Page 9 of Rehabilitated

“Yeah, that’s a good plan.”

“I’m here if you guys need anything, Russo.”

“Thanks, Ansel. I’ll talk to you later.”

“I’ll be around. I’m on patrol for your place tonight.”

“Got it. Talk to you later.”

“Night.”

“Night.”

We hang up, and I make Ever some peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. I add a bag of chips and another of pretzels to the mix and grab one more water bottle before I head upstairs.

Ever is still sitting on the bed, and I let out a breath of relief that she didn’t try to leave or get up again.

“Help yourself,” I say, spreading all the food out on the mattress before her.

“Thanks.”

She grabs a sandwich and takes a bite. Pride shoots through me, knowing I’m caring for my mate.

“So, we’re fated mates,” she says after she swallows. “What does that mean exactly?”

“It means that we’re meant to be. We’re soulmates. I’ll never love or want anyone but you. In a few days, on the night of the full moon, the mating heat will press down on us. That’s when our attraction will be at its highest, though I mean, look at you—I’ll always be attracted to you.”

Ever blushes, and I worry that I’ve come on too strong, but she looks pleased by my words.

“I’m too fat,” she whispers.

I growl so loudly that it scares both of us. “Don’t talk like that. You’re not fat. You’re fucking perfect. God, Ever, you’re a dream. My dream.”

Her cheeks flame a brighter red, and she stuffs another bite of sandwich into her mouth.

“Do you have any other questions right now?” I ask as she polishes off the first sandwich and reaches for the second.

“I don’t know. I feel like my head is racing. I’m not sure where to start.”

“Just ask away. We can bounce around.”

She mulls over her words for a second as she sips her water, then clears her throat. “How do you shift?”

“It’s a bit of a process. I mean, the actual shifting happens quickly now, in a matter of seconds. But when I first was learning, it took a bit of practice. You have to let your animal push forward. You have to give them control. Then it’s natural, but it can be hard to give over control of yourself, you know? You have to get used to it.”

“So, I should be able to shift?”

“Yeah. We can work on it and practice once you’re feeling better.”

She nods slowly, and I decide not to push the subject any further.

“You can communicate with your bear then?” she asks.

“Yeah, I can hear him in my head. I can feel what he wants, what he senses.”

“Is that weird?”

I laugh. “I guess, but I’m so used to it. He’s like my subconscious. Just… louder sometimes.”