Page 32 of The Bear's Perfect Mate
Nero waited until she drove away, his eyes following her car until it disappeared around the bend. He remained in his parked car, pushing his senses outward, scanning the area for any sign of that persistent journalist or anyone else who might pose a threat to Sophie.
I don’t sense anyone,his bear confirmed. But the urge to protect her was fierce.What about at the hotel? That reporter could be waiting for her there. We should follow her!
No,Nero replied firmly, gripping the steering wheel tighter.That would not be a good idea.
I disagree,his bear growled.Our mate could be in danger. We need to make sure she’s safe.
No,Nero insisted.If we follow her, we could ruin everything we’ve built today. She’ll think we’re stalking her.
But what if someone else is stalking her?his bear countered.That journalist seemed determined to get his story.
Nero pondered this for a moment, torn between his instinct to protect and his rational mind, telling him to respect Sophie’s independence. Finally, he sighed and said,I think Sophie knows how to look after herself. And when she gets to the hotel, she’ll be safe. Julius and the rest of the hotel staff will make sure of it.
But despite his own reassurances, Nero remained in his car, his senses still locked onto the road she’d taken, straining to maintain that tenuous connection for as long as possible. He could easily follow at a very safe distance, using his shifter senses to ensure no harm came to her without her ever knowing he was there.
The temptation was almost overwhelming.
“No,” he muttered to himself. “I need to take my own advice. I need to give Sophie the space she needs.”
With effort, he started the engine and turned toward The Lookout—his home. Their home, if she chose to stay.
For good,his bear murmured.
I think we can agree on that,Nero replied, allowing himself a small smile.We just have to figure out how to convince her to stay.
As he drove along the winding mountain road, he dreamed of a future with Sophie. A future filled with mornings waking up beside her, evenings watching the sunset from their porch, and eventually, a celebration of fifty years together—just like Norman and Hilda.
And for that,he thought,I’ll need a ring.
Not just any ring—but one that told their story.
Gold, warm and rich, like her laughter. A honey-colored diamond, maybe, or a sapphire the shade of the mountain sky.
Or a ruby to match the ruby necklace,his bear suggested.
Now, that is a good idea.His fingers itched to begin.
“I’m getting ahead of myself,” he muttered.
No such thing,said his bear.
As The Lookout came into view, Nero felt a new sense of purpose. He needed to prepare not just the guest suite for Sophie’s arrival, but himself for the journey ahead. Winning her trust wouldn’t be easy after what she’d been through, but some things were worth the effort.
And Sophie was worth everything.
Chapter Twelve – Sophie
Meeting Nero had been freeing in more ways than Sophie could count. His unwavering optimism had started to rub off on her, gently chipping away at the cynicism left behind by betrayal.
Which was helpful, considering his fake proposal was still blowing up on social media.
To make things worse—or possibly better—the journalist who had approached her that morning had now posted a photo of her and Nero leaving the bakery. It was slightly blurry, but her face was visible. His arm was just behind hers, protective without touching. Strangers on the internet were running wild with theories.
Sophie scrolled through her phone, torn between amusement and dismay.#FakeProposalwas trending. Her notifications were a chaotic mix of speculation, support, and far too many opinions from people who didn’t know her.
At least the focus had shifted. The journalist’s new narrative speculated about her and Nero rather than dredging up gossip about her and Tito. That alone felt like a win.
With a sigh, she slipped her phone into her bag and focused on her grocery list. After checking out of the hotel, she’d stopped at Bear Creek’s compact but surprisingly well-stocked grocery store. If she was going to stay at The Lookout and use Nero’s kitchen, she wanted the right ingredients.
