“The more I think about it, the more I think it’s a good idea. We can ask lots of local businesses to donate things. It would be good advertising for them since I aim to get everyone in Bear Creek and Bear Bluff involved.” Ronni was confident they could raise the funds they needed if she could pull the community together.
“It certainly would. With Christmas just around the corner, it will be a huge success. Although it will also be a huge feat to pull it off at such short notice.” Sian stared out of the window for a moment. “But I’m certain we can do it if we get more people to help.”
Ronni gave a confident nod. “Okay, an auction it is.”
“And the grooming parlor?” Sian asked. “I’ve been taking a class on dog grooming. We have most of the equipment we need already. I could pay you for the use of the building and the equipment. Since I don’t know when I’m ever going to actually see any of my divorce settlement.”
“What a great idea, it would make the animal shelter more sustainable.” They could do so much more for the animals if they had a regular income. “Sian, you are a genius.”
“Thanks.” She blushed again as if unused to praise. “And the shifter angle is something we could ask around about. You know lots of shifters, I’m sure.”
Ronni rolled her eyes. “I wonder how many times I’ll get laughed at for asking.”
“Don’t ask, don’t get.” Sian picked up her coffee cup and drank deeply. “It’s still hot. Like your man.”
Ronni nearly sprayed her coffee across the office. When she’d finished coughing, she said, “He is, isn’t he?” Then she looked down at her old clothes. “I wonder what he thinks of me. On second thought, I don’t want to know.”
“Why not?” Sian asked. “I’m sure he sees a hard-working woman who is loving and loyal and who any person would be happy to have in their corner if the chips were down. I know I would. These animals only stand a chance because of your passion for this place.”
Tears choked Ronni’s throat. She was used to working with the only praise coming in the form of wagging tails and purring cats. “Thanks, Sian.”
“You’re welcome. Sometimes it’s as hard to hear the good things about ourselves as the bad. Which is why I tell my girls something good about themselves every single day.” Sian left the office and went to the sink to wash the cups.
Ronni wandered across to the window and stared out at Lucas’s truck. They’d lived within about five miles of each other their whole lives. It was strange they’d never met.
Fate kept us apart until now, her bear told Ronni.
Which means we were brought together now for a reason.
On the same day we were told the animal shelter was in danger.
“I’m going back outside,” Ronni called over her shoulder. “I really like the ideas you came up with, Sian.”
“I’ll continue working on them,” Sian said, coming back into the office. “You go spend some time with your man. Sorry…your mate.”
“I might just do that,” Ronni said and pushed the door open. The cold November wind hit her squarely in the face and she thought of all the stray animals out there who were cold and hungry.
With a new resolve to keep the shelter open no matter what, she strode back toward her mate.
Chapter Four – Lucas
Lucas sensed his mate, even before she swung open the gate of the barn where he was sitting with Jessie. It was a new experience for him, as if his shifter senses had an upgrade.
“How is she?” Ronni asked as she approached.
“We are bonding over some intense ear scratching and head stroking. Isn’t that right, Jessie?” Lucas looked down at Jessie, who raised her eyes and looked at him with her deep brown eyes. There was a heartbreaking sadness in them. Jessie was lost and confused, as if her heart had been ripped out of her chest and split in two.
Sentimental over a dog, his bear observed. I never thought I’d see it.
But Jessie was more than a dog, she’d been a family member and now she needed a new family.
“She looks more relaxed.” Ronni hunkered down next to Lucas and reached out a hand to stroke Jessie. “Hey there, girl.”
Jessie lifted her head for an instant before it flopped back down onto Lucas’s thigh. “I think she likes us.”
“Us?” Ronni asked.
“Yes.” His brow creased. “If I adopt her, she’ll be our family dog.”
Ronni teetered on her toes and then sat down. “She will. Won’t she?”
“Yes. We’re mates and although I’m not going to railroad you into anything, I’d hope we’d live together sometime soon.” He studied her face as a mixture of emotions floated across it.
“Live together.”
Damn, had he blown it?
“Or marriage. I am the marrying kind,” he added quickly. He let out a pent-up breath. “Whatever you want, I’m cool with.”
Ronni nodded. “I need to focus on the animal shelter right now. Are you okay with that?”
Lucas cracked a smile. “More than okay. I’ll do whatever it takes for us to save the shelter.”
“That would make a good slogan,” Ronni pointed out.
“Glad to help.” He grinned and then the smile slid from his face. “Are you okay?”
Ronni glanced at him for a second, then her hands shot to her cheeks. “You mean because I’m all red and blotchy. That happens when I cry.”
“I like red and blotchy,” Lucas volunteered. “But I didn’t mean what you look like. That doesn’t matter to me. I mean it does, and you are beautiful…” His eyes roamed over her. She had the most beautiful auburn hair which was pulled back into a practical ponytail on top of her head. And her eyes were blue, clear blue like the early morning sky on a cold, crisp winter’s day.
“You don’t have to flatter me.” She smiled a self-deprecating smile.
“I’m not flattering you. I’m being honest.” He leaned forward and took hold of her hand, pulling it away from her face. Then he drew her closer, his eyes fixed on her luscious lips. If he kissed her right now, would she bolt for the door?
Only one way to find out for sure. Lucas was a man who never backed down when he wanted something and right now, he wanted to taste his mate’s lips.
He toyed with her hair, twisting a silky strand around his fingers. Ronni swallowed hard and then gazed into his eyes as if mesmerized by him. A smile played across her lips, then her tongue snaked out and moistened them. It was an invitation, one he intended to accept.
Electrifying. That was how he’d remember their first kiss from this day until he took his last breath in this world. He slid his hand to the small of her back and pulled her close. She pressed her body against his, her softness molding around his hard-toned body.
Their kissed deepened, his tongue entwined with hers. Until a thumping sound broke the spell.
“Jessie!” Ronni exclaimed.
Lucas chuckled. “I think she approves.”
“I think she does,” Ronni agreed as she stroked Jessie’s broad head. “Good girl.” The thumping grew louder, and Jessie lifted her head, looking first at Ronni and then at Lucas.
“She knows she’s going to make a family with us.” He stroked Ronni’s cheek. “She was lucky the shelter took her in.”
“We try to help every animal that needs a home,” Ronni told him as if she were about to slip into her role promoting the animal sanctuary. “I figure everyone deserves a second chance at life. You know, it doesn’t always work out right the first time. Or the second time.”
“It’s all about picking yourself up and giving it another try.” He patted Jessie. “This girl knows that and it’s what we teach the kids that come to stay at Chance Heights.”
“I’m glad we share the same philosophy.” Ronni patted Jessie on the head and then pushed herself to a standing position. “I should get on with my chores.”
Lucas stood up, too. And so did Jessie. He immediately crouched down and patted her on the head reassuri
ngly. “You have to stay here for a little while longer, Jessie. But I promise I’ll come back for you.” He glanced up at Ronni. “When can I take her home?”
“Soon. You’ll have to go through the usual checks and fill out the adoption papers.” Ronni took a couple of steps backward. “But I should be able to rush it through. Under the circumstances.”
“Under the circumstances…” He wrapped his arms around her and pulled her close. “These certainly are extreme circumstances.”
“Very extreme.” She tilted her head back and he kissed her lips. Ronni reached up and curled her fingers into his hair that flicked up at the nape of his neck.
“And you’re okay with that?” he asked gently, his lips grazing her cheek as he waited for her reply.
She nodded, her eyes dilated as she looked up at him. “I feel as if I’ve been hit by a freight train,” she murmured. “But right now, I’m okay with that.”
Lucas smiled. “We will work this out together. Plus, I have an extended family that will help out, too.” A crease appeared on his brow. Was it the right time to tell her there were dragon shifters living in Bear Creek? The shock of that new knowledge might be enough to tip Ronni over the edge.
Or the thrill of knowing might be enough to make her realize anything is possible, his bear added.
I’ll speak to the dragons first, Lucas decided. It’s only right they know their secret is about to be spread a little wider.
“I can’t wait to meet them.” Ronni’s tone didn’t sound too sure.
“You will when you come for the home check. We all pretty much live in and around Chance Heights.” His brother and his mate, Joanna, plus her two adopted children had moved in around six months ago. Joanna was pregnant with their first child and the house was beginning to feel a little cramped.
“I live with my parents. When I’m not here. I don’t know where we are we going to live…” Ronni stalled.
“It’s a little soon to think about that.” He dropped a kiss on her cheek. “Let’s take one step at a time, shall we? And that first step is saving the shelter.”
She sighed in relief. “Yes, please. I want to deal with the animal shelter first and then we can work out our lives.” She glanced up at him. “If that’s okay with you.”
“It’s okay with me.” He took her hand as they left the kennels and walked back toward the reception office. “It’s going to be weird for a while, isn’t it?”
“Getting used to the idea that you have to consider someone else’s thoughts and plans before you do anything?” Ronni asked a little too quickly.
“Something like that.” He stopped and pulled her into his arms. “I think…and correct me if I’m wrong, but we’re both used to working hard in careers we believe in. You here with the animals and me with the kids who stay at Chance Heights.”
She nodded, looking relieved. “We’re on the same wavelength. I can’t drop everything, even if I wanted to. Which I don’t.”
“Absolutely. We fit in around each other until we figure out what works.” He looked up at the building that housed the animals. “So you don’t live at the shelter?”
She shook her head. “At least not officially.” A sheepish expression crossed her face. “I do stay here more often than I sleep at home. There’s often a sick animal that needs extra care. And I like doing a last check on them all late at night.”
“So when we buy the land, we could also perhaps build a house here. Or an apartment where someone could stay over?” His suggestion was met with a grin.
“I’m liking you more and more, Lucas. If we can raise enough money, it would be good for their safety and security if there was someone here twenty-four-seven.” She inclined her head and then resumed walking back to the office. “Sian thinks we can do it. I’ll get my family to help and all the volunteers. I’m sure between us we can organize an auction.”
“An auction? That’s a good plan. Are we talking an auction of promises?” Lucas asked as they entered the office.
Sian immediately looked up. “I like that idea a lot.” Sian’s eyes lit up with excitement. “Isn’t there a famous movie star living in Bear Creek?”
“Carter Eden.” Lucas nodded.
“He sells the best honey beer,” Ronni told Sian. “I was going to ask him to donate a crate or two.”
“What if he donated something else, like a date with a fan?” Sian suggested.
“He’s married,” Ronni replied.
“Okay, something else. I’m thinking of a headline for our auction.” Sian frowned. “Do you think he’d do it?”
“I’ll ask him,” Ronni agreed.
“About the beer and the date?” Sian asked.
“Caroline, his wife, wouldn’t like him going on a date with anyone.” Ronni’s eyes flashed. “But perhaps he could donate a signed picture of himself.”
“Ronni’s right.” Lucas put his arm around Ronni. “Asking Carter to go on a date wouldn’t be fair. How about if he leads a guided tour of the Bear Creek Honey Beer Brewery? That would attract men and women.”
Sian giggled. “Men for the beer and women to ogle a movie star.”
“And it’s a one of a kind thing.” Lucas grinned. “I might even bid on it myself.”
“Just make sure you save enough money to bid on Ronni,” Sian warned.
“Oh, I’m not putting myself in the auction!” Ronni waved her hands in the air as if fending off the suggestion.
“You have to. We all have to,” Sian told her. “Lead by example.”
Lucas slipped his arm around Ronni’s shoulders. “I might have to flip a coin to see whether I bid on the beer tour or my mate.”
Ronni nudged him in the stomach. “I’m already having second thoughts about you as my mate. And wait until I tell Jessie, she might decide you are not the owner for her either.”
Lucas laughed. “You know I’m only joking.” He pulled her close and kissed her lips swiftly before letting her go. “I need to get back to Chance Heights, so if it’s okay with you, I’ll fill out those forms now.”
“Changing the subject,” Ronni raised her eyebrows at Sian who laughed.
“You two make a great couple. I can see you’ll be very happy.” She sighed and went back to work while Ronni went to a filing cabinet and took out an adoption form. After rummaging on her desk for a pen, she set the form down in front of Lucas and said, “Here, fill in all your details. I’ll book a home visit in the calendar.”
As he wrote out his name and address, he pondered the idea of building a house here and living with Ronni next to the animal sanctuary.
He’d always assumed he’d live in Chance Heights for the whole of his life, it was his home, the place he’d grown up in. The place he’d felt safe even when his parents died. Nana had stepped into their parents’ role and raised the three Chance children as her own.
How things had changed over the last year or so. All the Chance children and Nana had found their mates.
Lucas paused and looked over his shoulder. Were they out there somewhere, his mom and dad, watching over their children? He liked to think so.
“Right, here we go.” Lucas slid the form across the table to Ronni.
“I’ll see you tomorrow at ten, if that’s okay.” Ronni placed the form in front of her and scrutinized it.
“I thought I might see you tonight?” Lucas asked hopefully.
Ronni’s shoulders sagged forward. “I can’t, sorry, I have this family thing…”
“Oh, okay.” He gave a half smile.
“And I’d like to break the news to them that I’ve found my mate.” She glanced at Sian but then continued. “They were beginning to get worried I might never find my mate. I’m the eldest child…” She dragged a hand through her hair. “It’s stupid.”
“No, it’s not. You tell them and maybe I could meet them soon.” Lucas backed out of the door. “See you tomorrow at ten.”
“Can’t wait,” Ronni said. She watched him leave, which was one of t
he hardest things he’d ever done in his life. It was as if his body became heavier with each footstep he took. He wanted to turn around and run back to her, but eventually, he made it to the truck and got in.
With the door shut and the radio on, he drove away from his mate. He would be counting down the minutes until he saw her next.
Chapter Five – Ronni
Ronni groaned inwardly. “Do I have to do it?” She was trying to avoid the many questions that Sian was itching to ask.
“You mean auction yourself?” Sian tilted her head to one side. “Lucas will buy you.” She raised her eyebrows so high they nearly disappeared under her bangs.
Ronni blushed. “That would be just weird.” She gave a half smile. “He already owns me anyway. Heart and soul.”
“Wow, that bad?” Sian asked with interest. “This mating bond really means a lot to you.”
“It means everything,” Ronni said simply. “A shifter can wait their whole life for their mate to come along. And if they don’t find them, marriage and family are something they miss out on. Even though it’s the most important thing to a shifter.”
“Maybe I would like to meet my mate,” Sian said dreamily, but then she snapped herself out of her daydream. “So why didn’t you arrange to meet him tonight?”
“Because I’m having dinner with my family.” It wasn’t a great explanation. In truth, Ronni wasn’t sure why she’d shied away from meeting Lucas tonight.
Because you think you need a makeover, her bear told her.
Ronni automatically reached to smooth her mess of hair. Had she even dragged a brush through it this morning before she put it up into a ponytail? She’d been so focused on checking in on a new litter of puppies she’d helped deliver two days ago that she couldn’t remember. The mom had only been at the animal shelter for two weeks after spending weeks on the streets in Reamington and Ronni was worried she might not have enough milk to feed them all.
“Are you okay?” Sian asked. “You seem to have drifted off there for a moment.”
“He’s pretty hot, isn’t he?” Ronni's eyes drifted to the window and her mind conjured up an image of Lucas in his denim jeans that hugged his long, lean thighs like a second skin.
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