Called by the Bear 1-3 Read Online Free PDF

about the tattoo because I think she can see it.
    She looks back down at Carly's arm and says, "Two sodas? Should I put them on the bill?"
    I lean forward, placing my forearms on the counter. "You see it, don't you?"
    The girl steps back and shakes her head. "No, I was just admiring the work. It's well done."
    I snort. She's one of us. "Right. We'll be in our room if you want to talk about it." I place money down on the counter to pay for the colas.
    "Number five. You can call me on the phone if you need anything. Dial zero." The girl chews on her thumbnail.
    Carly says, “Thanks. Should I put the key in the box I saw outside when we leave in the morning?"
    "Yeah, that's fine. Enjoy your stay. We're happy to have you."
    I doubt that. She's spooked about seeing what she's probably been dreaming about, and I don't blame her. When we get to the door, Carly turns back and says in a stern voice, "There's nothing to be afraid of. You have my cell number and can call me when you're ready."
    She nods quickly and turns away before we do.
    I open the hatch of the car, the metal cold in my hand like the chill running through me. Carly’s intensity back there was weird. I ask, "I wonder how many of us there are?"
    "I don't know, but why is that girl so scared?"
    "Maybe she isn't up for burly man sex?" The woven nylon of my duffle bag is rough in my hand as I hoist it up on my shoulder. We chuckle, and the beep of the car remote signals the doors are locked.
    We enter a simple room with one bed, and springs squawk when I throw myself down on it. Carly is doing her adjust-to-the-germs thing and sits down more slowly. She says, "So we keep going. But do you have an idea where we stop?"
    I lie on my belly with bent knees and twist my feet in the air as I inspect my fingernails. "I say New England where I grew up. The forest in my dreams makes me think of Vermont." I look down inside my shirt at my nicely healed tattoo and add, "Besides, if this sign is calling us we'll know if we've gone too far."
    "I guess." Carly shudders. "That old woman at the restaurant freaked me out. What do you think she meant when she said our bravery would be tested?"
    "Your bravery will be tested, not mine. She told me something else when you were in the bathroom."
    "What? You're just telling me now?" She yanks off her sneakers, and they fall to the floor with a thud.
    I wave my hand at her. "It doesn't make any sense. She said something about my nurturing nature and how it will serve me well." I grin at her. "I think I'm supposed to take care of you."
    Carly snorts and falls back on the bed to look at the ceiling. "Great, you can start by mapping out our driving route. Vermont, huh?"
    "You are courageous, you know." I reach over and tweak her knee. "The way you deal with the douche canoes that come into Tattoo Junkies is awesome. Some of those guys scare me, and you treat them like little kids."
    "I'm not sure that's brave. I've just never been afraid since I've been around guys like that all my life."
    "Well, whatever it is, I'm glad you have my back." I sit up and twist around to look down at her. "Carly, I know this is beyond strange, but in my heart I know we're meant to do it."
    “I'm just worried. What if we get all the way to New England and there's nothing to find? Nobody knows I'm Al Cutler's daughter. Who will give me a job? Tattoos are my life, and I can't imagine giving that up. What if leaving Ray was a big mistake?"
    "First off, I'm a walking testament to your mad skills." I raise my arms and twist them around to show off my full sleeves she tattooed. They're amazing, and I get compliments on them all the time. She should be thanking me for the number of clients I've sent her way.
    "And secondly, we'll be just fine. We're young and able to work at all sorts of jobs. This is going to be a good thing for us. You'll see." I get off the bed and walk over to my bag.
    "You're right. We're on an adventure to find our bear lovers."
    She makes me chuckle