Page 41 of My Forever Bear

My eyes zero in on the bite mark on the right side of my neck, where my shoulder and base of my neck meet. It's slightly red, with a raised scab on each tooth puncture. I run my fingers gently over the scabbing. Kiernan explained that the scabs and bruising will fade with time, revealing a permanent scar–my mating mark. My heart flutters, knowing this is permanent.

Kiernan ismine.

And I’m his.

Flipping off the bathroom light, I’m hit by the aroma of coffee as I step back into the hall. I’ve learned over the past week that my mate has a coffee addiction. He says he drinks it for the taste because caffeine doesn’t have any effect on shifters.

Speak of the devil, Kiernan stands in front of the kitchen sink, mug in hand. The steam from the coffee wafts through the air, drawing my eyes to the fact he’s dressed in only a pair of tight black boxer briefs. My mouth waters over the sight of his tree trunk thighs, toned stomach, and bulging biceps.

“You eye fucking me, sweet mate?”

“Maybe,” I say as I bat my lashes and approach him. “What’s for breakfast, chef?”

I turn to look out the kitchen window while Kiernan comes up with a response. Breakfast is his favorite meal of the day, so I always let him pick what we eat, even if I end up cooking.

A blanket of fresh snow coats the ground outside. Fluffy white snow sticks to the trees, glittering in the glow of morning sunlight. Everything looks so peaceful, pure and untouched; a new beginning, full of unexplored possibilities.

It’s telling of everything I’ve experienced since I set out to hike the Cypress Valley Trail. Fate intervened and brought me a new beginning, fraught with possibility.

“Pancakes?” Kiernan's voice and the sound of bowls clanking on the counter breaks me out of my reverie.

With one final glance at the snowy wonderland outside, I turn back to my mate, a knowing smile gracing my face.

“Pancakes sound great.” I reach for his hand, lacing our fingers together and giving them a squeeze.

I've finally found my place in the world, and my soul is at peace. Kiernan is myhome. Mymate.

Myforever.

Summer - Six Months Later

Iset the picture frame on the bookshelf in Kiernan's bedroom.Ourbedroom. I run my thumb over the image of me and Sydney at the beach from a few summers ago. Feet covered in sand, grinning like loons, the most ridiculous giant straw hats on our heads. It was one of the best days.

She'll be here soon, I remind myself as I pick up the last empty moving box from the floor. I finally unpacked all of my things into Kiernan's space; we're really doing this.

The last six months with Kiernan have been magical. I've managed to find my soulmate and my place in the world in such a short span of time. But everything in Cypress Valley feels like it’s meant to be.

Kiernan still works with Reese as a lumberjack, while I help Tyler with the crops. I've learned so much from Tyler and am forever grateful that he took a chance on me.

After Chris destroyed the crops and greenhouse, Tyler and I spent the remainder of the fall and early winter months repairing what we could before the snow came. We tore out all the old crops, tilling up the dirt in hopes of having fresh soil to plant in the spring.

The greenhouse required some additional help. Addie and her dad brought new glass pieces to replace what Chris had broken. With Reese and Kiernan's help, Tyler was able to get the greenhouse looking good as new.

Chris was arrested for stalking and attempted assault. Unfortunately, I had to see him again when I testified at his trial. Apparently, this wasn’t the first time he stalked a previous girlfriend, so he’s spending a good chunk of time behind bars. Plus, I have a restraining order against him, thanks to Sheriff Jones.

Kiernan was there for me through everything, supporting me however he could. I’m forever grateful to my mate for saving me that day and giving me a home.

Setting the empty box on the kitchen counter, I go in search of my mate. Mymate.I'm still not quite used to having this extraordinary beast of a man love me… and boy, does he love me. I giggle to myself. Kiernan can't bear to spend more than a few hours apart. Most days, we have to sneak home at lunchtime for a quick fuck.

Stepping onto the back porch, I shield my eyes from the bright morning rays, trailing my gaze toward the garage. A slight summer breeze cools my heated flesh, the white fabric of my sundress swishing against my thighs. It's one of Kiernan's favorites. He says the subtle blue floral print makes my eyes glow. The sight before me has my mouth watering and my pussy clenching.

Kiernan is shirtless, wearing nothing but those damn fitted jeans and his work boots. Muscles in his back and arms flex as he swings the axe down on a chunk of wood. It splits perfectly in two. He throws the pieces onto his woodpile and reaches for another large chunk. Sweat glistens on his skin, a drop rolls from his neck, down between his defined pec muscles. I want to run my tongue along all the dips of muscle and taste the salty flavor. I lean against the porch railing, taking a second to observe his sheer strength.

“You're drooling again, Lilac,” he teases, beckoning me towards him with the curl of his finger.

“Admiring the view,” I reply as I cross the yard and approach him.

Once I'm within reach, he hauls me over his shoulder. I let out a squeal as he slaps my ass. I know he loves to watch the plump flesh jiggle.

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