Page 27 of Luke: The Bears

While they ate, they talked about the town and the den, sharing stories about shifting with Valley, as she shared about growing up with two free-wheeling hippies and a parade of rescue dogs.

When the meal was over, they helped clean up and then Luke took Valley back to the house.

“Why aren’t you shifting with your friends?” she asked.

“Because I want mine to be the first shift you see.”

“Is that the only reason?”

He gave her a look.

She laughed. “Right. You don’t want me to see any other naked guys.”

“Also that.”

She giggled. “I wouldn’t look.”

He snorted.

“I’ll look at you, though? Maybe you can dance a little while you strip?”

He laughed. “Only if you hum a sexy tune for me.”

When they got to the back patio, he undid his work boots and took them off. “When you move in, I want you to redecorate however you want. I don’t want it to be you just living in my house, I want it to be our house together. And we definitely need better outside furniture.”

“My dad has some in his shop, we should check it out.”

“Definitely. Then we can have them over for dinner.”

Her eyes shone. “That would be great.”

He took off his shirt and she made an appreciative sound in her throat. Stepping close, she ran her palms up his abdomen to his chest. “You’re so sexy. I wonder how I got so lucky to have you for a mate.”

“Fate really smiled on me,” he said. “Since my mate is so beautiful.”

He kissed her and gently pushed her wandering hands away.

“Spoilsport,” she said with a wink.

He finished undressing as she hummed various unsexy tunes.

“I’m trying to be serious here,” he said.

“I’m being super helpful, I’ll have you know.” She was smiling so hard, her cheeks had to hurt.

“You’re the opposite of helpful right now,” he said with a grumble. Then he stepped backward onto the grass. “I’m still me inside the bear.”

“I promise I won’t freak out. I’m really excited to see you.”

He let his change come over him. Swiftly, his body changed from two legs to four, from skin to fur. He landed on his paws and shook himself out with a grunt.

“Oh.”

He looked at her and her mouth was open, her fingers against her lips.

“You’re so big! And oh my gosh, I love your fur color.”

He moved to her, lowering his head, and she touched his face.