Page 16 of My Forever Bear

My leg bounces with anxiety as I watch the scenery pass us by out the passenger side window. Monstrous pine trees line both sides of the road. The morning sun is barely peeking out from behind the horizon, casting everything in a hazy golden glow. Dew sparkles from blades of grass and leaves still left on the tree. It really is amazingly beautiful out here.

Looking across the truck to Kiernan, he's the picture of relaxed. Big body slouched in the driver's seat, wrist resting comfortably on the top of the steering wheel as his eyes focus on the road ahead. His other hand rests on the center console, tempting me to reach out and thread my fingers through his. But I can't bring myself to make contact. Nervous energy spirals through me as I twist my hands in my lap. Clearing my throat, Kiernan’s warm brown eyes flick to me before returning to the road.

A second later, his rumbling laughter fills the truck cab. “Something on your mind, Lilac?”

I hum. “Just thinking,” I murmur, eyes glued to the passenger window. If I look over at him, into those endless pools of whiskey, I know I'll spill my guts. Kiernan seems to have that effect on me. I want to tell him everything, and for him to tell me everything.

“You sure? Ya know, I'm an open book. I don't want any secrets between me and my mate.”

There he goes, calling me his mate again. My heart flutters. “Okay, well, in the kitchen, you mentioned how you talk to your bear. How exactly does that work?”

He looks over at me with a lopsided grin before answering. “So, my bear and I are connected, but also like separate entities. It's difficult to explain. I can talk to him, although, usually I don't unless I'm alone. People tend to think you're off your rocker if you talk to yourself. He can hear my thoughts and I can read his emotions.”

“Does he talk back to you?” My fingers pluck at a loose thread on my leggings.

“Ah, no. He does express himself through growling when he's angry, or purring when he's content, or whining when he's excited. His emotions also affect mine sometimes. Like the morning we met.” He quickly locks eyes with me, smiling softly, before returning his attention to the road. “That morning he was agitated. He wouldn't stop pacing and growling and snarling. My body was tense all day–until I found you.”

Heat creeps up my neck. Peering at him through my lashes, I flash Kiernan a shy smile.

“How is he feeling right now?”

Kiernan takes a deep breath, chest puffing out. He’s quiet for a moment. Letting out a soft laugh, he shakes his head, his lips curling into a bright smile. “He's probably the calmest I've ever experienced. He's lying on his side purring up a storm.”

A giggle slips out of me at the mental picture of Kiernan's giant grizzly bear purring.

“He's pretty amazing, though,” Kiernan continues. “He's like a built in best friend… who's an animal.” I giggle again and notice a slight flush color his cheeks.

“Could, um, could I meet him… some day?”

At that, Kiernan does what I didn't have the guts to do earlier. He reaches over and threads his fingers with mine. Warmth engulfs my hand, calming my racing heart. I blow out a small breath.

This feels right.

“Of course, baby, you let me know when you're ready?”

I don't know if he's talking about his bear anymore, or me being ready to be his mate. To behis.

So, I change the subject. “What were you doing in the woods yesterday, anyway?”

“Reese and I were out cutting down trees by the creek. We work as lumberjacks for his company, Cypress Valley Lumber Co. The lumber, and anything we make with it, gets sold to surrounding communities and provides a nice income for the pack.”

“Wow. That must be hard work.”

“Nah.” He shrugs. “Shifters have exceptional strength… and stamina.” He waggles his eyebrows, making me laugh.

“I love your laugh.” His fingers squeeze around mine.

“Thank you,” I whisper. I'm definitely blushing again. “So how come I've never heard of anyone living in Cypress Valley? Isn’t it a national park?”

“Technically, it is a national park, but Reese has more money than God. About eight years ago, he bought up a portion of the land, turning it into a private community for shifters. It's far enough into the forest that humans don't know we're here, so we can live in peace.”

“Is there really that many people who don't like shifters?”

Kiernan's face falls, brows pulling low over his brown eyes, expression turning somber. “You'd be surprised, Lilac. People fear what they don't understand. There isn't any legislation against shifters, but we don't have a lot of support, either.”

“I'm sorry, Kier.” Pulling his hand to my mouth, I place a gentle kiss on his knuckles.

The corner of his mouth hitches up. “Not your fault, Lilac. Not everyone is going to like us, so it's easier to live secluded. Avoid humans where possible. Cypress Valley is mostly self-sustainable, so we only have to deal with a small group of humans in the neighboring town. And they're accepting of shifters. Honestly, it's probably the best-case scenario. I get to be outside every day and I don't have anyone telling me what to do–besides Reese.”

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