Finding Strength Read online

  “Sounds good,” Tyson replied. “I’ll see you in a few. There’s a fresh towel and a small bag of toiletries I snagged from the lodge’s supply closet for you, if you want to freshen up.”

  Damn, he’s thoughtful, Jasmine thought to herself. “Thank you, Tyson. I appreciate that.”

  “Sure thing,” Tyson called out as he closed the door behind himself.

  Jasmine leaned back against the log frame of the bed and heaved a sigh. Running a hand over her belly, she could feel one of the babies kick her right side. “Well little bears, I’m sure as hell not sure what we’re going to do from here. But everything will turn out okay in the end, I think.”

  Getting out of bed, Jasmine headed for her suitcase, rummaging through it until she found one of her sundresses and a fresh change of undergarments. Snagging her giant hair clip out of her make up bag, she hurried to the shower after collecting the supplies Tyson deposited on the countertop. Scrubbing her body down, she rid herself of the travel grunge that had been clinging to her skin from the three day drive here. This is exactly what she needed—a fresh start.

  Once she was finished in the shower, Jasmine got dressed as quickly as her swollen stomach would let her, then turned to face the mirror. The circles under her eyes were far from going away, but she at least looked a little more rested, and some of the color was returning to her cheeks. With nimble fingers, Jasmine worked her hair into a French braid, the kind that wrapped from one side and around the head until it could be fixed into a bun at the nape of the neck. It wasn’t anything fancy, but it was enough to keep her hair tamed down for the day.

  Leaning forward and placing her palms on either side of the sink, Jasmine stared into her eyes in the mirror.

  “You can do this. These babies are yours, and no one is going to take them from you. You are the mama bear. No one fucks with what’s yours. You, and you alone, will be responsible for keeping them safe, and you will. Be strong. Embrace the beast within.” Jasmine said the words out loud in a form of affirmation to herself. She needed to say them, instead of just thinking them, to believe that they were true.

  Satisfied that she could handle the day in front of her, she slid on the tan and teal cowboy boots she had packed and walked out into the living area where Tyson was waiting for her.

  “Alright, let’s get this show rolling. These babies might try and eat me if I don’t feed myself soon,” Jasmine joked as she headed toward the door.

  Getting up off the couch he was sitting on, Tyson chuckled. “You tell those cubs to calm down. Their Auntie Liz will make sure you’re good and stuffed before she’ll let you leave her sight today.”

  Jasmine walked out the door and across the porch to get into the golf cart that was parked in front of Tyson’s cabin. Once she was settled in the passenger seat, Tyson turned the key and urged the cart forward. Now that the craziness had settled, Jasmine found herself taking in the beauty of the area around her. The pine trees bordering the camp were beautiful, and the smells of the forest were pleasing to Jasmine’s bear. The creek that ran through the center of the property glinted a soft silver color in the early morning sunlight, and the lodge stood on the far edge of the property with the hot springs attached. Jasmine had only seen pictures prior to coming up here but she felt that they didn’t do the area justice. Even though it was out in the middle of nowhere, the resort had a sort of homey feel to it.

  As they pulled up in front of the restaurant, Jasmine turned to Tyson before getting out of the golf cart. “Thank you.”

  “For what?” Tyson asked absentmindedly, clearly lost in thought as he moved around the front of her.

  “For being so nice to me. Especially last night. You didn’t have to come in and comfort me like that.”

  “That’s what friends are for, right?”

  Jasmine frowned at the word. Her bear wasn’t pleased about the current status between the two of them either. They were Intended Mates. If her parents’ story was par for the course for how these things were supposed to go, she and Tyson should’ve been locked up all night completing the mating and initiating a bond. Instead, he acquiesced to her requests and respected her space. She didn’t deserve someone as good as him. Her poor bear was just as confused about what she should be doing right now as she was. Maybe she should ask the girls for advice.

  “I suppose so, but regardless, thank you for that. You don’t know how much that meant to me.”

  Tyson shrugged. “No problem, Jaz.” .

  “Wow, Jaz. It’s been a long time since I let anyone call me that.” Jasmine laughed as Tyson pushed open the door to the restaurant and stood back so she could walk in ahead of him.

  “I think it suits you,” Tyson said, smiling at her mischievously.

  Rolling her eyes at him, she moved toward the table where her brother was sipping on his morning coffee with the rest of the group. “Good morning, big brother.”

  Jesse looked up and smiled at his sister from where he was sitting before setting down his mug. He got up and crossed to the other side of the table to wrap her up in a hug. She always loved her brother’s hugs. They were almost as good as her father’s and they made her feel safe and warm. Lucky for her, her brother enjoyed giving them as much as she enjoyed receiving them, which was often and mostly for no reason.

  “How did you sleep?” Jesse asked, moving back to his side of the table.

  “Better than I have in a long time, to be honest. Tyson’s bed was pretty comfortable,” Jasmine said thoughtfully.

  Jesse spat his mouthful of coffee back into his cup, “Wait, what? You shared Tyson’s bed, Jasmine? What the hell are you thinking?”

  Tyson came to Jasmine’s rescue and interjected, “No, she didn’t share my bed, Jess. I would never take advantage of someone in your sister’s situation. I just offered her the more comfortable bed and slept in the guest room on the other side of the cabin. I have sisters too. I was raised to respect women, so don’t worry.”

  Relaxing back into his chair, Jesse sighed in relief. “Thank the Fates! I thought I might have to kill one of my best friends.”

  Jasmine felt as though her currently sensitive heart might shatter. Did her own brother think so little of her that he thought that she would have sex with someone he was close to without strings attached? Especially in her current predicament?

  Just when Jasmine thought she might lose control of her emotions in front of everyone and look like a lunatic, Liz walked in with two skillets filled with a puffy looking pastry. As she nestled the hot skillets down onto the table, Jasmine’s mouth began to water.

  “You made Dutch babies?” Jasmine asked excitedly, the previous upset quickly forgotten by the sight of one of Jasmine’s favorite breakfast foods.

  “Well, I grew up calling them German pancakes but yes, I did. Jesse said they were your favorite. Last night before bed, I even made some fresh huckleberry syrup for you.. I’ll go grab it and the sausage patties from the kitchen.” Liz beamed at her before walking back to the kitchen door with a skip in her step.

  Jesse hopped up to follow Liz to the kitchen. “Looks like she forgot plates and silverware. Contrary to common belief, we aren’t all heathens around here.”

  “Whatever helps you sleep at night,” Stella called after him as she and Mama Ally strode up to the table.

  “How are you feeling this morning, Jasmine? Did you get some sleep last night?” Mama Ally asked, slinking down into the empty chair to Jasmine’s left.

  “I feel all right. Honestly, that’s probably the best night’s sleep I’ve had in while. The sheets you stocked Tyson’s room with were so soft,” Jasmine remarked.

  “Oh, I didn’t stock any of those boys’ cabins. When we converted them over to staff cabins, I let each of them decorate and stock their own with whatever they wanted. Just handed over the business credit card and said have at it. Granted, I think that Stella had a hand in the quality of what was picked,” Mama Ally explained, voice laced with humor as she chuckled at her daught
er in law.

  “Don’t you go roping me into this. Those boys were raised with enough class and taste that they did just fine on their own. Tyson actually told the guys which thread count to buy, so there is that,” Stella said, reaching greedily for a plate as Jesse and Liz returned to the table.

  “You did?” Jasmine asked, completely bewildered that a guy would know what a thread count even was.

  Tyson shrugged nonchalantly. “These are just things you know when you’re the youngest of six sisters.”

  “Well, riddle me impressed” Jasmine accepted the plate Tyson passed to her since she couldn’t quite reach the middle of the table with her pregnant belly in the way.

  “Hey Jasmine, did you pack your own prenatals or do you need me to get you some? I keep a stash of bottles on hand for clients who may not know which brand to buy. I can give you some if you want,” Kaylene said from her spot at the right side of the table.

  “That would be great. I ran out two days ago and meant to get some in Garden Valley on my way up yesterday, but I forgot when I stopped to use the restroom.”

  “Sounds good. I’ll bring them over to Tyson’s cabin later for you.” Kaylene nodded at her before dishing herself up some breakfast.

  After all the plates were dished up, everyone tucked into their breakfast and the chatter faded to silence. The huckleberry syrup Liz concocted was delicious, the perfect combination of tart and sweet as it slid across her tongue with the fluffy goodness of the buttery pastry. Once Jasmine was satisfied she had eaten her fill, she pushed away from the table and leaned back in her chair, running her hands over her stomach in satisfaction as one of the babies did happy little somersaults inside of her. It was always so odd, feeling something move inside of her, but it also gave her mind a good amount of ease, knowing her little cubs were growing strong and healthy inside of her.

  “So what’s everyone’s plans for the day?” Jasmine asked, trying to decide what she wanted to do with herself. It was odd not having a job.

  “Actually, I kind of wanted to kidnap you girls and take y’all for pedicures today. Brady offered to take over the front desk for me, and the campers that were up here for the weekend are clearing out by noon, so there won’t be much else to do around here. I figured we could take advantage of a perfectly nice Sunday and pamper ourselves a little. Plus, Fates only know how bad my little nasty hobbit feet need to get cleaned up,” Stella laughed.

  “Oh, that sounds nice. Why don’t you girls go and have fun? I’ll stick around here. I don’t have enough saved up to be able to splurge right now,” Jasmine said somberly.

  “Like hell you’re staying behind with these brutes. I’m taking all of you for pedicures! It’s my treat to all of you! Let me spoil you before those babies get here, would you?” Stella scoffed.

  Jasmine smiled at Stella’s easy acceptance and willingness to include her in the activities with the girls. Jasmine hadn’t been very good at making friends growing up because she had such a strong personality and most women found that intimidating. It was nice to feel included in the collective for once.

  “Sure, that would nice.” Jasmine nodded in agreement.

  “Then it’s settled. We’ll all meet at the lodge in twenty minutes. Shake those tails, ladies. It’s time for some fun!” Stella exclaimed, pushing herself up and out of her chair with Brady shaking his head in humor from behind her.

  “You’re nothing but trouble,” Brady murmured in Stella’s ear.

  “That’s just the way you like me.” Stella winked as they walked out of the restaurant together.

  “I don’t know if I like the idea of you going to town.” Landon frowned at Kaylene.

  “You can’t keep me hidden up here at the resort forever, Big Kitty. Besides, I’ll be with the girls,” Kaylene said, brushing off her mate’s protectiveness.

  “That’s exactly what concerns me,” Landon rumbled low in his chest.

  Jasmine found herself smirking at the interaction.

  “Don’t you encourage him.” Kaylene pointed a finger at Jasmine before turning her attention back to her mate.

  “I’d feel better if you took someone with you to protect you and our young that’s growing in your middle,” Landon complained.

  “We’re just going to town. What’s the worst that could happen?” Kaylene raised an eyebrow at him as she folded her arms in defiance.

  “Given the fact that not all that long ago you were shot out of the sky? Lots could happen,” Landon argued back.

  “Wait, what?” Jasmine asked, the bit about getting shot out of the sky peaking her interest.

  “It was nothing. I’ll explain later.” Kaylene sighed in exasperation as she pinched the bridge of her nose. “You are impossible, Landon St. James. You will let me go into town with the girls like the adult woman I am, or I will call Mama Harriet on you.”

  “Fine, you can go. Doesn’t mean I won’t be worried though,” Landon growled under his breath, clearly accepting he lost this battle.

  “Thank you.” Kaylene nodded before leaning forward and planting a loud, smacking kiss on his lips. Jasmine turned away as Landon pulled back from the kiss and pressed his lips to her stomach. That wicked little green monster was creeping up on her, making her jealous of something she wished she could have in her life.

  Mate. Jasmine’s bear complained in the back of her mind. Frowning to herself, she banished the thought from her mind and headed outside. She was pleasantly surprised when she walked out and found Tyson sitting in the golf cart waiting for her.

  “Your chariot awaits you, m’lady,” Tyson grinned at her.

  Jasmine giggled then quickly covered her mouth as a snort escaped her throat. She could feel the heat of embarrassment pooling in her cheeks as she walked over and sat down in the cart.

  “Did you just snort?” Tyson asked, smirked as he turned the golf cart around and pointed it in the direction of the lodge.

  Clearing her throat, she attempted to sound nonchalant about what just happened. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

  “Uh huh, sure.” Tyson raised an eyebrow at her before turning his attention back to the trail that lead to the lodge.

  “So I was thinking.” Jasmine hesitated, trying to force herself out of her comfort zone a little, but unsure how much of herself she was willing to share just yet.

  “You were thinking? Isn’t that dangerous? Thinking gets me in trouble all the time,” Tyson teased as he kept his eyes trained on the road.

  “Not thinking is what got me into this mess,” Jasmine deadpanned before continuing. “I was thinking if we’re going to give this whole being friends and roommates thing a whirl, we need to get to know each other a little better.”

  “So you’re gonna stay with me?”

  “At least until these babies come. I could use a friend, plus I really don’t want to encroach on my brother and Liz’s time alone. Fates only know, my brother probably still struts about the house naked whenever it suits him, and I really don’t need to have childhood trauma flashbacks.”

  “Yeah, I wish I could tell you that he doesn’t. Unfortunately, I’ve had to share a room with that man in our travels and I’ve seen entirely too much. Those images will forever be burned into my mind.” Tyson shuddered.

  “I mean, I’m comfortable with nudity. We’ve always been raised to treat nudity just like wearing clothes, but it’s usually after shifting, not in the middle of the kitchen while drinking a beer for no reason other than you can.”

  “No, no, it gets worse. One night, he decided to stand next to the bed Captain Morgan style, completely naked. He put his package on display like that for the better part of two hours until he got too tired to keep it up. I’m pretty sure he only lasted that long because Landon and I both begged him to put clothes back on for the first hour of it.”

  Jasmine burst out laughing. “That doesn’t surprise me whatsoever, knowing Jesse.”

  Tyson looked over at her as he eased the golf cart to a st
op in front of the lodge. “I like it when you laugh.”

  “What? Why?”

  He shrugged. “I just think you have a nice laugh.”

  Jasmine tucked a loose lock of hair that was hanging in her face behind her ear and looked away as she tried to hide the blush in her cheeks from his flattery. “Well, uh, thank you.”

  “Sure thing, beautiful,” Tyson said, hopping out of the cart and rounding the front to help Jasmine out of it.

  “Anyways, I was saying… I think we need to get to know each other a little better,” Jasmine said shyly as they headed into the lodge.

  Entering the lodge, Jasmine felt her breath hitch in her throat. The inside was gorgeous and simple in decoration. To their left there were various paintings of bears, wolves, big cats, and other wildlife in a mountainous setting. The brown leather couches on the far side of the room in front of the fireplace were calling her name.

  “I’m an open book, Jaz. Ask me anything.” Tyson smiled at her as he guided to the couches and helped her nestle into one corner of the largest of the three before he sat down next to her.

  Jasmine thought a moment about what she wanted to know about this man. She’d been on dates with other men when she was younger, but mostly those were for fun and typically had a happy ending. This wasn’t a first date, so she didn’t need to know the intimate details about him. As she opened her mouth to ask him a question, the girls burst into the lobby of the lodge in a loud, bubbly ball of excitement.

  “C’mon Jasmine, let’s get going. We’re losing daylight!” Stella called as they headed to where she was sitting.

  She casted an apologetic look in Tyson’s direction, but he just shrugged. “It’s not like I won’t see you later. We can continue this conversation then.”

  “If you say so,” Jasmine said. “I do have one for you right now, though.”

  “Oh, and what is that?” Tyson asked, pushing himself up off the couch to come help her up.

  “What’s your favorite color?” Jasmine asked as Liz gave her arm a tug towards the door.