Mated to the Wilde Bear

Xavier rubbed his eyes and shuffled through the stack of applications once more. But pawing through them again didn’t change facts. Not a damn one of them was more qualified than the resume he’d already set aside.

He picked it up just as Jake and Nash entered his office.

“Hey, boss.” Jake fell into the cushioned chair opposite Xavier’s desk.

“Hey.” Nash followed suit and between the three of them, they filled the empty space inside the small corner office.

Xavier grunted back at them. He hadn’t been in the mood to shoot the shit since dinner. Or, more specifically, since that earth-shattering kiss he’d had with the DOT chic. After that horrific night senior year, Xavier had spent the last ten years steering clear of women. Somehow, after a perfect record of avoidance, Laurel Adams had gotten under his skin with almost no effort on her part, and he had no clue what to do about it.

“It’s not even ski season, and you’re burning the midnight oil?” Nash asked.

“Yeah, boss. I thought August was vacation month,” Jake said.

Both men watched him carefully. He knew that look too. They were worried about him but knew better than to ask. “I want to get it right with this new hire,” he said.

And because he knew he had to start somewhere, Xavier waved the resume at them. Jake snatched it first. He read the first few lines and then looked back at Xavier with wide eyes. “No fucking way.”

me see.” Nash grabbed the paper hard

“Kyra Gold,” Jake said.

Xavier in disbelief. “You

the most qualified out of all the applicants. She’s first aid qualified, field medicine trained, she’s

a girl,” Jake broke in. As if that settled

right. We can’t bring a girl into the crew. You know how women mess up the dynamic. Think about that crew in Montana we heard

know. Neither do you. We only know stories, but nothing firsthand. We’re a strong crew, and a well-qualified patroller would make us

headed for the exit. He didn’t need to be ragged, not

say another word as he stormed out the back door and straight into the woods. The night was clear, the moon bright and full, and Xavier gave into his animal

moment his bear’s paws

Nash’s reactions were any indication, that new hire

himself it was just because he hadn’t been with anyone else in so long. But deep down, he knew it was more. He wanted her. His bear wanted

he thought he’d only imagined it. He was thinking about her too hard. But then the wind shifted, and he knew it was really there. He came to a stop and sniffed harder. It was definitely Laurel, without all

she doing in the