Isla rested her head against Kirk’s chest, listening to the steady rhythm of his heartbeat. Strong and sure, like everything about him.
They lay together in silence, their breathing slowly evening out as the night air cooled their skin. After a while, Kirk shifted beneath her.
“It’s getting chilly,” he said, pressing another kiss to her temple. “Let me take you inside.”
Before she could respond, he stood in one fluid motion, lifting her effortlessly into his arms. She let out a soft gasp of surprise, instinctively wrapping her arms around his neck.
“I can walk,” she protested, though with little conviction.
“I know,” Kirk said simply, gathering their scattered clothes with one hand while keeping her secure in his arms. “But I like carrying you.”
As they made their way back to the cabin, Kirk’s steps were sure despite the darkness and his precious burden. Isla nestledagainst his chest, and when they reached his cabin door, she had the oddest sense of crossing into something new.
Inside, the cabin’s warmth closed around them. The fire had burned low but still cast a golden glow across the living room. Kirk set her gently on her feet but kept his arms around her, as if reluctant to break contact even for a moment.
“Stay,” he said softly, his eyes searching hers. Not a demand, but a question filled with hope. “Stay the night with me.”
The question hung between them, carrying more meaning than either of them could ignore. Isla knew that staying would mean something. This wasn’t casual, and it wasn’t temporary, whatever either of them called it.
“Yes,” she whispered, the word feeling right on her tongue. “I’ll stay.”
Relief and joy washed over Kirk’s face. He bent to kiss her again. When he pulled back, his smile was enough to chase away the last of the night’s chill.
And any lingering doubts that this was exactly where she was supposed to be.
Chapter Sixteen – Kirk
Kirk woke slowly, his senses filled with all that was Isla before he even opened his eyes. She stirred against him, and he tightened his arm around her, holding her close.
Perfect,his bear sighed contentedly.This is exactly where she belongs.
Kirk couldn’t argue. For the first time since meeting her, it felt as though the world had finally settled where it should be.
Something profound had shifted between them last night—not just the physical intimacy, though that had been more perfect than he’d dared to imagine. It was what came before. She had seen him shift. Seen his bear. And instead of running, she had touched him with wonder in her eyes. Not fear.
She accepted all of us,his bear observed quietly.Not just the man, but the beast too.
That kind of acceptance was humbling. Most people who learned about shifters needed time to adjust, to reconcile the impossible with their understanding of the world. But Isla had simply embraced it. Embraced him completely.
She stirred against him, her breathing changing rhythm as consciousness slowly returned. Kirk held perfectly still, not wanting to wake her fully yet, savoring these last quiet moments.
Her eyelids fluttered, then opened. For a heartbeat, confusion clouded her blue-gray eyes. Then recognition dawned, followed by a slow, sleepy smile that made his chest tighten.
“Morning,” she murmured, her voice husky from sleep.
“Morning,” he replied, unable to keep the tenderness from his voice.
Tell her she looks beautiful,his bear prompted.
“You look beautiful,” Kirk said, brushing a strand of hair from her face.
Her cheeks flushed pink. “I’m sure that’s not true. I must look a mess.”
“The most beautiful mess I’ve ever seen,” he insisted, leaning down to press a kiss to her forehead.
She stretched languidly against him, her body warm and soft. “What time is it?”
Kirk glanced at the bedside clock. “Just after seven.”
