Page 8 of The Bear's Perfect Mate
Finn’s face grew serious. “That makes sense, actually.”
“What do you mean?”
“Well, I’m not exactly up on all the social media gossip, but Pete mentioned something about her. Apparently, she was dating someone. It was serious by all accounts…well, by all rumors… Anyway, Pete heard that Sophie thought that things were getting really serious. Like engagement serious, but then...” Finn trailed off.
“Then what?” Nero pressed, his bear suddenly alert.
“I don’t know, but a couple of days ago, something happened.” Finn raised his eyebrows.
Nero felt sick. “And I went and fake-proposed to her? In public?”
“You didn’t know,” Finn said, clapping him on the shoulder. “And technically, you fell at her feet. The proposal part was all in people’s imaginations.”
“Not helping,” Nero growled. He set the plate down, no longer interested in the cake despite its deliciousness. “No wonder she looked at me like I was the worst person alive.”
“If it helps, Pete said she’s really as nice as she seems online. No diva behavior, genuinely kind to everyone. Just...guarded now.”
“I need to fix this,” Nero said, determination hardening in his chest. “But how? She won’t even talk to me.”
“Maybe give her some space?” Finn suggested. “Let her cool down, then try again.”
Nero’s bear growled in disagreement.She’s our mate. We can’t just walk away.
“I can’t just leave things like this,” Nero said aloud. “But I don’t want to crowd her, either.”
Finn studied him for a moment. “You know, she’s doing a cooking demonstration in about twenty minutes. Main stage. Something about ‘simple but elegant wedding appetizers.’ Could be a chance to see her in her element, at least.”
“That’s...actually helpful,” Nero admitted.
“I have my moments,” Finn grinned. “Now, finish your cake. Mauve will be offended if you don’t.”
Nero obediently took another bite, but his mind was already working on a plan. He needed to show Sophie he wasn’t some random prankster or social media opportunist. He needed to prove he was genuine.
Then you just need to be yourself,his bear said.Because if there is one thing we are, it’s genuine. Genuinely Sophie’s mate. Genuinely in love with her. Genuinely going to tear out the throat of anyone who hurts her.
“So what happened with Pete?” Nero asked, suddenly remembering the original purpose of his visit. “With the ring and everything?”
Finn shrugged and popped another bite of cake into his mouth. “Well, he loves the ring.”
“But?” Nero pressed, hearing the unspoken hesitation in his brother’s voice.
“You kind of upstaged him,” Finn replied, wincing slightly. “The whole falling-at-a-woman’s-feet thing stole his thunder a bit.”
“I am so sorry,” Nero said, genuine remorse flooding through him. Not only had he embarrassed Sophie, but he’d ruined another couple’s special moment as well.
“I know, and he knows you didn’t mean it.” Finn leaned in closer and lowered his voice. “I explained the whole mate thing to him, and he thought it was funny, so no hard feelings.”
“Does he want me to take the ring back, or alter it?” Nero asked, feeling worse by the second. The ring had been custom-designed specifically for Pete’s intended.
“No,” Finn shook his head. “Diedre doesn’t know the ring was meant for her. So he’ll find another time to propose.”
“Good,” Nero said as he finished his cake, relief washing over him. At least he hadn’t completely ruined someone else’s happiness.
“And they’re mates, so it’s not as if she’s going to turn him down,” Finn pointed out.
“Yeah, I’ll be glad when Sophie knows,” Nero replied with a sigh. “It sure would make things a whole lot easier. And less stressful.”
“Just promise me.” Finn put his hand on Nero’s shoulder, his expression suddenly serious. “That you will not reveal all on the stage during her demo.”
