Page 9 of The Bear's Second Chance Mate
“You’re in good hands now,” Stanley murmured, placing the bowl down with care. “Let’s hope your people come for you.”
We found ours today, his bear said, his voice full of reverence.
Stanley paused, one hand still resting on the edge of the enclosure. He let the weight of that truth settle in his chest. He’d found his mate. Not in a dream, or a future hope, or some far-off wish. She was here. Real. Breathing the same mountain air.
Yeah,he said softly, voice rough.We did.
As he kneeled by Herbert’s enclosure, arranging the water dish just right, Stanley’s thoughts wandered—not forward, but back. He thought of Nero, of that ridiculous moment when he’d met his mate and practically proposed in the middle of a wedding fair. He thought of Kris and Cassia, of how his brother had glowed with pride as they’d prepped the barn together for her dream restaurant. One by one, his brothers had found someone. Each meeting was different. Each bond was undeniable.
He’d been happy for them. Truly. But a part of him had wondered if fate had simply forgotten about him. Or worse, if maybe he wasn’t meant for anyone at all.
And now, today, in the most unexpected way, he’d found her.
But even though thoughts of his mate threatened to consume him, he switched his focus back to Herbert. That was how Stanley worked. One thing at a time. One life at a time. Even with the world shifting under his feet, he could still care for this rabbit.
He double-checked the latches on the pen and dimmed the overhead lights until they cast a warm glow over the space. From a small speaker tucked near the back of the room, he queued up a playlist of soft instrumental music, his usual calming routine for animals who needed a little extra comfort.
It was his way of creating peace. Not just for them. For himself, too.
Because until he told his mate everything, until she accepted him for who he was and embraced the bond they shared, he feared he might never find peace again.
She will, his bear reassured him.
Stanley stood for a long moment, watching Herbert munch on his hay, the sound more soothing than any music.
The rabbit was safe. Cared for. Just as June and Oli would be, if he ever got the chance.
His bear rumbled gently.Soon.
“Maybe,” Stanley said aloud, as he left Herbert to settle in and headed for his office. “But not just yet.”
The hum of the store faded into the background as Stanley sat at his desk, a mug of lukewarm coffee cradled in his hands. The scent of hay still clung to his flannel shirt, grounding him, even as his mind spun.
He stared at his phone for a long moment before unlocking it.
His thumb hovered over Finn’s name. Finn, who had given him so much without even realizing it.
Just call him,his bear urged.He needs to know.
Stanley took a breath, then tapped the button. The phone rang once—twice—before his brother answered, upbeat as always.
“Hey there! Everything okay with the bunny rescue?”
Stanley swallowed, suddenly unsure how to say the words now crowding his chest.
“I met her.”
“The rabbit?” Finn asked.
“No.Her,” Stanley said with more emphasis.
There was a pause on the line. Then, quieter: “What?”
“My mate,” Stanley said, voice rough. “Today. Just now.”
Finn’s silence stretched a moment longer, then turned into a whoop so loud Stanley had to pull the phone away from his ear. He smiled despite himself.
“You’re serious?” Finn finally said. “Wait…did you meet her at number twelve?”
