Page 22 of Paw Inspiring (Paranormal Dating Agency #86)

TWENTY-ONE

T he jubilee sprawled across a sun-dappled clearing in the Catskills, alive with color and motion. Hay bales and pumpkins dotted the space in artistic clusters while hand-painted banners fluttered in the crisp autumn breeze. The scent of spiced cider, grilled meat, and fresh-baked pastries wafted through the air, making Meara’s mouth water.

Her fingers tightened on her sweater as they walked in together. Shifter families bustled around, their easy laughter a reminder that this was Artek’s world. Children darted between activity stations, some partially shifted with adorable bear ears or tiny claws.

“Nervous?” Artek’s hand found the small of her back, warm and steady.

“Me? Never.” She leaned into his touch. “Though I am wondering if ‘bear hug’ takes on a whole new meaning here.”

His chuckle rumbled through her, warming places the autumn chill couldn’t touch. “Keep making bear puns, and you might find out.”

“Is that a threat or a promise?”

His eyes darkened to molten gold, but before he could respond, an elegant woman with silver-streaked dark hair approached, followed by a younger woman who shared Artek’s striking features.

“Mother, Carys,” Artek’s voice carried a note of pride. “This is Meara Adams.”

“The artist!” Vida’s eyes sparkled with interest as she clasped Meara’s hands. “I’ve heard so much about you. Though my son neglected to mention how lovely you are.” She shot Artek a knowing look. “He can be terribly selective with details when he’s trying to pretend he’s not completely smitten.”

“Mother.” Artek’s warning tone only made Meara’s smile grow.

“Oh, hush. After that dramatic illness episode I had to stage just to get you to the gala?—”

“Which wasn’t at all obvious,” Carys interjected dryly.

“—the least you can do is let me enjoy meeting the woman who’s finally caught your interest.” Vida linked her arm through Meara’s. “Now, tell me about your plans for the cabin. The lake is absolutely stunning this time of year.”

“When I’m not dealing with vandals,” Meara replied before she could stop herself.

A flash of protective anger crossed both women’s faces. “The Lopez family has always been trouble,” Vida said. “But you have more friends here than enemies. Speaking of friends?—”

“Where are all my eligible bear shifters hiding?” Frenchy’s theatrical voice rang out across the clearing. He sashayed through the crowd in an outfit that somehow managed to be both farm-appropriate and fashion-forward, drawing appreciative glances.

“I cannot believe I didn’t wear my perfect overalls ensemble,” he lamented, reaching them. “Though I suppose I’ll have to make do with charming half the sleuth through sheer personality. And maybe these pants, which make my assets look fantastic, if I do say so myself.”

“Only half the sleuth?” Artek raised an eyebrow, his hand settling possessively on Meara’s waist.

“I’m pacing myself, darling. Though I have to say,” Frenchy’s gaze swept appreciatively over a group of particularly tall shifters, “the selection here is much better than my usual hunting grounds. Do you have a single brother hidden away somewhere?”

“Unfortunately not,” Carys laughed. “Though I could introduce you to some friends...”

They wandered the patch together. At the painting booth, Meara found herself helping a young girl mix colors for her pumpkin. The child’s delight in creating something beautiful reminded her why she wanted to open the retreat—to share that joy of artistic discovery.

She caught Artek watching her, his expression soft in a way that made her heart flip.

“You’re good with kids,” he murmured later as they strolled past craft displays.

“They haven’t learned to overthink art yet.” She smiled, remembering Betsy’s patience with her own childhood masterpieces. “Everything is possible, you know? No rules, no limits.”

“Is that how you see the world? No limits?”