Catching Her Bear Read Free Page B

sad that they hadn’t discussed anything with her in the last few years. “I don’t know, but that’s what I’m guessing.” Elana didn’t want this get together to be about her. “Anyone else have news?”
    Izzy’s face brightened, clearly knowing why Elana wanted to change the subject. When they were in school, Izzy had been furious that Elana’s parents left for weeks on end, leaving her with just the hired help.
    Izzy waved a hand. “I do. I have a teaching job!”
    From Missy and Teagan’s expression, they already knew this piece of information. “When did you hear?”
    “About an hour ago. I wanted to surprise you.”
    “You did.” Her spirits rose with excitement for her best friend. “Are you teaching Chemistry?”
    “Yes, at Hanerford’s Private School.”
    The girls oohed at hearing the name of the prestigious place. She and Izzy had attended the local public school. Then they discussed what Izzy knew about her class size and the course content and details. When she’d told them as much as she knew, the talk returned to the upcoming birthday bash.
    Elana turned to Teagan. “Are you bringing Kip to the party?”
    She shrugged. “I don’t think so.”
    Elana waited for her to elaborate, but she didn’t. Kip worked for Rye’s brother, so there was no reason not to go, unless…
    Not wanting to touch that topic, she glanced at a group of rowdy men who’d just waltzed in, seemingly fresh off some construction site. Elana sighed, loving how so many people came just to hang out with friends. She had a lonely childhood until she started school and met Izzy, and then eventually became friends with Missy and Teagan. She was thankful every day for having her best friends.
    For the rest of their get together, they focused on good news, like about how happy Izzy was with Rye. “Because of my talents,” Izzy explained, “I kept to myself a lot. For the longest time, I never thought I’d want to settle down with one person. Then I met Rye.”
    That was so sweet. Elana had dreamed of being with one man her whole life. At twenty-seven, she wasn’t certain she’d ever find anyone who wanted her as much as she wanted him.
    Before they had the chance to order a second round, Izzy said she needed to return home and help clean up for the party. Elana suspected it was because her urges were acting up again. She’d confided in Elana that once she and Rye had mated, her sex drive had been out of control.
    Elana wondered if their weekly time together would soon become a once a month and then an every other month thing. At least Missy was single with no boyfriend in sight.
    They waved for their checks and paid. These girls were lucky. They had special powers—something any man would be attracted to. Elana didn’t even have any money in the bank. Everything she earned, she plowed back into the business.
    In the parking lot, they said their goodbyes saying they’d see each other at the party. As the three of them drove away, a feeling of melancholy descended at being alone. In a way, Elana had done it to herself by spending all her time working and building her flower business. But that was going to change. After the way her heart beat so hard when she spoke with Kalan at the hospital and again at the store, she had a new mission—to land Kalan Murdoch.
    *
    Kalan entered Rye’s house on Saturday a little bit before the party was to begin and was pleased Izzy wasn’t in sight. Wanting to keep the present a surprise, he hid it behind one of the chairs in the living room. Kalan had casually mentioned to Rye that he might not be able to attend Izzy’s party as there was a lot going on at work. Unfortunately, his best friend told him that was a bullshit excuse, that if he wanted to remain the Beta of the Clan, he needed to show up. Sometimes it sucked that Rye saw through his lame excuses.
    Kalan stepped into the backyard where four tables were covered with colorful cloths, and each had a candle and crystal on