Eventide of the Bear

by Cherise Sinclair

  “Mmmhmm.” His dark voice held a buzz of satisfaction as he continued. Watching her face, he rolled her sensitive nipples between his fingers, slowly increasing the pressure, until the throbbing peaks jutted into spikes.

  The tightness in her clit grew to an aching demand. Her thighs rubbed together uselessly. Despite the dying fire, the room had taken on a pulsating warmth.

  Ryder moved his hand down, and her abdominal muscles quivered under his palm. When he unzipped her jeans, she caught her breath.

  “Stand up, little bear,” he murmured. “I need a taste of you.”

  Gripping her hips, he lifted her to her feet next to the couch. While she was still getting her balance, he yanked her pants down to her thighs and tugged off her shirt and bra. Before she could register that she was naked from the waist up, he rose and scooped her into his arms.

  “Ryder.” Why did he and Ben keep carrying her around?

  Laughing, he laid her on her back in front of the fireplace. Within a minute, he had her jeans completely off.

  Propped up on her elbows, she felt the still-glowing coals bathe her right side in warmth. On one knee, Ryder stared down, his eyes almost black, heating her more than the fire. Silently, he took her in, making her conscious that all of her was revealed, every bulge, every scar.

  She started to sit up…Then she scented his lust. It matched hers. His gaze lingered on her breasts, her stomach, the golden down of her sex. Under his hot perusal, she felt…beautiful.

  “By the God, you’re too fucking gorgeous. I don’t know where to start.” His gaze passed over her peaked nipples and returned. “There will do.”

  His arm behind her back supported her as he pressed feather-light kisses over her breasts. His breath bathed her skin a moment before his mouth closed over one nipple, engulfing it in wet heat. His tongue touched her, tasted her, and a ferocious quivering set up low in her belly. When he sucked, she felt her toes curling.

  Oh, by the Mother, yes.

  His free hand settled on her other breast, squeezing and caressing. He nipped the peak he was working on, and she gasped at the zing of pleasure. He sucked even more fiercely. Nipped again. His mouth was hot, wet, and determined.

  Her breasts swelled, the skin tight and hot. Her nipples ached and tingled, and sent urgent messages south. She ran her hands up into his hair—thick and wavy, cool against her skin.

  “You’re so pretty,” she whispered.

  He gave her an appalled look and bit her harder.

  She gasped. And squirmed. Oh, she needed…more.

  “Easy, little bard. We have all the time in the world.” He pulled her arms forward, forcing her to lie flat on the soft Oriental carpet. Following her down, he straddled her hips.

  Needing to touch, she ran her hands up his sinewy arms to his powerful shoulders. The way his muscles flexed and bunched as he moved made her breathing hitch. How could someone so graceful be so strong?

  He kissed his way in a weaving pattern across her torso, licked around her belly button, and moved down.

  Her fingers twitched on his shoulders with a sudden surge of anticipation.

  Firmly, he parted her legs. As he settled between them, his abrasive jeans rubbed the inside of her legs. Bending, he inhaled and smiled. “Mmm.”

  Her whole body filled with a carnal hunger.

  His warm hand on her pussy made her tense in anticipation. He lowered his head. His lips touched her…just above her clit.

  Oh, oh, oh.

  As he held her folds closed over her clit, his tongue licked long and slow over the top. She could feel it, but it was…too distant. Too tantalizing. “Ryder…please.” Her voice came out in a distinct whine.

  “Shhh, little bard.” After a few licks, he opened her a tiny amount, letting more of his tongue graze over the target.

  Not enough. With a frustrated sound, she lifted her hips.

  “Uh-uh,” he chided under his breath, setting one merciless hand on her pelvis to pin her in place. Then he opened her labia slightly, enough that his tongue could run over one side of her clit, then the other.

  Like a whirlwind, urgency spiraled upward through her whole body. “Moooore.” She caught his hair in an unbreakable grip.

  “Fuck, you taste good.” His tongue and lips were far too knowledgeable, and exquisite pleasure grew until his tongue moving over that one acutely sensitive spot filled her world.

  Her grip in his hair tightened as her thighs started to tremble.

  “Emma, look at me.” He lifted his head.

  “Don’t stop.” Her eyes opened. “Ry—” The air thickened in her throat.

  He was watching her. His gaze was so filled with desire and appreciation that she could only stare back.

  And then he lowered his head. As if the momentary break had been hours long, when his lips closed over her clit, the heat of his mouth felt scalding. His lips tightened around her and he…sucked.

  Fierce urgency pulled her right under, submerging her in sensation.

  He licked and sucked again, and licked… The current turned into a whirlpool, pulling her under, the pressure expanding, widening, engulfing her body. Her pulse roared in her ears as she fell into a tsunami of pleasure, tumbling over and over with each incredible breaker of sensation. She could hear her soft cries echoing from the walls.

  As the waves of pleasure diminished, she realized Ryder was stripping off his boots and jeans. He settled himself over her body. So very hard, every muscle seemed to be chiseled from stone.

  Propping himself on one arm, he kissed her slowly and deeply, even as he fitted himself to her opening. And paused. One black eyebrow lifted in silent inquiry.

  “Yes,” she whispered. “Yes.”

  Holding her gaze, he pressed in, his shaft hot. Her breathing hitched as he slid deeper and deeper, startlingly long. He stretched her, filled her. The feeling of being taken was…wonderful.

  When he was fully in, he waited, not moving, studying her face.

  She tensed. Was he disappointed?

  He slid his cock out.

  With a gasp, she grabbed his hips to stop him. No success.

  “You feel as good as I knew you would, little bear. Fuck, you really do.”

  He wasn’t disappointed. She closed her eyes for a moment in relief. And, by the Mother, she liked his bluntness. Neither Ryder nor Ben held anything back. Just laid it out.

  But with the happiness came other, more urgent needs. And he wasn’t moving. When she bucked her hips and tried to pull him in, he chuckled.

  Wicked werecat.

  Then he pressed in, penetrating her deeply, before withdrawing again. In and out, three measured thrusts as if establishing that they fit.

  Didn’t the slick hotness convince him? “More,” she breathed.

  His black gaze assessed her before his lips curved. “Seems you can take me without a problem.”

  He was worried? “Yes.”

  Despite her agreement, he idly played with her breasts with one hand as he continued to thrust slowly. Far too slowly. Her clit ached and throbbed as he brushed over it with each stroke. Under his attentions, her nipples tightened.

  Her urgency grew. She dug her nails into his rock-hard butt. “Faster.” Her voice came out husky and desperate. “Harder.”

  His laugh was deep and pleased. “So be it.”

  Abandoning her breasts, he moved fully on top of her, and—oh, Goddess—he cast off his restraints. Each stoke hammered her, hard, deep, and overwhelming.

  Her muscles clenched around him as the tension built, spiraling up and up, taking her mind with it. Sweat slickened their skin. Her hips met his with every thrust, and the slap of flesh on flesh echoed in the room. As his cock thickened, her body tensed and then pulsed in glorious waves as another climax rolled over her. “Oh, oh, oh.”

  With an approving hum, he slid a hand under her bottom to lift her up. He thrust deeper. Once. Twice. His jaw tightened, and the cords on his neck stood out. He growled as he buried hi
mself to the root and filled her with his heat.

  “Mmm.” He lowered his head, rubbed his cheek against hers affectionately, and rolled, setting her on top of him without withdrawing.

  Limp and sated, she sprawled, cheek against his chest, and listened to the solid thump, thump, thump of his heart. Cupping her ass in one hand, he rubbed her back with the other in long, slow, mesmerizing strokes. “You’re amazing, little bard. And I like the music you make when you get off. Mating music.”

  Now that would be a tune to compose. She grinned. He’d probably be upset if she called it “Ryder’s Ride.”

  With a happy sigh, she let herself drift.

  Sometime in the night, she wakened to Ben’s rumbly voice. “Ah, I was wondering why she hadn’t joined me. Was afraid she might’ve run into trouble on the way home.”

  “Sorry, bro. I didn’t think about you worrying.” Ryder’s hand moved up and down her back. “Genevieve made her worry she was too big to be pretty.”

  The grizzly gave a huff of annoyance. “I know some males prefer sleek females, but hopefully, Emma now understands that you and I think she’s just fucking right.”

  Ryder’s laugh came from deep within his chest. “Did my best. But she’s a tad insecure. Keep it in mind.”

  “Aye.” Ben made an amused sound. “Won’t be any chore to reassure her the same way you did. Good job, bro.”

  As his footsteps headed up the stairs to his tower bedroom, Emma let herself fall back asleep, comforted by the slow rise and fall of Ryder’s chest…and the knowledge that she was just fucking right.

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  ‡

  THE NEXT DAY, as Ben drove down the small road toward home, he counted off the blessings the Goddess had scattered into his life.

  His house was no longer empty…it was a home.

  Ryder’s return had healed the soul-deep pain of the damaged littermate bond.

  Minette’s silent joy had changed the very air. Fuck, he’d never thought he’d have a child. Her tiny smiles filled his spirit to overflowing.

  Then there was Emma. She made him feel so many things—aroused, insane, and just plain happy. Whenever he saw her, his heart glowed, as if lit by a roaring fire.

  He needed to discuss her with Ryder. Although Genevieve had burned Ryder badly, Emma was healing his distrust. They’d been together last night, and he’d never seen Ryder look so content.

  There was no hurry though. He could wait, rather than pushing ahead, although patience wasn’t a bear’s strength.

  As he pulled into the driveway, he saw Emma sitting beside the flower garden that bordered the curb. At one time, the yards had boasted extravagant landscaping, but the place had stood empty for years. Concentrating on repairing the house, Ben hadn’t given the grounds any attention.

  After parking in the garage, he walked across the front yard and stopped beside her. “Are you taking care of that leg?” She’d actually danced across the room when Donal announced she didn’t have to wear the brace any longer.

  “Yes, Daddy Bear.” She rolled her pretty eyes.

  Not nervous with him any longer, was she? Pleased, he stood and enjoyed the view. The sunlight lingered on her as if finding a mate for its glow. Her hair rivaled its rosy shine; her golden skin held the palest of pink flushes.

  She’d donned a flannel shirt he’d given her. Despite rolling up the sleeves, she still resembled a cub trying on her father’s garments. With her every movement, the fabric curved around her full breasts.

  He remembered the wondrous weight of those lush breasts in his palms…and the feeling of her curvy body in his arms. He’d missed her last night.

  “Do you mind me cleaning up the flower beds?” she asked. “The crocus is blooming, but it’s buried by so many weeds, you can’t even see it. And you have daffodils coming up.”

  He squatted down beside her. “Have at it, darlin’. Anything would be an improvement.”

  “This is true,” she said. “I’m surprised at the mess, actually. You look after everything else so carefully.”

  He was warmed by the compliment, since he did try to tend well whatever was entrusted to him. “The landscaping is on my list—but not soon. So, once you finish here, feel free to start in the back gardens.”

  She blinked in surprise. “I know the Cosantir pushed you to put me up until I could get around on my own and find a job. But I’m moving all right, and now the mess with Cedrick is over, I can access my bank account.” She smiled slightly. “I guess it’s good that Cosantirs don’t control human banks. Anyway, I should find my own place.”

  The thought of her leaving shattered his tranquility. “No.” His voice came out as a growl.

  She looked up at him with big eyes, her soft, pink lips slightly parted. The skin above and between her breasts was damp with sweat.

  As he caught the light feminine musk of her scent, all the blood in his body went to his cock. His growl deepened. He wanted to lay her back and feel her squirm as he licked the salty sweat away and suckled her rose-tipped nipples. He’d work his way down to every other scent on her body.

  “No?” she repeated. “What do you mean?”

  “I don’t want you to leave.”

  “But…” She stared at her hands, then her shoulders straightened, and she summoned the inner courage that still made his heart skip a beat. “I would like to stay, but there are other people here than just you and me.”

  With a grunt of understanding, he lowered himself onto the lush grass, close enough that his shoulder rubbed hers. He took her hand and brushed the dirt from her palm before kissing the warm, soft center. “This is true,” he echoed her from before. “Tell me, honey bear, after last night, how do you feel about my brother?”

  An adorable flush pinkened her cheeks. “I—”

  Behind them, the front door slammed. Like a woodpecker, Minette’s little feet tapped across the wooden porch, down the steps, and the cub dashed across the lawn toward them.

  Ben stood. The discussion of Emma’s staying would have to wait.

  He caught Minette up, raspberried her belly, swung her over his head, and let her pull his hair. Cubs. When he set her down, she hugged his leg.

  Ryder came out the door and prowled across the lawn, working his arms and shoulders. “Home early, bro? Going to help me with the payroll?”

  “Right about the time the dwarves give up mining. That payroll shit’s a major pain in the tail.” Seeing the cub’s mouth go O-shaped, Ben caught what he’d said. Swearing. Bad bear.

  Despite a frown of disapproval, Emma laughed.

  Hell of a laugh, with the low, husky notes of summer breezes through an ancient forest.

  Thankfully, Minette spotted a pixie in the roses lining the side yard and trotted in that direction.

  Ben grinned at his brother. “Sorry, bro. Didn’t mean to corrupt your cub.”

  “Our cub. I daresay she’s heard worse from me.”

  Emma turned her frown on him.

  Ryder winced. “Guess we both need to watch our language.”

  “Undoubtedly,” she said in a dry voice. “Unless you want her first spoken sentence to get her kicked out of kindergarten.”

  “That would suck.” Ryder exchanged a rueful glance with Ben.

  Ben laughed. Their two months of human kindergarten before Ryder had moved were not exactly a success. Raised by males, he and Ryder lacked anything close to manners.

  Minette heard him laughing, ran back, and stopped beside Emma. With not nearly enough care for her wounded leg, Emma pulled the cub down onto her lap.

  The child immediately appropriated a loose strand of the golden hair and snuggled closer. Just like a healthy, loving cub. Ryder’s pleased gaze met Ben’s.

  Yes, this was a home.

  “Hey, Minette, I have to pick up some hardware,” Ben said. “Could be we’ll find ice cream and a playground in town. Want to come?”

  She bounced up to take his hand. In many ways, she was a delightfu
lly normal cub, which meant food and fun made excellent bribes.

  “Hell, that means I have no excuse to stop doing payroll,” Ryder grumbled.

  Ben glanced at Emma. “The poor kitty looks like he got his tail stuck in the door.”

  She snickered, earning herself a quick tug of her hair from the cat—followed by a brush of his lips that really did silence her.

  The wide-eyed look was a good one for her, Ben decided. He grinned at Ryder and asked Emma, “Want to come with me and Minette?”

  “No, thank you.” She yanked a wayward weed. “I’m going to clean this mess up and start supper. Angie gave me a recipe for meat loaf.”

  “Whoa, Griz. She stays here,” Ryder said firmly. “I haven’t had meat loaf since…since we spent that winter in Elder Village. Naini knew how to make a hearty meal.”

  Ben smiled at her. “See? Ryder agrees that you’ll stay.” Forever.

  Shaking her head in exasperation, she threw a clod of dirt at him.

  “Time to go, Minette. The honey bear is getting feisty.” Ben swung the cub up onto his shoulders, grinning as he felt her silent, little laugh. She’d obviously inherited her father’s feline sense of humor—which probably meant she’d be a cat-shifter rather than a wolf like her mother.

  An hour later, kitchen fittings and door hardware bought and loaded, Ben leaned against a tree in the park behind Thorson’s BOOKS and watched his brother’s cub. No, Ryder was right; she was his cub as well. How could anyone not love such an adorable cub?

  Her eyes were as bright as any kitten’s as she led her small pride across the playground. He grinned as she jumped, caught a bar, and swung up into the climbing web with a grace that rivaled her father’s. Her two buddies followed, screaming with glee as they joined her on the top.

  Her silence hadn’t prevented her from making friends. Even better, over the weeks, much of her timidity had disappeared, and she was exploring her expanding world with a joyful courage. She was as smart as her sire, which pleased Ben no end.

  It was true that her mother wasn’t stupid, but Genevieve’s mind functioned with more cunning than intelligence. She sure knew how to manipulate males to get her own way. Ryder said she’d been at the Gathering, picking up males to mate, and making friends with some younger females. That was worrisome.