The Bear’s Secret

by Fay Walsh

  He honestly wasn’t sure. He didn’t believe happiness existed for him. But, when he thought about Nikki, and the possibility of a date, and the fact that they might have a chance together, he couldn't help but feel… different, like he was filled with hope.

  Maybe it was just a play of his imagination. However, he was feeling positive and he wanted nothing more than to experience this forever. Maybe have this type of life with her, no matter the consequences.

  He did have a few days before their date. He didn't want to bother Nikki with the details, but instead, he kept them a secret. However, as he planned, he realized that this was the first time in a very long time that he didn’t feel like he was being pressured into being happy. He felt happy, and he didn’t want this feeling to end.

  No matter what, he wanted to keep this feeling around, because it felt so damn good, and it was something he felt ready for, no matter what might come about, and whatever challenges he might face.

  Chapter 4

  Nikki couldn’t help but feel a strange excitement when she thought about their date. In truth, she didn’t expect a man to take her out, and she certainly didn’t expect to feel this excited about it. Yet here she was, thinking about it as the days passed.

  Of course, in her mind, she expected it to be the average date. Something that, while fun, was a little bit boring and trite. Yet, she did have hope that she would have fun.

  Besides, it got her out of that damn house, and that was something she certainly wouldn’t complain about.

  Next Sunday came quicker than she imagined. She told James she would be spending time with someone, and he told her that she would get the whole day off. Nikki went out and bought a dress, something she never did, and she got some cute heels that she thought would certainly catch one’s eye. It was the first time in well, forever that she got herself ready for a date, and in her mind, she was quite excited for everything, even though she never really did the whole dating shtick.

  When Sunday came, Nikki went to the bar. She preferred to meet him there because her dad was already making snide remarks about her going out. However, when she left, she heard the gruff voice behind her.

  “You going to be late?”

  “Yeah. I am. Don’t worry about me.”

  “I wasn’t planning on worrying. Just have to know whether or not you’re going to make a ruckus again,” he snapped.

  She rolled her eyes, but she didn’t want to argue with her father before this fun evening, or at least what she hoped would be a fun evening. She got in her car and drove over to the bar. When she got there, she noticed a sports car in the parking lot. It was the only one. She immediately smiled when she saw Billy come forward.

  “There you are,” he said.

  “Sorry. Dad was being weird about shit as usual. But I’m here now. Anyways, where are we planning on going?” she inquired.

  She expected it to be a boring-ass date where he would take her out for dinner or some crap, but instead, he smiled.

  “I’m game with taking you out to dance, and some dinner, if that’s ok,” he offered.

  She immediately felt slightly taken aback by this. She didn't expect him to do something like this.

  “Wow, I was expecting something small, but I guess I dressed for the event,” she said.

  Her small, lithe body fit her dress well, and she did catch Billy checking her out. She could see the interest in his eyes, along with a slight embarrassment. She decided to find out more about this, as she wanted to see just what he thought of her.

  He took her hand, offering her help into the car. They went to one of the small lounges in town that was open all the time. When they got inside, they both immediately started dancing. She took his hand, and he spun her around, holding her there. To Nikki's surprise, he was actually a great dancer. Normally, these types were either good, or they sucked at dancing. But, Billy was carefree, holding her and laughing.

  This, in turn, made Nikki forget all about the troubles at home, laughing with him, feeling excited about everything, and the two of them danced for what seemed to be forever. She was enthralled by the way things were going, by the happiness that she felt in her body when he took her hand, danced around with her, and spent time with her. Everything about this felt so… so damn perfect. She didn’t want anything else to happen at this point, other than to enjoy the way that he made her feel.

  It all felt so good, and she felt happier than she felt in a long time. She felt Billy take her hand, leading her off to the side, and then he spoke.

  “I’m starving. How are you?” he asked.

  “Good. But yeah, could go for some food,” she said with a smile.

  “Well, mind if I take you somewhere?”

  She smiled, nodding in assent as he grasped her hand, holding it there. The touch alone was enough to make her smile as his hand held hers as the two of them left the lounge to go to one of the diners in town. She was fine with that. She didn’t want this date to go sour. Everything felt so nice, so perfect, and Nikki wondered if this was the beginning of a real relationship.

  When they sat down, Billy looked at her with a pleasant smile, and the two of them made small talk. Suddenly Nikki blushed before she spoke.

  “You know, you seem happier,” she said.

  “I am happier. This is probably the happiest I’ve been in a long time. Sometimes, it’s just nice to have someone to talk to. It’s hard to really connect with my roommates. They’re kind of weird, and since they got girlfriends, I feel like they’re from a different world,” he admitted.

  “Yeah. I feel that. I moved back in with my parents because my dad needed some help with my mom. I decided to help them out, which was a huge mistake. He’s always so mean to me that I hate spending time at home. I feel like I am just existing there. But tonight everything feels nice. It isn’t just a little passing thing for either of us, I think it’s just… it’s what it should be,” she said.

  “Yeah. I feel that. I mean this is the first time in a long time I’ve really connected with anyone. People are hard for me. It’s hard to truly connect with a person. Maybe it’s just how I am, but when I talk to you, I feel that connection grow. It’s so strange because I’ve tried to date so many women. And so many have struck out all those times. A part of me has almost given up at this point. But, at the same time, I feel like, I do have a reason to keep on going. It’s because something stirs in me when I listen to you. I really do like it,” he said.

  Nikki felt a blush creep across her face when he said those words. There was something about them that made her feel good, and she liked that.

  “Thank you, Billy. For listening. People normally don’t listen to me. They think that they do, and at the bar, I have to deal with that all the time, but this is the first time someone has genuinely listened to me, and I appreciate that” she said.

  He took his hand forward, gently touching her own. The little sparks that came forward from this immediately made her shiver with delight, and then, after a second, he spoke.

  “It’s alright, Nikki. Trust me, I love listening to you. And if not a damn soul will, then I will. I do like to hear you speak. You’re interesting, funny, and genuinely a good person. Which is what I enjoy about you a lot. There’s not a ton of those out there these days. There’s a lot that will pretend to be a good person, but they bite you in the ass later on,” he said.

  She nodded.

  “I understand that. I know for a fact that it’s not easy for you either, as it is for me. But, I’m happy to be there with you, and I’m happy to have you in my life. I do like having this connection. It’s different, but nice, a refreshing change from the depressing atmosphere I have to deal with at home,” she said.

  The two of them sat there, listening to one another, and she then took a deep breath.

  “My home life ain’t the best, Billy. But the fact that I have a reason to get out of the house every single day, the fact that I have a friend like you, makes it all worth a damn,” she
said.

  Billy smiled, a blush ghosting his face.

  “Well, consider that feeling mutual. Because I understand that completely,” he said.

  “I knew you would. Thanks, Billy,” she replied.

  She realized for the first time that Billy was opening up to her, and she realized that this was the first guy in a long time that she actually did like.

  Most guys bothered her to a degree. It wasn’t like they were bad, but most of them didn’t care about forming a connection. They just wanted to take advantage of her and have their pleasure. She didn’t feel like Billy was just here for a sexual relationship. And if he did want a sexual relationship, she wouldn't mind that. Nikki wanted something deeper though, a real connection.

  When the waiter brought their food, they dug right in. She looked up, and her eyes fell upon a poster over on the wall.

  “Wanted: any information on strange activity. We’ve heard word of odd behavior, and if you see any funny business happening, we’d love to hear about it. Signed, The Hunter’s Association,”

  Billy’s attention immediately went to that. He looked at it, pursing his lips.

  “That’s strange. I don’t remember seeing those in town,” he said.

  “I don’t either. Nobody brought that to the bar, and we usually have a lot of people bring in flyers for bands and crap, but this is well… different,” she said.

  She looked over at the piece of paper, wondering what that was. She had a bad feeling about this. She noticed that Billy went silent with each passing moment, and decided to speak.

  “Do you know anything about this?” she asked.

  She noticed Billy tensing a little bit. It had something to do with the paranormal shit in town. He took a deep breath and spoke.

  “I honestly don’t. I’ve heard that there might be paranormal activity in town, but I’ve yet to witness any of it,” he said.

  “Well shit. I guess that's just yet another rumor then,” she said.

  “It’s a small town. What do you expect? If there is paranormal activity though, I just wish these people would leave them alone. I don’t understand why people need to do this,” he stated.

  “You’d be surprised. People are fucking wild,” she told him.

  He looked at her, seeing the seriousness in her expression. She then took a deep breath and spoke.

  “I would admit though, it does have me mighty curious. I mean, if paranormal stuff is real, I wouldn’t mind seeing it. I know that might be a bit much for some people, but I feel like... I feel like that’s something that can help me,” she told him.

  “Yeah. I know that it’s like that. I feel you on that Nikki. I personally don’t mind it, but I wish that these hunters would leave them alone,” he said to her.

  She nodded. “Yeah. Got me a bit curious though,” she said.

  He nodded, smiling.

  “I mean, I wouldn’t get super involved in it. I’m sure it’s just a bunch of rumors that people are using in order to get some attention to this godforsaken town,” he said.

  She laughed. “You know, you’ve got a fine point there,” she replied.

  The rest of the date felt natural, with Nikki talking to Billy about everything from fly fishing to some conspiracy theories. The talk of the paranormal wasn’t brought up again, but she could tell from the way that he let his eyes dart to the poster that there was something about this that bothered him about it.

  She wondered if he would be okay, or if there was be something holding him back. She wondered this to herself, but she feared to ask him about it. She decided to leave it at that though. It might be best if they didn’t dive in deep, just yet.

  Still, though, she did wonder if there was more to this town than was being let on. Billy was acting weird, but she figured that it might be all the weird talk of the paranormal that was bothering him.

  But, little did she know that there was a lot more to this than what was being uttered. Everything would be revealed sooner rather than later.

  Chapter 5

  Billy did feel slightly worried when he heard Nikki talking about the paranormal. The last thing he wanted was to worry about this sort of thing or have rumors start flying around. He didn’t want her to be scared off by the nature that he had either. So, he played it safe, pretending that everything was okay, and that seemed to work just fine.

  Nikki didn’t ask about it anymore, and he wondered if he could continue this. He felt like a new man though, and when they went back to the bar, she smiled.

  “You know, you’re a lot of fun to be around. I’m glad that I took a chance and went out on a date with you,” she said.

  “Well, that makes two of us my dear. I’m glad that I got over my anxiety of asking you out. I mean, I was a little scared, but I’m glad that I finally managed to do it,” he stated.

  “I’m pretty damn glad too,’ she replied.

  The two of them parted ways, and Billy did feel slightly regretful that he didn’t get that kiss, but he was fine with the way things were transpiring. He didn’t want to fight this, nor did he want to force anything. He felt a lot better about things though, about the way of life he had currently, and about the future that was happening. He wondered as well if there was anything else that he could do or anything that could change the way that things were going.

  When he headed back to the house, he saw the clan looking at him, like they were parents expecting to have a talk with their child.

  “Something the matter, guys?” he asked.

  “Oh, nothing. We just noticed you were super happy,” Travis said.

  “Yeah. How did it go?” Darren asked coolly.

  “Good. I mean, for a first date, it was honestly super fun. She liked the idea of going out dancing, so thanks for that Darren,” Billy said.

  “Good. Seems like the plan worked. So, you guys have another date yet?” Darren asked.

  Billy shook his head. “Not yet. I honestly feel super great though. I mean, I don’t feel like it’s forced, and I’m happy with the way everything is transpiring, that’s for sure,” he said.

  “Well good. Looks like our boy is growing up then,” Travis said.

  “I am grown. I’m thirty,” Billy said with a pout.

  “You know what I mean. You’re actually getting the attention of girls, something that you didn’t do in the past, and it seems like this girl is right for you,” Travis pointed out.

  Billy nodded, taking it in.

  “She might be. I’m not going to put all of my faith into this yet though. For various reasons,” he stated.

  “I’m not saying you have to do that Billy, I’m saying that you seem a lot calmer as of late since you’ve been seeing her, so maybe you should do what you feel is right for you,” Travis stated.

  Billy nodded.

  “Sorry, I probably sounded like I thought you were coming at me. Which you’re not. You’re just… being a good alpha,” he said.

  “I know. It’s okay, Billy. Trust me, I’m not the best at this. I don't mean to sound like a douchebag. I just wanted you to know that I’m here for you, no matter what, and I’m ready to help whenever possible,” he said.

  Billy nodded, looking at the alpha, the man that he admired, and someone who he always kind of thought was a good person. He trusted Travis, who seemed to know what he was doing. Plus, Darren was a different man because of a mate, so maybe this was the right thing.

  “I know that you're doing the right thing, Travis. There’s a lot that I’m trying to come to terms with though, a lot that I’m not so sure on myself, but I’m glad that I can talk with you about this,” he said.

  “You’re good. Trust me on that. You’re definitely a better man than you were all those years ago,” Travis said.

  “Yeah. You've known me for a bit. I’m glad that I’m better too,” he replied.

  Travis smiled, taking Billy’s hand and grasping it. The warm grip made Billy feel welcomed, happy, and most of all ready for whatever would happen next.
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  Billy went to his room, and he felt a strange inkling of happiness. He didn’t understand it. He wondered why this was even here.

  The other shifters were all talking and going about their daily business, and getting ready for bed. But, Billy’s mind was on something else. The future. He would be lying if he said he didn’t like Nikki, but a part of him wondered if it was right.

  But, he did notice one thing. The feeling of dread that loomed over him and made him feel like shit was gone. He didn’t feel it nearly as much anymore, and that was something he loved about it.

  “That feeling is gone right now. Is it really because of Nikki?” he asked himself.