Running from my mates book 3 of the werebear series

Chapter 23

Casey’s P.O.V

Wait, did he just say that he loved me? I thought as I sat upright in bed. No, he couldn’t have, could he? Yes, he did, he said it, he said I love you. I’m not ready for that, not yet, it's only been a few months and most of that we have spent apart. I sighed and fell back on the bed, thinking about what he said and how he said it. I need food and lots of it. I got off the bed and left my room, going downstairs to the kitchen and right to the freezer. I grabbed a tub of ice cream, cookies and fudge, then turned to go back upstairs to my room, but smacked right into Star. She took one look at what I was holding and without saying a word she went to the kitchen drawer, then came and took me by the hand, leading me out of the kitchen and to her office. She sat down on the couch in her office and patted the seat next to her, gesturing for me to sit next to her. I laughed when I saw that she had two spoons in her hand.

“Care to tell me what’s wrong? What did Kirk do?” Star asked, making me shake my head.

“He didn’t do anything, well, he did, but it’s….it's complicated.” I replied, flopping down on the couch next to her. I started to tell Star everything about what had happened at training, how Devon had told me that he had imprinted on me, but I made it clear that nothing was going to happen between us. Star listened patiently to me, but then I sighed and Star raised her eyebrow, knowing there was more.

“I mind-linked Kirk, needing to hear his voice and when he ended the conversation he said I love you. I’m not ready for that, not yet. I’m not ready for the I love you part of the relationship, we have only been together for five months, Star. five months and I’ve only spent time with him when he’s off work. It's not enough time, Star. I need to figure out my own feelings when he comes home.” I said and Star nodded. We sat there eating the ice cream, cookies and fudge together, just talking about everything.

“I know exactly what you're going through, I was the same with National after what happened to Nash.” Star replied and I nodded. Star told me what happened to Nash and how she met National, which shocked me. She seemed like she still really loved her first mate Nash, which I understand because he loved her and she loved him, he wasn’t a bastard like my first mate. She told me how it took her a long time to let National into her life, which to me seems really weird considering how close they are now. I was shocked to learn that National and her were second chance mates, like Kirk and I.

“It took me a while to let National in and over time the love between us grew, now National and I are completely in love. It might take time for you to have your love grow, but don’t be scared and for Goddess sake please don’t run from him. I know it's hard with how long you two are apart, but you will get there and find a balance within your relationship that works for the both of you. As far as Devon is concerned, he will imprint on someone else in time. Male wolves that have lost their mate, are waiting for their second chance mate or can’t find a mate often imprint on another, but when they realise that the she-wolf or she-bear isn’t for him then they walk away and find another to imprint on. Yes, I know it's strange, but it does happen. This is a strange situation, but you have done the right thing with Devon. Now, go get your rest, you have a long day tomorrow.” Star said and I nodded. We put everything away and then hugged before I left and headed back to my room. I got back into bed, feeling much better about everything and closed my eyes, trying to get to sleep.

I don’t know if it was the events of today or something else, but I could barely sleep that night and kept tossing and turning. One second my body felt like it was on fire and I threw the blankets off me, but the next second I was freezing cold and grabbed the blankets, covering back up again. I got out of bed and went to the bathroom, got a glass of water and then got back into bed. By the time I finally managed to get to sleep it felt like only five seconds, before my alarm went off and when I looked I had only been asleep for two hours. Argh! Great, just great. I grumpily got out of bed and stormed into the bathroom, not wanting to do anything other than sleep a little while longer. I went to the bathroom, did my business, washed my hands and brushed my teeth. I brushed my hair and put it up in a messy bun, then got dressed. I headed down to the kitchen and ate the pancakes that were already laying out for the pack. Everyone else was still eating, but I had already finished. I had told everyone to meet me at the training grounds at six and it was already half five, so I hurried out to the training ground. I started doing a few warm ups, then once I had finished I sat down and waited for everyone to get here. I was dreading seeing Devon again after yesterday, but after I made things clear with him and then spoke to Star I was feeling a lot better about it.