That’s not what humans usually mean by exciting,James said with a snort.
Humans are strange,his bear said, flexing his claws.
“You’re exactly what sheneeds,” Sorcha said.
“Am I? What if she doesn’t want a shifter?” James whispered. “What if she doesn’t want… me?”
Sorcha stepped closer, moonlight catching in her auburn hair. “James, did you see how she looked at you? She’s already smitten.” Her voice softened. “The way she watched you with Jake… the smile she had? That wasn’t nothing. Believe me.”
No, it wasn’t,his bear agreed, comforted by the words Sorcha spoke from the heart.
She bumped her shoulder against his. “Don’t overthink it. Fate brought her here to you. Remember?”
She’s right.His bear hummed in fierce approval.
“Who are we to argue with fate?” James cracked a smile.
“That’s better,” Sorcha said as they resumed walking. Moonlight filtered through pine branches, dappling the snow at their feet. The air smelled of frost and resin, and he breathed it in, letting go of his fears.
“So, what do I do?” James asked. “I can’t just show up at dinner and say,” he mimicked her deep voice, “Hi, I’m a bear, and you’re my fated mate.Pretty sure that would make her run screaming.”
His bear disagreed wholeheartedly.We could give it a try.
Absolutely not,James shot back.
“Take it slow, be yourself. And more importantly, trust in yourself,” Sorcha encouraged. “You’ll know when she’s ready.”
James nodded, knowing she was right. “Baby steps.”
“Exactly. Dog training sessions,dinner with friends, maybe a coffee date.” Her breath puffed in white clouds. “Let her get to know you. And trust you.”
“And… you won’t tell her about shifters?” James asked. He wasn’t sure if that had been on Sorcha’s agenda during Doreen’s visit.
“No. That’syourstory to tell, when the time is right.” Sorcha smiled at him. “Christopher and I will follow your lead. We’ll be like your backup. When you tell Doreen, tell her if she needs to talk, then I’m here for her. And you.”
Relief washed over James. They had a plan. And more importantly, he had backup. Always important in a crisis.
This isn’t a crisis,his bear said.It’s fate.
Sorcha stopped suddenly and turned to him. Her expression turned earnest, bordering on solemn. “You know,” she whispered. “If I could pick who Doreen fell in love with… I’d pick you.”
James’s breath caught in his throat. Praise, he could handle. Teasing, he could handle. But this, being seen, being chosen, being deemed worthy by someone he respected, hit him square in the heart.
His bear stilled.She believes in us.
“I should get going,” he said, rough with emotion. “I need to shower and change before dinner.”
“Seven o’clock,” Sorcha reminded him. “Don’t be late!”
“I wouldn’t dream of it,” he said as he kissed her cheek and then turned and headed for his truck.
“Drive safe,” Sorcha called out.
“Always.” He raised his hand and waved as he took his keys out of his pocket and unlocked the truck.
A fine dusting of snow coated the windshield, and he brushed it off before climbing into the cab and starting the engine. He glanced at the clock on the dashboard. He had plenty of time to get home, take a shower, and put on fresh clothes.
Then he’d be back here to spend the evening with his mate.
