Page 117 of Night Grove Falls, Midnight Haven Volume Two

A shy smile spreads across her face, and I can’t resist any longer. I lower my head and kiss her softly.

My bear pushes forward, wanting more, but I keep the kiss gentle. Ever is still getting used to affection. She likes kissing me, but I won’t overwhelm her.

Not yet.

The full moon is tomorrow night, and the mating heat will make holding back even harder. I’ve explained what to expect and made it clear that nothing will happen unless she wants it to.

My bear grumbles about that. He wants his mate. So do I, but Ever’s comfort comes first.

Always.

“Will you shift for me again?” she asks when we pull apart.

“Of course.”

I step back and strip off my shirt. Ever’s eyes drop to my chest and stay there.

My grin widens. “Enjoying the view, mate?”

Her cheeks flame. “I was just waiting for you to shift.”

“Sure you were.”

“Russo!” she snaps, embarrassed.

I laugh as I kick off my shoes and push my sweatpants down. Ever spins around so fast that her hair flies around her shoulders.

“You’ve already seen me naked,” I remind her.

“I know.”

“And we’re mates.”

“I know.”

“You’re going to see me naked again.”

“I know!”

I chuckle, shaking my head at how adorable she is. “Ready?”

When she turns around, I call my bear forward.

The shift rushes over me in an instant. Bones snap and reform as fur covers my skin. My hands become paws, and a second later, I’m standing in the grass in my bear form.

Ever’s eyes widen, even though she’s seen me shift before.

“You’re so big,” she whispers.

I huff. She says that every time. My bear preens anyway.

Ever approaches me carefully. She’s not afraid of my bear, but she’s still cautious.

Her hand sinks into the fur between my ears, and my bear rumbles happily. “You’re so soft.”

I lean into her touch. She scratches behind my ear, and my back leg twitches.

Ever laughs. “You like that?”