Total pages in book: 19
Estimated words: 16943 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 85(@200wpm)___ 68(@250wpm)___ 56(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 16943 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 85(@200wpm)___ 68(@250wpm)___ 56(@300wpm)
“Pretty much. I can shift from bear to human and back whenever I choose,” he replies. “But when I do shift, it’s not just a physical change. It’s a primal connection that runs deep and my wild instincts take over.”
My mind races with questions I didn’t even know I had. “And you’re allowed to mate with humans?”
He smirks, clearly enjoying the deluge of questions I’m throwing at him. “Mating is automatic. There’s no fighting it.” He reaches out, taking my hand, and I feel the solid weight of connection as he lifts it to his lips, pressing a soft kiss against my knuckles, setting my skin ablaze, and sending heat coursing through me. “The universe doesn’t play around with this kind of thing. Once you’ve found your mate, it doesn’t matter if they’re human or shifter. It’s a done deal. What mates feel for each other is beyond love and passion. It’s everything.”
“Okay… and kids?” I prompt, my heartbeat quickening, partly from his touch, partly from the enormity of what he’s suggesting. I’ve always wanted kids and I’m not sure I can give up that dream even for my eternal soulmate.
“We can have as many kids as you want,” he continues, still holding my gaze with his hazel eyes that seem to hold the secrets of the world. “They’ll be born human and stay that way until their first shift, usually around four or five years old. We’ll be there for them, guiding them through the process.”
There’s an intensity in his eyes that sends shivers down my spine. “Oh man,” I say, trying to maintain an air of control despite the swirling emotions threatening to spill out. “This is a lot to take in.”
“Look, I know it’s a hell of a lot, but this is real. This is us,” he replies, his voice dipping lower, more earnest.
I bite my lip, feeling the rush of possibilities mixed with the weight of it all. Gabe’s words stick to me like honey, sweet yet heavy with meaning. I’ve never considered settling down or starting a family until now. But something about the way he looks at me ignites a fire deep inside me, and I know there’s no fighting what’s happening between us. It’s a done deal.
“I want you to make me yours,” I finally say, my heart pounding, the excitement dancing in my chest.
He blinks several times and I realize I’ve managed to shock my mate. He raises an eyebrow, the playful arrogance creeping back into his tone. “Hell fucking yes.” He grins, and I feel that warmth spreading through me again, like I’m enveloped in a giant bear hug. “Just know that, once I give you my mark, you’re stuck with me.”
“Bite?” The word slips out before I can really process it. I didn’t know this whole fated mate thing involved any kind of biting.
“Just a little nibble at the base of your throat,” he explains, his voice dropping to a husky whisper that sends a shiver through my body. “It’ll tie us together for all eternity.” He leans closer, that devilish glint in his eye, and winks. “I promise you’ll like it.”
A rush of both excitement and apprehension courses through me, but I want nothing more than to be his even if it involves a tiny bit of pain.
Chapter 7
Gabe
The moment Louisa agrees to be my mate, the entire universe shifts around me. It’s like fireworks igniting in my chest. The roaring signal tells me my world has suddenly become perfect. I’m not one to dwell on the heavy stuff, but the weight of her words settles over me, filling me with an insatiable need to make her mine.
Without even thinking, I stand up, my instincts kicking into overdrive. In one swift motion, I scoop her up into my arms, her laughter ringing out like a melody as I lift her. I dash toward my bedroom, the feel of her curvy body close sending a thrill through both me and my inner polar bear.
The door swings open, and I burst into my room, feeling the rush of adrenaline coursing through my veins. I kick the door shut behind me with a solid thud, trapping us in this moment. Her eyes widen with a mix of excitement and surprise reflecting in that warm gaze that drives me wild.
My heart pounds, the very thought of her being here, of us being here together, ignites something primal within me.
I watch as she bites her lip, that little quirk sending a jolt of energy through me. The tension builds, crackling in the air like a live wire. I take a step closer, closing the space between us.
“Are you ready for this?” I ask, my heart pounding in my chest as I reach out to tuck a loose curl behind her ear. The warmth of her skin sends a wild pulse through me.