Free Bearly a Chance: A Second Chances Romance by Alana Hart, Sophia Barron Page A

suggested softly. Aria shook her head, panicked. The last thing she wanted was her silly, frivolous mother watching after Faith and seeing her shift. Or worse, having to protect them both from unknown assailants or magic or even the gods themselves.
    "I could try and summon my dad. He's a bit of a wild card, though." Ben's tone suggested that wild card was a huge understatement, to say the least. But was his dad trustworthy? From the comments Ben had made earlier, it didn't sound like it. Options were running thin. Maybe it was time for a last ditch end run then. No way was she endangering her babe just to confront these fallen gods.
    "Why don't we all call and see who can come?" Aria gestured round the table. All I need is a distraction, then I can go figure this out for my damn self. "I just need to step outside to get cell reception." She suited words to action, grateful to see everyone pulling out their phones and dialing. One day she was definitely going to have to look into a new provider, it really sucked having such spotty reception up here.
    Aria tiptoed lightly out the front door. She snuck a glance at Faith, sleeping soundly in her playpen in front of the fireplace. Thank goodness I've been gone long enough that Gran has forgotten my sneaky ways. She dialed as she stepped out the screen door onto the porch. But it wasn't her mom she called. Hell no, mom was way too flaky for serious shit like this. Instead she called Candi. Her best friend from high school. Dependable as the day was long, despite her rather frivolous first name. It had been ages since they'd talked, but Aria figured she was going to need back up once she was done investigating that door. She sighed in relief when the phone rang and a familiar voice answered.
    "Hey, Candi. I know you're busy, but just listen. I need help. Something's come up, and you're the only person I can trust to watch my girl for a couple days. Could you meet me in Espen at Grans ASAP?"
    Aria listened to the fuzzy voice on the other end of the line. After a moment, the words made sense. "Oh honey, I wish I could. But I can’t get away from the café, and Bryce’s dad is out of town. Could you bring Faith this way?'
    “No time. It’s sort of an emergency. Thank you though. We’ll have to get together again for old time’s sake.” Aria said good bye and tucked her phone away in her jeans pocket. Her hand brushed against the home made spray she kept on hand just in case. That spray might be enough to get some straight answers.
    Got to go now, while I can. Maybe make it back before they notice I’m gone. From the whispers she drifting through the front door, the others were still phoning for help. Good, that'll give me a little time. Aria sprinted a quietly as she could down the darkened street toward Del's shop. She just hoped that when they realized what she'd done, one of the three stayed to watch Faith. Human or not, she'd have their entrails for dinner if they put her baby girl in danger by bringing her to the shop.
    ***
    Ben cursed softly when he hung up the phone. From the furious whispers Gran and Del were making, they were still explaining in depth. He hadn't had to explain much. Apparently dear old dad had been keeping a close eye on him. Bastard wasn't inclined to help though. Ben had barely gotten past the words baby sit when Dad interrupted. "Son, you made your bed, you lie in it," and hung up.
    Which seemed odd, considering how he'd gloated that night Ben first shifted. But then it was probably for the best that Arcos didn't realize just what his granddaughter was capable of. Ben fidgeted in his seat. His bear was getting restless. Missing Aria, Ben thought. Bear snuffled, searching for Aria's scent, making sure she was alright. Alarm thrilled through them when they both realized Aria was gone. She'd made her phone call, but then she'd left. Bear roared in anger, and Ben fought once more to contain the beast. But this time he knew it was a losing battle. He