Page 20 of Claimed By Her Bear

“Thanks.” She wasn’t sure he’d heard her when he went back to his work. She headed toward the rear of the store in search of her friend. She might as well make good on her lie. It would look weird if she just turned around and left.

She picked up on male voices, but she followed her nose and found Saffron in her office.

“Need some help with that?” Pola asked.

“Oh, my goodness. You scared the shit out of me,” Saffron swung around with wide eyes. She was stretching high, trying to hang a picture on her wall. She barked a laugh and waved Pola over. “One of these days, I’m going to put bells on you and your sister.”

Pola grinned and dropped her purse on a cushiony chair sitting by the door. The office was coming to life. Saffron was putting her mark on her domain. The office was homey yet functional with a splash of vivid colors. From a bright, hot-pink focus wall to softer variations spread throughout the office. With the bold furniture Shekita had crafted and softer feminine colors, it was perfect for Saffron.

“Well, we just need you to fix your hearing.” Pola snickered. She lifted the picture and leaned her head against the wall to find where the hook should deposit. “You know it would be easier if you had a fork. It will help drastically.”

“A fork?”

“Yes, a fork. Don’t look at me like that,” Pola said. She could feel her friend’s gaze on her. “I saw it online. Using a fork will help. Google it.” She finally found where the backing of the painting was. It slid on the hook. She stepped back and tried to straighten it. “How’s that?”

“A smidge to the left.” Saffron moved back farther and eyed her handiwork. “A little more. There!” Her friend broke out in a wide smile.

“Wow, the shop is looking amazing.” Pola turned around and walked over to the chair where her purse was. She picked it up and took a seat.

“Isn’t it. The truck just arrived with the furniture for the dining area.” Saffron hopped up on her desk and eyed Pola suspiciously. “Not that I’m happy to see you, but what’s up?”

“Can’t a girl just stop by and see her bestie?” Pola tried to look innocent, but from the doubt on Saffron’s face, she was failing.

Miserably.

“Sure, but I’m going to go out on a limb and say it was a certain contractor you were looking for. I’m just the second choice.”

“What?” Pola gasped dramatically. “You would never be second choice for me.”

She batted her eyelashes and clutched her purse to her chest. She was putting on an Oscar-award-winning performance. How dare her friend not think she was coming to see her.

“Pola.”

“Okay, yes, I was coming to see her.” Pola slumped back. She felt like a stalker who had lost their target. She eyed her friend. “Am I that obvious?”

“Very, but I’m sad to report that Shekita left hours ago.” Saffron’s face softened. A small smile slid onto her lips. “Would it help if I told you she said she was heading home early.”

Pola sat up abruptly. She grinned and flew across the room. She swept Saffron up in a hug, setting her laughing friend down. Of course her friend would help her.

“Thanks. Gotta go.”

* * *

Pola’s bear was on a mission. Once Pola had arrived home, she had to keep her promise to her bear. The plan had been to go for a quick run, return home to shower, then hop in her car and head to Shekita’s. She had stopped by the farmer’s market after leaving Saffron’s shop. She had picked up two meals, a bottle of wine, and a dessert.

Everything she would need to woo her mate on a first date.

But instead of a quick run in her bear form, her bear had other plans for them. They traveled long and far.

Where are we going?Pola asked.

Mate.

Wait, what?Pola gasped. She couldn’t believe her beast.You turn around this instant. We were going to Shekita’s house when we returned. I have presents for her back at home.

Her animal didn’t reply. The bear took off at a full run. The animals of the forest scurried away. The only sound around was that of her large animal trampling through the woods. Pola tried to take back over, but her animal had the nerve to push her back.

Mate.

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