The path opens up to a small clearing. A wooden lean-to with a platform is in the middle, and a bare section of earth accommodates a small stone circle created for a fire. A rusty grate sits on top. I imagine roasting hotdogs and marshmallows on a summer evening. I should be hungry, but my stomach is numb.
The early spring grass with daffodils scattered everywhere is beautiful under the blue sky. A camp table and chairs are set up with a cooler and basket nearby. Sierra's face is beaming with joy, and she says, "Look at all these flowers. They're gorgeous. Who planted them?"
Keith smiles back as a pleasant scent wafts toward me. "Our mothers did when they were young girls. They wanted to be fairy princesses and convinced a couple boys to help them plant hundreds. Over the years, they've multiplied."
Sierra says, "Did those boys happen to be their mates?"
Brady chuckles. "She's catching on."
I'm coming out of my funk and ask, "Does that mean you two have been friends all your life?"
Keith winks at me. "Yup, and boy have I got stories for you."
While Sierra wanders through the flowers, I sink into one of the collapsible chairs in exhaustion. Brady kneels at my feet and rubs his hands up my thighs. It occurs to me the heat I feel coming from Brady isn't human, but my muscles welcome it just the same.
His voice is low and soothes me. "You need to eat. Should I make you a plate?"
"Yes, thank you." I lean my head back to feel the warm sun on my face. Ice rustles in the cooler as Brady rummages through it. I'm overwhelmed with all that happened and need to process my feelings. The man I'm falling in love with is part bear. He turns into something big and deadly. And if I have his children, they will too. A shudder passes through me.
The warmth of Brady's coat comes around my shoulders. I open my eyes to the hulking shadow of him over me. He hands me a mug of hot chocolate and a piece of cheese. "I wouldn't be surprised if you're in shock right now. Eat and drink while I make you a proper sandwich."
I do without speaking. I'm not in shock. I just need a little time to sort things out, and words are in my way. The cheddar melts on my tongue, and I wash it down with the comforting flavor of chocolate.
I look over to see what Sierra is doing. She’s sitting on Keith's lap, and they're feeding each other grapes. I've never seen her happier, and for a moment I long for that kind of love. But then I realize I can have it. It's at my fingertips, and all I have to do it grab it and hold on.
Brady sits next to me and hands me a plate with a chicken salad sandwich, chips, pickles, and fruit. He seems to understand my need for quiet and doesn't speak. I put a grape in my mouth, and sweet juice explodes when I bite it. I'm suddenly ravenous and eat with purpose.
When I'm done, I set the plate down and sigh. My energy is returning, but I could easily take a nap. Except for the fact I'm trying to sort out what I do now.
Brady gets on his knees before me the way he did in his office. Only he doesn't pull me against him. He's letting me decide how close I want to be.
"Carly, I know this is a lot to take in. When you're ready, you can ask me anything."
I trace my finger along the strong line of his jaw, and a hint of stubble catches at my skin. "There's more, isn't there?"
Brady nods. "We're not the only clan of werebear around here. With our numbers dwindling, we're in danger of losing our status. Currently, the Le Roux Clan rules the Northeast Kingdom. I like to think we do so in fairness, but other clans want to take over."
I recall Brady's words. You must have come from warriors. I ask, "How old is your youngest member?"
"Twenty-five."
Brady and Keith have to be close to that age. Even if I had a baby in the next year, that's a huge gap between generations. I'm beginning to understand the danger of not having an army of young fighters. In fifteen years, their warriors would be either early teens or in their forties.
"Do the other clans know your women are barren and that you don't have any children?"
A gentle breeze blows through Brady's hair, and a strand falls on his forehead. A tiny flash of something not human passes through his eyes. His brow furrows for a second when he says, "They do."
I take his face in my hands, and his scent speaks to my awareness. I listen. In that moment, I know I can't leave Brady. In a strange way my body hums with the idea of making the clan strong again. It's as if it's my purpose in life. Not even tattooing called me this way.
I don't bother speaking and let my kiss tell him I'll stay. I pour my heart and soul into it, and while it's sexual, it's sensual too. I'm giving Brady a piece of me as a promise that I'll be his forever. As if he knows, he devours me like a man starving.
When we break away I say, "I want to know everything. Maybe not today but soon."
"You will. I plan for you to be my equal, and we'll lead this clan together."
His words surprise me. "You're the clan leader?" Good God, what have I gotten myself into?
"Yes, I'm the alpha. Like my father was before me and his before him."
"Is my heritage strong enough for you? To have your children so they can carry on the legacy?"