Chapter 17

He was teasing,I knew that, but it was hard to convince myself to stay calm. My grip on Teddy's arm tightened slightly. I didn't like the attention being on me. When I met with the crew, they were careful not to stare. They included me in the conversation, but if their gazes didn't linger, I felt more comfortable with them.

"Mom doesn't feed Teddy a lot. He brings us donuts in the morning," Leo answered for me. His eyes were narrowed, but Teddy talked to him about glaring at everyone. He wanted Leo to try to be more polite.

"Ah," Frank said with a nod. "So you two are the reason he orders a dozen donuts every morning. Glad you're not eatin' the whole box on your own."

Teddy took the teasing in stride, ordering a few donuts for everyone. When he ordered bear claws for himself, Leo snickered. He was smiling more thanks to Teddy. When it was just the three of us, he seemed more like a little boy again. He and Teddy talked about books, and Teddy ordered audio versions of Leo's favorites so they could talk about them together. He was good with Leo. The only time he seemed uncomfortable was when Leo asked if Teddy could help with his homework. He made up an excuse and asked Andrew to come help while I cooked dinner.

I knew Teddy was embarrassed about it. He said a lot that he wasn't too bright. I didn't think that was true, though. He was smart, just maybe not book smart. He was good with people, and patient with cubs. His protective instincts were strong, and he told me once that he could tell when someone was going to do something bad at his work before they did it. Not everyone could do that. I wanted him to feel more confident with himself, but I wasn't sure what to say. I told him more than once that I thought he was smart. He didn't believe me.

Teddy chose one of those half circle booths near the back so I could sit between him and Leo. The whole restaurant had an old fifties diner look to it. Red and white chairs and booths, checkered floors, steel tables. If it was like the old timey diners in my books, I would've thought they served burgers and shakes. Instead, it was a bakery cafe. Behind the long counter on one side were glass cases of desserts, like cupcakes and layered cakes, and even cookies. Another counter kiddie corner had a coffee bar behind it. The whole shop smelled sweet, like sugar, like my kitchen when I was baking something for Leo.

I used baking as a way to relax and connect with my son when he was younger. I couldn't share emotions as easily as I wanted to without the pride stepping in. They believed too much love would make cubs soft, and if they thought a cub was too emotional, they'd take them away from their mothers. Instead, I showed Leo I loved him with my baking. It made him happy, but it didn"t tip off the pride. The one time the alpha showed up after I'd baked, Leo said he demanded it and I had no choice. He protected me even then. The alpha had just snorted. He thought it was funny that I was being bossed around by a cub.

The smells of baking sweets relaxed me and I took a deep breath, releasing some of the tension from my shoulders.

"What do ya think?" Teddy asked, leaning close enough that his shoulder was pressed against mine.

"I… I like it here. It smells nice."

Teddy looked proud of himself, smiling brightly at me. "Figured you might. Leo said you liked baking. I wanted to bring you somewhere you'd be more comfortable. This place is quiet, which is a bonus too."

It was pretty quiet. The few other patrons kept their voices low, and no one seemed to want to disturb the calm energy. No one looked our way or seemed the slightest bit interested in us. It was nice. Without anyone staring, I felt like I could truly enjoy being here. I was actually sad when it was over.

Teddy brought us back to the compound and parked, looking around. "This is a nice place. Quiet. Must be some interesting things to explore during shifts."

A guilty feeling ate at me, and I fought off a grimace. I didn't shift much anymore. Leo did more often now that he was going to school. Teddy or someone else took the cubs for a walk at least a few times a week so they could shift and get their energy out. I never joined them. I wasn't confident enough.

"Talia? What's wrong?"

I shook my head. I didn't want to admit that the last time I shifted was when I ran away. I didn't like to do it, especially around Leo. My cat was skittish, and it put him on edge.

"Mom doesn't like shifting. She avoids it until she can't anymore," Leo answered from the back seat. I could feel his gaze burning into the back of my head, but I couldn't look at him either. I was ashamed at how weak and pathetic I was.

Teddy used his knuckle to turn my face, urging me to look at him. Tears burned my eyes, and I almost wanted to squeeze them shut to hide my shame. But Teddy had done so much to help us. I didn't want to disappoint him. I looked at him, my eyes misty, and leaned into his palm when he cupped my cheek.

"It ain't healthy to ignore your animal, Talia. She deserves the time."

"I-I know… I just–" I swallowed around the lump in my throat, a few tears spilling down my cheeks. "I'm scared," I admitted.

Teddy never judged me, his smile always patient and kind. "I know. But I'm here with you. And your cat knows she can trust me. Come on. Let's go for a shift. Give her some time. You comin', little cub?"

Leo nodded, hopping out of the truck. Teddy followed without a care, but I was slow to catch up. Leo was already shifted by the time I joined them, and Teddy had his shirt off and was working on his boots.

Fidgeting, I frowned at both of them. I could feel my lioness's curiosity, I never invited her out anymore without a reason, but I didn't feel ready. I almost wanted to go inside and hide.

Teddy spun around suddenly, plucking Leo off the ground and handing him to me. His stance was defensive, and he growled low in warning. I didn't hear it as quickly as he had, so it was more surprising when Runa stepped out from between the trees, raising her eyebrow at Teddy.

"Relax, teddy bear. It's just me," Runa remarked. She came to join us, her purple eyes studying us calmly.

"Why do you keep callin' me that?" Teddy asked.

She pursed her lips, lifting her eyebrows. "Because it's true. You're Teddy. And a bear. Teddy bear."

Runa wasn't dangerous, at least not to us. She'd been kind since we arrived and she gave us those protection charms when we started leaving the house more. She didn"t come inside the compound often, and I didn't wander outside either, so we didn't see each other often, but she didn't make me nervous.

"Don't tell my mama that nickname. She'll never stop," Teddy grumbled. He wasn't angry, more resigned and put out. He sidestepped, letting me see Runa better instead of leaning around him. "What're you doin' out here?"

Runa's expression was hard to read, her face almost comically blank. "I was out looking for herbs. Are you going on a shift? I need more lavender."

She and Teddy both looked at me for confirmation. I hugged Leo closer and set him down while giving a shaky nod. "Y-Yes. We were going to."

Runa dipped her chin once. "Good. I could use the company. Come on, little lion. I'll show you the plant I'm looking for so you can keep an eye out."

Leo seemed hesitant, but Teddy nudged him and smiled. "We'll be right behind you, little cub. Promise."

That got him moving, Teddy didn't make empty promises, and he followed Runa into the trees. Once she was out of sight, Teddy took my hand, rubbing my knuckles with his thumb.

"You can do it. Your cat fought off wolves. She's strong. She'll protect you. I'll be there too."

With shaky hands, I removed my clothes. Teddy took them and Leo's, putting them on the bed of his truck. It took a few seconds of convincing to draw my lioness out, and the urge to run away hit the second she took my skin. She'd met Teddy's bear before, but she was still scared. She dropped low to the ground, ears back and neck exposed the minute Teddy's paws touched the ground.