Chapter 7
“Finally!” I said to my bear as we drove along the winding driveway, the truck's headlights brightening the way and highlighting the land around my home.
As the sun set and dusk fell, a gentle glow spread over the forest. I sensed the day's tension easing as I looked at Audrey, her excitement clearly visible.
She’d been able to cross over the threshold of Arrhythmia without any issues thanks to the silver medallion I’d given her at the rest stop.
I hated lying to her about the need for it, but I didn’t know what else to say without letting the whole cat out of the bag thing.
I had to beg and plead with Gal, the local necromancer, before I went to meet Audrey, just in case I needed it.
Gal finally gave in and made the damn medallion.
She wouldn’t take cash for a payment. She said I could return the “favor” later.
I had no idea what it was going to cost. Hopefully not my soul.
“This place is amazing,” she said, her voice filled with awe as we approached the log cabin.
I glanced over at her, and I could see her bright blue eyes sparkling with anticipation. “Just wait until I show you around,” I replied, unable to hide my pride. I had put a lot of love into this house, building it for my future mate, and I was eager to share it with her.
When we finally reached the front of the cabin, I parked the truck and turned off the engine. The sounds of nature surrounded us, and I gestured for Audrey to check it out. “Welcome home,” I said, stepping out and taking in the familiar scents of pine and earth.
Audrey jumped out of the truck, her eyes wide as she took in the sight of the cabin.
The log house stood tall and inviting, framed by the dense trees that surrounded it.
The soft glow from the porch light highlighted the intricate craftsmanship of the beams and the inviting porch that beckoned us inside.
“I can’t believe how beautiful it is,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper. “It feels like a fairytale.”
“Come on, I’ll show you around,” I said, leading her to the front door.
Once inside, the cozy atmosphere surrounded us.
The living area was spacious and filled with natural light, thanks to the large windows overlooking the forest. I watched as her eyes darted around, taking in the stone fireplace, the warm wooden accents, and the comfortable furniture that invited relaxation.
“This is amazing!” she exclaimed, stepping further into the room. “I can already picture myself curled up with a book here.”
“It’s a great spot for that,” I said, grinning. “But first, let’s get Muffin settled in.”
“Oh, right! I almost forgot about her!” Audrey said, her expression shifting to a mix of determination and excitement.
She rushed to the truck and opened the back door to let Muffin out of her carrier. I stepped outside to help her gather the last of her bags, but my eyes were drawn to Audrey’s focused movements as she gently set Muffin down on the grass.
“Come on, Muffin! Time to explore your new home!” she said, kneeling to coax the cat out.
Muffin sniffed around, her little tail flicking in curiosity as she took her first steps in the new environment.
I couldn’t help but smile at the scene. Audrey was a natural caretaker, and the way she doted on her cat made my heart feel a little lighter.
I almost felt like I was seeing into the future.
“Looks like she’s already making herself comfortable,” I noted, chuckling as I watched Muffin cautiously approach a nearby shrub.
“I think she approves,” Audrey replied, grinning. “Just wait until she finds the sunny spots.”
Once Muffin seemed satisfied with her initial exploration, we headed inside. I guided Audrey through the house, showing her the spacious kitchen and the open dining area.
“This is so cozy!” she said, moving through the rooms with an air of wonder. “I could get used to this.”
I led her to the back of the house, where the patio and pool awaited.
“And here’s the outdoor space,” I said, opening the door to reveal the large wooden deck that wrapped around the back.
“The pool is great year-round, especially with the Texas heat, and there’s a fire pit out here for the evenings. Perfect for roasting marshmallows.”
Audrey stepped outside, her eyes widening as she took in the view. The forest stretched behind the cabin, a tapestry of greens and browns, while the sun set in the distance, casting a warm golden glow. It was breathtaking.
“I can’t believe how beautiful it is,” she said, taking a deep breath of the fresh air. “It feels so serene out here. It’s a huge upgrade from my shitty apartment.”
“It’s my escape,” I admitted, leaning against the railing. “Whenever things get overwhelming, I come out here to recharge.” I didn’t mention the fact that my bear needed the land and wilderness that surrounded the house. I figured that was a conversation for later.
As she turned to face me, I sucked in a deep breath. She was so fucking beautiful.
“I can see why you love it. It’s peaceful.”
“So, what do you think?” I asked. I don’t know why, but something deep inside of me needed her approval. The approval of my mate. “Ready for a fresh start?”
She nodded; her expression filled with excitement. “Absolutely. And I’m so grateful you’re helping me make this change.”
After giving her the tour, we headed back inside to carry her boxes and bags from the front entrance to her room. I could tell she was as eager as I was to settle in.
“You might need to pinch me,” she said out of the blue.
“Why is that?”
“Because none of this feels real. This house. The location. You. It’s so different from…well, you saw where I lived.”
“Give it time. You’ll feel right at home soon.”
“I don’t want to get too comfortable here. I promise that I’ll find a place of my own as soon as I get a paycheck or two.”
“We’ll see how it goes.” I left it at that as my bear growled in my mind.
“Let me grab that for you,” I said as she struggled with a particularly heavy box.
“Thanks,” she replied, laughing as she tried to adjust her grip.
I moved in closer, taking the box from her. “I’ve got it.” Her scent once again washed over me and nearly knocked me off my feet. I had gotten used to that sweet honey fragrance on the long drive, but now, it seemed even more intense.
I set Audrey up in a room just down the hall from mine. It took all my resolve not to carry all of her shit into my room and call it a day.
“I’ll let you get settled into your room. I’m going to order a pizza tonight. Do you want anything in particular on it?”
“I’m not picky. I’ll eat just about anything on pizza.”
“Meat?”
“Sounds great,” she replied. “Can we check out the pool after we eat?” Eagerness laced her voice.
“Absolutely!” This evening was getting better by the second.