Page 2 of Claimed By Her Bear

“Okay, now I’m ready,” Saffron announced.

“You might want to fix your hair.” Pola giggled. She rolled down the windows slightly. It was a beautiful spring day, and she loved to have the fresh air flowing in through the windows. She also wasn’t going to admit she could scent her friend’s slight hint of arousal. Saffron would be mortified. Even though they had grown up together and Saffron was used to shifters, she would still be horrified that Pola could pick up her reaction to Dasha.

“Oh, goodness.” Saffron pulled down the visor and fixed her thick hair.

Pola threw the car in gear and guided the vehicle down their long driveway. Dasha’s cabin was located deep in the woods on the side of the mountain. Only few people knew exactly where she and Saffron lived. Dasha was a very private person and had the cabin built away from civilization.

It didn’t take long for them to reach their destination. Pola slowed her car as she drove down the street looking for a parking spot. There were a few trucks parked out front of the Lick or Bite. A small sedan eased out of a spot, and Pola snagged it before anyone else could. They exited her car and strode down the sidewalk toward the shop.

The building, luckily enough, didn’t have much structure damage. Her friend had poured her life savings into opening this business when she’d decided to move home. Pola was happy that she’d had insurance on the place so she could reopen. The ice cream shop had been a staple in their childhood. Pola could remember many times she’d begged her parents for money so she could go get ice cream.

“She looks great, doesn’t she?”

“They do seem like they are ahead. I wouldn’t have imagined they would have made such progress.”

They arrived outside the front of the establishment. The windows were covered with brown paper, and the door was open with music blasting from inside.

“Come on in. Since we were starting from scratch, I made a few changes to the setup.” Saffron waved her in.

Pola followed her into the store, immediately hit with the smell of fresh paint and wood. She grimaced at the sound of the machinery filling the air.

“When can you start moving things in?” she asked.

They walked through the storefront and headed toward the back.

“I’m going to wait until they finish. I’m still unsure how I want to decorate and what theme I’ll have in here.” Saffron leaned against the wall, studying the area where the men were working. “Would you go shopping with me?”

“Of course. Just let me know when. You know how much I love shopping.” Pola rested against the opposite one and took in her friend. “So, tell me. How are you really doing being back here?”

Saffron stiffened for a moment, exhaling loudly. What had happened here had been traumatizing for her. Pola still couldn’t believe she had almost lost her best friend.

“I’m okay. It was rough coming back here at first, but I’m not a quitter. This is my business. It’s my baby, and I can’t have my fear holding me back. What Bishop did was—”

“I know. You don’t have to say any more.” Pola took Saffron’s hands in hers.

They had been close since they’d been in elementary school, and there wasn’t anything Pola wouldn’t do for Saffron. Had she had the chance, her bear would have gone on the attack to defend her, but luckily enough, Dasha had been there.

“I didn’t mean to make you upset.”

“It’s okay.” Saffron wiped her eyes with the back of her hand. She barked a laugh. “I try not to think about it. But I promised Dasha I would take it one day at a time. That’s sort of my excuse for asking you to come here with me, so I could have someone with me.”

“Anytime. I don’t mind stopping by if you need me.” Pola rubbed Saffron’s shoulder. She meant every word. They had been through so much together, and she wouldn’t hesitate to be by her side. “So, those two handsome men over there working, are they single?”

This time, Saffron’s laugh was genuine.

“Mike and Rudy are both happily married,” Saffron said. She pushed off the wall. “Let me show you the rest of the place before you go.”

“Are you sure you will be okay if I leave? I can call and—”

“No, I’ll be fine. Dasha will be here later. I have a few errands that are within walking distance.”

Pola nodded and shadowed Saffron around the rest of the shop. She was really impressed with the work the company had done so far. The Lick and Bite was going to be a cool, hip ice cream shop that the town was going to love once again.

At least the scent of smoke was no longer lingering in the air. Pola trailed behind her friend, her gaze scanning the place. A few men were working on putting the plaster on the walls. The setup had changed. It almost appeared larger than before.

“Why does it seem bigger?” Pola asked.

“We pushed this wall back to give us more room out here. I want to have more tables for people to be able to sit. I figured in the winter we can have some events for the kids, offer hot cocoa. Things to get people out once the snow hits.”

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