“It’s perfect,” Estelle said as they completed the tour, meaning it.
Sian nodded, looking pleased with herself. “I’m glad you trusted me. Not many people will sign a rental agreement without seeing the property first.”
Estelle redirected quickly. “Tell me more about the town. Where’s the closest grocery store?” She knew the answersalready—had researched Bear Creek thoroughly before choosing it—but asking felt normal, expected.
Sian launched into a description of Main Street, the weekly farmers’ market, and the small but well-stocked general store. She spoke about the town with obvious affection, mentioning friendly neighbors and community events with a warmth that made Estelle more certain she’d chosen the right place.
After answering all of Estelle’s carefully casual questions, Sian glanced at her watch. “If there’s nothing else you need right now, I have another appointment. But please call if anything comes up—day or night.”
“Thank you, we will.” Estelle walked her to the door, accepting the keys and a folder of local information.
She stood on the porch, watching as Sian’s car disappeared down the wooded drive. The moment the vehicle disappeared from sight, something strange rippled through her body. The fine hairs on her neck stood on end, and her fingers tightened instinctively on the porch railing.
Someone’s coming,her dragon whispered, suddenly alert.
Estelle went dizzy, almost feverish. Her vision sharpened as her dragon pushed forward, lending her its heightened senses. She scanned the tree line, breathing deeply.
There—movement at the forest edge. Not a person.
A bear.
Large and dark, it emerged partially from the trees, watching the cottage with an intensity no ordinary bear should have. As Estelle stared, unable to look away, something electric crackled through the air. The bear’s form blurred, then vanished completely.
Shifter.
He must have thought she couldn’t see him from this distance, couldn’t witness his transformation. But her dragon-enhanced vision caught every detail.
Estelle held her breath as the bear was instantly replaced by a man, tall and powerful. Even from a distance, she could feel his gaze lock onto hers.
Everything inside her went still, then erupted in recognition. The longing that had drawn her to Bear Creek suddenly made perfect, terrifying sense.
Mate,her dragon purred with absolute certainty.
Estelle gripped the railing harder as the world tilted beneath her feet. This wasn’t part of the plan. She’d come here for safety, for anonymity. Not for... this.
He was walking toward her, and for a split second, she had a choice. Scoop Adara up, run for the car, drive away, and never look back.
But her feet refused to move.
Chapter Two – Leo
It was as if there was a tether attached to his soul, pulling him onward as Leo reached the porch steps and stood staring at her.
Our mate,his bear added.
Our mate,Leo murmured in agreement.
Even better, our shifter mate,his bear could barely contain his happiness.There will be no awkward “hey, I’m a shifter” conversation for them. Because their mate is a shifter too.
But what?Leo asked as he inhaled her scent. She wasn’t a bear shifter or a wolf...
“Mama?” A small child appeared behind the woman, slipping her hand into her mother’s. Leo’s focus instantly shifted to the little girl with dark curls. She clutched a sparkly stuffed dragon in her free hand, holding it protectively against her chest as she peered up at him with wary curiosity.
A dragon,his bear murmured with sudden understanding.
Of course,Leo replied internally.That’s why I couldn’t figure out what she is.
The realization hit him so hard it threatened to rob him of breath. His mate was a dragon shifter. That was rare. So incredibly rare. And somehow, against all odds, she was his.
