Page 111 of Bear Facts

“Make sure it’s often.”

“I will do my damndest, sis. And I really am happy you found a mate.” Rolf squeezed her hand in return, then his voice took on a sad note. “Maybe one day, I’ll find one too.”

Freya released Rolf to draw him into an embrace. Rolf started, resisting for a moment, then he let out a broken sob and returned the hug, holding Freya tight.

The glow Shane had seen around them as they’d fought touched them now. It flickered with the last light of the sun, and as it did, Shane swore he saw two massive wolves, one with its head on the other’s, comforting each other.

The sunset’s gleam faded, and with it, the blue nimbus. On the bed sat a brother and sister, holding each other fast.

Graham and Shane exchanged glances—Graham had seen the glow too—but Shane shook his head.

It was another part of the mystery of his mate, one Shane hoped he’d be there to solve for many, many years to come.

Chapter Thirty-Two

Before Freya went home with Shane, she checked in with Leo. The Lupine was physically almost as good as new, but his arrogance had dimmed a long way.

He shot a fearful glance at Shane when they entered the room he’d been using, but Shane sent him a reassuring nod.

“It’s forgotten,” Shane said.

Leo didn’t look reassured, but he nodded in return.

“I came to make sure you were all right,” Freya told him. “You went through a bad time.”

“Tell me about it.” Leo’s voice was as gravelly as ever, but he’d lost his sneer at everything and everyone. “I know you were never going to accept my mate-claim, Freya. I knew it back then, and I knew it this time.” He let out a heartfelt sigh. “I was just lonely, you know?”

“I get that.” Freya’s former anger at him changed to pity. “My advice is to open your mind and broaden your horizons. Your mate is out there, Leo, somewhere. Hey, I found mine with a bear.” She widened her eyes in feigned amazement.

Leo huffed a laugh. “Hope I’ll have better luck.”

Freya believed she’d had a shitload of luck, but she only smiled.

She and Shane left him alone after that, saying goodbye to Misty and Graham before leaving to go home. Matt and Kyle both dive-bombed Freya’s legs again, and she leaned down to hug them.

Shane bumped fists with the lads, then he and Freya left the house for the cold twilight.

Freya would have to take care of a few things from her old life, like handing in her resignation and ending the lease on her apartment, but these seemed like inconsequential things to resolve. Rolf would have to do the same, and invent an explanation as to where he’d been, but Freya now had confidence they’d figure things out together and begin their new lives.

Keira was in the kitchen with Nell when they arrived home, the Lupine woman setting the table. As Cormac started to dish out what he’d been cooking, Brody burst back inside.

“Right on time for a meal as usual,” Shane said, then he and Brody exchanged mock punches.

The kitchen and dining room filled with noise and laugher, and the scent of good food, another comfort. Freya thought of Rolf wrestling with his remorse in Graham’s house, and decided she’d make sure he came over here for dinner before Dylan spirited him away. He’d need this.

There were six places at the table, which meant Freya and Shane had been expected back. Shane made sure Freya sat next to him, with Keira across from her, next to Brody.

Cormac had them all stop talking and give thanks to the Goddess for her abundance before they attacked the meal. Plenty of berries had been added to the steaks and potatoes, and Brody made a show of tossing a few high and catching them in his mouth.

Keira laughed at him with everyone else. The Lupine woman looked better, more rested and refreshed. She’d elected to stay in this Shiftertown indefinitely, she told Freya while they ate.

Freya had the feeling that Neal Ingram, who’d returned last night with them all, had something to do with her decision. As Shane had pulled her tiredly inside last night, Freya had glimpsed Keira in Eric’s front yard with Iona and Cassidy, waiting for everyone’s return. As exhausted as Freya had been, she’d noted how Keira had watched Neal hungrily when he’d piled out of the pickup with Reid, Diego, and Xav.

“Mating ceremony soon, right?” Brody demanded, taking another heaping helping of roasted potatoes. Cormac had seasoned them perfectly.

“Give them a chance to catch their breaths,” Nell admonished. “But, yes, the full moon is in three nights. You can have the sun ceremony that morning, then the moon one. Or the sun ceremony tomorrow. That can happen any time. I’ll tell Eric.”

Freya started to laugh and couldn’t stop. This family wanted Shane mated—would rush them into the circle dance to make sure it happened.

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