Bearly Hanging On: Soulmate Shifters in Mystery, Alaska Book 3

by Krystal Shannan

  The human female didn’t understand. But the lion did. No words of encouragement came from his lips. Though no, disgust or apathy did either. Unexpected. But it didn’t change Owen’s reality.

  He would never find solace with Reylean Tribe here in Mystery.

  “I have to go.” He turned away from them in a rush and left them standing quietly on the sidewalk in front of the store. Tara would be safe while Kann was in the store. Long enough for him to take a much-needed walk in the woods to cool his head. To put down the longing for a Tribe that did reside in his soul.

  It didn’t matter how much he wanted it or needed it.

  6

  Tara breathed the crisp spring air, turned the key in the door of the store, and then pivoted to face the empty parking lot. She’d never felt so alone. Sure, Katherine was waiting for her at the MCC with a bunch of other people that would be laughing and carrying on. Though she wasn’t sure she could handle it tonight. Calling Katherine and going home instead had crossed her mind more than once.

  Her mom had called and said Dad was having a hard time with the treatment today. When Tara had finally been able to talk to him for a few moments this afternoon, the frail weakened voice of her father through the phone speaker had nearly made her burst into tears right then and there.

  She hadn’t.

  She couldn’t.

  They both needed her to be strong. Her mom needed it even more than her dad. He was so positive and upbeat and kept telling her how optimistic the doctors were about his treatments. He chalked up everything negative to him just being tired.

  But it was more than that. So much more than that.

  The cancer was stealing him away from both of them. She couldn’t imagine what her life would be without his smile in it. Without his soft sideline encouragement and the steady support that he’d always provided. He was daddy. He had to beat this. She needed him.

  Needed a hug like the one Owen had given her earlier.

  She looked up at the bright sky. It would be nearly nine thirty before the sun disappeared below the horizon. May was well into the days stretching out. In another month or so the sun wouldn’t set until closer to midnight. Black-out window shades were an Alaskan’s best friend. That and a sleep mask. No such thing as circadian rhythms out here.

  She crossed to her dad’s truck and climbed inside. The engine roared to life and in just a few minutes she was across town and parking in the gravel lot beside the community center. A truck she recognized was in the parking lot. And the man in the cab. Owen?

  He got out of his truck and walked toward her. His face hard and his eyes dark. The beard made him look fierce, but Tara could honestly say she wouldn’t have had it any other way. Maybe fierce was her thing. She’d never been so attracted to any man before. But with Owen. It was like her body had a mind of its own.

  She wanted him with every fiber. Every nerve was strung tighter than a grand piano string. Every breath was intentional. Her stomach jumped like a border collie leaping for a frisbee.

  “Why are you here?” The words were out before she could stop herself. Crap. It wasn’t like she didn’t want to see him. She was excited he was here. Confused maybe. But so excited. Her whole body was trembling, and her heart was kicking the inside of her ribs so noisily she wouldn’t have been surprised if he could hear it from all the way across the parking lot.

  “Protecting you.” His voice was deep and gravelly, just like it had been earlier. Steady and firm. He was…wait…protecting me?

  “From what?” She glanced around the parking lot, worry creeping back, evil fingers squeezing tighter and tighter.

  His shoulders tensed. He opened his mouth to speak, but then snapped it shut again and shook his head. He stopped walking toward her and instead took a step backward.

  “This was a mistake. I should go.”

  “No.” The broken plea jumped from her lips and she hurried across the parking lot. This was her chance. He was trying to connect. Maybe Katherine was right. Maybe he was nervous. Maybe it was something else. Something that made him keep scanning the woods. Something that made him seem on edge and uneasy. Personally, she’d rather just believe it was a case of nerves for now. There wasn’t any reason to say it was more than that.

  “Look, you’re here. You should come inside and protect me from there. You know it is game night. Tempers will flare. It could be violent.” Tara smiled through the teasing words. She took a chance and grabbed his hand, tugging him gently toward the doors of the MCC. His fingers laced with hers like they belonged together, sending a spark of energy coursing through her body.

  They entered the building. Shouts and whoops of glee echoed in the entry. The games had already started.

  “Why would you participate in something danger—” He halted suddenly and pulled her arm, stopping her in her tracks. “Why are children here?”

  Tara grinned. “You think we could have free snacks out and children not show up?”

  The big mountain man’s face scrunched in confusion. Tara laughed again. He had no idea what he was in for and she couldn’t wait to see the look on his face when he saw the hordes preparing to play Sorry, and Pit, and her favorite The Game of Life.

  “Come on. It’s been a rough day and I could use the distraction.” Tara tugged again but moving Owen without his consent was like trying to make a rooted tree walk.

  “That is why I am watching you.”

  She paused her efforts and stared up into his big brown eyes. “All day? I never saw you again.”

  He didn’t speak but nodded.

  “Did he come back?”

  Owen shook his head, and Tara swallowed, relief pushing down the bile that had started to rise. “Well, thank you. Again…for watching out for me.” Instead of pulling this time she stepped closer and slipped her arms around his body for another hug. It was fine if he didn’t want to play. She could get her distraction a different way. Owen could help her forget about Raish. Forget about her mom’s phone call. Forget about everything except how good he made her feel.

  She pressed her face against the warmth of his flannel shirt. His coat was gone, not surprising since the day had warmed to over forty. Most locals didn’t wear a coat unless it was in the single digits. His chest rattled just a little, almost like a dog that couldn’t decide if it was going to growl or not. Except bigger. Strange to hear that sound coming from a man. But it didn’t scare her. It was part of his charm.

  His heart was hammering in his chest. She listened contentedly to the thunk thunk, thunk thunk. Then finally after what seemed like forever, he wrapped his arms around her body, encasing her with his presence. With his comfort.

  He was mostly a stranger and yet, there was something about him that made her so comfortable. Something that made her want to be near him all the time. Touch him. Talk to him. Anything. Everything.

  “I’m really glad you were here waiting for me tonight.” Her voice was heavy and tired, breaking under the strain of trying to pretend that she was fine. She wasn’t. He could tell. But today was different. He’d heard bits of her phone call with her parents. He knew her father was ill and wasn’t getting better. The whole town knew Charles Jenkins was in the hospital, sick with something called cancer. Owen didn’t know what cancer was, but it was definitely life-threatening. That much hadn’t been hard to put together.

  He tightened his hold on Tara’s body, selfishly pulling her closer and dipped his head to breathe in the sweet scent of her shampoo—flowers and female. He kissed the top of her head and heard her sniffle against his chest.

  This woman.

  He needed her like he’d never needed another person his entire life. Not only did she glow like the lights in the night sky of this new world, but the magick of the soul call pulled at something inside of him…something he thought he’d never experience. Something he’d given up on years ago.

  He wanted to touch every part of her. Soothe away every ache and pain. The rush of need in his chest burned like
a flame loose on the prairie of his home world. Owen cupped her face with his palm and she leaned into it, like an animal seeking comfort. He wanted to comfort her. Be the one to give her peace. But he also was selfish. He wanted the peace that she offered him as well.

  Standing here. Touching her. His bear was calm. Quiet. Content. He hadn’t felt this centered since long before he’d been outcast from his tribe.

  “I’m sorry, I’m crying all over you. It’s just—”

  “Shhh,” Owen said, his voice rumbling deep in his chest. He lifted her chin, tipping it so that her glassy tear-reddened eyes met his gaze. He recognized the pain. The stress. The defeat. He’d felt all that and more and had no one to share it with. No one to find solace with. “I’m here.”

  “Maybe right now, but you’ll disappear again.”

  He swallowed and shook his head slowly. “I won’t leave you, if you want me to stay.” His bear was dancing like a fool inside his mind, pleased with the current circumstances. In fact, the animal was pushing for more. Mark her. Claim her. Mate.

  Owen pushed away the bear’s voice and focused again on Tara. She was important. What she needed from him. Not what he wanted from her. Anything he had with her wouldn’t last. Col would make sure of it. But he wanted all the moments he could have. And those moments were right now.

  “I want you to stay.” Her voice was soft and breathy and needy. Her eyes were dark, her pupils large, her breathing shallow and quick. Her pulse raced, he could hear the soft thumping in her chest. See the quick ripple on her neck where her blood pumped so close to the surface.

  Then everything changed.

  She moved so quickly. Her arms went around his neck, pulling him lower. Her mouth touched his tentatively at first, her lips caressing his as if she were waiting for him to shove her away. It was too late for that. He’d tasted her now, all sweetness mixed with salt from her tears. Her body pressed against his, curved and perfect. Soft and warm and welcoming. His heart crashed against his chest, beating out a rhythm that he couldn’t ignore.

  Mine. Her taste was intoxicating. Exciting. Exhilarating.

  He slid one hand from her chin to the base of her head, pulling her into a deeper kiss. Thrusting his tongue to taste all of her. Every inch. His chest rattled again, but this time from pleasure. The noises from inside the fellowship hall were forgotten. They were alone in the semi-dark entrance. Forgotten to everyone but each other.

  Owen moved his other hand down from her face and wrapped it around her waist, just above the curve of her ass.

  She whimpered into his mouth, pushing herself closer, wordlessly asking for more. He groaned as their tongues tangled together, twisting in a dance of desire and desperation. It was everything he’d imagined it would be and more. And now it would hurt even more when she finally found out the truth. Realized who—what—he was.

  Owen growled into Tara’s mouth. He didn’t want to think about her rejection. Just that she needed him now. And right now, he could give her what she wanted. He pushed her back a few steps until she was pinned between the wall and his body.

  She arched against him, pressing her hip over the hardness of his erection. Still she didn’t slow her assault on his mouth and in turn, he didn’t pull back either. He moved his hand from her waist down to grasp her round ass and lifted, grinding his cock into the softness of her body. She moaned into his mouth and nipped harder on his bottom lip.

  Her kiss was like pure magick flowing straight into his body. Energy. Electricity. His need to claim her was building like a volcano threatening to erupt. His fangs pressed out in his mouth, but he pushed back his bear and just sank into the scent and taste of his mate—his shuarra. She was his heaven and he would enjoy every moment he could until she turned him away or he breathed his last.

  Giggling female voices from behind him broke the intensity of the moment. Tara stiffened and pulled away. Owen let her down gently until her feet touched the floor again. She leaned out, around his shoulder and peeked behind him. Owen turned to follow her gaze.

  A couple of teenage girls were standing near the main entrance with wide smiles and phones out—probably taking pictures. He’d seen Ava do the same with her phone constantly.

  “You two should really find somewhere a little more private.” One of the girls tittered in a squeaky voice. The other girl grabbed her friend’s hand and tugged her toward the door.

  “Great show, though!”

  Owen growled. The roar echoed through the empty entry way, but the girls had already ducked out the front and were gone. A soft hand on his arm reminded him he needed to be more discreet. He needed to leash his inner animal better. Ava was right. He was losing control because he hadn’t taken the time to shift.

  “Not that I don’t appreciate a growly man protecting me, but they’re just kids. It’s not the end of the world.”

  He turned back to Tara, looming over her like the predator he was…but she didn’t flinch or shrink away. “Forgive me, I shouldn’t have been so—”

  “I’m pretty sure both of us were participating.” She flashed him a sly smile and he caught a twinkle of mischief flicker in her eyes. “I’m perfectly fine with being caught.” Her smile wavered. “Unless you regret the kiss?”

  “Not at all. Only that we were interrupted.”

  His answer seemed to quell her doubts. The smile returned. “Thank you, again. You seem to keep saving me. Twice from creepy dude and now from the weight of my worries.”

  “It is my honor to protect you my shuar—” He bit back the word. “Tara.”

  Tara quirked her head and stared for a second, as if trying to decide whether or not to question the sudden word change.

  She was his mate, but he couldn’t claim her, not now, possibly not ever, even if his bear was literally fighting him tooth and claw. The more time he spent closer to Tara bathing in the glow of her soul call, the harder it was going to make every minute spent away from her. Every minute wondering if it would be the last.

  “You go inside and enjoy your friends. I have to go.”

  “But—” She stared at him with those imploring green eyes that stabbed so deeply into his soul. He couldn’t stay. He needed to keep a little distance between them. He wouldn’t be able to keep from marking her as his otherwise. He brushed a thumb over her iridescent cheek. The glow from the soul call was so beautiful, so calming. All he wanted to do was touch her. Hold her.

  Forever.

  “When will I see you again?” Her question brought him out of his thoughts and back to the present.

  “Tomorrow. I’ll come back by the store after I finish at the garage.”

  “Perfect. Come around five when I close, if you can. I’ll make you dinner back at the house.”

  Owen swallowed and then nodded. “I will see you then, Tara. Thank you.” He released her face. Released her body and walked away. Out of the community center. Through the parking lot. Each step away from her torture to his soul. To his bear.

  But it was for the best. He just hoped he’d be able to be strong enough to make the same choice again tomorrow night.

  7

  Morning couldn’t come fast enough. Tara had enjoyed the games at the community center last night. Kinda. Katherine had finally told her to go home and sleep after her third loss at the game of Uno in a row. She had, but it hadn’t helped. She’d laid in bed thinking about Owen. Mostly about the kiss. About the way she felt when they had touched for the first time in the store. Then more about the kiss. And then about the sadness in his eyes…

  Something was eating at him. Something about her? Was it the creepy guy…or something else?

  The day at the store had been normal. Steady stream of locals. Mrs. Sampson had come in for a few minutes to try and dig out some gossip. Apparently, one of the girls who had snapped pictures of her and Owen last night was Mrs. Sampson’s granddaughter.

  There was no putting that genie back in the bottle.

  Her love life was now open season for Tuesda
y’s knitting circle.

  She didn’t mind. Not really. Living in a small town her whole life, she was used to everyone knowing everything. If she was really being honest with herself, she wished there was more to share. And maybe in a few weeks there would be. Maybe in a few weeks after she and Owen had spent time together outside of just bumping into one another, it would be more.

  At least their relationship had progressed past casual glances and staring when both of them thought the other wasn’t looking.

  She wanted so much more. The man lit a fire in her every time he looked at her. Every time she looked at him. It was like she’d never known what being truly attracted to a person was like. But it was more than that. So much more. The gnawing hunger and desire to be with him was taking over her brain along with her body.

  In a way it was good, it helped her not focus on the fact that her dad was in the hospital four hours away…dying. The hopeful prognosis had faded to not as hopeful. Owen gave her a forward path when she and her mom were stuck in park…waiting…hoping that Dad would beat the cancer. And he was doing his damnedest. The doctors had said more than once that he was strong and that he was surprising them every day.

  Tara scrubbed down the counter with a disinfectant wipe. The bell above the door chimed and her body straightened and lifted, excitement rippled across her skin. Owen was right on time. She tossed the wipe into the trashcan and turned.

  The two men in front of her weren’t Owen. One of them was the beautifully dangerous creepy guy from yesterday—Ray-sh or something—she couldn’t remember how exactly he’d said his name. It wasn’t important right now. And next to him stood an equally stunning and scary looking dude. Dark eyes. Dark tanned skin. Hair as black as raven feathers. But their faces, the way they looked at her…predatory. Like she was something to hunt. Eat. Kill.