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."

"Sounds perfect," Dad agrees, setting the tray he's been working on in the refrigerator. "We've got time, and it'll do us good."

All of us strip and put our clothes next to Gabe's, then exit the kitchen and step into my expansive backyard. The air is rich with the scent of earth and pine.

With practiced ease, we begin to shift, and the transformation is fluid and natural. Limbs elongate, muscles change shape, and in moments, my bear stands where my human form once was, powerful and alive.

Dad and Clay shift into their grizzly bear forms, while Grant and I transform into our polar bears. Then we race into the thick forest that has been our playground since we were cubs. The forest floor is cool beneath our paws, the world alive with the scuttling chatter of squirrels and the soft whisper of leaves.

We run together, moving through the underbrush, hunting for Gabe's scent.

After a while, we come across him sunning himself on a huge rock next to the small pond. "You took too long, and I ended up enjoying my snack without you guys." His bear stretches lazily and rolls over onto his back.

"Greedy little shit," my dad mumbles under his breath while stretching out on the green grass next to the water's edge. After a few minutes lying out in the afternoon sun, we all decide to take a dip in the chilly pond to cool off.

By the time we make it back to my house, it's later than I'd realized. We round the corner to find Gianna standing on the back patio next to the large table with our clothes. "I figured it would be better if you all had clothes on when you meet Dillon's mate." She turns to head to the door and calls over her shoulder, "Hurry up and get ready. Bethany started getting hangry two hours ago. We stopped and picked up snacks for her, but I'm sure that will only hold her off for a few more minutes."