9. Graham
Nine
Graham
Is it possible to have a heart attack waiting for someone to answer a question?
Because I swear mine forgets how to beat.
She's barely an arm's length away.
Close enough that I can see the tiny golden flecks in her pale blue eyes.
Close enough to catch the faint scent of vanilla and espresso clinging to her dress.
Close enough that my Bear is practically vibrating beneath my skin.
Mate.
I know, I press the thought back to my anxiously waiting Bear.
Ask again.
I already asked.
Then wait and ask again, the beast insists.
Easier said than done, buddy.
I watch as Elsie worries her bottom lip between her teeth, and I swear every second that passes stretches into an hour.
Come on, Honey.
Say yes.
Please say yes.
Another beat passes then...
She smiles.
And it’s not a polite smile.
It’s not the one she gives customers.
This one starts slowly, lighting her whole face from the inside until her eyes sparkle.
It's beautiful.
No.
Beautiful isn't a big enough word.
It’s sweet, but wicked. Sexy, too.
It's the kind of smile a man writes songs about.
Maybe I will.
Fuck yes.
I definitely will.
“S-Sure,” she says, and I can hear the tiny hint of nerves in her voice that matches my own. “I own the place so I suppose I can play hooky since Willa is here.”
“Yeah?”
“Yeah, Graham. I'd love to have lunch with you.”
The knot that's been sitting in my chest since last night finally loosens.
My lungs remember how to work.
My heart starts beating again.
My Bear lets out a satisfied rumble.
Elsie turns toward the espresso bar.
“Willa? I'm going to take an early lunch.”
The young she-Bear looks up from steaming milk.
She opens her mouth to answer.
Then she notices me.
Our eyes meet.
Recognition flashes across her face.
Her expression changes so fast it would've been easy for a human to miss.
Surprise.
Confusion.
Then...
Understanding.
Well.
Partial understanding.
Willa knows I'm unmated.
If she was paying attention then she also knows exactly how my Bear has been acting since I walked through the door.
Her eyes widen.
Just a fraction.
I give the tiniest shake of my head.
Not yet.
Please don't say anything.
She studies me for another second before giving the smallest nod imaginable.
Message received.
Good.
“Sure thing, Boss. Have fun!” she tells Elsie cheerfully, like this is the most ordinary lunch date in the world. “I'll hold down the fort.”
“You're the best.”
“I know.”
Elsie laughs.
“So modest.”
“It's one of my many gifts.”
Still smiling, Elsie disappears into the office to grab her purse.
The second she's gone...
Willa is standing in front of me.
Fast.
“So...” she whispers.
“So.”
“Is my human boss really your mate? I thought she smelled like Bear this morning,” Willa says excitedly.
I nod.
“It’s complicated, Willa. I haven’t told her yet.”
Her eyes immediately soften.
“Oh, Graham.”
“I know.”
“No...”
She smiles.
“I mean congratulations. So when will you tell her?”
“Has to be soon. See, I accidentally claimed her.”
The smile vanishes.
“You... what?”
I rub the back of my neck.
“It was a whole thing. There was a fox, and I was shifted and my Bear lost it.”
“You bit her?”
“Uh. Yes?”
“In Bear form?”
“Yes.”
“Oh my God.”
“The fox was rabid.”
“Wait. What?”
“I was saving her.”
“And then you bit her.”
“I wasn't thinking. My Bear got all possessive.”
She pinches the bridge of her nose.
“I wanna be there when you explain this story to the Alpha.”
“Shut up,” I whisper and shake my head. “Besides, I wasn't planning on it.”
“You really shouldn't. But you know she’ll need to be presented and officially named a friend of the Clan.”
Despite myself, I laugh.
“Yeah, well, one step at a time.”
“Dude, you’re like a famous rockstar. She’ll definitely say yes.”
“I appreciate your confidence.”
She grins.
“Graham, you always treated me fairly at Camp Ursa. You’re like the big brother I never wanted so, believe me when I say Elsie is gonna be thrilled.”
“Willa, I’m none of those things. I’m just me.”
“You're a wonderful Bear.”
“Thanks?”
“But you're also a complete disaster.”
“Fair.”
“So, does she know anything?”
“No.”
“Is she going to?”
“Yes.”
“When?”
I look toward the office door.
“As soon as I figure out how to explain that destiny is real, magic exists, I'm secretly a giant Bear, and I accidentally bonded us for life.”
Willa winces.
“Oh. Yeah. That should go well with some sushi and an iced matcha.”
“Exactly.”
The office door opens before either of us can say another word.
Elsie steps back into the shop with a crossbody purse slung over one shoulder.
She's somehow even prettier than she was five minutes ago.
How is that possible?
“You ready?” she asks.
My entire world narrows to the woman smiling at me.
“I absolutely am.”
Not.