Page 47 of Hers to Call
Oh God, she felt amazing. Revitalized. Instead of sleeping, she wanted to shower and go down to his amazing kitchen and play with dough. Her mind was clear, the fog she’d lived with for years, gone.
Simon growled in her ear before nipping the skin underneath. “I can feel your happiness.”
She hummed in answer. He chuckled and pulled from her. His kiss was slow, lazy after the frantic pace of their sex. They took turns showering each other, their hands playful, and the kisses leisurely. Her mood was buoyed, her steps light as she left his bathroom to change.
Less than an hour later, Calita came down in a long comfortable skirt and a loose white tank top. She wasn’t sure of the dress code for clan day, but she figured since it would be outside, she wanted to be comfortable. Becca was cutting vegetables near the sink. She gave Calita a cursory glance and went back to her task.
“Is there anything I can do to help?”
“It’s sort of a potluck, so you can make anything you’d like to.”
That made perfect sense with the amount of bears she was sure would attend. She wandered around the kitchen to see what type of ingredients Simon, or rather Becca, kept in the kitchen. She knew the bears all had a sweet tooth, a couple easy to make desserts would be her contribution. All of the ingredients were there, so Calita got started. She and Becca worked in silence. It wasn’t weighted, not so far as she could tell, so she relaxed and enjoyed the quiet. She was an only child, silence never bothered her.
“I love this kitchen so much,” Calita said more to herself as she started the mixer. “I imagine you’re responsible for all the appliances being in here.”
Becca snorted. “If it were up to Simon, or any of the enforcers for that matter, this kitchen would be full of barbecue spices and frozen foods.”
“Hey, I resent that,” Simon said as he entered the kitchen. He kissed the side of Calita’s neck.
Her body hummed and she wished they were alone. “Are you here to help cook?”
“Well…”
She chuckled as she finished the batter for the cakes. Despite his reluctance, he did give her a hand. More to say, he tasted batter and icing while she worked. She rolled her eyes as she turned and caught him sticking another spoon into her icing. She popped his hand.
“Stop that,” Calita chided.
He growled and lifted her. She squealed as he tried to take her from the kitchen.
“You have guests!” She giggled.
He turned towards the front door as they heard the sounds of vehicle doors opening and closing. “Saved by my bears.”
Waves of women entered his house moments later, bringing their noise with them. They were carrying trays of food, with male bears behind them carrying the heavier containers. Calita watched from the refrigerator where Simon had deposited her and stayed out of their way since she didn’t have anything else to do. She waved as some of the women greeted her with more than a few curious looks.
“Calita,” Selena greeted her with a huge hug. “Are you okay, is Simon treating you okay?”
Conversation paused and all eyes turned to them.
“You’re staying here?” One of the older women asked.
“Of course, the Alpha would want to make sure his mate was okay after the accident.” Another chimed in.
“You poor thing,” A woman came and guided her into a chair at the island. “You shouldn’t be up. There are enough hands around here to help.”
“Well, I’ve already made rolls and a cake, all that’s left to do is glaze them.” She pointed to the oven timer.
“I can help, grandmother.” Anna, the young woman who’d been helping her in Selena’s kitchen volunteered.
Calita smiled. She waved, happy to see her. “I’m perfectly capable of doing it.”
Selena passed her a knife and a bag of oranges with a grin. “Alpha said you had to take it easy.”
“Oh lord, demoted to prep,” Calita said with a smile. She shot Simon a fake look of irritation.
He held his hands up and left the house, a grin on his face.
Her best friend chuckled, but then sobered. “Simon called Nate the other day. He’s looking into the problem you had, you know at the lake…and the others.”
