Page 84 of Bear and Bun

“You should be proud,” he said.

“I am.” But shame licked at me anyway. “You still at Ironwood?”

He nodded. “Of course. Where else would I be?”

“You doing okay?” I asked.

His smile didn’t quite reach his eyes. “I’m surviving.”

Before I could respond, I heard quick footsteps on the gravel path.

I turned and saw Sean jogging over, worry etched into his features. When he reached us, he blinked at Levi, then brightened.

“You came,” he said, breathless with relief. “I’m glad. Are you enjoying yourself?”

Levi stood automatically, taken aback as Sean closed the distance. Before either of us could react, Sean wrapped Levi in a warm hug.

I stiffened, instinct flaring again, but Sean just stood beside me afterward, resting a hand against my lower back. I pulled him closer, my arm circling his waist, protective.Mine.

“I am,” Levi said, a little stunned. “But I’ve gotta head back. Long drive.”

Sean’s smile faltered, but he nodded. “Thank you for coming. Really.”

“It was good seeing you in person, Sean,” Levi said, turning to me. “Your mate’s a treasure. Keep him close.”

I cleared my throat, awkward as heck.

“It’s good seeing you too, Levi. And, uh… if you’re ever hankering for good pastries or need a quiet place to think… You’re always welcome here,” I told him.

Levi gave a slow nod. “I appreciate that.”

He left a moment later, and I stood in the hush that followed, my mate tucked into my side.

“Are you angry I invited him?” Sean asked gently.

I shook my head. “No. You did good.”

Sean smiled, resting his head briefly on my shoulder. “Come on. Cassian’s going to cry if we don’t help him with the orders.”

We headed back to the stall where, sure enough, Cassian spotted us and shouted, “Oh, thank god. I’m gonna start throwing scones at people!”

“Don’t tempt me,” Rafael muttered nearby as he dodged a flirtatious smile from James at the neighboring wolf bakery booth.

Leo handed out cookie samplers to a pair of giggling kids, ruffling their hair as he flashed a dimpled grin. Joy sparkled in the air like sunlight catching sugar crystals.

And for a moment, I stood still. This—this was home.

A found family. A life built from the ashes of something violent and cruel. A life filled with warmth, laughter, and healing.

With mornings that started with coffee and ended in cuddles. With Sean.

“I’m lucky,” I said, not to anyone in particular.

Sean looked up at me, curiosity in his eyes. “What was that?”

“Nothing,” I said, kissing the top of his head. “Let’s go sell some pastries.”

THE END