Page 65 of Flare
“I’ve always liked her,” Mom added, running water in the sink for the pots that wouldn’t fit in the dishwasher.“I remember when she worked at Justin’s restaurant. She’s smart. And seems resilient.”
Ward rolled his eyes, knowing where this was heading.“Way to play investigative journalist, Mom. Just ask me whatever it is you want to know.”
She grinned at him.“Now, Eddie, that wouldn’t be any fun,” she chided with a laugh.
“I noticed you couldn’t keep your eyes off her.” Dad turned on the faucet to fill the sink, then leaned against the counter, crossing his arms.“Is she the one? What does your bear think of her?”
Ward continued loading the dishwasher while he considered how to answer. His parents had always been straightforward about shifter matters, even though his mother was an Ordinary human.
“Yeah, she’s the one,” he admitted at last.“My bear’s been interested in her ever since high school. But it’s complicated.”
“Because of this Andrew person?” Mom asked.“Elle told me how he tore that cabin apart. It’s going to cost at least five grand to repair or replace all the things he ruined.”
“Five grand, on top of breaking in and stealing Emily’s laptop… that puts him in felony burglary territory right off,” Dadinterjected, elbows deep in soapy water but still a lawyer to the core.“Andrew Brunborn could be sentenced to ten years in prison… once we catch him.”
“We should be so lucky.” Ward grabbed a dish towel and began drying the first of the pots his dad handed him.“Anyhow, Mom, yeah, she’s been through a lot with him. Emily needs time.”
Mom nodded thoughtfully.“That’s understandable. But what about you? How is your bear handling it?”
“I’m trying to be patient,” Ward said, shrugging.“I mean, what else can I do?”
“That’s not what your mom asked,” Dad pointed out mildly.“She asked how you and your bear are handling the situation.”
Ward straightened and faced his parents. They both looked concerned.
“Okay, it’s hard,” he admitted.“My bear wants to claim her, to make sure everyone knows she’s ours. But Emily isn’t ready for that. She asked for time, and I’m giving it to her. But—” He broke off, frustrated.
“But bears aren’t known for patience,” Mom finished for him with a wry smile.
“No,” Ward agreed.“Things haven’t been… easy.”
Dad clapped him on the shoulder.“I know how overwhelming it can be when your bear recognizes its mate. The instinct to claim, to protect, to possess—it’s powerful. But remember, claiming has to be mutual, no matter what your bear thinks.”
“Iknowthat,” Ward said defensively. He added,“I’m not gonna act like that asshole Andrew. Emily didn’t know he was ashifter when he mated her. And then he got all possessive and controlling with her. I don’t want to be like that.”
“Good.” Dad nodded approvingly.“Because it’s the human side’s responsibility to rein in the bear’s impulses. Especially when your potential mate is human and doesn’t understand the power of a mating bond.”
“Don’t worry, Dad. I’m not like Andrew.” Ward’s tone was sharper than he’d intended.
“I didn’t say you were,” Dad said calmly.“But every shifter faces the same challenge—balancing the animal and human sides. And for Ordinary mates, that balance is critical.”
Mom intervened, her voice gentle.“Eddie, your father isn’t questioning your character. He’s just reminding you of something he’s struggled with himself.”
Ward’s anger deflated as quickly as it had risen.“I know. I’m sorry. I’m just…” He trailed off, unsure how to articulate the tumult of emotions he’d been experiencing since Emily entered his life.
“You’re in love with her,” Mom said simply.“And your bear’s mating instincts are complicating things.”
Trust Mom to hit the nail on the head.“Exactly.”
“For what it’s worth,” Mom continued,“I think the signs look positive. Emily clearly likes and trusts you. And she moved into your place. Those aren’t small things for someone who’s been hurt the way she has.”
Dad nodded in agreement.“Your mother’s right. Just give it time. A successful mating is more than just chemistry or fate—it’s a lifelong partnership.”
Ward sighed and voiced a fear he’d barely acknowledged to himself.“What if she never wants what I want? What if my bear seals a mating bond with her, and then someday she leaves me like she left Andrew?” The idea sent a physical pain through his chest.“I mean, she’s an Ordinary. She’ll never experience a mating bond like we do.”
Dad scowled at him.“From what Maggie told us, Andrew drove his mate away by being an abusive asshole. That hasnothingto do with the mating bond and everything to do with him being a terrible person.”
“Your father’s right,” Mom said firmly.“And I take offense at the implication that humans can’t form bonds as strong as shifters.” She brandished a soapy carving fork at Ward.“I may not feel your father’s mating bond the way he does, but our commitment is unbreakable.”
