Chapter Six
Bowen
The Bearclaw Inn lay several hours away, but the park was not located near any airport or train station, so the best way to get there was by driving.
I would have preferred a newer vehicle for such a journey, but the local town did not have any rental outlets, so I crossed my fingers and thanked the goddess I kept my old girl well maintained.
Rangers were used to roughing it, fortunately.
My chosen route to save miles and time lay on a highway that, judging by the potholes, cracks, and weeds growing in the actual lanes, got very little travel and even less maintenance.
Jarring bumps and humps caused outraged squeals from the aged suspension system before my “shortcut” met the highway.
In fact, it had not saved time, due to the need to slow down and navigate the road, and I made a mental note to report the neglect to the county as soon as I returned home.
One weekend was not going to make a difference in a road that hadn’t been paved for decades.
Also…I hadn’t seen another car in fifty miles.
So not many others were bouncing around their vehicles, cursing their choice of route.
Once on the highway, I relaxed a little.
Nervous about who I might be meeting, I’d been tense the whole time I was getting ready, but apparently having my teeth rattled nearly out of my head served as a distraction.
At least for a while. Relief at riding on intact pavement was strong in my mind for the next few hours.
And then…the Bearclaw Inn came in sight, and I remembered why I was there. It had sounded so magical when the invitation came, a chance to meet the person Fate intended for me. I wondered if Franklin had some sort of connection to Fate or the goddess.
Facing strangers every day at work, shyness was not usually a part of my personality, but once I’d parked and gone around to get my bag, I heard a creak and looked up to see an older man emerging onto the wide wraparound porch of the home.
He wore a broad smile and lifted a hand to wave.
I relaxed a little and did the same just as the rumble of an engine from behind me had me turning to see someone pulling up right behind me.
Oh my.
My wolf rumbled as the other car came to a stop, the engine quieting.
I lifted my bag but stayed in place, watching the door open.
I’d never been so nervous in my life. Was this my mate?
I supposed someone might be making a delivery or stopping for directions.
For all I knew, Franklin, the owner, might serve meals to people who weren’t staying there.
But the chatter in my mind stilled as one long leg emerged, and then the rest of the alpha followed.
So tall. Handsome, hair in a fade, shaved up the sides but longer, wavy on top.
My fingers itched to see if it was as soft as it appeared.
A light scruff framed his face, and faint smile lines bracketed his eyes.
Please let him be my mate.
My wolf was sure of that.
“Hello!” Franklin called. “You both got here together. Great. Come on up, and I’ll give you the grand tour.”
Having been addressed together had us offering one another a smile as well, and we met at the gate.
“After you,” he said, holding the gate open.
“Thank you.” I entered but then turned. “I’m Bowen.”
“Remi, and you’re welcome.” His gaze traveled over me from head to feet, and I hoped he found me as attractive as I did him. “I’m very glad to meet you.”
Whew. Heat rippled over me, and he hadn’t even laid a hand on me. “Me too.” So eloquent. I should give speeches. Well, I did on topics related to my job, but I was usually better spoken than this. “I mean, hi.”
Way better. Yeesh.
“We’d better go say hello to Franklin. I think he’s waiting for us.” He closed the gate but didn’t start up the walk until I did.
Our host indeed still stood outside the door, and not wanting to be rude, I sped up on my way up the steps, the tap of the alpha’s—of Remi’s footsteps right behind me.
“Come right in.” Franklin shook both our hands and opened the screen door.
“Make yourselves at home. The front porch is nice in the mornings, for coffee or listening to the birds.” Since it held a few rocking chairs and a glider, it did look welcoming.
“And right inside here, you can hang up any coats or jackets, then we’re in the living room. ”
We followed as the older man moved through the living room, dining room, and into the kitchen.
“Dinner is cooking, but there are always snacks available in the refrigerator and pantry.” He opened both to show the selection of tasty treats.
“Help yourselves anytime you get peckish. Also, lots of beverages. I always have fresh sun tea, lemonade, and a selection of sparkling soft drinks available.”
We continued on up the stairs. “Remi, your room is here on the left, and Bowen on the right. Both have en suites. I hope you’ll be comfortable, but don’t hesitate to let me know if you need more towels or anything at all.
I’m going down to finish cooking. You have some time if you’d like to take a nap or just relax. Dinner is in about an hour.”
He disappeared back down the stairs, humming softly, and the two of us stood outside our doors for a moment before Remi said, “See you at dinner.”
“Yes, at dinner.” If this was going to be how we spoke to one another, it would be one of the quietest matings in history.