I know,Eddie muttered. Then there was the ankle situation. She would focus on taking care of Liana and ensuring she healed properly. She could do this. She was an alpha bear who was in charge of her clan. Why was she hiding in her bedroom as if she were a young cub with her first crush?
She straightened to her full height andheaded back into the living room. Liana tilted the cup back and finished the last of the tea she’d made her. Satisfaction filled Eddie.
“You were right. I already feel much warmer,” Liana said. There was a slight tremor in her voice. She set the empty mug down on the table next to the couch.
“Good.” Eddie made her way across the room and held up the clothes. “These should fit you. There’s a bathroom down the hall where you can get changed.”
“You have spare clothing?” Liana blinked.
“Um, yeah. Do you think I only have one outfit?” Eddie smirked. She tilted her head to the side and watched embarrassment wash over Liana’s face.
“Well, of course you do,” Liana sputtered.
She pulled her hat from her head and dropped it on the couch next to her. She pushed her hair back from her face. The wild ringlets were dark with the tips a golden color. Now that she’d removed her hat, it allowed Eddie to see Liana fully. She was breathtakingly beautiful.
“I mean clothing that will fit me?” Liana clarified.
“We can make them work. You are smallerthan me.” Eddie’s words ended on a hitch. The size difference between the two of them had her bear in protective mode. Humans were much more fragile than shifters. “Let me help you to the bathroom.”
Eddie handed the clothing to Liana with the intention of carrying her. Liana took the clothing and shook her head.
“I can do it.” Liana scooted to the edge of the couch and tried to stand. She nearly face-planted on the floor. A cry escaped her lips as she fell back to the couch.
Eddie stood before her and rested her hands on her waist.
The woman was too damn stubborn for her own good.
“Your ankle won’t support you. I haven’t wrapped it yet. I wanted you out of those clothes and in something loose so I can wrap it good.”
“I am not helpless.”
“No, but you need help,” Eddie replied softly.
Liana’s shoulders sagged slightly.
Eddie moved toward Liana and gently picked her up. “I’ll carry you for now.”
She carried Liana down the short hallway to the bathroom where she sat her on the edge ofthe tub. The bathroom was small with stone tile, frosted windows, and a faint chill in the air. Liana shivered slightly. Eddie gritted her teeth and backed away to the door.
“I think I’ve got it from here. I…um…need to use the um…” Liana motioned to the toilet.
Eddie jerked her head in acknowledgment.
“I’ll be close by if you need me.” Eddie stepped out of the room and closed the door. She leaned against the wall and blew out a deep breath. Her animal prowled inside her as they waited. To give Liana a little more privacy, Eddie went back into the living room and tossed another log into the fire. She had plenty stored on the back porch to keep this fire burning for days. She rushed back into the hall to ensure she’d be nearby when Liana was ready.
“Are you out there?” Liana called.
Eddie opened the door and found Liana in front of the sink. She stood on her good leg while holding on to the sink. Her other foot was kept off the floor. Eddie flicked her gaze down Liana’s body. The clothing was quite large on her, but she’d folded the pant legs and the sleeves to make them work for her. Liana’s curvy frame was not missed underneath the bigger material.
“I’m here.” Eddie picked her up and turned to leave.
“Wait. My clothes.”
“I’ll get them later,” Eddie promised. She carried her back into the living room. She noted that Liana’s body felt hotter than when she’d originally brought her into the cabin. “You’ve warmed up.”
“I have. Thank you.” Liana sighed.
Back in the living room, Eddie sat Liana down on the thick rug in front of the fire. She wanted to ensure that she was warm. It was freezing outside, and she wanted to keep Liana as heated as possible. She hadn’t been out in her car long before Eddie had found her. Any longer and Liana would have certainly frozen to death.