Page 12 of Cowboy Bear's Hope

Another possibility that her own mother had absolutely no idea about.

How could she know? She’s human.

I knew through their friendship that Penelope had told Avery a little about her own situation.

How Penny was Max’s mate and through his claiming bite she was now a supernatural creature just like him.

It must have blown the tiny human’s mind, learning that monsters were real. I felt for her, I really did. But I didn’t know what Penelope told Avery about the rest of us, if anything.

What did she understand about the paranormal world and the secret she must now keep?

Did Avery know about fated mates and what she was to me?

And what would she say to me if I told her all that?

The supernatural world was a secret from the normal one. Keeping that secret was tantamount to our very survival.

Humans could be terrible creatures, and though it was true, there were many who knew of our existence, the world, as a whole, denied it.

Really, that was simply fine. It was probably better for us all that way.

But what about Avery?

Was she aware her daughter’s biological father was likely a Shifter?

I had no idea how she would react. No clue if she’d even believe me.

“So, will you go?” Emmet interrupted my spiraling thoughts.

“Will I go where?” I asked dumbly. “Oh! Yes. I’m leaving now,” I said without looking back.

My Bear rumbled inside my chest, the beast eager to see them both. I could bring them back, maybe pick up dinner for everyone to share once we got back here.

I wished I were taking her home to my cabin, but baby steps. Maybe Max wouldn’t mind if I joined them for dinner if I provided the pizza.

Avery worked so hard, and she did such a good job caring for Rosie after work. She might appreciate not having to cook.

I could do that for her.

Cook, laundry, whatever.

My mama didn’t raise me to be a slob, and I respected women. Christ, I missed my mother. And no, that didn’t make me a pussy, fuck you very much.

Men should respect and care for the woman who bore them, and I still loved my mother fiercely. Even though so many years had passed since she’d left this world.

She was a good Sow. She taught me well, and yes, I believed in equal distribution of chores and household duties.

Hell, taking care of a mate, of Avery and Rosie, as my cub, specifically, would be the honor of my life.

I just had to convince her to give me a shot. I had to make her see, to let me prove I was worthy.

My truck creaked as I got inside, even though it had been customized to bear my weight. I was a big fucker. I knew that.

Hulking. Uncommunicative, and mostly crude when I did talk. But I could do better. For them, I would do better.

I just had to make her listen.

Fat fucking chance.

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