8. Grant

Chapter 8

Grant

Fireworks blast behind my closed eyelids as I slowly circle my hips, allowing my mate to adjust to my cock. I reach between our bodies and stroke her clit, wanting to distract her. Soon, I’m able to press deeper with each thrust.

The urge to bite her sweet throat blasts through me as I pick up speed. All too soon, I feel an orgasm growing and my polar bear orders me to complete the bond. “You’re my mate from now until the universe ends,” I growl against the base of her neck as my fangs burst from my gums. When an orgasm tears through both of us, I bite down, sealing our eternal bond.

“And you’re mine,” she screams as our life forces join. Once the orgasm drains from my body, I pull back and lick the tiny wound at the base of her throat.

Rolling over, I pull her close and rub my hand down her silky back as my inner polar bear sighs exhaustedly. “We’ll probably sleep for a day or so while our bodies recover from the mating.”

Lennon snuggles against me and mutters, “We’ll have to get up and let Oreo out at some point.”

“Don’t worry, baby. I’ll take care of our little man.”

Over the next couple of days, we settle into an unexpected rhythm in the cabin. Lennon sleeps a ton, wrapped up like a sleepy burrito in warm blankets. The mate bond’s clearly doing a number on her energy levels, but I know it’s just her body and spirit syncing up, getting used to this new normal.

I expected to be just as exhausted, but our mating has energized me. I’m too busy planning our future and envisioning our eventual babies to sleep, so I spend my time occupying Oreo—when he isn’t on guard duty.

Once Oreo realized Lennon is weak and recovering, he quickly took on the role of Lennon’s fuzzy little guardian. It's honestly kind of adorable how insistent he is on being right next to her. He’s stationed himself at her side, sleeping on my pillow with one eye open like he’s on watch duty.

Every now and then, he’ll wake up and sniff her face gently, just checking in. It’s enough to soften anyone’s heart, and I can’t help but give him extra scratches and treats for being such a loyal little guy.

When Lennon’s awake, she eats what I fix, then she gives me a sleepy smile that makes every moment worth it and falls back asleep.

Meanwhile, Oreo and I have formed our own routine. He’s become my sidekick and daily companion. I head outside often, shifting into my polar bear form and stretching out in the sunshine while the snow glistens around us. Oreo usually bounces around me like a tiny, enthusiastic shadow, exploring the untouched snow before climbing up onto my chest and stretching out for some quality sunbathing.

There’s something peaceful about the quiet understanding between us. Oreo and I split our time between soaking up the sunshine and running occasional patrols around the property, making sure everything’s as it should be. It’s clear that he takes his new tasks seriously, and I’m grateful for his company.

I often find myself glancing over at the cabin, my human mind mingling with my bear instincts, always on alert for Lennon. She’s healing, and though she’s right inside, I miss her presence, the spark in her eyes, and our easy laughter.

It’s calming to know that we’re both looking out for her, each in our own way. As the sun sets each day, painting the sky in shades of orange and pink, I feel that same sense of home, a belonging I can’t quite describe.

“Alright, Oreo,” I say as I shift back to human, shaking off a few clinging snowflakes. “Let’s go check on our girl.”

He barks in agreement, shaking his little body before racing ahead, and I follow, knowing that soon enough, Lennon will be back on her feet, ready to tackle whatever’s next. Until then, we’ll just keep holding down the fort together.

My phone rings just as I’m heading back inside, Oreo trotting in ahead of me. I recognize my mom’s upbeat ringtone that she insisted on setting herself, so I’d never ignore her calls. I pick up, already bracing myself for her particular blend of nosiness and love.

“About time you answer!” she says warmly, and I can almost see her smiling with my dad pacing in the background. “How’s everything going with Lennon? We’ve all been curious.”

I chuckle, feeling a bit like a teenager caught sneaking in after curfew. “Well, Mom, I figured I should let you know that Lennon and I are mated.”

There’s a pause, then a peal of laughter from her end that’s both joyful and teasing. “Couldn’t you have let us meet her before you kept her all to yourself for weeks?” she grumbles teasingly.

I grin despite myself. “If I remember right, you and Dad mated the day you met. Talk about impatient.”

“The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.” She laughs again, this time with that knowing tone that only mothers can wield. “I’m so happy for you.”

“I’m over the moon happy.” I’ve already turned into a pussy-whipped asshole like my brother and cousin. “I knew the moment I saw her.”

“Well,” she continues, her voice soft and understanding now, “we’ll hold off on the family gathering for a bit. Give Lennon time to heal and adjust to all this mate bond stuff. There’s no rush. We’ve waited this long; a little more time won’t hurt.”

I nod, grateful for her flexibility. “Thanks, Mom. She needs time to get back on her feet, to get used to being the mate of a polar bear and all the craziness that comes with our world.”

“We’ll be ready when she is,” Mom reassures me. “Give her our love and tell Oreo Grandpa and Grandma will send treats!”

I laugh, picturing Oreo’s ears perking up at the sound of treats. “Will do. Love you, Mom.”

“Love you, too, Grant,” she says, and I can feel her warmth through the phone.

As I hang up, I feel a wave of relief knowing everything is well with my family. Everything is falling into place perfectly, including our little Frenchie guardian.

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