Total pages in book: 18
Estimated words: 16684 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 83(@200wpm)___ 67(@250wpm)___ 56(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 16684 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 83(@200wpm)___ 67(@250wpm)___ 56(@300wpm)
I tore up the report on Lennon that Clay sent over. I know I could’ve just read it and found out everything about her past, but I want my mate to share on her own terms.
The moment we got home from Arctic Mountain, I called Sheriff Bolden to give him a head’s up that another Helson was trying to run a scam out of his Glacier Pass home. The sheriff assured me he would have investigators check out Helson thoroughly. In the meantime, I added extra security to my home to protect my new family.
My peaceful moment is interrupted by the buzzing of my phone in my pocket. I pull it out to see my mom’s name flashing on the screen. I’ve been expecting this call, given how I’ve kept the family at bay for a few days, wanting Lennon to ease into things without the chaos that is my family descending upon us.
“Hey, Mom,” I answer, trying to sound casual.
“Grant,” she says, getting right to the point in that way only mothers can. “When are you going to introduce us to your new mate?”
I rub the back of my neck, watching Oreo dig a path through the snow like it’s the best game ever. “I wanted to give her some time to settle in before you guys come by and scare her off.”
I can picture my mom glaring at me through the phone. “We are not going to scare her off. We just want to meet her before you mate her and hide her away.”
“You have to admit the Bearly family is a lot to take in at first,” I remind her. “And she’s still adjusting to having a polar bear mate.”
“I get that, but you know how important this is. She’s family now, and we’d all love to meet her. Plus, your dad’s getting antsy. He’s worried you’re going to screw this up.”
I chuckle because I really do understand where she’s coming from. Once Dad gets a hint there’s a mate on the horizon, he starts seeing grandkids in his future. “Alright, alright. How about this weekend? I’ll check with Lennon and see if she’s up to the invasion.”
“Perfect! Can’t wait to meet Lennon,” she says, and I can hear the smile in her voice.
We hang up, and I pocket my phone, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness about this next step. Introducing my mate to my family feels big, even though I know they’ll absolutely adore her.
As the snow starts falling heavier, I head back inside with Oreo where warmth and the smell of something delicious Lennon is cooking up wrap around me like a cozy blanket. She’s at home in the kitchen, music softly playing, and Oreo trots over to his favorite spot by the fire before curling up to snooze.
“Hey, baby,” I call out, leaning against the kitchen doorway. She looks up and smiles, her eyes sparkling in the soft glow of the lights. My cock has been hard since the first moment I met my mate, but I ignore the fucker and concentrate on winning Lennon’s heart. “Mom called,” I continue. “She insists on finally meeting you. Thought we could go over this weekend if you’re up for it?”
Lennon pauses, a flicker of uncertainty crossing her face, but then she nods. “I’d like that very much.”
“Thank you, baby,” I agree, smiling because I really do think they’ll get along like a house on fire.
“Thanks for giving me time. I know it hasn’t been easy for you.” That’s a goddamn understatement. Fighting my inner polar bear’s demands and my hunger for her is getting harder by the day.
“Hey, no rush,” I say, moving closer, feeling the warmth between us that is becoming my new normal. “We’re figuring it out together. That’s what matters.”
She nods, and the look in her eyes is all the confirmation I need that we’re on the right path. Introducing her to my family is just another step forward into this new life we’re building together.
“Speaking of figuring it out… Would you shift so I can see your inner polar bear?”
“Are you sure you’re ready for that?” I don’t want anything to derail all the progress I’ve made with her.
“I’m dying to see your inner beast.” She wiggles her eyebrows playfully.
“I have to strip before I shift, or I’ll shred my clothes.” My inner bear roars at the thought of ripping all my clothes away for my mate. “So, try to control yourself. You can jump my bones when I turn back to human.”
“No promises,” she laughs, but there’s a gleam of excitement in her gaze. “But I’ll try.”
She follows me outside and stands a few feet away while I rip away my clothes. Her stunning green eyes follow my movements, sending my pulse into overdrive.
Before I forget about my promise to give her time, I start my shift, feeling a familiar warmth rippling through me as my inner polar bear emerges. It’s always a weird yet comforting sensation, like pulling on a heavy, cozy coat. My muscles ripple and expand, fur sprouting and senses sharpening as I transform before my mate’s eyes.