Page 67 of The Bear's Second Chance Mate
But he did not want to rob his mate of her hopes and dreams. He never wanted it to be a wedge between them if he could not give her the perfect life she deserved.
Because life is not always perfect,his bear said with a deep understanding.
No, it’s not. So, we need to give her space to decide,he murmured.We owe her that.
So he left his cabin and shifted. The cool night air clung to his fur, carrying the faint scent of pine and wood smoke as he bounded up into the mountains, his paws pounding earthand rock. The wind whistled past his ears, and the silence that followed was louder than anything.
Still, the ache in his chest didn’t ease. Every muscle in his body worked to outrun the uncertainty, but her face, her scent, her voice kept catching up with him.
He ran until his muscles burned, and his breath came hard. And still he ran until the stars dusted the sky.
And then—like a thread pulled taut in his soul—he felt it.
She’s here,his bear whispered.
Stanley stilled. His heart stalled as he felt her presence.
She’s back home,his bear said, and wheeled around, sprinting back toward the cabin where his mate waited.
At least, he hoped she would wait. What if she found the cabin empty and drove away?
Then we will chase after her,his bear said, lungs burning as he pushed himself to run faster.
As he finally reached his cabin, he saw her.
June.
She was sitting on the porch swing, wrapped in a sweater, her hands tucked into the sleeves. His breath caught in his throat as she looked up and saw him.
“I couldn’t wait until tomorrow,” she said, as she stood and came toward him as if pulled by a magnetic force.
His bear stood still. Waiting. Hoping.
“I’m staying,” she added as she dropped to her knees before him and threaded her fingers in his thick fur, resting her forehead on his. “Because Oli feels safe here. Because…I do, too.”
For a long moment, Stanley’s bear couldn’t move. It was as if he were rooted to the ground, overflowing with relief, joy, something fierce and sacred.
She chose us,his bear roared.
She is staying,Stanley said with complete and utter relief.
The bear rubbed his head against her arm and huffed gruffly, wishing he could tell her how happy he was.
Let me,Stanley said.
The bear stepped back, breaking contact with his mate. Then, the air around him popped and crackled as he let go of the world. He faded away for an instant and then returned as a man.
Stanley closed the distance between them, voice thick with emotion. “Are you sure?”
June smiled, eyes shining in the moonlight. “Only about this. About us.”
Stanley wrapped his arms around her, a laugh erupting from deep in his chest as he pulled her close. The joy bubbling through him was too powerful to contain.
She was staying, choosing him, choosing them. His laughter faded as he gazed down at her face, illuminated by moonlight. He cupped her chin in his hand, tilting her face toward his, losing himself in the depths of her eyes.
Without words, he lowered his head and claimed her lips with his own. As their lips met, stars burst behind his closed eyelids. The connection between them felt almost tangible, a living, breathing entity binding them together. Stanley deepened the kiss, pouring every ounce of his love, his relief, his promise into it.
When they finally parted, both breathless, he smiled and pressed his lips gently to hers once more.
