Total pages in book: 24
Estimated words: 22480 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 112(@200wpm)___ 90(@250wpm)___ 75(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 22480 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 112(@200wpm)___ 90(@250wpm)___ 75(@300wpm)
“You don’t have to thank me, love. I’d do anything to make sure you’re safe.”
Emilia’s eyes soften, and she leans into me as we walk up the steps to her apartment building. I hold her curvy body close to mine and drag her sweet scent deep into my lungs to overcome the strong city smells assaulting my senses. It's overwhelming compared to the crisp, clean air of the mountains. Emilia’s grip tightens, guiding me through the narrow hallways and up two flights of stairs to her tiny one-bedroom apartment.
The door creaks open, revealing a cozy, cluttered space that smells distinctly of her—vanilla and lavender mixed with another sweet, delicate fragrance that I can’t quite place but instantly find comforting.
Before I have a moment to take it all in, a petite whirlwind rushes toward us.
"Em Bean! You’re finally here!" Wrenlee’s voice is a bright spark in the dimness of the apartment. She barrels into Emilia, wrapping her in a tight hug. Then she turns to me and grins, her emerald-green eyes sparkling with mischief. “And you must be the hot polar bear shifter who loves to sunbathe naked.”
I feel my face heat as I reach out to shake her hand. “That would be me.”
Wrenlee couldn’t look more different than her older sister. Her dark brown hair cascades down in untamed waves, framing her round face and accentuating her striking green eyes. She's curvier and much shorter than Emilia, but there's no mistaking the shared energy that churns like a live wire between them. Every bit as sassy and spirited, Wrenlee has a way of making her presence known the moment she enters a room.
"Nice to finally meet you, Wrenlee," I manage to say, trying to keep my inner bear in check. My mate’s little sister’s energy is infectious, but the confined space, the overwhelming city noises seeping through the thin walls, and the possible threat to my new mate have my instincts on high alert.
Wrenlee’s eyebrow quirks up, and she gives me a once-over that’s half-serious, half-amused. “I’ve heard a lot about you, Dillon. Mostly good things, I promise.”
Emilia laughs and shakes her head. “Mostly?”
“Okay, fine. All good things,” Wrenlee concedes with a grin. “But seriously, the nude sunbathing thing? That’s gonna stay in my head for a while.”
We all chuckle, the ice effectively broken. Emilia beckons us into the living area, and we maneuver our way through the tight space. Bookshelves overflow with volumes of literature, and framed artwork lines the walls. There’s a warmth here that’s uniquely Emilia.
We walk to the small kitchenette where Wrenlee has set out some snacks. The simple spread of cheese, crackers, and slices of apple contrasts with the sensory overload of the city outside. We gather around the tiny kitchen table as Emilia and Wrenlee chatter nonstop.
“So, Dillon,” Wrenlee starts, folding a slice of cheese into her mouth. “Tell me all about Glacier Pass.”
I lean back in the small chair and shrug. “It’s... different from here, to say the least. It’s quieter and slower-paced. The community is close-knit, and the scenery is unbeatable. Picture endless forests, crystal-clear lakes, and snow-capped mountains. It’s the only place I’ve ever lived.”
“I love the city,” Wrenlee says, looking thoughtful. “But I can see the appeal of a place like that. It must be amazing for you, being a polar bear shifter and all.”
The mention of my bear reminds me of the constant push-and-pull I feel here. “It is. I mean, I love the wilderness. The air is cleaner, and the space to roam is unmatched. Plus, there’s an incredible sense of freedom.”
“You have to come and see it for yourself,” Emilia practically gushes, and my heart settles when I realize my mate has already fallen in love with my hometown.
Wrenlee nods. “I’d love to visit sometime, once the summer semester is over. You know, see what all the fuss is about.”
“Yay!” Emilia claps her hands together, clearly elated by the idea. “We’ll show you all the best spots, take you hiking, maybe even teach you how to fish. Dillon makes the best campfire meals.”
Wrenlee’s eyes light up. “I’m going to hold you both to that.”
We settle more comfortably around the table, my discomfort fading as we chat. Wrenlee shares stories about her classes, her friends, and the challenges of balancing a heavy college course load. We laugh at her anecdotes about her quirky professors and the ridiculous antics of her study group.
“So, what’s your favorite class this semester?” I ask, genuinely curious.
“Gothic Literature,” Wrenlee says without missing a beat. “There’s something endlessly fascinating about those dark stories. It’s a nice contrast to the hard sciences I’m taking.”
Emilia smiles at her sister, pride evident in her eyes. “I always knew you had an eye for interesting storytelling.”
Wrenlee shrugs like it’s no big deal, but I can see the happiness in her expression. “It’s just nice to have something that balances out Calculus.”