Tempted by the Bear - Complete (2 page)

A
nnie

T
he buzz
of conversation and light-hearted joking makes me smile as I gaze at my family and friends seated at the large kitchen table. It’s our weekly breakfast meeting to discuss the business of the Le Roux clan. Tristan and Isabelle have gone to town to give us privacy.

At the moment, peace blankets the kingdom, and only the core of our leadership needs to be present this morning. My brother, Brady, reaches past me to get more coffee. It splashes in his mug as he says, “Still torturing Tristan?”

I snort. “I wish. That man knows how to push buttons I didn’t know I had.”

“So what’s holding you back?” He places a hand on my arm. “It’s been three years, Annie. Kyle would want you to move on.” Kyle was my husband and true mate. I recall his voice. So much has happened since he died, and the sound is fading in my memory. Now that Tristan has come along, the way Kyle’s touch made me do more than hum with lust is distant as well. I blink back tears as the ache of my loss fills my heart. Kyle and my father died at the hands of our rival clan, the Veilleux.

“That’s not the problem,” I say. Amazingly, I’ve been graced with another true mate and with it the desire to love again. But. “I’m having a hard time accepting a man who angers me as if it’s his goal in life.”

Brady squeezes with a grip that reminds me of his power. “My wise sister once told me that communication is the key to a good relationship. You might want to try it.”

I squint my eyes at him. “She’d never met Tristan.”

A chuckle rumbles through my brother as he makes his way to the kitchen table to sit. I grab my mug and top it off as the aroma of coffee floats to my nose. I seat myself across from Ashton, the head of our warriors. I ask him, “How are Sierra and the babies?”

The ex-Navy SEAL smiles at me. “Couldn’t be better. Lily has been fantastic about the whole thing.” Ashton’s wife, Sierra, was forced to have Victor Veilleux’s children, and now that he’s dead, his wife, Lily, is the leader of the Veilleux clan. She shares custody of Victor and Sierra’s children, because one of the triplets will be the next Veilleux alpha.

I glance over at the empty seat where Keith, my brother’s best friend, usually sits. The window behind it reveals a wintery landscape of stark white under the gray skies that hint of an incoming storm. Keith’s in charge of our lumber business. His true mate died trying to rescue Sierra’s children from the clutches of Victor less than a month ago, and he’s struggling to get through each day. My mother catches my eye, and concern clouds her face. I guess she’s thinking about Keith’s sorrow too.

Brady says, “I’m glad to hear Lily is agreeable to the arrangement.”

Carly says, “Me too. I think it means we can hope that the Veilleux will sit on our joint council.” A few months ago, the third clan in the Northeast Kingdom, the Robichaux, agreed to join us in an attempt to keep peace and rule together. “Donna, you’re like one of your grandchildren, squirming over there. Shall we move on to the subject of the De Roziers?” asks Carly.

My mother answers, “Yes. I have some serious concerns we need to discuss.” She pauses for dramatic effect, and I refrain from rolling my eyes. “I don’t think they’re telling us everything.”

Tristan and Isabelle came to stay as a mission to find a new place for their clan to reside. Being Polar Bear, they’ve suffered with the melting of the ice caps. In addition to poor leadership from their father, their numbers have dwindled. Because the majority of women in our clan are barren due to an ancient curse, we had hoped assimilating with the De Rozier bear would save us all.

“Me either,” says Brady. He turns to Ashton. “I think it’s time we saw what Tristan can do when it comes to fighting.”

Carly nods. “Annie and I will work on Isabelle. She’s trying awfully hard to find pleasure in vices. Something in my gut tells me drinking too much and hooking up isn’t her usual behavior.” She sips her coffee.

Mother holds her forkful of eggs midair and says, “I’ll do some digging and see what I can find out. I have a friend in the Pacific Northwest who might know something. But this would be much easier if Annie would help us out.” She swallows the bite as if she’s gulping down my resolve.

All eyes turn to me, and I cringe. They want me to allow the true mate bond with Tristan to happen. “I’m sorry. Sex isn’t something I’ll do to take one for the team. Besides, don’t you think Tristan will hide his secrets from me too?”

Carly is next to me and reaches for my hand. Her grip is warm as she says, “We want you to be happy first. You were lucky to find another true mate, and we both know it’s meant to be. So what can we do to help you get comfortable with it?”

I gaze at the expectant faces. While almost two years ago we brought in four human women with werebear heritage to create the future generation, we only managed to secure the next alpha with Carly and Brady’s children. The truth is, we do need more fertile females, and integrating with the De Rozier clan is a good way to make it happen. I swallow my pride. “Teach him how to treat women with respect.”

Ash surprises me when he breaks out of his usual silence and says, “Consider it done.”

I tilt my head at him but stop myself from asking how. He may be quiet, but Ashton has an inner strength and honor that is volumes above most men. “Thank you.” If anyone can turn Tristan around, I bet it’s Ash.

I
sabelle

T
he pounding
in my head from my hangover has faded to a dull ache. I don’t know what Annie puts in those protein shakes, but it always manages to cure me enough to where I can function. Wind flows through the open windows of the car Tristan and I borrowed as we drive to the Cat’s Meow, a local cafe. The cold dances over my skin, and I wonder how we’ll ever survive the warmer months in this climate. Polar bear run hotter than the black bear, and a Maine winter feels like summer to us.

Tristan says, “You’re making me look like the responsible one. I might have to amp up my playboy and join you some night.”

“Don’t push your luck, brother. Annie may be okay with your bumbling act, but she’ll never give in if you start sleeping around.”

“Do you have any idea how hard it is to stay abstinent?” He lets out a low growl of desire and says, “Every time I lay eyes on Annie’s curves, I want to--”

“Spare me the sordid details. You can hang on a little longer. I overheard Carly and Brady talking, and decisions are being made this morning. I bet we’ll be discussing our arrangement soon.”

“Patience never was my strong suit. But this plan is too good to screw up.” Tristan shifts in his seat. “I’ll manage.”

I gaze out at the snow-covered pine trees. A sense of claustrophobia niggles at me, and I long for wide open spaces. I know moving here is good for the clan, because we really can’t go on losing our numbers due to the dangers our melting ice poses. But I’m not sure how I’m going to find a way to love my new home.

I ask, “Do you think you can be happy here?”

Tristan slows to turn onto a road that is clear from snow. He cuts me a quick glance. “We haven’t got much choice.”

Home to me is nine months of daylight and three months of darkness, with temperatures that never rise above freezing. It also means very few people. As we get closer to the restaurant, I notice a fine-looking male on the sidewalk. I sense he’s a werebear instantly, and that means he’s fair game. A smile forms on my face.
Sweet redemption.

Tristan chuckles as he pulls into the parking lot at the Cat’s Meow. He heard my thoughts. He’s the alpha of our clan, and if I don’t remember to block my inner monologue, he hears me. “You’re doing your best to sample every guy in town as if they’re a box of chocolates, aren’t you?” he asks.

“They’re so easy, it’s hard to resist.” The door groans as I open it. Part of our deal will mean I’m going to provide Le Roux children to ensure the continuation of their clan. I’m practicing the fun part, because once I mate, it’s supposed to be forever.

When we both get out and start to walk toward the café, Tristan says, “I don’t think my dear Annie approves of your wanton ways.”

“No. She doesn’t, which is why I’ve stopped bringing them home.” I wink at the guy coming toward us, and he flushes. I stop and turn to watch him after he’s passed by. He glances over his shoulder and grins when I do. If I weren’t with my brother and hungry, I’d do more than blow a kiss. No major loss. Chances are good I’ll see him again. A woman my size isn’t hard to find.

Tristan grabs my arm and pulls me toward the door. “I’m starving. Control yourself.”

“On it. But have I mentioned how much I like a college town?” Yeah. Maybe I can be happy here.

When we get inside, I take in the surroundings. The tables are close together, and so many people are talking. But it’s the odors that accost me. Polar bear have an extremely sensitive sense of smell, and I’m almost bowled over by the mix of food and human scents. A waiter walks by, and I focus on the aroma of pork sausage that makes my stomach growl.

A teeny attempt at a woman leads us to a table in the back. She’s practically drooling over my brother as she stutters out her words. He flirts back, and I send him a warning glare. I’m pretty sure if this exchange got back to Annie, it wouldn’t be a good thing.

When the girl leans in close to hand him a menu, Tristan leans forward to dazzle her. I give him the sister assist as I gush, “This place is darling. You should bring Annie here sometime.”

The hostess’s face falls, and I offer her a sympathetic smile. When she walks away, Tristan says, “Way to ruin my fun.”

“Way to try to sabotage our plan.” The plastic menu is slick in my hands as I lift it up to peruse the breakfast selections.

“Have a little faith, sister dear. Annie and I are true mates; nothing can come between us.” He winks at me.

I smile back, but it’s not quite real. My brother has always been the lucky one, and it’s not fair that his true mate happens to be someone who can help him save our clan, even if it complicates things. Meanwhile, I’m testing out every male who makes my heart rate increase in the hopes of finding a true mate of my own. I sigh and decide to bury my woes in a large stack of blueberry pancakes.

After we place our order and our mugs are filled, Tristan sips his hot drink before he asks, “Which one do you think will tell me how to wise up around Annie?”

“Carly. Donna wants to, but she’ll hold off for her daughter’s sake.”

“Not Brady? I find it hard to believe he lets his wife share alpha status so easily.”

The concept of two alphas in a clan is fascinating. The fact that they’re also married is mind boggling. How do they decide who’s on top? “He seems to like her doing the female-assigned things in relationships.”

Tristan nods. “Could be.” His eyes light up, and he speaks in my head.
“How much land do you think we’ll get?”

My brother has a thing for power. The day he took over as alpha of our clan, he started to rule with dominance instead of the easy way of my father.

“I have no idea. But whatever it is, it won’t be enough for you.”

Tristan lets out a low growl before he says, “True words.”

I grin, imagining his match with Annie. If her sexual restraint is any indication, she’s going to counter my brother’s need for control. Warm coffee fills my mouth as I drink from my cup. I may be the sacrificial lamb who has to bear children to save our clan, but Tristan’s path isn’t going to be the cakewalk he imagined. His true mate bond is going to make what we have to do difficult. I glance at my brother and recall his ferocious bear. I give myself a mental head shake over my doubts.

A
nnie

S
ince Tristan arrived
, I take my morning run later than I prefer. In an effort to avoid his naked glory and my nearly uncontrollable urge to satisfy my lust, I’ve changed my routine. Carly understands my need and often joins me. But today she’s got other plans, and I make my way to the mudroom, where I’ll strip down to shift before stepping out into the late-January air.

The floor is cold under my bare feet, and goose bumps form on my arms when I take off my shirt. I notice Tristan’s coat and boots set in perfect order. It strikes me as odd, considering his personality oozes chaos. But come to think of it, he does dress impeccably. The vision of his tight butt in jeans that hug his hips flashes in my mind as the familiar stretch of skin and crack of my bones sound as I shift. I shake off the fantasy of Tristan’s firm backside in my grip when a cold blast of air greets me as I open the door to step outside.

I flex my powerful thighs and take off in a sprint. My large paws thud in a steady cadence as I move across our lawn and follow the tree line to the meadow. I love being in the woods, but it can be noisy and slow with too much snowfall. We’ve had a stormy winter, and my feet sink in over two feet of heavy powder. As a bear, the effort to run through is minimal.

I gallop at full bore until my chest aches with the icy air pumping through my taxed lungs, and I slow down to a walk as I catch my breath. I gaze out toward the knoll ahead and smile at the memory of my wedding to Kyle. I envision us as the teenagers we were, giddy with the love true mates have. Sadness washes over me as I get closer, and when I reach the top, I let out a cry. I thump my bottom to the ground to let sorrow escape.

I’m crying for more than my lost mate, though. The pain of not being able to have children is something I’m reminded of every day, living in the same house with my niece and two nephews. Carly and Brady do their best to share them with me, and I had hoped it would ease my longing. But the truth is, I want a family of my own.

Snow has begun to fall, and I lift my snout up to let soft flakes tickle my nose as they melt. Now I’ve been given a second chance at love with another true mate. This is incredibly lucky, and I should be grateful. But why does Tristan have to be so infuriatingly difficult? Why can’t the man who keeps his clothing immaculate figure out that a woman wants to be treasured the same way?

The snow is soft when I fall onto my back and let the chilly earth soothe me. I know I should tell Tristan how I feel, because it’s inevitable that we’ll end up together. I let out a sigh.

I’m lonely. I had a brief affair with Ian, and while I broke it off because we weren’t true mates, it hurt to give up on love. I want to be held and cherished again.

Sitting up, I shake my body to remove the snow, and movement captures my attention. In the distance, a polar bear is running toward me. It’s either Isabelle or Tristan. A brief hope flits through me that it’s Isabelle. But my senses already know it’s not.

Even though Tristan and I are true mates, we can’t speak to each other telepathically until we seal our bond with sex and a bite. I decide to show him I can be playful too and jump up to prepare myself to pounce when he gets close enough. I laugh silently as he gets near me, because Carly was right—his fur has a slight orange tint.

He slows and presents me with the perfect opportunity. I release the stored energy of my stance and bowl him over. We roll down the hill in a heap, and I scramble to my feet to run. Tristan takes up the chase, and we bob and weave around each other like football players on a field. Eventually, he tackles me, and I lie under him as I pant in breathlessness.

My heart is beating from more than exertion, and when Tristan lowers his snout to nuzzle in my neck, I cuddle back. When he relaxes, I flip us over to escape and race toward home. This time, Tristan doesn’t tease and runs beside me, matching me stride for stride as if we’re equals. I stay with him instead of breaking away. I may not be able to use words to convey my message, but I hope my actions show him what it is I need.

When we reach the house, I know I have to shift back in front of him. It’s easy to push out of the house as a bear, but it’s not quite the same to get inside, and changing into a human usually happens just outside the door. Tristan surprises me by shifting quickly and reaching for the door to hold it open before I have a chance to change. I lumber inside as a bear, and he turns his back to me so I can have privacy.

Once I’m a person again, I say, “Thank you.” I’m not sure if I’m rewarding him for his chivalry or if I’m ready to make my move when I add, “You can turn back around.”

Heat rises to my cheeks when Tristan moves his blue-eyed scan over my nude body. It’s not embarrassment that is heating me up though, and I peruse my true mate with my gaze too. His shoulders are as wide as the doorway, and arms the size of tree trunks frame a torso that is a study in anatomy. The cut muscles of his abdomen lead down to nearly white hair that cushions a cock pulsing as it hardens in desire.
Desire for me.

When Tristan lets out a shaky breath, I reach out to touch his trembling chest. He grasps my hand and kisses his way up my arm until his teeth graze my shoulder. I shudder, and he says, “You’re the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen.”

His touch sends an electric pulse to my core, and my voice is almost a whisper. My knees get weak. “This is how to get to me.”

Tristan’s arm snakes around my waist, and he pulls me against his body. “Annie, love. I can’t believe you’ve been able to resist this all because of rules you’ve set for us.”

“Rules? I believe it’s common decency.”

He chuckles, and the dismissal of my feelings sends a different rush of heat through me as he says, “It won’t matter once we mate. I’m an alpha, and you’ll be forced to follow whatever I say.” He twists one of my curls around his finger and tugs at it.

My anger spikes, and I push at his rock-hard chest to get away. “I should have known this was just an act.” I huff and grab my panties from my pile of clothing on the bench. I step in them.

“Don’t be that way. You’ll want to do as I say, and you know it.”

The elastic waistband of my underwear snaps. “I don’t think so. I’ve never taken orders that don’t have meaning. Just ask Brady.” But the reality is, Tristan might be right. An alpha command is not something you can easily ignore. I’ve been told you can disobey if you’re from an alpha family, but I’ve never had a reason to test it.

Tristan has my bra in his hands, and he holds it out for me to slip my arms in. It would be a sweet gesture if I weren’t so mad. I reach to grab it, and he pulls it out of reach. “Let me do this for you.”

I glare at him as I slip my arms into the straps, and he turns me by my shoulders so he can hook it. Tiny hairs stand up on my skin as his touch makes me crave his arms around me again. He drags a finger down my spine and whispers, “You think you need to tame me. But it’s the other way around.”

I turn to face him and discover he’s not smiling. He’s serious.