Total pages in book: 24
Estimated words: 22480 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 112(@200wpm)___ 90(@250wpm)___ 75(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 22480 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 112(@200wpm)___ 90(@250wpm)___ 75(@300wpm)
As Gianna drives toward Arctic Landing, Bethany sits up front while Tilly sits next to me in the backseat.
“So, Emilia,” Tilly pats my knee, “How are you finding Glacier Pass? Has everyone been welcoming?”
“Absolutely,” I say, eager to share my delight. “It’s beautiful, peaceful, and everyone has been incredibly kind.”
Bethany glances over her shoulder at us and smirks. “How are you holding up with all the wildlife? Any more close encounters of the naked kind?”
I laugh, savoring the light-hearted nature of the question. I guess everyone in town has heard about my first meeting with Dillon. “Nothing that I can’t handle.”
Tilly snorts. “You’re going to fit right in with this crazy family.”
Chapter 11
DILLON
After Emilia heads out, I turn my attention to the day ahead and prepare for the barbecue. I start with the house, tidying up the living room before moving on to the bedroom. Wanting everything perfect when my mate gets back, I strip the bed and throw the sheets into the washing machine.
Once I’m satisfied with my progress, I take a quick shower and get dressed before heading to the grocery store with the list Emilia and I compiled last night tucked securely in my pocket.
The store is quiet mid-morning, and I navigate the aisles with purpose, my thoughts flitting to Emilia and her adventure with my family. My bear hums contentedly within me, and I almost miss the fucker’s constant snipping in the back of my mind.
I gather supplies, selecting fresh vegetables for skewers, handmade rolls from the bakery, and locally sourced steaks that I know will be a hit tonight. I add in a few bottles of wine specifically chosen to complement the meal and a selection of craft beers that should satisfy my picky-ass brothers.
As I check items off the list, I remember a special brand of sparkling water that Emilia loves and add a few bottles to the cart.
Once everything is loaded into the SUV, I take a moment to appreciate the view—the rugged mountains framing the sky, the serenity that settles deep within me. It’s moments like this that remind me why Glacier Pass is home, and why sharing it with Emilia makes it all the more meaningful.
Returning home, I unload the groceries and begin preparing the ingredients. The house is starting to warm up with the sun shining brightly through the kitchen windows. While I marinate the steaks and chop vegetables, the scent of garlic and herbs fills the air, waking up my inner bear, but I don’t have time right now to find something to snack on.
Just then, the familiar rumble of tires on the gravel driveway catches my attention. I glance out the window, watching as my dad, Gabe, Grant, and Clay step out of Dad's truck.
I stride to the door to greet them, opening it wide with a grin. “Get lost. I don’t want whatever you’re selling,” I grumble teasingly.
“Tough luck, asshole. You’re stuck with us.” Gabe shakes his head and walks past me. He stops in his tracks and looks around my spotless home. “Look at you, playing house.”
“Yeah, it looks a hell of a lot better than your place,” Grant agrees, following Gabe inside.
“That’s an understatement,” Clay fake shudders. “His house looks like it was hit by the offspring of a tornado mated with a hurricane.”
Dad steps in last, unfazed by the bickering. “At least this place looks great.”
“Thanks, Dad,” I reply, closing the door behind them before leading them to the kitchen.
Gabe eyes the ingredients spread out over the counters and grins. “Since it looks like you’ve got everything under control, I’ll see if I can catch an afternoon snack.”
“Have at it.” I point at the back door and watch as my brother strips and folds his clothes neatly before placing them on the edge of the planning desk. “Just make sure your naked ass is fully dressed before my mate gets home,” I grumble as my bear expresses his displeasure at the thought of a naked man being around my mate.
“I can’t believe I have to deal with another pussy-whipped asshole,” Gabe huffs. “I’ve just about gotten used to Clay’s idiocrasy, and now you’re starting to behave the exact same way.”
“Fuck off,” Clay grumbles while running his middle finger up the side of his head.
“Just wait until it’s your turn, son,” Dad cuts in, shaking his head. “One day you’ll see.”
“Not fucking happening,” Gabe grumbles before stretching and shifting into his massive polar bear form.
After he lumbers out the patio door, Grant, Clay, and my dad step in to help me finish dinner preparations.
As the last of the food is prepared, Grant stretches, looking out toward the woods that border the property. His eyes alight with an idea, one I recognize in an instant. “What do you say, guys? Want to see if the grumpster bear managed to find a snack? Maybe we could get the asshole to share with us.”