Percy’s sleepy voice called from inside the cabin. Isla turned immediately, maternal instinct overriding whatever strange moment she’d been experiencing.
“Coming, sweetheart,” she called, the spell broken.
She took one last look into the darkness, a strange reluctance filling her as she stepped back toward the cabin door. It was as if whatever was out there was calling to her on a deep, primal level.
In a way, she did not want to deny.
Chapter Six – Kirk
Why am I so nervous?Kirk asked his bear as he followed the familiar road to Bear’s Rest.
Because our mate might not be pleased to see us this early in the morning,his bear replied.
Kirk glanced at the clock on the dashboard. It was nearly nine. He’d been up for hours, since he’d found it almost impossible to sleep as he replayed meeting his mate over and over again.
Nine wasn’t early by most standards, but Kirk worried he might be intruding. His mate might still be in her pajamas, sleepy-eyed and unprepared for company. The thought sent a rush of heat through him, stirring a wanting he tried not to dwell on.
You’re overthinking this,his bear grumbled.We’re just returning the boy’s dinosaur.
“And bringing pastries,” Kirk added aloud, glancing at the paper bag on the passenger seat. Matt had shown up at his door at seven that morning, grinning as if he’d won the lottery.
“Found this little guy hiding under a planter,” Matt had said, holding up a small plastic dinosaur with distinctive orange spikes. “Pretty sure it belongs to your mate’s kid.”
The perfect excuse to see her again,his bear had practically purred.
Matt had thrust the pastry bag into Kirk’s hands next. “Pain au chocolat. Works every time. Helped me win over Tessa.”
But now Kirk worried the pastries were too much.
It’s just breakfast, not a marriage proposal,his bear pointed out as Kirk turned onto the gravel road leading to Bear’s Rest.
I know that,Kirk muttered, his fingers tightening on the steering wheel.
Do you?his bear snorted.Because your heart’s beating like you’re running from a forest fire.
Kirk took a deep breath, trying to calm his racing pulse as he navigated the winding path between cabins. He didn’t need to ask his Aunt Mel which cabin Isla and Percy were staying in. He could sense them.
Then he took the next left, and there they were, sitting together on the porch swing. Isla, with her hair loose around her shoulders, wearing a soft-looking sweater, and Percy tucked against her side, a book open on their laps. They looked peaceful and content, almost as if they were waiting for him.
See? Perfect picture,his bear said softly.
Would be even better if we were in it,Kirk thought before he could stop himself.
His bear rumbled with satisfaction.Now you’re getting it.
Kirk parked and cut the engine, then sat for a moment to collect himself. What if she thought this was weird? What if she didn’t want him showing up unannounced?
Stop stalling and get out of the truck,his bear growled.Our mate is waiting.
She doesn’t know she’s our mate,Kirk reminded him as he grabbed the dinosaur and pastry bag.
She will. Eventually.
The gravel crunched under his boots as he approached the cabin. Isla looked up at the sound, her expression shifting from relaxed to surprised when she recognized him. She straightened slightly on the swing and tightened her hold on Percy.
“Kirk,” she said with surprise. “Good morning.”
“Morning,” he replied, climbing the porch steps. “Sorry to drop by unannounced.”
