Jackie weakly reaches up and runs her hand over my chest. “You bit me,” she whispers, before slowly passing out.
I climb off her and go grab a towel, dampening it in the sink. I return to the bed and gently clean the blood from her neck, being as careful as possible not to wake her. I place the towel in the hamper, then pick up her sleeping body and reposition her on the bed so that she’s comfortable.
Climbing back into bed with her, I make sure to stay close, and pull the blanket over her while she sleeps. My bear cravesa celebratory hunt, but there’s no way I’m leaving her. I’ll stay close to her until the sun rises, my excitement bubbling inside me.
I’m eager for her to meet Silas, and Jewel, who I can sense is already planning to stop by to welcome our newest member. Wintermoon has so much to offer her, and beyond that, there’s Axel clan—she’s met Tristian, but my other cousins are going to love her.
Jackie stirs in her sleep, and I pull her against me, wanting to feel her warmth. So many plans, so many memories I intend to make with her. My bear starts to complain again about hunting.
“Shut up! We will go on our hunt, but let me enjoy this moment,” I tell him,“We have her, our beautiful mate.”
Jackie moans and shifts, then mumbles, “Don’t tell me to shut up.”
I chuckle, gently rubbing her back. “Not you, baby. Never you. I was talking to my bear.”
She begins to snore softly, and it’s the most adorable sound I’ve ever heard. A sound I get the privilege of hearing for the rest of my life.
16
JACKIE
It’s the sound of something moving around downstairs that finally wakes me. I sit up with a yawn, stretching my arms overhead as memories of last night flood back like a tidal wave. Jabari.
The way he loved me, took care of me, made me feel special—like the only woman in the world. The way he stroked his dick in and out of me, stretched me out... I couldn’t leave this shifter if I wanted to. He didn’t just fuck me; he made love to me. I feltloved.
A loud thump from downstairs makes me pull the sheet up to cover myself instinctively. Voices drift up from below—unfamiliar, deep, male voices mixed with furniture being shifted around.
I slide out of bed and look for the bags, only to find the clothes neatly stacked on the dresser along with toiletries. Whoever organized them took the time to carefully arrange everything, a small gesture that touches me unexpectedly.
I pick through the clothes, frowning. None of this stuff is my style, and not a single dress in sight. Just leggings and t-shirts that look like they came from a big-box store clearance rack.With a resigned sigh, I grab a nice shirt and pair of leggings, along with some underwear, the toothbrush, and mouthwash before heading for the bathroom.
The mirror doesn’t sugarcoat things—I look like absolute hell. My hair is pretty much sweated out and curly, sticking up in places it has no business being. But what really catches my attention is the mark on my neck. A perfect imprint of teeth marks where he bit me last night.
I brush my fingers over the mark, the skin slightly raised but not painful. Why did he do that? It wasn’t an accident—I remember the look in his eyes right before.
I stare at my reflection a moment longer before turning on the water to brush my teeth. The mint taste of the toothpaste helps clear my head, bringing me fully into this new day, this new life.
Under the shower spray, I let the hot water wash away the remnants of last night’s passion while my mind tries to make sense of everything. Just days ago, I was a boutique owner in Detroit facing eviction. Now I’m the claimed mate of a bear shifter, waking up in a cabin in Wintermoon territory. Life comes at you fast.
I finish my shower quickly, dry off, and get dressed. The leggings hug my curves nicely—at least Leah got the size right—but the shirt is boxy and unflattering. I do the best I can with the limited hair products, slicking my hair into a gelled-down ponytail. It’s not my usual style, but it’ll have to do until I can get my own things.
Taking a deep breath, I slip on my flip-flops and leave the bedroom. As I start down the stairs, nervousness stirs within me. The living room is full of activity—large men moving furniture, carrying boxes, assembling what looks like a new entertainment center. I freeze halfway down, taking it all in.
That’s when I spot him. Jabari stands at the bottom of the stairs, grinning up at me. He’s as messy as always, but looks cleaned up in yet another oversized shirt and loose pants. I notice immediately that he’s not wincing anymore—the pain that had creased his forehead last night is gone. His eyes light up when they meet mine, and despite everything, my heart skips a beat.
I continue down the stairs, and he immediately pulls me into his arms, enveloping me in his warmth and scent.
“Good morning, beautiful,” he murmurs against my hair.
I reach up and stroke his beard gently, enjoying the rough texture against my fingertips. “You’re not wincing. Your headache is gone?”
“Yes, baby,” he says, his voice a deep rumble that I feel against my palm. He leans down and presses a soft kiss to my cheek, his lips lingering for a moment. “I feel much better.”
I pull back slightly, looking around at the commotion. “What’s all this?”
“It’s the clan,” Jabari says, pride evident in his voice. “They know who you are to me, and they are providing more furniture to make sure our home is comfortable for you.”
Our home. The words evoke equal parts excitement and fear.
