Page 30 of The Bear's Mail Order Mate

“But I completely understand if you would rather interview other people for the position,” she said.

“No,” he blurted. “You are exactly what I need. What we need. For the restaurant.”

And everything else,his bear added happily.

“As long as you are sure,” Cassia said. “I don’t want you to feel any obligation toward me.”

Oh, we are extremely obliged,his bear said with a chuckle.Obliged to make you happy. Obliged to protect you. Obliged to love you.

But it is more than an obligation,Kris reminded his bear.It is a deep-rooted need.One he could never deny.

Cassia’s happiness, and her wellbeing, both physically and mentally, would always come first.

Kris cleared his throat. “I want you here, Cassia. That’s what I want to talk to you about, actually.”

They reached a small clearing where the fading light filtered through the canopy of leaves overhead, casting dappled patterns across the forest floor. Perfect. It was private enough that he could shift, if necessary, yet beautiful enough that if this conversation went well, it might become their special place.

A place that would always remind them of this moment. Of the bond they shared.

“There’s something about me—about my family—that you should know,” Kris began.

“Okay,” she said, eyeing him warily. “I’m listening.”

Kris inhaled deeply, drawing strength from the familiar scents of pine and earth. “In Bear Creek, there are families who are...different. Special, you might say.”

“Different how?” Cassia asked, her eyes searching his face.

Yes, just tell her,his bear urged.Show her who we are.

“We’ve lived here for a long time…” Kris fought to find the right words.

“Oh,” Cassia’s body tensed. “Is this some kind of…” She paused and pressed her lips together.

“Some kind of what?” Kris repeated, a faint crease forming between his brows. Cassia licked her lips, and he sensed her wariness. She was afraid if she spoke her mind, she might offend him.

Or lose the chance of a job,his bear added.

“Please, tell me,” Kris said.

She let out a breath. “I don’t know…maybe some kind of high-status family thing?” She shifted her weight, glancing away. “As if you’re trying to say you’re these bigshots in Bear Creek and I should know my place. I don’t mean to jump to conclusions, but you said your family’s different—special. It made me think maybe your family is used to calling the shots around here. Of getting their own way… If that’s the case, I’d rather know.”

Kris blinked, then shook his head firmly. “No, no. It’s nothing like that.” His bear stirred, nudging him gently to make her see that it was about as far away from the truth as you could get. “We’re just a normal family. Honestly.”

“Then what?” she asked with slight exasperation in her tone.

“It’s…so much deeper than that.” He took a careful step closer to her and lowered his voice. “It’s about who weare.”

“Who you are?” Cassia visibly relaxed a fraction, but her guard didn’t drop entirely. She studied him, clearly trying to read his intention. “Okay,” she said slowly. “So then…what is it? What areyou?”

Get on with it,his bear urged.

I know. I’m trying,Kris replied.It’s not easy.

Neither is watching you fumble your way through this,his bear said.

Well, it’s not as if I’ve ever done anything like this before,Kris said in his defense. And thankfully, he would never have to do it again.

He took a breath to steady his nerves, but it didn’t work. There was so much resting on this. “It’s something I hope you’ll understand, but it might be a lot to take in.”

---