn’t prepared for. Not really.

“Well, sure, why not? Give Chris some time, too,” she said, obviously still cursing herself for bringing up his dead mate. “Besides, I want to get out… get some air. Come with me?”

Dylan only stumbled once as they followed the old trail from the cabin that wound down between a cedar grove, working more from muscle memory than actual sight as he negotiated the brambles and high ferns. He’d taken off his shoes again and was going barefoot; Sarah had done the same, though she was more unaccustomed and would occasionally swear under her breath and giggle at something sharp that had prodded her soles.

Finally, they made it to one of the other beaches. It was one of the only sandy areas on the island, and folded inward like a protected bay. The moon was already hugging the horizon, and gave them enough light to see each other now that they were out of the forest. Sarah let out a whoo sound as she sped past Dylan and gazed out on the gentle lapping of the moon-soaked bay.

“My god, it’s beautiful,” she said.

“I was hoping you’d like it,” Dylan said, his hands stuck in the back pockets of his pants, “I usually come down here every night. Puts me in a contemplative mood.”

She was quiet for a minute, taking it all in. When she spoke again, her voice was like a paddle moving gracefully through deep water, barely stirring a ripple. It was almost as if she hadn’t spoken at all. “I think I’ll like it here too,” she whispered, and turned toward him. Her eyes were doe-dark and wide, and he let himself match her gaze without looking away. “Why did you choose… me?” she asked, in the same quiet undertone.

The question caused his heart to beat faster. “Wha-what do you mean?” he stuttered, knowing full well.

“I know how the caste system works,” she said, never breaking eye-contact. “I’m only one of many. I don’t know how many, heh. But I know I didn’t come here retroactively. You chose me… for some reason. I guess I’m curious… why…”

He sighed. “Nothing gets past you, huh?”

“Let me reciprocate on our list of unofficial facts,” she said quite suddenly. “I’ve never… I mean, I’ve had guys interested in me before, but… let’s just say most guys, once they get to know me, look in the other direction. That prickliness I told you about?”

“You do seem guarded,” he admitted brazenly. But then, he’d gotten to know her at least well enough to know that brazen honesty was one of the few things she required of others.

“It’s more than that. I just… never was very good at making friends,” she said, and there was a touch of loneliness and regret in her voice, “and anything more than friends. I’ve always been alone. Which