Page 19 of Charmed and Dangerous

The bell over the door jingled, and she smiled, a greeting that faded as she saw who came in. Felicia Borges, without the green boils. But the woman was spitting mad, her eyes filled with venom as she glared at Maeve.

“All alone, dear, in this pathetic excuse for a potions’ shoppe? I’m not surprised. After Saturday’s fiasco at the festival, I doubt anyone will shop here anymore.”

Maeve reminded herself that this woman had no power over her and to be strong, as Saul often told her. She arched her eyebrow. “I see you figured out your little problem. Burdock or Devil’s Elm?”

Felicia spat. “It doesn’t matter. Our healer handled it rather quickly. But I know you were behind it. A little jealousy spell,was it? Not that it will matter. Saul will never be yours. He needs a female of his own kind if he wants to lead the clan.”

“I believe that’s his choice, and he isn’t interested in you.” Maeve was proud that her voice was strong and unwavering, even as her insides shook like Jello.

Felicia only smiled and leaned over the counter until she was in Maeve’s face. “You can continue to believe that all you want, little mouse. But the reality is, his father is passing on the clan leader role and will only hand it over to a male who is mated to another bear. A strong female bear. Not a little scared human mouse like you who can barely do any magic or potions. You’re weak, pathetic. Not worthy of a male like Saul.”

“That is his decision. And his father liked me just fine.”

“I’m sure he did. You’re a fun plaything, like a toy. But he’ll tire of you, having to protect you, defend you. His children will be weak, unable to shift. He’ll come back to me when he needs to lead his clan and defend them against other clans. You are only a liability. A weak little mouse.” She straightened, trying a different tack. “Let him go for the good of his clan, for the good of the children he will have. Find another pathetic human to marry or whatever you do. He deserves better than you. He will resent you someday for trapping him.”

She turned and swept out of the shoppe with a quiet snick of the door. It would have been so much easier if she had slammed the door. But reminding Maeve of their children, the mixed-blood, the dangers that they could face. That was brilliant on her part. Very strategic. And a bullseye. Damn her.

She had had a glorious weekend with Saul. He gave her courage and a weekend to remember. But it was time they both found partners more suited to their lifestyles.

It had beena long day at the bakery. First, he’d had to deal with the teasing from his sister about the hickey on his neck. That was all right because it was a sign that Maeve marked him. All shifters sported marks from their mates and loved to show them off. But he could do without the sarcasm, the questions about when to schedule the mating ceremony, and when he was going to introduce her officially to the clan.

Because that was a potential issue and Sacha knew it.

Maeve was still his little mouse. She had met part of the clan yesterday and, while it wasn’t a disaster, it wasn’t a success either. She had stayed to herself and his immediate family, clearly overwhelmed by the clan. His sister pointed out that she only needed time to get used to them and their ways. Bears were friendly and loud and affectionate. Maeve came from a very small, reserved family, and the clan clearly freaked her out. They needed more time to acclimate her to the clan before completing the mating. But he had confidence she could grow into it. She had inner reserves of strength. She just needed to open herself to it.

Then the day got worse. Felicia Borges swept in on her broom. No insult to witches intended. She declared that a mating between them should be decided soon to unite their clans. Their fathers had talked, and it was all decided. For the strength of their clans, it was for the best.

Yeah, that wasn’t going to happen.

He kicked her out and went back to pounding dough to vent his frustrations. Good thing his father stayed away from the bakery most of the day. He didn’t need that confrontation that day.

By the end of the day, he was ready for a break from the family and time with Maeve. His bear found her presence soothing and peaceful, something he needed as an alpha. Also, the longer he went without a mate, the more on edge his bear had been growing restless from being alone. Unfortunately, he wasn’t going to get lucky. Just as he was about to close the bakery, his father lumbered in. Saul took a deep breath and prayed to Ursa for patience.

“I didn’t expect to see you today. We’re out of almost everything since we’re closing in five minutes. What can I get you?”

“I’m not here for baked goods, though Sacha left a loaf of sourdough in the back for us.”

Saul went in the back and scowled when he saw the loaf and a smiley face on the post-it note. Traitor. She could have at least warned him. He poured them each a cup of coffee and brought it out to the table for his father. He flipped the open sign to closed and locked up, then sat across from his father.

“What did you need to talk to me about away from mother?”

His father grimaced. “This conversation stays between us, understand? Your mother would not be happy that I was here, interfering, as she would call it.”

Saul had an uncomfortable feeling in the pit of his stomach. “Then why are you here?”

“Because I’m ready to retire as alpha of the clan, and I need to know you’re ready to take over. But lately you’ve been growing more and more isolated, more on edge. I worry about your bear. You need a mate.”

He heaved a sigh of relief. He could settle those fears, at least. “I’ve found my mate.”

His father eyed him doubtfully. “The witch? Are you sure, son? She seemed scared of the clan, of bears. How can she be your mate and lead the clan if she is afraid of us?”

He hated his father was voicing the same concerns he had. “She isn’t used to our clan. She comes from a very different family. She needs time to get used to us. She used to be afraid of me and now she isn’t. I believe she’ll be fine.”

“Are you sure it’s not the love potion affecting you?”

He growled, his bear resenting the challenge. “I felt the bond before the contest. Ask Sacha. She’s the one who thought we were mates first. Or would you prefer me mated to Felicia Borges?”

His father grimaced. “No, that female is a viper. She’d destroy our clan. I just want you to find the right mate and be happy.”

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