Page 1 of The Bear's Reluctant Mate

Chapter One – Alfie

What a wonderful day! Alfie strolled through Bear Creek Garden Center, making the most of this quiet time before the doors opened. Not that he didn’t appreciate the people who came to buy the plants he and his team had nurtured from cuttings and seeds.

Even so, there was something magical about these early morning moments, when the dew still sparkled on the leaves and the first rays of sunlight filtered through the greenhouse glass.

He ran his fingers along a row of young tomato plants, their fuzzy stems sturdy beneath his touch. “Looking good, little ones,” he murmured. Talking to plants might seem silly to some, but Alfie knew better. These green beings responded to care and attention just like any creature.

He sucked in a deep breath, filling his lungs with a mixture of the sweet scent of blooming gardenias and the earthy richness of fresh potting soil. It was a perfume no fancy cologne could ever replicate.

This place was his life’s work, and it filled him with pride and happiness every single day.

It sure would be a lot better if we had our mate by our side,his bear grumbled, interrupting his peaceful moment.

Alfie’s shoulders sagged as his smile faded.It sure would. But you know that finding her is out of our control.

His bear let out a long sigh.What we need is for Finn to make a matchmaking mix-up.

A small laugh escaped Alfie’s lips, despite his melancholy.I’m sure he’s sick of hearing that.

His mood lightened as he thought about his brother, who had somehow gained quite a reputation as an accidental matchmaker. Poor Finn was constantly being pestered by their brothers and cousins to create what they’d jokingly dubbed a “matchmaking mix-up.”

Maybe we should call him,his bear suggested hopefully.

And say what?Alfie asked, as he checked on a batch of young seedlings.Hey, Finn, can you conjure up my mate out of thin air? I’m feeling particularly lonely today and my bear won’t shut up about it.

He snorted at the thought, gently pressing his fingertips into the soil around a tender sprout. The earth was just damp enough. Perfect.

I’m just saying,his bear persisted.Both Kris and Philip found their mates after Finn got involved. It can’t be a coincidence.

It absolutely can,Alfie muttered, reaching for his watering can. The morning customers wouldn’t arrive for another hour, giving him precious time alone with his plants.That’s literally what a coincidence is.

His bear huffed indignantly.No, it’s fate.

So now you think Finn is working for fate?Alfie asked.

He might be an instrument of fate.His bear had been particularly restless lately, more vocal about their solitary state. Who could blame him after they’d witnessed their brothers’ happiness?

And he would be lying if he said he didn’t feel the same way. He would give anything to have his mate by his side. To share his life with her, his hopes, his dreams.

But hoping and dreaming would not bring her to him. Nor would calling Finn and asking him to make a matchmaking mix-up on his behalf.

Alfie was sure that fate would bring his mate to him when the time was right. He just had to be patient.

“Talking to your bear again?” A cheerful voice broke through his thoughts.

Alfie looked up to see his assistant manager, Daisy, standing at the entrance to the greenhouse with a knowing smile. Her gray hair was pulled back in its usual practical bun, and her gardening apron already had smudges of soil on it.

“Is it that obvious?” he asked, setting down the watering can.

“You get this faraway look,” she said, tapping her temple. “Plus, your lips move a little. Been working with you long enough to know the signs.”

He chuckled. “Well, he’s being particularly persistent today.”

“About the mate thing again?” Daisy had been with the garden center since before Alfie took over, and she knew all about shifter dynamics. Her sister had married a wolf from the next town over.

“Alwaysabout the mate thing,” Alfie confirmed, reaching to check on a row of hanging fuchsias. “He gets more restless every day.”

“It’ll happen when it happens,” Daisy said, picking up a pair of pruning shears. “Can’t rush these things.”

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