Page 9 of Bear

He shook his head. They were the same fucking age, but War tried to insist because Bear was a couple months older that he was ancient.

“You’re such a shit. I’m feeling better. It pulls a little but not enough to change my habits. How about you?”

War nodded and stared at Bear intently. “Good. I have a question to ask you before anyone gets here. First off, you are a phenomenal Sergeant at Arms. I love having you in that position but Rascal has indicated he wants to hand over his spot. I honestly think he stayed on as Vice President when Dad handed over the club just so it would be smooth. I’ve appreciated his insight but he wants to move out within the next six to nine months. Is that something you’d be interested in?”

Bear wasn’t sure why his best friend was asking him that. He’d always assumed War’s twin Roam would be Vice President.

“Am I missing something? Why not Roam?”

“It’s his story to tell but at this time, Roam isn’t in the place and doesn’t want to be an officer. He’s been offered it before and would prefer to stay a member without any officer responsibilities.”

Bear started to think through all the pros and cons but then War held up his stand.

“We have been best friends forever. I know your personality almost as good as my own. There’s no rush on this. Take your time and think it through along with all of the ramifications and we’ll discuss again sometime in the next month.”

Bear nodded. He could do that. He checked the time and pushed his chair back. He’d let the rest of the guys in so they could go over if they’d found out anything about why he’d been shot.

Having things to focus on helped him keep his mind off his sunbeam. He’d been thinking of different names for her, which was annoying in itself. Thinking about her only made him more confused. He craved being around her. When he was in her presence, peace flowed over him. They’d been around each other multiple times since she’d stayed the night to help him. They hadn’t been alone, though.

They’d ended up having a Marvel movie marathon night and had fallen asleep beside each other on the couch. He’d woken up with her head leaning into his shoulder. Winnie was definitely a cuddler. He wished he had an easy answer. He was constantly torn because he knew eventually his incubator would be back to reign chaos into his life. Winnie was too sweet, too full of sunshine, to be exposed to his incubator’s darkness.

Over the years, he’d considered sharing what she’d done to him with Rascal but whenever Bear brought her up, Rascal exploded. He’d been living in Bluff Creek six months and knew it was only a matter of time before she appeared. To make it a little harder, he’d moved most of his last bills to online and forwarded his mail to a post office box in Dodge City. They actually opened mail he received and sent him a picture through email. He’d done everything he could to slow her down but he’d come home. She’d figure it out eventually.

After everyone was seated and the doors closed, War called for reports. Everything was doing well but Bear had a hard time concentrating on them. He shuddered inwardly at the thought of Winnie having to deal with the woman who gave birth to him. Despite how much he wanted to bask in Winnie’s presence and imagine a future with her, it wasn’t for him. Trash wasn’t allowed to dream of a future and his incubator had let him know he’d never be more than something to throw away.

Chapter Seven

Winnie smiled as sheknocked on the door at Regina and Baron’s house. When Regina had called and said the guys were gone and one of Roam’s twins were fussy, Winnie had jumped at the chance to get out of her house.

Of course, she had to wait until War and Remi had left on their date. She’d helped her and her sisters deliver a warning to War. As she’d walked back to her house on the property, Sarah had walked with her and asked if she needed to talk. Winnie had told her no only because she’d known she and Regina would have a chance to talk. She did set up a time for her and Sarah to go book shopping. She was low on books and she needed more. Reading was helping to keep her mind off the man she wanted her own happily ever after with.

Regina Shields had been in her life as long as she could remember. Regina had been best friends with Winnie’s mom before she passed. When her mom had died, Regina had kept Winnie’s dad, Locks, and the sisters from drowning in the grief. Regina had also become more of a mother figure after they’d lost their mom. Winnie could ask her anything and Regina would help her work toward the answer. She hoped tonight might provide some clarity.

Regina opened the door, handing Winnie a crying Georgia before she had a chance to say anything. Regina strode back toward the hallway where Winnie could hear loud crying. Grant stood staring at her, wearing the large headphones he wore when he played his Mario game.

“Hey, buddy, tough night?” she questioned as she closed the door behind her, dropped her purse and held Georgia, patting her back.