Page 15 of Cowboy Bear’s Hope (Motley Crewd Shifters #3)

“ T hese cookies are the perfect dessert, Rosie Posie,” I said to the nonstop chatterbox.

“Really, Danny! Yay! I wanna be a baker like Aunt Penny when I grow up,” She said, and handed me another cookie before running off to watch the cartoon movie I set up for her in the living room after we both built a blanket and pillow fort.

Avery insisted on cooking dinner. And she managed a pretty damn amazing Fettuccini Alfredo with grilled pork chops and sauteed zucchini on the side.

If I wasn’t already in love with her, that meal alone would’ve done it.

I popped the cookie in my mouth and walked over to where she was loading the dishwasher. Reaching out for her, cause I just couldn’t seem to help it, I placed my hands firmly on her hips and pulled her to me, nuzzling her neck with my lips and nose.

“Fuck, you smell so good. Sweet like honey and spicy like habaneros. I could just swallow you whole, mate,” I murmured.

She sighed and leaned back into me and the sadness that had been hanging around her like a shroud lifted ever so slightly.

“You make me feel special,” she whispered like she was afraid if she said it aloud it wouldn’t be true.

I frowned and turned her around so she was facing me. My eyes roamed her sweetheart of a face, and I felt my chest tighten. She was so damn pretty.

Her features were soft, but she had a straight nose and a stubborn chin. Her eyes were huge like doe eyes and tilted at the ends. The color was more caramel than chocolate, and fuck, but they made me dream.

Avery’s lips were plump and pink, covering straight white teeth, and a wicked tongue I knew firsthand could make me see heaven.

I towered over her, but the fact she was petite only made me want her more. Being big was a burden sometimes, but with Avery in my arms, I rather liked my size.

All the better to protect her.

Women were curious things, though. I’d heard Penny, Jez, and even Avery chatting sometimes, their voices carrying through the house like a melody I couldn’t quite understand.

They talked about shit like cellulite and tummy rolls like they were bad things, but it didn’t make a lick of sense to me.

Avery had a body that brought me to my knees. Every time I looked at her, my chest got tight, and my Bear rumbled in approval.

She wasn’t just beautiful—she was breathtaking. She was a real flesh and blood woman who deserved to be adored, cherished, and worshipped every day for as long as the Fates allowed me to walk this earth by her side.

She was perfect.

And she was mine.

But right now, she wasn’t happy. And I didn’t like it.

The sadness in her eyes stirred something primal in me. I hated it. Wanted to tear it out of her, banish it to the void where it could never touch her again.

My mate deserved joy—laughter, warmth, and light. Seeing her this way made my gut churn.

I stepped closer, my hands itching to comfort her, but I kept my voice steady. Gentle.

“Will you tell me about what happened today?”

Her lips twitched into a sad smile, her eyes softening as she nodded. Then, without warning, she stepped into me, wrapping her arms around my waist. Her cheek pressed against my chest, and I froze.

Shock rippled through me—Avery wasn’t usually one for unprompted affection—but then my Bear chuffed contentedly, warmth spreading through my chest.

“Later,” she murmured, her voice muffled against my shirt. “After Rosie goes to bed.”

“All right,” I said, smoothing my hand down her back. “I can wait.”

She lingered for a moment longer, and I held her. Just soaking in the feel of her in my arms.

When she finally pulled away, I brushed a kiss against her temple.

“Go on inside. I’ll finish cleaning up in here.”

Her brows knit together in hesitation. I just waited, letting her look, willing her to see my truth.

“You sure?”

“Yep.”

I kissed her again, this time on the crown of her head, and then gave her a playful swat on her fine ass.

“Go.”

She grinned, a spark of light returning to her face. This time, it reached her eyes, and I felt a surge of victory.

Score one for me.

I watched her retreat toward the living room, her hips swaying, and my chest filled with a sense of purpose.

I didn’t know what had caused her grief today, but I’d find out. And whatever she needed from me, I’d give it to her.

That was my promise.

My vow.

I might not understand women all that well, but I knew what kind of mate I wanted to be—the kind she could count on. The kind who made her feel safe and loved every single day.

It all started here, right now.

Because she was my mate.

My everything.

And I’d move mountains if that’s what it took to see her smile again.