Charlotte kept her gaze on Dmitri. “Did you ever want to try again? Find a woman who was compatible?”
Dmitri looked up. His eyes crinkled at the corners, wisdom and melancholy in his gaze. “No. I had my chance at love. Some people get more than one. Others none at all. But when fate offers something precious, only fools refuse to take it.”
A loud beep sounded from somewhere inside the house. Dmitri’s face lit up as he stood. “That’s my TV show.” He gave Charlotte a conspiratorial look. “If they cancelLove Island, I’m starting a letter campaign.”
Charlotte released a startled-sounding laugh. “I’ll keep my fingers crossed for a renewal.”
He winked at her before disappearing inside the cabin.
As Charlotte and I walked away, she tucked her hands into the oversized pockets of my coat. “He was very kind.”
“I think you mean very direct.”
She bit her lip against an obvious smile. “He seems to think refusing you would be the height of stupidity.”
I stopped, and I took her hands in mine. “Dmitri’s story is heartbreaking, but his circumstances aren’t yours. Don’t let him sway you.” My bear raged at me for encouraging Charlotte to consider her choices, but I ignored it.
She stared up at me, her big eyes soft behind her glasses. “How many bears here are too old to look for their mate?”
“Dmitri is the oldest. There are twenty others over the age of fifty.” I paused. “Including me.”
“Fifty isn’t old, Beck.”
“Maybe not, sweetheart, but most people my age are planning retirement, not planning a future."
Her eyes went softer, and her voice was just as quiet as she said, “Maybe you’re not planning alone anymore.”
My heart slammed against my ribs. “Charlotte...”
She put a hand on my chest, her palm warm even through my coat. “I don’t know if I’m quite ready to decide yet. But I think I’m getting there.”
Hope surged so hard and fast that I had to lock my knees to stay upright. I cupped her cheek. “You don’t have to make any decisions right now, sweetheart. Take all the time you need.”
“I know,” she murmured. “But I want you.”
My bear stirred, a low rumble of satisfaction vibrating through my chest. Instinct screamed at me to back her against the nearest tree and claim her mouth. To strip away her layers and bury myself inside her until she screamed my name.
Ours,my bear growled.Take her. Claim her.
Not here. Not in the open where my brothers might see.
I closed my eyes and drew a shaky breath, fighting for control. When I opened them, Charlotte watched me with a heated gaze.
“I need to get you home,” I rasped.
“Yes,” she agreed, but she didn’t move. She just stared at me with parted lips, her breaths coming faster.
I tangled my fingers with hers and started walking fast. Charlotte matched my pace, her hand tight in mine. Her arousal was a cloud around us, the intoxicating scent making my bear pace in my mind. The beast hovered close to the surface, threatening to burst from my skin. By the time we reached the bed and breakfast, I was wound so tight I thought I might snap.
I pulled Charlotte inside and backed her against the wall.
“Beck…” she gasped.
“Tell me to stop,” I said, bracketing her head with my hands. “Tell me you don’t want this, and I’ll stop.”
“Don’t stop,” she said, arching against me.
I didn’t hesitate. Just tossed her over my shoulder and stormed up the stairs.
