“You know exactly what for,” he says, crossing his arms.
“I have control over my bear. I’m not going to do anything stupid,” I snap. “I just need some fresh air.”
I take off my apron, tossing it onto the counter before pushing through the double doors. I make my way to the deck, drawn by some invisiblepullI can’t explain.
When I step outside, Lake Huron spreads out in front of me—blue and endless under the afternoon sun. The cruise ship moves steadily through the waves, its engines a low hum under my feet.
But the sun is relentless, beating down on my skin. I’m built for cold mountains, not this sweltering Michigan summer. Both my bear and I can’t wait for winter—not just for hibernation, but for the crisp, cool air that reminds us of home.
I look around, scanning the passengers lounging in deck chairs, cocktails in hand. The honey scent hits me again, more intense than before, and I can feel my bear ready to burst through my skin. I promised Rael I had it under control, and the last thing I need is to shift on this cruise ship. Kade wouldteleport me so fast my head would spin, and that’s the last thing I want.
I shake my head, pressing my hand to my chest and taking slow breaths. “Calm down,” I tell my bear silently. “Let’s find the scent and figure out what the problem is.”
I start walking around the deck, following the invisible trail. It leads me to the stairs, and before I know it, I’m on the upper level where the pool area spreads out before me. I frown, looking around at the humans splashing and lounging, annoyed by their stares and chatter.
The scent hits me again, and my bear’s excitement surges. What the hell? If I don’t figure out what’s going on, I’m going to lose control, and that’s a recipe for disaster.
I continue walking around the pool area, weaving past reclined lounge chairs and children running through the crowds. The scent grows stronger as I reach the starboard railing. I place my hands on the metal and stare out at the waters, the Michigan shoreline a distant line of green and brown.
When I turn my head, time stops.
A woman stands at the railing several yards away, gazing out at the water. My body goes immediately still, as if struck by lightning.
Her beauty is unlike anything I’ve ever seen. Full, luscious curves wrapped in a modest one-piece swimsuit with a flowing skirt that leaves much to the imagination yet hints at the softness beneath. Her rich melanin skin is flawless, her dark hair falling in soft waves around her shoulders. Her face looks almost too perfect—full lips painted a deep burgundy, high cheekbones, and eyes that hold a depth of confidence.
My bear immediately falls into submission, all restlessness vanishing in an instant. Gone is the wild, desperate creature that’s been clawing at me. In his place is a devoted servant, ready to worship at this woman’s feet.
She must stand around 5’7”, though I would still tower over her. It’s not her height that commands attention—it’s the way she carries herself. A confidence that fills the space around her, unapologetic and regal. The curve of her hips, the fullness of her breasts, the softness of her arms—every inch of her is perfection.
Then she looks at me, and I feel my will to speak evaporate. Her eyes, warm brown with flecks of gold, assess me briefly. She smiles—a sweet, generous gesture—before turning her head back to the water.
I’d give anything for her to look at me again.
In this moment, I realize I’ve found her—my fated mate. The woman I’ve been aching for, dreaming of, waiting centuries to find. I was right all along. Sitting on Wintermoon, I would have never found her. I needed to seek her out.
I move closer, drawn by an invisiblepull.The scent that was driving me insane moments ago is now imprinted in me forever. My fated mate smells like honey—not just any honey, but the richest, most flavorful scent I’ve ever encountered. And my bear is so calm, ready to be claimed, waiting for our mate to command us to do whatever she desires.
“What’s a big shifter like you doing up here in the pool area?” she asks, her voice warm and steady, with a quiet strength that makes my knees weak.
I just smile at her, unable to form words. She’s a vision and will certainly keep me on my toes. Fate couldn’t have given me a better woman.
She looks at me when she notices I’m not responding, and smiles again. “Not much of a talker, huh?”
I’m just staring at her like an idiot, all sense of reasoning gone from my mind. She’s stolen my thoughts, my words, my breath.
She looks away from me and back at the view. “Michigan is so beautiful,” she says, gesturing to the panorama before us. “Thelakes, the land... I think that’s why most of us who were born here, despite the issues, spend the rest of our lives on this land. Michigan is simply a vision.”
I look at the waters with her. It’s nice, but nothing is as beautiful as her. The Great Lakes, the forests, the rolling hills—all seem insignificant compared to the woman standing beside me.
She steps back from the railing. “Well, it was nice meeting you, big mysterious shifter guy.”
I stare at her, wondering where she thinks she’s going. I just found her. She can’t leave me. But she turns away, walking toward the pool, and my eyes are immediately glued to the sway of her hips. Heat rushes through me, primal and intense.
The moment she’s out of view, my feet start moving of their own accord. I’m searching for her, following her scent. I know I’m being a creep, and I hate myself for it, but I’ve never had a woman render me speechless like this.
She looks back, catching me following her, and giggles when she notices my eyes on her ass. She knows exactly what she’s doing to me. I stop in my tracks, running a hand over my face. Times are different. I can’t just take her like some caveman. I need to get to know her, learn what she likes, solve her problems, be someone she needs, not add to her troubles.
I wonder if she likes flowers. Don’t women like flowers? What would please her? What would make her smile at me again?
