Bear's Kiss (Bear Heat Book 2) Read online

  “I'm not injured...” Prisha protested.

  “It'd just be a routine checkup,” Caleb said gently, taking her hand. “They need to make sure you're okay. I'll come with you.”

  She laced her fingers tightly through his and whispered fiercely, “You'd better. I'm not letting you out of my sight.”

  Caleb bent down and kissed her long and hard. “And I am not letting you out of my life.”

  CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

  Prisha placed the pot of curry on the table and announced, “And here's my famous Devil's Curry! It's hotter than hot! You've been warned.”

  The Black Bears weren't daunted. They gamely spooned the red, spicy curry onto their places and took huge mouthfuls of their curry-smothered rice.

  Baxter's eyes widened and his face turned as red as the curry, but he refused to reach for his glass of ice water.

  Thor guffawed and egged him on. “Come on, Bax, have more curry. Here, I got you a nice, juicy drumstick. And some delicious curry gravy to go with it.”

  Baxter stuck out his tongue and panted. “Oh my God! That was...incredible! It's like a bomb just went off in my mouth! Yep, I'll have more of that. Thanks, Thor!” Sweat poured off his face as he tucked in with gusto.

  Ethan Flint, the Alpha of the Black Bears, came up to her and smiled. “Thanks for throwing this party for the clan, Prisha. But you shouldn't have closed the whole restaurant just for us. Your customers...”

  “My customers can come back tomorrow,” Prisha smiled, glancing at the “Closed For A Private Function” sign in front of the door. “This is a special party. It's a welcome back party. For Thor. And for you guys.” Prisha grinned at Ethan and Cora, who had stepped away from the rowdy bunch of Black Bears to join her mate. “I hope you guys had a great honeymoon.”

  “Oh, we did.” Cora sighed and absently caressed her belly. She wasn't showing yet, but that gesture gave her away. It was the universal gesture of pregnant women the world over.“But I'm really glad to be back,” Cora went on. “I think the cub felt homesick.”

  Ethan hugged his pregnant mate and chuckled. “Our cub is only a fetus at this stage. Admit it, you missed those loud-mouthed, busybody bears.”

  Cora laughed. “Yeah. I missed the clan.” Smiling broadly, she came forward and hugged Prisha. “Welcome, Prisha, welcome to the Black Bears clan!”

  Prisha was about to reply when she heard a sound behind her. She turned to see Ali protesting loudly as Caleb hustled him out of the kitchen. “There's still more...”

  “No, there isn't any more cooking to be done,” Caleb said, folding his arms and planting himself in front of the kitchen door to bar Ali's way. “You're not going back into the kitchen. You're joining the party. Now, put away your apron, and grab a plate.”

  “But...”

  “You've done enough for tonight. You've cooked so much delicious, wonderful food for us. Now, join the party. Eat, drink, relax.” Caleb forcefully steered Ali, Nurin and Jennifer towards the center of the restaurant where the Black Bears had pushed all the tables together to form an enormous, sprawling table that was overflowing with food and drink.

  Baxter, Thor and a couple of she-bears jumped up and pulled out chairs for Prisha's three bewildered staff.

  “Don't worry, we'll wash everything up,” Baxter told them. “Nah, it's no trouble at all. Many hands make light work, and as you can see, we have many, many hands.”

  “You mean paws,” someone chortled.

  Baxter countered with a snarky retort, and there was more teasing and laughter.

  Caleb came to stand beside Prisha, and gently eased the serving tray from her hands. “You too,” he said. “You've been so busy in the kitchen the whole day. You haven't eaten a bite.”

  “I did. I had...”

  “Not enough.”

  When Prisha rolled her eyes, Ethan laughed and told her in a stage whisper, “I know, right? He can be such a Mama bear. But...that's what makes him such a great leader and a worthy Beta. He is pushy, demanding, meticulous, and—he cares.”

  “I'm no care bear,” Caleb huffed but Prisha saw the laughter in his eyes.

  Caleb faced his Alpha and his expression became solemn. “I have to make a trip with Prisha back to her hometown. I'd have to take a few weeks off. I have to make a formal visit to her family and ask for her hand in marriage. It's their custom and...”

  “Take as much time as you need. You haven't taken a holiday in so long. Go, spend time with your prospective in-laws and win them over. You can turn on the charm, can't you?” Ethan said.

  Caleb started to frown. “I suppose...”

  “You must. It's an order. From your Alpha.”

  Cora jabbed her finger in Ethan's chest. “Now you are being pushy, demanding and meticulous.”

  “But he cares,” Prisha quipped with a cheeky grin.

  Cora and Prisha giggled and hi-fived each other.

  The chime sounded as someone pushed through the door and peeked in. “Am I late? Has the party started without me?”

  “Aubrey!” The Black Bears cheered and waved her in excitedly.

  “You are late, as usual.”

  “We've finished all the food.”

  “None for you!”

  The pretty woman grinned at the raucous welcome and walked into the restaurant.

  “Come! I'll introduce you to my best friend, Aubrey.” Cora tugged Prisha forward. “Prisha, this is Aubrey. Aubrey, this is Prisha, owner of this lovely restaurant...”

  “And Caleb's mate!” Aubrey exclaimed, pulling Prisha into a big hug. “I know! I heard what you and Caleb did. You saved the Mayor. You're so brave!”

  “I didn't,” Prisha choked out. “Caleb, Baxter and Thor did. The Black Bears did everything.”

  Aubrey squinted at her and said, “And you are a Black Bear, aren't you?”

  “I...” Prisha blinked repeatedly. Then she tilted her head up and answered with absolute clarity and conviction, “Yes, yes I am.”

  Aubrey gave her the thumbs-up. “There you go. You, your mate and your clan saved the city!”

  As Cora and Aubrey went to join the rest of the Black Bears, Prisha stood near the door and gazed around the cozy little restaurant that her grandmother had left her.

  Her staff were eating, drinking and joking with the Black Bears. Baxter and Paige were having a curry contest. The one who could drink the most number of bowls of Devil's Curry was the winner. So far they were neck and neck. Aubrey and Cora were cheering Paige on, while Ethan and Thor had their money on Baxter.

  Her grandmother would be so proud. Shamila had worked hard to build up her little business, to make Curry Corner a viable, thriving, beloved little restaurant. She wanted it to be a place where people could come for good food and good company.

  Curry Corner was her Nanni's pride and joy, and now, it was hers. She had carried on her Nanni's dream and made it hers. Prisha felt so proud, so grateful, and so, so happy.

  “Thank you, Nanni,” Prisha whispered.

  Prisha closed her eyes for a moment and felt Caleb's arm around her shoulder. “Hey,” he said softly. “Everything okay?”

  Prisha look up and cupped her mate's handsome face. Touching her lips to his, she whispered, “Everything is perfect.”

  ~ End ~

  About the Author

  Natalie Kristen is a writer who enjoys mixing the sweet with the spicy, the light with the dark, the possibilities with the unimaginable. She enjoys exploring paranormal and dystopian worlds, deep desires and inspiring romances. She is hopelessly addicted to coffee, chocolate, reading and writing. She loves to hear from readers so please feel free to follow her on Twitter and Facebook, or visit her blog for the latest news and updates.

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  Natalie Kristen, Bear's Kiss (Bear Heat Book 2)