Page 111 of Mated to the Mountain Bear

The observation makes Zara grin. She’s been learning more about our culture through Natalie, who’s become a regular visitor. Her tales of Chase’s over the top behaviour have made Zara realise I could be worse.

“Speaking of,” I say, glancing at the clock. “Natalie should be here soon for your coffee date.”

“Tea for me,” Zara corrects. “Honestly, the smell’s been making me a little queasy lately. I must have overdosed on it when I first got here.”

I go still. My brothers, proving they’re not complete idiots, suddenly find urgent tasks that need their attention.

“We’ll just... finish up outside,” Mason says, grabbing Mitch’s arm and hauling him toward the door. Maddox is already halfway there.

“Queasy?” I ask carefully, my bear already suspecting, hoping, what my human brain is slower to catch up to.

Zara bites her lip, a gesture I’ve learned means she’s nervous about something. “Just certain smells. I thought maybe I was coming down with something because I’ve been so tired.”

I’m across the room before she can finish, face buried in her neck, and pulling her against me to breathe her in. There, underneath her normal scent, is the faintest change. So subtle, I might have missed it if I wasn’t looking for it.

“And now, you don’t think it’s that?” I prompt, even though I already know.

She looks up at me, excitement and uncertainty warring in her expression. “Ben, do you think...?”

Instead of answering with words, I drop to my knees in front of her and press my face against her stomach. My bear rumbles with satisfaction as I breathe in the truth.

New life. Our cub. Growing inside my mate.

“Ben?” Her fingers thread through my hair, gentle and questioning.

“You’re pregnant.” Overcome with emotion, I press a kiss to her belly through her shirt. “Our cub. You’re carrying our cub.”

A laugh that’s half sob follows her sharp intake of breath. “Really? You can tell?”

I stand and cup her face in my hands. “Your scent is changing. It’s subtle, but it’s there. How long have you been feeling sick?”

One hand remains on her stomach, needing to stay connected, as if I might feel the tiniest spark of magic happening inside her.

“About a week. I didn’t want to say anything in case I was wrong. I mean, it’s so early…” Tears sparkle in her eyes, but she’s smiling, radiant with joy. “We’re having a baby?”

“We’re having a baby,” I confirm, then claim her mouth in a kiss that’s equal parts tender and possessive.

When we finally break apart, she’s laughing. “Natalie’s going to be insufferable. She called it.” Then with a sad smile. “I always assumed Amber would be a mom first.”

“She’d be so happy for you.” There’s not much else I can say. She misses Amber, every day. And she always will.

“Our cubs will grow up running wild on the mountain,” I whisper, picturing it as clear as day in my mind. “It’s going to be heaven for them.”

“Learning to swim in the creek,” Zara adds, already seeing the same future I am. “Jerry herding them around.”

I kiss her again, every word painting an image of the future I can’t wait to see.

“Building forts in the woods.” I rest my forehead against hers. “Driving us mad with how dirty they get.”

A car engine outside announces Natalie’s arrival.

“Can I tell her?” She asks, practically bouncing with excitement. Zara quickly wipes her cheeks, but she’s glowing too much to hide anything.

“She’s going to know the second she gets close,” I say as Natalie walks through the door without knocking, takes one look at Zara, and squeals.

“I knew it! Chase owes me fifty bucks.” She pulls Zara into a hug. “How far along? Have you been sick? Oh, we need to get you vitamins. And books. So many books.”

I leave them to their excited planning and step out onto the porch to breathe in the mountain air. Everything’s changing. The security system is set up, protecting what matters most.