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“I told her everything,” he replied quietly. “But not until I’d figured everything out for myself. I researched if something was wrong with me, and whether or not there were other people like me out in the world.” It broke my heart to hear that Tatum had assumed his desires were ‘wrong’. “I learned all about littles and Daddies. I was so excited, but nervous at the same time. I knew I needed to talk to someone; to her. I could always talk to her about everything. One day we were out to lunch, and I blurted it all out.”
“What happened?” I asked, praying she had a better reaction than his father.
Tatum’s eyes grew misty as he answered, “She didn’t fully understand, but she also didn’t judge. She said that all she ever wanted for me was happiness, and that she wished for me to find the best Daddy in the world.”
Relief rushed through me, along with sadness. “I wish I could have met her. She sounds like a remarkable woman.” What a great place the world would be if more people were like her; offering kindness instead of hate.
“I asked her not to tell Dad; I didn’t think he could handle it, and she agreed. I hated hiding a part of myself, but I knew once I was out on my own, I could fully live the way I wished. But after I lost her, I just couldn't move on. I was broken, and not strong enough to leave the place where we'd made so many memories.”
I kissed the side of his head and hugged him tighter, but made sure I wasn't hurting him. “I want to hear all of your memories of her.” I hoped talking about them would bring him comfort.
“One of my favorites happened about five years ago. It was finals week of my sophomore year, and I was stressed about my math test. Mom helped me study every night, and she could tell how nervous I was. The evening before my exam, I went into my bedroom and found the container of Play-Doh on my pillow. I squished and molded it for hours before I fell asleep, and the next day, I was relaxed and focused enough to ace my test.”
I could understand why it was his favorite memory; his mother saw and accepted him for exactly who he was. She let him know that his desires were okay, and gifted him something that brought him comfort for years.
I wondered if his relationship with his mom helped mold his needs. Tatum said she coddled him with love and support, so it wasn't a big leap to assume he looked for the same in a romantic relationship. Not that he needed a reason; people liked what they liked and didn't owe an explanation. But it was obvious she instilled high standards when it came to love, and I was glad for it. My boy deserved the best.
“Thank you for sharing that with me, and for being so open about everything. That was very brave and I'm so proud of you.” Tatum gave me a beautiful smile as he soaked in my praise.
“You're easy to talk to,” he replied, which was great praise as well. “I feel like I can tell you anything.”
“You can. You're safe with me, Taterbug.” He sighed happily and rested his head on my chest. The need to tell him secrets of my own swelled inside me until it became overwhelming. I didn't want to hide anything from him; I wanted our relationship to be honest and transparent. I trusted that my mate would accept me. “I've got something to tell you, too.”
Chapter Five
Tatum
I lifted my head from Weldon’s chest. Though I immediately missed the soft warmth of his hairy skin, I wanted to give him my full attention. He’d been so understanding and accepting of everything I told him. Not only had he accepted my desires, he shared in them.
Besides being too sick and too grateful to question why he had the diapers and sippy cup, I was also doubtful about someone following the same lifestyle. I knew there were people in the world who did, but I never imagined I’d literally fall into his arms.
Weldon even said he’d been waiting for me. He called me his special boy, which meant he was interested in a relationship with me. And I felt the same way about him. I wanted him, and I wanted his story.
So whatever Weldon had to tell me, I promised myself I’d be understanding and accepting as well. “What is it?”
“You know I said I knew you were the one for me when I heard your voice?”
I smiled at how I was just thinking about those very words. “Of course I do.”
“Well, that’s not entirely true.” Before I could panic, he added, “I knew before then. I knew because I smelled you up in that tree.”
He smelled me? Oh no, do I smell? I tilted my head to inconspicuously sniff my armpit, though it seemed Weldon caught me, judging by the way he smooshed his lips together to keep from smiling.
But he just continued, “You see, your scent drew me through the woods to that particular tree. And once I got a good sniff, I knew I was meant to find you. I knew you were mine to save, protect, and love.”
His words sent my heart into overdrive with excitement, but I didn’t understand, “How?”
“That bear you saw?” I nodded my head; my sickness nearly made me forget the beast, but now it burst back into my memory, making me shiver with fear. “That was me.”
I blinked at him…then blinked again. As hard as I tried to wrap my mind around what he’d just said, I couldn’t make sense of it. What did he mean? Was this some sort of metaphor? Was I still too foggy from the poisoning to grasp his words? I finally gave up and asked simply, “What?”
“I was the bear,” he repeated. “I am the bear. The bear is me.” That clarified nothing. Weldon took a deep breath and tried to explain, “I’m what is called a shifter. I can take both human and animal form. I can turn into a bear whenever I please.”
So many thoughts barreled through my mind. Is he serious? Is he crazy? Am I safe? That question made guilt erupt throughout my body. Weldon had taken such good care of me. But if he wasn’t totally nuts, and he could somehow become an animal, maybe things were different. Maybe he was bloodthirsty and wild, like werewolves I’d seen in movies.
Icy prickles crawled over my skin as I remembered the previous encounter with the bear, and what that meant if it was Weldon. “You tried to eat me!”
“No,” Weldon answered firmly with a shake of his head. “I would never hurt you, or anyone else for that matter. I’m in complete control when I’m in animal form. I often stroll through the woods as a bear. Remember that backpack?” I nodded. “I always carry it with me. It has clothes in it, in case I need to shift into my human form. Clothes don’t survive the shift.”
