Oscar came up with an even better plan. He told Bastian of a witch he knew who owed him a favor. She could make a potion that would suppress Lewis’ bear side and make him human again. No human would dare to attempt to continue a career as a Matchmaker and Bastian agreed it was a fitting punishment. Lewis would live a miserable human life knowing what he had done, and then eventually, he would die of natural causes. It was perfect. Bastian authorized the move and then he left the Bellevue Hotel and went to his car.
His heart skipped a beat when he saw Rachel sitting there in his t-shirt. She looked so fragile and yet he knew how powerful she was. He got into the car and pulled her to him, kissing her full on the mouth.
“I really thought I was dead back there. How did you find me?” he said after the kiss.
He started the engine and began to drive down the dirt road as Rachel replied.
“At first, I thought you’d taken me up on my offer to walk away and never come back,” Rachel admitted.
“Never,” Bastian winced.
“When I really thought about it, though, I knew that didn’t feel right. I let my bear instincts come out and they told me you were in danger. I knew I had to act,” she said.
“You could have been killed, Rachel. You should have gone to Brady,” Bastian said.
“Okay, let’s get one thing straight,” Rachel said. She smiled but Bastian knew she was serious. “If there’s any chance of this thing between us working out, then you’re going to have to accept that I’m not a damsel in distress.”
“I wouldn’t dare even suggest such a thing,” Bastian grinned. His smile faded. “Seriously, Rachel, you were magnificent in there. How did it feel to embrace your bear side?”
“Stop!” Rachel shouted, startling Bastian.
He hit the brakes and frowned at her.
“It’s okay,” he said.
She shook her head.
“I know. But I can’t just leave my car here,” she said, nodding to her car.
Bastian felt relief flood him when he realized she only wanted him to stop because her car was here.
“We’ll take your car and I’ll have the rental company collect this one from here,” he said.
They moved to Rachel’s car and got in. She started the engine, but she left the car idling and looked at Bastian.
“It felt good,” she said. “Embracing my bear side. I think I might like to do it more often. So I was thinking… is there maybe space for two more in your pack?”
Bastian didn’t reply with words. Instead, he pulled Rachel toward him and kissed her hard on the mouth. When they broke apart, they were both breathless. They looked at each other for a moment and then Rachel smiled.
“I take it that’s a yes, then?” she said.
“It’s a hell yes,” Bastian said. “You won’t regret this, Rachel.”
She smiled and started to take the hand break off. Bastian put his hand over hers, stopping her for a moment. Rachel looked up at him questioningly.
“Even if you say no to this, you’re welcome to join the pack,” he said. “But Rachel, I would love it if you joined the pack as my mate. I love you and I want us to spend eternity together.”
“I love you too,” Rachel said, tears shining in her eyes. “And my answer is yes. I would love to be your mate for life. Forever.”
They kissed again, a deep, loving kiss that made Bastian feel as though his heart was finally whole. They pulled apart and Rachel finally put the car in gear, starting the long drive home. After a few minutes, Bastian spoke up.
“Rachel, what you said about embracing your bear, was that true or did you just say it so we could be together?” Bastian asked.
“It’s true,” Rachel said. She gave him a flirty smile. “But I’ll admit, you’re a nice bonus.”
Bastian laughed and shook his head.
“I’m serious, Rachel. Because if you don’t want to join the pack, then you don’t have to. Ending Lewis was my last gift to my pack before I left them. For you.”
“You were really willing to do that for me?” Rachel asked, sounding shocked.
“I’d do anything for you,” Bastian smiled.
“Then promise me that once we get settled in together, you’ll take me out into the middle of nowhere and turn with me and we’ll just run and run for hours,” Rachel said.
“Done,” Bastian said with a smile.
Epilogue
Two Years Later
Rachel knocked on the door of Bastian’s home office.
“Come in,” he called.
She opened the door and smiled at him.
“Hey,” he said. “What are you doing home from work so early?”
“I asked for a half-day so we could celebrate,” she said.
“Celebrate what?” Bastian asked, confused about what he was missing.
Had he forgotten their anniversary? Rachel’s birthday? He knew he hadn’t.
“This,” Rachel smiled.
She pulled her hand out from behind her back and showed Bastian a positive pregnancy test. He jumped up from his seat, laughing with joy. He pulled Rachel into his arms and kissed her full on the mouth.
“This is the best news ever,” he said, when he pulled his mouth from hers.
“I know,” she laughed. “Three is about to become four.”
Bastian grinned and then he picked Rachel up and sat her on the edge of his desk. He kissed her again, his hands roaming over her body. Rachel felt desire and complete and utter joy fill her all at once, and she knew she had made the right choice embracing her bear, joining the pack, and mating with Bastian. She had no idea what the future might hold for them, but she was excited to find out with her soulmate by her side.
* * *
READ MORE ABOUT SANMERE SHIFTERS IN THIS NEW SERIES
