In Her Bears' Arms

by Rebecca Airies

  “That sounds like everything fell into place for the move aside from the attacks on you.” She bit into her toast. And those damn attacks had interfered with her life, too.

  “It did. Do you have any brothers and sisters? What about your parents?” He tilted his head.

  She smiled. “I have three brothers. My mother and fathers still live in town. I’m sure you’ll meet them and my brother Brent’s bond partners soon enough.”

  “Has your brother found his mate?” Gable leaned forward.

  “No, I don’t know if they’re even looking. I mean he’s only thirty-eight. Most whyr play around a little longer. Well, the males.” She sipped her juice. A mate would be good for Brent though. It might give him a focus for the protectiveness and the aggression that were so much a part of him. Though anyone who went after his woman had to have a death wish.

  “Yes, they do, but when they do, they tend to be a little desperate for their woman when they finally do begin looking. If they don’t stumble upon her before they start.” He nodded.

  “What about your family? Maddox mentioned his sisters. What’s your family like?” She put her fork down. That was enough. If she became hungry later, she could get something at the hospital’s lunchroom.

  “Overprotective, very involved. I’m the baby of my family, and even though I have my own business and moved out of the house when I was eighteen, they tend to be involved.” He shook his head and sighed.

  “I’m the baby of the family, too. I understand so well. Every man I ever dated somehow encountered one of the males in my family, no matter if it was just a friendly date. And they call and check up on me at least two times a week if I don’t talk to them at some point in the week.” She smiled.

  “I get the calls and check-ins, too.” He laughed. “Maybe it will lessen a little now for both of us after we formally mate and possibly have children at some time in the future.”

  “I think you’ll have to prove yourself to my brothers first, all of you.” She shook her head.

  “I didn’t think any differently. I’m pretty sure that your fathers will be in there, as well.” He smiled. “Why don’t you go get ready for work, and I’ll put this stuff in the dishwasher? Do you remember I’m taking you to work today?”

  “I remember. You are all concerned that your attacker may come after me now that I’m living with you.” She shrugged. “Be glad I chose the eight-hour schedules, though most days it’s closer to nine with the shift transfer time.”

  He laughed. “Not to worry, I’ll be there for you.”

  She left the kitchen and went to the bathroom. Time for another day at the hospital. She spent the next fifteen minutes putting on her makeup and dressing. Her bright blue scrubs, the required color for the unit she worked on now. After a few final swipes of her brush, she took a look in the mirror. Done. Ready to go.

  She slung her purse over her shoulder and left the room. As she strode into the kitchen, Gable wiped down the counter. He turned and smiled at her.

  “You look good. I’ll enjoy taking those scrubs off you.” He wrapped his arms around her.

  “Thank you, but that will have to wait until I get back home. And as long as I’m not grungy. There’s always a chance that the day could turn messy.” She hugged him back. Days like that sucked.

  “How could it get messy?” He raised his brows.

  “I’m working on the pediatric ward. One word. Puke. I’ve got an extra set of scrubs, but sometimes even that isn’t enough.” She headed for the door. But at least she had something good to come home too now. “How about we go in my car? It isn’t that far, and you drive well.”

  “You’ll let me drive your baby?” He raised his brows.

  “Yes, I will. We all have to begin somewhere, and I think letting you drive me to work in my car is a good start. Especially with a short, safe trip.” She pulled back and stepped away. It wasn’t that far, and traffic was usually light in the mornings. Time to go to work.

  She tossed him her keys. He caught them and slipped on his shoes. She waited by the door for him.

  “I’m honored considering how clean and well cared for that thing is.” He smiled.

  “Everyone seems to think that I’m obsessive possessive over that thing. Yes, I keep it in good condition, and no, I wouldn’t let some teenager take it, but I saw you drive. I know you’re not reckless.” She shrugged. So she didn’t treat her car like a garbage can. It didn’t mean that she wouldn’t let other people drive it as long as they took care of it. “Also, I know where you live, and if you dent it, I know how to make you pay.”

  He laughed. “I’ll take good care of your car. Do you have everything?”

  “Yes, I’m ready.” She patted the bag hung over her shoulder and adjusted the strap of her purse. They walked together out to her car.

  “I’ll walk you to the door when we get there, and I’ll come inside for you. I don’t want you waiting outside.” He glanced over at her.

  She shook her head. Overprotective male. Now, Chloe’s frustration with Uncle Tony, Logan, and Jason made more sense. “I think we already went over this. Yes, I’ll wait inside for you even if I’m impatient.”

  “I know it’s irritating, and I know we covered everything. I just want to make sure because I don’t want anything to happen to you.” Gable opened the car door for her and hurried around to the driver’s side.

  “That’s all right. I’ll cut you a little slack with everything happening, but once it’s settled, I expect to be treated as a partner, lover, equal, and on occasion goddess.” She grinned.

  “Goddess? Huh, do you want me to feed you grapes or something?” He slanted a look at her but checked behind them as he backed down the driveway.

  “Feed me grapes, carry me around, give me mind-blowing orgasms, and let me do wicked things to your body.” She waved her hand. What else could a goddess want?

  “You know, a lot of that sounds like things I’d do anyway.” He laughed.

  He drove toward the hospital. Dixie sat back and relaxed, enjoying the time with him. After living on her own, it was interesting to have someone so interested in the everyday. He stopped at the light in the intersection next to the hospital. When the light changed to green, he pulled forward.

  Dixie reached for her purse and grabbed her phone to check for any messages. A dark streak of color caught the corner of her eye. She turned her head. A dark car slammed into the side of the car. Her head banged into the window, and her body crashed against the door. Numb disbelief washed over her. Her arm caught at an awkward angle. Searing agony flashed through her. Glass broke and peppered her. The car slid to a stop.

  A motor revved. She raised her head. A black car pulled back. Metal grated, and something clanked as it fell to the asphalt. The vehicle rolled forward again but didn’t ram. The person tried to steer around her car. It didn’t quite make it. The two front bumpers met, but the car kept moving. A grinding noise shrilled. As soon as it was free, the dark black vehicle sped away.

  A low, masculine moan rolled through the air. Gable. She turned and reached for her seat belt, but cried out. A white-hot lance speared up her arm. Fuck. She cradled her arm to her chest.

  He unbuckled his safety belt and scooted across to her. Blood trickled from a cut on his lip, but he didn’t have any other visible injuries. He brushed his hand over her cheek.

  “Just be still, honeybear. I’ll call for help.” He leaned in close.

  “Call the police. Ambulance crew is already on the way. Are you all right?” She nodded. Someone had obviously seen something. One man in an EMT uniform was running toward them and another jumped into an ambulance.

  “I’m shaken up, but I think I’m okay.” He smiled. “I have some pain in my shoulder and chest, but I’m pretty sure that’s just where the seat belt caught.”

  He called the police.

  “Well, if we have to be in an accident, I guess this isn’t a bad place for it.” He lifted a shoulder and winced.

/>   “I guess, but the bastard hit my car, and he fucking hurt you!” She bared her teeth. For injuring Gable, that man would pay. She’d personally rip his damn arms off.

  “I’m sorry.” He patted her thigh.

  “I’ll hunt him down!” She clenched her fists. The man wouldn’t get away with this.

  He chuckled. “Maybe when we can be sure who it is, you’ll get a chance to take a chunk out of him. Just so you don’t gnaw on some innocent person.”

  She growled. The last thing she needed was to be placated like a little kid. “Don’t patronize me.”

  The door latch on Gable’s side clicked but didn’t open. The EMT stood there. Finally. Hopefully, Gable wasn’t trying to be all “I’m a tough guy,” and tending to her when he was hurt badly. Although, he didn’t seem hurt. Gable unlocked the door.

  “How are you? Are you in pain?” The man knelt at the door.

  “Some pain in my shoulders and arm, but I’m more worried about her. She’s holding her arm against her as if she’s in pain. She’s cut, and I think she hit the glass before or as it broke.” He glanced over at her.

  The EMT assessed Gable. Dixie took deep breaths, trying to concentrate. The medic frowned as he studied Gable’s eyes.

  “I’ll go check on her, sir. You stay where you are. My partner is pulling up. Someone will have called the police.” The EMT rose to his feet.

  “I called.” Gable exhaled.

  “Good.” The man walked around the car.

  The EMT’s voice lowered when he knelt beside the car and talked to Dixie. “How are you feeling?”

  “Hurting pretty badly. I was reaching for my phone. It’s somewhere under the seat now. The car hit as I dropped my purse. I think my arm or wrist is broken. Maybe some bruised ribs. My head hurts, too.” She groaned. Even with whyr healing, the next few days would not be fun.

  “We’ll get you out soon.” The EMT leaned forward.

  The EMTs guided him from the car. A second ambulance and the police arrived. Gable sat up on the gurney arguing with the medics, refusing to go until she was loaded. She rolled her eyes. Understandable, but such a typical male bear reaction.

  Gable yelled that he’d call Micah and Maddox. She relaxed back on the gurney and grimaced. Damn, this would be a long day. Hopefully, the person after them wouldn’t come again today.

  Chapter Twelve

  Fuck! Whoever thought she’d miss work so much.

  Dixie sat at the counter on a stool. The dealership side of Maddox’s motorcycle dealership and garage was nice and quiet, but then again, that part wasn’t open yet. Squeaky clean and shiny, a good place to rest and get to know her mate a little better. She wriggled her fingers. The upper part of her hand stuck out from the white cast. Thank God she didn’t have to wear this thing six weeks. Two weeks, maybe three depending on the x-rays, but that was mostly because she was a bear, and her bones needed to be solid to hold the weight of her animal.

  “How are you doing over there?” Maddox positioned a motorcycle and turned to face her.

  “I’m doing good. Three more weeks off, and then I can get back to work. Maybe by that time, we’ll have caught the person who’s after you.” She lifted her shoulder. “Just lucky it was only bruised ribs to go with my broken arm.”

  “Hey, I’m enjoying spending time with you.” Maddox put his hand over his chest. “I’m so hurt that you don’t feel the same.

  Big ham. Dixie rolled her eyes. “I’m enjoying being with you, but I’m just a little stir-crazy. I don’t know if I’ve ever had this much time on my hands.”

  “I understand what you mean. I broke my ankle right after I started my first shop. I was lucky I had family to help out and take care of things, but I almost went wild from not being able to do normal activities.” He smiled.

  “I might be clawing at the walls right now if it was my leg.” She shook her head. This damn cast covered her from elbow to freaking palm. Hell, she could move around, but it got in the way. She almost bashed Gable in the head with it just gesturing.

  “John mentioned some friends other than Leslie that you get together with a lot. Tell me about them. How did you meet them?

  “I meet with them as often as we can manage it. It’s fun, and I don’t see it ending anytime soon.” She smiled. “You’ll meet them soon, I’m sure.”

  “That sounds great, but that doesn’t tell me anything about them.” Maddox pointed at her. “Start talking, or I’ll work on my interrogation skills.”

  “Bright lights and dripping water?” She raised her brows. Any technique he tried might be very interesting. If she were lucky, it would turn out to be very pleasurable.

  “No lights or dripping water. Kisses and touches until you’re begging to tell me what I want to know.” He strode over to the counter.

  “Ah, no need to get to the heavy stuff.” She smiled. “There are four of us now. Shonna, Leslie, Penny, and Chloe. When Maggie returns to town, we hope she joins us, too. Shonna’s a wolf, and Leslie’s a cougar. I’ve known those two since I started junior high.”

  “You were friends with them then?” Maddox took the other seat at the counter.

  “Yes, I was. We just found we liked same things, made each other laugh, and we had each other’s back.” She smiled.

  “What about the other two? How did you meet them?” He reached down and popped open the small refrigerator under the counter and handed her a water.

  “Chloe was in a band. We met her while she was with them and started talking to her. She was human then. We stayed in contact, visited her a few times, became friends. She moved here and recently met her mates.”

  “And Penny, I believe it was?” He tilted his head.

  “Yes, Penny, she came into our group not too long ago. Maggie was leaving the area to work in another city. She wanted someone to stay close to Penny because she had mates, but they weren’t ready to make a move. But damn, the woman’s funny and nice. Even if we’d just met her, she’d be part of the group. She’s a vet by the way.” She took a sip of the water.

  “So did her mates finally claim her?” He leaned forward.

  “Yes, they did. She’s mated to the cougar alpha and his brothers.” Dixie waved her hand.

  “So I guess they watch over her a lot. Does she have guards at these girls’ nights?” Maddox tilted his head.

  “At least one of her mates is always in the building, and usually the mates of the others are there, too. They’re just at another table. Especially with what’s happened lately.” Dixie patted his hand. He wouldn’t be the only male there. “Were you worried about that?”

  “Yeah, I know that you wouldn’t go to anyone else, because you’re mated to us, but I don’t like the idea of any man approaching you.” He shook his head.

  “I don’t know if that’s ever even happened.” She frowned. “Since Chloe met her mates, we’ve had the girls’ nights at the Wild Beat, a club that Chloe’s mate Tony owns.”

  “My honeybear, it better not, or I’ll shot put the damn man through a window,” he growled.

  “All right, Mister Growly, let’s move on to something other than girls’ night.” She tilted her head. Maybe better to move onto something that wouldn’t make him angry. “You told me about your sisters and your mother. Well, mentioned them. Are your fathers still alive? Do you have any brothers?”

  “I have one brother, and yes, my fathers are alive. We’ll go visit them after all of this mess is finished.” He smiled. “They’ll love meeting you.”

  “I hope so, but I know my parents will like you three.” She smiled.

  “Maybe after your fathers decide we’re good enough for you.” He shook his head. “I remember what it was like when one of my sisters met her mate. My fathers interrogated the poor guy. I don’t expect anything less from your fathers.”

  “I’m sure you three will survive.” She patted his arm a little awkwardly with her left hand. She grimaced. So not natural. “You know, this wouldn’t be so bad if my lef
t hand was broken and not my right. Doing things with my left is just so wrong and strange.”

  “Well, at least you shouldn’t have to be out of commission for that long. We heal fast, and the three weeks is just to make sure that those bones are solid.” He grasped her good hand. “What do you think of my shop?”

  “It’s nice. I didn’t think it would be this finished.” She glanced around.

  “Well, the repair shop side is. The actual showroom will open next week. That’s why you’re in here. No one but me in or out, and those windows won’t shatter with just a slight hit.” He rubbed his hands together.

  Some kind of covering shaded most of the windows. Maybe to keep people from peeking in until the shop was open. She rose and walked over to one of the bikes. “So, would you sell me one of these? I do have to tell you that my brother Brent might have a problem with it.”

  She stroked her hand over the seat of the bike. And no one liked it when Brent had a problem.

  “Mmm, probably not.” He shook his head.

  She frowned and returned to her stool. Not much hesitation in that answer. He hadn’t even met Brent yet. Why wouldn’t he sell her a motorcycle? He couldn’t have heard anything about Brent’s behavior or attitudes. “Why?”

  “Because I want you behind me on my bike. Those arms wrapped around me and you pressed against me as I push my bike faster.” He reached over and gripped her hand.

  “That sounds interesting.” She licked her lips. A warm tingle coursed through her.

  “On top of that, if I so much as hinted at selling you one, Micah would show me the motorcycle crash video again, and then we’d get into another argument about motorcycles.” He shook his head.

  “I don’t want to cause any arguments between you.” She exhaled. The last thing she wanted to do was come between them.

  “When your arm is feeling better and this other mess is handled, I’ll take you for a ride on my bike. Now, how about we go check out my office? I have a very nice couch in there.” He picked up her uninjured hand.