Chapter 10

EMILIA

The bright morning sun pours through the office windows, creating a warm, golden glow.

As I settle into my comfy desk chair, focusing on the day's tasks, I can't help but feel a soft hum of contentment in my chest. Dillon stole my heart, and this place has truly become my home all in the space of a few days.

I'm midway through sorting out the work schedules when I hear a car pull into the driveway. It doesn't worry me at all. Since my new mate goes overboard on his security, I know it must be someone who has access.

Lifting my head, I'm met with the effervescent smile of Gianna, Dillon's sister. She brings a whirlwind of energy wherever she goes, and today is no different.

"Hey, Emilia!" she chirps, a mischievous glint in her eye. "Busy?"

"Not too busy for you, Gianna," I reply, standing up to greet her. Her excitement is contagious, and I find myself grinning in response. "What's up?"

"I've brought reinforcements! Or should I say, the welcoming committee? My mom, Bethany, and I all wanted to come and welcome you to the Bearly clan." She steps aside, revealing two figures behind her—a tall, gorgeous woman with long, straight blonde hair and striking dark eyes and a shorter, glowing, pregnant woman with long, curly red hair.

"Emilia, it's so lovely to finally meet you." The blonde smiles at me, and I blink several times, wondering how this stunning, young-looking woman could possibly be Dillon's mother.

"It's wonderful to meet you too, Mrs. Bearly!" I extend my hand, but she ignores it and pulls me close for a hug.

"Call me Tilly, please," she insists, a smile lighting up her face. "Dillon forbade any of us from coming over and bugging you or I would've come by before now." She steps back a little and gushes, "You're so gorgeous. I can see how you stole my youngest son's heart."

A blush creeps up my cheeks at her words. "Oh, wow. Thank you."

Bethany steps forward next, carefully cradling her baby bump. She's glowing, her eyes sparkling with an almost ethereal light. "Hi, Emilia," she says warmly. "I'm Bethany. It's great to finally meet you."

"Oh, the pleasure is all mine," I say, shaking her hand gently. "Congratulations, by the way! When are you due?"

"Not soon enough!" Bethany replies, the happiness radiating across her face belying her complaint.

"Don't scare her. I want nieces and nephews soon." Gianna jumps in and rolls her eyes, answering for her friend. "She's due in a little over two months."

"It feels like way more than that," Bethany grumbles before hugging me. "Welcome to the family."

"Thank you. Why don't we all sit down?" I suggest, gesturing to the cozy seating area by the window. "Can I get you anything? Coffee, tea, water?"

"No, dear. We just stopped by for a quick visit and to invite you on our monthly girls' shopping trip in Arctic Landing," Tilly says as she settles gracefully into one of the chairs.

"That sounds like fun." I miss my sister terribly, and spending time with other women would be wonderful. The bite on the back of my neck tingles, reminding me that I'm now a part of the Bearly family for eternity, and I couldn't be happier.

"Great. We'll pick you up Saturday morning around nine, and we'll have you home by dinner time."

A mix of excitement and nervousness cut through me at the thought of spending the day with Dillon's female relatives.

The rest of the week drags by as I wait for Saturday.

Warmth surrounds me as consciousness slowly tugs me from the depths of slumber. I nuzzle deeper into the pillows and drift in that delicious space between dreaming and waking. I feel a series of gentle kisses trailing along the side of my neck and something very hard pressing into my rear end.

His touch is deliberate and coaxing, each press of his lips a sweet enticement to linger in the languid haze of morning rather than face the day. A contented sigh escapes me, and I turn slightly toward him, blinking sleepily.

"Good morning," I murmur, my voice thick with sleep. I feel his smile against my skin.

"Good morning, little goddess" he replies, his voice a low rumble that vibrates through me, waking up all my nerve endings and my girly parts. "I was thinking how nice it would be to keep you here a little longer."

"Tempting," I admit, tilting my head slightly to give him better access as he continues his path of kisses. "But Gianna, Bethany, and your mom are expecting me. We've got a full day of shopping planned."

His arm wraps around my waist, pulling me closer playfully. "Shopping can wait. The ladies will manage to spend plenty of money without you," he insists, his breath warm against my ear.

"As tempting as it is to stay in bed with you all day, I'm looking forward to spending the day with them," I say while snuggling closer to his warm, muscular body. "You know, since we're now family and all."

He groans dramatically, rolling onto his back but keeping me close, my head now resting against his chest. I listen to his steady, strong heartbeat, fighting the urge to stay with him, but thoughts of the day ahead swirl through my mind, filled with excitement and the promise of more bonding time with Tilly, Gianna, and Bethany.

"I suppose that's fair," Dillon concedes, though not without a playful pout as he finally lets me slip from the warmth of the bed. "My dad, brothers, and cousin are coming by later this afternoon so we can grill steaks for everyone." He reminds me that tonight is my official first dinner with the entire family.

"I can't wait."

While Dillon makes me a quick breakfast, I shower and pull on a comfortable outfit, getting ready for the busy day.

I'm finishing up my pancakes and bacon when the doorbell rings, and Dillon opens it to find Gianna and Tilly waiting on the front porch.

"Come in." He steps back, but his mother shakes her head.

"We're on a tight schedule if we're going to get all our shopping in before the barbecue tonight," she tells her son and leans around him to look at me. "We're so excited. We'll be waiting for you in the car."

"I'll see you tonight." I lean up to put a light kiss on Dillon's lips, but he closes his arms around me and kisses me until I'm a puddle of goo.

"Have fun, little goddess." He gives me one last kiss and holds the door open for me.

Gianna's arms are crossed, feigning impatience, but the sparkle in her eyes betrays her amusement. "Took you long enough!" she exclaims, tossing her hair over her shoulder dramatically.

"Your brother is hard to resist and harder still to say goodbye to," I reply, drawing laughs from all of them.

Tilly steps forward, her embrace warm and familiar. "We're glad to have you join us today, dear. We've got a lot on our list!" she says, linking her arm through mine as we all climb into a big white SUV.

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."