Bear's Kiss (Bear Heat Book 2) (10 page)

“But...”

“You've done enough for
tonight. You've cooked so much delicious, wonderful food for us.
Now, join the party. Eat, drink, relax.” Caleb forcefully
steered Ali, Nurin and Jennifer towards the center of the restaurant
where the Black Bears had pushed all the tables together to form an
enormous, sprawling table that was overflowing with food and drink.

Baxter, Thor and a couple of
she-bears jumped up and pulled out chairs for Prisha's three
bewildered staff.

“Don't worry, we'll
wash everything up,” Baxter told them. “Nah, it's no
trouble at all. Many hands make light work, and as you can see, we
have many, many hands.”

“You mean paws,”
someone chortled.

Baxter countered with a
snarky retort, and there was more teasing and laughter.

Caleb came to stand beside
Prisha, and gently eased the serving tray from her hands. “You
too,” he said. “You've been so busy in the kitchen the
whole day. You haven't eaten a bite.”

“I did. I had...”

“Not enough.”

When Prisha rolled her eyes,
Ethan laughed and told her in a stage whisper, “I know, right?
He can be such a Mama bear. But...that's what makes him such a great
leader and a worthy Beta. He is pushy, demanding, meticulous, and—he
cares.”

“I'm no care bear,”
Caleb huffed but Prisha saw the laughter in his eyes.

Caleb faced his Alpha and his
expression became solemn. “I have to make a trip with Prisha
back to her hometown. I'd have to take a few weeks off. I have to
make a formal visit to her family and ask for her hand in marriage.
It's their custom and...”

“Take as much time as
you need. You haven't taken a holiday in so long. Go, spend time
with your prospective in-laws and win them over. You can turn on the
charm, can't you?” Ethan said.

Caleb started to frown. “I
suppose...”

“You must. It's an
order. From your Alpha.”

Cora jabbed her finger in
Ethan's chest. “Now
you
are being pushy, demanding and
meticulous.”

“But he cares,”
Prisha quipped with a cheeky grin.

Cora and Prisha giggled and
hi-fived each other.

The chime sounded as someone
pushed through the door and peeked in. “Am I late? Has the
party started without me?”

“Aubrey!” The
Black Bears cheered and waved her in excitedly.

“You are late, as
usual.”

“We've finished all the
food.”

“None for you!”

The pretty woman grinned at
the raucous welcome and walked into the restaurant.

“Come! I'll introduce
you to my best friend, Aubrey.” Cora tugged Prisha forward.
“Prisha, this is Aubrey. Aubrey, this is Prisha, owner of this
lovely restaurant...”

“And Caleb's mate!”
Aubrey exclaimed, pulling Prisha into a big hug. “I know! I
heard what you and Caleb did. You saved the Mayor. You're so
brave!”

“I didn't,”
Prisha choked out. “Caleb, Baxter and Thor did. The Black
Bears did everything.”

Aubrey squinted at her and
said, “And you are a Black Bear, aren't you?”

“I...” Prisha
blinked repeatedly. Then she tilted her head up and answered with
absolute clarity and conviction, “Yes, yes I am.”

Aubrey gave her the
thumbs-up. “There you go. You, your mate and your clan saved
the city!”

As Cora and Aubrey went to
join the rest of the Black Bears, Prisha stood near the door and
gazed around the cozy little restaurant that her grandmother had left
her.

Her staff were eating,
drinking and joking with the Black Bears. Baxter and Paige were
having a curry contest. The one who could drink the most number of
bowls of Devil's Curry was the winner. So far they were neck and
neck. Aubrey and Cora were cheering Paige on, while Ethan and Thor
had their money on Baxter.

Her grandmother would be so
proud. Shamila had worked hard to build up her little business, to
make Curry Corner a viable, thriving, beloved little restaurant. She
wanted it to be a place where people could come for good food and
good company.

Curry Corner was her Nanni's
pride and joy, and now, it was hers. She had carried on her Nanni's
dream and made it hers. Prisha felt so proud, so grateful, and so,
so happy.

“Thank you, Nanni,”
Prisha whispered.

Prisha closed her eyes for a
moment and felt Caleb's arm around her shoulder. “Hey,”
he said softly. “Everything okay?”

Prisha look up and cupped her
mate's handsome face. Touching her lips to his, she whispered,
“Everything is perfect.”

~
End
~

About the Author

Natalie Kristen is a writer
who enjoys mixing the sweet with the spicy, the light with the dark,
the possibilities with the unimaginable. She enjoys exploring
paranormal and dystopian worlds, deep desires and inspiring romances.
She is hopelessly addicted to coffee, chocolate, reading and
writing. She loves to hear from readers so please feel free to
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