Bearing It by Zenina Masters Page A

and sighed. Despite his efforts, she was sticky. “I need a shower.”
    “I will join you. You need someone to wash your back.”
    His logic was irrefutable, and while sex in the shower was not one of her favourite pastimes, it made for a fun distraction, as she was able to lean hands against the wall and let him do all the work once again.
    He had a work ethic that she had to admire, and as they cuddled on the warm, clean bed in her room, she looked forward to him taking the reins frequently. For now, she had to think about the best way to introduce him to her family. A big party seemed in order, and she had just the place to throw one.
     
    Taking leave of Teebie had been mitigated by the basket of muffins that the djinn was sending home with them.
    They returned to the Meditation Centre together, and Tony and Teal were waiting. Tony smiled, “Congratulations on finding each other. Sign this contract, and you can be on your way.”
    They signed the mating contract, including their species’ representative names and when it was done, Teal signed as official and witness. Tony fixed the formal seal of the Crossroads.
    He intoned a formal declaration. “And so, being bound by all treaties and clans, this union is to be honoured by all.”
    They inclined their heads, and Hektor put his arm around her.
    Tony clapped his hands briskly. “Right. Now, you two need to head back to the true world.”
    Fred grinned. “My place, please.”
    Teal stepped forward. “All right. I know where your key was filed.”
    They moved into the centre of the Meditation Centre, a large Zen-style garden with paths and stones arranged in elaborate patterns.
    Fred stood close to Hektor, and Teal opened a gateway much as Trevor had a few days earlier.
    Teal said, “Be well and enjoy each day. Finding a mate at long last is a blessing. Know it every time you look in each other’s eyes.”
    Fred smiled, and Hektor urged her forward. A moment later and they were in her backyard, as if nothing had happened, but the soreness between her thighs and the male next to her belied that reality.
    “Come on, Hektor. I will show you our room and you can start making arrangements.”
    He grinned. “Please. I would love a tour of your house.”
    “Our house. I had it built for my family, and you are the starting point, dearest.” She took his hand, lifted her luggage and headed across the garden and into her home. Their home. It was a start.
     

Chapter Ten
     
     
    The Northrups descended in force the next morning. Buzz and Ezzy led the charge with her friend Krisia and the head of the Mages’ Guild. A private ceremony was arranged before the big one the following week.
    With a glowing orb between them, Fred and Hektor stood and faced each other across the human magic. Buzz stood on Fred’s side and Ezzy took Hektor’s.
    The Guild Master raised his hands. “In a mating, there needs to be a meeting of equals, and in the matter of birds and land mammals, this spread is rather noticeable. To create the equality, we have gathered here today to join these two shifters and balance their power.”
    Krisia stood behind her husband and placed her hands on his waist. The orb of energy swirled with a bright blue colouration, and Ezzy explained.
    “Place your hands on the orb, and it will change your energy. You will be able to shift to an eagle, and he will be able to be a bear. It is strange at first, but it does help you understand your mate more than anything else could do.”
    Buzz simply nodded.
    Fred took in a deep breath, and Hektor mimicked her as they gripped the orb between them. Her bear roared forward and out to greet its mate, she felt his eagle reach through the orb and run up through her hands. Her bear roared at it, but it screamed back, and they both retreated into her.
    She rocked back on her heels, and Hektor staggered back.
    Krisia peered out from behind the Guild Master. “Sorry for the awkwardness. We are still working out the bugs. We