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 let out a laugh. “Hey, I love my sleep, too. Anything less than ten hours, and I’m completely useless.” A question suddenly pops into my mind. “Do you shift with the full moon or something?” I ask, trying to imagine a house full of bears every lunar cycle.
“No, I shift on demand,” he says with a grin. “I’ve got full control of my bear, even when he doesn’t agree with me.”
I can’t believe how much I didn’t know. “I read online that polar bears are solitary creatures,” I mention. Between researching polar bears and the shifter side of things, I’ve seen a mix of wild theories. Some sites make shifters sound like a bad sci-fi novel, while others describe them as just another part of the world.
“Yeah, polar bear shifters have a mix of polar bear and human genes. We’re not big fans of crowds, but most of us live in communities with our own kind. We blend in with humans. Most don’t even realize we’re around,” Grant explains.
Each answer spins more questions in my mind. “Is it normal for shifters to mate with humans?” That seems like a biggie.
“It’s fairly common.” He lifts my hand up to his warm lips. “When shifters find their mate, the bond is sealed with a bite. It leaves a mark at the base of your throat. It connects us—our life forces become intertwined so we journey through this life and beyond together.”
“So, you’re not immortal?” I’ve seen all sorts of opinions online, so I need to clear this up.
“Nope. We’re tough, and our inner animals help us outlive humans by a bit, but we all meet our end someday.”
“Together,” I say softly, wanting to be sure about what our future really means. I’m already head over heels in love with my polar bear shifter.
“Could we have kids? And would they be shifters?” The questions keep bubbling up.
“Our kids start human, but their first shift usually happens when they’re around five or six years old. Don’t worry, I’ll make sure you’re ready when the time comes.”
I can’t help asking, “When did you first realize I’m your mate?”
“The instant I saw you in the hotel hallway. My inner bear fought me like never before while shouting ‘Mine.’”
“Your parents won't be upset with you for mating a human?” I wonder aloud.
“They’re going to love you. My brother, Dillon, just found his human mate,” he reassures me, pulling me close. I’m getting lost in him, his words becoming a little hazy alongside my soaring heart rate. “But, just so you know, they’ll give us space after we’re mated. We’re a close family, but polar bears respect each other’s independence more than most human in-laws do.”
I blink, taking it all in. “Wow, that’s a lot to process.”
“I’m positive you’re the best thing that’s ever happened to me,” Grant says, his gaze deep and full of love, making my heart do somersaults.
I’m running out of questions, partly because it’s hard to think straight right now. But one more pops up. “Tell me about your family.”
“Our clan’s pretty mixed. My dad’s a grizzly from Honey Pot Hollow. He met my mom, a polar bear shifter, when he moved here. Polar bear genes are stronger, so most of us were born polar bear cubs, but we’ve got one grizzly sister. Gabe, my twin, is older by two minutes. Then there’s the best—me. Next, comes Gianna, and finally, Dillon.”
“Wow, how am I ever gonna keep all this straight?” I laugh, dizzy from information overload and his nearness.
Then Grant kisses me, and all those remaining questions just melt away. As his lips meet mine, I realize everything else can wait. Right now, the warmth and connection are more than enough.
It suddenly occurs to me that despite our differences, or maybe because of them, we just click. There’s something seamlessly simple about how we’ve gelled together; it’s as if the snow brought us exactly where we needed to be. No forced moments, just the easy flow of two lives beginning to intertwine.
The evenings are my favorite. After our talk, we watch the sunset spill gold through the evergreens, just soaking up the peacefulness all around us. Oreo snuggles into his usual spot between us, content to watch the dusk settle.
Later that night, I climb into bed in my cozy little apartment above the garage, feeling a deep sense of love and contentment. My new life doesn't feel like I’m following someone else’s path. It’s my own destiny, crafted from decisions I never could have predicted but now wouldn’t trade for anything.
Life here isn’t just about figuring out what’s next or what it means to be a polar bear shifter’s mate. It’s about taking each day as it comes and enjoying the journey. And right now, that’s more than enough.
Chapter 6
Grant
I’m standing at the edge of the porch, watching the snowflakes lazily drift down and disappear into the white blanket covering the yard. It’s one of those peaceful mornings where everything feels right in the world, and I can’t help but think how quickly I’ve gotten used to having Lennon and Oreo around. It’s like they’ve always been a part of this place.