Bear With Me by Moxie North Read Free Book Online Page A

Wyatt said, smacking his lips after chugging half his beer.
    Their dad just snorted.
    “How the hell am I going to tell my family that my little sister is mated to a bear?” Dax sighed.
    “What’s wrong with bears?” Cage calmly asked.
    “Don’t get me wrong, nothing wrong with bears. Big, strong, and capable. But my family, or I should say my mother, had big plans for Kenzi. There was a cougar family in Nevada that, well let’s just say have a vested interest in a number of casinos. My mother was expecting to form an alliance of some sort.”
    “Well the fates decide who your mate is to be,” Wyatt said around his beer bottle.
    “I know that, and you know that. But my mother…she thought she knew better than the fates. I think she hoped if Kenzi just spent enough time with that family that she’d find her mate somehow,” Dax explained.
    “Well, I guess she might not be too happy about this situation,” Edward chimed in.
    “Nope, not too happy,” Dax agreed.
    Down the hall, the ladies were all swirling around Mackenzie who was sitting on the bed. They were all talking over each other and answering each other at the same time. It was very confusing.
    “You have to help with the wedding plans!” Sophie squealed. “Cage and I are bonded, but we still need a wedding. My parents are flying in a few weeks early to get acquainted and let’s just say they are going to be in for a culture shock. Plus I’m doing a lot of the catering for the wedding so we’re having some big cooking days leading up to it. I would sure love an extra set of hands.”
    “Uh, sure, I mean I’m no chef, but I can stir and chop,” Mackenzie offered lamely.
    “Perfect! I’ll take anything I can get. Connie is all over the decorations and party rental stuff. Because we are having it here, I was able to keep most of my family back in England. Trust me, it’s better that way. Anywho, we are having it at the sweetest little chapel not far from here. Cage said it was built at the turn of the century as a place for the loggers to spend their Sundays. They haven’t had a regular minister there in years, but it’s available to use. We are setting up tables outside under the trees. I think it will be perfect!” Sophie chattered excitedly.
    “It will be perfect. Of course if it had been a double wedding, we’d only have to rent the tables once,” Connie sighed.
    “We’ve talked about this, Wyatt and I will let you know when we feel the need for a ceremony,” Jinger said. She was more than happy being mated to Wyatt. Enjoying their time together gave her parents the feeling of them just dating. Explaining a quickie marriage would have them freaking out.
    Sophie’s family wasn’t at all surprised to get the call that she was marrying her boss. They sounded properly resigned to their non-conformist daughter’s shenanigans.
    “I’d love to help out Sophie, if I’m still here,” Mackenzie couldn’t help but add.
    “Of course you’ll be here sweetie, don’t you worry. We’ll get everything sorted in no time,” Connie assured.
    Mackenzie nodded. “I’m really tired, it’s been a long day. If you don’t mind I’d like to go to sleep.”
    “Oh my goodness, I’m so sorry. Here we are yapping your ear off. Poor thing has had more than enough excitement. Let’s go girls; we’ll see you in the morning. Sleep well Kenzi,” Connie said, leaning over and giving her a motherly kiss on her head.
    Sophie and Jinger called out their goodbyes and left her to her thoughts. Her cat was anxious and upset. She didn’t blame her. She wanted to head outside and let her animal run, but she didn’t know the area, and to be honest, she was exhausted. Maybe after a good night’s rest, Conner would come to his senses.

Chapter 8
     
    The next morning brought fluffy pancakes as big as a plate, covered in lemon juice and powdered sugar, but no Conner.
    The family tried to keep up a light banter, everyone ignoring the fact that Conner was