by Elena Aitken
“No.”
“I don’t think so.”
“Forget about it.”
All three brothers spoke at once. It was Axel who spoke up again. “What we mean,” he said, “is it probably wouldn’t be good for business if word got out that there was a bear in the Den. After all, if guests thought the main lodge wasn’t safe, I can’t imagine we’d get many bookings. As it is, we offered the New Yorkers a free night because of it.”
“True.” Nina nodded thoughtfully. “Still. I can’t believe I missed it.”
Harper smiled kindly. She hated lying to her friend, but it was easier than trying to explain the truth. At least for the time being. And she’d been honest about everything else. Including how she’d handled Trent all on her own.
After Axel had made his exit, she’d felt stronger than ever, buoyed up by some newfound strength and possibly the support of the Jackson brothers around her. Either way, she’d confronted Trent and told him in no uncertain terms that if he didn’t take his lover and his false story all the way back down the mountain, she was personally going to make their life a living hell.
A point that was backed up by an impeccably timed phone call from her lawyer. John told her his private investigator had found the young man, Clark Rosswell, that Harper had told him about, and he was more than happy to talk about everything he knew. Which, judging from Trent’s face when Harper relayed the message, was quite a bit. As they spoke, Clark was making a statement to the police about everything he knew regarding Trent and Blake’s plans to embezzle from their company. Never underestimate the anger of a spurned lover.
The Jackson brothers had released Trent and Blake into the custody of the local sheriff, an old friend of theirs who promised to return them to the proper authorities in California, after a night or two in local lockup, of course. And the whole mess was cleaned up and back to normal by the time Nina and the New Yorkers returned from their trail ride. Harper still couldn’t believe it was all over.
“Still,” Nina said. “I’m sorry I missed it all. It would have been something to see.”
Harper twisted her head to smile at Axel. “It certainly was,” she said before he kissed her.
“You two are so damn cute.” Nina smiled. “It’s about time you had someone who so clearly worships you.”
“I’d do anything for her.” Axel stared directly into her eyes when he said it. “Anything,” he repeated.
“Speaking of anything,” Luke said. “How did you get here so fast? We were out in the woods,” he said to Nina in explanation. “And all of a sudden, he turned and started running back toward the Den.” He left out the part about the fact that Axel was running as a bear. “I mean, you’ve always been fast,” Luke continued. “But you’re not that fast. I’ve always been able to beat you before.”
“I never had a mate to protect before.”
“A mate?” Nina looked at them strangely.
“I mean, a girlfriend.” He emphasized the word and Harper laughed.
Sitting there, snuggled in with the man she loved and her friends, new and old, Harper had never felt such happiness.
“So, now that you’re going to be cleared,” Nina said, “I suppose you can go home and get back to work.”
Axel tensed behind her and pulled Harper closer to him, but he had nothing to worry about. Harper laughed a little. “I’m not going anywhere,” she said. “Because I’m already home.”
Just low enough so only she could hear, Axel growled in appreciation and nuzzled her neck, tracing his tongue along the spot that marked her as his.
Yes, she was definitely home.
Epilogue
It had only been two weeks since Harper had decided to stay with him on Grizzly Ridge, but it felt like a lifetime. A lifetime of joy because Axel had never been so happy or felt so complete as he had now that Harper was by his side. She’d fit right into life at the Ridge, as though she’d always been meant to be there. With her knowledge in public relations, Harper had already proved to be invaluable with marketing efforts, and combined with Nina’s article, Grizzly Ridge was booked solid for the next six months. Business was booming, and their relationship was thriving. Even his brothers had admitted that having Harper around was a good thing.
Now if he could only convince them that maybe they should look for mates of their own, they could all be as happy as Axel was. But he couldn’t focus on that now. His focus was entirely on his own mate and the night he’d promised her.
She didn’t say anything as they left the Den after enjoying dinner with Luke, Kade, and their guests. In fact, she didn’t say anything until they stood on the porch of their cabin. She turned and pressed up against his chest.
“It’s a beautiful night.”
He kissed her long and slow until she made that sweet little moan that made his cock throb. “Not as beautiful as you are, babe.”
She grinned with the compliment, but she was not to be swayed. Not that he wanted her to be. “Are you still going to keep your promise?”
“Absolutely. Are you ready?”
Harper nodded, so he took her hand and led her back down the steps. Instead of following the path, he turned and led her into the woods. With the full moon, it was a bright night, but in the thick of the trees, it was dark and the shadows danced all around them. She squeezed his hand tighter, but he knew she wasn’t scared.
If anything, he was more nervous than she was, but there was no way he was going to let her know that. They walked in silence until they reached the small clearing that he knew was far enough from the main lodge and any prying eyes—not that any of their guests would be wandering around in the middle of the night, particularly so far out. Still. It was better to be safe.
Axel turned to her and pulled his mate tight to him. “Ready?”
She nodded against his chest. “I am.”
“Are you nervous?”
They’d spoken a few times about the idea that maybe Harper might be able to shift. He never would have thought it possible considering she wasn’t a full-blooded shifter, but the more they were together, the more her own bear rose to the surface. And she was strong. When she asked him about it, he was more than willing to test the theory.
“I’m not,” she said. “Should I be?”
He shook his head and his lips curled into a smile. “Not at all. Remember what we talked about?”
She nodded.
“When do you feel your bear the most?” He already knew the answer, but he liked to hear her say it.
“When we’re making love.”
His cock twitched. He’d never get enough of her. But that would have to wait. Harper’s bear approached the surface when they were together, but it wasn’t ideal for shifting. So he had a different plan. He reached for her, drawing her back to him again, and kissed her. It was mere seconds before he felt her melt into his arms. She was always so ready for him, so giving of herself.
Without breaking their kiss, he slowly and carefully stripped her of her clothes, pulling away only long enough to pull her sweater over her head. When she was naked, he let his hands travel the length of her, caressing and stroking all her luscious curves.
Then she had her hands on him, tugging at his clothes. He complied by helping her relieve himself of his jeans and t-shirt, but he wouldn’t give her what she wanted. Not totally. Her neck where he’d bit her was mostly healed, but the silver scars that would remain as his mark gleamed in the moonlight.
His.
“I need you, Axel.” She rubbed closer to him, pressing herself enticingly into him. It took all his self-control not to give her exactly what she wanted. What he wanted himself.
Instead, he moved one hand down her side, cupped her ass briefly before sliding between her legs. His fingers nudged her thighs apart and found their goal. He slipped through her wetness and pressed against her nub before sliding easily inside her.
Just the way he knew she would, Harper threw her head back and was immediately and completely consumed by the s
ensations he gave her. She was so unbelievably receptive to him and his touch. There was nothing hotter than watching her come so completely undone. Except for maybe one thing…
Axel increased the pace of his fingers, driving them home again and again until Harper screamed out her pleasure. Her nails dug sharply into his back, and he knew her bear was close. “That’s it, babe. Let it out. Give in to it.”
And then she did. So easily and beautifully, just like everything else about her. Axel took a small step back to give her the space she needed to shift, and there in front of him was easily the most beautiful brown bear he’d ever seen. Her light, almost golden, fur shimmered in the moonlight. He hadn’t been sure about what type of bear she was until that moment. She was perfect.
An instant later, Axel shifted into his bear and nuzzled into her thick fur.
“You’re beautiful,” he communicated.
“You can—I can—”
“We’re mates.” A simple explanation, but it was all that was needed.
Being that it was her first time, and she was only a half-blooded shifter, Axel didn’t know how long she’d be able to keep her bear, so he planned to take full advantage of it.
“Ready?”
She nodded her beautiful golden head, knowing exactly what he was asking. Taking the lead, Harper turned and as if she’d been doing it her whole life, let her bear run.
Axel matched his mate, running side by side with her along the ridge. The cool night air flowed through their fur as their bears ran free and later, when she couldn’t sustain it any longer, and they collapsed on the forest floor together, looking up at the stars, Axel held his mate and stroked her hair while she fell asleep on his chest. Right where she belonged. Perfectly content and protected in his arms.
THE END
* * *
I hope you enjoyed His to Protect! Axel’s ‘little’ brother, Luke is intense and brooding, but has he met his match when Chloe, an environmental investigator visits the ranch? And will they be able to get to the bottom of what’s going on up at Grizzly Ridge? Or is it sabotage?
Find out in His to Seduce. You can read a sneak peak of that story right after this…
* * *
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His to Seduce
Love at first sight? Fated mates? Fiercely independent she's determined to deny their attraction. But when everything is put to the test, she'll have to rely on instinct—and love.
Strong and independent, Chole's never needed anyone, especially a man. The idea of a partner—or a mate—only sounds like a distraction. Besides, she's never met anyone worth the time.
That is until her work as an environmental researcher takes her to Grizzly Ridge and puts her directly in the path of way too sexy, way too intense, Luke Jackson. If her instincts have anything to say about it, he is most definitely worth something.
Chloe’s determined to get him out of her system, something that turns out to be a whole lot easier said than done. But when she makes a discovery that changes everything and could ruin the Jackson brothers and the Ridge, not only is her professionalism put to the test—so is her heart.
Don’t forget to join my mailing list where you’ll be the first to hear about new stories, sales and promotions and giveaways!
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For all my readers who have taken a chance on the Jackson brothers and their stories with me.
Chapter One
For Chloe Karrington, there was nothing better than walking through the forest: The way the sun danced and played in the branches of the pines as she walked. The cushion of the needles beneath her feet. The fresh, crisp air she inhaled deeply into her lungs.
No. There was nothing better than a walk through the forest.
Unless it was a run.
She glanced around. She was alone.
She could shift into her bear. The need to release her animal bristled just below the surface, but she pushed it down. There were certain things she could do, and certain things she couldn’t. And letting her bear loose in an unknown forest was most definitely in the couldn’t category.
But maybe…
She let her mind drift as she checked out her surroundings.
No one was around. And she already knew there were bears on Grizzly Ridge. Besides the obviousness of the name, it was well known in the bear community that the Jackson brothers had been exiled from their clan and had settled on the ridge instead. Besides, no one would see her if she was careful.
“No.” She stamped her foot to make her point. “Pull it together, Chloe. You’re working.”
She straightened her shoulders, and flipped her dark braid over her shoulder. If there was one thing Chloe prided herself on, it was her professionalism. As an environmental impact researcher, she took her job extremely seriously. Especially considering the very thing she always seemed to find herself researching was the very habitat she craved the most. That, and if she did screw up, the effects could be very serious. Maybe even life-threatening. Chloe flipped open her leather-bound notebook and stared at the newspaper clipping she’d taped into the cover as a constant reminder.
Her fingers traced the faded photo of little Jordan Adams.
Only five years old.
Yes, she reminded herself. There were consequences to making mistakes. Mistakes she’d never make again.
She liked to be reminded of the past, but only to the extent that it kept her on her toes. Mostly, Chloe was happy to put the past behind her. Way behind her. She tucked the book back into the canvas cross body bag she always wore and continued to walk.
More than just a recreational hike, this was more of a reconnaissance mission as she made her first journey out onto Grizzly Ridge. Later that afternoon, Chloe would drive up the road, park in front of the buildings and formally introduce herself to the Jackson brothers, who ran the adventure tourism lodge on the ridge. But for the moment, she enjoyed the peace and allowed herself to form her own opinion of the operation. It was a technique she liked to use whenever she had the opportunity. Besides, there was a chance that as soon as she made it known that she was there to investigate complaints of environmental disruption, she might not be Grizzly Ridge’s most popular guest. And the opportunity to investigate the area on her own would definitely be gone.
She walked for a few more minutes, letting her mind clear. It didn’t take long for Chloe’s bear to sneak up toward the surface of her consciousness again. How long had it been since she’d run?
Weeks? Months?
Too long. Way too long.
Ironically, she’d originally taken the job because of the ability to be outdoors. It had seemed like a good way to satisfy the animal inside her. What she hadn’t anticipated was that despite the time outdoors, there was less time to let her bear out than she’d thought. But, as it turned out, there were other benefits to the job. Like being alone. Her family would like nothing more than to see her settle down and have her own cubs. Chloe was lucky her parents weren’t traditional in their thinking. They were more than happy for her to pick her own mate.
As long as she picked one.
She shook her head.
The last thing she needed was someone tying her down, telling her what to do and keeping her barefoot and pregnant.
No thanks.
Ever since she was little, Chloe had been fiercely independent. She could handle herself, and that’s exactly what she did. She saw the way her older cousins and sisters changed themselves for the males in their life. Becoming giggly and stupid, pretending they couldn’t open jars of pickles. What was that all about? She could open her own jar of pickles, thank you very much.
No male needed.
Not that her parents understood that. Which was why her career w
as perfect. She moved around so much from one job to the next that she’d effectively made herself a very undesirable partner. After all, not many strong, alpha males liked a woman with a serious career. At least none she’d found.
It was the perfect explanation for her mom and dad. For the most part, they seemed to understand, even if they couldn’t totally wrap their heads around the idea that Chloe was choosing to be alone.
The thing was, as much as she didn’t want to admit it, even to herself…Chloe didn’t want to be alone. Not really.
She was so wrapped up in her thoughts as she walked, Chloe hardly noticed that the thick pines were thinning. Not until she stepped out onto the ridge. The blue of the sky stretched out before her; the view of the mountain range took her breath away.
“Wow,” was all she could manage to say. It was woefully understated, but there was no word to describe the incredible beauty Mother Nature had laid out before her.
Stunned into silencing her mind, Chloe stood frozen on the ridge and took it all in.
After a few moments of admiring the view, she made a split-second decision. It wasn’t the most responsible thing to do, but…screw responsible. She needed to experience this amazing place in all the glory it really had to offer. And there was only one way she knew to do that.
She was careful to fold her clothes and tuck her bag next to a tree. Then, naked, Chloe took a step and stretched her arms up overhead. The moments before she shifted into her bear had always been the only time Chloe was comfortable in her curvy human body. Her thick thighs and ample chest were nothing but a hindrance in her daily life, but in those moments, they felt almost sensuous. And then, a second later, Chloe exhaled and started to run. As she moved, her body morphed seamlessly into a strong, beautiful black bear.
Chloe pushed every thought from her mind and let her lean muscles stretch with the exertion of the run. The cool wind on the ridge whipped through her fur and the feeling of freedom that flowed through every fiber in her body made her feel alive in a way that nothing else had in months.
