The Paranormal Council: Complete Series

Chapter 14

BJORN

Time had ticked on, and Bjorn had found himself nodding off on the sofa in Ari’s living room, despite his desperation to stay awake for when she got back. But the moment he heard the sound of a key in the door, he was alert, anticipation thrumming through his veins. He wasn’t even sure what it was he was so excited about, other than the prospect of seeing her again. They’d been sleeping together for months, so it definitely wasn’t the novelty of s*x with her, though he had to admit, that still came in a close second. Instead, he felt like this night was important to the two of them; almost like it as the first night of something new.

The moment Ari stepped through the door, Bjorn’s heart sank. His excitement wasn’t reflected in her face, in fact she looked pale, almost like she was ill. He rushed over to her and wrapped his arms around her without saying a word. She gripped his shirt tight in one fist, her other arm snaking around his back and holding him close. He wasn’t sure how long they stood there, still and unmoving, but he felt the moment her emotions changed. She stepped back, a weak smile on her face but her expression seeming more steady to him. She grabbed his hand and tugged him towards her room, but he shook his head.

“Talk to me,” he said quietly, knowing that if they didn’t talk now, then they probably wouldn’t until at least the morning. If at all, knowing Ari.

“It isn’t important,” she answered and tried to pull him towards the bedroom again. While she could hold her own in the courtroom and when she sat on the Council, he was physically stronger than she was, and didn’t budge. He’d never use his strength and size against her, but right now, he could use it to stop her from skating over the expression on her face when she’d opened the door. He cupped her face in his free hand and looked into her eyes, trying to convey all the love and support he could.

“Anything you’re feeling is important.” She sighed and broke eye contact, causing Bjorn’s heart to sink. He’d hoped that she’d tell him what was bothering her.

“It was just something my Mum said,” she muttered, but even that felt forced. He waited patiently, hoping that she’d continue on her own. She let go of his hand and slumped down on the sofa. Bjorn followed, taking a seat and opening his arms in the hope that she’d cuddle up to him. Thankfully, she did, resting her head on his shoulder before continuing, “Mum didn’t take the news that my mate isn’t a fox shifter very well,” she admitted. At first, all he could focus on was that her family might have a problem with him, but it soon sunk in that if her Mum hadn’t reacted well, then she had to have told them.

“Will she change her mind?” he asked, his voice low and soothing. Or at least, he hoped it was.

“Eventually. Dad wants to meet you though.” She perked up a bit at that and he smiled to himself. He’d expected it to take more time for her to accept their relationship and tell other people about it, but it seemed like he’d been wrong.

“Really?” He could hear the excitement in his own voice, but he didn’t care. He’d do anything to make her happy.

“Yes. He wants to go for a drink, just the two of you, tomorrow night.”

“Does he know I’m a bear?” he asked, cautious of the fact she’d said her Mum didn’t approve and wondering if her Dad shared the same opinion.

“Yes, but he didn’t have the same upbringing as Mum did. He’s always been more open-minded. You’ll like him, the two of you are alike.” Ari looked up at him, her big pale eyes filled with a mix of pride and love, and he leaned down to kiss her gently.

“I look forward to meeting him,” he said honestly after they broke the kiss. She smiled again, looking more like herself than when she’d first got home.

“Can we go to bed?” she asked and he nodded, knowing from the suggestive grin on her face that the conversation was well and truly over; not that he minded now that she’d opened up.