Red's Bear (Erotic Shifter Fairy Tales) by Yvette Hines Read Free Book Online

return.”
    Allowing her grandmother the privacy of her own
memories, Rena returned her smile. “Then will you at least tell me how much
sweetener you used to get this tea so delicious.”
    “You don’t have to add any extra when it is brewed. I
cure it when I buy it from the store in town. Simply allow it to bake in the
summer sun then store it in a canister.”
    “You make it sound so simple. I may have to extend my
stay just for this. When mom or I do it, it is never quite this tasty. Like
something is missing.”
    “I’m sure. Your mother was raised making my tea when
she was younger.” Her grandmother exhaled, the sound heavy and strong as she
slouched just a little in her chair.
    Rena could imagine the weight of the dissension between
her and her daughter had worn on her grandmother, even though Genma tried to
deny it.
    “A lot of things Lillian has pushed aside. Shunning her
very nature. The order of things.”
    Frowning, Rena pondered her grandmother’s words. “You
mean not being a part of her family? Keeping me from you?”
    “That and so much more. There is always time for such
weighted conversation.” Lifting the small basket, her grandmother said, “It is
more important now to get you rested and well. Have a muffin. They’re my
sticky-glazed pistachio recipe.”
    “Oh, Grandma, this tea is working wonders on me, but I
think a muffin would be too much.” Rena hadn’t lied. The tea was having a very
soothing effect on her stomach. From the first sip it had warmed her insides
and immediately settled the nausea. By the time she completed the first cup she
felt more alert and her limbs less shaky. Rena wondered if she consumed the
whole pot if she’d be able to run five miles on the treadmill again.
    Working out had been one of the first things she’d had
to cease almost a year ago. She just didn’t have the stamina or energy to get
through more than five or ten minutes. Her grandmother should think about
selling her recipe to pharmacies and clinics. It was better than anything her
doctor had given her.
    “Try one and if it causes you to become green about the
gills again then you don’t have to finish it.”
    Tilting her head, Rena eyed her grandmother. “How do
you know I’m not still feeling as sick as I was when I arrived?”
    With a sly smile that curled up on one corner, her
grandmother said, “Oh, Red, a grandmother knows.” Stretching her arm further,
she went on, “Besides, your face has color in it now, not so pale.”
    Rena was glad to hear that. She got tired of seeing her
own ashen brown reflection peering back at her. “Just a bite or two.”
    Looking at the muffins with their shiny, sticky, nutty
topping, Rena couldn’t help but lick her lips. She’d always had a sweet tooth
and staring at the muffins and trying to decide which one to pick was doing a
great job of re-awakening it. Selecting one of the smaller ones from the
basket, she took a bite. Like the tea, the first thing she tasted was the
sticky sweetness. Her insides seemed to be dancing as she swallowed it. Unable
to resist the moist, fluffy goodness and the nut crunch, she took a second and
third bite. If it made her sick she would have to deal with it.
    “Oh goodness, Grandma, it is soooo good.” Rena’s eyes
rolled up and she leaned back against the rocker. She was in a delectable heaven
between the tea and the muffin.
    “See, I told you. No one in Den can resist them.” Her
grandmother chuckled. “Another?”
    As the last bite disappeared down her throat, Rena
opened her eyes and peeped at her grandmother. “Maybe one more small one. I
don’t want to push it. It seems like it has been months since I’ve been able to
eat and keep anything down. I’m sure I will pay for this later.”
    “One never knows.” Joining her, her grandmother ate a
muffin too. “Tomorrow, Greta from next door will be by to pick up the
containers for Lola Shardik that will be sold at the festival next week.
They’re in a