Chapter 42

(Her)

“Thank goddess, you’re here!” Mari tells me, hugging me.

“You kind of didn’t let me the choice!” I reply, hugging her back.

"What do you mean?"

“How did you invoke me?” I ask her.

“Did I? Really?” She replies.

I nod.

“I have not idea how I did it. I was just thinking about how I wanted to speak with you, to see you, and then I should have fallen asleep.” She shrugs.

“What do you want to speak to me about? I mean we spoke 4 days ago.” I ask.

“Are you not happy to see me?” She asks me surprised by my reaction?

“No! Of course, I’m happy. It’s just I was in the middle of something.” I reply and I can feel I’m blushing. How can I blush in a dream!?

“Hmm... What were you doing that made you blush like that?” She asks, tapping her finger on her lips to hide her smile.

“Pfff! As if you don’t have an idea!” I complain.

“So you were making out with Erza?” She asks, smirking.

"No!" I reply blushing even more.

She laughs: " Oh yeah! You were totally making out with Erza!"

“More like he was going to mark me.” I conceide.

“Sorry.” She says looking guilty.

“Don’t be. Maybe it’s a sign it’s too soon. I’m not ready to face my monster yet.” I reply.

“You will have to face him one day you know?” She tells me.

“I know... Anyway, why am I here?”

“Because I went through some kind of trouble and I need to let everyone know that I’m fine...”

“Can you develop?”

“As you know we went skiing” I nod so she continues: “Well I got caught in an avalanche when I was saved by a bear. What I didn’t realize is he was not a simple bear but a bear shifter. A male who kind of fell in love with me. I’m in his cabin in the middle of the mountain and he wants me to become his mate.”

“Are you okay? Why didn’t I feel it?” I ask her, worried.

“I’m fine. I got hurt in the avalanche and my ankle is still hurting but it’s not broken. And the bear saved me before I was really caught in it, so maybe this is why you didn’t feel anything. Antoni, the bear shifter, is taking really good care of me. And his house is very nice and comfortable. But he doesn’t take “No” for an answer about me mating with him.”

“Do you want me to come with a rescue team?” I ask her.

“No, absolutely not! I was lucky if saved me, I would have died without him. I’m indebted to him. I just want you to call Gemma before she calls my family. I lost my phone in the avalanche and Antoni doesn’t have one. Or Wi-Fi or any computer. We are in the middle of nowhere alone. But I’m sure I can manage him and convince him to wait for his mate. I just need some time before everybody comes on a rampage. He’s a real nice guy for sure I will make him see that this is not right.”

“Are you sure?” I ask.

“Yes, please! We can speak every day if you want and now I know I can invoke you if I need it. He’s super sweet, just lonely.”

“Show me where you’re held. I need to be sure you’re in a nice place.” I ask her.

“How do you do that?”

“Just think about where you are.” I explain.

Suddenly the decor changes around us.

“Awesome! Do you want a tour?” She asks clapping her hands together.

I nod.

Apparently, We don’t have the same definition of a cabin. The chalet is huge and beautiful! She has her own room, private bathroom, a training room, a spa with sauna, hammam, and tropical shower, an indoor 25m swimming pool, a cinema and she can use it as much as she wants. There is also a huge fireplace. Clearly, I wouldn’t mind staying there...

“Well, nice place! He is rich apparently. Now, I understand why you don’t mind staying.” I comment.

“I know there is worse. The tropical shower is just amazing, I’m in love with it!” She replies.

“Yes, I can see myself reading by the fireplace while there is a snow storm raging outside.”

“Oh! That’s a good idea! The weather is becoming darker, so maybe we will have one. That would be so cool!”

“Fine we wait, but if he becomes aggressive or if in a week, you’re still locked in his cabin I will come for you.” I finish granting.

“Deal! Thank you for your support!” She says smiling.

“It’s normal. Be careful.” I say hugging.

“Last question: is he hot?” I ask.

“Oh yes, he is! But he’s not the one I belong to.” She replies.

When I open my eyes, I’m in my room in the packhouse. Ezra should have brought me here. Ezra... He almost marked me. Were we crazy? Was I really ready? It seems already so far when it was an hour ago? Maybe two?

“How is she?” Ezra asks me when he realizes I’m awake.

“I don’t know who you’re talking about?” I reply.

“Knox explained to me what happened. I know Mari called for you and I spoke to Gemma so I know she is in trouble.”

I groan.

“She is fine. I swear! Let me show, it will be simple.” I tell him, giving him my hand and he takes it gradely.

“Mmm, interesting!” He mutters. He’s thinking hard. After a few seconds, he has a small smile... He’s up to something.

“Unfortunately, I already told her parents and Logan that she was missing...” He adds.

“Ezra! They will be worried about nothing!” I scroll.

“Sorry, I was worried too!” He defends himself.

I groan: “Let’s talk to them. They need to know she is fine.”

“Thank goddess, he was here!” Bea says looking relieved.

Beta Leo nods.

“But she will have to check her ankle when she can, to be sure it’s healed properly.” She adds.

“So that bear shifter saved her and is taking care of her? What does it want in return?” Beta Leo asks.

“Nothing, he’s just a good samaritan.” I reply.

“Actually, he saved her with pure kindness...” Ezra starts, what is he playing at?

“But?” Beta Leo asks.

“He likes her. He likes her a lot.” He replies. They exchange a knowing look with Logan.

“Okay... And what does she say about him?” Bea asks.

“He’s a nice guy but she doesn’t like him like that.” I reply.

“Still she said he is taking really good care of her, that he is hot and his Chalet is just wow! A snowstorm is coming. She might change her mind as they will be alone in the middle of the mountain...” Ezra adds.

“What is he doing?” I ask myself.

“The right thing! Wait and see, beautiful!” He replies in my head. Our almost marking has strengthened our bond, apparently.

“Yeah, I can see it. Power cut, the wind howling outside, the fireplace and candles everywhere... So romantic! The best situation to make her fall.” Logan says.

“Indeed, the best conditions to make her fall for him. Not to forget he asked her to become his mate.” Ezra adds.

Suddenly we hear a huge growl in the adjacent room. Before Ash opens the doors. His eyes are all black and the veins below are darker. He looks deadly furious. Ezra and Logan are smirking at his reaction.

“What did you just say?” Ash asks his voice deeper and dripping with venom.

Oh! Now I know what he was up to!