Page 23 of Bear to be Wild
We were still connected. Still trapped together.
One more day, I told myself. Just one more day.
But one more day stretched ahead of me like a century. We’d only been bound for two and look what had happened.
I had to figure out how to undo our bondtoday.
Later that morning,Roan trained clients in the studio, and I worked with clients in the spa. In the quiet moments between appointments, I worked furiously to find a way, flipping through grimoires and scribbled notes.
Charlotte sidled up beside me, carrying a stack of fresh towels. “What’s going on, Maribelle? You seem upset.”
I didn’t pause to look up at her because I couldn’t afford to waste time. “Because I keep making one mistake after another.”
She put the towels down on a nearby table. “Meaning?”
“Roan.” I whispered his name, wrestling with regret. “Last night.” I dropped my head into my hands. “I can’t believe I did that, Charlotte. What—is—wrong with me? Why can’t I learn?” I finally met her gaze. “Shifters are all the same. And if I’m foolish enough to take a chance on another one, I’m asking for heartbreak and humiliation all over again.”
Her expression softened, then her eyes glittered with mischief. “You and Roan? Last night?”
“Yes. But that’s not the point.” I glared. “Didn’t you hear me? It was amistake.”
“Or…” She tipped her head and her lips slipped into a lopsided smile. “What if it’s not a mistake? What if it’sexactlywhat you want?”
I leaned backward. “What?”
“I’m serious,” she said with wide, sincere eyes. “What if the spell happened because, deep down, you wanted it to happen?”
I barked out a laugh, one that was sharp and without humor. “Please. I don’t even know him.”
Charlotte shrugged, appearing unconvinced by my denial. “Perhaps subconsciously.”
“Not helping.” I stabbed a finger at the spellbook open on the counter. “If you want to help, help me figure out how to undo the spell. Because I can’t get through another night in the samebed with him and…” My voice lowered and bottom lip trembled. I swallowed and straightened. “Not feel things.”
CHAPTER 12
ROAN
Astrange heat pulsed through my chest, sharp and sudden, like my blood had been set to simmer. My bear surged up, alert, claws flexing inside me. I braced my hands on my knees, breathing hard.
But then it faded.
I straightened slowly, unsettled by the unexpected experience. My bear huffed, restless, as confused as I was.
The glass door of the fitness studio opened. Maribelle stepped inside wearing her spa uniform, her silvery-lavender curls flowing over her shoulders. The scent of vanilla and bergamot drifted in with her, filling me with comforting warmth.
And longing.
My bear moaned in contentment.
Her lips curved into a tight smile. “We did it!”
The hesitation in her eyes and the way she avoided my gaze didn’t match the enthusiasm in her tone.
“Did what?” I asked with wariness.
“Charlotte and I broke the binding spell.” Maribelle gestured between us, back and forth, then made a sharp cutting motion with her hand. “We’re no longer connected.”
Yes, we are, my bear whispered fiercely.
