“This is it,” he said as they climbed out of the truck. “Aspen Ridge Trail.”
The cold hit him immediately, sharp and clean, but the beauty of the place made it worth it. Late afternoon sunlight slanted through the trees, turning the snow into diamonds. The forest stretched before them, ancient pines standing sentinel along the path that wound up the ridge.
Sorcha gasped softly beside him, her breath clouding in the frigid air. She immediately pulled out her camera, capturing the trail sign, the sun-dappled path, and the vista of mountains visible through the trees.
“It’s stunning,” she murmured, her eyes wide as she lowered her camera.
Christopher watched her taking it all in, memorizing the wonder on her face. How many places had she been? How many beautiful vistas had she photographed? And yet she still had this capacity for awe, this genuine appreciation for the natural world. It made his chest tighten with emotion.
They started along the trail, their boots crunching in the packed snow. Christopher walked slightly behind her, alert for any patches of ice or hidden obstacles. The path climbed gently through stands of pine and aspen, occasionally opening to reveal breathtaking views of the valley below.
After they’d been walking for about fifteen minutes, Christopher gathered his courage. “So, what’s next for you?” heasked, keeping his tone casual. He needed to know where she was headed next before he tried to convince her to stay.
“Oh,” Sorcha glanced at him, a flicker of something, perhaps hesitation, crossing her face. “I’m not sure yet.”
Christopher’s heart leaped. No next assignment already lined up? That was promising. “No, next assignment?” he asked, unable to keep the hope from his voice.
She shrugged, her gaze fixed on the path ahead. “I kind of got a job offer,” she said after a moment. “It’s for my dream job.”
“Oh.” The single syllable dropped from Christopher’s mouth like a stone, landing heavily between them. His heart, which had been soaring moments before, stalled in his chest.
Maybe it’s a desk job,his bear said hopefully.One she can do remotely. Bear Creek is remote!
“Your dream job,” Christopher repeated, not sharing his bear’s optimism. The words tasted bitter on his tongue.
“Yes,” she replied, still not looking at him as they walked side by side. “It will mean a lot more traveling abroad. Which is what I’ve always wanted to do.”
The gap between them suddenly felt wider than the few inches separating their bodies. Christopher forced himself to respond, to say what a good friend would say. “Spread your wings further.”
“Yes,” Sorcha replied softly.
“I’m happy for you,” Christopher said, the words sounding hollow even to his own ears as he forced himself to sound happy. She deserved this opportunity. She deserved everything she wanted.
Sorcha hesitated mid-step and turned to search his face. “Thanks,” she said, her eyes questioning, as if she’d caught the false note in his voice.
An awkward silence fell between them. They continued walking, both lost in thought. The trail curved around a massive boulder, revealing a small clearing where a fallen log provided a natural bench overlooking the valley.
I can’t tell her,Christopher told his bear firmly.I don’t want to influence her choice.
But we would go with her wherever she goes,his bear argued.We could travel. See the world together.
Christopher shook his head slightly. Telling Sorcha they were mates would put pressure on her. He wanted her to choose them, to ask them to be part of her life, of her own free will.
“Should we rest here for a moment?” he asked, gesturing to the log. The view was spectacular. The valley spread out below them like a painting, with the town of Bear Creek visible in the distance as a collection of tiny buildings nestled against the mountainside.
“Perfect,” Sorcha said, sitting down and pulling out her camera again.
Christopher settled beside her, careful to leave space between them. He watched as she framed shots of the valley, her fingers nimble on the camera controls despite the cold. The wind picked up, bringing with it the scent of pine and snow. Sorcha shivered slightly.
“Here,” Christopher said, shrugging out of his outer jacket. “Put this on.”
“I couldn’t,” she protested. “You’ll freeze.”
Christopher smiled. “I run hot,” he said simply. It was true. His bear nature kept his body temperature higher than a normal human, especially in cold weather. “Please. I insist.”
After a moment’s hesitation, Sorcha accepted the jacket, slipping it over her own coat. The garment engulfed her smallerframe, and Christopher felt a surge of possessive satisfaction at seeing her wrapped in his clothing, surrounded by his scent.
“Thank you,” she said, snuggling into its warmth. “That’s much better.”
