Chapter Three
Remi
“That’s it,” Fred, one of the teen workers said, reaching for the huge bell by the time clock. Somewhere over the years, we’d started ringing it at the end of every shift.
“What went right?” I asked the employees waiting to punch out.
“Everything,” Noel answered quickly. “It was a great day.”
“What went wrong? Should I even ask since it was a great one?”
Fred laughed. “I busted my ass after sliding in a puddle of water, but that was my own fault. I forgot to wear my nonslip shoes.”
I nailed him with my best owner stare. “Safety first. But you already admitted it was your fault, so no suing me for the ass-busting.” Not that shifters were litigious, usually.
“Got it, boss,” he said. We parted ways as they all spilled out into the parking area.
I’d learned to wait until they were in their cars to lock up since, most days, someone forgot something and didn’t realize it until they were behind the steering wheel.
Especially with the teenage workers. They were always leaving their phones, backpacks, food.
Their car keys/fobs even. Although they generally noticed that when they tried to unlock their vehicles.
I had been the same when I was younger.
On the way home, I stopped at the only market in town, and picked up a rotisserie chicken and some steam bags of vegetables and a big bowl of prepped fruit.
Could I buy it cheaper by cutting it all up myself?
Yes. Did I care today? No. Sometimes convenience was king, and tonight was one of those nights.
I drove home with a song on my lips and the windows down. Today really was a great day. I may or may not have downed a chicken leg on the way as well.
At home, I greeted my cat Jeepers. “I’m sorry I’m a bit late, baby,” I said. “I had to stop and get something to eat.”
Davis used to make fun of me talking to my cat. Now, he was the only one left to talk to. The cat, not Davis.
Some days, I came home almost expecting Davis to still be here. It had been almost a year but I still did. I missed having someone to come home to—someone to share a life with.
Jeepers shared my chicken with me while the radio played in the background.
Another thing Davis used to get on me about.
Now that I thought about it, I should’ve gotten the hint earlier in our relationship.
He liked the news on all the time. I thought it brought chaos into our home. I preferred the local radio station.
He said I was uninformed.
He even joked about my percolator. I took it all in stride. He was my partner and absolutely allowed his own opinions.
Sometimes they stung.
Sometimes they hurt.
After he left, I was hurt but relieved. I hadn’t realized that until that moment. There were no more criticisms to endure. No more passive-aggressive comments to smile through.
No more constant digging at me about my chosen life.
Even in the city, I would find a way to take things slow. Easy.
But Davis didn’t give me that choice. He didn’t want to evolve with me; he wanted to leave me.
With the chores done and my shower over, I meandered onto the back porch to sit and open my mail.
Most of my bills were on autopay. Less for me to deal with.
But among the credit card offers and postcards to buy my home was a blue envelope.
Perhaps an invitation of some sort? As I turned it over, I found the return address. It was from the Bearclaw Inn.
It was sealed with a wax stamp. A bear paw wax stamp.
I ripped it open and read the letter inside. I’d heard of this place when I was online, looking for a way to find my mate faster.
It was a bed-and-breakfast where two males were invited to spend the weekend.
The rumor was that no one left the Bearclaw Inn unmated.
No one online refuted it.
The letter was for me. Inviting me to the inn. This weekend.
To meet my mate?
I sprang into action.
Fate had given me a chance. To meet my fated mate and have a family. There was no passing this up. I called my siblings. Seth came from the city and arrived before Noel. He must’ve driven dangerously fast.
Noel threw her hands up. “What’s the emergency?”
I showed them the letter. As they read it, their eyes widened. Seth looked up at me. “You have to go. You have to go, Remi.”
“I know. I’m going. But I need help. I won’t be at the nursery Friday through Sunday. Can you two pitch in? Keep it running?”
Noel rolled her eyes. “I could run that place in my sleep. I’m in.”
Seth nodded. “Yeah. I can take the weekend off and be here to help. I can’t believe this is happening. I’ve heard of it online, but I don’t know anyone personally who has been to the inn.”
I laughed. “You can’t say that now. I can’t believe this is happening.”
Noel handed the letter back. She was bouncing on her toes. “I’m so excited! I can’t wait to meet your mate. Bring them home, and we get a new brother!”
When she said that, reality pushed down on me.
“What if…what if he comes here and…this is not enough. What if I’m not enough?”
Seth shook his head. “I could punch Davis in the face. I never liked him. You are enough, Remi. I bet your omega just got his invitation, too, and he’s just as excited to meet you. This is going to work out. Believe it.”
I had to. I had no other options left.