“No,” I said quietly. “We only produce sons. It’s been that way for as long as our history remembers. We can only mate with human women who carry specific genetic markers—recessive traits that allow them to conceive shifter cubs. Without compatible females, we can’t reproduce at all.”
Her eyes widened. “That’s why your population is declining.”
“Yes. Most bears go their entire lives without finding their female. Some of my brothers in their sixties and seventies are still unmated. We’re slowly going extinct.”
Her lips parted, compassion filling her eyes.
“But,” I added, “some of us get extraordinarily lucky.”
Understanding replaced the sympathy. “You think I’m compatible.”
“I know you are.” Releasing her, I pulled the folded report from my pocket and slid it over to her. “Everett tested your DNA. I should have asked permission, but I worried it would drive you away before you even knew what we were.”
She picked up the report, scanning the technical language and genetic markers. Her fingers trembled slightly.
I swallowed against the knot in my throat. “You’re not just compatible, sweetheart. You’re exceptionally compatible with me.”
She looked up. “What does that mean?”
“It means my bear recognizes you as my mate. If we tried to have children, the chances of conception would be very high. It means…” I drew a bracing breath. “It means you’re incredibly precious to me.”
She set down the report, and she seemed to choose her next words carefully. “Is that why you kissed me? Because I’m compatible?”
“Absolutely not.” I pushed back from the table and moved around to her side, kneeling in front of her chair so we were eye level. “I wanted you before I knew any of the numbers on that paper. I wanted you the first time you walked into this place with all your equipment and your refusal to take no for an answer. I fought it. I tried so hard not to want you. I’m more than twice your age. You’re just starting your life, and I’m probably halfway through mine. But I can’t do it, sweetheart. Despite my best efforts, I want you more than I’ve ever wanted anything.” I gripped her thigh because I couldn’t help it. “Biology didn’t make me fall for you, Charlotte.Youdid.”
She touched my cheek, her fingertips cool against my skin. “This is a lot to process.”
“I know. Take all the time you need.”
“What happens now?”
I put my hand over hers, and I willed calm into my voice as I said, “That depends on what you want. You can leave Bear Cove. Go back to Colorado and finish your PhD. Never see me again. I’ll make sure you’re safe.” The knot in my throat tried to choke me, and I swallowed again. “Or you can stay. Get to know the clan and the town. See if this life is something you could want. If I’m someone you want.”
“I already want you,” she whispered.
Pulling her hand from my cheek, I kissed her fingers. “If you stay, you’ll be giving up almost everything, including your career prospects and research opportunities. It kills me to admit that, but I need you to think carefully before you decide. I’m asking you to choose me over everything you’ve worked for. You’ll live in a tiny town in the middle of nowhere with very few women to talk to. That’s not a small ask, Charlotte.”
Interest sparked in her eyes. “I thought you said you don’t have any women.”
“I already told you about Skyler, Everett’s mate. He found her last year. And Cal just found his female. He’s the blond who spoke to you outside just now. His mate’s name is Margot.”
“Can I meet them? It might help me understand what I’d be choosing.”
Hope tried to soar in my chest. I stuffed it down. Because she hadn’t chosen yet. “Of course. You can talk to anyone you want. Skyler will be happy to meet you. When Margot arrives, I know she’ll feel the same.”
Silence held. Then Charlotte tilted her head. “What about you? Have you ever been in love before?”
For a second, instinct urged me to evade the question. But I’d promised her honesty.
“Once,” I said. “I was in my mid-twenties. Her name was Sarah.”
“What happened?”
“We had a few months together. She was here to ski. We didn’t have blood tests back then, but my bear sensed she wasn’t compatible. She couldn’t give me children, but it didn’t matter. She didn’t want this life.”
Charlotte stroked her fingers over my jaw. “That must have been hard.”
“It hurt like hell at the time, but I’m glad it happened.”
