Page 17 of Claimed By Her Bear

Some shifters went their entire lives without ever finding their destined mate. Those who wanted companionship may take a mate of convenience. They may even grow to care for their partner, but it would never be the love of a fated mate.

“Did she reject you?” Saffron asked softly.

Pola winced at her words. She didn’t want to think what would have happened if Shekita had rejected her. Pola wouldn’t be able to force a mating on her. That went against the laws of all shifters.

She hadn’t said no. Which was a good thing. Pola didn’t know how she would have reacted if Shekita had shunned her. Shekita had asked for time. Now that Pola had found her, she would give her all the time she needed. In the meanwhile, Pola needed to find a way to woo her mate. She needed to make sure Shekita understood that Pola would always care for her, love her, provide for her, and protect her.

“What did my sister do to convince you to mate with her?” Pola asked. She needed to pick Saffron’s brain, and maybe her friend could help her win Shekita over.

“To be honest, I was interested in your sister. I know I didn’t tell you this, but I went over to her house and took her some wine.” Saffron sat back with a bashful look on her face. “So honestly, when we realized we were mates, it was easy to accept. It explained the attraction between us. Everything just felt so natural.”

“That’s beautiful,” Lola said. She reached out and took Saffron’s hand in hers. She gave it a big squeeze and offered up a smile.

“One thing I can say is you are going to have to get to know her. Get her to open up and talk. Maybe she’s just getting out of a bad situation. If that is the case, then it will be hard for her to trust you.”

Pola would have her work cut out for her. She would be willing to do what she must to win Shekita over. She would take her out so they could have a first date. This would allow them to get to know each other and spend time together that was not in the bed.

No naked wrestling in the bed until they truly knew each other. Pola bit back a sigh. This would be extremely hard. Her mate’s body was a temptation, and the sweetness between her thighs would be a weakness she would have to sacrifice.

Her bear growled low. It would appear she didn’t agree with the plan.

This has to be, Pola said.We don’t want to scare her off. Just have some patience.

Her bear stopped her pacing and plopped down. She would pout but she recognized the importance of possibly losing their mate.

We are going to woo our mate and win not only her trust but her heart.

* * *

“You and the guys have fun?” Troy asked.

Shekita shoved her fork in her mouth and chewed her food extremely slowly. It was Sunday, the day they were to have a family dinner. Her mother, Jolinda Harper, did not disappoint. She had made all of Shekita’s favorite dishes. Smothered chicken with gravy, mashed potatoes, greens, cornbread, and a cream cheese pound cake for dessert.

Shekita was in heaven.

The only problem was they were sitting at the family dining table and all eyes were on her. She finished chewing and reached for her drink in an attempt to stall. There was no way she was telling the entire truth with her parents within earshot.

“Yeah, we had a lot of fun. I think a night out was what we all needed. You should have joined us.” She took a long pull of her drink, setting the glass back down.

“You didn’t go with them?” their father, James, asked. He wiped his mouth with a napkin, dropping it on the table. He raised an eyebrow at Troy. “If it was a reward, the owner of the company should have attended and paid for everything.”

“I know, and I really would have loved to go, but I was at a dinner meeting myself.” Troy’s lips slid into a wide grin.

Shekita could already feel he had some news for them. Hopefully, this was the change in subject she needed. Troy wiped his mouth with his napkin and tossed her a wink.

“Is that so? For what? A new project?” Shekita asked.

It was like her brother to keep their company busy. He was making name for them, and more and more businesses were calling them to arrange consults.

“Don’t leave us hanging, son. What is it?” their mother exclaimed.

Chuckles went around the table at her enthusiasm.

“I had the opportunity to meet with the alpha of the Brown Claw. Eddie has heard such good things about us, and she visited the shop we are currently remodeling. She’s interested in us renovating their clan hall. It hasn’t been updated since it was built. This is going to be a huge job.” Troy sat back, pride showing on his face.

“Troy, that is amazing!” Shekita clapped. She was so proud of her brother. A job this big would mean that their entire crew would be needed, and there would be a nice-sized pay. She returned to her food as their parents bombarded him with questions.

Doing a job for the Brown Claw would definitely put their company on the map. Shekita sighed, thinking of her bear shifter. Shekita didn’t know when Pola had become her bear, but it did have a nice ring to it.

---