Page 37 of The Bear's Second Chance Mate
But what if the knowledge of their bond made her feel cornered? What if she stayed in Bear Creek for him, even though leaving might be the best thing for her? For her career?
But then it hit him. The real reason he’d been holding back.
Oli.
The realization hit Stanley like a physical blow. He’d been so focused on June’s needs, on not pressuring her, that he’d missed the most important part. If he told June they were mates, it wouldn’t just change her life, it would change Oli’s, too.
Herbert squirmed in his arms, and Stanley loosened his grip, stroking the rabbit’s ears with gentle fingers.
What if it’s too much for him?Stanley asked his bear.What if we’re too much?
His bear stirred uneasily.Oli likes us. At least he likes you.
Liking someone who runs a pet store is different from having them become part of your family,Stanley said.He’s sensitive to change. To disruption.
And there was no bigger disruption than a new man in their lives. A man who wanted to spend the rest of his life with Oli’s mom.
He’d seen how carefully June navigated the world for her son, how she anticipated triggers, how she created safety in routine. A revelation like this—that his mother had a fated mate, that Stanley wasn’t just the pet store owner but something more, something permanent—could shatter Oli’s world.
Oli might fear Stanley was going to steal his mom away. That Stanley might make June choose between them.
We would never do that,his bear said fiercely.
But we don’t see the world in the same way Oli does,Stanley reminded him.
What if Oli learned the truth about shifters and rejected him? What if the boy who lit up around animals shut down around a bear shifter? The thought made Stanley’s chest ache with a pain so sharp he had to take a steadying breath.
That’s it, isn’t it?his bear whispered.That’s why you have held back.
Yes,Stanley said.Subconsciously, I’ve been afraid June will reject me because of Oli.
His bear went still, understanding dawning between them. It wasn’t just about June’s freedom to choose. It was about her son, this bright, sensitive child who needed stability and safety above all else.
She might think it’s too much for him,Stanley murmured, his fingers still stroking Herbert’s soft fur.
And she might be right,his bear said gently.
“I would never want to be the reason Oli feels unsafe,” he whispered, barely more than breath, the words meant more for himself than for the rabbit munching contentedly in his arms.
His bear rumbled in agreement, the protective instinct toward their mate’s cub as strong as their desire for June herself.
If keeping his distance meant Oli thrived—if staying on the edge of their lives meant June could focus on what mattered most—then that was what he would do.
The bell jingled, cutting through the quiet as someone entered the store, which didn’t officially open for another hour. He must’ve forgotten to lock the door in his distracted state.
Stanley’s hands tightened protectively around Herbert as he looked up and froze.
Barb stood in the doorway, looking as if she had not slept well last night, either. With her mouth set in a grim line, she marched straight toward him with a no-nonsense expression on her face.
Oh no,his bear muttered.It’s the scary one.
And Barb looked exceptionally scary today.
Stanley gently returned Herbert to his enclosure, fingers moving with practiced care as he took a moment to compose himself.
“What exactly are you doing with my niece?” Barb’s voice cut clean through the room like a paring knife—small, sharp, and impossible to ignore.
Stanley closed the latch and turned to face her. “Good morning to you, too, Barb.”
