Page 87 of Cowboy Bear's Hope

In fact, Sybil had a lot of good things to say about the ranch and what it could offer Rosie as she grew into her abilities.

A Crew of Shifters was one of the best environments for a young one like her to learn control, to understand her animal side, and to grow into her strength.

But what she said that endeared her to me was that Avery was a fine mother. I grinned just picturing when Sybil had told my mate all that.

Sweetheart that she was, my Honey had broken down in tears.

Not the soft, sniffly kind, either.

Oh, no. She’d cried like a baby, and my heart ached and swelled at the same time.

Because she needed to hear it.

She deserved that much. So after Sybil assured her—over and over again—that she was an incredible mother. I did, too.

Because it was the damn truth. Avery had done an amazing job raising Rosie, protecting her, loving her.

As if my sweet Honey could be anything other than a perfect mom.

Silly mate.

She didn’t even realize how amazing she was.

Speaking of my beautiful Avery, a small crash sounded from the refurbished barn up ahead, followed by a burst of giggles that could only belong to Rosie.

I smiled to myself as I walked Trixie, the little Shetland pony I’d gotten for Rosie, as a surprise for her big day, toward the barn.

The pony snorted, flicking her ears, as if curious about the commotion inside.

Whatever was going on in there, it sounded like my girls were having fun.

And honestly, after everything we’d been through, they deserved every bit of joy and laughter they could get.

“Dante!”

I stopped in my tracks and turned to see Kian racing for me. Every instinct I had gone into high alert.

Something was wrong.

“What is it?” I asked without preamble.

“There are a couple of guys here for you. They stink like fur. Say they’re here to issue a challenge,” Kian explained.

He was out of breath and sweating. His eyes glittered and rolled around, angry with his Bull.

I growled deep and low in my chest. My Bear’s immediate response to this outside threat.

“They Bears? From my old Clan? Where’s Max?”

“I think so. He’s with them now. Zeke, too.”

“Dante? Penny is coming with the cake, and the guests will be here in about ninety minutes,” Avery called out and poked her pretty head out of the barn doors.

She looked so happy, dressed in tight jeans and a pink plaid shirt that matched mine. Rosie Posie had insisted everyone wear pink, including me and the guys.

No one dared object.

Hell. Jed went as far as to deck out his goats with little pink bandanas wrapped around their necks.

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