“Yeah, get pissed off, brother, but it’s happening,” he says, his tone shifting to one of authority. “Now that’s an order I’m enforcing. This is a different time, and our women are different. The wagons aren’t going to work for them.” He gestures toward the road ahead. “You need to learn how to drive so you can get your woman to her prenatal appointments especially. You see that Jewel’s belly is growing. She’s got a strong cub, and it’s wearing her down.”
I nod reluctantly. Inside, I’m cringing at the thought of operating these metal deathtraps, but for Jackie, I’ll do it. I’ll do anything for her—learn to drive, build her a business, adapt to this new world that moves too fast and makes too much noise. None of it matters if it brings her happiness.
“Fine,” I concede. “I guess it means I’m getting my first driving lesson today.”
The docks come into view. Silas pulls the truck to a stop near the wooden piers where our clan members are already gathering. The morning sun reflects off the lake, gentle waves lapping at the dock as they prepare for another day of work on Jackie’s surprise.
“I can only give you a few hours of labor today while my woman is in that dreadful building,” he says, the hint of a pout in his voice making him sound more like a cub than an alpha.
I fall into laughter at his dramatic tone. “Oh brother, I know just what you mean. I will be cutting this shift short myself.” My expression grows more serious. “But my bear will have to getused to this. Jackie truly wants to work, and I want her to be happy.”
“You are a good mate to her, brother,” Silas says, then narrows his eyes thoughtfully. “She hasn’t run from your bear yet, has she?”
I glare at him. “No.”
Silas shrugs casually as he pulls the truck into a parking spot. “Maybe she should. It would definitely speed up the claiming process.”
“I don’t want to hurt my mate,” I protest, remembering how badly Jewel was hurt after running from Silas’s bear. “She couldn’t move for days.”
Silas rolls his eyes as he cuts the engine. “I think all human mates should run from their bear just once. That way, they truly understand.”
My bear perks up at this idea, excitement rushing through him at the thought of chasing Jackie through the forest, catching her. I feel annoyance at Silas for planting this seed. The last thing I need is my bear getting ideas about frightening Jackie.
I climb out of the truck, desperate to end this conversation, and go to stand by the water’s edge to wait for the ferry. The rest of the clan is already here, ready to work on Jackie’s boutique. Several nod respectfully as I approach, but they give me space, sensing my mood.
I should be content. I have Jackie, the space is nearly ready, but I’m longing for more. I want to see my mate’s belly grow with our cub. I want to witness the joy in her eyes when she sees her retail space for the first time.
I’m convinced that this, her business, is what’s holding her back, making her feel like she’s losing herself. Once she sees that she can have a piece of her old life here in Wintermoon, she’ll finally feel complete.
My bear, however, disagrees. He thinks Jackie needs to run from him, to trigger the primal instinct that will make her claim us fully, binding us together.
And deep down, despite my protests to Silas, a part of me is beginning to wonder if he’s right.
21
JACKIE
Iswing the chair around so my client, Ebony, Tristian’s mate, can admire my handiwork in the mirror. I’ve just finished giving her a fresh haircut with bouncy curls. She’d been complaining about how much maintenance her previous style required while juggling her roles as Academy Headmistress, clan member, and mother.
Ebony runs her hands through the curls, her face lighting up as they spring back into place. “You really know how to transform a woman,” she says, meeting my eyes in the mirror.
I shrug as I start gathering my styling tools. “It’s my calling. At least, I think it is.”
Ebony turns in the chair to face me directly. “When I met you four months ago, you were so full of life even though this world was new to you. But there’s something different in your eyes now.”
I busy myself cleaning up my station, not wanting her to see how her observation hits close to home. “I just like keeping busy,” I deflect, wiping down the counter.
“Sit down,” Ebony says, gesturing to the empty stylist chair beside her. When I hesitate, her expression softens. “Please.”
With a sigh, I sink into the chair, the vinyl cushion squeaking beneath me.
“I don’t have to be a shifter to know something is troubling you,” Ebony says, her eyes studying my face with the same thoughtful focus she probably uses with her students.
My shoulders slump slightly. “Look at you. You’re the Headmistress of Wintermoon Academy. And when I look at you, you look fulfilled.”
“And you’re not?” she asks, leaning forward.
I shrug, feeling my face fall despite my attempts to keep my expression neutral. “I don’t know. I feel ungrateful sometimes for not enjoying this place. Wintermoon truly is a paradise.”
