Spirit Bear

by D'Arc, Bianca

  Laura had put her few things away and had a good look around the apartment before settling by the window overlooking the cove with her precious box of antler pieces and tools. She opened it like she was opening a precious gift and was pleased to find tools she recognized in there. She could definitely work with this.

  The first thing she wanted to do was make something for Justin, who had shown her such kindness in giving her the raw material to work with. She would carve him a scene from her homeland. Wolves running across the snow, hunting a mighty caribou. She could already see it in her mind as she set to work.

  It was hours later when Gus knocked on the apartment door. Laura had lost track of time while working on her first carving in more than two decades. It wasn’t nearly ready yet, but she was already proud of her work. She hadn’t lost the knack, it seemed. She quickly cleaned up and went to answer the door.

  She didn’t have many changes of clothes, so she couldn’t dress up for dinner, but Gus didn’t seem to mind. He took her to the only restaurant in town, which was called Flambeau’s. Zak Flambeau, the owner and head chef, waved at them as they came in, then went back into the kitchen where two others were also cooking. The scents wafting from that door made her mouth water, but the hint of spice in the air almost made her eyes water. There weren’t a lot of spices way up north, so she wasn’t used to hot peppers and the other exotic flavors Zak apparently liked to use.

  “Is everything spicy here?” Laura asked Gus in an undertone she hoped didn’t carry too far. She didn’t want to insult anyone.

  “Zak is Cajun, so that’s his specialty, but they’ll cook things just about any way you want, if you ask. Not everyone likes chili peppers,” Gus said, smiling kindly.

  When she looked at the menu, the prices seemed high, but she really didn’t have any frame of reference. She had never lived in a city for very long and hadn’t been free for decades. There was so much she had to learn. And she suspected any prices would seem high to someone who had no money.

  “This dinner is my treat,” Gus said out of the blue. She looked up at him quickly. Had he somehow read her mind? He’d probably interpreted the look on her face as she perused the menu.

  “I can’t let you,” she said. “You’ve already done so much.”

  “No arguments,” he replied, smiling at her, though his words were firm. “Tonight is a celebration. My building can finally be put to use. I built the thing on spec, and frankly, it’s cost me a lot of money to this point, without actually making any return on the investment. If you can get it ready for business by the time tourists start to roll through, I might actually start to earn something for my efforts. So will you, and so will the tribe. It’ll be good, all the way around.” His enthusiasm was almost infectious. “Let’s just enjoy a meal and celebrate our good fortune in getting this project moving, finally, and all the good things I hope will come of it.”

  “Well, when you put it that way, I’d be churlish to refuse,” she told him. “But, once I earn a little money, I’ll want to return the favor.”

  “You’re on,” he agreed easily. Too easily? She wasn’t sure. Was he just fobbing her off, or was he as eager to spend more time in her company as she was to be with him? And wouldn’t that beat all?

  She had honestly thought her chance at flirtation and attraction was over. She was a widow. She’d lost her mate. She’d believed he’d been her true mate. Marilee was evidence of that. But, if that was the case, why was Laura feeling an undeniable attraction tugging her toward Gus?

  Shifters only got one mate—if they were very, very lucky. If her handsome young mage had been her true mate, she should not be attracted to any other man. Ever.

  And yet, there was no denying the fact that long-dormant feelings were rising. She wouldn’t act on them, but she was definitely feeling an attraction, the more she was around Gus. It was a puzzle, to be sure.

  She was precluded from thinking about it as the waiter came over and took their orders. Laura opted for something without a lot of spice. Just a plain cut of meat, lightly seared with butter, a side of steamed vegetables and a baked potato. That was plenty of flavor for her reawakening taste buds.

  Before the waiter had even left the table, King and Marilee walked in the door of the restaurant. When they spotted Laura and Gus, they came right over. Gus invited them to join them, and things were quickly rearranged to include the younger couple, much to Laura’s delight. She loved being around her daughter. Marilee was so obviously happy with King, the two of them just shone with the light of love. It was incredibly refreshing after so long in the darkness.

  “Is it okay to tell them about today?” Laura asked Gus, not wanting to put her foot in her mouth again. She would check with him first, from now on, before revealing anything to anyone, if at all possible.

  Gus smiled, giving her a bemused look. “Sure. They’ll all know sooner or later, and I’ve already got the approval of the town council.”

  Marilee was watching her mother with an inquisitive smile. King was harder to read, but friendly as she told them about having lunch with the tribal elders in Gus’s backyard. Laura didn’t miss the speculative look Marilee shot Gus at that particular revelation, but Laura went on with her news quickly, hoping to sidetrack any questions in that direction.

  “I think Gus just about fainted when I told them I had fey blood,” Laura said, and she saw Marilee’s eyes widen. Even her daughter’s stoic mate started a bit, his shoulders tensing. “I didn’t know it was forbidden to speak of such things. Where I come from, the Native people knew all about us. We lived side by side, in harmony with each other and with nature. We also intermarried a lot, so there really was no way to keep it secret when the Pack spent so much time in our fur due to the weather conditions. Only those with human mates stayed two-legged for long stretches, to be with their beloved.”

  Marilee gazed at her with wide eyes. “It sounds like something out of another century.”

  “It is, at times. Survival hasn’t changed all that much, though modern materials always found a way up there to the people who needed them. It just took a while, and supplies were scarce. The things they’d always used—things from the land and sea—were more readily available, so they’re probably still in use today in many places,” Laura reasoned. “If things ever calm down enough, I’d love to go up to Ellesmere and see if I can find anybody I know. I had a pretty large extended family. Cousins and aunts and uncles. My grandparents were still alive when I left. I wonder if they’re still around?”

  Laura’s voice trailed off as she thought about that. It was Gus who restarted the conversation a moment later. “I had to report what had happened at lunch to Big John, of course. Up to today, I had no idea that the tribe knew anything concrete, but you should have heard the hooting and hollering when I explained to Laura that our existence is supposed to be secret.”

  “Apparently, it’s one of the worst kept secrets around,” Laura put in. “They mentioned that they noticed the sudden rise in bear sightings. Since it happened right around the time the town was settled, they said they’d put two and two together a long time ago. And this one,” Laura pointed to Gus, smiling as she did so, “has been sighted, again and again, near a grove of giant sequoias. Not very subtle, Gus, when you have white fur. Ask me. I know.”

  They all chuckled at her words, and Gus had the grace to look a little sheepish. The waiter arrived with their appetizers, and the conversation was put on hold for a moment. When the table had settled again, and they all had small plates of chosen tidbits in front of them, Gus picked up the thread of what he’d been saying.

  “Big John wasn’t happy about any of it,” Gus told them. “But he did say that, if anyone had to find out, he was glad they were Native Americans. Shifter communities used to work closely with the indigenous peoples in the old days, according to John’s research. It was pretty clear, from their reaction, the old timers still had enough belief in their ancestors’ stories that they didn’t get upset whe
n they started suspecting the presence of bear shifters in the neighborhood a few years ago. If they hadn’t, things would have gone quite differently when the town was first settled. As it is, John is going to have to tell the rest of the town council about this, but he doesn’t think there will be any problems. We just need to be more careful from here on out.”

  Laura breathed a sigh of relief. “Thank heaven for that,” she muttered, but they all heard her, of course. Shifter hearing wasn’t easily foiled. She decided a change of subject was in order. “I’ve moved out of the hotel,” she announced, and Marilee looked shocked.

  “What? Why? Did someone say something?” Bless her, Marilee looked like she was ready to do battle on Laura’s behalf. Just when she thought she had her shy daughter figured out, she reacted in a way Laura didn’t expect, but found utterly adorable.

  “It’s fine,” Laura insisted. “I took a job running one of the boutiques in Gus’s new building on Main Street, and he’s letting me stay in one of the apartments for free, as long as I act as den mother for the building. I think I’m getting the better end of that trade, for sure.” She smiled at Gus then looked back at her daughter. “The place is gorgeous, and there are three more just like it, still empty and looking for renters. I thought maybe you two might want to look at one of the units as a place to stay while your house is coming together. The hotel, while comfortable, has got to be a little confining for newlyweds, no? And we could be neighbors. At least until your house is done.”

  “I like that idea,” Marilee said immediately. “Maybe we could come take a look tomorrow?” She looked to her mate, and King nodded.

  “Is there a particular time that would be convenient, ma’am?” King asked Laura.

  “Oh, anytime is good. I’ll be there all day, working on getting the shop ready. Just come into the front left side shop and holler if you don’t see me right away. I might be in the back room,” she replied.

  Gus told them the rent number he was thinking about, and Laura was glad to see that neither her daughter nor King flinched at the amount. This might just work out, after all.

  They shared a companionable dinner together, and Gus insisted on picking up the tab for all of them when they were through. He really was a generous and kind soul. Laura vowed in her own mind to do the best possible job she could for him. He was so good to give her this chance, she wouldn’t squander it.

  They parted with the younger couple on the street in front of the restaurant. They had Marilee’s SUV in the parking lot, and they would drive back to the hotel on the other end of town. As for Gus and Laura, the new building was just across the street and down a ways. The night was cool, but not too cold for a pair of shifters. Gus walked her back to the building and escorted her right up to the apartment door.

  She opened her door, and he peered in, sniffing audibly. She was sure he could scent if anyone had been in there since she’d left. So could she, for that matter, but it was polite of him to look out for her safety, even if it probably wasn’t necessary in a town with a permanent ward against evil.

  Regardless, she could smell the apartment was as she’d left it. She was safe. She turned to him, and the smile slid from her face at the serious expression in his eyes. Was he…?

  Hot damn. He was angling in for a kiss.

  Laura decided to just let it happen and see what it felt like. She hadn’t kissed a man since her mate, and she’d thought she would never want another’s kiss ever again, but… Gus was a very tempting man.

  His lips met hers, and she swooned. There was no other word for it. Her knees buckled, and she felt lightheaded, but she managed to stay on her feet—probably mostly due to the fact that his arms had wrapped around her waist and he was holding her up. She found his strength sexy, and his kiss… It was unbelievable. Magical. Mystical. Deliciously tempting. Much like the man, himself.

  And then, it was over. Gus held her until her knees steadied then let go of her by slow degrees, holding her gaze all the while.

  “Good night, Laura,” he said, his voice a growly, husky whisper of masculine sound that reverberated through her weakened knees and made her innards clench with sudden desire. “Sleep well, sweetheart.”

  She couldn’t find her voice to reply, so stunned was she by the unexpected sensual haze. Damn. The man could pack a punch.

  CHAPTER FIVE

  The next morning when Laura left the apartment and went downstairs to investigate the shop, it was clear that Gus, or someone, had been there already. Probably while she’d been in the shower. The evidence was clear. There were several cans of paint in various shades of cream and taupe and a pile of painting equipment on top of the counter by the door to the back room.

  Laura looked over the paint and tools with enthusiasm. While her people didn’t generally paint their homes the way the people here did, they were all about decorative painting of objects. Usually small objects. Her earliest painting had been done with hues they could make from things around them. Certain plants and even clay. This would be her first time attempting something large, like an entire shop, and she knew Gus probably expected her to pick just one of the colors he’d supplied and do the whole place with it, but she thought maybe she could come up with something a little better.

  An idea in mind, she set to work. She thought she could get a good portion of one wall done today so she had something to show Gus. If he didn’t like it—or if it didn’t come out as she envisioned—it would be easy enough to just paint over it all with the big roller. In the meantime, she was going to enjoy getting her hands dirty. She set to work and didn’t surface again, until late afternoon when King and Marilee dropped by to take a look at the apartment.

  She had a good time showing them around the building, but they didn’t step into the gallery. She wanted Gus to be the first to see what she was doing there. If he didn’t like it, she would just paint over it, and it would be as if it had never been there. She would give him the option. It was his building, after all.

  Marilee and King liked what they saw from all accounts and left with smiles and promises to think about moving. Laura prayed her daughter and new son-in-law would join her in the otherwise empty building. She liked having family around, and her inner wolf needed Pack…perhaps more than she would admit. She went back to work in the gallery with a hopeful feeling, immersing herself in her art.

  Laura was so intent on her work that she didn’t look up when she heard the outer doors open and close. She could hear Gus’s voice and smell his delicious scent, so she knew it was okay. He had others with him. Two people that smelled of kelp and ocean water. They must be mer, she thought idly, while she put the finishing touches on her composition.

  She heard their footsteps—not Gus’s, but the mermaids’ light footfalls—going toward the back of the building. They must be the tenants Gus had lined up for the two seaward-facing galleries. She kept working while their voices and sounds dissipated toward the back of the big building and put them out of her mind.

  The next thing she knew, the outer door of her shop opened, and Gus’s scent wafted in. He was here!

  Gus took one look at the wall Laura was painting and stifled a gasp. He hadn’t expected this. Instead of picking one of the neutral hues he’d left and going at the blank wall with a roller, she’d painted a…a masterpiece…on the small section of wall next to the door that led to the back room. Not the side that had the display cabinet and would house the register, but the blank wall on the other side.

  She’d done a winter scene in taupe and cream. Subtle shade on shade coloring depicting what must be a memory of her homeland. The mural depicted a snowy, windswept mountain range in the distance and a white wolf just visible closer in. He felt chilly just looking at it, the image evoking a very strong feeling in him. This was art. Laura was a true artist.

  “Do you like it?” He heard her voice as if from afar. He’d been transported for a moment out of time into the wild, snowy world of her youth.

  “Like it?�
� He cleared his throat, swallowing past the dryness. “Laura, this is…it’s…unbelievable.”

  She cringed. “You don’t like it. I’m sorry.” She turned and picked up the big paint roller. “I can just paint over it.”

  “No!” He hadn’t meant to shout. Gus moderated his tone at her confused expression. “No, please don’t. It’s stunning. Beautiful. Almost magical.” He stepped closer. “How did you do this?”

  “Well, there were two smaller brushes, and I did the background color with the roller, but for the rest…” She held up her hands and the tip of every finger had a different shade on it.

  “You finger-painted that?” He was stunned. If she could do that kind of art with her fingers, what could she do with proper brushes? It boggled the mind.

  She shrugged. “It’s more abstract this way, but I enjoy feeling the paint on my hands. I was careful not to drip.”

  “Drips are the least of my concerns. Honey, this is… I’m at a loss for words because it’s so beautiful.” He turned to her and smiled at the way her expression filled with delight.

  “Really?” She set down the roller in the tray of paint, and he could see a becoming little blush on her cheeks. “You really like it?”

  “I love it,” he told her honestly. “It’s just what this place needs. You’re a genius.” He came over and put his arms around her, giving her a warm hug. “Thank you for using your talent to beautify this space.” He placed a kiss on the top of her head. She was shorter than him, but she fit his arms perfectly. “You know, with talent like this, you could sell your own art here in the gallery.”