Chapter Ten: Levi

“I’ll give you a hand with the drinks,” Camille offered and dashed after him.

“Are you sure you shouldn’t go with Rosie and save her from my family?” Levi quipped with a crooked smile, his eyes flickering to Rosie and then back to Camille.

“She’ll be fine,” Camille assured him. “Your folks are great. They’ll make her feel like part of the family. Which she is.”

“But she doesn’t know that,” Levi told her, eyebrows knitting together with a faint hint of worry.

“Don’t fret,” Camille said, nudging his arm. “Although by the time we get the drinks, she might need something stronger than a soda.”

Levi let out a small chuckle, the tension easing from his shoulders. “I might need something stronger if my family starts on all the embarrassing stories they have to tell.”

“It’ll make you even more endearing to her,” Camille said. “And how is that going? Being endearing.”

“Ah, so that’s why you offered to come help me, so that you can grill me for information,” Levi teased, his voice dropping to a playful whisper as the music lulled.

The corners of Camille’s lips curled up in a sly grin. “Guilty as charged,” she admitted. “Now spill.”

Levi glanced over his shoulder, ensuring they were out of earshot, before leaning closer. “There’s nothing to tell.”

“Really?” Camille asked in disbelief. “Because that did not look like nothing to me.”

“I don’t know.” He raked his hand through his hair. “When I asked her to come to the festival with me this morning, she said a flat-out no. But when she got here…”

“It felt like a yes?” Camille arched her eyebrow at him.

“It did,” he admitted and cracked a smile. “I’m just hoping my family doesn’t blow it.”

“Well, you should be fine unless Henry arrives before we get the drinks. Trust me, he doesn’t hold anything back when it comes to spilling secrets about his brothers.”

“He should be careful. One day soon he might meet his mate, too, and then we’ll tell all his embarrassing stories to his mate.”

How wonderful it would be if we all had mates, and all had children,his bear said.

If we all had six sons, including our cousins, then we could almost need our own town,Levi joked.

But first, we have to win over our mate, then we can focus on children,his bear said.

As they waited to be served, his thoughts were filled with his mate and the ideas of children. Lots of children.

Then they made their way to where his family was seated on a veranda that looked out over a lake fed by a tributary that eventually joined Bear Creek. Strings of fairy lights twinkled in the growing dusk, casting a warm glow on the faces of his family. Levi’s gaze swept across the gathered crowd, each person buzzing with the energy of the festival, until he found Rosie.

She was with Elliott and Mary, leaning on the wooden rail, looking out over the lake.

As he approached, she turned to him, as if she could sense his presence. The corners of her lips curved into a subtle smile.

“Your mom’s been telling me about the festival’s history,” Rosie said.

That’s better than telling her stories about us,his bear said.

True,Levi replied.

“Did you know the festival started over a century ago?” Elliott asked.

“I did,” Levi responded, matching Elliott’s enthusiasm. “Started small, just a few families getting together as an act of gratitude. Now look at it.” He gestured broadly at the bustling scene around them.

“Yeah, it grew little by little, like most good things in life,” Mary chimed in with pride. “Now it’s the heart of our community. A reminder of what we cherish most. Family, friends, the community we build.”

Rosie nodded, her eyes reflecting the soft light from the fairy lights. “It’s beautiful,” she murmured, her gaze lingering on the glittering water. “There’s something magical about it.”

“There is,” Levi agreed as he handed Rosie her soda. He’d always loved the festival, but sharing it with Rosie for the first time made it so much more special.

And Elliott,his bear said as Elliott stared out across the lake, his eyes filled with wide-eyed wonder.

“And it gets better,” Mary said. “A little later, when it’s fully dark, there’s a woodland trail that’s lit up with animals and birds…” She looked at Levi with a tender smile and he read her thoughts.

She’s so happy for us,his bear said.

And I’m so happy for her. It’s not only our dreams that are coming true,Levi reminded him.

Mom has waited a long time for her boys to find their mates and for our family to grow,his bear said.

“The town puts a lot of work into this festival,” Rosie said as she sipped her soda. “Oh, that’s good.”

“Locally made,” Mary chipped in. “In case you are looking for more local businesses to promote.”

“Interesting,” Rosie said, taking another sip.

“When will there be more lights?” Elliott asked Mary.

“Soon,” Mary replied. “Shall we go and take a look at the poster that shows where the trail is and what we might see?” She held out her hand to Elliott and then paused. “Sorry, Rosie, I should have asked you first.”

“That’s okay, Mary,” Rosie said. “Of course, it’s all right for Elliott to go with you.” She switched her attention to Elliott. “But don’t wander off. The lake might look beautiful, but the water is deep.”

“I’ll stay close.” Elliott slipped his hand into Mary’s and smiled up at her.

“My mom loves kids,” Levi said. “But then you probably guessed that since she had six boys.”

“I’d love six boys,” Rosie said with a wistful smile. “Or a boy and five girls. Or any combination. Being a mom is the best.”

“My mom would agree with you,” Ezra said as he came to join Camille, who was leaning on the rail lost in thought as she stared out across the lake. “Are you okay?”

Camille leaned into him and said, “Yes. Just daydreaming of the day we’ll bring our child to the festival.”

“I can’t wait either.” His brows tugged together as he looked at her and then kissed the top of her head.

Is Camille pregnant?Levi’s bear asked.

I don’t know,Levi said, although that was obvious since if the human side of Levi knew if Camille was pregnant, then the bear side of him would, too. They did not keep that kind of secret from each other. Because Camille being pregnant would be huge news.

And a cause for much family celebration,his bear said.

“Ah, the music has started up again.” Ezra held out his hand to Camille. “Can I tempt you to dance with me?”

“You know I can never say no to you, Ezra.” Camille slipped her hand into her mate’s and headed for the dance floor as the music struck up a slow dance.

“Would you like to dance?” Levi asked.

“Dance.” Rosie tilted her head to one side and looked past him to the dance floor, which was filling up with couples.

“Yes. Dance.” He held out his hand to her. She looked at it and then back to the dance floor and he could sense a no coming his way. “Or sway. I’m good at swaying.”

“Then I would love to sway with you.” She ducked her head and laughed. “Because I have not danced for so long. Except for when I dance with Elliott. But that’s a little more carefree.”

“Carefree?” Levi asked as he threaded his arm around her waist and guided her through the gathered crowd to the dance floor.

“Freestyle,” she said. “Lots of head shaking and arms waving.”

Levi chuckled. “We could do that here if you want. I’m game if you are?”

“Ah, we can go swaying if you want,” Rosie said. “Since I am in town in a professional capacity, I think I should keep my head shaking to a minimum.” Her voice was light, teasing. “And my dignity intact.”

Levi nodded, his lips curving into a smile. “Dignity is overrated.” They reached the outskirts of the dance floor, and he turned to face her, taking her hands in his.

“I’m glad you said so since your brother had quite the story to tell while we were waiting for you to get the drinks,” she said, her lips close to his ear as the music grew louder.

“I don’t think I want to know which story. But I do want to know which brother so I can return the favor when he meets his mate,” Levi said and tensed as he realized what he’d said.

“Oh, I am not going to spill,” Rosie said. “I like to protect my sources.”

Levi relaxed; Rosie had not reacted to the word mate. Perhaps she thought it was a local colloquialism used in Bear Creek for boyfriend, or partner.

Levi threaded his arms around her waist and Rosie slipped her hands around his neck and pressed close to him as they moved to the music. The lights from the dance floor illuminated Rosie’s face, casting shadows that played across her smile. He could stare at her all night, as they moved gently, swaying to the rhythm of a slow country ballad that spoke of love and longing under the wide-open skies.

A love and longing that called to his heart. He wanted to be with Rosie forever, to love her until the end of their days…and beyond.

Caught up in the melody, Rosie rested her head on his chest, and he gently tightened his hold on her. She sighed, the rise and fall of her chest against his setting an almost hypnotic rhythm.

It was as if they were in perfect sync, moving as one. Because they were one. Two halves of a whole.

He lowered his gaze, taking in the sight of her, feeling the warmth of her body through the layers of clothing separating them. Layers he wanted to strip away until they were naked together, skin against skin.

Levi could feel his bear rumbling beneath the surface, content and at peace in Rosie’s presence.

Across the dance floor, Ezra watched his brother with a knowing smile, his arms wrapped around Camille as they swayed to the music.

“Rosie,” Levi whispered, the sound barely audible above the music, but she heard him, lifting her head to look into his eyes.

“Yes?” Rosie responded, a curious lilt to her voice, as the music faded into the background of their moment.

“I just...” Levi’s voice trailed off, unsure how to put words to the tumultuous feelings stirring within him. His eyes searched hers, seeking a sign, any sign that she might feel the same pull he did, that she might sense the depth of his connection to her, even though they were still virtual strangers.

Rosie’s brows furrowed slightly; her lips parted as if she were about to speak, but words failed her, too. Instead, she reached up and brushed her hand across his cheek, her touch tender and unhurried. He leaned forward, his eyes dilated as his soul seemed to soar out of his body.

She did feel it, too. She might not know what it was, but there was an undeniable electricity between them. Her touch sparked something primal in him, a connection that went deeper than mere attraction.

Levi’s hand found its way to her lower back, drawing her closer. Rosie’s breath hitched as she pressed against him, instinctively molding her body to his. The song had ended, but the pair remained locked in each other’s arms, oblivious to the surrounding dancers who began to leave the dance floor.

“Mommy.” Elliott’s voice broke the spell and brought them back to reality.

Rosie looked down to see her son’s wide eyes sparkling with excitement. He tugged on her hand insistently, his energy infectious. “The light trail is starting soon! Can we go see the animals?”

Rosie smiled and ruffled Elliott’s hair. “Of course. Just give me a minute, okay?” She turned back to Levi, looking a little guilty for breaking their moment. “Are you coming with us?”

Try and stop us! his bear said.

You might be as excited as Elliott,Levi replied.

Levi grinned sheepishly, but kept his inner dialogue to himself. “I wouldn’t miss it for the world,” he said, offering Rosie his arm. “Lead the way.”

A thrill of excitement passed through Levi as Rosie took his arm. Their fingers brushed together, sending electric tingles up his arm and down his spine. She glanced up at him through her eyelashes and he knew she’d felt it, too.

Damn, he could not wait to explain it to her, to tell her they were mates, and she was bound to him forever.

And we are bound to her, his bear said happily.

“Shall we?” Levi asked as Elliott walked in front of them.

“Woah!” Elliott stopped and tilted his head back, pointing at the fireflies as they danced above their heads like tiny fairies, enhancing the enchantment of the night.

“Fireflies,” Levi told him, looking up at the twinkling display. “Nature’s little lanterns.”

Elliott’s eyes widened with wonder. “They’re like little stars!”

Rosie looked up and grinned at the shiny bugs. “They light up the night, just like magic.”

Elliott’s eyes grew wide with wonder. “Magic bugs!” he declared, his voice full of awe.

“I’m beginning to think Bear Creek might have a little magic all of its own.” When Rosie switched her gaze from the fireflies to Levi, he got the feeling she wasn’t just talking about the bioluminescent insects.

She sure has cast a spell on us,his bear said in agreement.

They made their way to the start of the lantern trail, Elliott bouncing ahead of them, unable to contain his enthusiasm. The light trail was a winding path through the woods, illuminated by thousands of tiny lights. As they entered, Elliott let out a gasp of delight. “Look, Mommy! There’s a deer!”

Indeed, ahead of them, a magnificent glowing deer stood, its eyes twinkling with an almost lifelike curiosity.

“It’s beautiful,” she whispered and pressed closer to Levi.

Levi nodded, his eyes fixed on the deer. “It is.” But to him, the true beauty of the evening was right beside him, her warmth seeping into his side as they walked. He could hear the beat of her heart as they moved deeper into the woods and silence enveloped them. It was as if she’d awoken a primal part of him that was fixed on her every move, every breath. The connection he felt went beyond words, beyond reason—it was instinctual, an ancient bond that defied simple explanation.

As they continued down the trail, they encountered other animals—an owl perched on a branch, its wings shimmering with light; a family of foxes darting playfully through the bushes; and a wolf, majestic and gentle, standing by a stream of illuminated water. Each animal seemed to have its own personality, its own story.

Elliott was captivated. Running ahead to see the next animal, then rushing back to share his excitement with Rosie and Levi. “Come see the bear!”

Levi tensed at Elliott’s words and Rosie looked up at him with a questioning glance. “It’s not real,” she whispered.

But I am,his bear said.

One day soon, Rosie’s eyes would be lit up with a different kind of wonder.

Or horror,a sneaky voice in his head whispered.

But Levi refused to believe that was their fate.