Ten Reasons NOT to Fall in Love With a Bear

Reason #8

Reason #8

 

            “I can’t believe you marked me.” I sighed, brushing my fingers over the mark again.  

            Joey shrugged, still lying beside me. “I like it.”

            I rolled on to my side and held myself up on my elbows. I raised a single brow at him. “You know who’s going to like it more than you?” I didn’t give him a chance to answer, even though I was sure he already knew. “I’m pretty sure my father will love it.”

            “Oh, so that’s why you freaked out last night.” He chuckled. “Your father is going to ask if we’ve had sex.”

            “Duh, why else would I be upset about it?” My fingers absentmindedly found their way to his mark again. I could feel the little indents where his teeth had puncture my skin. It felt warmer than the rest of my skin. Or maybe I was just delusional. “You are, after all, my supposed soul mate.”

            “That’s hurtful,” He murmured, burying his face in my neck and inhaling deeply. “You smell so good.”

            “You,” I said, “are a strange man.” But I love you anyway; I tacked on in my mind.

            “Mm,” He sighed. “I’m hungry. I want pancakes.”

            “Sounds fantastic,” I muttered, stretching my limbs so I could get up. I stood up, pulling my bear with me. “Come along, we will go get food. Probably cereal, but it’s still food.”

            He shrugged. “I like food.”

            As predicted, my dad was a grinning fool as Joey and I walked down the stairs hand in hand. He watched out every move. When Joey kissed the top of my head before letting go of my hand, my father almost fainted. He was acting like a twelve year old girl that was in love for the first time. It was quite disgusting.

            He gave us a knowing smile. “Mated?”

            “Nope,” I laughed. “Marked, but not mated.”

            “I’ve got a claim on her!” Joey cried victoriously.

            Dad shrugged. “Oh well, you’ll be mated by the end of the week.”

            Joey and I looked at each other. “Okay,” I shrugged, not really caring what my dad had to say. I would hold out until I was ready. Plus, I was all too happy to prove my father wrong. Still, the bear perked up at my okay, obviously thinking he was going to be getting some. Well screw him—figuratively—because he could push as long as he wanted and he still wouldn’t get anything until my parents were out of the house and I was ready to do anything.

            Joey grinned and wrapped his arm around my waist affectionately. “Really now?”

            “Yup,” I said. I turned in his arms so I was facing him. “I’m just agreeing to make him happy. Don’t get your hopes up too soon.” With that, I kissed his cheek and turned back to the cabinet, in search of pancake mix. I had already looked for cereal. We had enough for half a bowl. So instead, I decided to make those pancakes that Joey had originally wanted. Who could resist fluffy delicious cakes coated in syrup? Not this girl.

*                                   *                                   *

            One week later and the sexual tension was at a high. Apparently Dad couldn’t have been more right because Joey couldn’t even stay in my room anymore. Damn bear. Marking me had only made everything worse.