Page 11 of Goldie & the Bear

I press a hand to my still-flat stomach, blinking back tears. Inever meant for this to happen. Never planned on starting a family this way. Alone and afraid, without my mate by my side.

But life has a way of throwing curveballs when you least expect them.

My make-up done, I check my phone screen. Gran will be here soon. I walk to the cabin’s main area, making sure everything is tidy. When I hear the rumble of a truck outside, I smooth down my dress, push back my shoulders and take the few steps to the door, preparing for a tough conversation.

As soon as my grandmother enters and takes me in, the broad smile that was illuminating her beautiful face falls off. Her eyes travel over my tired features, down my body, and linger on the small bump on my belly.

“Oh My God, Marie! What have you done?”

Edna Flores is a good woman. A woman of principles. She cares deeply, loves infinitely, and stands for what she believes. After my parents died, my Gran raised me with immense affection, but she also taught me the value of hard work and honesty. And this? What I did? Hiding in the middle of nowhere, not telling her or Maverick that I’m carrying his cub? This isn’t honest.

Four months ago, I ran away to come hibernate here. Gran left me alone to go through my period of rest and isolation. A few weeks in, she came to visit, opening up about Mav’s repeated requests to see me. I didn’t say much. Only that something happened between us and I wasn’t ready to see him yet. She respected my wishes. My Gran is a smart woman. She never pushes me. Her style is more to advise and stand on the sideline, ready to jump in if I need her. But today… today I read sadnessand disappointment in her eyes. And it’s like a punch to the gut. I never want to let down Granny Edna.

“My poor child. How could you? Why didn’t you say something?”

She gently takes me in her arms and I feel her damp cheeks brush against mine. We’re both crying. I don’t even know what hurts the most. The constant pain of being away from Maverick, my deeply rooted conviction that he doesn’t really want me, the guilt and shame of my lie by omission. All of it and so much more. I’m physically exhausted. These first months of pregnancy have been tiresome beyond anything I could have imagined. The discomfort brought by my morning sickness, all my emotions hitting me tenfold, and my poor bear calling for our mate day and night.

“I’m sorry, Gran,” I whimper into her neck. “I’m so sorry. I was just so scared.”

Scared of being rejected, of having my heart broken all over again. Scared of the intensity of what I feel for Maverick, of how much power he holds over me.

Scared that he’d turn me away if he knew about the baby.

“Oh, sweetheart.” Gran strokes my hair, her touch infinitely gentle. “Maverick could never turn you away. That man is mad about you. He’s been beside himself trying to find you.”

I pull back, swiping at my tears. “What? He has?”

Gran nods, her lips quirking in a sad smile. “He’s been hounding me for months, begging for any scrap of information about where you might be. I’ve never seen an alpha so desperate.”

“I don’t know what to do, Gran,” I whisper brokenly. “I’m so lost.”

She cradles my face in her papery hands, her eyes warm and wise. “You need to come home, my sweet girl. Come home and talk to your mate. Give him a chance to make this right.”

I bite my lip, doubt swirling in my gut. “What if he doesn’t want this? The baby?”

“Marie.” Gran’s voice is firm now, laced with conviction. “That man would move heaven and earth for you. For both of you. Trust in that. Trust in him.”

I take a deep, shuddery breath. Gran is right. I can’t hide anymore. Can’t let my fears keep me away.

It’s time to be brave.

“Okay,” I say softly, squaring my shoulders. “Okay, I’ll come home.”

Gran beams at me, pride shining in her eyes. “That’s my girl.”

I’m going home. Back to Maverick.

Seven

Back

MARIE

Our flight landed this afternoon, and I’ve been sleeping since I got settled at home. Hiding in slumber. Refusing to confront reality. My grandmother drove me home from the airport, fixed me dinner, and ordered me to bed. I tossed and turned all night, then only got out of bed to close the blackout curtains.

I don’t want tomorrow to come, and I will keep it at bay for as long as I can. I don’t want to talk to Maverick. Don’t have the heart or the energy for a confrontation. And God, seeing him again? I don’t know if I can take it. My bear is jumping all over the place, knowing our alpha is close. His claiming mark on my neck has been pulsating ever since we arrived in town. I lay a hand on my stomach and close my eyes, feeling a lone tear slide down my face. ‘It’ll be alright, little one. Everything will be alright.’

But even as I whisper the words, I know I’m trying to convincemyself as much as the tiny life growing inside me. The truth is, I’m terrified. Terrified of facing Maverick, of seeing the anger and betrayal in his eyes. Terrified that he’ll reject me, reject our baby.

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