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I tried to think of what I’d seen her wear and her accessories. She usually kept her outfits understated and professional. Marissa wanted to be taken seriously. But she needed a chance to play. So I took a chance and chose lavender tulle.
“Marissa needs to get in touch with nature,” Jenny said under her breath as she wrapped the tulle around the flowers and had me hold them as she tied a spring green ribbon around the bouquet stems to keep everything in place. “It will make her slow down and remember to breathe.”
I chuckled. Jenny’s mouth formed an O, not realizing she had said that out loud, but it was perfect. The snicker was for my bear, who thought flash and speed were the way to go with Marissa. But Jenny was a powerful healer, a mystic, and she knew a thing or two about happily ever after.
“Do you think you could do this on your own?” Jenny asked.
“Probably won’t look this good, but I can give it a try.”
“That’s the important thing. Marissa needs little surprises. She’s used to big things, and she’s immune to them. That’s what’s so nice about filming these shows on Colorado Ranch. Show her magic in little ways, and she’ll be yours forever.”
“I know who to come to for advice.” I kissed Jenny on the cheek. “Thanks for the lesson.”
“We’re all rooting for you, Bjorn.”
I turned to find Bibi standing there. She gave me the same cocked brow she’d given me many times before when things had gone completely sideways.
“Marissa’s confessed to taking the Hudaknocker,” she said in a low voice only I would hear. “And she’s begged me to let this date go on, business as usual, because she wants to know what it’s like to be with you when it’s not around. Please don’t make me regret this decision.”
“You won’t.”
“I don’t know what this means for the future of the show,” she added.
I growled. I wouldn’t let anyone threaten my mate, not even Bibi. “She’ll make this right, or I’ll do it myself.”
“I wouldn’t have told you before the date, but I thought it would be beneficial for you to know, especially if she acts differently.”
I steeled myself and headed back to the kitchen, flowers in hand. Of course Marissa had taken the Hudaknocker. It was a classic play ripped out of Suzanne’s book. Exactly what I’d brought down her mother for.
I wasn’t sorry about what I’d done to endThe Scoop. If I was given the chance to do it all over again, I’d do the same thing.
So Marissa wanted to know what it was really like to be with me.
What it would feel like to be with her fated mate. I would show her, make sure that she knew beyond a shadow of a doubt, that she belonged to me. No artifact, no spell, would change that.
I couldn’t call it love. Emotions were running too high for that. But this was nothing like what I’d ever felt for another person before. I would do anything to keep her safe, make her happy. And right now, those two things were very much at odds. It was dangerous, and if I knew what was good for me, I’d walk away from this woman.
Like hell you will, my bear rumbled.
Marissa’s eyes lit up when she saw the flowers. “They’re so pretty. I love these colors. How did you know to pick the perfect ones?”
“I had a little help.”
Bibi took the flowers from Marissa and laid them on the counter. “I’ll get a vase for these. Are you ready for your cooking lesson?”
I looked at Marissa, meeting her gaze with a little challenge. “I’m ready.”
“So date night should be light and fun,” Gretta said. “I usually cook vegan, but I know shifters are carnivores. So I was thinking tomato, basil, and mozzarella with a balsamic reduction, and maybe some lightly breaded calamari for starters?”
My stomach rumbled in approval.
“I thought you might like fish,” Marissa said. “I did a little research to see what bears eat.”
“Yes, I do.” I got to work, putting tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and basil leaves on the spears. “What kind of research did you do?”
It was on the tip of my tongue to ask her about that damn relic, but I would honor her request. One date without it.
Because I had to admit, I was curious too.
