Page 18 of A Merry Misfit Christmas

“Kodiak? Will you change back now?” she asks.

I dip my head and agree.

Callie stands as I reverse the shift, returning to my human form. “Wow,” she gasps.

I glance down, noting my naked body and the large, muscled specimen she’s ogling. My cock is partially aroused by this experience and ready to impress my mate. Hanging low, it swings as I walk toward her, nearly reaching mid-thigh.

Noticing that she’s staring, I puff out my chest. “All yours whenever you want it.”

Her gaze snaps to mine. “Uh.” Her pink tongue flicks out, wetting her lips. “Okay.” That last part comes out like a little squeak.

My bear chortles inside, knowing it won’t be long before we claim her.

“Do you lose your clothes when you become the bear?”

“They’re torn apart during the process.” Maybe she missed that part because she focused on the changing limbs and popping bones.

I stride forward and pick up the blanket, wrapping it around her shoulders as I lead her back home. We’re silent until we’re inside and I lock the door. Knowing she might be uncomfortable seeing me naked, I sling a blanket around my hips and join her on the pallet.

A part of me wants to ask her thoughts about what she witnessed in the forest. Another wants to kiss her and spend the rest of the night bringing her pleasure.

“You said something earlier. Will you elaborate on what you meant when you said the word ‘mate’?”

“For a shifter, it’s the equivalent of a spouse, but also much more. We believe we are fated to find the one woman who is ourgreatest love. A shifter’s mate is his other half. There’s a pull and connection so strong it forms a bond that’s unbreakable.”

“I see.” Her hands clench in her lap and she clears her throat. “And you think I’m your mate?”

“Not think. Iknow,” I clarify, leaving no room for doubt.

“This is a lot to take in, Kodiak.”

I tilt her chin up until our eyes lock. “I know. I’m not making any demands, only being as honest as possible. For me, you’re it.” My mouth captures hers. It takes all the restraint I can muster to stay in control and pull away from her pillow-soft lips.

“Kodiak,” she breathes.

Fuck. I want her.This is torture, my bear whines.

“This is why I have to ask a question and I need an answer.”

She nods.

“What’s Jeremy’s last name, Callie?”

She doesn’t ask why because there’s only one reason and it’s obvious. “Jeremy Thornberry.”

“Good girl,” I praise. “Thank you, Sweetheart. I need to make a call.”

Callie remains silent while I dial Sly.

After two rings, he answers. “Kodiak, what can I do for you, brother?”

“Someone is following my mate and harassing her,” I growl without being able to help myself.

Sly hisses. “Damn.”

“I think it might be her ex. His name is Jeremy Thornberry. Need you to dig deep and find whatever you can on this piece of shit.”

“I’m on it.”

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