Page 8 of Bearly Chilly

“Perfect! Can’t wait to meet Lennon,” she says, and I can hear the smile in her voice.

We hang up, and I pocket my phone, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness about this next step. Introducing my mate to my family feels big, even though I know they’ll absolutely adore her.

As the snow starts falling heavier, I head back inside with Oreo where warmth and the smell of something delicious Lennon is cooking up wrap around me like a cozy blanket. She’s at home in the kitchen, music softly playing, and Oreo trots over to his favorite spot by the fire before curling up to snooze.

“Hey, baby,” I call out, leaning against the kitchen doorway. She looks up and smiles, her eyes sparkling in the soft glow of the lights. My cock has been hard since the first moment I met my mate, but I ignore the fucker and concentrate on winningLennon’s heart. “Mom called,” I continue. “She insists on finally meeting you. Thought we could go over this weekend if you’re up for it?”

Lennon pauses, a flicker of uncertainty crossing her face, but then she nods. “I’d like that very much.”

“Thank you, baby,” I agree, smiling because I really do think they’ll get along like a house on fire.

“Thanks for giving me time. I know it hasn’t been easy for you.” That’s a goddamn understatement. Fighting my inner polar bear’s demands and my hunger for her is getting harder by the day.

“Hey, no rush,” I say, moving closer, feeling the warmth between us that is becoming my new normal. “We’re figuring it out together. That’s what matters.”

She nods, and the look in her eyes is all the confirmation I need that we’re on the right path. Introducing her to my family is just another step forward into this new life we’re building together.

“Speaking of figuring it out… Would you shift so I can see your inner polar bear?”

“Are you sure you’re ready for that?” I don’t want anything to derail all the progress I’ve made with her.

“I’m dying to see your inner beast.” She wiggles her eyebrows playfully.

“I have to strip before I shift, or I’ll shred my clothes.” My inner bear roars at the thought of ripping all my clothes away for my mate. “So, try to control yourself. You can jump my bones when I turn back to human.”

“No promises,” she laughs, but there’s a gleam of excitement in her gaze. “But I’ll try.”

She follows me outside and stands a few feet away while I rip away my clothes. Her stunning green eyes follow my movements, sending my pulse into overdrive.

Before I forget about my promise to give her time, I start my shift, feeling a familiar warmth rippling through me as my inner polar bear emerges. It’s always a weird yet comforting sensation, like pulling on a heavy, cozy coat. My muscles ripple and expand, fur sprouting and senses sharpening as I transform before my mate’s eyes.

The world looks different from down here, larger yet more detailed, every scent sharp and distinct. I lumber around, snuffling the cold air, and then I catch sight of Oreo.

The little dog comes barreling toward me, all bravery and bluster, barking and growling in his best imitation of an attack dog.

Lennon bursts out laughing, watching Oreo attempt to defend her from what he no doubt thinks is a legitimate polar bear threat. “Oreo, chill, it’s just Grant!” she calls out.

Slowly, Oreo stops his ferocious growling, ears perking up in surprise. The little dog hesitates a moment, looking between Lennon and me, until it seems to click in his canine brain. Without warning, Oreo trots right up to me, sniffing cautiously. I lean close and he licks my nose, giving me his seal of approval.

That earns a rumbling chuckle from me, more like a deep growl in bear form, but Oreo takes it as encouragement. He starts doing this funny little dance around my paws like he’s just gained a giant, furry playmate.

Lennon’s laughing, too, with warmth in her eyes as she watches her faithful sidekick make new discoveries. “Okay, I’ve got to admit, you make a pretty impressive polar bear,” she admits, walking up to me and placing a gentle hand on my fur. “It suits you.”

I lean into her touch, feeling an overwhelming sense of contentment. Even in my polar bear form, I can sense the bond between us growing stronger.

As Oreo starts a game of tag, circling around me and then darting off in mock challenge, I follow, plodding through the snow with more grace than a creature this size should rightly have. Lennon claps her mittens, joining in with laughter, and together, we enjoy the spontaneous game in our winter wonderland.

It’s simple moments like this—full of laughter and warmth—that make me realize just how lucky I am to have found my mate in someone as amazing as Lennon. Even if it means occasionally sharing her with an over-enthusiastic French Bulldog.

Chapter 7

Lennon

Wow.Grant’s polar bear is freaking huge and stunning. It’s a sight that leaves me kind of awestruck. My pulse raced, watching him transition from the man I love to this majestic creature that seems so otherworldly yet familiar at the same time.

His fur is impossibly thick and soft, a blend of cream and white that shimmers in the light. It’s like touching a dream when I run my fingers through it. I do it tentatively at first, but seeing his eyes soften with contentment encourages me. A low, rumbling growl vibrates through his chest, and I realize it’s a sound of pleasure, not a threat.

"Wow, you’re really something else," I whisper, half to myself. It’s amazing how much of Grant is still in there. I can see the warmth shining in his dark eyes, and the gentleness in the way he leans into my touch melts my heart.