I figured out where Rae Dimitru stands in the lines of both clans and printed this out for you so you can see for yourself.

The line of McNaughton contains Guardian blood, the clan having produced four Guardians over the centuries. I also found a curious story—almost a prophecy, if you will—that when the need was greatest, the Goddess would touch one of Guardian blood, female like herself, to help the Shifters against a coming storm.

I don’t know whether this story is true or just Shifter mystics babbling. Maybe the Goddess simply got fed up with us asshole male Guardians and decided to get one right for a change.

Whatever is the case, the cub called Rae Dimitru grew up to be a strong young woman who fell in love with a crazy bear named Zander Moncrieff. And they lived happily ever after.

The End

Rae’s eyes were wet when Zander folded up the paper. His own eyes stung, but he only said, “Sean is so full of himself.”

Rae wiped her cheeks with the back of her hand. “He says he printed it out? This is handwriting.”

“The Guardian Network is a weird place,” Zander said. “You’ll see that now that you can get into it.”

“Not right now,” Rae said, flustered. “Let me get used to this first.” Something on the paper caught her attention and she frowned and leaned down to peer at it. “Look at this.”

Zander followed her pointing finger. Next to Rae’s name, though it hadn’t been there a moment ago, letters appeared that spelled out: Alexander Johansson Moncrieff (Zander). Below that was another vertical line that led to the words, Fill in the blank.

“He really is a shit,” Zander said.

“Sean is wonderful.” Rae turned to Zander and rested her hands on his shoulders. “He just gave me a family. Another one, I mean.”

Zander cupped her waist and pulled her firmly against him. “I don’t know—I’ve heard those Dimitrus can be crazy. Crazier than me.”

Rae smiled suddenly, warmth bursting through gloom. “I can go meet them and see for myself.”

“And then I’ll introduce you to my clan, and we can decide who has the insanest in-laws.”

Rae’s eyes sparkled like sunlight on the sea. “I can’t wait.” She threw her arms all the way around him. “Thank you, Zander.”

Zander smiled into her skin as he lifted her and held her tight. “Sean did the legwork. I hope you don’t thank him this way.”

Rae pulled back, still in Zander’s arms, and touched his face. “I know you told Sean everything and had him start looking. Don’t say you didn’t, because I know better.” She kissed Zander’s lips, her mouth warm. “Thank you,” she repeated.

Zander’s heart throbbed with the mate bond. “You’re welcome, love.” He’d do anything for this woman, including fly up and pluck down a rainbow to wrap herself in if she wanted it.

Rae kissed him again, the mist in her eyes clearing as mating heat returned. “It’s nice up on deck,” she said casually.

Zander thought about making love to her under the stars, watching the moonlight in her eyes.

If they could reach the deck. Zander turned around with Rae in his arms, his body tightening, his frenzy leaping up and blotting out all other thought.

They made it to the stairs. By that time, Rae was pulling off Zander’s clothes and her own. Zander lifted her and pressed her against the wall, thrusting into her in the narrow space. After that, they more or less fell out onto the deck, where they reached for each other again, Rae’s hands hot on Zander’s skin, her kisses firing his blood.

Zander slid himself inside her once more, under the blazing spread of stars, Rae’s smile more beautiful than the sparkling constellations. Her breath was warm, her fingers strong as she pulled Zander down into her.

My mate. My love. My life.

“I love you, Little Wolf,” Zander said, his voice hoarse.

“I love you too.” Rae’s grin blossomed, her look going sly. She curled her fingers on his backside and started to laugh. “Big-Ass Bear.”