A bear and a cougar walk into a bar... See? Fate's got jokes. Too bad they're all on me.

When a cougar moves to Bernton, her very presence sets the rumor mill ablaze. When she strolls into my bar and says I smell like fate, I shut down that shit fast. It's no secret that the wait for my fated mate has made me a surly grouch.

For nearly thirty years, I've searched for my mate with no luck. Now, this little girl shows up claiming to be mine? I don't think so. Fate would never pair me with a female so young.

Atlas Kavar, aforementioned cougar, doesn't look old enough to drive a car, much less handle a brute like me. I send her on her way, with maybe a bit too much snarling. How was I supposed to know cougars maintain their youthful looks longer than any other shifters?

It's a mistake that will cost me everything if I don't make it right.