Gem Creek Bears: Books 5-8

By Jennifer Snyder

This boxed set includes the remaining four books in the completed Gem Creek Bears YA Paranormal Romance shifter series.

Connected
Sometimes tragedies force us to fully live.

After the death of her mother, Penny Daniels leaves Opal Pine and heads to Gem Creek Campground. There, with the help of her best friend Tris, she hopes to heal and figure out what her next step in life should be.

What she finds is trouble.

Penny wasn’t looking for love or danger but somehow finds both. A certain bear shifter has been working his way into her heart since she arrived and someone has been watching the clan, waiting to strike. When they do, Penny finds herself caught in harm’s way.

Cursed
Sometimes finding our inner strength is key.

All Vada Palmer ever wanted was a family and a place to call home. When she finds herself in the wrong place at the wrong time, that dream is crushed.

Now she’s on the run from someone who claims she’s his.

It isn’t until Vada finds herself at Gem Creek Campground that she begins to feel at peace. The place calls to her, and so does a particular Orsin brother. While Vada knows she shouldn’t get comfortable, she can’t help it, especially once she learns some living at the campground share her secret—they have a bear inside them too.

Consumed

Sometimes we aren’t meant to see how life will unfold.

Samantha Mathers never foresaw herself returning to Gem Creek, and she never saw her Gran becoming sick—not even with the gift of premonition she was born with.

Then again, Sam’s gift doesn’t work like that.

If it did, she would have known her feelings for Nash Orsin would come rushing back the second she saw him. She would have also known to trust her gut—and her bear—when it comes to Damon Kincaid, the persistent snake shifter intent on using her gift for his benefit. However, Sam’s gift clearly has a few blind spots.

Cherished

Sometimes the past comes back to haunt you.

Liam Orsin wants one thing this Thanksgiving—for it to be the best one his mate has ever had. In fact, he and his bear have made it their mission. All seems to be going well until a small pack of coyotes start lurking around the campground.

Their presence was hindrance enough, but then a familiar face is spotted among them.

Someone has come back and maintaining the safety of his clan, and his mate, shifts front and center in Liam’s mind. Suddenly, surviving the holiday without any casualties seems most important.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Jennifer Snyder
• Release date: Apr 24, 2023
• ISBN: 9798215275535

Jennifer Snyder

Jennifer Snyder lives in North Carolina where she spends most of her time writing New Adult and Young Adult Fiction, reading, and struggling to stay on top of housework. She is a tea lover with an obsession for Post-it notes and smooth writing pens. Jennifer lives with her husband and two children, who endure listening to songs that spur inspiration on repeat and tolerate her love for all paranormal, teenage-targeted TV shows.To get an email whenever Jennifer releases a new title, sign up for her newsletter a https://jennifersnyderbooks.com/want-the-latest/. It’s full of fun and freebies sent right to your inbox!

Book preview

GEM CREEK BEARS

GEM CREEK BEARS

BOOKS FIVE - EIGHT

JENNIFER SNYDER

CONNECTED, CURSED, CONSUMED, CHERISHED

Gem Creek Bears Books Five - Eight

Copyright © 2020 by Jennifer Snyder

All rights reserved.

Cover Design by Najla Qamber Designs

No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

CONTENTS

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CONNECTED

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

CURSED

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

CONSUMED

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Epilogue

CHERISHED

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Thank You

More From Jennifer Snyder

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CONNECTED

GEM CREEK BEARS, BOOK FIVE

CHAPTER ONE

Grief was a nasty bitch, but cancer was worse. It weakened the strong until they became a fragile shell of their former selves, leaving their soul the only courageous thing about them. Sometimes having a strong soul was enough to win. Others, it wasn’t.

In my mom’s case, it wasn’t.

I crept down the hall, listening to the sound of my sandals slap against the hardwood floors as I walked. Knots formed in the pit of my stomach as a creepy crawly sensation rushed along my skin.

This house was no longer home.

I’d known it the second I stepped inside after my mom passed. A foreign coldness I couldn’t describe lived here now. This space was unfamiliar and devoid of my mother’s presence.

My eyes burned with the threat of tears, but not a single one fell. I was supposed to cry, to mourn my mother, but I hadn’t cried since her death. I’d gone into autopilot mode. I was unable to feel or think—locked inside a perpetual state of numbness.

I glanced around the living room as I exited the hall, soaking in my childhood home. The walls were bare, and the space was devoid of furniture. Memories still surfaced, though. Mom and I settled on the couch for a late night TV binge with buttery popcorn and chocolate. The two of us decorating the Charlie Brown Christmas tree she bought from a thrift store years ago. Us playing board games at the coffee table while she sipped a glass of wine.

The corner of my mouth twitched at the memories, but a smile never formed.

I wasn’t sure it was possible for me to smile anymore. Mom was gone. I’d never be able to see her again. There would be no more Christmases setting up that ugly tree with her. No more binges on the couch with popcorn and chocolate. No more game nights at the coffee table while she sipped wine.

I was alone. Utterly alone.

My eyes burned with the threat of tears again, but nothing fell. My cell chimed with a new text, pulling me from my sadness. It was a text from Tris.

Have you left yet?

I stared at her text, realizing that I wasn’t alone. I still had her. I still had my best friend. Heck, Tris had always felt more like a sister than a best friend.

Now even more than ever.

She’d spent the week after my mom passed with me, making sure I ate something each day to keep up my strength and that I drank plenty of water. She’d helped with my mom’s funeral preparations and with the reception. I couldn’t have done it without her.

I tapped out a response to her text and hit send.

Not yet. I’m taking one more walk through the house, and then I’m leaving. I need to stop for gas, though. - Penny

Normally, I’d be happy to be on my way to visit her at the campground. This time, I didn’t know how I felt about it. Tris didn’t want me to be alone. Frankly, I didn’t want to be alone either, but I also didn’t want to be around people. All anyone did was look at me with sympathy in their eyes and ask how I was doing. I was sick of it. Honestly, I wanted to throat punch the next person who asked how I was or said they were sorry for my loss.

Okay. Drive safe. Can’t wait to see you.

I will. See you soon. - Penny

I pocketed my cell and pulled in a deep breath as I headed for the front door. The only thing left here were memories, but thankfully, those I could take with me wherever I went.

After I pulled the door closed behind me and locked it, I placed my key in the lockbox for the realtor. Tears stung my eyes again, but never fell. I swallowed hard on the way to my car. It was surreal that was the last time I’d be inside that house.

Ever.

People in town said I was crazy for putting the house on the market so soon after my mom’s passing, but it felt like the right choice for me. I could never live there without my mom, and there was no way I wanted to rent it to someone. Selling was the only option. Besides, with my mom gone, and Tris living in Gem Creek, only pain remained for me in Opal Pine.

I needed a clean break.

Selling the house gave me the opportunity to keep my memories and the freedom to discover my next step.

I paused at my car and shifted to look at the house. My gaze drifted along the front, soaking in the gray-blue siding and white trim. I took in the large windows along the front, half expecting to spot my mom standing in one of them, waving goodbye. If she was—in spirit form, of course—I wasn’t able to see her.

Goodbye, Mom, I whispered.

I slid into my car and cranked the engine to life. A hollow sensation festered in my chest, making it hard to breathe. My ribs were tight, and my stomach had tensed. I thought I might finally cry, but no tears came. I shifted into reverse, but before I pulled away a ladybug landed on my windshield.

I stared at it.

For the first time in weeks, a smile tugged at the corners of my lips because I knew this was a sign from my mom. She always said ladybugs were a symbol of good luck. Anytime one landed on her or she saw one, she always smiled and reminded me what they symbolized.

When the ladybug flew away, I eased out of the driveway and onto the road, my smile still intact. The ladybug had to be from my mom. It also had to be a sign of good luck, which I could use a heavy dose of right now.

As I drove, memories of my mom filled my mind. Her singing to the radio at the top of her lungs anytime a song she liked came on. Her deep belly laughs. Her silly dance moves. The way she loved to stare at a star-speckled sky. How she never folded the corners of the books she read, but instead, always used a bookmark.

God, I missed her.

My mind continued to flood with memories of her, all the little things I didn’t think I’d remembered about her but had. By the time I cut into the gas station, warmth had settled in my chest. I pumped my gas, and bought a bottle of strawberry-flavored water and my mom’s favorite chocolate bar to eat on the ride. In under fifteen minutes, I was back on the road.

It was after eight when I turned down the gravel road that led to Gem Creek Campground. I was glad I knew where to turn this time. The last time I’d been here, I’d missed the makeshift sign for the place. From the main road, it looked like someone’s driveway.

I turned the radio down as I continued along the gravel road. There were a few small potholes, but nothing like most of the roads in Opal Pine.

Liam and his brothers took care of this place.

A bubbling sound came from my dash. Then, my car sputtered and jolted forward, and smoke poured from beneath the hood as she slowly died.

Freaking great, I muttered. Just what I needed, Myrtle!

The car spewed smoke from beneath its hood. A gargling, popping noise sounded again, and my stomach tensed as my heart kick-started.

Don’t you blow up with me inside, I shouted while unbuckling.

My heart pounded as I climbed out. After I put some distance between us, I placed my hands on my hips and stared at the white smoke billowing from beneath the hood while listening to the sizzling popping sounds.

That couldn’t be good.

Crap. Well, thanks for at least getting me to the campground before deciding to quit on me. I sighed, glancing around. Movement in the woods across from me caught my attention.

Something was there, watching me.

While I couldn’t make out exactly what—thanks to the rays of the sun streaming through the treetops and all the smoke coming from my car—I knew the possibilities of what it could be. Gem Creek Campground held secrets. Shifter secrets. There was a good chance whatever had caught my eye in the woods was one of the bear shifters who lived at the campground.

Excuse me. Could I get a little help here, please? I called, placing my hand over my eyes to block the sun.

A strangled huff sounded, and then a large shadowy figure came into view. As it stepped closer, I noticed thick brown fur. Definitely a bear. My teeth sank into my bottom lip.

Were Tris and Liam’s clan the only bear shifters in the area?

Surely they’d be the only ones this close to the campground. Right? I didn’t know how the dynamics of the shifter world worked, but I imagined they were territorial like real animals in the wild were.

The bear stepped closer. Now that its big head was blocking the rays of sunlight behind it, I was able to see its eyes. They were deep brown and familiar. They reminded me of someone, which made the tension ease from my muscles.

Whoever it was, they were clearly from Tris’s clan.

Myrtle made a popping sound again, followed by a low hiss as the last bit of breath left her. I jumped, my attention snapping back to her, and then frowned as I remembered my current predicament. When a heaviness filled the air, I knew immediately what it was—shifter magic—and forced my eyes back to the bear.

Goose bumps prickled across my skin.

The logical part of my brain told me I should run. However, my gut said I was safe. I listened to my gut since whoever the bear was felt like someone I knew. My eyes widened as the bear in front of me changed shape. It morphed and shrank in size until a guy stood where the bear used to. I blinked.

It was Rafe, a very naked Rafe.

My cheeks heated. I averted my eyes while trying to keep a neutral expression. He moved and my eyes found their way back to him to see that he’d covered his junk with cupped hands.

I never thought you were one for modesty. The words flew from my mouth before I could stop them.

A slow smirk twisted across his face. I’m not. I just didn’t realize I had something you wanted to see so badly.

His grin grew as his eyes narrowed playfully seconds before he removed one of his hands. I snapped my eyes shut and shook my head, holding up a hand.

Nope. No. I’m good. Keep it covered, I said.

Rafe chuckled. It was a deep rumbling sound that made my breath catch.

I can do that, he said. If it’s what you want.

It’s what I want. I opened one eye and peeked at him, making sure he was still covered.

And here I thought you were more fun than that.

I rolled my eyes. I was. Or at least, I used to be.

Anyway. What are you doing running around in bear form? I asked. Aren’t you worried someone might see you?

That they might see what? A bear? It adds to the ambience of the place. Bears roaming the woods are expected. He ducked behind the thick foliage to his left. When he came back into view, he wore a pair of athletic shorts and carried a pair of running shoes. Most of the campers are curled up by their fires, roasting marshmallows or drinking beer. This is one of the safest times to shift and let my bear roam. He bent to slip on his socks and sneakers.

Which is clearly something you do often, considering you have shorts and sneakers in the bushes.

He glanced up at me, that same sexy smirk twisting his lips again. You disappointed about that?

I narrowed my eyes. He was cocky, arrogant, and cute.

Nope. Not disappointed. Just amused, I said.

Right. Keep tellin’ yourself that. He winked as he stood and then sauntered to the hood of my car. He popped the lever and lifted the hood. So, what’s going on here?

I stood on the tips of my toes and peeked under the hood from where I was. Tiny wisps of steam and smoke trickled into the air, followed by a hissing noise. It sounded like water dripping onto something extremely hot.

Be careful, I said as he placed his hands on either side of my hood and leaned over to glance inside.

Don’t worry. I’ll be fine, he insisted. I’m a shifter, remember? We heal fast. Also, Tris is our Mystic.

Right.

How could I forget my best friend was the Mystic to his clan and could heal him with magic? How can I even forget he was a bear shifter when I’d just watched him change from his bear form into his human one? Most people wouldn’t be able to forget something like that. Heck, they’d probably feel awkward around someone with abilities such as his.

I didn’t, though.

I don’t know much about cars, but I think it might be your radiator, Rafe said. He reached into touch something, and then jerked his hand back, wincing when it was too hot. Damn, that’s hot. I’d say it doesn’t have any water in it. It might be cracked. It could also be that your water pump is busted.

I shifted around on my feet and blew out a long breath. Myrtle breaking down wasn’t something I needed right now. I had the money to have her fixed—thanks to Mom’s life insurance policy—I just didn’t want to deal with the hassle of it.

You might as well be speaking a foreign language. I have no idea what you’re talking about. I didn’t even know my car took water. I folded my arms over my chest and glared at Myrtle like she’d betrayed me in the worst of ways.

Uh, all vehicles need water. Rafe chuckled.

My face grew impossibly hot. Good to know.

I can have Cato look at it for you. I’m sure he wouldn’t mind. He works at a repair shop in town.

Cool, I said. Thanks. How much do you think it will cost me to have it towed to his shop? There was no way anyone would be able to drive her, not in the state she was in.

Rafe slammed Myrtle’s hood down. She rocked back-and-forth and made the same hissing sound as before.

I’m not sure, but I bet Cato would work out a deal with you if money is an issue. Concern glinted in his chocolate brown eyes when our gaze locked.

I averted my eyes to Myrtle, figuring sympathy wasn’t far behind. That seemed to be how it went these days—first came concern, then sympathy, then the words I’m sorry for your loss.

I didn’t want to hear it. Any of it.

Money isn’t an issue, but thanks, I said, sounding harsher than I intended.

Good to know. Is there anything I can help you carry to camp? Anything that you need right now? he asked, ignoring my snotty tone. I was glad. If not, we can walk back to camp and pick up my truck. I’d be more than happy to help you load your stuff in my truck and get you settled in. I’ll even give Cato a call and see if he can bring the wrecker to get this out of the road.

Myrtle, her name is Myrtle. Why was I being so dang bitchy? I really needed to simmer down.

Rafe cocked his head, another smirk gracing his lips. You named your car Myrtle?

Yep. I flashed him a slight smile. Like Moaning Myrtle from Harry Potter.

Why would you do that?

When I first got her, she made this weird noise. I can’t remember what it was that needed to be fixed, but I had to drive her around like that for a couple of months before I could save up enough money to get her fixed. One night, Tris and I were out on a junk food run when I called her Moaning Myrtle and it just sort of stuck. I shrugged.

That’s hilarious. It makes me wish I had a cool name for my truck.

We should name it, then.

You’re serious, aren’t you? Rafe asked. He flashed me a lopsided grin that showcased a dimple in his right cheek I hadn’t noticed before.

Yeah. Why not?

He pursed his kissable lips together. Okay. Sure. Sounds like a plan. He motioned to Myrtle again. So, was there anything you wanted to grab before we head to camp for my truck?

Is it safe? I asked, eyeing Myrtle.

Well, yeah. I mean, I don’t think she’s gonna bite you.

I rolled my eyes. I know that. If anything, she’d bite you first. I’m just saying safe—as in she’s not going to blow up?

That only happens in movies. He waved my words away.

While I didn’t think that was true, I believed Myrtle might be okay enough for me to grab my phone and purse without an issue.

Thanks for your help, I said once we headed toward the campground on foot. Thankfully, we didn’t have far to walk because thin flip-flops on a gravel road wasn’t the most comfortable thing.

No problem. I could never leave a damsel in distress. My mom would roll over in her grave.

My heart dropped to my stomach. Somehow I’d forgotten Rafe had lost his mother. His father, too. Tris had mentioned it once, that he and his brothers had lost both of their parents to the shifter sickness.

I cast a quick glance at Rafe. His eyes darkened with the sadness he carried, one he knew I carried too. We had more in common than I’d thought.

We were connected in an undesirable way.

CHAPTER TWO

When Liam’s cabin came into view, so did Tris. She stood on the porch, eyeing us. Confusion made the area between her brows pinch together. I had no idea how she’d heard us walking up, but figured it probably had something to do with her bear senses.

Hey. Where’s Myrtle? she asked, her eyes shifting between the two of us.

Let’s just say the trip was a little much for her, I said.

Her face fell. Oh no.

Yep. I barely turned down the road when she made some crazy noises and smoke or steam, whatever it was, started pouring from beneath the hood.

Tris’s eyes widened. That sucks.

I think it’s either the radiator or the water pump, Rafe said. I’m gonna talk to Cato and see if he can bring the wrecker by to come pick it up.

Let me grab my keys. I’ll give you a ride back and help you get your things before Cato tows it, Tris insisted, turning for the front door of the cabin.

No. It’s okay, Rafe said. I already offered to get my truck and help her.

A tiny smirk twisted at the corner of Tris’s lips. Oh. All right. Sure, that works too.

I narrowed my eyes on her. What was she thinking? Better yet, what was she up to?

Have something you’d like to say? I asked, folding my arms over my chest.

Nope. I’m good. She flashed me a wide, shit-eating grin. You go ahead and grab Rafe’s truck. Let him help you. I’ll meet you at Ruby when you’re done getting your things.

I glanced around. Where is Ruby? Did you guys move her back to her original spot?

Jesus, I hoped not. The last time I was here, she’d been on the other side of the campground, which was way too far from the bathhouse. Even if they’d moved her to a lot with a water hookup, she still didn’t have a bathroom. That wasn’t to say I didn’t like her, though. She had cool retro vibes and had been the perfect place for Tris to get her life back on track after everything that happened in Opal Pine.

Ruby seemed like a good luck charm, one I hoped worked for me too.

We moved her to a lot near the bathhouse, Tris said.

Relief flooded me. Awesome.

Yeah. It’s a much better location. Tris nodded.

Cool. Well, I guess I’ll meet you there in a few, I said. Then, I shifted my attention to Rafe. Ready?

After you, he said with a lazy grin.

Why was he so sexy?

As we made our way past the office, I could see Liam through the front windows. He was at a desk, talking on the phone. As though he could feel my eyes on him, he glanced up. I smiled and waved. He did the same.

He’s a good guy, I said to Rafe as we continued past the office. He’s good to Tris.

He loves her. Rafe shrugged as though it were answer enough.

Maybe it was.

I followed Rafe between a set of trees. The pond came into view. Tall reeds had grown up along one side, yellow flowers were in clusters all over, and there were loads of dragonflies flying around making the place look majestic.

Look at all the dragonflies, I said, unable to look away from the group of them. There are so many.

It’s because of the black-eyed Susan. Dragonflies love them. Butterflies too.

I glanced closer at the flowers as we passed them. Is that what they’re called? I thought they were yellow daisies.

No, they’re black-eyed Susan. My mom planted them forever ago.

Oh. I glanced at him, hating how I always seemed to talk about things that made him think of his mom. Maybe that was how it was though—when you lost someone you cared about—everything reminded you of them. Even the little things. They’re pretty.

They are.

Something splashed in the pond, and I jumped.

Just a fish. Rafe chuckled.

I didn’t realize there were fish in there, I said.

Oh, yeah. We stock it once or twice a year. The kids all love fishing in it. It’s easier to catch something out of here than the creek.

I tucked a few stray strands of hair behind my ear. I can see that being possible.

We continued past the pond and headed in the direction of the general store.

Do you want anything? Rafe asked, nodding toward the building. Coffee, a popsicle, some ice cream, a snack?

I shook my head. Nothing sounded good anymore. I’m fine. Thanks though.

Are you? Rafe asked, running a hand through his hair while glancing at me. I could feel his eyes on me, but I refused to look at him. I knew exactly where this conversation was headed. He was about to ask how I was holding up, and that wasn’t a conversation I wanted to have. Not right now. Maybe not ever. I’m sorry for what you’re going through. I remember how hellish it was. Just—don’t forget to eat, okay? I know nothing probably sounds good right now and that it’s hard to remember to eat. He scratched the back of his neck. Heck, I don’t think I was hungry for months after my parents passed. I mostly ate out of necessity, and because Dottie practically force fed us all otherwise. The corner of his lips twisted upward as though it didn’t hurt him anymore to remember what he’d been through.

I wondered if I’d ever feel that way. How long would it take me to get there?

I’ve been eating. Probably not as much as I should, I said, hesitantly meeting his stare. The sympathy I’d expected to see wasn’t there. He didn’t pity me. He wasn’t focused on how broken I was or on my pain. Rafe just saw me, and there was comfort in that. I’ve been managing, though.

Managing is good. Rafe grinned. Baby steps.

A fluttering feeling spread through my lower stomach at the sight of his grin, and I looked away. Silence bloomed between us. We continued walking, passing between more trees and the pool on our way to the cabin he shared with his twin. When we finally reached it, I was surprised by how similar it looked to Liam and Tris’s cabin. The only noticeable difference was that it lacked a royal blue front door and flowerpots. It also seemed smaller.

And, here’s my truck, Rafe said, nodding to an old Chevy. Don’t write her off completely. She might not look the best, but she’s a smooth ride.

Wow. I didn’t expect you to drive something so old.

My gaze drifted over the truck. It was a rust-colored orange. The paint peeled in a few places, and there were dents here and there.

Yeah, well. It was my dad’s. He left it to me when he passed. He folded his arms over his solid chest and stared at the truck. I had a Camaro, but I sold it and kept the truck. Everything I made from selling my old car I’ve put into this beast to restore it. It’s been a slow process, but Cato has cut me some deals and taught me what he can. I wish I could say I’m a whiz when it comes to stuff under the hood, but sadly I’m not. He scratched his head, a lopsided grin forming.

I bit the inside of my cheek to refrain from saying the dirty things that popped in my mind and kept my eyes locked on the truck. I shouldn’t be flirting. I wasn’t here for that.

So, what do you think we should name her? Rafe asked, misinterpreting my silence as awkward when it was anything but.

I stepped to the passenger side and pulled the door open. It didn’t squeak like I’d expected. Then, I slipped inside. I need a ride in her first. Get to know her. Then, I’m sure something will come.

Let me grab my keys. He jogged past me, up the stairs, and then disappeared inside the cabin.

I shifted my attention back to the truck. The scent of leather cleaner and whatever cologne Rafe wore lingered in the air. The interior was all leather. It was ripped in a few places but was still decently intact for its age. While I might not have thought the truck was something Rafe would drive at first sight, the longer I sat inside it, the more I realized how wrong I’d been.

This truck was all Rafe.

Got them, he said as he jogged down the steps of the porch and rounded the front of the truck. He popped open the driver door and slid behind the wheel. The seat creaked with his weight and more of his cologne made its way to my nose. It was spicy, yet woodsy. All right, let’s head back to Moaning Myrtle and pick up your stuff. A wide grin sprang onto his face. It caused his right dimple to peek out once more.

That was quite possibly my favorite dimple in the world.

Thanks. I closed the passenger door and vowed not to look at him for at least a full three minutes. I was here to heal and figure out what my next step in life was now that my mom was gone. I wasn’t here to hookup. And, hooking up was all I thought about when I looked at Rafe.

He cranked the engine to life. It started on the first try, surprising me. Due to its age, I expected it to groan and moan before coming to life the way Myrtle sometimes did.

Beautiful, Rafe whispered before shifting into reverse.

I broke my vow and glanced at him. There was a slight curve to his lips, and a satisfied twinkle in his chocolate-colored eyes. He cared for this truck, which I found adorable.

When he caught my stare and winked, I averted my gaze to the windshield. My lips pursed together. This truck needed a good name. That was what I needed to focus on, not how hot Rafe was.

Are you sure your truck is female? I asked.

Rafe backed out of his driveway and then shifted into drive, heading toward Myrtle. Yeah. Why?

Just wondering. I figured, if it were male, you could name him Garfield. I’d always liked that sarcastic cat, and since the truck was orange-ish it seemed like a good fit.

That’s a good one, but she’s female, Rafe said, slowing so a couple carrying fishing poles could cross the road. He waved at them, and then eased forward again once they were in the grass. What have you got for girl names?

I thought for a moment before answering. How about Daisy or Ginger?

Eh. Rafe made a face. Daisies are white. Aren’t they?

Some are orange-ish yellow.

It doesn’t fit to me. Sorry. And Ginger sounds like a redhead name. If my truck were red, I’d say it would fit, but since it’s not, I say what else you got? He cast a glance my way.

I licked my lips, thinking. This would be harder than I thought. How about Goldie, then?

Goldie? He scoffed as though I couldn’t be serious. It sounds like an old lady name.

Well, your truck is old.

He gave me a look. Yeah, but it’s not something I want to call her out on all the time.

Okay. What about Goldilocks? It’s a younger version of Goldie.

He glared at me and I couldn’t help the tiny giggle that burst free as I realized what I’d done. No to both of them.

But, I really like Goldilocks. I pressed, unable to dim my smile.

Like Goldilocks and the three bears. Ha, Ha. Very funny. Next.

I laughed at his deadpan attempt. Oh, come on. It’s a good one.

Not happening. Besides, technically there are four of us if we’re only talking about my brothers and me. If we’re talking about the clan as a whole, then you’d have to add a few more.

Technicalities. I waved his words away.

Moving on, he said as we made our way past the bathhouse and another cabin I presumed was either a clan member’s or his brother Nash’s place.

Okay. What about Marigold?

Rafe pursed his lips together in thought. Marigold and Myrtle. Myrtle and Marigold. They have a nice ring together. Don’t you think? Rafe winked and flashed me a smile that showcased his dimple again.

Um, no. We’re not doing matching vehicle names, I said. Let me think of something else.

I rolled the passenger window down. It was getting stuffy inside the cab. Or maybe the heat I felt was because the butterflies in my stomach kicked into overdrive at the sight of Rafe’s damn dimple again.

What else you got, then?

How about apricot? Or pumpkin? Peaches maybe?

Now you’re just making me hungry. He licked his lips, and I thought it would be my undoing.

I shifted my eyes to look at the road. Those are good names, though. I mean, I could’ve said Cheeto or Dorito.

Nacho. Cheese slice. Yoke. Rafe laughed. Sorry. I was just naming off every orange colored food I could think of… sort of like you are.

I folded my arms over my chest as we passed Liam and Tris’s cabin and glared at him. Want my help?

I do. I’m sorry. He chuckled. You have to admit it was funny, though. I mean, Cheeto? What’s with the food names?

I glanced at the porch of the cabin, searching for Tris. She wasn’t there. I wondered if she was already at Ruby, waiting on me.

There’s nothing wrong with food names, I insisted, giving Rafe the eye again. I used to have an orange cat named sweet potato. I got compliments on his name all the time.

Rafe burst into a fit of laughter. That’s hilarious. I can see you doing something like that. I bet he was overweight and lazy too. Am I right?

Yes. I frowned. But that’s beside the point. The point is food names are cool.

Rafe shook his head. Sorry, but I’m not doing a food name. This baby deserves something better. His hand smoothed over the steering wheel in a loving gesture. She’s a freaking treasure.

That’s it! I snapped my fingers. Treasure!

Excuse me?

I held up a hand. Hear me out. This truck means something to you because it was your dad’s, but the name Treasure also fits because of its color. Treasure is a golden orange-ish color, if we’re talking about coins.

Rafe pulled his truck to the side of the road in front of Myrtle and then cut the engine. Silence filled the cab, leaving me to wonder what he was thinking.

I like it, he finally said, shifting to look at me. His chocolate brown eyes were warm, and a smile pulled at the corner of his lips. It’s perfect, Penny. Thank you.

I licked my lips, liking the way my name fell from his lips too much. I didn’t even come up with it—you did.

Maybe, but you pointed it out and had me consider it. Thank you. Something swirled in his eyes. Was it gratitude or something else?

I reached for the handle on the passenger door and popped it open, cutting off whatever moment we were sharing. You’re welcome, I said before sliding out.

Rafe climbed out and followed me to the trunk of my car. Let’s push it out of the road first.

Good idea, I said. How do we do that?

He nodded to Myrtle. Get behind the wheel and steer. I’ll push.

I slid in the driver’s seat and watched Rafe in the rearview mirror as he lined himself up at the trunk. His biceps bulged as he leaned against Myrtle.

Cut the wheel to the right, Rafe shouted.

I attempted to focus on the task and not his muscles, but found it hard. What was it about this guy that had my libido raging? I really needed to get a freaking grip. Okay.

It didn’t take us long to get Myrtle pushed to the side of the road. After, we gathered my things and then headed to Ruby. Rafe pulled into the parking spot out front and then cut the engine on his truck. Tris made her way out the front door and down the steps at the sound of us pulling up.

Did you get everything? she asked.

I nodded. We pushed Myrtle off the road too so people can get around her.

Once we unload your stuff, I’ll give Cato a call and see if we can get that wrecker out here soon, Rafe insisted.

Okay. Thanks. I flashed him a smile and then started unloading my stuff.

Before long, the three of us had all my things packed into Ruby. I hadn’t brought much with me, just my clothes and a few personal items. Everything else was in the storage unit with my mom’s stuff.

I think this is the last suitcase, Rafe said.

He hoisted the largest suitcase I owned from the back of his truck and started toward Ruby’s steps. His muscles bulged and flexed like they had when he pushed Myrtle out of the road, causing my heart to kick-start inside my chest. I crammed my hands into the back pockets of my shorts, reminding myself I wasn’t here to hookup with anyone. I was here to heal.

Need anything else? Rafe asked as he leisurely descended the steps to Ruby.

Nope. Thanks for your help. Tell Cato the keys are in Myrtle and that there’s no rush on figuring out what’s wrong with her, I said.

Sure. He ran a hand through his hair and flashed me that same crooked smirk that accentuated the dimple in his right cheek. Why was he so cute? Well, I’m sure I’ll see you around.

Yeah. Let me know if Cato has any questions for me or anything, I said.

Rafe nodded before climbing in his truck. Will do.

See ya, Treasure, I said.

Rafe grinned. He cranked the engine of his truck to life and then pulled away.

Treasure? Tris asked. Did I miss something? Are you two on a pet name basis now?

I balked at her. What? No. We named his truck together. Treasure was the name we picked. My cheeks heated as I headed toward Ruby’s front steps.

Aw. How cute, Tris teased.

No. It’s not even like that, I said, feeling more defensive than I should.

I wasn’t upset with Tris; I was upset with myself. Allowing Rafe to get me all hot and bothered had pulled me from my state of mourning. It made me feel like a shitty daughter.

Okay, Tris said as we stepped inside Ruby. Then what’s it like?

He heard me call my car Myrtle, and then I told him the story of how we named her Moaning Myrtle one night because of the crazy noises she made. He thought it was cool and said he didn’t have a name for his truck, so we thought of one together. Treasure was something he picked. He said the truck belonged to his dad and that it felt like a treasure. I just pointed out the name, and he liked it. Nothing more, nothing less.

The