“Well, yes, sort of.” I struggle to explain something that’s instinctual to my kind. “My bear needs to know that you love him, and the claiming process would confirm that. Words don’t work with him, only primal action.”
I pull her into my arms. “I know how you feel about me.”
She rests her head against my chest, and for a moment, the world feels perfect.
“Okay, lovebirds,” Jewel calls with a light chuckle. “Jabari, get off her for a little bit. I want Jackie to enjoy her shopping experience.”
I frown at being separated from my mate but obey my Luna’s command. To my surprise and pleasure, Jackie takes my hand, pulling me along as Silas and Jewel lead the way toward the market. Jewel points out the clothing store, and Jackie pauses at the window display where a white wedding gown stands on a mannequin.
“You have wedding ceremonies in Wintermoon?” she asks, looking up at me.
I shrug, reaching out to brush my fingers over her claim mark. “The women call them vow renewal ceremonies. We don’t have traditional weddings. The claiming process is considered how we marry in my culture.” I explain how the Queen of Wintermoon holds ceremonies monthly, allowing human mates to maintain their traditions.
Moving closer, I stroke her cheek. “I will gladly give you a vow renewal if you wish it.”
Heat risings in her cheeks. “Hold on, killer. We just met.”
I laugh lightly, knowing she’s teasing. A thousand years of waiting doesn’t feel like “just met” to my bear, but I understand her human perspective.
Jackie continues looking around, marveling at the atmosphere. “So many shifters, just walking around the market like it’s a typical day for them.”
“It is a typical day for them,” I explain. “This isn’t normal elsewhere. Most prides, packs, and clans don’t usually congregate like this. We typically stick to our own.” I gesture to the land around us. “But Wintermoon—“ I pause, sweeping my arm to encompass everything “—is the safe haven we’ve been praying to Mother Fate for.”
Jackie looks at me curiously. “The lion shifters are different?” She notices some males and females with visible feline features—traces of their animal forms in their faces, hands, feet, and the tails swaying behind them.
“Lion shifters cannot fully shift into human form,” I explain. “Something about their lion being stubborn. I don’t know much about their lore.”
“Oh, that’s interesting but also really cool,” she says, smiling and giggling as she waves to a female lion shifter who greets her.
I take her hand, tipping my head respectfully to the other patrons as I guide Jackie up the stairs and into the retail space. Once inside, I pause, catching a familiar scent—that distinctive magical vampire-like scent. I exchange a look with Silas, who confirms my suspicions.
Kade and Leah are here.
While Jackie starts filling her cart with clothes, she notices my distraction. “Is something wrong?”
I kiss her cheek. “No. Kade is here. She probably wants to chastise me more about sinking the ship.”
“Oh, I’ll come with you,” Jackie offers immediately.
“No, baby,” I tell her, touched by her loyalty. “Go fill the cart up with whatever you need. Let me and Silas deal with this.”
“Are you sure? This wasn’t all your fault.”
I lean in and kiss her on the lips. “Baby, I’ve got it.”
I move closer and steal a touch, smoothing my hand over her ass. The feel of it, the softness, the curves—I can’t wait for tonight when she sits on my face. I have to pull myself from my lustful thoughts, reluctantly withdrawing my hand.
“Yes, I’ve got it, baby,” I reassure her. “Whatever you can’t find in the market, I’ll order it for you.”
Jackie pauses. “Well, yes, there are a few things I want to get online. You have a credit card or something?”
I smile and reach into my pocket, pulling out my wallet and offering her a card. “This human currency I never use. The market works on a barter system. They also take human money, but it’s to help the humans here feel comfortable until they adjust. Whatever you pick out will go on the Clan’s tab, which we settle with the market once a week.”
“Oh. That’s a lot.”
“Go,” I encourage her. “The internet is set up in the cabin now, so grab a laptop while you’re in here.”
Jackie nods, then pushes her cart toward Jewel, who’s waiting patiently for her.
