A Heart to Bear (Bear Creek Forever #4)

Chapter Two – Dougray

“Hey there, beautiful.” Dougray crouched beside Lucy, his experienced hands moving with gentle precision over her swollen belly. The mare, a dappled gray beauty, nuzzled him affectionately, her warm breath tickling his cheek.

“Hey there, girl,” Dougray murmured, his voice soothing. “Let’s see how you’re doing tonight.”

Lucy’s eyes were calm, reflecting trust and an unspoken bond that had formed between them over years of care and attention. As Dougray ran his fingers through her sleek coat, she whickered at him, as if to reassure him she was just fine.

“Good girl,” he whispered, his hand gliding down her side to feel the gentle movements within. The foal was active, its tiny kicks against his palm a reminder of the new life soon to be welcomed into the world.

But then, without warning, an unsettling sensation crept up Dougray’s spine. The hairs on the back of his neck stood on end, and a shiver coursed through his body. He frowned, his fingers pausing in their assessment. Something felt off, though he couldn’t quite place it.

His instincts were rarely wrong.

There is something off, his bear agreed.

“What’s going on, Lucy?” he asked, keeping his voice calm and soothing even though tension threaded through his body.

Was it something with the foal? A complication they hadn’t expected?

I don’t think our senses are that good, his bear said.

You’re right, Dougray replied. So what is it?

Something outside? His bear pushed out his senses, past the confines of the stable. Was there something wrong with one of his parents or his brothers? But he’d never experienced anything like this before, even when Klein broke his arm falling from a ridge.

Lucy nudged him again, as if to reassure him that all was well. Yet, the feeling persisted, growing stronger. Maybe it was the foal.

We do spend more time with the cattle and the horses than we do with people, his bear told him. Maybe we’ve picked up a new sixth sense.

“It’s okay, Gavin will be here soon,” he said quietly, his voice tinged with worry as the world around him started to spin.

But is he going to be treating Lucy or us? his bear asked, pacing anxiously around inside Dougray’s head.

That I don’t know. Dougray couldn’t shake the sense that something beyond his understanding was at play.

Because something beyond our understanding is in play, his bear answered cryptically, as in the distance they sensed a truck approaching the ranch.

Gavin? Dougray turned away from Lucy and stared into the distance, locking onto the truck as it stopped at the gate leading to the ranch.

Someone got out. He could sense them keenly. Someone who wasn’t Gavin.

But Gavin was there, inside the truck.

Gavin isn’t alone, Dougray murmured.

Nope, his bear said happily. Our mate is with him.

Dougray’s heart skipped a beat, his bear’s words echoing in his mind. Our mate? He shook his head, trying to clear the sudden fog of confusion and anticipation that clouded his thoughts.

“Easy now,” he murmured, more to himself than to Lucy

Dougray’s senses remained fixed on the approaching vehicle, heightened to an almost painful degree.

Dougray’s fingers trembled slightly as he continued to stroke Lucy’s side, his mind racing with the implications of his bear’s words. He’d waited so long, hoped for so long, that the possibility of finally meeting his mate left him breathless.

As the truck drew closer, he stepped away from Lucy, unsure of what to do.

Should he go out there and meet her? Or maybe he should stay here and look cool, calm and collected.

You mean the opposite of what you really look like, his bear said somewhat unhelpfully.

But it did the trick.

Dougray exhaled sharply and straightened up. If he were about to meet his mate, he wanted to give a good first impression.

This might be interesting, his bear said.

Do you think she knows about shifters? Dougray asked.

We don’t know, his bear said. So the first words out of your mouth should not be, Hi, I’m Dougray, we’re mates, want to get it on?

Want to get it on? Dougray grimaced. Since when have I ever said that?

Since when have you ever felt like this? His bear chuckled, anticipation threading through his veins as the truck carrying their mate drew closer. But I can sense the turmoil inside you, and that means anything could come out of your mouth.

So true, Dougray agreed, recalling the first time he stepped on stage at kindergarten and blurted out, “Raspberries!” instead of his rehearsed line. He’d never lived that down.

Dougray chuckled at the memory, grateful for the momentary distraction.

They’re here, his bear hissed as the truck slowed to a stop outside the stables.

Dougray tugged at his plaid shirt, smoothing out imaginary wrinkles as the truck’s engine cut off. Then two car doors opened and closed, followed by the crunch of gravel under boots.

He’d never been so nervous. As he ran his hands down his thighs, Lucy nudged him hard on the butt, sending him stumbling forward.

Just as the stable door opened.

Now that is a first impression! His bear chortled as Dougray landed on his knees at the feet of his mate.

“Thanks, Lucy,” Dougray murmured as he looked up into the face of his mate.

“Are you all right there?” His mate hid a smile, but her eyes twinkled with mirth.

“Yep. I was the butt of one of Lucy’s jokes,” Dougray said, as he scrambled to his feet.

“Cute.” His mate hid her smile a little less.

“You’re not Gavin,” Dougray said as he smoothed a hand through his hair.

“Ten out of ten for observation,” she said evenly.

“This is my niece,” Gavin said as he appeared behind her and leaned heavily on the door. “She’s kindly come to help me out. I got sent flying by Old Ma Hinchcliffe’s bull. Hurt my ankle some.”

“I thought Old Ma Hinchcliffe’s bull was a sweetheart,” Dougray said. “Always follows her around like a lost puppy.”

Like we will be doing with our mate, his bear said happily.

“More like a protective guard dog,” Gavin answered. “Usually he’s fine with me, but something spooked him the other day.”

“Are you okay?” Dougray asked.

“Sprained my ankle, the doc says. Makes it awkward to deal with my patients.”

“It’s a good thing you have your niece to help out.” Dougray shifted his gaze to her, trying not to make it too obvious that he was about ready to sweep her off her feet and lay her down in the deep straw bed and…

Focus, his bear barked.

“Are you all right there, Dougray?” Gavin asked. They had known each other for some time, and Gavin often stayed for dinner after a visit to the ranch. “You didn’t hit your head?”

“No, I’m just fine,” Dougray replied with a small laugh.

More than fine, his bear added.

“Oh, sorry, I haven’t introduced you,” Gavin shook his head. “This is my niece, Tammy. Tammy, this is Dougray Thornberg.”

“Good to meet you, Dougray.” Tammy nodded and held up the box of equipment in her hand. “Shall we take a look at the patient?”

Dougray’s hand twitched at his side. He’d hoped to shake her hand, to savor that first electrifying touch. Three of his brothers had found their mates, and each one had described the experience.

Like nothing they had ever felt before. Like their mate touched their very soul.

Dougray nodded, gesturing toward Lucy. “Of course, right this way.” He was hyperaware of Tammy’s presence behind him. Her scent, a mix of antiseptic scrub and something uniquely her, filled his nostrils, making his head spin.

Do not fall at her feet again, his bear commanded.

I do not intend to, Dougray replied, focusing on Lucy, the reason they were here.

“Hello, girl.” Tammy placed the box down on the straw and then held out her hand to Lucy.

Lucy eyed her warily for a moment and then extended her neck, sniffing Tammy’s outstretched hand. After a brief pause, the mare nickered softly and nuzzled against Tammy’s palm.

“Well, aren’t you a sweetheart?” Tammy murmured, her voice soft and comforting as she stroked Lucy’s muzzle gently.

Dougray watched, mesmerized by the easy way Tammy interacted with the mare.

How he would like her to run her hands over his bare skin. Her fingers exploring…

“Is she eating okay? Drinking?” Tammy glanced over her shoulder at Dougray.

Dougray blinked, snapping out of his reverie. “Uh, yes, she’s been eating and drinking normally. Her appetite’s been good.”

Tammy nodded, her attention returning to Lucy. “That’s a good sign. Uncle Gavin mentioned she’s due any day now?”

“That’s right,” Dougray confirmed, moving closer. “We’ve been keeping a close eye on her.”

As Tammy began her examination, Dougray surreptitiously admired the way her hands moved with practiced ease, checking Lucy’s vitals and feeling along her swollen belly. Lucy remained calm under her touch, occasionally nickering softly.

“She seems to be progressing well,” Tammy said, her brow furrowed in concentration. “The foal’s position feels good. Have you noticed any signs of early labor?”

Dougray shook his head. “Not yet, but I’ve been checking on her whenever I get a chance between my other chores.”

Tammy nodded approvingly. “That’s good. It’s important to keep a close watch at this stage.” She glanced at Dougray, a small smile playing at the corners of her mouth. “You seem to know your stuff.”

You’re blushing, his bear said, making the color in Dougray’s cheeks deepen.

“I’ve been around horses all my life,” he said, trying to keep his voice steady. “But it’s always good to have an expert opinion.”

“Well, I wouldn’t call myself an expert just yet,” Tammy glanced at her uncle. “I still have a lot to learn about larger animals. I usually treat smaller pets.”

“Tammy is modest. She’s an excellent vet,” Gavin said with pride.

“Do you have any concerns? Anything you would like to ask me?” Tammy asked as she stroked Lucy’s neck.

“Nope. I think we have it under control. But this is Lucy’s first foal. I always like to make sure they get extra care.” Dougray shrugged, fearing he sounded like a worry wart.

“That’s sensible,” Tammy replied with a smile. “I always believe it’s better to be overcautious.” Her smile faded and there was something in her eyes that made his heart squeeze in his chest.

She’s been hurt, his bear said miserably.

A flicker of fury crossed his mind at the thought of someone hurting his partner. But then he exhaled and let it go.

If she had been hurt, the last thing she needed was for an overbearing stranger to offer to deal with her problems. No, if he wanted to help her, truly help her, he needed to get to know her. Get her to trust him and then learn if she needed him to fight in her corner.

Because, looking at the way she confidently dealt with Lucy, and the way Gavin clearly trusted her abilities, Dougray suspected Tammy was more than capable of fighting her own battles.

“Well, everything looks good here,” Tammy said, straightening up. “But I’d like to check on her again tomorrow, just to be safe.” She turned to Dougray, her eyes meeting his. “If that’s all right with you?”

Dougray’s heart leaped at the prospect of seeing her again. “Of course,” he said, perhaps a bit too eagerly.

“In the meantime, if you need me, just call.” She glanced at Gavin, then back at Dougray. “I can give you my cell phone number.”

“Yes. Please.” Dougray fumbled in his pocket for his phone, nearly dropping it in his haste. He managed to catch it at the last second, offering Tammy a sheepish grin. “Sorry, I’m usually more coordinated than this.”

Tammy’s lips twitched with amusement. “No worries. It happens to the best of us.”

He unlocked it and handed it to Tammy, their fingers brushing for just a moment. The contact sent a jolt through him, like a spark of electricity.

Tammy’s eyes widened slightly, and Dougray knew she had felt it, too. But she didn’t react as she quickly entered her number, except for a faint blush across her cheeks.

His fingers twitched as he ached to reach out and brush them across her skin and feel the warmth there.

“There you go,” she said, handing the phone back. “Don’t hesitate to call if you have any concerns, day or night.”

“Thank you,” Dougray said, his voice husky. He cleared his throat. “I really appreciate it.”

Tammy nodded, her gaze lingering on his for a moment longer than necessary before she turned back to Lucy. “Well, girl, you take care of yourself and that little one, okay?” She gave the mare a last pat before gathering her equipment.

As they exited the stable, Dougray noticed Gavin’s pronounced limp, which made his walk look uneven. “Are you sure you’re all right, Gavin? Do you need any help around your place?”

“No, I can manage just fine,” Gavin said, but then he glanced at Dougray, whose attention was once more fixed on Tammy as she opened the back of the truck and put her equipment box inside. “But you know you are welcome to visit anytime. I can always find something that needs doing about the place.”

Gavin placed a hand on Dougray’s shoulder and squeezed it before he gave a conspiratorial wink.

He knows, Dougray’s bear said.

Yes, he does, Dougray replied, with some relief. For now, he had someone on his side.

Someone who surely wanted his niece to be happy, to chase that haunted look from her eyes and replace it with love everlasting.