Page 6 of Riding With the Grizzly

I open my mouth, intending to tell her that she’s my fated mate, but I catch myself before I do. I know that if I told her that, she would go running for the hills in an instant.

“Things just got kind of dicey there,” I say instead.

She nods, looking away from me.

"I'm Jude, by the way."

She eyes me, debating for a moment, but then she finally tells me her name.

“Nara.”

“Nara,” I say, loving the way her name feels coming off my tongue. “Are you new to town?” I ask her and she shakes her head.

“No, I was born and raised here. I just got back.”

“From where?”

“College.”

“Cool. What did you study?”

"Education."

She’s a teacher? That doesn’t really fit with her family who are drug runners and worse.

"That's nice. Are you working at the school here in town?"

"Not yet. I've been applying for jobs but haven't heard anything back yet."

I nod and I see her frown.

“Why am I telling him this?” She mumbles to herself and I can tell that I’m going to lose her.

“Have dinner with me,” I say and she blinks.

"No."

Then she turns on her heel and starts to walk toward the convenience store.

“Wait!” I shout and she pauses. “Just hear me out. Give me five minutes.”

Her mouth twists, but she gives me a stiff nod after a moment. This is it. This is my chance to get my foot in the door with her.

“You said you hate bikers,” I start and she nods.

“I do.”

"Is that because of your family?"

She stiffens, glancing around and I hope that I didn't upset her.

“I’ve been around enough bikers to know that I don’t like them or their… lifestyle choices.”

“I’m not like that.”

“Sure, you aren’t,” she mutters.

“I’m not. I’d like a chance to prove that.”

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