Page 10 of His Protective Bear

“I think you should go big or go home. Maybe he needs you to show everyone you want him. You know, make a spectacle, so he knows you’re not ashamed of him,” Nash said. “From the sounds of things, no one has ever made a big deal over him. Maybe someone’s even made him feel inferior for it. I think a grand gesture to show the world that you want him is the way to go. Show him he’s wanted.” Nash shrugged, and his cheeks pinked as he spoke, “We all kind of want to feel wanted like we’re enough.” Austin pulled Nash closer, if that was even possible.

I mulled over his words, and maybe he was right. I knew what he’d been through, and it wasn’t the same as Sage, but maybe he understood my mate a little.

The question was, how did I do that?

The mass talking started again, and I let it wash over me. My family would definitely butt in whether I asked them to or not. Sage was too important; I would take whatever help I could get.

Chapter 5

Sage

I’d been hiding out in my room since the day before yesterday, but it was time for my shift at the diner after my day off. I’d considered asking Simon to cover for me. It wasn’t like he didn’t owe me, but then I got pissed at myself for thinking about hiding.

I would not give him that satisfaction.

Like he’s even thinking about you.

I ignored the voice and got out of bed to get ready for work. I still had thirty minutes before my shift, so if I got ready quickly, I would be on time. I rushed through my shower and got ready quickly. Luckily there was a uniform, so I didn’t have to stress about what I was wearing. The simplicity of the plain black polo shirt, black chinos, and apron meant I was out of my room with ten minutes to spare.

The moment I saw my dad sitting in the living room, I knew that there was no way I would make it on time. He had on his stern lecture face. Which meant he’d been waiting for me to come down.

“Hey, dad, I was just about to leave for my shift,” I said.

“Your papa knows you’ll be a little late,” he said.

I sighed inwardly.

“Can we talk about this later, please?” I tried. Didn’t he have a big project he was working on? Why was he even home?

My dad shook his head, “I don’t think so because I know you, son, and you’ll do your best to ignore this situation, hoping it goes away.”

“There’s no situation. The sheriff came over. He was concerned, you explained, that’s it. The end.”

My father blew out a breath, and I could swear I heard him asking the gods for patience. “Sit down, Sage,” he said finally in that tone that said it wasn’t a suggestion.

I did, leaning back and folding my arms. I didn’t have to pretend I wanted to be there just because he was forcing me to listen. Way to be a grown-up Sage.

“Hunter—”

I sat up at the sound of his name, but my dad shot me a look that said be quiet.

“Hunter is a good man. An honorable alpha,” my dad said, “you should listen to what he has to say and not be so defensive.” He gave me a pointed look, and I had to look away.

“Why does he want to talk to me anyway? I barely know the man,” I muttered.

“Well, maybe you would if you actually spoke to him. Besides, it’s not my place to—”

“Oh, but it was your place to tell him about me,” I sniped and immediately felt bad at the guilty look on my dad’s face.

He sighed and drew in a breath, “Have your Papa and I ever done anything that we thought would hurt you?” he asked.

I suddenly felt small and petty as I shook my head. “I’m sorry, dad.”

My dad pushed his hand through his hair and smiled kindly, “I know, son. I know. I am too, but please just think about what I said.”

I nodded.

“He’s a good man and from a good family,” Dad added.

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