Total pages in book: 20
Estimated words: 17637 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 88(@200wpm)___ 71(@250wpm)___ 59(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 17637 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 88(@200wpm)___ 71(@250wpm)___ 59(@300wpm)
Fudge my life. I’m sure my ever-helpful brothers were anything but helpful with Sawyer.
Outfitted and almost ready, I slip on a pair of ankle boots and finish with my dainty silver chain, good luck charm.
With a glance in the mirror, I assess the final result. Not bad at all, I think, giving myself a little wink. The reflection presents the perfect image of a strong, independent woman and hopeful mate.
Taking a deep breath, I step back, feeling decidedly more prepared.
I head out with Minnie’s silent, perceptive stare watching me go. As I walk to my car, I look up at the stars twinkling above and make a silent wish for the night ahead.
The drive to Sawyer's place is a winding journey through Glacier Pass's most scenic roads, and I’d be lying if I said my heart wasn't performing little acrobatics the entire way. It’s a good kind of nervousness, the anticipatory flutter lighting me up from the inside out.
As I turn onto the long driveway leading to Sawyer's home, I catch sight of it nestled among the tall, majestic evergreen trees, their branches protecting the cabin from the elements.
The cabin's rustic charm stands out like something from a storybook with rough-hewn logs stacked together and smoke curling up from the chimney. It’s the epitome of cozy home vibes, with a touch of wilderness comfort that Glacier Pass is known for.
I park my car and sit for a moment, taking in the scene. This is it. My inner grizzly, never one to sit tight, is already growling with impatience, nudging me to move forward, to complete what I’ve been dancing around for days.
“Okay, Gianna,” I say aloud, trying to inject some stability into my jitters. “Deep breaths. It’s just dinner with Sawyer. In a secluded cabin. Away from everything. With a guy who makes you forget basic vocabulary and, oh yeah, is also your fated mate.”
My bear huffs in agreement, entirely done with my attempts at maintaining a cool head. I give myself one last mental shake and decide it's time to get my rear end in gear.
The gravel crunches beneath my boots as I approach the steps leading to the front door. Everything about this feels right, feels like homecoming, and yet, there’s a thrilling factor, and I suddenly know what I’m going to do.
Before I can knock, the door opens to Sawyer, his eyes reflecting warmth and surprise that mesh into a welcome all their own. He’s wearing a soft knit sweater that highlights his broad shoulders and somehow makes those eyes of his more disarming. For a moment, my brain blanks, stuttering over pleasantries, conversations forgotten as the reality of my mate in the flesh derails my motor functions.
None of that matters, though, as something primal kicks in. Without thinking, I close the distance and wrap myself around his hard muscular body.
Sawyer freezes for a fraction of a second before chuckling with surprise, holding me as if I’m altogether the safest, most delicate thing in the world. “What’s going on?” he asks softly, a chuckle dancing on his breath.
I lean back just enough to look up at him, my inner grizzly giving a satisfied rumble to his own bear. “I can’t fight this anymore,” I whisper. It’s an admission that’s been coiling inside me from the moment I felt the pull developing between us.
“Fucking hell.” Sawyer runs his tongue along my bottom lip. “You keep me on my toes, hot stuff.” My heart jumps up into my throat as he continues. “I can’t believe how lucky I am to have you as my mate. I love you with every molecule of my body.”
“I’m the lucky one.” I wrap my arms around his waist and lean up to place a soft kiss on his chin before running my tongue along his collarbone. “Now, freaking kiss me.” My inner bear growls as his lips cover mine.
Our tongues dance together, and I run my hands over his solid, muscular back, untucking his dress shirt with a growing urgency. A thrilling jolt of electricity races through me as I feel his warm skin tense and shift beneath my touch.
Breathing heavily, he finally breaks the kiss, resting his forehead against mine. "Are you ready to be my mate?" he asks, his voice thick with restraint. His words ignite something deep within me, sparking a heat that makes it impossible to hold back. “Because I’m dying to make you mine for all eternity.”
"Then shut up and do it," I reply, playfully tugging at his bottom lip. "Make me yours." A flicker of fear tries to creep in, but I brush it aside as he scoops me up effortlessly, pressing me against his solid chest as he carries me toward the bedroom. With a swift kick, he closes the door behind us, then gently lays me down on the soft, plaid comforter.