Tempted by the Bear - Book 3

by V. Vaughn

  Chapter 8

  Tori

  The plan to keep my secret about being the next Veilleux alpha didn’t last very long. Once Carly had a chance to talk to Brady, they proposed we bring Lily in on the news. She has proven that she wants peace for the clans, and out of respect for her being the current Veilleux leader, it makes sense to let her know. She’s coming to our house for breakfast along with Carly and Brady.

  My triceps ache as I lift my arms up to put my hair in a ponytail. I’ve been training every day for the last two weeks, and I’m grateful for a lifetime of competitive sports, because I’m good at fighting. Although I hope I’ll never have to use my new skills.

  The aroma of sausage makes my stomach growl. Keith is downstairs cooking up a feast for us. I suppose every true mate feels this way, but I couldn’t be happier in my relationship with him. I was a little worried that me being an alpha might be hard on his ego, but Keith couldn’t be more supportive.

  I jog down the stairs to my mate, and he turns to me when I enter the kitchen and says, “You’re in for a treat. Carly’s bringing her bear paws.”

  “Cute.” I glance at the array of food set out as my sensitive ears pick up the whine of a car engine coming up the drive. “What can I do?”

  “Take the egg casserole out for me.” A spatula scrapes as he plates up the meat he was cooking, and heat blasts at my face as I open the oven. My stomach is jittery, because meeting Lily is more than just getting to know the acting leader of my clan; she was also my father’s wife and true mate. Although I refuse to think of her as a stepmother, since she never actually parented me.

  Once I set the baking dish down on the counter I make my way to the door. I open it before our guest can knock, and discover a dark blonde about my height and stature. She blinks as if she’s surprised and says, “You must be Tori.”

  “It’s so nice to meet you, Lily.” I step aside and say, “Come on in.”

  “Thanks.”

  We stand by the door after I shut it, and she says, “You look so much like Victor.”

  “Do I? I wish I’d had the chance to meet him,” I lie, because now that I know the evil he caused, I’m glad I never did. Lily came because she was told I wanted to talk to her about my father. She doesn’t know I’m her alpha yet.

  Lily says, “He wasn’t all bad, you know. I think you would have liked him.”

  I nod, because what do you say to that? “Can I get you some coffee?”

  “Sure.”

  I lead her to the kitchen, and Keith greets her with a smile. “Lily, so good to see you again.”

  “Likewise. It smells delicious in here.”

  The coffee pot clatters as I remove it and make myself busy pouring her a cup as they make small talk. The mug thumps when I set it before her, and she stares at me for a moment before she asks, “Do you like being a werebear?”

  “So much more than I thought I would. Nobody told me about all the cool traits.” I lift my arm and flex. I almost snort at my display of power. “Like this for example.”

  She smiles at me. “Yes. And how about food? Isn’t it amazing now?”

  I nod. “I’m still getting used to smells and noises. They’re kind of overwhelming.”

  “I know. I’m horrified when I think about the perfume I used to wear,” says Lily. “Good thing I never knew how offensive I was to werebear.”

  I frown for a second as I take a sip of my coffee. The creamy flavor slides over my tongue, and I say, “I never thought about that.”

  There’s a moment of silence before Lily says, “Since I’m here to talk about Victor, why don’t you ask me what you’d like to know, Tori.”

  I glance at Keith quickly before I say, “Actually, the reason you’re here is for more than that. Just after I changed, I discovered I’m an alpha.”

  Lily gulps down a mouthful of coffee and stares at me with wide eyes. I say, “The Veilleux alpha.”

  She places a hand on her chest. “Goodness. I didn’t see that coming.”

  “Yeah,” I say. “Sorry we didn’t tell you over the phone.”

  “No. I understand why.”

  Brady and Carly have arrived, and Keith leaves us to go open the door as I say, “I hope you don’t mind that we’re about to spend a lot of time together. I have so much to learn. And—” I sigh as I figure out the right words to say. “I don’t plan to push you out or anything.”

  She’s got to be in shock over this news, but Lily handles it with grace. “Oh, it’ll be fine.” She waves her hand to dismiss my concerns. “You don’t strike me as power hungry, and I’m sure we’ll work well together. Frankly, this couldn’t have come at a better time.”

  When Carly enters the kitchen to pull Lily into a hug, Lily’s voice continues on telepathically. “We’ve got a lot to talk about. Let’s plan to meet one on one.”

  “Will do.”

  Now my stomach starts to roll as if I’m carsick. The idea that I’m an alpha didn’t take long to get used to, but I imagined I’d be doing things as a team with Keith. I glance over at him as he and Brady chat with each other. Carly set a basket of pastries down on the counter, and I reach for one. Sliced almonds are placed on the paw-shaped treat like claws, and I smile at her little joke before I take a bite. Sugary goodness fills my mouth and races to my bloodstream as if it can fortify me for what’s ahead.

  Keith says, “Carly, I’ve got water for your tea. You brought it, right?”

  She chuckles. “Donna wouldn’t let me go a day without it. Thanks.” She turns to me with her hand on her stomach. “Just wait until you get pregnant. Werebear think you need to drink some flowery tea to ensure the health of the babies. Fortunately it kind of grows on you.”

  I imagine having children will be a big deal for me. It occurs to me that as I’m an alpha, my children will be the legacy of the Veilleux, and one will grow up to take my position as the leader. The enormity of that responsibility must weigh heavy on a parent. I glance over at Lily and wonder if she’s glad that I’ve come along. Not only will I relieve her of her duties as the clan prima, but the children she’s helping to raise are not destined to be the next Veilleux alpha. I hope that brings her joy instead of sorrow.

  Keith says, “Everyone plate up and sit. I think we’ve got a lot to discuss.”

  A spoon clatters against a bowl as I scoop out fruit salad. Lily catches my eye and stares at me for a moment as she communicates with me. “The real discussion needs to be between just us, but I’ll offer what I can to Keith and Carly.”

  “Understood.” I lower my gaze to concentrate on my plate. But my interest in food is gone, because I think in the days to come, much bigger concerns are coming my way.

  Chapter 9

  Isabelle

  Jean Luc’s kiss tastes like the sea and a flavor that’s uniquely him. The summer breeze surrounds us in an embrace as we connect our naked human bodies on his private beach. As our tongues dance I realize our attraction is something beyond anything I’ve ever craved. I suppose it’s good I didn’t know, because now that I’m experiencing it, I’m never going to want to live without him. When he moves his mouth to my neck I arch back and press my hips into him. Jean Luc’s hard length is thick between us, and I reach for it. Silky-smooth skin is hot in my hand.

  He groans when I squeeze his cock and slide my grip down to the base. Jean Luc grabs my hips and lowers himself to his knees as he nips at me with his lips on the way. His strong hands grasp my butt, and I widen my stance to give him access. One swipe of his tongue on my folds, and my legs tremble as they threaten to give out on me. I gasp, “Oh, god.”

  “Hold on,” says Jean Luc as he lets go of me and stands. He glances around and moves toward his shirt he left discarded on the beach. When he returns to me, he places the tee on the ground. “Place your bottom on that. I need way more than a taste.”

  I lower myself and lie back on the cool sand. It’s gritty beneath my shoulders, but the moment Jean Luc places his mouth on my sex, I’m
wrapped up in the pleasure he brings. It’s as if he’s known me before, because my destined mate manages to find every sensitive spot to make me cry out with my release quickly. He doesn’t stop as I quake beneath him, and Jean Luc’s fingers work me as he pushes for more.

  When I’ve come a second time he lifts up to hover over me. I place my hand on his chest, and the muscles below my palm flex as he leans down. I’m reminded of the vision of Jean Luc when I thought he was God. I gaze into the teal eyes and realize he is my savior. At this moment I believe my true mate can give me a life without torture. I touch the mouth that brought me physical pleasure and whisper, “Fill me.”

  He lowers his lips to mine, and our combined flavor makes me want to drink him in. My fingers tangle in his hair when Jean Luc guides his cock into me as he breaks away from our kiss. Thrusting into me quickly, he drives with growing need, and now my moans are not the only sound as Jean Luc’s climax approaches. A low, guttural growl comes from him, and his fangs poke out as he says, “Save me, Isabelle.”

  I know he’s giving me a choice, and my heart aches that a man who barely knows me is willing to let me decide our fate. I grab the back of his neck and growl back as I yank him down. My canines sink into his shoulder, and warm blood fills my mouth as he explodes with his orgasm. My bite multiplies his pleasure, and when he finishes, Jean Luc collapses onto me. His weight is heavy, and I’m aware that the T-shirt is no longer under me before I flip him onto his back to lick his wound and seal his skin like I sealed our bond.

  Jean Luc lets out a sigh and pulls me down to lie on top of his body. His finger traces a circle on my butt as he whispers in French to me. I ask, “What are you saying?”

  “I’m making you promises.” His hand moves between my legs, and he strokes my tender sex. I quiver beneath his touch. “You will never regret this, Isabelle.”

  I mewl as he slips two digits into me, and I’m like a rag doll when he turns us over so that he’s on top now. My hips rock as he pumps his fingers in and out of me. He asks, “You want more, no?”

  I whimper. “Yes. I want it all.” And I do. I want the true mate bond to be complete. I want to be with this man for life. A life without the destiny of insanity, and one with a man that will complete me in a way I never dreamed possible. I throw my head back and offer up my chest to my true mate. “Save me, Jean Luc.”

  His thumb rubs my clit, and my moans become louder as I climb. My eyes flutter shut as he lowers his mouth to my breasts, and the hot breath of his exhalation tickles before sharp teeth prick and puncture my flesh. I scream as my climax and his bite take me to another world. A world where Isabelle De Rozier is whole, safe, and sane.

  I’m not sure how long we lie on the beach in a sleepy state, and I don’t want to move when Jean Luc leans up on an elbow to stare down at me as he says, “You need to have my chowder now. And you’d better like it, because it’s the final test.”

  I trace his lower lip with my finger before he sucks it in. I ask, “You’d cast me off into the sea if I hate it?”

  He nods as he takes my hand to kiss my palm. “No self-respecting Ouellette hates chowder.”

  “Ah. Well then, let’s go,” I say.

  Jean Luc stands first, and his T-shirt snaps as he shakes off sand. My mate rolls up the cotton hem and lifts it over my head. The soft fabric slithers over my skin like his touch, and his scent wafts up to my nose as the heat of my body releases it. I inhale it and let out a contented sigh as he takes my hand and leads me up to the house.

  Sand scratches at me as we walk, and I’m going to need to clean up again. I ask, “How big is your bathtub?”

  Jean Luc turns to grin at me. “Big enough for two.”

  “Perfect.”

  When we get in the house Grace is absent from the kitchen, and when we’re near the counter he grabs me by the hips to set me on it. He says, “Chowder first.” His gaze drops to my lap and he adds, “And then I might need dessert.”

  One thing that polar bear are known for is their insatiable sex drive, and I grin at my mate. “You do have polar bear genes.”

  “Ma cherie.” He chuckles. “Tu n’as aucune idée. You have no idea.” Soup splatters into a bowl, and he hands it to me.

  My mate is still naked, and I growl as I scan his body quickly while I lick my lips. I dip my spoon into the chowder as I say, “Good. Because no self-respecting polar bear would be with a mate who can’t last all night.” I place a mouthful of hot, creamy broth in my mouth and draw out my utensil slowly as I stare at Jean Luc.

  He swallows hard, and his bowl clatters on the counter when he sets it down. He grabs my soup from my hands to set it aside too as he shoves himself between my legs. Jean Luc’s fingers dig into my hips as he yanks me to the edge of the counter to thrust into me. I’m still slick with our juices, so he slides in easily, and I let out a small cry of appreciation as I grasp the sinewy muscles of his back to pull him in deeper.

  His voice is in my head now as he says, “Mine!”

  “I’m yours.” I pull his mouth down to mine, and before I kiss him I say, “And you’re”—our lips meet, and I plunge my tongue into his mouth as I speak telepathically—“mine.”

  Chapter 10

  Isabelle

  The pale morning light of dawn illuminates the sculpted figure of Jean Luc as he stands before a dresser and steps into his jeans. I let out a sleepy moan. “Where are you going?”

  “To work.”

  I’m in the most comfortable bed I’ve ever experienced, and the smooth duvet cover is soft on my skin as I cuddle into the cloud-like comforter. I realize that I know very little about my mate’s life, and I ask, “What do you do?”

  “I build sailboats.”

  “Aha, that explains why you’re so good with your hands.”

  He yanks a T-shirt over his head and smiles at me. You’d think I’d been given the best compliment ever by the way it makes me smile back. He asks, “Would you like to come with me?”

  Since I’m trying to imagine what it would be like without him for even an hour, I say, “Yes.”

  The bed sinks when Jean Luc sits next to me. He leans down and kisses me before he says, “Go shower, and I’ll make the coffee. How do you like it?”

  I reach up and squeeze his bicep. “Strong, like my mate.”

  He chuckles as he stands. “I make breakfast too. Eggs?”

  “Love them.” I whip the covers off, and the mutual scent of us wafts toward me. “Love food.” I stand up and press myself against Jean Luc and say, “Love you.”

  He grabs my bare bottom and squeezes it. “Love you too.” He gives me a quick kiss, and my skin stings when he slaps my butt. “Now get moving.”

  I’ve become a sappy girl, because the urge to sing in the shower is overwhelming. I’m sure I’ll have to resist skipping to the kitchen in a few minutes. If this is what being a true mate is all about, then I’m so glad I signed up.

  When I return from the bathroom, clothing is set out on the made bed. The underwear is functional, and the jeans fit loosely. I guess Grace went shopping for me, and the gesture brings another surge of emotion. Oh my god. I’m happy. Like the “nothing is wrong, I’m not irritated, I’m not dreading what will happen today” kind of happy.

  As I get dressed, I catch myself humming, and I let it happen. My step is light and bordering on a prance as I go find Jean Luc for breakfast. I glance out the windows that face the ocean to find the sun peeking up over the horizon. I recall seeing the same thing yesterday morning when I was waiting for death, wanting it. Twenty-four hours later, I’m so alive I can barely fathom yesterday happened.

  Jean Luc hands me a steaming mug of coffee and says, “I see Grace did a good job of figuring out your size.”

  “She did.” I haven’t seen Grace since we first met yesterday so I ask, “Where is she?”

  Jean Luc pulls me against his body, and a tingle sweeps over my skin. His voice reaches right to my core when he lowers it and says, “Giving us space.”<
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  I sigh, and my mug clatters on the counter as I try to set it down with my trembling hand. I ask, “Are you the boss?”

  My mate is nibbling on my neck, and a tiny shudder runs through me as he murmurs, “Um-hmm.”

  “So nobody cares if you’re late?” I reach for his waistband, and the metal button is warm when I unfasten it.

  “Uh-huh.” His stomach quivers as I slide the zipper down.

  My knees thud as I sink to the floor and say, “So about that breakfast.”

  “It’s cooking.” Jean Luc threads his fingers through my wet hair, and his shaft is silky smooth under my tongue as I lick it up to the tip.

  Now it’s my turn to say “Um-hmm,” before I devour him.

  After a morning filled with learning about the boat-building business, Jean Luc takes me down to the dock for lunch. His executive assistant got us sandwiches, and we sit with our feet dangling in the water as we eat. But my appetite has faded, because I need to leave our euphoria for a moment and be serious. The bubbles of my soda tickle their way down my throat as I swallow a mouthful, and I say, “I need to tell you things about me.”

  Jean Luc turns his gaze to me, and it’s as if his eyes are pulling me into the warmth of his heart, because I feel as if nothing I can say is going to horrify this man. “Ma cherie, we have a lifetime for you to tell me things. But if you must.”

  Even his accent makes me want jump up and scream to the world about how much I love Jean Luc Ouellette. It shoves my need to share my shame away, and I say, “Good, because I can’t seem to think straight around you right now. I want to tell you the bad things, but one look from you, and they disappear.”

  “Because they are gone, Isabelle.” He pushes a lock of my hair behind my ear, and the calluses of his crafting fingers rasp against my skin. “Our bond has saved you from craziness. You are experiencing the normal joy most of us feel every day.”