Chapter Four: Levi

Levi focused on the road ahead as he drove his truck along winding back roads that led through the mountains to the Thornberg Ranch. The landscape shifted and changed around him, but all he could think about was Rosie—her smile, the warmth of her touch, and the way she made his heart race.

Can’t believe it’s really happened at last,Levi murmured, feeling an odd mix of shock and elation. It almost feels unreal.

His bear rumbled in agreement. Rosie is real, and so is Elliott.

Levi chuckled. A mate and a son, now that was worth waiting for.

He could hardly recall the journey as he turned off the road and approached the entrance to the Thornberg Ranch.

He got out of the truck to open the gate and sucked in the mountain air. But the familiar sights, sounds, and smells that he’d experienced since the day he was born seemed different. The world felt...richer, brighter, more vivid.

As if it had changed since he’d met his mate. Perhaps because his life had changed, leaving him with a newfound sense of wonder and appreciation for everything around him.

He grinned to himself and shook his head as he strode to the gate and reached for the latch. The gate creaked open, revealing the trail that led to the heart of the ranch, the house where he’d been born and raised.

Soon, if all went according to plan, he would share everything he’d learned from his father with a child of his own.

And with Elliott, of course. The boy might not be his blood, but he would never be treated differently. He’d always lavish the same love, care, and commitment on Elliott.

As Levi climbed back into his truck and drove through the gate, he felt incredibly blessed. He’d be a better husband and father than Rosie’s ex-husband.

Mom is going to be ecstatic,his bear said, shuffling happily at the thought.

She sure is. Another woman to even up the numbers,Levi said.

And further proof that the curse is broken,his bear replied.

Levi chuckled. That damn curse. He’d never been sure it ever existed. It had become something of a family myth or legend, made up as a way to explain why the current generation of Thornberg boys had not found mates. All thirty-six of them.

Yes, as his father and his five brothers had all been blessed with six sons. But all those sons had remained bachelors into midlife. Hence the theory of the curse.

Not anymore,his bear said.

At least not for our part of the family,Levi reminded his bear. So far, it’s only the Thornberg Ranch boys who have found mates. And then only two of them.

I just hope one day we are all equally blessed,his bear answered as the ranch house came into view.

This was it. He was going to make his big announcement before Camille told Ezra and Ezra spread the news.

That was one thing about a large family. News sure spread fast, like wildfire on a parched mountain meadow.

He parked the truck in front of the house and sat still for a moment as he used his shifter senses to locate the other people at the ranch. Ezra was still here. He could sense his brother in the stables, brushing down his horse. This probably meant he did not know about Levi meeting his mate, since Camille had promised not to tell him over the phone or by text.

And she will keep her promise,his bear said.

She will,Levi agreed. But he also understood that it would be hard for her to keep the secret to herself once Ezra got home.

A shifter and their mate do not keep secrets,his bear said.

At least from what they knew, what they had learned from their parents and aunts and uncles, and friends who had mates.

But now Levi was going to learn that for himself. Because he had a mate!

Damn, he wanted to saddle a horse and ride to the tallest peak on the ranch and shout it out to the world!

Instead, he strode to the house and climbed onto the porch. His mom was in the kitchen, probably preparing dinner for the family. She had always made sure her boys were well-fed.

“Levi.” His mom came out of the kitchen to meet him, wiping her hands on her ‘best mom in the world’ apron they had given her as a gift years ago. He remembered they’d all put in an equal amount to pay for it. He also remembered the look of happiness on his mom’s face as she opened her gift and saw the words.

She’d loved it, and worn it every day since. Sometimes Levi wondered if it was held together by magic since it had lasted so long.

Or maybe it’s held together with love,his bear said.

Levi chuckled. Maybe you are right. Love is the strongest force in the world, after all.

“Hey, Mom.” Levi closed the door behind him and stood there in front of her, trying to find the words to tell her his life had been turned on its head in the space of a few minutes. That he would never be the same again.

“Is everything all right?” she asked, her concern evident as she came toward him. “You look pale.”

“I guess I’m in shock,” he replied, which wasn’t helpful.

“Did you have an accident?” She touched her hand to his arm. “Come and sit down. I’ll pour you a cup of coffee, and I have some pie Camille brought over yesterday.”

“Mom, wait.” Levi reached for her hand. “I haven’t had an accident.”

Not true,his bear said. You did accidentally meet your mate.

“Then what?” She looked into his face as if searching for an answer.

“I met my mate.”

Straight and to the point, his bear said as their mom put her hand to her mouth.

He couldn’t tell if she was laughing or crying as her shoulders shook and her eyes misted with tears. “Your mate?”

“Yes, Mom.”

Her eyebrows shot up, and she paused for a moment, looking at him. Then she threw her arms around him, her body shaking with laughter, or maybe tears. Levi wasn’t sure.

“That’s wonderful,” she said, pulling back and wiping her eyes. “I always knew you’d find someone special. That you would all find someone special.”

“Two down, four to go,” Levi said brightly.

“Come on, coffee and pie to celebrate.” His mom guided him toward the kitchen. “I want to hear all the details.”

“There’s not much to tell,” Levi replied as she pulled out a chair and patted the seat.

“Well, I still want to hear every detail.”

He sat down obediently as she fetched two cups and poured the coffee. After setting them down on the well-worn kitchen table, she grabbed two plates and then took a fruit pie from the fridge and set it down on the table, alongside a jug of thick cream.

“So, who is she? Do we know her?” Mary asked as she sat down across the table from him.

“No,” Levi replied as he poured a generous helping of cream over his pie. “Well, not exactly.”

“Levi, spill, please,” Mary said in exasperation.

“You know Camille’s friend, Rosie?” Levi asked.

“The one who is coming to town this week with her little boy?” Mary asked. “I haven’t met her, but Camille called me this morning to ask if I could be a backup babysitter…”

“Rosie is my mate,” Levi confirmed, although his mom had already guessed it.

“And she has a son, five years old, I think Camille said. The ex-husband let Rosie down at the last minute and she had to bring him with her, even though she’s here for work.” Mary nodded as she spoke.

“That’s about as much as I know,” Levi said.

“So, you met at Camille’s?” Mary asked as she picked up a fork and broke off a piece of pie.

“Yes, I was just finishing up for the day when she arrived.” Levi sucked in a contented breath. “It all seems so surreal.”

“Oh, Levi.” Mary reached across the table and squeezed his hand. “I’m so happy for you. And for Rosie and Elliott. From what Camille said, the ex is a piece of work. How could he have forgotten his son was coming to stay?”

“I know. When Camille told me, I wanted to wring his neck. Now I’d like to shake his hand.” Levi grinned and scooped up a generous piece of pie and popped it into his mouth.

“This is the best news,” Mary said as she cupped her hands around her coffee and took a sip. “Does Ezra know?”

“No, just you and Camille,” Levi told her. “I came straight over after I took Rosie into town to show her where the electronics store is. There was no way Camille was going to be able to keep this news from Ezra once he got home.”

“And Ezra would find it hard to keep it to himself,” Mary said. “I know how much he’s been longing for one of you or your cousins to find a mate.” She shook her head, her eyes misted with tears. “This is incredible news.”

“It is,” Levi agreed.

“Do you want to gather everyone and make an announcement?” Mary asked.

“No.” Levi shook his head. “I’d prefer it if we keep things quiet until I have found the right time and the right way to tell Rosie. So, if word spreads, that’s fine, but no big announcement.”

“I don’t want to rush you, Levi. But remember, she’s only here for a week,” his mom said gently.

“I know.” He dug into his pie. “I’ll find a way. I have to.”

Mary lowered her gaze and focused on her pie.

She is worried about something,his bear said.

I know,Levi said. And it was his turn to reach across the table and squeeze his mom’s hand.

“What is it?” he asked.

“Camille has told me about Rosie. How hard she works, how she is trying to build a new life for her and Elliott.” Mary pressed her lips together and then she said, “Her plans might not work in a small town like Bear Creek.”

“You’re worried she’ll leave and go back to her old life,” Levi said.

“Yes.” Mary nodded. “I know I’m being selfish, but I want to gain a daughter, not lose a son.”

“I guess we’re going to have to put our faith in fate,” Levi said gently. “And trust that I can figure out a way to give Rosie and Elliott everything they want. Everything they need, here in Bear Creek.” He scooped up the rest of his pie and then picked up his coffee cup. “And that starts by finding a charger for Elliott’s game console.”

“Who needs a game console when there are mountains and forests to explore?” Mary asked.

“Elliott is five,” Levi explained. “And Rosie is here to work. Kids these days don’t watch TV, they amuse themselves with games. And I don’t want the charger to be a constant thorn in the side of small-town life.”

“Ah, I get it,” Mary said. “Rosie is a city girl.”

“For now.” He drained his coffee cup and stood up. “I’ll bring Rosie and Elliott over to meet you soon. I offered to show them around the ranch.”

“Bring them for dinner tomorrow night,” Mary suggested and then shook her head. “Oh, no, it’s the festival.” Her expression brightened. “Is she going?”

“I think Camille mentioned that was one of the reasons Rosie didn’t want to rearrange her schedule when her ex-husband canceled.”

“Great, we can meet her there.” Mary clasped her hands together. “Maybe you could introduce her to some of the community. Show her what Bear Creek has to offer.”

Levi nodded, a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. “That’s the plan.”

“Maybe you could also ask her to go with you. As a date.” Mary shrugged. “In case it hadn’t crossed your mind.”

“It has,” Levi admitted. “But I don’t want to come on too strong. If I scare her off, it might affect her relationship with Camille. Rosie is helping Camille with the branding and marketing for her range of cookie and pies.”

“Shifters, they never put themselves first,” Mary said as she finished her coffee and began clearing the table. But there was a look of pride in her expression.

She should be proud,his bear said. Of herself for raising talented sons.

Yeah.Levi nodded in agreement. Now, let’s go find a charger for Elliott.

And if it’s not too late, we could drop it around tonight,his bear suggested.

Maybe,Levi said. And while we’re there, we could ask her to the festival.

This promised to be the perfect end to the perfect day.