Page 20 of Trusting Her Bear

My dad was grateful that my mom taught us how to cook. After she disappeared, we took turns making food. None of us loved doing it, and a few of my siblings weren’t great at it, but it was edible. I didn’t mind it. I liked experimenting with different ingredients but mostly stuck to the basics. I’m glad I can feed my mate.

I flip the bacon and put the hash browns in a pan as Steph enters the kitchen. I smile at her as she passes me and sits at the counter. She looks rested. She is wearing jeans that show off her fantastic ass. She followed my advice and wore a black tank top. I want to lick all the exposed skin. Her hair is still wet, and her shoulders are damp.

“You like cooking?” she asks as I give her a water bottle.

“I do.” I like feeding my mate. “Do you drink coffee?”

“I love it,” she sighs, and I move to the coffee machine.

“Are there any foods you don’t like?” I ask, putting a pod in the machine. She looks down at my pants, and I have to hide a smirk. There is no hiding the damp spot on my thigh. She looks away quickly, a flush on her face. It should dry by the time we leave.

“I hate cooked tomatoes, carrots, and spicy food.”

“So bacon is good,” I tease.

“Who doesn’t like bacon?” She wrinkles her nose.

“Good point.” I place her coffee in front of her. “Do you like it sweet? Creamer?”

“Yes to both.”

I set the sugar and creamer beside the cup. “Good to know,” I say, moving back to the stove.

“It’s odd,” she whispers.

“What?” I crack the eggs into a bowl.

“We are thrown together because of the bond, strangers, and we know we are meant to be, but we know nothing about each other.”

“Isn’t that how everyone meets? There is an attraction, and then you learn about each other. Unlike humans, we have the knowledge that it is forever.” I whip the eggs and add butter to the skillet. “We know this is going somewhere.”

“True,” she says softly. “Do you have a family?” she asked before taking a sip of coffee.

“I have five siblings. Four brothers and a sister.”

“Are you close?”

“Yes, I don’t see them often, but we talk at least once a week.” I dump the eggs on two plates and add the rest of the food. “They are planning to visit soon. You?” I set her plate in front of her.

“I have a brother and sister. I also have four uncles.”

“I should look forward to being grilled by them.” I smile.

“I hope not.” She picks up her fork.

“You don’t have a good relationship?” I frown.

“That’s not it. I love them, but I had to get away from their protectiveness,” she admits. She fiddles with her food, hiding her eyes from me. “You know, don’t you?”

I look at her uncomfortable expression and place my hands flat on the counter. “What I know is that you are my mate. Nothing will affect my dedication to you.” I lean forward. “And sorry to say, I doubt your uncles are half as protective as I will be, Little Cub.”

Chapter Five

Stephanie

My face is still flushed with heat. We finished eating, and Quinn drove me to his office. He instructed me to sit at the front desk while he spoke to his client. The woman who walked in minutes later looked terrified. My heart went out to her. Quinn told me he couldn’t tell me any of the details. The women who come to him for help counted on his discretion, and I respected that.

It was touching to see Quinn greet her with respect and tenderness. It made me want to know more about him.

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