Page 35 of Her Painter Bear Mate

"You really think they're my best work so far?" Dee asked, not usually one to search for validation.

Angela's voice trumpeted in her ear. "Absolutely! I don't know what they're putting in the water over there but it's fantastic."

"Funny, I never used to be able to paint here. Not freely, anyway," Dee said, remembering just how eager she used to be to get out of here. She'd rented a room in the city as soon as she had the money and never looked back. And somehow, now she couldn't seem to drag herself away from Crescent Valley.

The thought took her aback even if it was only putting words to what she'd been feeling for the past weeks. And suddenly, it all seemed so stupidly crystal clear, and she knew exactly what she needed to do.

TWENTY

Clarissa

Clarissa checked the directions on her phone even though she knew exactly where she was going. This was the most prolific gallery in the city and being featured as a solo artist only spoke of just how high in demand Dee's paintings were. It was likely that she would be sold out long before the exhibition was over.

"I've never been to a gallery opening," Alix said, sounding quite chipper but nervous at the same time. "A static home isn't exactly the place to hang expensive paintings, is it?"

"It could be," Clarissa replied with a smile. "Thank you for going with me."

"You're welcome but I still don't understand why I had to tag along? Don't you want to spend time with your crusssssh?" she said in a teasing tone.

"Stop that," Clarissa chided, heat flooding her face. "And Dee will have to chat to buyers most of the night so she won't have much time for me. Plus now you'll get to see the difference between my exhibitions and one of a really big artist."

They turned the corner and passed by a series of high-end boutiques, all so fancy there was not a single price tag in sight. The air was harsh and bitter from all the exhaust fumes and Clarissa grimaced just thinking about living here.

She didn't know if she could leave her dad for this, even if he was the first to tell her she should. He just wanted her to be happy but Clarissa didn't want to carry the guilt of abandoning her father for the rest of her life. It just wasn't right.

But if she wanted a life with her fated mate, could she really stay in Crescent Valley? It felt like an impossible choice and it was tearing her apart.

She pushed her thoughts away when the gallery came into sight, a large renovated building with modern touches. There were roll banners outside with Dee's name on and an enlarged piece of her centrepiece. Upon entry, there was a small line with prospective buyers or just people interested in looking at beautiful art. It was much bigger than any gallery she'd ever shown at and the pieces were going for much higher prices too.

It was intimidating, to say the least.

Once it was her turn, Clarissa gave her name to the receptionist, and handed over her coat to the person manning the cloakroom.

"Are you sure my dress is right?" Alix asked, suddenly looking unsure of herself. "I feel out of place. I'm not used to such fancy-pantsy places. I'm pretty sure people can tell I'm trailer trash."

"You look fine," Clarissa assured her. "And you're not trailer trash."

Alix let out a disbelieving hum. "Let's just find your girlfriend. I'm kind of curious to meet the Dee Lewis."

"As long as you don't call her my crusssshhhh," Clarissa warned, already scanning the crowd for the spiky black hair of her fated mate. Her bear mark tingled just thinking about Dee like that but it always came with that same tightness in her chest when she thought about their future. She wanted it so much, it ached, and she felt even more trapped than when she was a teen.

Someone touched her back and she twisted around, directly staring into Dee's bright eyes. "Hey."

Dee leaned in to kiss her, holding her for an extra moment like she didn't want to let go. "Hi, you made it."

"Of course, I wasn't going to miss your opening night. Congratulations, I'm so proud of you." Clarissa truly meant it too. There was no jealousy or envy because Dee deserved this.

Alix cleared her throat. "Hello. I'm Alix, nice to finally meet you."

They shook hands briefly and exchanged pleasantries before Alix excused herself to find the bathroom.

"Do you want the tour?" Dee asked, her gaze fixated on Clarissa.

"Don't you have buyers to talk to?"

"They can wait. Plus the harder it is to talk to me, the more popular and in demand I look."

Clarissa chuckled. "Oh, so I'm doing you a favour now? Shall I pretend to be a buyer as well then?"

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