Read Bearly Healed: Pacific Northwest Bears: (Shifter Romance) for Free Online Page B

into the room, they both had grabbed cups of coffee and stood at the long center island in the kitchen. Sipping and staring at the door, they weren’t sure if there was going to be screams and crashes. They were on hand in case they needed to jump to the rescue. Cassie could hold her own, but the therapist looked a little soft. Course most people looked soft to bear shifters.
    After a while, the therapist opened the door and came out looking worse for wear. His eyes looked tired and strained like he’d just been interrogated. Lord only knows what Cassie did to him in there.
    The man came straight up to them and sat his bag down on the floor. Connie gestured to her coffee cup in a silent offering. The man shook his head. He looked like he needed something harder than coffee.
    “She’s going to start atrophying if she doesn’t get up,” he started without any need to explain who he was talking about. “Her surgery site is healed, but her back and hips are still weak from being prone for so long. Her ankle is healing. She could probably transition to just a splint on her ankle if she built up her leg muscles. Her knee is going to take time.”
    “How was she in there?” Connie asked. Since she didn’t hear any begging or screaming she hoped it went well.
    The therapist gave a short laugh. “She’s not the first reluctant and or militant patient I’ve had.”
    “So what do you suggest?” Edward said, looking at the man like he should have all the answers.
    “Well, normally I’d say make things uncomfortable for her. I know it sounds mean, but if she has to fend for herself more, it will get her moving. Although in Cassie’s case I wonder if she would just starve to death. That is one tough cookie in there,” he said like he was almost impressed with her stubborn ass.
    Edward gave a snorting laugh. “There is no way my wife will deny anyone food. She’d wither and die without feeding people.”
    Slapping his arms, she said, “Hush.”
    “Then you need to find her a reason to want to come out. Invite people over. Peer pressure is an amazing thing. Social obligation can often spur them to join the real world. Then sometimes they’ll stay out. The more time out of the bed the better. I’d even suggest getting her a chair to sit in if she wants to stay in her room. It will still be better for her than lying down.” The therapist watched them take in the information. Hoping they wanted their friend to get better.
    “I’ll be back in two days,” he said, and then let himself out.
    “I’m not starving that girl. She’s already barely eating,” Connie said with an indignant sniff.
    “So let’s throw a party!” Edward said with only a modicum of enthusiasm.
    Connie gave him a look that was meant to be peeved. It didn’t affect him.
    “You call the boys. Be useful,” she said. She turned to walk into the pantry. If the kids were coming over, she’d need food. As she was perusing the shelves, she yelled out, “Don’t forget Cash!”
    “Got it,” Edward yelled back. He was gonna call him anyway. Like he didn’t know who to call, he thought.
    Edward got a two-fer at base camp. Cash and Conner were at the office. He tracked down Wyatt at home. He was on baby duty. Sophie picked up on Cage’s cell phone; they were out looking at preschools for Micah.
    “Everyone is confirmed. They’ll be here at six-thirty,” he yelled out. He didn’t see that Connie had left the pantry and was now glaring at him for yelling.
    “What?” Edward asked like he was unaware of the reason for the look.
    “Will you get over here and help me? You can work on the chickens, and I’ll do the sides. There are two trays of cut up chickens in the fridge. Get those marinating, and you can barbecue.” Connie directed Edward while she was setting up her sides.
    “Why do you have chickens cut up in the fridge?” he asked when he started pulling out the commercial grade trays.
    “Because I’m a mother of three grown bears.