My Bear to Heal (Cypress Valley Shifters #3)

13. Adelaide

I t’s been a few days since I helped Tyler sabotage Reese’s cookies and body wash. Although, I’ll deny my involvement until my dying breath. I do not want to be on the receiving end of Reese’s anger. Something tells me Tyler can handle it… Clearly, since he’s made a hobby out of pranking the grumpy alpha bear.

I chuckle to myself, thoughts wandering to an enraged blue Reese in search of his precious Oreos, stomping around like a giant Smurf.

The chicks hop around me as I spread feed on the ground of their enclosure. They’re almost four weeks old now and starting to get their adult feathers. In another couple of months, we’ll have fresh eggs on a daily basis.

“Addie! There you are!” The panic running through Will’s voice has me whipping around. His dark eyes are wide and his skin is pale. Gertie is clutched tight against his chest as he sprints to the chicken coop.

Exiting the fenced area, I set the bag of feed on the ground and close the distance between us. “What’s wrong?” The tiny goat’s eyes are pinched shut as if she’s in pain, her tummy distended and heaving with each breath.

Something’s not right.

At that moment, Tyler races out of the greenhouse like a bat out of hell. “I saw you run by. What’s going on?” His voice has Gertie lifting her head on a pained cry.

Will gently transfers her to Tyler’s arms, which seems to calm her a bit. “We were out for a walk in the woods when she laid down and started screeching. I didn’t know what to do, so I ran back here. What’s wrong with her?”

With prodding fingers, I examine her small body while Tyler holds her. As I poke at her belly, she lets out an ear-splitting scream. “Did she eat anything weird?” My eyes swing between Will and Tyler.

“No, she had some dandelions and grass, but we didn’t get very far before she started acting like this,” Will says, pointing at her as she releases a pained moan.

“I can’t conduct a proper exam here. Ty, we should take her to Dr. Thomas. I don’t like the way her stomach is protruding.” As I speak, his eyes latch onto mine, swirling with worry for our furry friend.

His throat bobs before he asks, “Is she gonna be okay?”

I shrug. I haven’t worked on a lot of goats in my residency, mostly dogs and cats and large farm animals. This is a little beyond my expertise.

Settling a hand on his tattooed forearm, I give a reassuring squeeze. “Let’s get her to Dr. Thomas and find out. She’s still breathing and conscious, which are good signs. ”

Ty holds Gertie in his lap while I race to Oak Ridge in my truck. We make good time, and the parking lot of the clinic is empty aside from the veterinarian’s old farm truck.

The bell jingles as the door shuts behind us. Doctor Thomas stands from her seat at the reception desk, an unfinished sandwich clutched in her hand. “Addie! What a pleasant surprise! I was just finishing my lunch.”

“Hi, Dr. Thomas. Gertie seems to have eaten something that doesn’t agree with her. Could you take a look?” Taking her from Tyler’s arms, I cradle her against my chest. She squirms a bit, likely unable to get comfortable since she’s in pain.

“Oh my. Come on, let’s get you into an exam room.”

We follow Dr. Thomas down the hall to a small exam room, where I place Gertie on her side on the exam table. “Addie, why don’t you glove up and help me with the exam.”

Taking one of Tyler’s hands, I place it on Gertie’s side to comfort her before I step away.

Quickly washing my hands, I apply latex gloves and join Dr. Thomas. We conduct a standard exam, but everything seems fine, apart from her bloated belly and cries of agony. “What do you think is wrong with her?” Tyler asks, breaking the tension in the room.

Dr. Thomas’ brown eyes meet mine over her wire-rimmed glasses. A small smile pulls at one corner of her mouth as she massages Gertie’s belly a little more forcefully than I would. One loud bleat fills the air, followed by an equally loud fart. “I think she just has some gas.”

Tyler snickers behind me as I try not to fall into a fit of laughter. All of this panic for some gas .

After a few more farts, Gertie hops to her feet, bleating happily, and is good as new. “Goats are naturally gassy animals,” Dr. Thomas explains, setting the little goat on the floor, where she hops around our feet. “They have complex digestive systems, comprised of four stomach compartments. If they aren’t able to get the gas out, either through burping… or farting…” She waves a hand at Gertie. “Well, it can become extremely uncomfortable and can even lead to death. If it happens again, you can massage her belly like I did to help her pass the gas bubble.”

“Thank you, Dr. Thomas.” Tyler shakes her hand before scooping Gertie into his arms.

Spoiled little goat.

I’m pretty sure he lets her sleep in his bed at night, too.

“Anytime. And since you’re here, Addie, I wanted to let you know I received a call this morning about your residency.”

My eyes widen as butterflies erupt in my gut. Crossing my fingers behind my back, I swallow my nerves and ask, “What did they say?”

“We’re good to go! Everything is approved for you to finish your residency here, starting this fall. But it will involve a lot of travel to the area farms to treat large animals. I’ll only have you in the clinic two days a week with me.”

I nod. “Of course. That won’t be a problem.” In fact, I’m looking forward to more large animal experience. Opportunities to work on livestock were few and far between in a city environment like Chicago.

She wraps an arm around me in a quick side hug. “I’m really glad this worked out. And I would love to hire you full-time once you’re licensed. I’m not getting any younger, and you would be a perfect fit to take over my practice… some day.” The wrinkles around her eyes deepen as she smiles at me.

“That would be amazing!” Any lingering worry about my future fades. All the domino pieces are falling into place. Finally.

“Perfect. We’ll get started in a few months, once the paperwork is finalized. Until then, don’t be a stranger.” With a wink, she leaves Tyler and me alone in the exam room, probably going back to her lunch before we so rudely interrupted her.

I spin toward Tyler. “Did you hear that? I get to finish my residency here. This is the best news!”

This is it. I’m finally living my dream… Now if I could snare myself a certain tattooed bear shifter.

Stepping in front of me, he cups my face in his large palms. The warmth of his skin sinks into me, grounding me, as I stare into his shimmering green eyes. “I’m so proud of you, Addie Rose. There’s no one more deserving of this opportunity than you. You’re gonna be a fucking vet!”

I giggle. “I’m gonna be a fucking vet.”

The rest of my words die in my throat as he leans closer until his tempting lips are hovering over mine. “You’re amazing, sweet rose.”

His soft proclamation is barely audible over my heart thundering in my chest. Is he finally going to kiss me?

“Ow! Fuck!” Abruptly, he pulls back and clutches at his shin, a very jealous looking Gertie standing at his booted feet. “She head-butted my shin. Damn! You got a thick skull. I’m pretty sure that’s gonna leave a bruise, you menace.” Already forgiven, he scoops her up and plants a kiss on her fuzzy head .

Longing shining in her honey eyes, she nuzzles into his chest, a tiny bleat trilling from her mouth.

Freaking cock-blocked by a goat! Are you kidding me?

“Come on, Addie. Let’s head home. Don’t you have girls’ night tonight? And I need to make myself scarce to avoid a certain grumpy alpha.” He chuckles as I trail behind him out the door and toward my truck.

L ater that evening, the sun dips low on the horizon, filling the sky with the first signs of twilight. Purples and oranges trickle in the living room window while I finish prepping some snacks in the kitchen.

A soft knock at my cabin door has a smile lighting up my face. From her bed in the corner, Gertie raises her head in question.

“It’s just the girls. You can go back to sleep, Gert.”

I swing the door open to reveal Sydney and Wren. The former bounces on her toes, beaming up at me as she clutches a plastic cake container and wine bottle. “Girls’ night!” she shouts before barreling into my home.

“She’s excited. It’s nice to have more feminine energy around here. Maybe someday we’ll outnumber those grizzly males.” Wren’s soft voice greets my ears as she wraps me in a side hug. “How are you, Addie?”

Taking the tote bag from her other hand, I usher her inside and close the door. “I’m really good. Finally settled into my new home and getting into a routine. And I got some really exciting news today.”

“Getting into a routine with Tyler.” Sydney makes an obscene gesture with her fingers, curling one hand into a circle and thrusting her other pointer finger in and out vigorously.

“Sydney!” Wren reprimands her younger sister before turning to me, her voice softening. “It’s none of our business, but we’re here if you want to talk.” She winks. “What’s the exciting news?”

I grab cups, plates, and forks from the kitchen before joining them on the couch. “Ty and I had to take Gertie to Dr. Thomas’ clinic today for some tummy troubles. But while we were there, Dr. Thomas told me my residency request has been accepted, and she wants to hire me full-time. So, I get to stay here permanently!”

Sydney squeals, popping the cork on the wine bottle and pouring my cup to the brim with pink liquid. “Drink up! We’re celebrating tonight!” She thrusts the glass into my hand, droplets sloshing over the side and sliding down onto my hand.

I lap at a runaway drop, the sweet, fruity taste coating my tongue.

“That’s amazing!” Wren says, taking a full glass from Sydney’s outstretched hand. “I’m sure Tyler was ecstatic.” Her dark brows waggle suggestively.

The implication in her tone has a furious blush clawing up my chest and onto my full cheeks. After chugging some wine to wet my suddenly Saharan throat, I say, “About that. Can I ask you both some things about shifters… and their fated mates? ”

Sydney’s dark-blonde brows wing upward as she shoves a bite of chocolate cake into her mouth, so it’s Wren who speaks. “You can always ask us anything. What did you want to know?”

My gaze lands on my lap, one finger tracing the lip of my glass. Gulping a swallow, I meet her cerulean eyes. “How did you know Kiernan was your fated mate?” Swinging toward Sydney, I continue. “And Reese?”

“The easiest way to explain it is that it’s like you’re magnets. My body was inexplicably drawn to Kiernan from the first moment we met. Any time he touches me, it’s like everything inside me settles and my body is at peace. Does that make sense?” Wren says.

I nod. “What about you, Syd?”

A roguish smile spreads across her face. “Things were a little different for me and Grumpy Bear. We didn’t instantly fall head over heels like Wren and Kier.” She tips her head toward her older sister. “But from the very first touch, I knew something was different about Reese. Every touch seemed to spark a fire inside me until he finally gave in. Now we’re burning out of control.”

Their words have all the puzzle pieces clicking into place in my brain. Suddenly, it all makes sense. My immediate attraction to Tyler. How my body lights up and practically sings when he’s around. And don’t get me started on when he actually touches me. It’s like a thousand live wires buzzing and sparking under my skin. It’s a feeling I crave as soon as it’s gone.

But, at the same time, his presence calms my worrying thoughts about the future, like my subconscious knows, somehow, everything will be okay when he’s around. I’m able to relax and be myself around him.

I always assumed it was a stupid crush, but what if it’s more?

He did kiss me out of the blue only the second time we met. If I’m his fated mate, maybe that’s normal behavior? “Do you think I’m Tyler’s fated mate?”

Sydney’s head bobs up and down enthusiastically, like one of those bobble-head dolls. “You’re crushing on him hard—we can all see it. You can’t keep your eyes off each other.”

The heat on my face deepens further; I must be as red as a tomato right now. “Is it that obvious?” I squeak, my eyes darting between Sydney and Wren.

Wren nods. “I think everyone knows. But the real question is why don’t you do something about it? What are you waiting for?”

“I-I’m scared, I guess. He’s my best friend and what if us getting together ruins everything? I can’t lose him.” Traitorous moisture burns at the backs of my eyes.

Sydney leans forward, setting her plate on the coffee table, before giving me the full weight of her blue gaze, all the humor draining from her eyes. “It’s okay to be scared, Addie. But what if the two of you are meant to be together? And what if you’re missing out on something great because of your fear? Reese let fear rule his life for far too long; don’t make the same mistake.”

Ty’s and my easy friendship always seemed coincidental to me, but maybe it was fate pulling our strings, ushering us together.

“Ugh. I’m an idiot. When we first met, he kissed me.”

A round of soft gasps meets my ears .

“And I rejected him.” I wince.

More gasps.

“In my defense, I was planning to go back to Chicago and finish my residency, but plans changed.” I shrug. Eyes dipping to my lap, my voice quiets as I whisper, “Did I ruin everything?”

I look up as Wren shakes her head. “I don’t think so. The man watches your every move with giant hearts in his eyes. He’s got it bad. You might have bruised his ego, but, from what I understand, the attraction between fated mates isn’t something you can simply turn off. No matter how hard you try.”

Releasing a long breath, an invisible weight lifts off my shoulders, knowing I still have a shot with the one person I want to spend the rest of my life with.

“Just tell him how you feel, Addie. Let fate do the rest,” Sydney says, plopping down next to me, wrapping me in a gentle hug. “What’s on the agenda for this girls’ night? I need a break from my brooding mate.”

A few hours later, we’re all sufficiently buzzed on Wren’s addictive wine. We look like aliens as we lounge on the couch, faces coated in green clay face masks. My hand strokes over the downy fur on Gertie’s back as she sleeps on my lap, soft snores spilling from her parted lips. Totally oblivious to the music and laughter filling the room.

“Oh! Oh! Wrennie, tell her about knotting!” A shiver ripples through Sydney’s petite frame, her eyes rolling into the back of her head.

Wren throws her head back with a throaty laugh. “You seem to be an expert on the subject. Why don’t you tell her? ”

“Someone better tell me!” I drain the wine in my glass, reaching for the bottle… but it’s empty. My nose tingles, warmth pumping through my veins from the alcohol and good company.

Sydney sits up straighter. “Fine. Have you ever seen Tyler naked?”

I nod, a vivid picture of a very naked Tyler crouching over me in the woods the other day flashes in my mind. The thick shaft bobbing between his thighs was so long, rippling with veins I want to trace with my tongue. My mouth fills with saliva at the thought alone.

Heat crawls up my neck, chest, and face until I’m sure my skin glows bright red.

“Okay, so you’ve seen his knot?” she confirms.

I nod again.

Sydney continues her shifter biology lesson. “During sex, they push it inside of their mate and it swells up to hold their semen in. Basically, raising the chances of getting you pregnant.” She explains everything so matter-of-factly that there’s no embarrassment between the three of us.

Plus, these women have been where I am: lusting after men who aren’t quite human.

“Does it hurt?” I ask, sinking back into the soft embrace of the sofa. The ring of flesh has to be the size of my fist. How does that fit comfortably inside someone… specifically me ? Closing my eyes, I let Sydney’s melodic voice wash over me.

“The opposite. You’ll come so hard, you’ll think you’ve died.”

Wren chimes in, “You’ll come twice as hard when he claims you.”

My eyes spring open and dip to the bite mark scar on her neck. “What’s involved with claiming?”

“Tyler will most likely bite you during sex, while knotting you. It’s different for everyone, but after you have his mark, you’ll be connected on an emotional level. He can pass emotions down the bond to you, and you can do the same thing… even when you’re not near each other.”

“Wow,” I murmur, mind racing with images of Tyler’s teeth sinking into my skin. My fingers wander of their own accord to stroke my collarbone.

I want that.

I want his knot.

And his mark.

Sydney wipes her finger against the green mask on her face, her brows furrow and lips purse, twisting to the side in disgust. “Remind me again why I have this green goop on my face?” she asks, her toes tapping on the back of the couch as she hums along to the pop song blaring from my portable speaker.

“Because, dummy, it’s supposed to tighten and tone your skin. Don’t you want invisible pores?” Wren plops down next to me, wine sloshing to the edge of her very full glass. My body slides closer to hers as the couch cushions compress under our weight. The sudden movement has Gertie startling awake, clomping to the floor with a snort, a look of annoyance flashing across her face.

Big attitude from such a small animal .

After circling a few times, she lays down in her bed, eyes falling closed again.

Sydney shrugs, sliding down to lie on the floor, stretching her limbs out like a starfish. “I don’t know. Reese seems to like my pores just fine. Did I tell you about the blindfold—”

“Sydney! Shut. Up. It’s one thing to know you’re banging one of my friends, but it’s something entirely different to hear about it. I do not want details.”

I burst out in giggles as the sisters bicker with each other. Growing up as an only child, I didn’t have a built-in best friend like the Fields sisters, but I’d like to think they’re my surrogate sisters. Being around them fills my heart in a way I never experienced growing up.

“Suit yourself,” Sydney mumbles. “You might learn a thing or two if you listened to me.”

“My sex life is just fine, thank you very much.” Wren huffs and crosses her arms over her chest, careful not to spill a single drop of her precious, fruity drink.

Suddenly, twin sets of ocean-blue eyes settle on me. “W-what?” I ask, brows creeping up to my hairline. Grabbing a throw pillow, I tuck my arms around it like it will shield me from their knowing looks.

“Don’t ‘what’ me, girl.” Sydney scuttles across the floor, coming to rest near my feet.

I huff a frustrated breath. “I thought we went over this earlier… I have no sex life to speak of. I’m too busy pining over my best friend. ”

An angry round of knocks at the front door saves me from their intrusive line of questioning and penetrating stares. Saved by the bell.

Sydney pops up, sneaking over to the window and peaking through the curtains. “Ugh, he found me.”

Joining her by the window, I peer out to find a very grizzled looking Reese pounding on my door.

“Open up, Addie!” the baritone of his voice booms through the open window.

“He’s been especially grumpy since someone messed with his sacred Oreos,” Sydney whispers into my ear, cupping a hand around her mouth.

She pulls away, giggling uncontrollably, eyes glued to the window as said grumpy mate bangs on the door again, rattling its hinges.

The cabin’s outdoor lights cast down on him. His skin is tinted an alarming shade of blue, and a vein throbs in his forehead, giving him a menacing appearance.

I have to stifle my own laughter as he barges through the door, obsidian eyes searching for Sydney.

“You’re blue! What happened, Reese?” I ask, feigning innocence.

“I’ll get to you in a second,” he says, furious gaze skipping over me to land on Sydney. “Time’s up, Angel.” He glares at his mate. “And what the hell is on your face?”

“It’s a face mask, dear. It’s supposed to help with relaxation, something you could use a little of.” The way she snarks at him is wild, not a care in the world that this man is twice her size and fuming .

“I know exactly what I need to relax—kill Tyler, then tie my naughty little mate to my bed.” A tremble rushes through Sydney’s body at Reese’s declaration. I’m a little envious at the way his eyes burn into her, a fire in them, like he can’t live without her.

He flips Sydney’s small body over his broad shoulder and stomps to the door.

At the last minute, Reese swings around, pointing an accusing finger across the threshold in my direction. “And you! You better tell Tyler to watch his back. You don’t mess with a man’s Oreos and live to tell the tale. And I look like a fucking Smurf!” One big hand waves down his thickly muscled frame.

“Me? Why would you involve me?”

“Don’t play dumb, Addie. You know why.”

I swallow down the lump in my throat, trying to play off his words with a forced laugh.

“Be nice, Reese. They’ll get there in their own time,” Sydney chimes in, wiggling to get free from her mate’s grip. With a grunt, he smacks her ass and stomps out the door, Sydney’s cackle echoing into the night sky.

Closing the door, I swing around to find Wren still sitting on the couch, a smug smile on her face.

“Does everyone know Tyler and I are mates?”

She takes a long sip of her drink, then shrugs a slender shoulder. “Seems that way, but don’t worry. I’m sure he’ll claim you… eventually.”

My heart stutters in my chest. “I hope you’re right.”