Christopher was already reaching for his jacket when the driver’s door opened. A woman emerged, bundled in a long wool coat, her hair catching copper highlights from the porch light as she reached back inside for her purse.
“Hello?” she said in a low whisper as she came toward him. “I’m so sorry about the time…I took a wrong turn back in Millerville, and then the GPS went out, and…” She looked up, meeting his eyes for the first time.
The world stopped.
Christopher felt it like a physical blow. That moment shifters spoke about, but he’d never quite believed. Recognition. Connection. Belonging. His bear surged forward, suddenly alert and intensely focused.
Mate,he growled.Our mate.
She was tall, with luscious curves that her practical winter clothing couldn’t disguise. Her face was flushed from the cold,with a scattering of freckles across her nose, eyes a startling green-gold that seemed to look straight through him.
“You must be Christopher,” she said, extending a gloved hand. “I’m Sorcha O’Neill. I believe you’re expecting me?”
The understatement almost made him laugh. Sorcha had no clue he had been expecting her his whole life.
And now here she was.
“Yes,” he managed, taking her hand. Even through the layers of gloves, the contact sent electricity racing up his arm. “Yes, we’ve been expecting you.”
Christopher felt it immediately. That internal click. The world sharpened, every scent and sound amplified—the whisper of snowflakes landing on her coat, the subtle spice of her perfume beneath layers of clothes, even the quickened rhythm of her heart.
“I was worried I would be too late,” she said breathlessly, her eyes locked on his.
His bear went still, then rumbled deep within him,Tell her she’s not late, she’s just in time…to save us from our loneliness.
“Welcome to Bear Creek Cabins, Sorcha,” he managed, his voice steadier than he felt as the world seemed to tilt on its axis.
“Thanks.” She shivered, and her teeth chattered as she spoke.
“Come on, let’s get you out of this weather.” He reluctantly let go of her hand and ushered her toward the office.
As they walked through the snow, Christopher found himself hyperaware of the space between them, which hummed like static. Or maybe it was just in his head, brought on by the shock of finally meeting his mate.
They reached the office, and he held the door open for her as she stepped inside. As the warmth enveloped her, Sorcha unwrapped her scarf, revealing more of that copper-flame hair,and Christopher busied himself with the guest book to keep from staring.
“Once you are signed in, I’ll take you over to your cabin,” Christopher said as he offered her a pen.
“Thank you.” She took the pen, her handwriting looping confidently across the page. “I’ll only be here two nights,” she said, glancing up with those remarkable eyes that made his knees go weak.
No. She’s here forever, his bear answered with a deep internal growl of certainty that resonated through Christopher’s bones.Not two days.
We’d better make them good ones, then,he replied, swallowing a smile.So good, she’ll never want to leave.
He completed the check-in, sliding the key to Cabin 7 across the desk. “Okay, I’ll grab your bags and show you the way.”
“I can manage,” she replied, though her voice held a hesitation.
“It’s all part of the service,” he offered, already reaching for his coat. “Especially at this hour. And in this weather.”
“Okay then,” she relented with a small smile.
They left the warmth of the office and stepped back into the night. A night that felt different now. Never again would he feel alone. Never again would he ache with longing.
Sorcha popped the trunk, and he grabbed her luggage, one suitcase and an overnight bag. Then he led her to cabin number 7 and waited by her side while she unlocked the door.
Inside, he set down her luggage and began his usual welcome spiel. Although he had to focus hard to remember the words, even though he had spoken them so many times before. All he wanted to do was declare his undying love to her. But it was a little too soon for that.
Are you sure? his bear teased.
