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Mate Match #4
Guarded by the Brooding Bear
Nadia
I've spent years chasing the stories no one else will touch—it's in my blood. But this investigation leads straight into the heart of Cupid's Ridge's most dangerous secrets, and suddenly I'm the one being hunted. When a brooding bear shifter becomes my reluctant protector, I expect gruff silence and professional distance. What I don't expect is the electricity that sparks every time he touches me, or the way my heart races when those amber eyes soften—just for a moment. He's all walls and warning signs, but something tells me the man beneath the ice is worth fighting for.
Cal
I've spent three years burying myself in duty, keeping everyone at arm's length. It's safer that way—for them. Then Nadia storms into my life, all fire and determination, chasing a conspiracy that puts a target on her back. My bear recognizes her mate. But I've forgotten how to let anyone in, and she deserves better than a man still haunted by his past. She's fearless, relentless, and slowly melting defenses I thought were permanent. As the danger escalates and the traitor closes in, I'm faced with an impossible keep her safe from a distance, or finally let myself feel something again—even if it terrifies me.
Will the magic of fate be enough to melt the ice around his heart? Or will the rising shadows tear them apart before love has a chance to ignite?
Join Nadia and Cal in this steamy Valentine's short story as they discover that even the coldest hearts can thaw—and that some truths are worth risking everything for!
I've spent years chasing the stories no one else will touch—it's in my blood. But this investigation leads straight into the heart of Cupid's Ridge's most dangerous secrets, and suddenly I'm the one being hunted. When a brooding bear shifter becomes my reluctant protector, I expect gruff silence and professional distance. What I don't expect is the electricity that sparks every time he touches me, or the way my heart races when those amber eyes soften—just for a moment. He's all walls and warning signs, but something tells me the man beneath the ice is worth fighting for.
Cal
I've spent three years burying myself in duty, keeping everyone at arm's length. It's safer that way—for them. Then Nadia storms into my life, all fire and determination, chasing a conspiracy that puts a target on her back. My bear recognizes her mate. But I've forgotten how to let anyone in, and she deserves better than a man still haunted by his past. She's fearless, relentless, and slowly melting defenses I thought were permanent. As the danger escalates and the traitor closes in, I'm faced with an impossible keep her safe from a distance, or finally let myself feel something again—even if it terrifies me.
Will the magic of fate be enough to melt the ice around his heart? Or will the rising shadows tear them apart before love has a chance to ignite?
Join Nadia and Cal in this steamy Valentine's short story as they discover that even the coldest hearts can thaw—and that some truths are worth risking everything for!
62 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 2, 2026
3 people are currently reading
2 people want to read
About the author
Ciera Knox
32 books2 followersCiera Knox loves puppy cuddles and mountain life. She spends her days hiking or writing, and her nights by the fire with her hubby and a good book.
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Displaying 1 of 1 review
February 10, 2026
Nadia is a reporter on the hunt of a scandalous corruption
Cal is the council's enforcer and he's assigned to protect Nadia as she works to expose Mr. Wentworth. Wentworth has been funding the evil group trying to destroy Cupid's Ridge. One touch is all it takes to confirm the mate bond between human Nadia and best shifter Cal. They spent all that time together and never shared a meal? The stomach growling alone could rival a bear's growl.
Cal is the council's enforcer and he's assigned to protect Nadia as she works to expose Mr. Wentworth. Wentworth has been funding the evil group trying to destroy Cupid's Ridge. One touch is all it takes to confirm the mate bond between human Nadia and best shifter Cal. They spent all that time together and never shared a meal? The stomach growling alone could rival a bear's growl.
Displaying 1 of 1 review