Page 23 of Asking Fur Trouble

The warmth in her voice when she glanced at him made his bear rumble with pleasure. Charov hadn’t expected to enjoy being anyone’s hero—it felt like another duty, another expectation. But seeing that look in Bess’s eyes made something click into place inside him.

Oberon navigated the vehicle down the winding road to the valley village, a collection of domed houses nestled among ancient trees. Parents waited anxiously at the village center, rushing forward when the transport stopped.

“Remember what we discussed,” Charov said as the children prepared to exit. “Straight home, and no more adventure seeking without proper supervision.”

They nodded solemnly, though he caught the gleam of mischief still lurking in their eyes. Children were the same across all territories—rules were merely suggestions to their wild hearts.

Once the children were safely delivered, Oberon guided the transport back toward their town. Charov turned to fully face Bess, taking in her flushed cheeks and slightly tousled hair.

“You were incredible with them,” he said, noticing her hands trembling slightly in her lap. “Are you all right?”

Her eyes met his, swimming with an emotion he couldn’t immediately place. “I was so worried about you,” she whispered. “Those creatures were vicious, and there were so many of them.”

The concern in her voice struck him like a physical blow. Not fear of his shifting form—fear for his safety. Something cracked in the careful wall he had built around his heart. His bear surged forward, demanding he comfort their mate.

“Hey.” He captured her hands between his larger ones, marveling at how perfectly they fit together. “I’ve been fighting gall wolves since I was a teenager. They look terrifying, but my bear can handle them.”

“I know you’re capable, but that doesn’t stop me from caring if you get hurt.”

The simple statement slammed into him with unexpected force. When was the last time someone had worried about him—not the crown prince, not the future king, but him? His parents loved him, of course, but they expected his strength. Oberon was loyal but would never show such naked concern.

The mate bond hummed between them, stronger than he had ever felt with anyone. This was what Gerri promised—not just any match, but the perfect match. His true mate.

Charov had fought this connection, fearing the devastating grief he witnessed in his mother. But sitting here with Bess, her eyes shining with worry for him, he couldn’t imagine refusing this gift any longer. The pain of potential future loss suddenly seemed a fair exchange for whatever time they might have together.

“I wouldn’t have it any other way now,” he murmured, more to himself than to her.

“What?”

He smiled, running his thumbs across her knuckles. “Nothing. Just thinking that bears protect what’s theirs.”

Charov’s hands remained entwined with Bess’s, their connection strengthening with each passing moment. His bear purred with contentment—a rare feeling that surprised him. He planned to show her the crystal caves next where the light refracted in ways that made Earth’s northern lights look dull by comparison, followed by dinner at Nova Aurora’s finest restaurant.

His comm device vibrated against his wrist. The royal crest flashed across the screen—his father’s personal line. Concern jolted through him as he tapped to answer.

“Father?”

“My son.” King Sawyr’s voice sounded stronger than it had in weeks. “I’m having a good day. The best in months.”

Charov’s heart leaped. “That’s wonderful news.”

“I hear you’ve been showing your Earth mate our territory’s finest views.” There was a hint of playfulness in his father’s tone that Charov hadn’t heard in far too long.

“Word travels fast,” Charov replied, his eyes meeting Bess’s curious gaze.

“When the heir jumps from royal aircraft with a human, people notice.” His father’s chuckle dissolved into a brief cough. “I’d like to meet this brave woman before I rest tonight.”

The request wasn’t truly a request—it was a royal command wrapped in gentle words. Charov felt the weight of it, along with hope blooming in his chest. If his father was feeling better, perhaps...

But he looked at Bess, remembering how she had thrown herself into every experience today without complaint. His bear growled protectively. She deserved consideration, not commands.

“Father, one moment.” He muted the call and turned to Bess, his eyes intense. “My father is having a good day and wishes to meet you now. I won’t force this on you if you’re tired from our adventures.”

Bess squeezed his hand, her green eyes shining. “Of course, I’d be honored to meet your father.”

Something sharp and possessive flared in Charov’s chest. This woman had just faced wild beasts and skydiving without flinching. Now she would face a king with the same grace.

“We’re on our way,” he told his father, ending the call.

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