“It must be so lovely to have your kids and grandkids close, Tilly.”
Mom perks up a little, lifting her head from where it was resting against the window frame. “They’re my greatest blessing. I’m sure Bas and Vera will love having you and Hunter around more now that they’re starting out on their mated life together.”
Linda is quiet after that, and we all sink back into silence. I wonder if she really was feeling sick.
I stop in our drive first so Linda can get out and let herself in, and then I park Mom and Dad’s car in their garage and help Mom into the house. The chairlift Dad had installed means I don’t have to try to get her up the stairs on my own, so it doesn’ttake long to get her tucked up in bed with a cup of tea. “Can I get you anything else?”
She shakes her head. “No. I’m sorry for spoiling today.”
I sit on the side of the bed. “Don’t be silly. You didn’t spoil anything.”
She puts her hand on my knee. “I’m so glad to see you and Bas so happy. So glad.”
“Thanks, Mom. I hope Riley finds his mate too. One day.”
She laughs. “Oh your brother just needs to pull his head out of his hiney and actually look.” I wonder if Mom knows something I don’t or if she’s just come to the same conclusion about Riley that I have. I don’t have a chance to ask, though, because my phone starts buzzing in my pocket. I pull it out expecting Bas or Dad checking on us, and I frown when the number is an unknown one. “Hang on. I’m just going to find out who this is.”
She nods, and I step out of the room, shutting the door behind me softly.
“Hello?”
“Good afternoon, is this Vera Ballard?”
“Yes, that’s me.”
“This is Kione Gilmore from National Parks Florida. I’m calling about your application.”
I blink. I forgot I put in an application for Parks Florida. That must have been before Christmas, back when I was still trying to keep my distance from Bas. God, there couldn’t be more distance between Florida and Mosswood, but I haven’t exactly had a wealth of other offers.
“We’d like you to interview for a position if you’re still interested.”
Am I? “Ah, wow. You’ve caught me off guard.” Instinctively, I clamp down on the mate bond, cutting myself off from Bas for a moment while I process the request. “Just an interview?”
“We have five positions opening next month, so if you’re successful at interview there are plenty of opportunities.”
“That’s great.” I know my words are coming out all stiff and don’t want to seem reluctant or ungrateful. I try again. “Yeah, that’s really great. I’d love to.” After all, it’s just an interview. I don’t have to take the position even if they offer it. And it wouldn’t have to be forever, just until I get some experience and something opens up at Black Pines. But can I do that to Bas when I know what he wants is for us to live together right away?
I chew my lip while Kione fills me in on the details of the interview. “We’ll send you all the information via email so you have it there. We’re looking forward to meeting you, Ms. Ballard. Thank you for your time.”
Feeling a little stunned, I slip my phone back into my pocket and go back to check on Mom. I find her sleeping, shifted, with her long, pointed fox nose tucked around toward her tail. I pull the blanket over her, forming it into a makeshift burrow, and let myself out, walking out of the drive and unlocking the front door to our house. “Hey, Linda, it’s just me, Vera,” I call out, but there’s no answer.
I listen, tuning into my extra shifter senses, but there’s still nothing. Then I spot the note on the kitchen counter.
When I pick it up, neat handwriting covers a few sparse lines.
Sebastien, I’m sorry. It isn’t working between me and your father. When you read this, I’m already on my way out of town. Please don’t try to call. I just need some time. I hope he doesn’t take this out on you, but I know you’re strong enough to handle him now. I hope you know how proud I am of you. Thank you for sharing a little of your life with me. Love Mom.
My mouth falls open, and I read it over a second time. She hopes Hunter doesn’t take it out on Bas? Is that what happened last time they split? My heart squeezes to think of a much smaller Bas having to deal with his father’s bad temper. I thinkabout the way I’ve seen Hunter react to her and Bas over the last few days, and yeah, I understand. Wow.
I can’t possibly break the news to Bas now about the interview in Florida.
He’s going to need time to process this. As much as he says he doesn’t care what his parents do now that he’s grown, I know underneath there’s a small, lonely cub who wanted nothing more than to feel like someone’s priority for once.
He should have been my priority. Not this job. I should have never agreed to this interview. In fact, I’m going to call and cancel right now.
I dial the number and lift the phone to my ear just as the door bursts open and a snarl sends a shiver up my spine. That snarl is pure angry bear. And it is not the familiar deep growl of my bear.
I mash the red End Call button and snatch Linda’s handwritten note off the counter, stuffing it into my pocket as an enormous Kodiak bear comes charging into the kitchen, teeth bared in a feral snarl and white flecks of spittle flying from his jaws.
