Wolf Tracks - Bianca D'Arc Page 0,93
start,” Helen agreed, grinning at Laura’s enthusiasm. “Just so we’re even, let me tell you that I was born a Richards, but my mother is a Llewellyn, which means a long legacy of magic and a big family. Some of the extended clan has fey blood, and some have recently married shifters.” Helen looked at Jim and grinned. “I guess I’m one of the latter. Jim and I are newly mated.”
“Congratulations,” Gus said, and Helen could feel that he truly meant it. He was happy for them as he patted Jim on the back and offered Helen a wide smile. “If you want a ceremony, we have a sacred circle at the southern point of the cove, and I’d be happy to officiate. Or, if you’d rather have a priestess, we have one in town now.”
“It’s all so new we haven’t talked about any of that yet,” Helen admitted, “but we’ll definitely keep it in mind. It’s very kind of you to offer.”
They talked about the town and the things they should see and try for a few minutes before leaving. Helen and Jim both thanked Laura for the painting. Jim even offered to pay for it, but Laura refused, and he subsided.
“Let that be the first bit of décor for your new den,” Laura said, as if she knew things they didn’t about their future. Perhaps she did.
Helen and Jim continued on their walk as the other couple went back into their gallery. Helen couldn’t stop thinking about their encounter. “I suppose she’s the white wolf. Does that make him the Spirit Bear?”
Jim looked at her. “I’ve heard about the Grizzly Cove shaman, and he really is a spirit bear. It’s a rare kind of bear from this part of the world that has creamy white fur. Very special. When a shifter spirit bear is born, they almost always follow the path of the shaman or priestess.”
“Wow,” Helen said, surprised even more by their encounter. “He seemed so down to earth.”
“The very best shaman do. It’s the ones who think themselves better than everyone else who do the worst job at their calling. Or so I’ve observed,” Jim mused, then shrugged. “Are you feeling hungry?”
“I could eat,” she replied.
“Good. Let’s try out Flambeau’s. I hope you’re okay with spicy food. It’s a mostly Cajun menu, I hear.” He looked so eager to try it she couldn’t let him down.
They went to the restaurant and enjoyed a delicious meal. Helen ate one serving while Jim wolfed down three, but nobody raised an eyebrow in a town full of bear shifters. They were greeted by just about everyone at some point during their meal, and Helen really felt the welcome of these people, more than she had in Big Wolf. That was for certain. Bears really were different. They were definitely more open with those they had decided to let in.
They spent the rest of the day together and walked all over, perusing the shops and dipping their toes in the cool waters of the cove. Helen was enchanted by the place, and when dusk started to fall, they went back to the hotel and sat on the beach down by the water. Jim shifted to his wolf form and sat at her side while she stroked his fur.
At one point, a bear ambled past, looking up at them and growling what sounded like a greeting. Jim growled back and went back to resting his head on her thigh. They watched the sun set together then went back to their hotel room and made love all night long.
The next morning, Jim got a surprise. A text on his phone at oh-dark-thirty from his Uncle Arch, who had just rolled into town. What in the world was Arch doing in Grizzly Cove, Jim wondered as he got dressed. He did his best not to wake Helen. He’d kept her up half the night, making love in all sorts of new and interesting positions. She’d earned her rest, but Jim wanted to see Arch and find out what was going on.
When he slipped out of the hotel room, he found not just Arch, but Ezra and Big John out there in the hallway, waiting for him. The four of them headed to the empty lobby to sit and talk. There was also coffee in the lobby and a tray of pastries from the bakery, to which they all helped themselves before sitting down.
“Bet you’re wondering why I’m here,” Arch started the moment they