Chapter 10

C hase

Chase stood at the cabin window, his massive frame taut with tension. The forest beyond the glass writhed with unnatural energy, trees swaying in a nonexistent wind, leaves changing colors faster than a mood ring on a teenager. He could feel the magic pulsing erratically, like the heartbeat of a dying creature. Time was running out.

He turned to face Betsy, who was sprawled on the couch, idly flipping through her grandmother's journal. She looked up at him, a quizzical expression on her face. "You okay there, big guy? You look like someone replaced your shampoo with Nair."

Chase's brow furrowed. "I do not understand that reference."

Betsy waved a hand dismissively. "Never mind. Seriously though, what's got your fur in a bunch?"

Chase took a deep breath, steeling himself for what he was about to reveal. "Betsy, there is something I must tell you. About the forest, about my kind... about us."

Betsy sat up straighter, closing the journal. "Okay, now you're starting to freak me out a little. What's going on?"

Chase moved to sit beside her, the couch creaking under his weight. He stared at his hands, trying to find the right words. "The Sasquatches are not just protectors of the forest. We are bound to it, tied to the land in a way that goes beyond simple guardianship."

Betsy nodded slowly. "Okay, so you're like, super-forest-rangers. Got it."

Chase shook his head, frustration creeping into his voice. "No, you do not understand. This bond is both our strength and our greatest vulnerability. If the magic of the forest falters or becomes chaotic, as it is now..." He trailed off, unable to voice his deepest fear.

Betsy reached out, placing her hand on his arm. "Chase, what aren't you telling me?"

He met her gaze, his dark eyes filled with anguish. "If the balance is not restored, my kind could face extinction. Or worse, we could be transformed into monstrous versions of ourselves, driven mad by the instability of the land."

Betsy's eyes widened, her usual quip dying on her lips. "That's pretty serious."

Chase nodded grimly. "There is more. Our mate bonds, they are not just about love or companionship. They are integral to maintaining the balance of the forest's magic. A harmonious bond strengthens the land, while a discordant one can accelerate its decay."

Betsy stood up abruptly, pacing the small living room. "So, what you're saying is, not only is the fate of an entire magical ecosystem resting on our shoulders, but our relationship is basically a magical lightning rod that could either save or destroy everything?" She let out a shaky laugh. "And here I thought deciding whether to move in together was a big step."

Chase watched her, his heart heavy. "I understand if this is too much for you, Betsy. If you wish to leave—"

Betsy whirled on him, her eyes flashing. "Leave? Who said anything about leaving?"

"I thought the burden of this knowledge, the responsibility it entails..." Chase fumbled for words, caught off guard by her reaction.

Betsy's expression softened. She moved back to the couch, kneeling in front of Chase and taking his large hands in hers. "Chase, listen to me. I'm not going anywhere. Yes, this is a lot to take in. Yes, it's scary as hell. But I'm not abandoning you or this forest."

Chase felt a glimmer of hope, but he forced himself to voice his deepest fear. "But Betsy, you must understand. Being with me, it means tying yourself to this place forever. You would never be able to leave for extended periods of time. You'd never be able to return to your old life. And the dangers, I could not bear it if something happened to you because of me."

Betsy's lips quirked into a small smile. "Chase, honey, I think we passed the point of no return when I first saw you tenderly returning a baby bird to its nest. My old life? It's got nothing on this. And as for danger..." She gestured to the window, where a squirrel was currently floating by, propelled by what appeared to be rainbow-colored flatulence. "I think I'm already in pretty deep."

Despite the gravity of the situation, Chase felt a chuckle rumble in his chest. "You are... remarkable, my mate."

She grinned. "Don't you forget it, Sasquatch."

Chase's expression grew serious again. "There is one more thing you should know. The mate bond can also be dangerous. If we fully embrace it, our connection to each other and to the forest will deepen beyond anything you can imagine. But if we are not in harmony, if there is doubt or discord between us, it could accelerate the forest's decay."

Betsy whistled low. "Talk about relationship pressure. And I thought meeting the parents was stressful."

Chase cupped her face gently, his large hand engulfing her cheek. "Betsy, I need you to understand. I cannot do this alone. The forest needs both of us, working together as true partners. I have tried to shoulder this burden alone for too long, and I see now that it was folly."

Betsy leaned into his touch, her eyes shining with unshed tears. "Oh, Chase. You big, furry idiot. Did you really think I'd run away just because things got a little magical and complicated?"

Chase felt a weight lift from his shoulders, a tension he hadn't even realized he'd been carrying. "I feared you would see me as a burden, as someone trapped in an ancient, unchangeable cycle. That you would feel isolated from the world you know, tied to a force you cannot fully control."

Betsy laughed, a sound that sent warmth spreading through Chase's chest. "Chase, I gave up a soul-sucking corporate job to become an herbalist in my grandmother's old cabin in the middle of nowhere. I think I was already pretty committed to the 'isolated from the world' lifestyle. Besides," she added, her voice softening, "being with you, being part of this magical world, it's the most alive I've ever felt."

Chase felt something shift inside him, like a key turning in a lock. He pulled Betsy into his arms, burying his face in her hair. "I love you," he rumbled, the words carrying the weight of an oath.

Betsy's arms tightened around him. "I love you too, you big lug. Now, what do you say we go save a magical forest?"

Chase pulled back, a rare smile tugging at his lips. "It will not be easy. The journey to the heart of the forest will be perilous, and the ritual to restore balance will require complete trust and surrender."

Betsy stood up, striking a heroic pose. "Bring it on. I've survived corporate team-building exercises. I can handle anything this forest throws at us."

As if on cue, a bolt of errant magic zipped through the open window, turning the coffee table into a large, disgruntled-looking toadstool.

Betsy eyed it warily. "Okay, that's new. Please tell me we don't have to ride that thing to the forest's heart."

Chase shook his head, amusement dancing in his eyes. "No, we will travel on foot. But we must hurry. The magic grows more unstable by the moment."

They stepped out onto the porch, and Betsy gasped. The forest before them was a kaleidoscope of chaos. Trees stretched and shrank like saltwater taffy, flowers sang opera in voices that would make Pavarotti weep with envy, and what looked suspiciously like a herd of neon pink unicorns galloped by, leaving trails of glitter in their wake.

"Well," Betsy said, her voice a mixture of awe and trepidation, "I guess we're not in Kansas anymore, Toto."

Chase looked at her quizzically. "We are in Connecticut, Betsy. And my name is Chase, not Toto."

Betsy patted his arm. "We really need to work on your pop culture references, big guy. Now, lead on. We've got a forest to save."

They set off into the chaotic wonderland that the forest had become. Chase moved with purpose, his large form easily navigating the ever-changing landscape. Betsy followed close behind, her eyes wide as she took in the magical mayhem around them.

"So," she panted, ducking under a branch that had suddenly decided to start doing the macarena, "what exactly are we looking for? A big glowing 'heart of the forest' sign?"

Chase's lips twitched in what might have been a smile. "The heart is not a physical place, but a nexus of magical energy. We will know it when we reach it."

"Great," Betsy muttered. "Cryptic magical GPS. Just what I always wanted."

As they pushed deeper into the forest, the chaos intensified. Gravity seemed to have taken a vacation, with rocks and small animals floating by at random intervals. The ground beneath their feet alternated between feeling like gelatin and quicksand.

"Chase," Betsy called out, struggling to keep her balance on a particularly wobbly patch of earth. "I don't suppose you've got any Sasquatch secret tricks for walking on magical Jell-O?"

Chase turned back, concern etched on his features. Without a word, he scooped Betsy up into his arms, cradling her against his chest as if she weighed no more than a feather.

"Oh," Betsy said, a blush creeping up her cheeks. "Well, this works too."

As Chase carried her through the magical obstacle course, Betsy found herself marveling at the easy strength in his arms, the steady beat of his heart under her ear. She'd always known he was powerful, but feeling it like this, surrounded by chaos yet completely safe in his embrace, made something warm and fierce bloom in her chest.

"You know," she said conversationally, as they passed a tree that appeared to be crying tears of liquid rainbows, "when I pictured being swept off my feet by a tall, dark, and handsome stranger, I didn't quite envision it like this."

Chase's chest rumbled with a low chuckle. "I imagine not. Is the reality disappointing?"

Betsy pretended to consider for a moment. "Well, let's see. Magical forest, check. Dashing Sasquatch hero, check. Imminent peril and world-saving quest, check." She grinned up at him. "Nope, I'd say this exceeds all expectations."

They continued on, the forest growing wilder and more unpredictable with each step. Betsy lost track of time, the journey becoming a blur of impossible sights and near-misses with errant magic. Through it all, Chase's arms remained steady around her, his presence a constant anchor in the sea of chaos.

Finally, after what felt like hours (or possibly days—time seemed to have gone as wonky as everything else), Chase came to a stop. He gently set Betsy down, and she gasped as she took in their surroundings.

They stood in a perfectly circular clearing, untouched by the magical pandemonium that raged around its edges. At the center stood an enormous oak tree, its trunk easily as wide as Betsy's cabin. The tree pulsed with a soft, golden light that seemed to beat in time with Betsy's own heart.

"Is this...?" she breathed, unable to take her eyes off the magnificent tree.

Chase nodded solemnly. "The heart of the forest. The source of all its magic."

Betsy approached the tree slowly, drawn by an instinct she couldn't name. As she got closer, she could hear it—a faint melody, like wind chimes in a gentle breeze. She reached out, her fingertips barely brushing the rough bark.

The moment she made contact, a jolt of energy surged through her. Visions flashed before her eyes—the forest as it had been centuries ago, wild and untamed; her grandmother, young and vibrant, performing rituals with a grace Betsy could only dream of; Chase, standing guard over the land through countless seasons.

She stumbled back, overwhelmed by the onslaught of images and emotions. Chase was there in an instant, steadying her with a gentle hand on her back.

"What... what was that?" Betsy gasped, her head spinning.

"The forest recognizes you," Chase said softly. "It knows you are meant to be its steward, just as your grandmother was."

Betsy shook her head, doubt creeping in. "But I'm not my grandmother. I'm just... me. Clumsy, clueless me. How am I supposed to do this?"

Chase turned her to face him, his dark eyes intense. "You are more than you know, Betsy Ferris. The forest chose you for a reason. And I..." he paused, vulnerability flickering across his features. "I need you. Not just as my mate, but as my partner in this. I cannot do it alone."

Betsy felt something shift inside her, like puzzle pieces clicking into place. She thought of all she'd been through since coming to the forest—the laughter, the danger, the wonder of it all. She thought of Chase, this impossible, wonderful creature who had stolen her heart.

Taking a deep breath, Betsy squared her shoulders and met Chase's gaze. "Okay," she said, her voice steady. "Let's do this. What's the plan, big guy?"

Relief and pride warred for dominance in Chase's expression. "We must perform the bonding ritual. It will fully awaken your powers as a steward and strengthen our mate bond. Through that connection, we can channel the forest's magic and restore balance."

Betsy nodded, a determined glint in her eye. "Alright. Hit me with it. Do we need to dance naked under the moonlight? Sacrifice a virgin squirrel? Chant in ancient Sasquatch?"

Chase's lips twitched. "Nothing so dramatic. We simply need to open ourselves fully to each other and to the forest. No barriers, no doubts. Complete trust and surrender."

"Oh, is that all?" Betsy quipped, but her voice lacked its usual sarcastic edge. She understood the gravity of what they were about to do.

Chase took her hands in his, dwarfing them with his massive palms. "Are you ready?"

Betsy took a deep breath, pushing down the last vestiges of doubt. She thought of all the reasons she'd fallen in love with Chase: his strength, his gentleness, the way he looked at her like she was the most precious thing in the world. She thought of the forest, of the magic that now hummed in her veins as surely as her own blood.

"I'm ready," she said softly.

Chase nodded, then led her to the base of the great oak. They sat facing each other, knees touching, hands clasped between them. The golden light from the tree enveloped them, warm and comforting.

"Close your eyes," Chase instructed gently. "Feel the forest around you. Feel our connection. Let everything else fall away."

Betsy did as he said, focusing on the warmth of Chase's hands in hers, the steady thrum of magic in the air. She felt something inside her unfurling, like a flower reaching for the sun.

Memories began to flash through her mind—her first glimpse of Chase in the forest, their fumbling attempts at communication, the gradual build of trust and affection between them. She saw herself through Chase's eyes, beautiful and brave and full of potential. She felt his love for her, deep and true and unwavering.

In turn, she opened herself fully to Chase, letting him see all of her—her fears, her doubts, her dreams. She showed him the moment she realized she loved him, the fierce protectiveness she felt for him and for the forest.

As their connection deepened, Betsy became aware of the forest around them in a way she never had before. She could feel every tree, every blade of grass, every creature that called this land home. The magic that had seemed so chaotic before now felt like a symphony, complex and beautiful.

But there was discord in the melody, notes that rang false and threatened to tear the whole thing apart. Instinctively, Betsy reached out with her mind, trying to soothe the discordant elements.

She felt Chase join her, his presence steady and strong. Together, they wove through the tapestry of the forest's magic, mending tears, smoothing out tangles, bringing harmony where there had been chaos.

It wasn't easy. The wild magic fought them, lashing out with bursts of energy that made Betsy's teeth rattle. But she held firm, anchored by Chase's unwavering presence and her own newfound connection to the land.

Just when Betsy thought she couldn't hold on any longer, when the strain of channeling so much magic threatened to overwhelm her, she felt a shift. The discordant notes began to align, the chaotic energy smoothing out into a steady, harmonious flow.

With a final surge of effort, Betsy and Chase pushed the last of the wild magic into place. There was a moment of perfect stillness, like the forest itself was holding its breath. Then, with a sound like a thousand wind chimes, a wave of pure, balanced energy burst forth from the great oak.

Betsy's eyes flew open just in time to see the wave of golden light sweep through the clearing and out into the forest beyond. Where it passed, order was restored. Trees settled back into their proper shapes, flowers ceased their operatic performances, and the neon pink unicorns faded back into ordinary (but still majestic) white.

"We... we did it," Betsy breathed, hardly daring to believe it.

Chase opened his eyes, a rare, full smile breaking across his face. "Yes, we did."

The realization hit Betsy all at once, and she let out a whoop of joy, throwing her arms around Chase's neck. He caught her easily, his deep laugh rumbling through her as he held her close.

"We saved the forest!" Betsy exclaimed, pulling back to look at Chase with shining eyes. "We actually did it! I mean, not that I doubted us for a second, but wow!"

Chase's expression softened as he gazed at her. "You were magnificent, Betsy. I have never seen anyone master their powers so quickly or channel the forest's magic with such skill."

Betsy felt a blush creep up her cheeks. "Oh, well, you know. Just your average day for a corporate dropout turned magical forest steward."

She paused, suddenly aware of how different everything felt. The forest around them hummed with renewed vitality, and she could feel it all—every leaf, every root, every heartbeat of the creatures that called this place home. More than that, she could feel Chase, their bond thrumming between them like a living thing.

"Chase," she said softly, wonder in her voice, "is this... is this what it's always like for you?"

He nodded, his eyes never leaving hers. "Yes, though the connection is stronger now, thanks to our bond. How do you feel?"

Betsy took a moment to really consider the question. "I feel... alive. Like I'm finally whole, if that makes any sense. It's like I've been looking at the world in black and white all my life, and suddenly everything's in technicolor."

Chase's thumb traced gentle circles on her back. "And the responsibility? The knowledge that you are now truly bound to this place, to me?"

There was a vulnerability in his eyes that made Betsy's heart ache. She reached up, cupping his cheek in her hand. "Chase, listen to me. This? Us? The forest? It's not a burden. It's a gift. The most amazing, wonderful, occasionally terrifying gift I've ever received. And I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world."

The tension seemed to drain out of Chase at her words. He leaned down, resting his forehead against hers. "I love you, Betsy Ferris. More than I ever thought possible."

Betsy grinned, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "I love you too, you big furry lug. Now, what do you say we head back to the cabin and celebrate saving the world? I'm thinking champagne, strawberries, and you can show me just how much stamina a Sasquatch really has."

Chase's eyes darkened with desire. "I believe that can be arranged."

As they made their way back through the now-peaceful forest, Betsy couldn't help but marvel at how much had changed. Just a few months ago, she'd been a disillusioned office worker, dreaming of a different life. Now, she was a magical forest steward, deeply in love with a Sasquatch, and responsible for maintaining the balance of an entire mystical ecosystem.

It was crazy. It was overwhelming. It was absolutely perfect.

"Hey, Chase?" she said as they neared the cabin.

"Yes, Betsy?"

"Next time my mom asks what I'm doing with my life, can I just tell her I'm in 'forest management'? I have a feeling 'magical Sasquatch girlfriend' might be a bit much for her to handle."

Chase's rumbling laugh echoed through the trees, a sound of pure joy and contentment. And as Betsy joined in, her laughter mingling with his, she knew that whatever challenges lay ahead, they would face them together—human and Sasquatch, united by love and a forest full of magic.

As they stepped onto the porch, the last rays of sunlight filtering through the trees, Betsy felt a sense of peace and rightness settle over her.

She turned to Chase, a mischievous glint in her eye. "So, Mr. Sasquatch, now that we've saved the forest and unlocked my magical mojo, what's next on the agenda? Do we get magical forest steward badges? Is there a secret handshake I need to learn?"

Chase's lips twitched in amusement. "There are no badges, Betsy. But there is much for you to learn about your new role and abilities."

Betsy nodded, her expression turning serious for a moment. "I know. And I'm ready for it, Chase. All of it. The good, the bad, and the magically weird."

She paused, a sudden thought occurring to her. "Oh god, please tell me I don't have to start wearing flowing robes or talking in riddles. I don't think I have the gravitas to pull off the whole 'mysterious forest witch' look."

Chase chuckled, pulling her close. "You need not change who you are, Betsy. Your unique spirit is what makes you perfect for this role."

Betsy grinned up at him. "Good, because I'm pretty attached to my jeans and terrible puns."

As they stood there, wrapped in each other's arms with the restored forest stretching out before them, Betsy felt a surge of excitement for the future. She knew there would be challenges ahead, new magical crises to face, and probably more than a few mishaps as she learned to control her powers.

But with Chase by her side and the forest thrumming with life around her, Betsy knew she was exactly where she was meant to be. And really, who needed a corner office when you had an entire magical forest as your workplace?

With a contented sigh, she snuggled closer to Chase. "You know," she murmured, "I think Grandma Francine would be proud."

Chase pressed a gentle kiss to the top of her head. "I know she would be, little one. As am I."