Page 5 of An Omega Fox for Walker (Beartastic Summer of Love #4)

Walker

Swimming was not a “scheduled” activity, so I was pretty happy to have a little time between card games, hikes, and themed meals to throw my trunks on and take a dip.

The days had gotten consistently hotter since my arrival, and Eddie needed to gear his activities more toward the lake, but so far, he was insisting on going with his regular plan.

Either way, I was going to cool off now, before the campfire and s’mores ended the night. My cousin’s idea of a resort really needed some upgrading. His scheduled events were more like a kids’ summer camp than a place where all ages came to relax.

But we did have some guests who seemed to enjoy hanging out with the happiest camper of the property, so hopefully I was helping Eddie to get return customers for next year. He had a fair number of booked cabins, at least.

The moment I came out of the cabin, I smelled smoke.

The scent came from the direction of the beach, where I was going anyway, but a fire up here could do more than ruin my break.

It could ruin hundreds of acres in a short time.

I needed to see what was there and if we needed to call the fire department—whichever one worked out here.

I spent most of my time in the city, where you called and the trucks came in a couple of minutes. Couldn’t be the case here.

But when I arrived at the lakeshore, there was not a sign of smoke. Just a fox, lying on the sand, sound asleep.

My bear growled so loud, my chest moved with the force of it. Mate.

I got ready to argue then stopped. He was right.

Reeling, I tried to think what to do next.

My mate was right in front of me. Out of nowhere.

I’d decided long ago that I wasn’t going into any kind of a relationship but one with a fated mate, if Fate were ever kind enough to grant me one.

Watching those who accepted lesser relationships had taught me not to settle for less.

My fathers argued from time to time, but they loved one another with their whole hearts.

Would die for each other, I had no doubt.

And even though they loved their children dearly, we were never able to play one off the other because their communication was so good.

My friends whose parents were not fated bragged about being able to do such things, and I was a little jealous at the time, but now?

I would accept nothing but what my dads shared.

If Fate chose not to bless me, then I’d be grateful for life and friendships and work I enjoyed.

At least, that had been my impression until the moment I spotted that fox shifter lying in the sun, eyes closed, relaxed and mine .

In one moment, I’d gone from prepared to accept single life to knowing I’d never be happy again unless this male was near me.

I moved closer, taking in his long legs and flat belly, the light dusting of hair across his chest and the half-moons of his lashes on his cheeks.

I took him in like the sight I’d been waiting for all my life. Which he was.

My mate did not stir. Lost in dreamland, he rested on the sunny beach next to the lake, and I sat down on the sand and waited for him to wake.

I couldn’t wait for his eyes to open, for him to see me, scent me, and know we were meant to be together.

I’d come here completely coincidentally, invited to help my cousin when my company sold.

None of that could have been arranged, could it?

Or maybe Fate had set it up? I didn’t know my dad’s meeting/mating story because they didn’t share it with anyone, keeping it private and close to their hearts.

This was mine.

As soon as the fox awoke, he’d know, just as I did, that he’d met his mate.

We’d take it from there, and never be alone again.

As I sat there, I imagined what it would be like in the future.

Having someone special in my life to share things with.

I couldn’t wait to hear his story, learn what he’d been up to before we met.

Find out how our lives would blend. I didn’t care where he lived because I was going there if he wanted me to.

Or maybe he wouldn’t mind coming to live in my home.

Why hadn’t I fixed it up while I had the chance?

I could have hung those blinds, painted the bathroom, and started my garden any weekend, but I hadn’t.

I should have realized that the day might come when I’d want to share my home with a mate. Poor planning, but I was jumping ahead. One step at a time. My mate would have his own ideas about how we should live. I stared out over the water. Did he like to kayak?

Lost in thought, I jumped when a voice said, “Can I help you?”

I jerked my head around to see the fox propped on his elbows, studying me. “Oh, hi.”

“Hello. Nice afternoon, isn’t it?”

“Yes. Beautiful.” I wasn’t sure what to say because I thought he’d recognize me… “Have you been for a swim?”

“Not yet. Is the water cold?”

We spoke another few minutes, but he did not seem to know me. How could that be? Ending our conversation, I told him I’d see him later at the campfire and how great our s’mores were, before heading up to the main cabin in search of Eddie.

My cousin was in the pantry, gathering graham crackers, marshmallows, and chocolate bars for our very ordinary s’mores. Of course, even ordinary s’mores were delicious, so I hadn’t lied. “Here, take these,” he said, reaching for a case of sparkling water. “Do we have the fire all laid?”

“I don’t know,” I said, setting the armload down on the kitchen counter, “and I don’t care. I met my mate and he doesn’t know me. Or maybe doesn’t want me. I don’t know.”

“Whoa, buddy.” Eddie followed me out of the pantry and placed his water on the table. “Start at the beginning.” He filled two plastic cups with ice and popped the cap on one of the glass bottles, pouring the water over the cubes. “Sit down and we’ll figure this out.”

I took a gulp of water before I began and told him all about seeing my mate on the beach and how he scented and how he looked and how everything changed for me in the flash of a moment. “But then he woke up and was just casual and acted like I was nobody. Did I do something to make Fate mad?”

“No, Walker. I don’t think it works like that. I’m so envious of you, meeting your mate, and positive it will work out. He didn’t seem to scent you, though?”

“No, do you think his nose is broken?”

“Maybe you should ask him. He’s a fox?”

“Yes, he is. My bear is sure of it.”

“That’s Fennec, then, he just checked in a while ago. Here for a week.”

“Great. I have one week to woo him before he goes back to his everyday life.” And I’m stuck here eating yet another s’more.