Page 20 of My Forever Bear

She talks animatedly with her sister, her free hand waving wildly in the air. The way her eyes lit up when she told me about Sydney warmed my heart. I meant what I said–I'm glad she had a loving sister, a partner in crime, while growing up.

Watching Wren talk with her younger sister flooded my mind with memories of Finn. Once upon a time, he was my partner in crime, so losing him was the worst day of my life. I'm glad my mate hasn’t had to go through the devastation of losing her sibling. My heart can't bear that for her.

“You think this was an isolated incident?” Reese's deep baritone interrupts my thoughts. He’s parked in front of Wren’s car in preparation of hooking it up to his truck for a tow.

The truck driver’s side door swings open, hinges squeaking in protest.

“Yeah, she said no one knew she was out here besides her sister… who wouldn't do this,” I say, waving my hand in the direction of the vandalized vehicle. Reese grunts in agreement. Placing his booted feet on the gravel, he steps out of his truck.

“That your girl?” Reese nods his head in my mate's direction. I can't help the smug grin pulling at my lips as I look over at Wren.

“Yeah, man. She's mine.” I lock eyes with Reese, driving home my point.

Reese throws his hands up in surrender. He lets out a tense laugh. “Don't worry, Kiernan. I see those hearts in your eyes. Plus, I can smell your scent all over her from here.”

After exchanging ‘I love you’s’ and a quick goodbye, I hang up with Sydney and slip my phone back in the pocket on my leggings.

From a distance, dark eyes sear into my skin drawing my gaze upward. Locking eyes with Kiernan, his lips split into a panty-melting grin, causing my cheeks to flame. I am so screwed. I'm falling hard for this beast of a man. Talking to Sydney helped me clear the chaos in my brain. This is where I belong; I know it deep in my bones.

I give Kiernan my own bright smile in return as I make my way over to him and the stranger.

The newcomer is taller than Kiernan by a few inches and nearly twice as broad. Damn, he's huge. I wonder if this is Reese, the alpha.

As I get closer, I see he has black hair that’s starting to gray at the temples. A thick beard, also sprinkled with gray, lines his square jaw. He looks down at me with eyes nearly as black as his hair. I can't help but be slightly intimidated by the deep scowl marring his ruggedly handsome face. Plastering myself to Kiernan's side, I take comfort in his presence as he wraps his arm around my waist.

“Everything go okay?” Kiernan asks softly.

“Mhm.” I nod, looking into his dark eyes. “Everything is much clearer now.” I wink at him, noticing a slight blush stain his golden skin.

The stranger clears his throat. “Oh, right. Wren, this is Reese.” Kiernan tips his head to the large man in front of us. “Reese, this is Wren. My mate.” Hearing Kiernan call me his mate sends a swarm of butterflies floating through my stomach.

“Hi,” I squeak, extending my hand to Reese.

Reese's massive hand engulfs mymuchsmaller one. Biting my tongue, I stifle the laugh crawling up my throat. That is quite the size difference.

“Wren,” he greets, giving my hand a firm shake. His voice is so deep it rumbles through my body. “I'm Reese Moore. Pack alpha for Cypress Valley. Pleasure to meet you.”

“You, too,” I call to his back as he walks away. My brows shoot up on my forehead in confusion.

Reese busies himself in the bed of his truck, pulling out chains and tow straps.Oh-kay, I guess he’s not much of a conversationalist.

As if reading my thoughts, Kiernan’s quiet laugh tickles my ears. “Don’t take any offense. He’s like that with everyone. He’s a man of action, not words.”

Ten minutes later, Reese has my car hooked to the back of his truck, pulling away with only a stiff head nod.

Turning to Kiernan, I tug his hand and lead him over to his truck. “Can we talk?”

“Uh oh, is this the part where you rip my heart out and stomp it into the pavement?”

He’s joking, I know, trying to use humor to lighten the tension. I let out one dry laugh before continuing.

“Talking with Sydney helped clear my head. There’s something between us Kiernan, I know I can’t deny the way I’m drawn to you like we’re magnets. Always wanting to be by your side. Your touch calms me and makes me feel safe.”

“You’re always safe with me, Wren,” he assures.

“I know.” I reach out and cup his face, placing my other hand over his rapidly beating heart. “I think we ran into each other in the woods for a reason. So, I'm staying. I want to give this,” I wave a hand between us, “whatever it is, I want to give it a shot.”

“You’re staying?”

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