Page 44 of The Bear's Forever Mat
Everyone was a comedian today.So, you’re okay if Amber and I are mates?
Pretty sure that’s what I told her. You should listen to her a little better, considering you’re going to be stuck with each other from now till forever.
You’re particularly snarky tonight. How about constructive suggestions as to why nothing very shifter-like has happened, since you’re no longer objecting?
He got a pause this time then an internal shrug.Must have something to do with human traditions. Can’t help you there. Although if you want to mention something important to Amber?
Yes?
Tell her I’m particularly fond of compliments regarding my athletic prowess.
The urge to tell his bear to stop flirting with his woman was far too weird, and Cooper filed that away under Wild Shit That Happens To Shifters Who Mate Humans.
He met Amber’s gaze. “The only thing he suggests is completing some human tradition.” Sudden terror struck. “Don’t tell me you want to have a big wedding. I mean,dotell me if you want to have a big wedding, but—”
Panic was not a sensation he was familiar with, but it was easily recognizable. Tension swirled in his gut, and bright lights flashed behind his eyes as if he were one step away from fainting.
Settle down,his bear said with a laugh.If she wants to do the big wedding thing, we can survive.
These things take time,Cooper warned.I would prefer to be permanently hitched sooner than later. That’s all.
Sure. I believe you.His inner beast’s tone was mocking. Extremely mocking.Mr. We Should Wait Until The Appropriate Time.
There was that staticky buzz in his head again, and Amber’s eyes widened. Was his bear chatting with her?
I wish you’d find a way to loop me in,Cooper complained.
Busy talking. Don’t interrupt the grown-ups.
Cooper sputtered.
Amber snorted, hard, then flushed. “He’s very vocal, isn’t he? Your inner bear.”
“He’s a pain in the tuchus, is what he is,” Cooper grumbled before it registered that he was down on his knees in front of her and maybe this was part of what he could do to trigger their own special mating. “Amber?”
She smiled sweetly. “Yes?”
He slid his hands under hers, lifting her knuckles to his lips for a brief kiss. He stared into her eyes and let every bit of the love he felt for her shine.
One more deep breath, and it was time. “Will you be my mate?”
She blinked hard, her expression brightening as awareness quickly arrived. Her smile softened, eyes filling with moisture. “Yes.”
They waited.
Like statues. Neither of them breathed or looked away…
The walls of the cabin creaked with the intense cold outside, and a log crackled in the fireplace. Nothing else.
Clearly nothing magical was about to sweep into the room and whirl around them.
Amber wrinkled her nose in the most adorable way. “Okay, so that wasn’t it.”
“I guess not.” He pulled her forward and wrapped his arms around her, cradling her intimately. “I’m still glad the answer was yes. And you’re right. We’ll figure it out, if it’s a time delay or something else. We’ll do it together.”
“Yes, we will.” Amber slid her cheek alongside of his, squeezing him tight. A sharp nip at his ear sent a shiver sliding down his spine, especially when it was followed by a slow lick, her tongue hot and wet against his skin. “It seems a pity to waste you being naked, and all. There’s a warm fire, and a soft rug…”
A delicious woman for him to enjoy from top to bottom. “I like the way you think, Amber Myawayan.”
