Page 20 of Her Embarrassed Bear Mate (Crescent Lake Bears #5)

Alix - 9 months later

Alix grunted as she heaved a cardboard box into the rented van. This was one of those times where she really would've benefitted of being a strong bear shifter but alas.

"How do you have so much stuff?" Despite her complaint, there wasn't a single hair out of place on Aditi. "How did all of this even fit in the campervan?"

"Magic," Alix said because she had no real explanation.

She spotted Lena nearing with a large box, clearly struggling. Before Alix could help her, Aditi had already dashed over to her. The concern on her face was so obvious, a stranger would be able to tell that she was clearly still head over heels with her ex.

"You okay?" Aditi asked.

Lena's smile was frosty despite the heat. "I got it."

"You sure?"

"Yes, I said I got it." Lena pushed the box into the van and let out a defeated puff. From everyone here, she looked to be struggling the most with the heat and the labour. Sweat was dripping down her brow and running down the sides of her face. She glared in Alix's direction. "Why did you pick the hottest day of the year to move?"

"V and I were finally ready to move in together," Alix said with a little shrug. She was used to Lena's dramatics and they had come to help her out for just the promise of pizza, she wasn't about to be ungrateful.

As if summoned, Veronica appeared behind her with a box. "I think there's only one more but then that's it."

"Lena and I can get it," Aditi volunteered quickly.

Lena gave her a withering stare. "Can't you do it by yourself?"

"It looked like a big box," Veronica said with an apologetic smile.

"Fine." Despite her complaint, Lena went along with Aditi.

Alix couldn't help but feel bad. She knew it was awkward for them to be around each other but she still appreciated both of them showing up to help her. They were good friends, that was for sure.

Even from a distance, she could see the two bickering over the last box and who was holding it how.

"Are they okay?" Veronica asked.

"As okay as they can be."

"Guess they're not being the classic stereotype of being best friends despite being exes."

"No, although that would've been nice." Alix watched her friends with a pensive look. "I guess it's hard to be friends when you're still in love with each other."

"I suppose that's true." Veronica hummed as she fanned her face. "Gosh, it's so hot."

"Yeah, I can see that," Alix flirted, no longer thinking about her friends.

"You can't possibly find me attractive right now. I'm sweating buckets."

"You clearly underestimate how hot I find you." With a big grin, Alix pulled Veronica in for a kiss. She didn't linger long because it really was too warm for that now. Instead, she turned to look at the packed van. "I can't believe I'm moving in with you. It feels like not that long ago, we were talking about taking things slow."

"Nine months is pretty slow."

Alix chuckled. "Some people would say it's way too fast."

"Are those people here?"

"Nope."

"I guess only you and I can decide what the right pace is for our relationship." Veronica swung her arm over Alix's sweaty shoulders. "How do you feel? Ready to leave the nest?"

"Hmm, I am but it is bittersweet. It's hard leaving Trixie behind but I know it's good for everyone involved. And Mum has been a lot more hands-on so I don't have to worry too much," Alix said. "And I really look forward to seeing you every day."

Veronica's laugh was warm like the summer breeze. "Same. I miss you when you're not around."

"Sappy."

"I'm allowed to be a little sappy, you're my fated mate."

Alix would never tire of hearing that. She pulled Veronica closer and kissed her again, savouring the connection between them. She never would've thought that a random failed one-night-stand would lead to this but then again, she couldn't picture it going any other way. If her romance had played out like some flawless romance film, it wouldn't have felt like her life. The ups and downs and awkward moments were to be cherished because they were what made this real.

Her mum called their names and Alix reluctantly broke away from Veronica.

"Guess we're not done packing yet," Alix said with a sigh. Her muscles were aching and she was already tired of moving which didn't bode well for the unloading.

Veronica chuckled. "Just think of the light at the end. We'll be officially living together."

"That does sound good." Alix swooned just thinking about waking up every morning with her fated mate. It was going to be a dream.

"Don't forget we have dinner with my dad later this week so we can meet his new girlfriend," Veronica reminded her.

"Ugh... How many is that since my mum?"

"This is number three, but he says this one is different."

"Is she?"

"No idea. At least he's actually divorced this time so that's something." Veronica shook her head, clearly not impressed with the whole thing. "And who knows, maybe this woman is going to be the one that sticks."

"Let's hope this one doesn't have any cute daughters though," Alix teased, snickering childishly.

"Oi!"

"I'm kidding. I know I'm the only one for you."

Veronica's eyes shimmered with affection. "Yes, you are. Now let's get that last box so we can officially move you in. I can't wait to start this new chapter in our life."

"Me either," Alix said, smiling so broadly, it was hurting her face. She was so ready for the next step in their relationship and looked forward to discovering what else life had in store for them.

Thank you for reading Her Embarrassed Bear Mate. I hope you enjoyed the romance between Alix and Veronica and didn't cringe too hard at all the awkward moments. If you did, I guess mission accomplished on my part but I hope you also found it romantic and sweet .