Page 13 of Rehabilitated

“Damn straight.”

I smile. “Let’s go shopping then.”

Russo nods, taking my hand in his. He lets me move toward the door first and tucks me close as we step outside.

“I won’t leave your side,” he promises.

I’m safe with him. I know that for sure. Who would dare to upset this giant?

I’m still anxious as we step off the porch, but Russo makes me feel brave. I think I could face anything as long as Russo was with me.

I smile at the thought and try to focus on the present instead of the dark thoughts from my past as we make our way into town.

5

Russo

I’ve been hovering over my mate for the last three days. I know it. Ever knows it. Ansel definitely knows it since he’s told me to stop at least six times.

I can’t help it.

Every time Ever winces or looks nervous, my bear loses his mind. Every time she walks too close to the stairs, I have to fight the urge to scoop her into my arms. Every time she disappears into another room, I find myself listening for her footsteps just to make sure she’s still here.

Safe.

With me.

Ever seems to find it more amusing than annoying. At least most of the time.

“I can carry my own glass,” she says as I take it from her hand.

“I know.”

“Then why did you take it?”

“Because I can carry it for you.”

She stares at me for a second before shaking her head. “You’re ridiculous.”

“You love it,” I tease, pleased when her cheeks turn pink.

My bear rolls happily inside me. Our mate likes us.

Yeah, she does.

The last few days have been the best of my life. Ever is starting to relax and open up a little more. Her smiles come more easily now. She laughs more. The first time she laughed, really laughed, I nearly fell to my knees. It was the most beautiful sound I’d ever heard.

I’ve also learned more about her. She likes sweet coffee but hates tea. She loves to read, though her adoptive parents didn’t let her have many books. She likes watching the birds outside the kitchen window and taking long showers because no one is banging on the door and telling her to hurry up.

She also likes to cook. I hate letting her do anything that could be considered work, but she explained that cooking felt different now.

“It’s not a chore if I choose to do it,” she told me.

I understand that. I’m doing my best to let her make choices without jumping in and doing everything for her. I’m failing, but I’m trying.

Right now, we’re standing in the backyard for another shifting lesson. Ever has been asking questions about shifting since her first morning here. She’s curious about everything, but I can tell that not being able to feel her bear bothers her.

We’ve been practicing every day, but so far, she hasn’t shifted. The most she’s felt is a tingling feeling along her skin and the vague sense that something is moving around inside her. I told her that was progress. She didn’t look convinced.