But the new cub wasn’t the only exciting thing about the coming summer. Luke and River announced that they were planning an official wedding, and Hunter and Riley piped in that they were considering a summer wedding too. This led to talk of a possible double wedding, and soon the excitement in the room had reached fever pitch. Carter and Clara glanced at each other, smiling happily as they took in the energy of a room full of people they loved.
As the chatter died down, Ian stood and addressed the group.
“There’s one more big matter we need to discuss,” he said. “As you all know, this year has brought us a lot of happiness in the way of new family. New mates, new cubs, and even a new polar bear shifter all the way from Alaska. But we haven’t officially made Clara a part of the Burning Claws Clan, and I’d say it’s high time that we welcome her officially. Obviously, if we agree to give her clan membership, Carter will be given clan membership as well. As alpha, I move to admit them both. Does anyone have any objections?”
Clara felt her heart leaping in her chest. She knew Ian had been busy, so she hadn’t wanted to press the matter. But she had been hoping that he would allow her to become an official clan member. As she looked around the room, the Burning Claws Clan members all smiled back at her. Clearly, no one was going to protest Ian’s motion.
“Alright, then,” Ian said. “Clara and Carter, we welcome you as clan members. You’re an official part of the family now.”
Cheers and whoops filled the air, and Clara and Carter both had wide smiles stretching across their faces.
“I can’t believe how lucky I am,” Carter whispered in Clara’s ear when the commotion finally lessened. “Even a few weeks ago I would have never imagined that I would find love, family, and friendship for the holidays.”
“It’s the magic of the season,” Clara said, squeezing his arm tight. “Love and joy can’t help but shine through during this time of the year.”
Clara looked around the room, full of happy faces and festive red and gold colors, and she knew it was true. Christmas magic was all around her.
* * *
One week later, the magic continued as the whole clan, except for Bailey, loaded into an airplane at a nearby skydiving center. The experienced smokejumpers were jumping with their own parachutes, and the other clan members were connected by a harness to experienced skydivers for a tandem jump. Clara sat in the plane, her hands shaking, as she watched the jumpers ahead of her. Ian, Charlotte, Hunter, Luke, Trevor, and Zach all hurled themselves out of the plane with exuberant whoops. Then Riley left the plane with her tandem master, screaming hysterically as the experienced skydiver tipped them both over the edge of the plane’s open door. River went next, screaming just as frantically as Riley had. Next was Mindy, who was going right before Clara. Clara watched in horror as she saw Mindy leave the plane. She couldn’t believe how quickly Mindy was sucked away toward the earth. That’s when Clara really started to panic.
“No, no, no. I changed my mind! I can’t do this,” she insisted as her tandem master pushed her toward the door.
“Too late to turn back now,” the tandem master said, pushing her closer to the door inch by inch.
Clara started screaming, and she looked over her shoulder at Carter, who was laughing uncontrollably at Clara’s distress. That bastard, Clara thought.
Then she was in the open doorway, looking at the ground fourteen thousand feet below her. She said a quick prayer, then screamed again as her tandem master launched them both away from the plane.
Suddenly, the roar of the engine was replaced with the sound of rushing wind. The sensation of the wind pushing against her, buoying her up, almost made Clara feel like she was swimming through water. But she wasn’t swimming. She was flying. And it was amazing.
The tandem master spun them around in circles, first to the right, and then to the left. They were hurtling toward the ground at one hundred and sixty miles an hour, and the adrenaline rush was like nothing Clara had ever felt before. She lost herself in the wonder of the moment, and was surprised when her downward flight was halted suddenly. She looked up and saw a huge red and yellow parachute above her head. Almost like red and gold, she thought to herself. Christmas colors. Perfect for a skydive to close out the festive holiday season.
For a few blissful minutes, Clara and her tandem master floated toward the earth. When they landed next to the airplane hangar, she saw the rest of the clan already gathering around Bailey, who had been waiting on the ground with Sophia and Drew. Carter landed a few minutes after Clara, and Bailey passed out paper cups filled with hot chocolate.
“That was incredible,” Clara said as Carter approached her. “I can’t believe how much fun I had. Although, I’m still mad at you for laughing at me on the plane.”
Carter laughed again, then leaned in to kiss her. “Sorry. If it makes you feel any better, you’re really cute when you’re terrified.”
Clara crossed her eyes and stuck her tongue out at Carter. “You’re lucky you’re so cute, mister.”
Carter just laughed, and then their playful argument was interrupted by Ian, calling for a hot chocolate toast. The clan members all raised their paper cups in the air as Ian spoke.
“Here’s to the end of a brilliant year, and a heartwarming holiday season. I’m so thankful for each and every one of you, and I’m looking forward to many more happy years and holidays as our clan continues to thrive and grow. Cheers!”
“Cheers!” echoed each of the clan members, tapping their cups together. Clara took a sip of her hot chocolate and smiled over at Carter. She grabbed his hand and squeezed it tight.
“Here’s to never spending the holidays alone again,” she said.
Carter smiled at her and kissed her forehead. “I have a feeling the holidays are only going to get better and better from here on out, with you by my side. Happy New Year, Bear.”
“Happy New Year, Bear,” Clara echoed, winking up at her man. He may not have been a literal bear, but he certainly had the heart of one.
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More From Sloane Meyers
Liked the Fire Bears? Then you’ll LOVE the Water Bears! Check out this steamy series from Sloane Meyers:
Book One: An Alpha’s Storm
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About the Author
There are shifters walking among us. Sloane Meyers is devoted to telling their stories.
Sloane thinks we could all use a little escape in our lives. And what better way to shake up the ordinary than to transport yourself to the mysterious world of those who have an animal within them, roaring to be let out. Sloane brings you hot shifter males, and spunky, spirited heroines—with NO cliffhangers! Each book can be read as a standalone.
When she’s not busy crafting shifter tales, Sloane enjoys a good glass of wine, preferably shared with good friends. She loves reading (duh!) and spending time in the great outdoors.
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Fire Bear Shifters: The Complete Series Page 60