Page 30 of Claimed By Her Bear

“Thanks!” She spun around and placed it down then rushed out the door. There were plenty of shops in between the hardware store and the Lick and Bite. She lifted her chin and breathed in. She’d follow her nose to find her mate.

* * *

“You have such a glow to you,” the cashier mentioned.

Shekita took her change and receipt and slid it into her jeans pocket. She had left Ryan at the shop alone so she could run and get a few things. She didn’t know how she didn’t have handles for the cabinets behind the checkout counter. Thankfully, there was a hardware store within walking distance from the shop. Today she had let the other guys leave early since they were now putting the finishing touches on the project. Ryan had volunteered to do last-minute cleaning while she ran for the simple items they needed.

“Why thank you, but I don’t think I have a glow to me.” She chuckled.

The older woman’s smooth brown skin was marred by the wrinkles surrounding her eyes and her mouth. Her salt-and-pepper hair was pulled back away from her face in a bun. She was one who smiled and laughed often.

“Oh, you most certainly do have a glow to you.” The cashier’s tag displayed the name: Linda. She held a twinkle in her eyes, leaned on the counter, and rested her chin in her hand. “You look like someone who is in love.”

Was she that obvious?

She must be.

That morning when she’d arrived at the shop, the guys had noticed something different, too. They couldn’t put their finger on it. They’d hounded her until she had to come clean on where she had been. She shared with them that not only did she meet someone, but that she was a bear shifter and they were fated mates.

She would have never thought she would be in a relationship again. Bobbie had taught her a valuable lesson. One that she would always hold near and dear to her heart.

Love doesn’t hurt.

“You can tell that just by looking at me?” Shekita tried to hold back her grin, but it broke through. She couldn’t remember a time where she was so happy. Tonight she would get to meet Pola’s family. Butterflies already filled her stomach at the thought of meeting her new in-laws. Even though Pola had assured her they would love her and wouldn’t care that she was human, Shekita was worried.

“I sure can.” Linda smirked. “Go ahead and tell me I’m right. You, my dear, are in love.”

Linda slapped the counter and barked a hefty laugh. Shekita rolled her eyes, a giggle escaping her. She couldn’t lie to the lady.

“Maybe I am,” she teased.

Linda’s laughter grew. Shekita couldn’t help but join her. Linda’s good nature and laughter were infectious.

“Well, anyone who puts a smile like that on your face is a keeper. You have a wonderful day, my dear,” Linda said.

“Thanks, you, too.” Shekita hefted up the bag and gave the woman a wave, leaving the store. Breathing in the fresh air, she couldn’t help but remain in her good mood. There were a few stores she wanted to sneak into before returning back to the Lick And Bite. She wanted to find Mrs. Prime a gift.

Shekita strolled down the main road, oblivious to her surroundings. She was floating on cloud nine while window shopping. She stopped in front of a home goods store and took in the display behind the glass. She pressed her nose to it and decided she’d go inside. There was a nice vase that caught her eye, and she thought it would be perfect for Mrs. Prime. Stepping back, she spun around and froze in place.

Bobbie stood ten feet from her.

“You’ve ignored my phone calls and text messages,” Bobbie said. She was dressed in her signature jeans, sleeveless tank top, and boots.

Shekita inhaled sharply. After her appearance at her home, she had blocked Bobbie’s number.

Shekita had hoped that Bobbie would just leave her alone, but apparently, Bobbie was still the same old possessive woman.

You’re not going to have your fucking bodyguard around at all times, Shekita.

Shekita swallowed hard. She glanced around and took in people minding their own business, cars driving by. Bobbie wouldn’t try anything crazy in public.

Would she?

“There is nothing for us to say. I’ve moved on,” Shekita replied, finally finding her voice. She tightened her grip on her bag and took a step away from Bobbie.

“You don’t get to just ignore me. You think you’ve moved on, but I told you that you will always belong to me.” Bobbie strode forward and gripped her arm.

Shekita winced and tried to pull away.

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