“Ah, like the sycombre fruit. Flora used it when we were searching for Imelda,” Caleb said.
Karros’s eyes widened at this morsel of information about his true love. “Did she? On her bear shifter mate?”
“No.” Caleb tensed. “And don’t get ideas, you can’t use it on Aiden to make him forget her. Or to make Flora forget him.”
“Firstly, the sycombre fruit isn’t potent enough. Not to break the mating bond,” Karros replied.
“Does that mean you have thought about using it?” Caleb’s hands tightened into fists.
“No. But I remember my grandma saying she had a visit from Delphine’s father. He hoped to break the mating bond so she would marry Tisserand instead of running off with a bear shifter.” Karros held up his hand as Caleb opened his mouth to protest. “Not because they didn’t want her to marry Mikka. It was more because they hated the idea of losing their daughter.”
“They didn’t want her banished,” Elise explained.
“You’re not promised to another man already, are you?” Caleb asked quickly.
Karros snorted. “Our parents wouldn’t dare, but they did always hope she would marry a fae nobleman.”
“So, no banishments?” Caleb asked Elise.
“No banishments.” Elise smiled shyly at him. She was all his.
“So, back to my story,” Karros said.
“We really don’t have to.” Elise’s jaw tightened as she glared at him.
“It’s not that bad,” Karros insisted, “and you were young.”
“Eight.” Elise held up her fingers. “Please remember I was only eight when this story took place.”
A smile twitched at the corners of Caleb’s lips. “I’ll remember.”
“Anyway, we’d been foraging in the woods and then went back to our grandma’s house. Elise wanted to make cookies to take home. Grandma helped, but she was tired after being out all morning and sat down for a cup of herbal tea while Elise mixed the cookie dough.”
Elise’s cheeks flushed pink as she recalled adding ingredients to the mixture. She’d been so happy to make the cookies and was already experimenting with different flavors and textures. Which was how come she’d added what she thought was cinnamon.
“It was a mistake, and the cookies still tasted good.” Elise folded her arms across her body.
“What did you add?” Caleb asked.
“I added lilipat.” She inhaled sharply as Karros laughed. “It’s used as a laxative.”
“No one tried the cookies until we got home. I have never seen so many people needing the bathroom at one time.” Karros laughed until tears rolled down his cheeks. “The worst thing was Elise had already taken some over to the neighbors before we realized what was in them and what the result of eating them was.”
“Oh.” Caleb put his hands to his cheeks.
“It was years before they ever tried any of my cooking again,” Elise recalled the moment of mortification when she realized what she’d done. “It nearly ended my career before it began.”
“Don’t worry, your secret is safe with me,” Caleb assured her solemnly.
“It’s a pity it’s not safe with my loving brother,” Elise said drily.
“I’m sorry.” He wiped his eyes and then pointed at Caleb. “Anyway, he’s your mate, he’s got to learn everything about you. That’s how a good marriage survives. No skeletons hidden in the closet.”
“I can’t wait for you to find your wife or mate. I know where you have plenty of skeletons hidden.” Elise cocked her head to one side and opened her eyes wide in defiance.
“Point taken.” Karros lowered his head. “Okay, let’s look around the rest of the house.”
“Let’s. The downstairs is perfect,” she told Caleb.
“Let’s go upstairs.” Caleb led the way and they followed, checking out a small dining room on the way. The extra room would mean they could both have some privacy. A good thing since she didn’t want to spend all her time getting to know Caleb in the presence of her brother and his stories of her past.
“These bedrooms are bigger.” Elise walked across the empty room and stared out at the mountains in the distance. “And the view is just as spectacular, if not as invigorating.”
“I like it,” Karros announced.
“So, we’re going to choose this one?” Elise asked.
“Only if you like it, too,” Karros answered.
“If you could work on the yard, it would keep you out of trouble and away from the restaurant.” She went through to the bathroom. “Oh, this bath is to die for.” She ran her hand along the curved top. “It’s so deep, perfect for a long soak after a hard day.”
“Will you call the owner now?” Karros asked. “I’d like to sign the lease today, if possible, and then we can arrange for furniture to be delivered. We could always sleep on the floor tonight. We have blankets and cushions, we can treat it as a campout.”
“We’re really going to do this!” She covered her face with her hands. Until now, this had seemed like a dream but if they signed the lease on the house, they were committing to a life in Wishing Moon Bay. A life outside of the fae realm where they were born and raised.
“We’re really doing it.” Karros nodded.
As Elise met Caleb’s expectant face, she nodded. This was where she was meant to be.
And Caleb was who she was meant to be with. But it started here, with Karros.
Chapter Eight – Caleb
“Thanks, Wilf. I’ll pass the news on.” Caleb ended the call and tucked his phone in his pocket before heading outside where Karros was walking around the patch of bare dirt that he hoped to turn into something beautiful and Elise was seated on a bench staring up at the mountains.
“What did Wilf say?” Elise jumped up off the seat. She was full of energy and enthusiasm for their new life in Wishing Moon Bay. Or maybe she was always this happy and excited.
Life sure will be fun with our mate, his bear said. She’s smart and funny and loves life.
“Wilf said he’ll meet you here in an hour or so and you can sign the lease.” He ran his hand through his hair and let out a long breath. “It’s all yours if you want it.”
“Do you think it’s a good idea?” Elise’s enthusiasm ebbed as she studied his face.
“This house?” Caleb nodded. “Yes. Wilf said he’d also talk to Karros about the yard. The job is yours if you want it.”
“I do.” Karros glanced at his sister’s troubled expression. “What’s the catch?”
“Wilf wants me to be a guarantor in case you both bail and leave town.” Caleb could have tried to hide this piece of information from them, but he wanted to be honest and truthful with his mate and her brother.
“He doesn’t trust us because we’re fae?” Elise asked.
“No. Well, yes, in a way.” Caleb inhaled deeply, Wilf’s worries mirrored his own. “He’s just concerned that you are both new in town and it’s rare for a fae to settle here.”
“He thinks this is a phase and in a couple of weeks we’ll head back home and forget all about our responsibilities.” Karros nodded. “Understandable. Inaccurate, but understandable.”
“If we sign the lease, we’re committing to our life here.” Elise reached for Caleb’s hand and warmth spread across his skin where their fingers touched. “Are you worried that’s what’s going to happen?”
“I’d be lying if I said it hadn’t occurred to me.” Caleb wished he could be sure Elise would stay if things didn’t end well with Ivan and the restaurant.
“I like that you’re honest,” Elise replied. “We plan to stay here.”
“Caleb is worried your life might implode if things go wrong with the dragon shifter.” Karros certainly was good at reading people.
And I always thought the fae lacked empathy, Caleb’s bear said. I can see why Flora agreed to marry him. Even though she didn’t love him in the same way he loved her, he would have made a good husband.
Do you want to m
arry him? Caleb joked.
Funny. His bear grumbled as he walked away.
“I have a feeling it’s all going to work out just fine,” Elise’s smile returned. “This house, the restaurant. It’s all falling into place.”
“You’re right.” So why did he still feel apprehensive?
Because he didn’t know where he fit into Elise’s world. She would live with her brother and work with Caleb’s brother. Caleb was on the peripheral of her life. Somehow, he had to find a way to connect with her.
Aiden might have had a rough time with his mate to start with as they searched for Imelda, but at least they had been forced to spend time together.
When would Caleb get to spend time with his mate?
“An hour?” Karros looked at his watch. “We could go back to the beach and pick up my car.”
“And Caleb could take me into town and show me around. We need some groceries if we’re going to stay here tonight. Even if we camp out, I’m still going to need coffee in the morning.” Elise spun around and looked at the house. “We’ll need furniture, too.”
“I can help you out there,” Caleb replied. “My mom has a stack of old furniture at the hotel. When we extended the restaurant a couple of years ago, she sacrificed a couple of rooms in the hotel and her apartment. She hates throwing anything out, so it all got stored away.”
“Would she mind letting us borrow some?” Elise asked.
“It would really help us out,” Karros confessed. “At least until we have time to buy something else.”
“She’d like to help,” Caleb insisted. “Why don’t we go back there now? We have enough time to pick out what you need. I can load some in my truck and then I could ask Logan to drive over with whatever won’t fit.”
“Excellent.” Elise clapped her hands together.
“Let’s go.” Caleb jogged back to the house, locked the front door, and replaced the key. Then they hurried to his truck and climbed inside. After a quick phone call to Mr. Kipper to thank him for showing them around the apartment but it was too far out of town, due to Elise’s job at the restaurant, he drove away from the house. Ten minutes later, they were back at the beach where Karros got out and picked up his car, leaving Caleb alone with his mate.
“I want to thank you.” Elise’s eyes shone with excitement. “And I want to ask if we can postpone our date.”
He swallowed hard. “Of course, you have so much to do today.”
“I thought that I could cook something for us. Tomorrow evening. I’d like you to be our first houseguest.” She shuffled closer to him. “Don’t worry, I’ll figure out how to get rid of Karros so that it’s just you and me.”
“I’d like that. Although, since you’ll have been working all day, I could take you out to dinner,” he offered.
“No, honestly, I’d like to cook for you.” She shrugged. “It’s the least I can do.”
“You don’t owe me anything,” he assured her.
“I appreciate you saying that. But it would be good to get to know you a little better. Since we are mates.” Her cheeks turned pink. “Maybe if I cook, you could explain to me exactly what being your mate entails.”
“Entails, you make it sound as though it’s a job. Being my mate is just you being you and me trying my hardest to make sure you are happy.”
“Oh, that has to work both ways,” she replied. “I am not interested in being in a one-sided relationship. We’re equals.” She fixed him with a hard stare. “In everything.”
“Don’t worry, I spent a few days with Flora, remember? I know that you and I are equal. And that’s great. I want you to be my life partner. Everything we do should be a joint decision. Not the small day-to-day stuff, of course. But where we live, whether we have children...” He paused briefly, as if trying to gauge her response. “Those are joint decisions.”
“I agree.” She watched as Karros started his car and pulled out of his parking spot. With a glance in the mirror, Caleb drove onto the road and headed toward the hotel. “As for children, I need you to know how important this job with Ivan is. It’s what I’ve been dreaming of for the last few years. Someone to give me a chance.”
“I know.” He gave her a sidelong glance. “Does that mean you don’t want children?”
“I...I always dreamed of a family. I love children. But as you get older and the chance to have your own family passes you by, you have to move on or go insane.” She leaned her elbow on the door and cupped her chin in her hand. “Meeting you feels as if someone threw the pieces of my life in the air and they’ve landed scattered all over the ground.”
“And together we have to see how they fit together.” Caleb could understand her worries and fears. “I don’t want to end your dreams, Elise. I want to support them. I want to make them a reality.”
“So, you know where the fairy godmother keeps her magic wand,” she said lightly.
“I wish I did.” They were nearly back at the hotel. He’d enjoyed this time alone with his mate and didn’t want it to end. However, they needed to sort out what furniture Elise and Karros needed and get back to the house before Wilf arrived with the papers. If they were late, they might risk losing the house his mate had fallen in love with.
The house Karros has fallen in love with, his bear reminded him. I think if this was Elise’s decision, she would have taken the apartment with the ocean view.
Possibly. But it’s good that she is willing to compromise for her brother. Caleb parked the truck in front of the hotel.
“I didn’t expect to be back here today,” she admitted. “Maybe I should avoid the kitchen in case Ivan has changed his mind about me working here.”
“He won’t,” Caleb assured her. This chance to work with Ivan meant so much to her.
“I don’t want to mess up before I have the chance to show him I’m worthy of the chance.” She opened the door and slid out of the truck as Karros parked his car next to the truck.
“Ivan has agreed to the job, he doesn’t change his mind on a whim.” Caleb strode around the back of the hotel. “This way, we need to hurry.”
“Coming.” Elise and Karros jogged to catch up with him.
When he reached the door leading to Valerie’s apartment, he knocked before opening the door and stepping inside. “Mom!”
“Caleb, how did it go with...” Valerie came out of the living room and stopped dead. “Sorry, I didn’t know you brought company. Shall I put a fresh pot of coffee on?”
“No, we don’t have time...but thank you.” Caleb went to his mom. “This is Elise and her brother, Karros.”
“Hello.” Elise waved and smiled brightly while Karros nodded.
“What do you need?” Valerie looked at her son with concern.
“It’s okay, there’s nothing wrong.” He kissed her cheek. “Elise and Karros are going to move into Wilf’s house. The one he’s just finished.”
“Oh, the one you and Aiden worked on. Ivan brought me to see you for a visit just before I had my operation.” She placed her hand on her knee.
“That’s the one.” Caleb nodded. “They’re moving in today and they don’t have any furniture.”
“Oh, furniture, that I can help you with,” Valerie clapped her hands together. “I’ll grab the key to the garage. We also have linens if you need them.”
“We don’t want to put you to any trouble,” Elise said quickly.
“It’s no trouble and even if it were, you’re family now.” Valerie’s cheeks flushed with happiness. “Caleb, go show Elise and Karros what furniture there is while I round up a couple of your brothers to help.”
“Thanks, Mom. I wondered if Logan was around with his truck.” Caleb took the key Valerie handed to him and headed back out of the apartment.
“He’s at the candy store. But I’m sure he can spare you some time. I’d call Aiden but he and Flora have taken off to Logan’s cabin. They’re going to stay there for a few days. Get to know each other a little.” Valerie puffed out her cheeks a
nd followed Caleb out of the apartment. “It sure has been a crazy few days.”
“Tell me about it,” Caleb agreed.
“A good strong man like you can take it.” Valerie patted her son on his back. “Life has changed for good now that you have a mate.”
“I am not complaining.” Caleb grinned and headed for the garage filled with furniture, with Elise and Karros following.
“You sometimes sound as if you’re complaining,” Karros accused.
Elise chuckled. “Ignore my brother, he’s trying to wind you up. Which isn’t fair when you’ve been so helpful.”
“It’s okay, I have enough brothers to know when someone is trying to poke me with a stick.” He swung his head around and looked over his shoulder at Karros. “I’ll get my revenge.”
“Oh, so you’re challenging me?” Karros’s eyes sparkled with humor.
“Oh, no, not a challenge. My revenge will come swift and when you least expect it.” They reached the garage and he leaned down, inserted the key into the lock, and then pulled the doors open.
“Oh my goodness. It’s like a furniture treasure trove.” Elise put her hands on her hips. “I don’t know where to start.”
“There’s a table here. This would go in the dining room. And we need to get it out of the way so that we can get a good look at the rest of the furniture.” He nodded to Karros. “Lend me a hand.”
“I can do it!” Elise dashed forward and grasped the edge of the tabletop. “Equals. Remember?”
“I do.” Caleb lifted the table and Elise did the same, her fingers curled around the wood as they shuffled it out of the garage to reveal six chairs and a couple of beds leaning against the wall of the garage.
As they placed the table carefully down on the ground, Caleb’s head filled with plenty of ideas of what he and Elise could do with those beds.
Chapter Nine – Elise
“Are you sure this isn’t too much?” Elise asked for the tenth time as she surveyed the pile of furniture outside the garage.
“No, it’s good to see it being used. We have no need for it in the hotel.” Valerie ran her hand over a sideboard. “This used to be in my living room before we chopped it in half for the restaurant expansion.”
Fae-ted to the Bear: A Wishing Moon Bay Shifter Romance (The Bond of Brothers Book 4) Page 6