Page 5 of Bearly Chilly

“A while back, Harold decided to take his life in his own hands and started blackmailing the office manager at my brother’s snow removal company. The weasel got her to steal information about Dillon’s business contracts so he could undercut his bids.”

Lennon’s eyes widen. “Seriously?”

I nod, smirking at the absurdity of it all. “Dillon, my brother, isn’t one to let things slide, especially when it involves his business. My brother fired his office manager and let all the clients know about Harold’s shady business practices. He thought everything was said and done, but Harold lost his goddamn mind and decided to confront Dillon’s mate about the situation.”

Her jaw drops a little, clearly as appalled as I was back then. “What happened?”

“Dillon made sure Harold got the message loud and clear that he needed to move on permanently. After that, Harold suddenly felt the urge to relocate.”

Lennon laughs, shaking her head. “Wow, sounds like your brother doesn’t mess around.”

“Not when it comes to family,” I agree and reach across the table to take her soft hand in mine.

“You said that Harold confronted your brother’s mate?” She stares into my eyes and swallows. “Are you a shifter?” I’ve been trying to figure out how to tell her I’m a polar bear shifter. It looks like the universe just handed me my opportunity.

“I’m a polar bear shifter.” She doesn’t pull her hand away from me, so I guess that’s something.

“And you called Harold a weasel.” Not much gets by my mate. “Is he a weasel shifter?”

“Sorta,” I confirm, realizing how crazy this must sound to my human mate. “He’s actually a badger, which is in the weasel family.”

“Wow.” Lennon sits back and blows out a breath. “I don’t even know what to say.” She processes this, her eyes wide but not scared, just thoughtfully taking it in.

“There’s more.” I forget all my plans to take things slow with my human mate and blurt out, “You’re my mate, Lennon. In our world, that means you’re meant to be with me for all eternity. It’s why I’ve felt this pull toward you since we met.”

That shocked expression flashes through her eyes again. She sits back silently. As the silence stretches on, I start to worry I madea mistake blurting it out like that. “That sounds... intense. And, also, a lot to take in.”

Relief slams into me when she doesn’t flee. “I understand that you likely have reservations, and we don’t have to jump into anything right away.” But there’s no way I can ever let her go.

She looks at me, thoughtful and sincere. “It’s not that I’m against it. I just... I need some time to figure out what this means for me. For us.”

“I’ll give you whatever time you need.” I know humans need time to come to grips with being a shifter’s eternal mate, so I ignore my inner polar bear’s demands that I rush this. An idea suddenly hits me, a way we might manage this. “Look, I’ve got an apartment over my garage in Glacier Pass. It’s nothing fancy, but it’s cozy. You could stay there while we get to know each other. I really do need a live-in housekeeper, and it would give us time to figure all this out without any pressure.”

Her eyes brighten a little, considering my offer. “You’d really do that? Let me stay there and work while I figure things out?”

“Of course,” I reply without hesitation. “We can take it slow. You can have your own space and see how you feel about everything. No strings attached unless you want them.”

Lennon nods, a small smile playing on her lips. “That actually sounds kind of perfect as long as you don’t live next door to Henry.”

“You don’t have to worry about Henry. That fucking weasel will never get anywhere near you,” I reassure her, feeling a weight lift off my chest.

She laughs, the sound light and genuine, and it feels like a new chapter is opening up for both of us. “Okay, Grant. Let’s give it a shot. I’ll cook and clean for you, and you can test out my services before you commit,” she jokes.

“Baby, I don’t need to try out anything. I have no doubt you’re the one for me. I just want to give you time to see it for yourself,” I assure her, staring into her shocked eyes. “Besides, I’m sure Oreo will love having some extra space to roam.”

As we chat over the last of our breakfast, I can’t help but feel like things are falling into place.

Chapter 5

Lennon

The morning sunglints off the fresh blanket of snow, turning everything into a dazzling landscape of white. It's like the world has hit reset, wiping away the gray of yesterday and replacing it with a bright, beautiful day.

The roads have finally cleared enough for us to make our way to Glacier Pass. I’m following Grant’s massive black truck in my car, Oreo settled in the seat beside me.

I glance at Oreo, who’s perked up and watching the heaps of snow zip by. “Looks like we’re on to something new, buddy,” I tell him, feeling the excitement bubble up. “I think Grant’s the real deal. Nothing like that creep Henry.”

Oreo gives a little snort like he's agreeing, or maybe he’s just excited about moving somewhere new. As I drive, I find myself looking forward to this fresh start, a chance to make sense of everything in my own time, in a place that already feels like it’s got potential. Plus, I get to learn all about the smoking hot polar bear shifter who says he’s my eternal mate.

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