Page 14 of The Bear's Perfect Mate
“Only to those who’ve experienced it themselves.” Norman patted his shoulder.
“It’s just things haven’t exactly gone smoothly,” Nero admitted.
“Ah, but it’s meant to be,” Norman said. “So, you’ll figure out how to smooth things out.” Norman nodded to Finn and walked away, leaving Nero to ponder his words.
“He’s right, you know,” Finn said after a moment. “You’re good at fixing broken things. It’s what you do.”
Nero ran a hand through his hair. “But people aren’t jewelry, Finn. You can’t just replace missing pieces and solder them back together.”
“No, but you can show them they’re worth the effort.” Finn squeezed his brother’s shoulder. “Look, I’ve got to check on the other vendors. But I have faith in you. You’ll work something out.”
Great, now we have two deadlines,Nero said.
As Finn walked away, Nero’s bear rumbled with determination.Then we’d better come up with a plan.
Yes, but what?Nero wondered, watching as Sophie laughed at something one of her fans said. Her smile transformed her face, lighting up her eyes in a way that made his heart stutter.
Sophie’s brand was all about simplicity. Keeping things uncomplicated and authentic. Maybe that’s exactly what he needed to offer her. Not grand gestures or elaborate schemes, but something genuine. Something real.
Something from the heart.
A piece of jewelry,his bear suggested.Designed from the heart.
“For the woman who holds our heart,” Nero murmured in agreement.
Nero glanced once more at Sophie across the crowded room, her hands animatedly describing something to an enraptured audience. The pull toward her was almost physical, like gravity itself was drawing him into her orbit.
But Norman and Hilda’s love story deserved his attention, too. Perhaps there was wisdom in retreat for now. He needed to regroup and create a plan worthy of his mate. He couldn’t rush this and risk pushing her further away.
Sometimes the path forward means taking a step back first,his bear said.
Yes, we’re not retreating, and we are certainly not surrendering,Nero agreed.
Decision made, Nero turned toward the exit. Each step away from Sophie felt wrong, but he forced himself to continue. The weight of Norman’s bracelet in his pocket kept him focused.
As he reached the doorway, the fine hairs on his neck stood up. Sophie was watching him. He could feel her gaze like a physical touch.
He didn’t turn. Couldn’t risk it, even though every instinct screamed at him to look back, to meet her eyes one last time. However, Nero knew better. One glance would be his undoing.
Somehow, he got himself out of the hotel and into the parking lot. The sunlight was blinding as it glinted off windshields as he made his steady way to his car. Each step felt heavier than the last, like walking through mountain snow in the dead of winter. His bear felt it too and growled in protest.
We’re doing the right thing,Nero assured his other half, though the words rang hollow even to his own ears.
Sliding into the driver’s seat, Nero placed both hands on the steering wheel and took a steadying breath. The leather was warm beneath his palms, heated by the afternoon sun streaming through the windshield. He started the engine, its familiar purr doing little to comfort him.
The passenger seat beside him remained conspicuously empty. His mate should be here, by his side.
One day,his bear promised with unexpected gentleness.One day soon.
Nero nodded, throat tight as he drove out of the parking lot and away from the woman who had turned his world upside down in the span of a single afternoon.
But he held onto the thought that this was the beginning. Not the end.
Chapter Six – Sophie
He’d gone.
Sophie had watched him go.Felthim go.
