“Like an actual bear.He says he’s a shifter.”
A beat of silence.
Then Roxie squeals.“Oh, my God.You’ve been kidnapped into aparanormal romance novel.”
I roll my eyes even as a laugh escapes me.I shouldn’t be surprised.Roxie has always been a romantic at heart.I should’ve known she would want me to end up with Jameson.
“Please don’t make this sound cute.I almost got sold into marriage.”
“Okay, fair.Still—hot bear man.”
“He says I’m his fated mate.”
She gasps.“YES!I KNEW IT.”
“You did not,” I mutter.
“I totally did.Tell me why this is weird?Tell me the downside.”
“The downside?”I repeat weakly.“The downside is that I don’t know him.At all.And he expects me to believe we’re destined because biology or magic or whatever decided it.”
“Fern,” Roxie says gently, “a hot guy wants to love and protect you for the rest of his life.That sounds like a win to me.”
“I don’t know him!How can I trust him?How can I trust any of this?”I whisper.“How can I trust him when men have lied to me my whole life?”
“It’s a leap of faith,” Roxie says gently.
“I’m not sure I have that in me.Words are cheap.”
“Then trust his actions,” she says immediately.“Not his words.”
I go quiet.
“Has he done anything bad to you?”she presses.
“No,” I admit.“He’s been… nothing but careful.Respectful.”
“And how has he been since you met?What has he done?”
“He rescued me without asking for anything.He’s kept me safe.Told me the truth about the cult and the danger I’m in.Told me about what he is.He’s cooked for me, cleaned my clothes, and bought me new things.Given me space.”
Roxie hums softly.“Sounds like a keeper.”
Her words settle in my chest and stay there.
Maybe she’s right.
Maybe I’m just scared to admit it.
“I’ll think about it,” I say finally.
“I can’t wait to meet him.Maybe I’ll find my own bear shifter to spend the cold nights with.”
“Oh, my god,” I groan.
She laughs.“I’ve got to go, but I’ll call you once I’m on the road.”
“Okay, be safe.”
