Page 10 of Goldie & the Bear

“Maverick,” she says gently, patting my hand. “I know you’re hurting, son. But you have to give Marie space. Let her come to terms with everything in her own time.”

I grit my teeth, feeling a muscle jump in my cheek. Locking in my bear before he bursts out and barks at this woman who I love and respect.

“How much time?” I growl, unable to remain calm. “She’s been gone for fucking months.”

At my outburst, Edna raises a delicate eyebrow. Staring me down without a word.

“Sorry,” I grumble. But I know I can’t take much more of this shit.

She nods magnanimously, then proceeds to explain the same thing she’s been repeating to me for fucking months. “Things are better now than back in my day. But you need to understand,Maverick. Many omegas are still being taken advantage of and abused. Let Marie be her own woman. Let her decide for herself.”

“But she’s my mate,” I reinstate between clenched teeth, fighting to rein in my fury. My gut burning with both the pain of our separation and Marie’s rejection.

“Maybe she is. And maybe your bear just imprinted on her,” Edna says softly. She’s mentioned this possibility before. And I’m not sure how I find it in me to keep coming back here when Edna’s been dismissing my bond with my mate.

A low rumble resonates through my chest, and Edna’s eyes widen. She knows it’s my bear protesting and hurries to add, “If Marie is your mate, you’ll find your way back to each other, Mav.”

I clutch the arms of the chair I’m sitting in so tight that I feel the wood crack under the pressure of my fists. My skin is prickling with the urge to change.

“You don’t know that, Edna.” My voice comes out low and gravelly. “What if she isn’t safe? What if…”

I can’t even bring myself to voice the dark fears that haunt me. The nightmares of Marie hurt or in danger, far from my protection. It’s enough to drive a man insane.

Edna raises a hand, interrupting me. “Marie is safe, Maverick. That has always been my priority.”

The fierce glint in her eyes reminds me of Marie’s strength. I take a deep inhale, my eyes never leaving the old woman’s. ThenI rake a trembling hand through my overlong, unkempt hair, almost pulling it at the roots.

“Fine. I’ll wait.” The words taste like ashes on my tongue. Every cell in my body rebels at the thought of more time without my omega. But I force myself to continue. “But you have to promise me something.”

Edna’s eyes are intent on me.

“Promise you’ll let me know if you think she needs me.”

She nods again, her warm eyes going soft. “Of course, Maverick. You’ll be the first to know.”

It’s not enough, not nearly enough. But it’s all I have. This tiny thread of hope that someday, someway, I’ll find my way back to Marie.

Until then, I’ll endure. I’ll cling to the memory of her in my arms, her sweet scent, her breathy sighs as I claimed her. I’ll let that perfect night sustain me through the lonely days and endless nights till she returns to me.

* * *

MARIE

I push a lock of hair behind my ear. My blond ombré coloring is long gone. And I haven’t straightened or tied my heavy brown curls in one of my neat, professional buns in months.

I apply foundation over the bags under my eyes. The dark circlesare a testimony of everything I’ve been going through since I left Maverick. The heartache, morning sickness, worry and guilt…

My hand shakes as I brush the concealer over my pale skin. I barely recognize the woman staring back at me in the mirror. She looks haunted, fragile in a way I’ve never allowed myself to be. But that’s what losing your mate does to you, I suppose. It strips you bare, leaves you raw and aching.

I’ve been hiding in my family’s mountain cabin in Alaska. I used to come here every year with my parents for hibernation. That was before. Before they died in that horrible car accident. A stupid trucker who didn’t respect his rest schedule fell asleep at the wheel and crashed into them. They were coming back from a date night, and Gran was baby-sitting me. I lost so much that night. Their love, their protection, all the things they had left to teach me, to pass along. Gran did her best. She’s an amazing woman, and I’m extremely blessed to have had her. But my parents’ death left a gaping hole in my heart. One that will never heal.

And now, I’ve gone and torn it open all over again. By running from the one man who made me feel whole. Safe. Cherished.

I still don’t know if fleeing from Maverick was the right thing to do. But it’s been months, and he hasn’t shown up. I’m not that hard to find. Not for someone with his means.

Maybe Gran was right. Maybe it was just his bear imprinting on the closest available omega. Maybe I imagined the depth of feeling I saw in his eyes that night, the reverence in his touch.

Or maybe I’m just a coward.

---