Bearly Healed: Pacific Northwest Bears: (Shifter Romance) (4 page)

S
he hadn’t even noticed
the change in conversation until she saw Effie get up to help Connie in the kitchen. Dax, of course, jumped up to help, and Effie lit into him about how she was pregnant not armless and legless, like Cass.

“I’ve got arms,” Cass grumbled.

“Those skinny twigs are useless.” Effie sniffed and walked into the kitchen.

Quickly bowls of hot peach cobbler and vanilla bean ice cream were handed out. Cassie was stuffed, but she’d make room for sugar. She scooped up a heaping spoonful of molten syrupy goodness and shoved it in her mouth.

“Oh, shit, hot!” she squealed. She looked up at the faces assembled. She guessed she was a little loud. “Sorry,” she mumbled around the food. Shit, she was apologizing a lot.

“You clearly haven’t met our boys if you think shit is going to ruffle any feathers,” Connie said taking a seat in an oversized chair that was near the tatty recliner.

“Ain’t that the fuckin’ truth,” Edward grunted into his bowl.

“See?” Connie said nodding at her husband with an amused look.

“This is really good,” Cassie said, trying to redeem herself. She could handle pity from her new wardens, but she didn’t want disgust.

“Sophie never disappoints,” Effie said, spooning a bit into Dax’s mouth. They did that a lot. Feeding each other. It must be a shifter thing, Cassie thought.

As it became clear that her friend was fading, Effie gave a raised eyebrow and a head tilt in Cassie’s direction when she got Dax’s eye. Dax immediately stood and declared they should all retire. Helping Effie to her feet first, he made sure she wouldn’t wobble then helped up Cassie.

Cassie accepted the offered arm from Dax, grateful that someone else called it a night before her. It was really more than an arm since he wrapped his beefy arm around her waist and half carried her. She was asleep when her head hit the pillow.

Effie came in and got her comfortable, propping pillows under her friend’s legs with practiced hands. Tucking a blanket around Cassie’s shoulders, she kissed her on the forehead. “Sleep tight butthole,” she whispered.

Cassie made a moaning sound and then let out a little snore. Looking down at her friend, Effie hoped that this was the right move. The last thing she wanted Cass to feel was that she was being abandoned.

Walking out the door and quietly shutting it behind her, Effie returned to the great room and stopped short. A mountain of a man was standing talking to Dax. His head turned, and a huge grin split across his face.

“Cash!” Effie called out. She tried to speed walk to him, but her belly made her wobble.

“Damn it, I feel like a circus clown with those giant hula hoop pants on,” she grumbled as she made it to his open arms.

“You look like a fully bloomed flower,” Cash said, giving her a delicate squeeze.

Effie had the good grace to snort. “More like a pumpkin, but thanks for that. What are you doing here?”

“Just wanted to stop by to say hello before you guys left. I’ll be working the cut early tomorrow and didn’t want to miss you. Plus, I needed to make sure you weren’t going on marathon jogs or eating too much raw fish. It’s not good for my godchild, you know.” Cash smiled down at her.

“Damn, I forget how pretty you are,” Effie said. Knowing how protective her mate was, Effie usually kept her eyes to herself. But this was an opportunity to tease her mate. Effie leaned up and wrapped her arms around Cash giving him a big hug.

“Hey!” Dax called out, but his voice held a bit of humor. He knew that his friend was an imposing figure. He was so tall that any woman standing next to him immediately felt like she was a tiny bug next to the man. He was broad too, way more muscular than Dax or his brothers. Bears were just bigger. Cash was one of the biggest.

“Don’t worry mate. I’m just looking,” she said over her shoulder giving him a wink.

Dax wasn’t worried. His mate might not be a shifter, but she was as addicted to him as he was to her. He gave her a wink back.

“I’m glad you came by. I would have been sad to have missed you,” Effie said pulling him over to the couch. When Cash sat on the couch, he looked like he was sitting in a kid’s chair.

Sniffing the room, Cash looked down at the couch and then over his shoulder down the hallway.

“That your friend?” he asked.

Cash kept taking in the scent, this time more subtly. It was an odd combination that he and his bear found intriguing. It smelled like woman. Not a perfume or artificial scent, but that sweetness that only a woman could carry. It was like candy, but spicy. Like those little red cinnamon candies.

“Yeah, Cassie doesn’t have much stamina right now. I was just thrilled she had dinner with us,” Effie admitted looking at the others.

“I think I saw her smile,” Dax offered. “It wasn’t her normal smile, but at least it was something.”

“No, not her normal smile,” Effie agreed. “Hey, maybe you could come cheer her up. But she doesn’t know about bears, so you might want to keep that on the down low.”

“Down low? Keep a bear on the down low? What does that even mean?” Cash asked her like she was a little off.

“You know, no growling, no getting furry. In fact, you’re pretty big, and she’s stupid tiny. Maybe you should just kneel around her,” Effie said thoughtfully, tapping a finger on her chin.

Dax snorted in the corner. He would like to see the big man scrabbling around on his knees.

“I’ll see what I can do,” Cash said with a small laugh.

The four shifters and one human sat for a while talking and catching up. Cash kept taking in the candy flavored scent, his bear happily rolling in it. He’d have to meet this Cassie in person. Of course, she was human, and he was not a man that believed anyone but a shifter would ever be able to handle him. Plus he was big; he knew it. His bear was a grizzly that reflected the man on the outside.

Cash had always been the big guy, the offensive lineman in high school football. He would just stand there and let the little humans run into him.

He was the person who got called to lift furniture and get things off the top shelf. This didn’t bother him. He liked being a big guy. But it often made him feel hulking and clumsy around women. Bear shifter women, some of them were on the taller and broader side. He felt more comfortable around them most of the time.

Now he was sitting across from Effie, who he’d grown to consider family. He was going to be family with the little cub in her stomach.

“I should probably head back; got an early morning,” Cash said standing up. He said his good-byes then headed out to his battered pickup truck to warm up the old but reliable engine. Like with most Rochons, money wasn’t an issue. Cash had money. He just never thought he needed to live any different from how he’d grown up. At forty-nine, he was still young and looking forward to a long shifter life. Having money now didn’t mean you’d have money later. He figured live quiet, and you’d always be set.

So his old Ford was faded and only had an AM/FM radio. But the engine was tip top, and it got him where he needed to go.

Heading down the road into the dark forest, his headlights cast a shadowy glow against the trunks of the trees. There was rarely anyone else on these roads but hitting a deer would suck.

Cash liked driving at night. Gave him time to contemplate life. Not that he had a complicated life. In fact, he preferred his quiet existence. He worked, he ran his bear, he spent time with his family. Outside of not having a mate, he couldn’t complain.

He was enjoying the break from the lumber mill. He would never bitch and moan about working a business that kept all of his extended family employed. His family, not just his immediate family, but all of the Rochons lived well. They were happily ensconced in their trees.

The mill was prosperous. They shipped wood all over the country on trucks they owned. When their trucking business had taken off, they’d expanded outside of just lumber and now did cross country trucking. Another good business to be in.

Cash had a house that he’d built with his own two hands about twenty years ago. He’d designed it with the idea of a big family. It had five bedrooms and three bathrooms. There was a triangle shaped great room with large windows letting in light and allowing for great views.

He’d purposefully built the house backward, so the main windows all looked over the river with unobstructed views. Cash thought about the changes he would make when he had a mate. He knew where he was going to put the playhouse and swingset for his cubs. He had designed plans for a climbing structure and sandbox.

Knowing he wanted his kids to grow up happy and content in their quiet life, he planned on making sure they were never bored.

Pulling off the highway, he turned down a dirt road that led back into the woods. When he was building, he’d also swapped the entrance to the garage so that it faced the drive coming up. Aside from a few windows and a door that led into the mudroom attached to the laundry room, the back of the house looked plain.

The beauty of the place was from the massive deck on the front. Parking the truck inside the garage, he got out and sniffed to see if anyone was around. Usually, his family called if they were coming over, but he had a few younger cousins that would show up to hang out at “Uncle Cash’s.” Which meant they would raid his fridge and when they managed to clean him out would end up leaving.

Cash got smart a few years ago and put another fridge and freezer in his garage that he padlocked to keep the little bastards out.

He loved them, but they ate like bears going into hibernation all the time. Walking through the door that led to his kitchen, he clicked on the lights. He spotted a plate of brownies on the counter. His mom had been there. Food would often appear whenever his mom or sister got baking. Since he usually didn’t lock up his house, his family tended to come and go as they pleased.

Opening the fridge, he spied half a plate of lasagna. He’d actually cooked that. It was one of his many freezer meals. He had three more in the garage, frozen waiting to be heated up. Yup, he liked to cook ahead. With his schedule, he would never get a hot meal if he didn’t. Plus he preferred his cooking to picking up fast food.

Pulling open a drawer and grabbing a fork, he didn’t bother heating up his meal tonight. He toed off his sneakers that he’d switched into at base camp. His boots had been caked with mud, and he didn’t feel like tracking that all over his house or Connie’s. Usually, he kept all his shoes in the mudroom since he was a bit of a neat freak about his floors. Cash walked over to his couch and threw himself down on it. It was a giant, extra wide brown leather sectional. The ends were recliners, and there was a chaise lounge at one end. It wasn’t uncommon for him to fall asleep on the big sofa after work.

He’d bought the couch with the vision of his mate and kids all piled on it. Covered in blankets, watching the massive TV that hung above the fireplace. Yeah, Cash had plans that weren’t about career and money. It was about family.

His bear needed to run after smelling that sweet smell over at Connie and Edward’s. He wasn’t sure why the smell was so interesting to him. But he kept thinking about it. Maybe he’d drop over tomorrow and say hello to their new guest.

C
onnie tapped lightly
on the door to Cassie’s room and waited for a response. She tried again and heard a faint, “Yeah…”

“Are you hungry, sweetie?” Connie asked through the door. Cassie had chosen to not come out of her room when Dax and Effie left that morning. She claimed she was in pain, but really she didn’t want them to go. This made Effie sad, which made Dax frustrated.

“No, thank you,” Cassie said quietly. Connie heard her even through the door. Shifter ears. Sighing she turned back to the living room and saw Edward give her a raised eyebrow.

“Give her time to get settled; she’s probably feeling pretty lost right now,” Edward said. He knew his wife and mate didn’t like when people weren’t all happy and fed. Connie thought food fixed everything.

Edward watched his wife head into the kitchen and start opening cupboards and closing them. Like she was looking for some magic answer inside to lure Cassie out of her room.

There was a knock at the door, and Cash poked his head in. Edward had told him a number of times to stop knocking and making him get out of his chair to open the damn door.

“Hey, it’s just me,” Cash called out.

“This is unexpected Cash. Two visits in two days,” Connie said greeting him and giving him a kiss and a pat on the cheek.

“Just thought I’d bring over a jar of canned cherries mom had given me. Something tells me your new guest likes sweets,” Cash said, then realized that was an odd thing to say. Not that his aunt and uncle wouldn’t understand that he’d smelled her sweet scent and made a guess, but he didn’t want them to think he was a stalker.

“Well, isn’t that kind of you? I’m afraid that Cassie isn’t feeling well today,” Connie’s voice trailed off.

“She’s not okay?” Cash asked.

“She’s a little blue. Effie and Dax had to leave today, and I think she’s a little down. I’ll tell her she had a visitor, though. Maybe she’ll be up for company in a few days.

“Of course. I better be off. We have inspectors coming out today. I told Cage I’d show them around,” Cash said turning towards the door.

“Damn busy-bodies,” Edward muttered.

Cash gave him an agreeing nod and a wave. Heading out to the truck, his bear was unhappy they were leaving without seeing where that scent was coming from. Understanding his animal’s frustration, he promised him they’d try back in a day or two. Cash also promised him a long run after work.

Connie and Edward were unable to get Cassie out of the bedroom the next day or the next. The physical therapist showed up and stood in his khakis and polo shirt with the clinic name on it staring at his watch. After almost fifteen minutes, Cassie finally said he could come in the room.

They were in there for forty minutes when the therapist came out. “Has she been up and moving around?” he asked.

“No, except for the bathroom, she’s been taking her meals in her room. She’s not even eating that much. I’m starting to worry to tell you the truth. I don’t want to call her friend and worry her, but…” Connie said, wringing her hands. She was standing beside her mate in the kitchen.

When the therapist finally made it into the room, they both had grabbed cups of coffee and stood at the long center island in the kitchen. Sipping and staring at the door, they weren’t sure if there was going to be screams and crashes. They were on hand in case they needed to jump to the rescue. Cassie could hold her own, but the therapist looked a little soft. Course most people looked soft to bear shifters.

After a while, the therapist opened the door and came out looking worse for wear. His eyes looked tired and strained like he’d just been interrogated. Lord only knows what Cassie did to him in there.

The man came straight up to them and sat his bag down on the floor. Connie gestured to her coffee cup in a silent offering. The man shook his head. He looked like he needed something harder than coffee.

“She’s going to start atrophying if she doesn’t get up,” he started without any need to explain who he was talking about. “Her surgery site is healed, but her back and hips are still weak from being prone for so long. Her ankle is healing. She could probably transition to just a splint on her ankle if she built up her leg muscles. Her knee is going to take time.”

“How was she in there?” Connie asked. Since she didn’t hear any begging or screaming she hoped it went well.

The therapist gave a short laugh. “She’s not the first reluctant and or militant patient I’ve had.”

“So what do you suggest?” Edward said, looking at the man like he should have all the answers.

“Well, normally I’d say make things uncomfortable for her. I know it sounds mean, but if she has to fend for herself more, it will get her moving. Although in Cassie’s case I wonder if she would just starve to death. That is one tough cookie in there,” he said like he was almost impressed with her stubborn ass.

Edward gave a snorting laugh. “There is no way my wife will deny anyone food. She’d wither and die without feeding people.”

Slapping his arms, she said, “Hush.”

“Then you need to find her a reason to want to come out. Invite people over. Peer pressure is an amazing thing. Social obligation can often spur them to join the real world. Then sometimes they’ll stay out. The more time out of the bed the better. I’d even suggest getting her a chair to sit in if she wants to stay in her room. It will still be better for her than lying down.” The therapist watched them take in the information. Hoping they wanted their friend to get better.

“I’ll be back in two days,” he said, and then let himself out.

“I’m not starving that girl. She’s already barely eating,” Connie said with an indignant sniff.

“So let’s throw a party!” Edward said with only a modicum of enthusiasm.

Connie gave him a look that was meant to be peeved. It didn’t affect him.

“You call the boys. Be useful,” she said. She turned to walk into the pantry. If the kids were coming over, she’d need food. As she was perusing the shelves, she yelled out, “Don’t forget Cash!”

“Got it,” Edward yelled back. He was gonna call him anyway. Like he didn’t know who to call, he thought.

Edward got a two-fer at base camp. Cash and Conner were at the office. He tracked down Wyatt at home. He was on baby duty. Sophie picked up on Cage’s cell phone; they were out looking at preschools for Micah.

“Everyone is confirmed. They’ll be here at six-thirty,” he yelled out. He didn’t see that Connie had left the pantry and was now glaring at him for yelling.

“What?” Edward asked like he was unaware of the reason for the look.

“Will you get over here and help me? You can work on the chickens, and I’ll do the sides. There are two trays of cut up chickens in the fridge. Get those marinating, and you can barbecue.” Connie directed Edward while she was setting up her sides.

“Why do you have chickens cut up in the fridge?” he asked when he started pulling out the commercial grade trays.

“Because I’m a mother of three grown bears. They eat all the time. They are also over here all the time. We also have a new houseguest. Of course, the entire crew would end up here for dinner at some point. I also have three roasts and four trays of lasagna in the freezer. Those are from Cash. He got on a cooking spree a few weeks ago,” Connie said filling a huge stock pot full of water to put on to boil. “We’ll do macaroni, potato salad, fruit salad, and there are cookies in the freezer. When you go outside, bring those in to thaw,” she continued to direct as she bustled around the kitchen.

Edward loved watching his wife in the kitchen. This was her domain, and she ruled it with an iron whisk. He got to marinating the chicken, then started to help his wife peel potatoes and cut up fruit. It would take a while to prep everything for dinner, but spending his days with his wife was just what he wanted his retirement to be.

After about an hour, Edward had a thought. “Should we warn Cassie?”

Connie stopped chopping. “Shit, probably.”

Edward laughed; he thought it was cute when his wife swore.

He was enjoying her cussing so much that he missed the fact her finger was on her nose. “Damn it,” he said throwing down the towel he had in his hands. She always did that leaving him to whatever task needed to be done. The deal was the last person who touched their nose was the loser. Edward found his wife and mate was quick on the draw when it came to their little game.

“Bring a peace offering,” Connie suggested.

“Good idea,” Edward said heading to the pantry. Dax had two large boxes shipped to their house. It was a little confusing when they opened them to find them full of junk food. Sorting through the first box, he found a package of chocolate rolled cakes with cream filling. Grabbing them, he headed toward Cassie’s room.

“Good luck,” Connie called out.

Listening through the door first he didn’t hear anything. Giving it a small knock, he heard a quiet, “Yes?”

Cracking open the door just enough to stick his hand through, he shook the bag to get her attention.

“Is it safe?” he asked.

There was a tiny laugh from inside. “Yes, Edward,” Cassie said from inside.