I was willing to take that chance. I needed to find my voice, not be afraid to speak.
Closing my eyes, I nodded to Locke.
I’d help him. I’d help everyone in the best way I could.
Chapter Eight
Bear
“Whatthehellhappenedto you?” Locke snickered, picking one of the red-stained pieces of tissue paper off my chest. “Get in a fight with a kitten?”
I groaned, swatting his hand away as he sauntered out the door.
Bones gave a not-so-subtle hint at the bag by the door when I left earlier. He thought I should shave or at least trim up my hairy body so I didn’t scare my mate. I knew I was a hairy beast, but I was a damn bear. We were all covered in more hair than most humans and shifters, but I was beyond compare.
The humans who worked for the club thought I looked like a bear anyway because of my physical appearance. It didn’t bother me as much because that is what Ireallywas: a bear.
Now I was second-guessing because of my tiny little mate. So, I dug for the razors in the bag. Not one but multiple sat in there, and I knew the amount of hair on my chest was enough to dull the blades. I thought I should trim it at first, but then I realized that a lot of the shifters in the communal showers often shaved their chests bare, or at least shaved once a month to show off their bodies to prepare to meet their mates.
I thought I should do so too.
I just didn’t know it would be so damn sharp.
My cuts were healing in places, but some still bled by the time I came back, and I wasn’t expecting to see my mate up and moving.
And gods, she was a fucking beautiful sight. She was still thin, way too thin, but it would take me no time to fatten her up with good food and plenty of rest. I would make sure of that.
“She needs rest,” I commanded the room, put my hand on her back, and pressed her to my side.
Nadia feared me after taking Bones by my paws, but I didn’t regret it. She needed to see that I would take care of her and that my word was law when it came to her safety. Anyone who disobeyed me regarding her, I would punish. Same went for my reigning alpha—Locke. He held no true power over me now that I had a mate. I could crush him.
Nadia stared up at me, her eyes blinking several times with her glasses that were far too big for her tiny face. She didn’t take a step away, but her movements were leery.
Delilah pulled Nadia into another hug, one that was too long for comfort for me. I pulled Nadia back to my side, and another questionable glance was thrown my way.
“I think it is best we talk to her about the club and its… details,” Delilah said. “You know, abouteverything.” She winked at me. “It would be for the best, considering the situation.”
The situation being I would not let Nadia out of my sight.
Hawke grunted in agreement, wrapping his arms around Delilah. “Tomorrow morning then? We should have Journey attend as well. More females that have been through the same as Nadia is about to go through would be wise.”
Nadia tugged away from me, but my fingers remained lightly clasped around her arm. I could feel the warmth of her skin and the slight tremble in her muscles. My other hand reached out to rest on her shoulder, feeling the tension in her body. I glanced over to the door where Delilah stood, her expression unreadable. Turning back to Nadia, I saw the fear etched on her face, and I released her arm. The air was thick with silence, except for the sound of our breathing.
“You’re safe, Nadia. I promise you this,” I told her. “I would risk my life all over again to make sure you are safe and cared for.” I wanted nothing more than to hold her like I did the past week. Now that she was awake, now that she was able to think for herself and no longer on death’s door, she wanted to live, which meant her fight-or-flight instincts had finally kicked in again.
“You are,” Delilah said softly. “You are safer here than anywhere else. No one will force you to do anything. If you need to say something, talk, just motion for some pen and paper, okay? Bear saved you. He’s your caretaker while you are here. If you want me to stay, I will.”
Nadia glanced at Delilah’s stomach, and Hawke’s hand rubbed up and down her arm. She tilted her head until she finally shook it in reply. Nadia straightened her back and moved closer to me. My chest swelled with pride as she took Delilah’s words to heart.
Everyone reluctantly walked out the door, giving backward glances to make sure she was alright. My jaw clenched that everyone would worry for her. My hands formed fists at my sides, a physical manifestation of my protectiveness over her. It was a familiar feeling, one that had been with me since the moment I first laid eyes on her. I would do everything in my power to make sure she was okay, always. She was mine to take care of, my mate, my responsibility.
The knock at the door made her jump when I tucked her into the bed. I growled lowly, staring at the door, but saw Anaki bring in a tray full of food. “Thought I would bring the little miss something to eat?” He held up the tray sheepishly.
I huffed, waving for my friend to come in, and I sat on the bed next to her. I took the tray from him and set it down in front of her. Her stomach growled, and instantly my guilt took over that I had not fed her sooner.
But I had to teach Bones a lesson.
“I thought grilled cheese and tomato soup would be best,” Anaki said quickly. “Best for the stomach, very filling and easy. Also, there is chocolate fudge cake for dessert.” He pointed to her food and my grizzly gripped his fingers.
