Something shuttered in Estelle’s expression, a wariness creeping back in. “Leo, about that... We should talk about... expectations.”
The way she saidexpectationsmade his bear bristle with unease.
She’s pulling away again,his bear warned.Don’t let her.
But Leo knew pushing would only make her retreat further. He nodded slowly. “Okay.”
Estelle turned to Adara. “Sweetie, why don’t you go get dressed? Your clothes are laid out on your bed.”
Adara looked between them, her young face surprisingly perceptive. “Is it a grown-up talk?”
“Just for a minute,” Estelle assured her with a smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes.
Once Adara had disappeared upstairs, Estelle turned back to Leo, her posture noticeably more tense. “Last night was... incredible,” she began carefully.
“But?” Leo prompted when she hesitated, bracing himself.
“But I need to be careful,” she said, her voice dropping lower. “For Adara’s sake. For both our sakes.”
Leo nodded slowly. “I understand that.”
“Do you?” Her eyes searched his. “Because being with you—being your mate—it means visibility. You’re a Thornberg. Everyone in Bear Creek knows your family.”
The implication was clear, and it landed like a weight in Leo’s chest. “And you don’t want people to know about us.”
Estelle’s shoulders tensed further. “It’s not that simple. I just... I need time. Before we become... public. Before people start asking questions I can’t answer.”
Is she ashamed of us?his bear asked, hurt rippling through their shared consciousness.
No,Leo corrected at once.She’s scared. There’s a difference.
“Your family,” Estelle continued, her fingers fidgeting with her mug. “They’re everywhere in this town. The restaurant, the vineyard... If they know about me—about us—it won’t stay quiet for long.”
Leo couldn’t deny it. The Thornbergs were not known for keeping happy news to themselves. His mother alone would tell half the town within a day if she knew he’d found his mate.
“What are you asking me?” he said, though he already knew.
“I’m asking for discretion,” Estelle replied, her voice steady despite the anxiety in her eyes. “Just for now. Until I’m... until we’re ready.”
The request stung more than Leo had expected. Finding his mate was the most significant thing that had ever happened to him. A joy he naturally wanted to share, especially with his family. The thought of hiding it, of pretending Estelle was only a new friend or neighbor, felt wrong on a fundamental level.
His bear growled in frustration.We shouldn’t have to hide what she is to us. What we are to each other.
But looking at Estelle—at the tension in her shoulders and the fear she was trying so hard to hide—Leo knew he had no real choice. Whatever was driving her need for privacy, it mattered enough that she’d risk hurting him to protect it.
“Okay,” he said finally. “If that’s what you need.”
Relief flooded her expression, followed quickly by guilt. “I’m sorry,” she said softly. “I know it’s not fair to ask...”
“Hey,” Leo interrupted gently, reaching across the table to take her hand. “You don’t need to apologize. I’m not going to push you into anything you’re not ready for.”
Even if it hurts,his bear added silently.
Estelle’s fingers tightened around his. “Thank you,” she whispered. “It’s not forever. Just until...” She trailed off, unable or unwilling to define it more clearly.
Leo nodded, swallowing his disappointment. “I should probably get going,” he said, glancing at the clock. “My brother will wonder where I am.”
“What will you tell him?” Estelle asked, the anxiety returning to her voice.
