Total pages in book: 18
Estimated words: 16534 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 83(@200wpm)___ 66(@250wpm)___ 55(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 16534 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 83(@200wpm)___ 66(@250wpm)___ 55(@300wpm)
When my mate informed me that she plans to interview several people over the next few days, my bear almost had a heart attack. He ordered me to investigate the fucking prospective employees to make sure they aren’t a threat to my mate.
Once I told Thorne about my plan to attend the interviews, he insisted on checking the applicants out himself. The girls didn’t like the idea of us “butting in” and told us to “mind our own business.” Of course, we didn’t let that stand in our way and made plans to show up anyway to surprise our mates. But my asshole brother is running late.
The bell above the door jingles as I step into the sweet-smelling bakery. My bear and stomach both growl at the same time, but I ignore them and concentrate on the job I’m here to do.
I find my mate sitting at the last table against the wall talking to Ms. Mullen, an older bear shifter who I’ve known my entire life. Well, that isn’t so bad. Maybe we did overreact runs through my mind as I walk over to them.
“Good afternoon, sweet tart.” I lean over and place a soft kiss on my mate’s lips, and she gives me a glare in return.
“Wilder.” Her narrowed eyes and teeth-clenched smile tell me I’m going to face her wrath later. I’m not going to lie; I look forward to my mate’s punishment. “What a surprise to see you,” Cora grumbles. Actually, I’m not shocked at all. I should’ve known you would show up.
It takes me a few seconds to realize I heard her complaint in my mind. Bear shifters usually can communicate nonverbally with their bear shifter mates, but I didn’t know if my human mate would have the same ability.
I couldn’t take the risk of something happening to my mate. I stare into my mate’s aqua eyes and watch them widen when she realizes what’s happening.
So, now you can read my mind? Cora asks nonverbally.
I’m not really reading your mind, I tell her as we hold a full conversation without anyone else realizing. You’re talking to me and my bear through our mate bond. It’s just like speaking verbally, but I only hear what you say to me.
Do I have any more little surprises like this coming?
I’m sure there will be a few. I smile down at the human who owns me, heart and soul, and wink before turning to Ms. Mullen. “It’s nice to see you again.”
“Young man, you are interrupting my interview.” I feel like a ten-year-old boy again when the retired librarian scolds me.
“I’m sorry, Ms. Mullen.” The apology slips out automatically. “Please ignore me and continue with your interview.” I walk over to the counter and see Mabel shaking her head.
“I guess this means Thorne is on his way here.” My brother’s mate smirks at me.
“Are you surprised?” I ask and sit at one of the bar stools at the fifties-style counter.
“Not even a little.” When Mabel places a warm honey bun and a cup of coffee in front of me, I thank her before diving into one of my favorite treats. “We aren’t completely helpless. We all three read through the list of applicants and decided on the ones we thought would pass our mates’ inspections.”
“Well, why didn’t you just say so in the first place?” I mumble and go back to scarfing down the honey bun.
“Because we live to keep you guys on your toes,” my soon-to-be sister-in-law smirks, and I can see why my brother lost his head over her. The universe was on its game the day it decided to bring the Sweet sisters into our lives.
“Good to know.”
I end up eating three more honey buns before my brother comes rushing into the bakery. “I can’t believe I trusted you to fucking do this, and you’re stuffing your face instead of checking out the people who might be working alongside our mates.” He slams his hand down on the counter next to me.
“Hold up, Bossy Bear,” Mabel cuts in. “Stop for a second and look over there.” She points at Cora and Ms. Mullen. “Do you really think Ms. Mullen is a threat to us?”
Thorne looks appropriately chastised as he shakes his head no. I’m fucking impressed at how my tiny soon-to-be sister-in-law manages to keep my asshole brother on a tight lease.
“Don’t look so fucking smug,” he growls and sits on the barstool next to me.
I can’t resist giving my brother hell. “Pussy-whipped fucker.”
“Hello, pot, this is the kettle.” My brother forgets all about me when his mate comes around the counter and stands next to him. While they cuddle, I enjoy another honey bun and wait for my mate to finish this interview.
Cora and Mabel end up hiring all three women after the interviews. Evidently, Momma Bear recommended all three applicants to the girls but conveniently forgot to tell her sons that little tidbit.