Page 108 of Mated to the Mountain Bear
“They like to pretend they’re all big, bad and independent,” Zara continues, leaning back into me. “But since I moved in, we can’t get rid of them.”
I scowl. I’ve tried, but it’s like they’ve decided this is their new home, maybe because their childhood one sucked so much.
Lisa turns with a horrified expression. “And what? You’re mommy now to a bunch of overgrown, hairy toddlers?”
“Ew, no.” Zara grins, tilting her head to look at me. “I think Natalie was right when she warned me they’d be up here constantly. They love having another woman around to impress.”
She gets it. Understands what her presence here means to my brothers, who’ve been alone too long and were convinced that no one would choose this isolation.
But she did. Maybe others will too.
I press a kiss to her neck, right over my mark, and feel her shiver.
“Ben, stop distracting me. I need to...” She gestures vaguely at the bowl of salad on the counter that I know won’t get touched. My brothers are here for meat and beer, not rabbit food, but I don’t ruin her buzz by telling her that.
“Speaking of Natalie,” Lisa says, glancing outside, “is she coming today?”
Natalie’s a deputy in a nearby town. They’ve met professionally, and I have a feeling they’re going to get on well outside of work, too.
“Later,” Zara answers. “She and Chase had something this morning, but they’ll be here for dinner.”
“Speaking of plans,” Lisa continues, leaning against the counter with that detective look that means she’s about to dig for information. “What are you planning to do now? " I can’t imagine you sitting still for long.”
Zara stiffens slightly in my arms. It’s a question she’s been dancing around, figuring out who she is now that she’s not Amber’s assistant anymore and not travelling and living that busy lifestyle.
“Actually,” she says slowly, “I joined an online support group. For families with missing loved ones. It’s been good. Great, actually.”
I tighten my arms around her, offering silent support as Lisa’s expression shifts to understanding. Jerry trots over and presses his muzzle into her hand, looking for pets and giving her affection when he feels her emotions becoming overwhelming.
“That’s good, Zara. Really good.”
Zara hesitates, choosing her words carefully. She still talks about Amber in the present tense, while also acknowledging that the likelihood of finding her alive at this stage is virtually nil.
“It helps to talk to people who get it. Who understand not knowing.” She takes a shaky breath. “I’m actually thinking about going back to school to do something that could help. Counselling, maybe. There are so many people stuck in that limbo, and traditional therapy doesn’t always help when your loved one just... vanishes. Nobody can understand…”
Pride swells in my chest. My mate, taking her pain and finding a way to help others. “Whatever you want to do, we’ll make it work.”
“Online programs?” Lisa asks, clearly thinking about the practicalities of Zara living up here, but I’ll drive her up and down every day if I have to.
“Some. Or I could drive down a couple of days a week. Ben’s already offered to go with me if I need him to.” She turns in my arms, smiling up at me. “Even though cities make him break out in hives.”
But she knows that I’d do anything for her; she can feel it through the bond.
A loud crash from outside breaks the moment. Through the window, I see Mason and Maddox wrestling over what looks like the last cold beer, both of them laughing as they roll in the dirt. Jerry darts outside, eager to join the fray, dancing around them, barking.
When Maddox gets Mason in a headlock, I curse.
“I better get out there before they destroy my yard,” I say, reluctantly releasing Zara.
As I head for the door, I hear Lisa ask quietly, “Any news on the case?”
She’s moved on to other cases, newer investigations, but Zara still has a liaison, and they’re still working hard to uncover new leads.
“Nothing concrete,” Zara responds, her voice steady despite the topic. “But I’m not giving up hope. The support group helps with that, too. Seeing people reunited after years... it happens.”
Outside, the sun is perfect. Not too hot, with a breeze carrying the scent of the forest with it. My brothers have completely taken over the space, treating it like their own.
A year ago, that would have sent me into a rage. Now, watching Zara emerge with Lisa, and seeing how my brothers immediately straighten up and attempt to look civilised, I feel nothing but contentment.
