Page 37 of Grizzly's Grump
Calder laughs. "I was wondering if you were going to notice that. And yes, my mate, I am asking you to marry me and bind yourself to me."
I know it's crazy. We haven't known each other very long, but I feel as though my soul has always been waiting for his. I know this is what I want.
"Yes, Calder Hayes, I will marry you and become bonded to you."
Later that morning, back at the food truck, I’m behind the counter when Marcy Bell strolls up, her eyes scanning the chalkboard menu and then narrowing on me with pointed interest.
“Well, look who’s glowing,” she teases, dropping a five into the tip jar. “Given that Calder is in the very best mood I've ever seen him, I'm going to assume you two finally worked things out between you.”
I snort, passing her a pastry. “You need to stop getting your gossip from Fen.”
June Kessler appears a few minutes later, quiet as ever but with a sharpness in her gaze. “You’re much braver than most women would be—shifter or human,” she murmurs, her eyes flicking toward the tree line. “Calder… he carries more than most realize.”
“His scars?” I ask quietly.
June just nods. “And the ones you can’t see.”
Later, Sawyer swings by with a wink and exaggerated stretch. “So. You finally broke the big guy?”
“More like he finally cracked that grizzly shell open,” I mutter, smiling. “Took him long enough.”
Beau doesn’t say much when he shows—just lingers at the corner of the food truck, watching the woods. He nods at me, eyes sharp and knowing, signaling his approval.
When I'm cleaning up from my morning baking, I see a note folded on the driver's side seat. I unfold it.
Welcome to Redwoods Rise.
You are the one he and the ley lines have waited for. He was wrong about Mary Ann. She was never right, but didn't have the courage to tell him. You will be one with him, and all will be well.
Fen
I've heard the name spoken with reverence. When Calder returns, I corner him behind the truck, heart pounding. “I need to ask you something. I got a note from Fen. She said I needed to ask you about Mary Ann. She said I’m the one the ley lines have been waiting for.” I swallow. “What does that even mean, Calder?”
“It means they’ve chosen you. Just like I did.” He goes still.
“I don’t want secrets between us.”
He exhales as if he’s been holding that breath for years. “She was someone I thought I could save. But I didn’t love her—not like this. Not like you.”
My chest tightens. “So why did it matter so much?”
“Because I failed her. We failed each other, and I didn't see it in time, although Fen tried to warn me. It made me think I’d fail everyone after. Especially you.”
"June seemed to think I was brave..."
"You are, but some people think our line is cursed. I don't believe that... not anymore."
I snort. "You can't curse a baker—we have too much sugar, butter and vanilla to be cursed." I step into him, placing my hand over his chest. “You can't fail me, Calder. We'll be fine. Hey, I got Marcy to agree to carry some of my baked goods. I can do anything.”
His mouth brushes mine. “Yes, you can. But don't go into the woods alone. There's something about you that is disturbing the ley lines."
I nod. "Fen's note said that I was the one you and the ley lines were waiting for.:
"Well, they'll have to wait a few more centuries. You're mine, and I'm not giving you up.”
We’re still wrapped in that promise and each other's arms when a low rumble rolls in from the woods.
The ground gives a slow, ominous shudder beneath our feet—subtle, but impossible to ignore. A glowing mist begins to seep through the trees, coiling low and hungry, tinged with something unnatural. It slithers forward like it has intent, and the forest holds its breath. Whatever peace we’ve found... the ley lines have other plans.
