Page 109 of Mated to the Mountain Bear

“Zara,” Beau calls out, abandoning his argument with Mason to greet her properly. “Thanks for having us. Ben must be getting soft in his old age, letting us invade like this.”

“Soft?” I growl, but there’s no heat in it.

“Practically domesticated,” Mason chimes in, grinning. “Next thing you know, he’ll be hosting book clubs and yoga retreats.”

“Don’t give her ideas,” I mutter.

Zara just laughs, hip-checking me as she passes, but I catch her around the waist and drag her back to me as she giggles and squirms.

“Actually, Zara,” Beau’s tone shifts to something more serious. “Chase wanted me to mention something. We’ve been getting more clients lately who need... Well, they need someone to talk to who isn’t a grumpy bear or an ex-military type who communicates in grunts. Ben mentioned you’re thinking of doing some counselling… this could be a good way of seeing if it’s a good fit.”

Zara pauses in setting out plates. “What kind of clients?”

“Families dealing with threats, witnesses in protection, people whose lives have been turned upside down.” He glances at me, then back to her. “Chase was wondering if you might be interested in being the friendly face of our operation.”

I watch Zara process this, see the spark of interest in her eyes. Purpose. Direction. Something that’s hers but keeps her connected to this new world she’s part of.

“I’m not qualified,” she says carefully.

“Yet,” I say, with absolute confidence that she will be. It sounds perfect once she’s out of any danger.

Chase might get a two for one deal. Zara can do the talking while I work security. We’ll figure out the details if it’s something she wants to do.

“Doesn’t matter. Sometimes, people just need someone who gets it. Someone who’s been through hell and came out the other side.” Beau shrugs. “Think about it. No pressure.”

The rest of the afternoon passes in a blur of food, laughter, and stories. Jerry holds court by the grill, graciously accepting offerings from my brothers, who’ve learned the way to Zara’s heart is through her spoiled dog. Lisa fits in surprisingly well, trading barbs with Beau in a way that makes Zara and I exchange knowing looks.

As the sun sinks lower, casting golden light through the trees, I stand apart for a moment, just watching.

Zara’s in the middle of an animated conversation with Lisa and Beau about her support group, hands moving as she talks. The sadness is still there when she mentions Amber, might always be there, but now, it’s wrapped in purpose and hope.

“Never thought I’d see the day,” Maddox says, appearing at my elbow with two beers. “Ben Lennox, hosting a family barbecue.”

I take the offered beer. “Things change.”

“Yeah, they do.” He nods toward Zara. “She’s good for you. Good for all of us, really. Gives the rest of us hope.”

I can see it. They’re all wondering.

“Well, there’s plenty of room for everyone up here.”

By the time people start making their excuses to leave, sensing the day winding down, Mitch has seamlessly joined the group. Just another brother welcomed into our home after all the years I kept them at bay.

I notice Beau pulling Zara aside again. They talk quietly for a moment, and I see her nod, smiling. When she returns to my side, there’s a new light in her eyes.

“Chase wants to meet next week,” she says. “To talk about the consulting thing.”

“And?” I already know her answer, just by the way her eyes have lit up.

“And I think I want to do it. Help people where I can while I’m getting my qualifications. It feels... right.”

I pull her to my side. “Then that’s what you’ll do.”

Later, after everyone’s gone and we’re cleaning up in comfortable domesticity, Zara pauses in wrapping leftovers.

“Thank you,” she says quietly, “for today. For letting them all invade your space.”

“Our space,” I correct, moving behind her and circling my arms around her waist. “And they’re your family now, too.”