Total pages in book: 18
Estimated words: 16684 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 83(@200wpm)___ 67(@250wpm)___ 56(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 16684 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 83(@200wpm)___ 67(@250wpm)___ 56(@300wpm)
I grin despite myself. “If I remember right, you and Dad mated the day you met. Talk about impatient.”
“The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.” She laughs again, this time with that knowing tone that only mothers can wield. “I’m so happy for you.”
“I’m over the moon happy.” I’ve already turned into a pussy-whipped asshole like my brother and cousin. “I knew the moment I saw her.”
“Well,” she continues, her voice soft and understanding now, “we’ll hold off on the family gathering for a bit. Give Lennon time to heal and adjust to all this mate bond stuff. There’s no rush. We’ve waited this long; a little more time won’t hurt.”
I nod, grateful for her flexibility. “Thanks, Mom. She needs time to get back on her feet, to get used to being the mate of a polar bear and all the craziness that comes with our world.”
“We’ll be ready when she is,” Mom reassures me. “Give her our love and tell Oreo Grandpa and Grandma will send treats!”
I laugh, picturing Oreo’s ears perking up at the sound of treats. “Will do. Love you, Mom.”
“Love you, too, Grant,” she says, and I can feel her warmth through the phone.
As I hang up, I feel a wave of relief knowing everything is well with my family. Everything is falling into place perfectly, including our little Frenchie guardian.
Chapter 9
Lennon
The apartment above Grant’s garage has been a wonderful little retreat, but it’s silly to have all my stuff in there when I’ve been sleeping in his bed every night. So, standing in the middle of Grant’s cabin, I turn to him and say, “I think I’m ready to move into your bedroom, Grant.”
His face lights up with a smile that makes my heart do a little tap dance. “It’s about time,” he replies, looking genuinely thrilled.
We spend the afternoon gathering my things, and Grant makes the whole process way more fun than I thought unpacking boxes could be. He treats each of my possessions as special, asking about the story behind an old music box or laughing at the collection of mismatched socks that somehow never found partners.
Then there’s Oreo. The little guy watches our every move, his dark brown eyes following us like a hawk’s. Grant, always thinking ahead, surprises me by having already gotten a plush doggy day bed for Oreo, all cozy and perfect for his size. It gets placed right near our bed so he can stay close.
The first night in Grant’s room feels like a new adventure. The bed is ridiculously comfortable, like a little cloud nestled in the corner of the log cabin. But Oreo has other ideas. He stands at the foot of the bed, looking up with a mix of betrayal and disbelief that his usual spot is occupied by Grant’s legs.
Grant smirks at me before leaning over to rummage around in his bedside drawer. When he pulls out a dark purple stuffed eggplant, I blink several times, wondering if I’m seeing that right. He sets it right on Oreo’s bed. “Here you go, buddy.”
To my surprise, Oreo sniffs the silly thing, and slowly but surely, his tail gives a little wag. In no time, he’s burrowing into the plush blanket with his new toy grasped tightly between his little paws, seemingly appeased by this exchange.
“Uhh…” I stare down at it before chuckling. “Where did you get that?”
“When I took Oreo into town for supplies, we stopped by the pet store. I told the little tyrant he could pick any toy, and he chose this one.” My mate shrugs, unconcerned that he just gave our dog a penis emoji.
“Do you realize what it is?” I can feel my face heating from this exchange.
“Of course, I know what it is.” Grant rolls his eyes. “I can’t help it if the little man liked it. He can like dick if he wants to.”
“That’s very progressive of you,” I tease back at his lighthearted tone.
“I live to make you and our little man happy.” He pulls me close before placing a soft kiss on my lips, melting me into a puddle of goo.
With Oreo satisfied, Grant and I turn out the lights. The room feels like a warm cocoon, filled with the quiet sounds of a home settling for the night. I snuggle close to Grant, his presence comforting and steady against my back.
“I’m happy to have you in my bedroom,” he murmurs against my hair, wrapping an arm around me and pulling me close.
“Me too,” I sigh, feeling a sense of peace wash over me. “I’m even happy to share with penis emoji-loving Frenchies.”
He laughs softly, a sound that makes me smile in the darkness. “Just a head’s up, but I’m not as easy to bribe with a stuffed eggplant.”
I giggle, squirming a little closer into his warmth. “Good to know. Maybe I can find another way to keep you happy.”