Total pages in book: 24
Estimated words: 22480 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 112(@200wpm)___ 90(@250wpm)___ 75(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 22480 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 112(@200wpm)___ 90(@250wpm)___ 75(@300wpm)
The conversation flows effortlessly after that, filled with tales from the past mixed with dreams for the future. We talk about the logistics of the move—what needs to be packed and what will be sold or donated. Wrenlee is more than willing to help, which lightens the load considerably.
A few hours later, after we’ve packed several boxes and filled bags with items to be given away, the reality of the move starts to sink in. Emilia sits on the edge of her bed, looking around the room that’s been hers for so long.
“There are a lot of memories here,” she says softly.
I sit beside her, taking her hand. “You’ll make new ones in Glacier Pass. And Wrenlee will always be just a call or a visit away.”
Wrenlee joins us, adding her own words of comfort. “You’re going to love it there, Em Bean. And like Dillon said, I’ll visit as often as I can. Plus, you won’t be out of touch. There’s always video calls and holidays.”
Emilia nods, a small smile playing on her lips. “I know. It’s just a lot to take in. But I’m ready for this new chapter.”
“Me too,” I say, pulling her close and leaning over to place a kiss on her soft lips.
Wrenlee watches us, a thoughtful expression on her face. It’s clear she’s thinking about the future as well, about her own path and how it intersects with ours. There’s something unspoken in her gaze—hope, maybe, or determination. Whatever it is, it adds to the sense of unity that has settled over us.
Finally, with the bulk of the packing done for the day, we decide to wind down since the movers won’t be here until Monday to move all my mate’s things to Glacier Pass.
Emilia suggests a movie, and we gather on the small couch, propping our feet up on the coffee table loaded with our accumulated snacks. Wrenlee insists on watching a classic horror film, something appropriately gothic to match her current literary studies. Emilia and I exchange amused glances and agree.
When Emilia snuggles up next to me, I place my arm around her shoulders and hold her sweet body close. My inner bear grumbles about how long I’m waiting to mark her, but I shush the asshole and enjoy the quiet time with my mate and her sister.
By the time the credits roll, it’s late, and the city outside has quieted down to a low hum. Wrenlee stretches and yawns, looking content. “Thanks for today, you guys. I had a great time.”
“Same here,” I say, standing up and stretching out the residual tension from sitting for several hours. “We’ll tackle the rest of the packing tomorrow?”
“Definitely,” Emilia replies, her voice thick with sleepiness. “But for now, let’s call it a night.”
“Why don’t you take the bed, Emilia can have the sofa, and I’ll sleep in the recliner,” Wrenlee offers me, but there’s no way I’d sleep in the one bed in the apartment while my mate and her sister sleep in the living room.
“It makes more sense for me to take the sofa and you two can sleep in the bed.” It’s still a culture shock to me to imagine living in a space so small that sharing a tiny bed is necessary, but the high cost of living in the city facilitates cutting corners to make things work.
We say our goodnights and Emilia and Wrenlee head off to the small bedroom while I fold my six-foot-seven ass onto the barely adult-size floral sofa.
Willing myself to drift off to sleep, I stare at the ceiling, my mind fighting to settle into a peaceful rhythm. The thought of Glacier Pass, our new life, and the promise of Wrenlee’s visits weave through my thoughts, easing the restlessness that’s been assaulting me since the plane landed several hours ago.
Come morning, we’ll continue the process of moving my mate from this cramped apartment to the large apartment on my property. Hopefully, it won’t take me too long to convince her to move into the main house with me. My inner bear is insistent in the back of my mind, but I force him to be patient and let my human side take control of the situation.
Chapter 8
EMILIA
The next few days after returning from New York are a whirlwind of unpacking, settling back in, and catching up on everything I missed while I was away. I can’t deny that the trip, though necessary, made me long for the tranquility of Glacier Pass. The city’s hustle and bustle pale in comparison to the peaceful charm of this little town.
We spent the morning catching up in the office, and now, as evening approaches, a flutter of anticipation dances in my stomach. Dillon has offered to cook dinner at his place, a gesture that feels both intimate and comforting. But tonight, I’m ready for more than just comfort. I’m ready to take the next step and become Dillon’s mate for eternity.