Bearly Hot (Glacier Pass #3)

8. Sawyer

Chapter 8

Sawyer

With the last box precariously perched in the back of my SUV, the realization that I’m moving my soulmate into my home slams home like a freight train. Dillon, Gabe, and Grant swooped in like some chaotic moving crew, all elbows and laughter, making the effort much easier than expected.

Gabe and I are carrying the weighty bookcase up the steps to my home.

“You need to get my sister a better car,” Gabe grunts, casting an appraising glance back toward the driveway. “That tin can on wheels won't make it up the mountain on snowy days.”

I’m tempted to fuck with him a little bit but I’m too tired to even try. “Agreed. She needs something that won’t lose an argument against a snowbank.”

Gabe huffs out a laugh. “You’ve got that right.”

Together, we position the bookcase against the office wall where Gianna wants it.

“What room do you want these in?” Grant calls out, carrying in one of Gianna’s mysteriously labeled boxes.

“Surprise us,” Gianna responds, her voice rich with humor as she untangles the web of kitchen items.

In the midst of it all, Minnie stalks around surveying her brand-new kingdom, looking forward to all the trouble she’s going to get into soon.

It’s my first night shift since Gianna moved into the cabin, and leaving her alone in the cabin while I head into the chaos of the ER has me on edge. The stubborn worry gnaws at me, like an itch beneath the skin that whispers across the boundaries of rational thought.

The packed hospital parking lot promises I’ll have zero breaks, and an overload of adrenaline blasts through me. Night shifts are always difficult, but when you have a curvy, gorgeous mate sleeping alone in your bed, they suck ass.

The first half of the shift passes in a blur. Doors swing nonstop with a steady flow of injured shifters and humans alike. I throw myself into the fray, letting the rhythm distract me from missing my mate.

But amidst this relentless storm, a tether pulls me back to the cabin. My subconscious dances away to the image of Gianna nestled there all alone, and my muscles tense against unbidden worry. Our connection is new, but we’re beginning to develop our ability to communicate telepathically through our mate bond.

Finally, a moment's reprieve unfolds, and against better judgment, I grab my phone and dial her number.

“I’m shocked it took this long for you to call and check on me,” she quips, warmth radiating across static.

“I got busy with emergencies,” I admit.

She chuckles, and the tension deflates, threading the night with a semblance of peace. “I love you, sloth boy.”

“Fuck me. I can’t believe Dillon told you about his new nickname for me.” The need for revenge flows through me.

“He was very chatty when he called to check in on me.” She laughs and the sound moves through my body, waking up every nerve ending and my goddamn cock.

“I’m going to kick his ass,” I mutter and shuffle around, attempting to relieve the pressure growing behind my zipper.

“Let me know when so I can sell tickets.” My blood-thirsty little mate isn’t at all concerned about the possibility, and I couldn’t love her any more than I do right this second.

“I love you, too, hot stuff. Now, be a good girl and get some sleep. I plan to keep you up for hours when I get home in the morning.”

“I have to work until two-thirty. Can I take a raincheck until then?”

Fucking hell. I forgot our schedules overlap a couple of hours each night shift I work.

“Definitely,” I mutter as a nurse walks by the break room and waves to get my attention. “I have to go, hot stuff. I’ll see you tomorrow afternoon. Be careful driving to work in the morning.”

“I’ll be fine,” she reassures me before adding, “The new SUV you bought me eats up the miles easily.”

I’m not sure I want her eating up miles in anything, but that’s a battle for another day.

After a grueling shift at Glacier Falls Medical Center, I finally stumble back into my cabin, and the immediate quiet hits me like a cold slap in the face. Gianna left for work a couple of hours ago, and the silence in the air feels heavy.

Shoving my keys onto the hook by the door, I feel the weight of exhaustion seep into my bones. A quick shower is all I can think about, so I strip off my scrubs and step under the warm spray, letting the water wash away the grime of the ER. My muscles unwind, but the mental fatigue lingers like a bad hangover. My inner bear craves a long hibernation to rejuvenate, but I just don’t have the time for that.

Once I’m done in the shower, I throw on a pair of sweatpants and crawl into my cold bed. Minnie jumps up onto my pillow as I sink into the sheets. She curls up next to my head, purring loudly, her little body radiating warmth. I burrow into the pillow and breathe deeply, absorbing my mate’s sweet fragrance.

Next thing I know, my eyes pop open to find the afternoon sun streaming through the windows. I roll over to find Minnie purring in my ear loudly enough to wake the neighbors. I push back a groan, stretching my muscles, feeling the achy remnants of a long night shift.

“Thanks for the wake-up call, princess,” I murmur to Minnie, who stretches herself out and yawns as if she’s the queen of the place and I’m just a mere servant in her domain.

I shove myself up and out of bed, realizing I’ve probably wasted enough time. It’s still early enough in the day to get some things done before Gianna comes home. I head to the kitchen and find a mug sitting on the counter with a note from my mate.

The coffee machine is ready to go. Just put the mug under the spout and hit the big red button.

Love you,

H.S.

Minnie trails behind me, maintaining her pert attitude, and I can’t help but chuckle as I grab the cup and follow the note’s instructions. With the brewing underway, I glance around the cabin and my gaze lands on the boxes still unpacked, a constant reminder that we’re still blending our lives together. The thought causes my sleepy bear to vibrate with happiness.

When the coffee’s done brewing, I pour myself a strong cup, letting the heat seep into my palms. I lean against the counter, letting the caffeine do its job. The quiet feels endless without Gianna’s playful banter to liven up the cabin.

Setting the cup down, I grab my phone, scrolling through my messages, a part of me hoping to see something from her. There’s nothing, so I decide to get a few things done around the cabin to help the time pass by.