Page 32 of Goldie's Grumpy Grizzly
I’m his true mate. The one, the only.
I raise my head, brain clouded with questions I can’t answer, and push out of the chair. Get it together, Rae.
Even if I am gifted, isn’t it a little arrogant of me to think I’ve made all this happen?
I shower quickly, trying not to think about the times I’ve been in here with Cole or the thousand ways his cozy cabin felt like home. In fact, everything about the campgrounds has felt like home–which makes sense now–and I’m reluctant to leave.
But with my book done, there’s no reason for me to stay here.
Except, of course, for him.
Assuming this bond is real and not some unintentional enchantment. I wish we could talk. Clear the air before I head back to the city.
But it’s obvious that he’s avoiding me, and I don’t have the faintest idea where to start looking for him.
After I pack my things and tidy the cabin, I head into the holiday village center. I march into the front office and find Clayton manning the desk.
“Hi, I’m looking for Cole. Any idea where he is?”
“Up the mountain.” He peers at me with curiosity in his eyes. Arms crossed, he looks even bigger and more intimidating than he did the first time I met him. “Something I can help you with?”
From out of the corner of my eye, I see Melanie Osborne flying in from the back room. She waves a bright pink sticky note in the air, a wide smile on her round, friendly face.
My own smile turns tenuous as I remember what she’s been through. How she’s still standing, still smiling, still laughing despite the loss of her mate. She hasn’t let her grief overwhelm her.
“Rae, I was just about to come your way. The rental company has been trying to get a hold of you. Said you weren’t answering. I told them the connection’s spotty up in these parts. They’ve got a replacement rental car lined up and said they can drop it in today.”
“That sounds good. I might head home a day early to get this book back to my editor as soon as possible.”
“Oh no, honey, you can’t leave us so soon. Not without enjoying more of the comforts we have on offer here. You haven’t even been to the spa!” There’s an undertone of worry bleeding through her words, and I cover her hand with my own.
“Next time. It’s been magical staying here, and I’ll be back again. Maybe even before the fan convention.”
“Are you sure?”
I nod.
“Well, it’s been lovely to meet you, Rae. You’re an absolute charmer.”
Heat pricks behind my ears and I withdraw my hand. With a wan smile, I head for the door. “Yes, I think that’s part of the problem.”
Once I’m back in the main shopping area, I can’t help but look longingly at the families strolling past. A trio of young wolf shifters race through the main plaza, their tired, smiling parents looking on indulgently. A baby mermaid flicks her tail, gurgling happily as she reaches up for her human father’s ice cream cone.
I turn away, hurrying into the on-site grocery and supply store, intent on replacing all the ingredients I helped myself to when I’d first arrived. If I have to leave my heart behind in Fable Forest, then I might as well leave behind a fresh batch of the muffins he liked so much.
After paying, I motor around the corner with my arms full and trip over a skipping rope held by a pair of giggling twin pixies. Their mother swoops in, sharply scolding them and sending me an apologetic look over her shoulder as she ushers them out of the way.
“Won’t be long now,” an old, stooped woman says, cackling as she sways with her cane in hand and uses it to nudge a box of oats back my way.
“What won’t?” I ask, trying to reorder my stack once again.
“Til you’re chasing little ones of your own around here.”
I glance up sharply, taking in the crone’s crooked nose and clear, sharp eyes. “Oh. Uh. No, I don’t have any kids.”
“Cubs,” she corrects loudly. “It’ll be cubs. Twins. And it’ll be in… Oh,”—she wiggles her fingers in the air, mouthing to herself—“seven or so months, if I remember right.”
“What?” I blink hard, swearing I can see a twinkling light blue shimmer around her.
