The Merry Moose’s Mates (Male-Order Mates #16)

Chapter Eight

Shay

I took in a long drag of cold air through my nostrils, letting the chill calm my bear. He was meant to live in the cold and felt most comfortable in that climate.

We’d overheard Briar’s conversation with his brother, and my beast couldn’t have been more pleased. He thought we were sweet and gorgeous.

I came outside to give myself a break from the heat. My bear kept me warmer than most shifters, but I supposed Briar had stoked up the fire for Austin and Alice.

For our mate and his daughter.

I shook my head clear of that thought, no matter how comforting it was. There were things that needed to happen before my bear shouted to the mountains that Austin and Briar were our mates.

“Hey,” Briar said, coming outside and taking the rocking chair next to me. His hand twitched as it lay on the arm rest as did mine.

More than anything, I wanted to reach out and touch him.

“Are they asleep?” I asked. Already I missed Austin’s presence. There was so much I wanted to know about him and Alice. How he was not mated. What happened to Alice’s other father.

We would get to know each other in time, or so I hoped, but I craved too much at once.

“Alice was out like a light but I think Austin is just settling in.”

“We need to talk about him,” I said. The snowflakes grew larger and heavier, making the blanket on the ground that much thicker.

“Who, Austin?” The moose alpha chuckled. “I know. I know. Of course, Austin.”

“He doesn’t know we’re shifters. Or if he does, he hasn’t said anything.”

Briar nodded. “I don’t think he knows either. I…I’m afraid of disappointing him.”

“So am I,” I said. “So am I.”

“What are you thinking?” He moved his hand to touch my pinkie to his.

“I don’t feel right moving forward with any of this without him knowing the truth about us. Sure, it will jar and maybe scare him a little, but I wouldn’t be able to live with myself if we bond and get closer and he doesn’t know.”

Briar rocked a bit, a cloud of humidity forming every time he exhaled. “I agree. A few hours ago, you showed up at my front door and now, the thought of either of you, any of the three of you leaving makes my chest hurt.”

“I heard what you said to your brother,” I chuckled, raising my hands in the air. “I wasn’t trying to eavesdrop. Just overheard.”

Briar smiled and my whole world lit up. “I have nothing to hide. I told the truth. I think he’s a sneaky bastard, but that sneaky bastard brought you two into my life. And the sweet and gorgeous part stands as well.”

“When should we tell him?” I rocked in the chair, in awe of this day, the omega beside me, the human upstairs, his daughter that my bear felt like was his own already. The snow. The trees.

It was as though I’d strolled right into the life I didn’t know I so desperately wanted.

“I think we should tell him as soon as possible, don’t you?”

“I do. Unless it’s a surprise for him or Christmas present secrets, I hate withholding information. My bear’s already attached.”

This time, instead of a simple touch, Briar reached over and held my hand. I didn’t sign up for another alpha, but my animal gave no cares. He and Briar’s moose were already communing.

“We all are. I think it will be fine. A mate accepts us for who we are.”

“Pretty levelheaded, aren’t you?” I asked.

Briar chuckled and shook his head. His deep brown eyes looked out into the expanse. “Believe me, I am not, at least not inside. I give pretty good advice but take none for myself.”

“Should we go and visit him, then?” I asked. “I don’t think I can sleep a wink not knowing.”