“It’s not that simple, Mom,” Matt said, keeping his voice low. “She doesn’t know yet. About any of it. She doesn’t even know shifters exist. And she’s only here visiting for a short time.”
Understanding dawned in his mother’s eyes. “Oh, son. You’re afraid she’ll leave.”
The words struck a chord so deep that Matt’s bear whined in distress. Yes, that was exactly what he feared. That Tessa would walk away before he even had a chance to show her what they could be together.
“I have to win her over first,” Matt murmured. “I need to give her a reason to stay that has nothing to do with fate or shifters or mate bonds. She deserves to choose this—to choose me—not just accept it because some cosmic force decided we’re compatible.”
His father stepped forward, placing a strong hand on Matt’s shoulder. “Son, the mate bond isn’t just some cosmic accident. It recognizes something true between two souls—something that would be there even without shifter magic.”
“Your father’s right,” his mother added. “The bond doesn’t create love out of nothing. It reveals what could already exist between you.”
Matt wanted to believe them. His bear certainly did, rumbling with approval at their words. But the human part of him knew it wasn’t that simple. That relationships were complicated, messy, and sometimes broke no matter how hard you tried to keep them together.
“I just need time,” he said. “Time to let her get to know me without the pressure of the bond.”
His parents exchanged a look he couldn’t quite decipher.
“What?” he asked.
His mother smiled gently. “It’s just... we’ve never seen you like this before. So careful, so concerned about doing everything right.”
“She matters,” Matt said simply. “This matters.” He put his hand over his heart.
“We know,” his father replied. “And for what it’s worth, son, I think your instincts are good. Build trust first. The rest will follow.”
His mother nodded, though she couldn’t quite hide her impatience. “But don’t wait too long, Matt. That young woman out there—she feels it too, even if she doesn’t understand it yet.”
Matt caught himself replaying every look they’d shared during the shift—the quick darting glances when she thought he wasn’t looking, how her eyes lingered just a beat too long when they connected with his. There was something electric there, as if she was just as conscious of the bond between them as he was. Like she felt that invisible thread pulling them together, even without knowing what it meant.
Maybe his mother was right.
Chapter Four – Matt
Okay, so what’s the plan?Matt’s bear asked.
Just get through the shift without spilling my heart out to Tessa,Matt replied.
And our soul,his bear added.
Oh, goodness,Matt said,this is going to be a long shift.
One he didn’t want to end because once it did end, Tessa would walk out of the restaurant and out of his life.
Temporarily,his bear reminded him.She’ll be back tomorrow. And the next day.
Yeah, but she’s not here forever,Matt said.
She will be if you say the right thing, do the right thing,Matt’s bear said.
No pressure then,Matt replied.
None at all. It’s only the rest of our lives and our eternal happiness we’re talking about here,his bear said lightly, but they both knew how much was resting on them winning their mate over.
Matt forced himself to focus on the plate of pasta in front of him, twirling the fork methodically through the noodles as Alan recounted his daughter’s latest soccer triumph. Normally, he’d be all in, asking questions about the game, celebrating the victory. Alan’s kids were great—smart, funny little humans who always brightened staff picnics with their energy and mischief.
But today, with Tessa sitting just three chairs away, Matt could barely follow the conversation. His thoughts kept drifting to possibilities he’d rarely allowed himself to consider over the last few years.
Little humans of his own.
