Page 29 of Claimed By Her Bear

Pola was so excited to introduce her mate to her family.

Once in her car, she had to lay off the gas so hard. It wouldn’t do her any good to get pulled over and get a ticket. She rolled the windows down and allowed the air to flow through her vehicle. The music was blasting, and she was singing along with it.

Her life was perfect.

She arrived at the Lick and Bite and couldn’t find a parking spot near it. She drove a little farther down the road and finally found somewhere to park. It was a lovely day, and she wouldn’t mind the small walk. She had been in the office all day, and it would do her some good to stretch her legs out.

Grabbing the envelope she was to deliver, she locked up her car and began her trek along the sidewalk. The sun’s warm rays shined down, caressing her skin. She’d worn a calf-length sundress with sandals. Her bare arms soaked up the sun.

“Hey, Pola!” a familiar voice shouted.

She glanced across the street. Nick and Sega stood on the corner.

“Hey, guys!” She waved to them. They were two of the enforcers for their clan. She paused her walk at the sight of them jogging across the street toward her. “How’s it going?”

“That’s what we are coming to ask you.” Nick laughed.

“We hear congratulations are in order,” Sega’s deep voice boomed. He slapped her on the shoulder, and she jerked forward from his strength. Sometimes her bigger male counterparts forgot how strong they were.

“Thank you.” Pola was sure there was a wide, silly grin on her face. She collapsed the envelope to her chest in her folded arms.

“We are having a party, right?” Nick asked.

“I’m not sure, but that would be fun. We haven’t had a good ol’-fashioned mating reception in a while,” Pola mused. Her sister hadn’t wanted one. She was too much of an introvert and private. Saffron hadn’t minded.

It could be fun.

“You know what, I’ll mention it to my mate and see what she says.” Pola added this to her growing list of things that she and Shekita needed to discuss.

“I can’t wait to meet your mate. Don’t be shy. Bring her around,” Sega said.

“I will.” She offered them a wave and continued her journey. Her bear was quite anxious to see their mate again. Pola put a little more pep in her step and hurried to the ice cream shop.

She arrived and swung open the door. As always, the music was blaring when she stepped foot inside. The construction crew were working on the final details. Tables and chairs were positioned around the establishment. The countertops sparkled, and the artwork on the walls was bright and welcoming. There were a few standing refrigerators that would allow patrons to come and purchase prepackaged ice cream and other frozen desserts.

Pola grew excited for her friend. The reopening of the Lick and Bite would be epic.

A tall man with a baseball cap came from out the back. A work belt lined with tools rested low on his waist.

“Can I help—oh, aren’t you Shekita’s mate?” He offered her a wide grin. He walked from behind the purchase counter.

“I am,” Pola responded. Pride filled her at the thought of her mate mentioning her. She couldn’t wait to go around introducing her mate to everyone she knew. Maybe they should think of having a party. She was sure her mother would love that idea.

“I’m Ryan.” He held his hand out for her.

She took his in a firm handshake.

“She’s been talking about you all day,” he said.

“Is that so?” Pola’s cheeks were hurting from all of her grinning. She inhaled, picking up on her mate’s scent. It was fleeting and not as strong as it should be if she were there. “Where is she?”

“She left to run to the hardware store. She should have been back by now.” He took his cap off and raked his fingers through his hair before replacing it.

Pola laughed. Her mate was nervous about meeting her family. Maybe she had stopped to pick up a gift for her parents. She had been inquiring on what they liked and that she didn’t want to arrive at their home empty-handed.

“You mind if I leave this here? I’m going to see if I can find her.” Pola waved the envelope in the air.

“Not at all. Just drop it on the counter.”

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