Page 84 of Grin and Bear It

The room seemed to fade around them, narrowing to just this moment, this conversation.

“I’m not sure where I’m going next,” she said slowly, testing the waters. “Haven’t decided.”

“Stay with me.” His voice dropped, meant for her ears alone despite their audience. “Not as a guest. As a partner. I want to share my home with you, Thora. My cabin, my life...” He paused, swallowing visibly. “My heart.”

The simple sincerity in his voice stole her breath. Three months ago, such a declaration would have sent her running for the nearest exit, bags packed and motorcycle revving. Now she found herself leaning toward him, drawn by something deeper than physical attraction.

“You’d get tired of me,” she said, the words lacking conviction.

“Never.” His hand found hers across the table, warm and steady. “I love you, Thora Halliwell. I want to build a life with you.”

The truth of her own feelings welled up inside her, no longer frightening but liberating. “I love you too,” she said, the words coming easier than she’d expected. “And I want that too—a life together.”

His smile—brilliant, unguarded—warmed her from the inside out. Across the table, Bryn made a sound suspiciously like a suppressed squeal of delight.

“Oh, don’t mind me,” she said when they both turned to look at her. “Just witnessing a historic moment in Maxen family stubbornness.”

Jash cleared his throat. “Should we, uh, continue the meeting? Or take a break for...” He gestured vaguely between Thora and Artair, “life-altering decisions?”

Thora laughed, the sound bubbling up from a place of genuine joy. “The security system can wait five minutes.”

She stood, circling the table to where Artair sat. Without hesitation, she bent down and kissed him—a public display of affection that would have been unthinkable weeks ago. His response was immediate, one hand coming up to cradle the back of her head as he returned the kiss with equal fervor.

When they separated, his eyes had darkened to smoky amber. “Five minutes might not be enough,” he murmured, voice pitched for her ears alone.

Heat rushed through her at the promise in his gaze. “Later,” she whispered, brushing her lips against his ear. “I plan to thoroughly christen our home tonight.”

The flash of desire that crossed his face sent a thrill of feminine power through her. This ability to affect him so profoundly, to make the controlled alpha bear lose his composure with just a whispered promise—it intoxicated her.

“Back to work,” she announced, returning to her seat with a satisfied smile. “We have security systems to design.”

Though they returned to business discussions, an electric current hummed between them for the remainder of the meeting—anticipation, joy, and a newly acknowledged future together shimmering in every shared glance.

SEVENTY-FOUR

Afternoon faded into evening as they drove back to the cabin—their cabin, Thora reminded herself. The concept still felt novel, but right in a way she couldn’t articulate. As Artair pulled into the gravel driveway, golden light spilled from windows that had become familiar landmarks guiding her home.

Home. The word resonated in her chest, no longer threatening but welcoming.

Inside, Thora kicked off her boots and padded to the kitchen, opening the refrigerator with the casual familiarity of someone who belonged. “Dinner?” she called over her shoulder.

Artair appeared in the doorway, leaning against the frame with arms crossed, watching her with undisguised affection. “You cooking?”

“Don’t sound so surprised.” She pulled out ingredients, moving through the kitchen with easy confidence. “I do know how to feed myself.”

“You’ve never cooked here before.” He moved behind her, arms encircling her waist, chin resting on her shoulder. The embrace enveloped her in his warmth and scent—cedar, honey, home.

“Never had reason to.” She leaned back against his chest, savoring the solid strength of him. “You always beat me to it.”

His lips brushed her neck, sending shivers down her spine. “I like taking care of you.”

“And I like letting you.” The admission came easier than expected. “But partnerships go both ways.”

His arms tightened fractionally. “Partnerships?”

Thora turned in his embrace, meeting his gaze directly. “That’s what we’re talking about, right? Sharing a home, a life.” She traced the line of his jaw with her fingertips. “Becoming mates.”

The word hung between them, weighted with significance beyond ordinary human relationships. For shifters, mating meant more than marriage—a biological, magical connection transcending ordinary bonds. Permanent, irrevocable.

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