by Vivian Arend
They were one. The sensation was brand-new and in an even more intimate way than the physical joining of sex.
“Does this mean we’re mates for real?” she asked.
He pressed a kiss to her lips. “We are. Forever.”
20
They stayed in the settlement until the day after Boxing Day.
It was just after lunch when they gathered by the plane, two separate parties preparing to take off in different directions.
Alex and Lara had decided to take her wolves and a sled and do the journey in reverse to gather any supplies Cooper and Amber had abandoned on the trip north. Traveling with four of them in wolf or bear form, and one in human meant they could take turns and complete the trip in only a few days.
Alex grinned at Cooper when he paced over to say farewell. “Lara got a straight answer out of Dixon. He came up with the stowaway gig because the couple of guys with him don’t do well without Alpha supervision. There was talk of over-the-top mischief. Lara is going to run the rebellion out of them.”
“Makes sense.” Cooper frowned. “But now I’m curious. Who has been in charge while you and Lara were here?”
“Auntie Amethyst,” Alex said with a laugh. “She was delighted to do it. Other than a few problem children, I’m sure she’s having the time of her life bossing them all around.”
Cooper could see that. “Thanks for grabbing our stuff.”
His brother examined him carefully. “You seem solid. How’s the situation between you and Amber?”
“Great. It’s not exactly what I expected, but there’s something uniquely ours about this mating.”
Alex hesitated. “And your bear is fine?”
Good grief. “He’s never been better. He’s constantly taunting me with the fact he can talk to Amber, and I can’t.”
“That’s so weird,” Alex said. “But like you said, it seems to be just how it works for you two.”
Cooper wrapped Alex in a huge bro hug, pounding between his shoulder blades firmly before letting him go. “We’ll see you back in Yellowknife.” Then he caught Amber up in his arms and carried her to the plane, her laughing eyes his strongest memory from the journey home.
Now it was New Year’s Eve, and the entire family had gathered at Grandmother and Grandfather’s for the dual celebration. They would ring in the new year as a family, but they were also toasting Grandfather’s eighty-fifth birthday.
Giles Borealis sat at the head of the table, glass of whiskey beside him and a contented smile on his face. “You’ve done me proud, boys. Never dreamed what a blessing it would be to have this day come. You’ve more than made this old man happy, and you deserve every bit of goodness coming your way.”
He indicated the slim envelopes beside each of their plates, which Cooper assumed contained the specifics of the new ownership of Borealis Gems. He really didn’t need to open it right now.
He already had the biggest reward in his life—his mate.
Alex’s phone went off as a Facetime call came in from their parents, and the whole family gathered around to talk to Giles Jr. and Glenda Borealis. Gentle teases and excited good wishes were all part of it.
Cooper stepped back and let his brothers do the majority of the talking.
When the visit was over, he glanced across the room and discovered his grandmother smiling at him with approval.
He went and pressed a kiss to her cheek. “I love you, Gram.”
“I love you too, sweetie.”
Everyone else in the room was still busy chatting, and it felt appropriate to ask, all things considered. “You sent me the ring for Amber, didn’t you? I thought I recognized it.”
Grandma Laureen nodded, her soft smile shining on her face. “I wasn’t sure your mating would go exactly the way it did with Giles and myself, but having the support of family made a difference. Plus, a ring is a human bit of tradition, and I wasn’t sure you’d remember that little detail.”
He’d never even thought about his grandparents’ mating other than knowing that humans and polar bears could successfully be together for a long time. “Grandma, not to be impolite, but can you and Grandfather talk to each other like mated shifters?”
She glanced across the room, her bright gaze dancing over his grandfather. Giles was laughing with Amber as she tried unsuccessfully to blow out what had to be a trick candle on his cake.
Suddenly Grandfather Giles looked up, turning his attention toward his mate then fixing a stare on Cooper. “Don’t know why you never asked me,” he shouted across the distance. “Young whippersnappers.”
Which answered that question. Sort of.
Grandma Laureen raised a brow. “We have our ways,” she said mysteriously.
Suspicion rose as he eyed her back. “That wasn’t an answer.”
“You’re smart enough to figure it out,” she said with a wink. Then she rose and joined Kaylee and Lara, who were pulling out a box from behind the couch.
Oh.
Oh.
Could you tell Amber I’d like to play a trick on my grandfather? Cooper said to his bear.
I don’t know if I want to be your delivery boy, his inner bear teased good-naturedly. Except, when I chat with Amber, she says nice things to me. So… Okay. What’s the message for our gal?
Stop flirting with my mate, Cooper said.
Our mate. What’s the trick?
Tell her to ask him if he still has that bottle of Macallan Estate single malt whiskey hidden behind the antique set of encyclopedias. And if he does, the boys would love a drink.
The now-familiar buzzing went off at the back of his brain. It wasn’t uncomfortable. In fact, it was soothing to know that his bear was in love with Amber as well and wanted the best for her.
When his grandfather went into a coughing spree on the other side of the room, Cooper turned his back to hide his grin.
Amber says he wants to know how she knows about that.
She also knows about the smoked-salmon stash in the game room fridge. He should just break out the liquor, or she’ll also know about the Ghirardelli in the freezer that Grandmother would simply love.
This time the buzzing came at the same time as his bear’s response, which made Cooper suspect the beast had figured out how to talk to both of them at the same time. I like you being devious. Also, did you mention smoked salmon?
You’re a good bear. I’ll save some for you to enjoy tonight on our walk.
I like you, dude. We’re a good team.
A few minutes later Amber was beside him, her face glowing and a brimming glass of whiskey in her hand. “Your grandfather sent this with his compliments and a request that you not tell me all his secrets. He seems to think I might tell your grandmother.”
“Because you would, wouldn’t you, dear?” Grandmother Laureen waved them over, the Ghirardelli chocolate bar in her fingers wiggling like a flag.
Cooper kissed Amber. Carefully, because of the fifty-year-old whiskey in one hand.
She led him to where their family were waiting eagerly. Lara held out a brightly wrapped present. Two more rested at Kaylee’s and Lara’s feet.
Amber frowned. “Christmas is over.”
“I forgot to put these in the bags we sent earlier,” Grandmother Laureen explained. “They’re just something fun.”
By now everyone was gathered in the living room. Alex sat on the arm of Lara’s chair. James and Kaylee were on the floor, side by side, legs tangled together.
Grandfather was in his easy chair, Grandmother next to him. They held hands over the short distance between them, the connection as tight as if they were one person.
Cooper noticed all this in a moment as he took in the room and the people in his heart who were near.
He settled Amber on the couch beside him, his arm wrapped around her, but knew that if they’d been sitting on opposite sides of the room, they’d feel just as close.
Amber tore into her gift’s wrapping paper as Lara and Kaylee did the same. Glitter
ing blue and green and gold metallic shreds flew through the air like a miniature aurora had taken over the room.
“He’s so cute.” Lara lifted a stuffed wolf from the box. She turned to Alex and made it growl at him. “Snarl and snarl and grrrrr.”
“I got a bobcat,” Kaylee exclaimed. She placed the pillow-sized creature on James’s lap and pretended to scratch it behind the ears. “She’s adorable. Thank you, Grandmother.”
Cooper was holding his breath. His grandmother’s eyes danced with mischief.
Amber pulled out a stuffed polar bear. Incredibly soft, the little thing had big blue eyes and a sweet heart-shaped nose, and when Amber held it in her arms, Cooper just about fell off the couch.
She looks good with a baby. Is that what you just said? His inner bear demanded rather vigorously. Did you say baby?
Hush, Cooper warned.
Oh, hell no. Not being quiet. Are you not telling me something? His bear paused. Wait. Why am I asking you?
Don’t—
It was too late. His bear was talking with Amber and her cheeks grew even more heated, and her eyes were dancing more than Grandmother’s.
He ignored the family in the room and took Amber’s face in his hands. Staring into her eyes as he poured out the truth. “I love you. Now and forever. All of you, with all of me.”
She smiled then, just for him. “I love you too.”
Amber turned back to the rest of the family and thanked Grandmother sweetly.
Becoming A Mate To His Perfect Woman was already the best thing that had happened to him. Cooper held her, and the stuffed polar bear, and decided if Becoming A Family was in his near future, life would be just fine.
Because he’d be doing it all with his forever mate.
Epilogue
Personal Journal, Giles Borealis, Sr.
Satisfaction.
Oh, I could call it pride, or accomplishment, but no matter how well my plans worked, the truth is at this point of the game, the only thing that matters is that my grandchildren are all healthy, happy, and mated.
I’m fairly certain that great-grandbabies are on the way, as well, but I’ll let the boys share that detail in their own sweet time. No need for me to pry into those details.
Yet.
Not that I ever intrude where I’m not wanted, mind you. Only offer wise and gentle suggestions to nudge those who need a little help toward their proper place full of happiness.
Today was the culmination of so many plans. After sending the children north for Christmas, it was only right that they come and spend the day with us. It was my birthday, after all.
Seeing the three couples together showed me how perfect each pair is for each other, and yet so different.
James and Kaylee are still best friends, but now the love between them glows brighter than our namesake. She’s learning that her value isn’t based on being loud or outspoken, but on being her own unique self. While her human side will never be the star of any social event, her sweet confidence is building as James loves her unconditionally.
Glad that all those years ago, Kaylee’s parents and our children ended up living next door to each other. That coincidence allowed this particular romance to set some roots. Friends as children, forever as adults.
Although they’re still playful like children in some ways. Kaylee’s bobcat jumped into the middle of a wolf pack brawl the other day—oh, the laughter from the boys at her boldness, and the utter shock on those lupine faces…
Have to admit I never dreamed one of my kin would end up involved in a wolf pack—a wolf pack!—or mated to the Alpha, but Alex is the perfect consort to Lara. She leads that unruly mob with power and wisdom, and he’s there to support and care for her. Just the way a mate should.
And if they still have the occasional fight or two, well, that’s the hot-blooded Borealis in him and the unbreakable Lazuli spirit in her, and a few heated tussles are good for keeping warm in these northern climes.
He was a little wide-eyed when he came to me on the sly and admitted they don’t always agree about everything. I assured him that his grandmother and I butt heads to this very day. But we never go to bed without making up, so I informed Alex, and he agreed it was a good habit to build.
Glad that girl decided to return to the north where I could make sure they butted heads until their hearts got involved.
And finally Cooper. The boy wanders around wearing an expression of astonishment. He’s rightly amazed at the perfect partner he’s found in Amber. Have to admit that girl surprised me a little. I did what I could to push them in the right direction—only a nudge or two, because I don’t like to meddle.
But it was all her skills and bravery—including standing up to the stubbornness of a polar bear—that made the final decision. She’s going to be one hell of a partner for him. Just like he’s the only one who’s perfect to help her in the future. A part of Borealis Gems, a part of the Borealis family. Starting their own family…
Yes, I have my suspicions, but in their own good time…
Next week would be fine.
In the meanwhile, I have new plans to make, new plots to tangle. My birthday may be over, but there’s a special anniversary coming up soon with the only woman who ever had a chance at my heart and soul.
Working on forever with a mate is about as perfect as life can get, which is why I wanted this for my grandsons.
I know what love brings to a man. I cherish it every day, along with my Laureen’s sweet, giving heart. I don’t know what I’d do without her. Good thing I don’t have to find out. Mates are forever, and that’s exactly what I want.
Forever with her.
Epilogue
Laureen Borealis shook her head at the light still shining at the top of the stairs.
“He’s gone and left the lights on again. ‘I never leave the lights on, my love,’” she grumbled in imitation of Giles. “That’s what the man would tell me, but there’s the proof.”
She smiled, though, as she made her way up the wide steps toward her husband’s den. The rich wood interior fit his style, welcoming and comfortable at the same time.
Maybe too comfortable—
Giles was behind his desk, but he wasn’t working. Feet on the desk, head tilted back, a smile on his lips. Snoring softly with his hands folded over his chest. He clutched his wedding ring tightly as if protecting it.
Powerful love bloomed yet again, the way it had every day since he’d walked into her life nearly sixty years ago. Her mate—her heart.
Her everything.
Laureen moved carefully to avoid waking him, tidying the glass and bowl on the desk top—
His journal lay open. His rich script was like artwork, and she drew closer to admire his neatly formed characters and perfect syntax…
Okay, fine. She was being nosy and wanted to see what he’d written. He’d long ago given her permission to snoop, saying he would never keep any real secrets from the woman he loved more than life itself.
He’d admitted he liked that she wanted to see and understand the most intimate part of him—his thoughts.
It only took a moment to skim through the most recent entry, and by the time she was done, her smile was wider and her heart even more full. Seeing what he’d been doing in the background to create the perfect setups for each of their grandsons had been entertaining.
Giles hadn’t been the least bit modest—not that she ever expected him to be anything but boastful in his own private journal. A fantastic salute to his successful meddling and manipulations.
He’d done well, and she was proud of him. Although…
His conniving wasn’t all the truth, but he didn’t know that.
Oh, he had done a lot. Planned and plotted and made suggestions and pulled strings at what seemed to be pivotal moments.
She couldn’t have done it without him.
Her lips twitched with amusement.
She’d done her own plotting and planning, starting long before last Chri
stmas. That’s when she’d finally decided everything was in place.
She could still remember the conversation they’d had after the family had left. The presents all unwrapped, the farewells and well-wishes sent after their son and daughter-in-law as Giles Jr. and Glenda left the country and placed the grandsons in charge…
She and Giles had settled by the fire, a glass of wine for her, a whiskey for him.
“Family visits are the best.” Giles sighed heavily, contentment in his tone.
“They are. I never get enough.” Laureen put just the slightest quiver into the final word.
Giles shot upright immediately, watching her closely. “What is it, my love?”
How long did she have to wait for maximum impact? She took a deep breath and let it out slowly, a soft note of sadness brushing the air. “Oh, nothing.”
He moved as if the years were nothing, instantly at her feet as he looked into her eyes with concern. “Now, darling. No secrets between us.”
“You keep plenty of secrets from me,” she declared, fighting her amusement to keep the façade of sadness in place.
“Only when I think the secrets will make you happy down the road,” he promised.
“Charmer.”
“Your charmer,” he insisted. Then in a typical Giles move, he swept her up and resettled in the chair, this time with her on his lap. “Now tell me what’s got your sweet expression sliding into a frown of worry.”
Laureen didn’t push it—she was a good actress, but Giles was no fool. She fed him her prepared story.
“With Giles Jr. and Glenda away for over a year, it’s going to be a little lonelier for me. Oh, I know I have you”—she laid a hand on his chest in honest adoration—“but the grandchildren are so caught up in their own plans. Especially now that they’ve been given more responsibility with the company.”
“They’re good workers,” Giles told her proudly. “Going to do amazing things for Borealis Gems. All of them are so strong and gifted in their jobs.”