Chapter 75
SEVENTY-FIVE
T he decision to formalize their mating came naturally, discussed in quiet moments between work responsibilities and domestic routines. Thora researched Tiikeri traditions while Artair consulted family records for bear clan customs. Though both had typical ceremonial elements, they agreed the actual mating would be private—a sacred moment between them alone.
On the night of the quarter moon with stars scattered across the dark sky like diamond dust, Thora led Artair to a clearing behind their cabin. Wind whispered through pine branches, carrying the scent of wild herbs and distant water.
“Here?” he asked, understanding dawning in his eyes.
She nodded, throat suddenly tight with emotion. “Just us. No audience. No formalities.”
His hands found hers, warm and steady. “Are you certain?”
“I’ve never been more certain of anything in my life.” She stepped closer, pressing a kiss to his lips before drawing back. “Meet me in the moonlight.”
The shift came with practiced ease, her human form flowing into sabertooth in one fluid motion. Power surged through her muscles, senses sharpening to preternatural clarity. Artair’s transition followed—his massive bear form emerging with a low rumble of anticipation.
They circled each other beneath the stars, ancient instincts guiding them through the sacred dance. Her sabertooth moved with liquid grace around his bear’s powerful bulk, their bodies gradually spiraling closer. When they met at the center of the clearing, their muzzles touched in recognition—predator acknowledging predator, strength honoring strength.
Energy crackled between them, invisible currents weaving their essences together. The sensation cascaded through Thora’s consciousness—warmth and light building with each circling step, each brush of fur against fur. Her sabertooth’s awareness expanded, stretching beyond physical boundaries to encompass Artair’s presence.
The completion came suddenly like a key turning in a lock. Their separate energies fused, creating a bond transcending ordinary connection. Thora gasped as her senses adjusted to this new awareness—the ability to locate Artair through instinct alone, to perceive the edges of his emotional state even across distance.
They shifted back to human form simultaneously, drawn together by the newly formed connection. His arms encircled her waist as her hands found his shoulders, bodies melding in the moonlight to seal the spiritual bond with physical union.
Later, wrapped in a blanket beneath the stars, Thora traced patterns on Artair’s chest, marveling at the new dimension of their connection.
“I can sense you,” she murmured. “Not your thoughts exactly, but your... presence. Emotions.”
His fingers combed through her hair, the grooming gesture now as natural as breathing. “Bears call it echo-heart. The ability to find your mate anywhere, to know if they’re in danger.”
“Tigers have something similar. Soul-sight.” She propped herself on an elbow to meet his gaze. “Does it bother you? Having me in your awareness constantly?”
“Bother me?” His smile held such tenderness it made her heart ache. “It’s everything I ever wanted and didn’t dare hope for.”
She bent to kiss him, pouring all her emotion into the connection between them. Through their new bond, his joy and love flowed into her, mingling with her own until she couldn’t distinguish where her feelings ended and his began.
“I love you, Artair Maxen,” she whispered against his lips.
“I love you, Thora Halliwell,” he answered. “My mate. My heart.”