Page 27 of Bearly Mated

“Hi, Wren. This is Hudson Claw.”

She let out a long breath. “What happened?”

“Callie tried to lie to me about you not being mated to Reed and having his son. She’s a terrible liar.”

“That’s not a bad thing,” Wren shot back. “You know she’s always honest.”

“I know, and I love that about her. But Reed’s one of my roommates, and he had no idea about the baby. He’s brought you up so damn many times, I’m confident he didn’t know. I told him, and he’s on his way back right now. If that bastard does anything except apologize profusely, I’ll bash his fucking head in. He won’t take your son, but they deserve to know each other. Growing up as a bear shifter without that support would be hell.”

She was silent for a moment before she finally said, “Thanks for the warning.”

“No problem. Sorry to spring it on you.”

“Can I talk to Callie?”

“Yep.” I handed the phone over, and Callie lifted it to her ear.

“I’m so sorry,” she said immediately. “I accidentally told him that your son puked on me, and he asked so many questions that my lies were useless.”

I heard Wren laugh softly on the other end of the phone. “It’s not your fault. I knew something like this would happen eventually, and I don’t blame you for it. Don’t feel guilty, okay?”

“Okay.” She sighed. “But call me when you see him. Or text me. Iwillkick him in the balls at your command. Hudson won’t let him kill me for it.”

“Thanks, Callie. I love you. Have fun reconnecting with him, okay? You know I’ll keep you updated.”

“Alright, I love you too. Good luck.”

They hung up, and Callie tucked her phone back into her pocket.

She glared at me. “You’ve always been the morality police. You were the only one willing to tell Jenna Kaper when Gordon Unders was cheating on her during junior year.”

“Some secrets need to come out. Cheating is always one of them.” I put my hands on her hips, pulling her closer. “Bears might be bastards, but we’re loyal bastards.

Callie’s eyes remained narrowed. “If this causes me permanent problems with my best friend, I will never move on.”

“If it does, I’ll bring her flowers and chocolates for your sake until she agrees to forgive you.”

“You’re ridiculous.” She pushed away from my chest, and I let her go.

“Are you ready to see my house?”

“I guess. Did you let the clan know that we… you know… so they could set up the next doctor’s appointment?”

“I told them I made you mine, yes.” I took her hand, parting her fingers with mine. She was hesitant at first, but finally squeezed mine lightly as I led her to my truck. “They reminded me to ask if we can schedule a few moreappointmentsover the next few days, just to make sure it sticks.”

Her face reddened as I opened my truck’s door for her.

I chuckled. “Eventually, you won’t be so embarrassed by the fact that we’re screwing.”

“We were only together last night. I’d hardly say that counts asscrewing.”

“Is that a challenge?” I lifted an eyebrow at her. “Because I’m not the one who turned down morning sex. I’ve been dying to get my mouth on you again since I woke up.”

She flushed redder. “I thought you were going to leave me.”

“I couldn’t leave if I wanted to, Cal. And I don’t want to.”

“I’m starting to believe that.”

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