Page 32 of Shielded By My Mate

That sounds like a good plan, my bear says.

There’s something that we have to do first, I tell him.

“Come on,” I rasp, grabbing Mira and lifting her into my arms.

We head out into the backyard, and I take a moment to admire the sunset as I walk toward the partially covered trail that leads through the trees and up the mountain toward my favorite spot in town.

“I used to come here every day when I was younger,” I tell Mira as I walk.

“It’s pretty,” she muses, looking around.

The sunlight filters through the trees as I hike up the path.

“My parents brought Russo and me up here when we were cubs. It’s where I learned how to shift, and where Russo and I used to spar. I used to do my homework here,” I tell her as I stop at the edge of the clearing.

A stream runs along the western border. Wildflowers bloom, swaying gently in the breeze. My bear and I relax.

I set Mira down on a fallen tree and watch her as she looks around.

“It’s beautiful, Ansel. So peaceful. I can see why you love it here.”

“It’s my favorite place in town,” I tell her. “All my important moments happened here. So it seemed only fitting that this is where I do this.”

“Do what?” she asks, glancing at me.

Her pale gray eyes widen as I sink onto one knee in front of her.

“Ansel,” she chokes out, tears already forming in her eyes.

“Mira, I love you, mate. I know you’re already wearing my mark, so for shifters, we’re committed, but I want it all with you. I want to marry you. I want you to wear my ring, my mark. I want you to have my last name. I want you. All of you. Forever.”

She gives a watery laugh as I open the ring box to reveal the diamond ring nestled inside.

“Mira, will you marry me?” I ask, my heart lodged in my throat.

“Yes!” she gasps, throwing herself into my arms. “Yes, of course.”

She clings to me, and I wrap my arms around her, crushing her curves to my chest. I hold her tight, both of us remaining locked around the other like we never want this moment to end.

“I love you too,” she whispers against my ear.

I kiss her neck, nuzzling my mark at the base of her throat. “Mine,” I murmur against her skin.

“Forever.”

We pull back, and she cradles my face in her hands, beaming down at me.

“This belongs on your finger,” I tell her, pulling the ring out and sliding it on.

“It’s beautiful.”

“Just like you,” I whisper, my lips claiming hers again.

My bear roars in approval as she kisses me back.

I’ve never been happier in my life.

And this is just the beginning.