Bear in Mind (3 page)

Making it back to the car, he held open the passenger side and held Jinger’s hand as she took her seat.

“I really wish you would accept my offer for lunch, Jinger. I swear it’s the best camp food in the state,” he tried one last time with a cajoling smile.

“I wish I could, but I still have a lot of work to do today,” she mumbled. She felt ridiculous turning down this gorgeous man, but he was probably just being polite. Beautiful men like him could have any woman they wanted. They did not choose short round office monkeys.

Wyatt made his way to the driver’s side and took off without another word. They rode in silence the whole way back to the work site. It was horribly awkward. Like fifth-grade spelling bee awkward, when you knew you needed to say something and nothing would come out and the whole school was watching you.

Except it wasn’t the school watching, it was Wyatt Rochon and he seemed, annoyed. She could feel a strange tension coming off of him. Like she had actually upset him by not taking him up on his offer. Was she being a bitch? She never wanted to come off as a bitch, professional and competent sure, but not a bitch.

“Uh, Wyatt?”

“Gingersnap…”

“I’m actually a little hungry, is that offer for lunch still available?”

Turning his eyes away from the road, he looked back and forth between her and the dirt path and finally a stunning white grin stole over his face.

“Yeah, darlin’, offer still stands.”

Wyatt altered their course and headed down to their base camp. Less than thirty minutes later they pulled into the clearing where Jinger saw a number of work trailers laid out in a U-shape. Each marked with a crude hand painted sign. She knew a lot of the crew stayed out at base camps like these so they didn’t have to make the often long and boring drives into secluded forest lands each day. Some of the loggers didn’t even have homes, they just moved from site to site as needed.

Pulling the truck up to a building marked, ‘Office’. Wyatt turned off the truck and jumped out. Jinger had already gotten her door open when he reached it. He still took her hand and helped her down from the truck.

“I’ll be just a minute then we’ll walk over and see what Sophie’s got cooking,” he said before heading into the building.

Jinger took a moment to look around, it was tidy if not rugged. She had managed to calm her nerves during the drive. It was just lunch, they could talk trees and then she would be on her way. No fuss, no muss.

The door to the building kicked open and Wyatt stormed out. He looked a little pissed, but wiped the look of his face when he saw Jinger. Grabbing her hand he gave it a tug and he practically dragged her across the parking lot towards a trailer marked ‘Mess’.

Walking into the trailer, she had to let her eyes adjust to the interior. She realized her sunglasses were on so she pulled them off and tucked them into her shirt pocket.

Wyatt didn’t spare her a glance, when he pointed to a table and said, “I’ll grab us some grub, I’ll be right back,” then turned toward a swinging door that must have been the kitchen. She saw there were already trays of food out in a long buffet in the middle of the room. Smelled like enchiladas, Jinger’s tummy gave a growl. Yeah that wasn’t embarrassing.

A few minutes passed and she saw Wyatt returning with two heaping trays of food. He set one down in front of her and one across and sat down.

“Wanted to make sure you had something fresh, these guys can be savages in here.”

Looking down at her plate she saw it was mounded with enchiladas covered in red sauce, Spanish rice and what looked to be real homemade refried beans. Still staring at her plate she said, “This looks delicious, thank you.”

Jinger saw Wyatt’s sunglasses hit the table when he tossed them down. She wanted to see what color his eyes were, but was almost afraid to look, he was already too pretty for her. She wouldn’t be able to sleep at night if he had good eyes.

“Gingersnap,” she heard a whispered call.

“Hmm,” she answered starting to poke at her food.

“Jinger, hey I just want to be friends. Nothing hinkey, just friends. We both deal with the forests, it would be good to have a, what did you call it, professional working relationship.” She could almost hear the chuckle in his voice.

Taking a deep breath to answer him, she looked up and saw the most amazing green eyes. They were the color of the forest, dark and alight with something she couldn’t name. The edges were almost yellow, brighter than the middle of his iris. Beautiful.

Damn, his eyes were pretty. Which made him unholy gorgeous in her book.

Wyatt was looking at her now with a crinkle in his forehead, his mouth opening and closing like a fish gasping for air. Wyatt saw eyes that were not quite blue, more grey and they were warm and concerned. He felt himself falling into those grey eyes. His heart was pounding, he couldn’t pull in air. His vision, hell his whole world was focused on the eyes in front of him. His soul ached, his bear roared in his head.

“Wyatt? Are you alright,” she asked starting to get a little concerned. Those green eyes were staring back at her in shock and awe. There was no other word for it.

Wyatt looked like he was trying to shake himself out of his stupor for a moment then a low growl rumbled out of his chest.

“Mine.”

Jinger must have heard him wrong. Maybe he was talking about his food. ‘Mine’ was not your typical response to ‘Are you alright? What if he was diabetic and his insulin was low, that would explain it, she thought.

She watched him swallow over and over as his eyes kept scanning her up and down. Looking at her like he hadn’t already spent hours with her today. Like he had never seen her before. She was starting to get uncomfortable.

“Wyatt, you’re staring. Is something wrong?”

Wyatt was trying to get words to form, something other than the blurted ‘mine’ which was mostly his bear’s fault. His animal was roaring inside his head, he wanted out. He wanted out, because his mate, HIS MATE, was sitting across the table from him. Right now, this very second. He’d been with her most of the day and it wasn’t until their eyes met that his world stopped spinning, the lightning flashed through his soul and he knew.

She was his, his One. This wasn’t possible, Cage had just found his mate and now him. After all these years of waiting and they both find their mates within a few weeks of each other? Were the fates just messing with them?

He wanted to reach across the table and pull her into his lap. He wanted to nuzzle her neck and soak up as much of her sweet scent as he could. His bear wanted to mark her, claim her. He understood and tried to calm his animal. They had to approach this slowly, cautiously, they didn’t want to scare her away. Not after waiting so long to find her.

“Um, sorry, you have very pretty eyes. I was a bit taken back how they are almost grey not blue.”

Nice one brainiac, he thought.

“Oh, thank you,” she said with a blush, looking back at her food. She forked a bite into her mouth and chewed while looking out the window. She really didn’t want to look back at him. It was too hard to look away once they connected. Weird. His eyes were intense or maybe it was just the way he was looking at her that was intense. Either way, she didn’t want to seem like she was the one staring.

Wyatt sat across trying to figure out what to say next, and how to quiet his bear who was still clawing on the inside to get out. He instead decided to stick to the meal and weather. That was something he didn’t have to focus too hard on and he’d be able to keep control of the animal within.

Jinger was thrilled when Wyatt moved the topic off to the mundane. The food was really good, so that was an easy conversation. The weather, well another easy one for Washington, it was either raining or about to rain or had just finished raining.

Finishing her meal, she saw that Wyatt had barely touched his. Great.

“Not hungry?”

“Huh? Oh, yeah actually I am. I was just interested in what you were saying. Forgot to eat, I’ll take it to go. Uh, I know this might seem weird, but could I maybe see you again? Maybe see a movie or just have coffee sometime,” he said rubbing the back of his neck in a nervous gesture.

He wanted to see her? Jinger’s brain spun trying to read him, was he asking her out? Like on a date? Or was she taking a business request way too personal?

“Hmm, that’s very nice of you, Wyatt. But really, I think we should just be glad today went as well as it did and move on. I really need to get back to the office, so if you wouldn’t mind taking me to my car…” she waited for him to respond.

He clearly did not like her refusal as she noticed the muscle in his jaw start to tick. His forehead wrinkled like he was trying really hard to think of something. If she didn’t know better she would think he was angry she hadn’t jumped on the opportunity.

“If it’s too much trouble, I could call someone for a ride,” she offered with a whisper.

Wyatt shook himself out of the terror of letting her go. He was trying to think of a rational reason for her to stay. And maybe go home with him and never leave his bed until she was round with his cubs. But clearly that was not something that was going to happen today. Damn, he was totally unprepared for this. If she was a shifter it would be easy. They both knew the rules, who they were and how to act.

Convincing a human that first, shifters existed and second, they were fated for one mate in their lifetime was not something his parents covered in their birds and bees talk.

He needed advice, he had to find Cage.

“No, of course, it’s no trouble. I’ll take you back to your car if you’re ready,” he said standing and offering her his hand.

Lucky for him, she took it as she stood and his bear rumbled his approval. He liked her touch, it calmed the beast.

Wyatt strode towards the door and held it open offering her to go through first. This also allowed him to use his hand at the small of her back to guide her down the short steps of the trailer. His bear liked that too. His pinkie finger brushed over the top of her curvy ass. He had to look ahead so he wouldn’t stare down at it.

Walking out to his truck he saw Cage leaving the office. Sensing his brother Cage looked over at Wyatt and started towards them. Wyatt shook his head and his jaw hardened at his brother. He hoped he read his look right. Now was not a good time to approach him with Jinger so close.

Shock tore over Cage’s face. He clearly got the message. Then a wicked looking smile spread across his face. Damn him, Wyatt thought as he saw Cage turn and head back into the office. He knew one hundred percent that Cage was calling their mother Connie. Ten minutes after that every family member with a telephone would know Wyatt had found his mate.

Wyatt managed to drive Jinger back to her car without any incident. She sat quietly in the passenger seat looking out at the trees passing by.

“Uh, I had a nice time today. Well after the whole complaint and review portion, of course,” Wyatt tried to break the quiet.

“Hmm, I did too. I rarely get to spend time out of the office. Not that I usually like leaving my comfy climate controlled environment. But today was nice. Thank you, Wyatt,” she said giving him a shy smile.

“You’re welcome, Jinger,” Wyatt said in a low voice.

Jinger tingled when he said her name. It was almost like a caress, she really needed to get out more if this was all it took now to give her a tickle.

Pulling up to her car, the crew had packed up and moved down the road. Jinger could see them just off in the distance, continuing the road project.

Wyatt got out when she did and walked her to her car. Opening the door, Jinger held out her hand for a professional handshake and Wyatt took it, but didn’t shake it. He turned her hand palm down and ran his thumb over the back in a slow caress.

Clearing his throat, he said, “If you change your mind about that coffee, you have my number.” Wyatt was still looking at her hand. Memorizing the soft pale skin, letting his thumb stir the air with her scent.

“Thank you, again for the offer. It’s very flattering, Wyatt.” Jinger answered, not giving him any hope she was going to change her mind.

Wyatt stared down and then finally let go of her hand, much to the dismay of his bear. Jinger got in and Wyatt pulled the seatbelt out for her and handed it to her. She buckled in and smiled up at him, waiting for him to move out of the door. When he did she closed the door and turned over the engine. She really needed a drink.

She slowly pulled out back down the dirt road. Wyatt hopped into his truck and followed her until she was back to the interstate. He had to at least make sure she didn’t have any issues out in the woods where there was little cell reception and it took a while for medical services to respond.

Wyatt watched her tail lights fade into the distance and with a sigh pointed the truck back to the camp.

He pulled in and saw that Cage’s truck was still in the parking lot along with Conner’s. He thanked his lucky stars neither of his parent’s cars were there.

Pulling open the office door, he found Cage sitting at his desk with Conner taking up one of the two chairs on the opposite side.

Wyatt fell into the empty one and leaned forward dropping his face into his hands. His brothers didn’t say anything for a while. Then Wyatt heard Cage’s desk drawer open and felt Conner get up and walk to the coffee station.

Glancing up he saw his big brother had somehow managed to procure a bottle of whiskey and his little brother had tossed three paper cups onto the desk. Cage poured a measure into each cup and raised it in a toast to Wyatt.

“Apparently lightning strikes twice,” he offered then took a drink.

“Shit,” Wyatt said and drank.

“I hope this isn’t going around. I’m too young for this shit,” Conner declared and drank his whiskey with a sputter. He was only forty-five for pete’s sake, still a cub.

“Oh, it seems the fates have grand plans for our family, baby brother. I wouldn’t be surprised if your mate didn’t come knocking tomorrow,” Cage said with a gleeful smile.

“You didn’t call mom did you?” Wyatt asked with a growl. The whiskey was burning down his throat but the warmth seeping into his veins wasn’t all that bad.

“Hell yes, I did you little bastard. You sicced them on me when my mate was in the hospital for Christ’s sake. You think I wouldn’t do the same to you?”

“Yeah well, I don’t think my mate even likes me,” Wyatt muttered into his cup.

“Oh, did poor little Wyatt strike out?” Conner taunted.

“Shut your pie hole, runt,” Wyatt said taking a mock swing at Conner. This just made Conner break out in gleeful laughter.

“She doesn’t seem to find me the least bit interesting. I asked to see her again and she shot me down. My bear is not happy and neither am I,” he said tossing his empty at Cage for a refill.

Cage offered the cup back and then propped his feet on his desk. He seemed to be contemplating some grand declaration. After a few minutes where Conner kept laughing and looking between the two of them Cage cleared his throat.

“Go get her.”

“Really, after all of that, that is your advice?” Wyatt said exasperated.

“Yup, go get her. You have to convince her that you really like her. That you want to see her and then don’t let her push you away. The more time you spend with her, the more she will feel the pull to you. It’s there, she just may not understand it yet. Drop in on her at work, bring her flowers, woo her,” Cage said like it was obvious.

“Easy for you to say, Sophie was incapacitated when you were ‘wooing’ her. She was drugged and unable to resist your feeble attempt at charm,” Wyatt smarted back.

“Worked didn’t it? I have a beautiful mate, who is going to be my wife and I’m getting it good every night. I know you haven’t dated in years. It was getting old for you just like it did with me. It wasn’t enough, and your bear wasn’t going to settle.”

Dropping his head back, Wyatt stared at the ceiling. Pursue her, woo her, and hopefully if the fates allowed, bed her.

As soon as Wyatt came to his decision to take his simpleton brother’s advice a pair of headlights flashed through the window from outside. It was just about twilight and most of the crew had settled in for the night. That could mean only one thing.

His parents.

“My baby!” Connie Rochon cried out as she entered the office, Wyatt’s father in tow behind.

“Hey, I thought I was your baby!” Conner whined.

“Oh hush you, your brother has found his mate! I’m gonna be a grandmomma!”

This declaration made Cage burst out laughing.

“Hey she’s expecting them from you first numbnuts,” Wyatt threw out at him.

“Yeah, but the look on your face is priceless! I want cubs, so does Sophie so it’s inevitable. You can’t even get a date with your mate,” Cage said still laughing.

Edward Rochon walked behind his oldest son and cuffed him upside the head. “Be nice.”

“Hey! He thought me finding my mate was hysterical. It’s his turn to be tormented,” Cage whined.

“He didn’t think it was hysterical, in fact, he was very excited when he called us when you found her. You should be nicer to your brother, he’s clearly still in shock,” his mother tisked as she smoothed Wyatt’s hair back. Wyatt resisted the urge to stick his tongue out at his older brother.

“Tell me all about her. Who is she? What does she look like? When are you seeing her again?” His mother pestered him with questions.

“Her name is Jinger McCann, she’s a wildfire analyst for the state. She has dark red hair and is beautiful. She’s saucy but sweet at the same time and I have no idea when I’m seeing her again,” he finished.

“Why not? Invite her over for dinner. It’s not that hard,” his mother said placing her hands on her hips.

“As I told Cage, she’s not incapacitated by drugs like Sophie was. I did ask her out and she refused,” Wyatt explained.

His mother looked pensive for a minute then a bright smile graced her face, “Well then, go get her.”

Cage looked at Wyatt and broke out into another round of guffawing laughter. Conner followed suit and their mother looked at them like they were a deranged bunch of hyenas.

Managing to bring his laughter down to a snicker, Conner explained, “Those were Cage’s words exactly mother dearest. Go get her.”

“Well it’s sound advice son,” his father said having taken up position leaning on the wall behind Cage.

“Yes, yes, go get her. Convince her she’s my One and live happily ever after. I’ll get right on it.” Wyatt mumbled into his paper cup.

“Wyatt Gregory Rochon, this is your mate we’re talking about. You should be willing to move mountains to get to her.” His mother scolded.

“Mom, I don’t think she likes me that way,” Wyatt said dejectedly.

“Then you need to convince her and pronto. You move fast enough and we can have a double wedding!” she said clapping her hands together like it was the most brilliant idea ever. Wyatt’s father had the good grace to at least groan at his wife’s decree.

Standing, Wyatt set his paper cup down on the desk, gave his mom a hug. “Mom, I have to figure this out on my own. But I’m sure Cage will keep you updated on any and all advancements I may have on the mate front.”

“I’m here for ya bro!” Cage saluted with his cup.

Giving a chin lift to his dad, Wyatt strode out into the crisp night air. He wasn’t ready to head home yet. His bear needed out and he needed to clear his head. Walking behind the trailer, he strode down a long ravine that no one ever ventured into because it was steep and difficult to traverse. Easy goings for his bear though.

Stripping out of his clothes, Wyatt let his bear roll out through his skin. As his eyes opened he felt his bear’s happiness at being out but his frustration that their mate wasn’t close by. He knew how he felt. Already he felt her absence. Her scent was gone, even though Wyatt hadn’t washed his hands since he last touched her.

Letting his bear take the lead they rambled off into the brush.

An hour or so later, Wyatt made his way back to his clothes, promising his bear he’d get his brothers together soon to go fish, he pushed his mind forward letting his bear recede. Pulling on his clothes he headed back to his truck to see his family had left for the night. He knew his brothers knew where he was, but they gave him the space he so clearly needed.

Driving back to his cabin that was located on the property his family owned, he was close enough to Conner’s cabin to see the lights were still on. He wasn’t in the mood for company so he headed into his house and flicked on the lights as he went. Realizing he was hungry from not eating his lunch he pulled open his fridge and saw a takeout container sitting on the shelf. Pulling it out he saw a sticky note on top that said,
Thought you might be hungry, Sophie
.

Cage was a lucky fucker, Wyatt thought. And so was he tonight, considering the container was full of enchiladas and rice. Tossing it into the microwave he hit the bathroom for a quick shower.

Grabbing his food from the microwave he plopped down on his couch and contemplated his life as he chewed.

He had found The One. She was beautiful, sure. But he didn’t know anything else about her. Realizing this was the modern age, Wyatt threw the take-out box on the table and grabbed his laptop from his office.

It might be cliché but Googling a prospective partner was not unheard of he figured.

Typing in her name, he found the state website that had a very generic picture of her against a blue backdrop. Probably for her security badge. It gave her contact information, phone, email, and the address of the building she worked in.

Going back to the search results, he found a few articles from her time at the University of Washington. Some research papers she had worked on for her degree. She had very little social media, what he did find was locked down from random eyes.

That had to be a good sign he figured. Clearly not a party girl who liked to post her exploits online. But it also didn’t give him hardly any information about her at all. Who was she?

Wyatt hatched a plan, tomorrow morning he was starting his Operation Woo Jinger. And it was starting with coffee and donuts.