“You are the best thing to ever happen to me,” he murmured, his momentum building, along with his arousal. Dylan kissed her neck, down over her collarbone and then lower, to run his tongue along the swell of her wonderful breasts.
“Better than the millions you have in your bank account?” she asked.
“Money doesn’t buy happiness. I understand that now, thanks to you.”
He pulled out of her, only the tip of his cock enveloped in her slick sex, and then lunged forward. She gasped, and her nails grazed his back, spurring him on. In and out he moved. Harder, faster, his need to feel her come around him taking over his thoughts, and his actions.
Dylan slipped a hand under her bottom, and held her close, pushing deeper, harder, straining to bury himself up to the hilt inside her.
Steph’s voice rose in pitch. When she realized how loud she was, she nipped the skin of his neck, trying to drown out the small cries of pleasure. He wanted to hear her, wanted her voice to echo around the valley. It was a primal need, to let any other shifter know, he had claimed his mate, and if they dared challenge that claim, he would take them on and rip their head from their body.
He closed his mouth around her nipple, nipping it cruelly, enjoying the response of her body. Her sex tightened, the muscles beginning to spasm, she was so close, and then she went over the edge. Dylan followed, just as he would follow her anywhere now they were one.
He kissed her, the taste of her, the smell of her, and the touch of her warm body exciting him. Filling her with his essence, under the light of the moon, he hoped that their joining would create something special, a new life, a child for them to raise and love.
But if they didn’t, then they would just have to keep trying. Something he would not complain about, not once.
“So this is what life is supposed to be like,” she said, as they lay in each other’s arms, their bodies close together, fingers entwined. “I always thought I must be missing something.”
“You mean me?” he asked.
“No. Freedom, happiness.”
“And me?” he asked.
“Technically, any mate would do,” she said, and he rolled her over onto her back, his body hovering above hers.
“Really?” he asked. “Any mate?”
“Absolutely. As long as they had strong arms.” She stroked his arms. “And I guess your face is easy on the eyes.”
He chuckled. “Then I will make it my life’s mission to prove to you that no other mate will do.” He kissed her and his hand moved down her body, his fingers dipping into her sex.
Then her phone rang.
Quickly, she pushed him off, and felt around for her phone. “Here it is,” he said.
“Thanks. It’s Mom.” She pressed the screen. “Are you OK?” she asked breathlessly.
He grabbed his jeans and pulled them on. If they had to go and rescue Kitty, he wanted to be ready. Dylan could not help feeling like the man of the house. That responsibility covered Kitty too.
“Back to his place? On a first date?” Steph was asking. A pause. “To see his art collection. Is that what all the kids are calling it these days?”
Dylan chuckled, retrieving the two champagne glasses, and the bottle. When Steph hung up, he passed her a glass. “To new beginnings?”
“New beginnings.” She leaned forward and kissed him. “And a happy ever after.”
“That I will drink to.”
When the champagne was finished, they made love again, before he carried her into the house, and up to her room in the attic. There he made love to her in her single bed, until they both fell asleep, exhausted but satisfied. Tomorrow would be the start of their new life, in the old town he never thought would be his home again.
Chapter Nineteen – Steph
“I don’t think I’ve ever felt so nervous,” Steph said, her hand on her stomach as she tried to decide if she was going to have to run for the bathroom.
“Is it nerves or morning sickness?” Melanie asked, making some last-minute adjustments to Steph’s wedding dress. Steph had heard how beautiful the dresses from Bear Brides were, but she never imagined she would end up wearing one so soon, or that Melanie the co-owner would have such a personal touch. It was as if everyone in town wanted their day to be special.
Steph looked down at her, face pale. “You think I’m pregnant already?”
“I thought you would be pleased,” Kitty said. “You two have been baby-making so much I figured it was top of your list of things to do.”
“No. The farm is top of my list of things to do,” Steph said, looking at herself closely in the mirror. Did she look different? She had been feeling odd the last few days, but she’d put that down to wedding nerves.
“I can manage the farm. And there’s Dylan, he’s keen to help.” Kitty looked in the mirror and adjusted her hat. “And Harlon will help wherever he can.”
“I appreciate everyone’s help,” Steph said, “But I aim to work even when I’ve had children.”
“After you’ve had them,” Melanie said. “But while you are carrying a child, let the men do the running around. It gives them something to do.”
The three women giggled and then Kitty said, “You don’t have to worry about Dylan treating you the same as your dad and Paul treated me.”
Melanie smiled. “Your mom is right. Dylan is a good man. Of course it helps he is rich and good-looking.”
“Is that why the town has accepted him?” Steph asked.
Melanie stood up, surveying Steph’s dress critically. “Perfect.” Then she looked Steph in the eye. “No. I think it was because Ron and Tilly invited him to their wedding, and the fact the sheriff likes him too helps.”
“It was kind of Declan to make a point of inviting us over to dinner,” Steph agreed. “He has the most adorable baby.”
“And so might you soon.” Kitty laughed at Steph’s face, and then went to look out of the window, as a car approached up the driveway.
“It’s early for the wedding car,” Steph said, and went to join her mom.
“It’s not the wedding car.”
“Then who is it? I don’t recognize the car at all.”
“It’s Paul,” Kitty exclaimed.
“Oh my,” Melanie said. “Listen, you look fabulous, you don’t need me anymore, so I am going to head over to Dylan’s and find a place to sit.” She quickly packed everything away, making sure she hadn’t left any pins in Steph’s dress, and then kissed Steph and her mom on the cheeks, before saying, “Unless you want me to stay. Or to ask Dylan to come over. Oh no, that’s bad luck. Declan, then?”
“I can handle my own son,” Kitty said firmly.
“Are you sure you don’t want me to talk to him?” Steph asked.
“No. This is your special day, and Paul is not going to come back here and upset you.”
“I am coming with you,” Steph said, and the two women followed Melanie out, who made a dash for her car, just as Paul reached the farmhouse.
“Mom. Steph.” His eyes took in his sister’s wedding dress. “I don’t think I got an invite?”
“That would be because you disappeared into nowhere. With money that didn’t belong to you.” Steph’s words were bitter.
“Now, Steph. Don’t get yourself upset. This is your special day, and Paul is not going to ruin it.”
“No. I’m not. In fact, it’s the reason I came back. I heard you were getting married, and I thought I would give you away.”
“You thought what?” Steph asked.
Her mom put her hand on Steph’s arm. “Steph.”
“Mom, it’s all arranged. He is not going to take over.”
“I know.” Kitty walked up to Paul, and said, “You are welcome to come to your sister’s wedding, but I am giving Steph away.”
“But it’s the job of the man of the house.”
“Our house has no man. And needs no man.” Kitty seemed to have tapped into her inner strength. “You left—worse, you left us in a hole.
We have filled that hole, and have planted trees on it.”
Steph smiled, as a look of confusion crossed Paul’s face. “Trees?”
“What she means is we have made plans, planted seeds of new beginnings and plan to watch them grow.”
“Then it’s a good job I’ve come back to run things.” Paul went to walk past his mom and Steph.
“You are welcome to help. I’m sure we can find you a job. A fair wage for a fair day’s work. But things have changed, Paul. I have changed. I have a boyfriend.”
Steph hid her smile at the shocked expression that covered Paul’s face. “What about Dad?”
“He is gone, and I refuse to live in the shadows for the rest of my life. I’ve moved on. And Harlon has shown me how a real man treats his woman.”
“Are you saying Dad wasn’t a real man?” Paul said, his voice choked with anger.
“No. I’m saying he was a real shifter. Harlon is not, and I am happy. That’s not to say I wasn’t happy with your dad. But I’m older, and I like to be in charge of my future. That means you either come back and learn to live with it, or go back to wherever you have been for the last six months.”
Paul looked shocked, and Steph found herself feeling a little sorry for him, even though she was immensely proud of her mom. “Listen, Paul. I would love to have you at my wedding. Go and get changed and you can come in the car with us. But Mom is giving me away, and Mom is in charge of the farm.”
She wondered if he would say no. But his expression softened and he said, “I’m sorry. About everything.” It was then Steph realized how tired he looked, and he had lost weight. Maybe being away had taught him a few lessons about the world. “I’ll get changed.”
Then he walked into the house, leaving Steph and her mom staring at each other. “Well, whatever happened to him, I hope it lasts.”
“Here’s the car.” Steph said. As the wedding car came towards the house, Steph turned to her mom and kissed her cheek. “I hope one day Paul might give you away. To Harlon.”
Kitty smiled. “If I marry Harlon, I’m going to do it on a nice beach somewhere, him and me, and no one will give me away. I am my own person.”
Steph laughed. “If I had said that, you would have told me I was mad.”
“Only because it’s the right thing to do, getting married here in Bear Bluff. For you and Dylan. It will finally lay the ghosts of his past to rest.”
***
As Steph walked down the aisle, she understood what Kitty meant. Dylan stood waiting for her, dressed in a tux, which fitted him perfectly. She could have admired his body, but she was more interested in his face, and how happy he looked.
He seemed overjoyed to see her, and to accept her hand in marriage. When he kissed his new bride, Steph also knew he finally believed that he belonged back in Bear Bluff.
“I am so very pleased that this bear came back to town,” Dylan told her.
“Me too, Dylan. Me too.” Steph took his hand and walked through the people gathered together to celebrate their special day with them, and when her eye caught Tilly’s, she smiled. Tilly returned the smile shyly, her arm threaded through Ron’s.
“You know, our children will probably grow up together,” she said, to Dylan.
“Whose?” Dylan asked.
“Ours and Ron’s.”
“Then let’s make sure they are friends. That there is never a time when the past is dredged up.” He put his arms around her waist and turned her to him, kissing her again. “I never want history to be repeated.”
“Me neither.” She took his hand. “Now let’s eat cake.”
“And then run off up the mountain to make love under the stars,” Dylan whispered in her ear.
“Later. I want to make the most of this day, Dylan. I want it to live in our memories forever.” She kissed him. “You know what I think?”
“No?” He looked at her, and smiled. “Right now, I have no idea. But I do hope they are happy thoughts.”
“They are.” She took a deep breath, her voice dropping so only he could hear her words. “I think the town never needed to forgive you, Dylan. I think you always just needed to forgive yourself. I know you didn’t kill Greg, but you took on the guilt all the same.”
“You are probably right.” He looked up across the Bluff. “I was a kid.”
“And now you’re a man.”
“Come on you two,” Melanie said, putting a glass of champagne in each of their hands. We need photos.”
“Come on, Mrs. Taylor,” Dylan said, the words making her feel all warm and fuzzy.
“Thank you, Mr. Taylor.” She took his arm, and they turned to face the smiling crowd before them. Two bears who had returned to Bear Bluff, and would never leave.
***
His Bear’s Necessity
Return to Bear Bluff - Book Two
Growing up, was tough for Jed Creswell, his family struggled for money, and sometimes he had to be a little creative to help put food in his younger sibling’s stomachs. But that’s the past, and for the last few years, he’s been working away from Bear Bluff. Now he’s returned, a reformed character who is determined to work hard and put his brother and sisters through college, so they get a better start in life.
That is until he meets Amanda, his mate, from that moment on he is torn, between the family he has, and the family of his own he wants, with the woman he is going to spend the rest of his life with.
Amanda wants a new life in the town her grandma moved to, when she fell in love with a bear shifter. What she doesn’t need, is a man in her life, she’s done with them. She doesn’t trust them, and doesn’t need them.
However, when her boss, Dylan Taylor, takes on a new employee, Jed Creswell, the way he looks at Amanda leaves her in no doubt he thinks she’s his mate. Growing up with the stories her grandma used to tell her about what it was like to have a bear shifter as a mate, Amanda is tempted into giving Jed a chance.
Until Amanda’s past catches up with her, and she doesn’t know if it would be better for everyone if she moved on again.
She soon realizes Jed is not going to let that happen, not when she’s his bear’s necessity.
Chapter One – Amanda
“How are you settling in, Amanda?” Dylan, her new boss, asked.
“Good, I think. Everyone in town seems friendly. The sheriff, Declan, made a special point of introducing himself.” Things finally seemed to be going right for Amanda since she had moved to Bear Bluff three weeks ago. She hadn’t exactly needed a job, but when she saw the notice for a position with a startup construction company, she figured it was a great idea. Two new beginnings, hers and the company Dylan Taylor had created.
Bear Bluff Construction, at present, was a fancy name for the yard Dylan had rented with a small building to be used as an office, and a couple of warehouses for storage. They were situated on the outskirts of town, and Dylan had great plans. She liked his enthusiasm and drive. She also liked that he had a wife, Steph, who was heavily pregnant with their first child. In Amanda’s eyes, considering they were in bear shifter country, that made him safe. And safe was all she craved right now.
The only problem was, Amanda had a secret she hadn’t revealed on her job application, one that might make her boss have second thoughts about hiring her. Which was why Amanda now watched Dylan’s face for any hint of a reaction to those words. Declan had come over to say hi; he’d said it was because he wanted her to feel safe up there in her lonely cabin.
However, Amanda was scared it was due to someone finding out about her past, which she had left behind, along with her old name. Maybe it was a little over the top, but when she decided to move to Bear Bluff and live in the old cabin her grandma had left her, she figured a fresh start deserved a fresh name.
So, three weeks ago, she had legally taken on her grandma’s surname. Amanda Peaks was dead, at least in name, and Amanda Orson was the newest resident of Bear Bluff.
Dylan smiled. “He likes looking out for peopl
e, especially young women who live alone in the mountains.”
“Well, the loneliness doesn’t worry me, and neither do the bears. I can take care of myself.” Amanda turned her attention to the inbox on her desk, and picked up the first piece of paper.
“It’s always good to have backup.” Dylan looked at her closely. “And if any of the bears bother you, you know you can call me, or Declan, and we’ll handle it.”
Amanda glanced up at Dylan. “Pepper spray does wonders. I always carry some on me.” She watched his face: he winced. “You don’t approve of pepper spray?”
“Not on bears.” Dylan shook his head.
“I will be very careful to check it’s not you coming to pay me a visit before I use the spray in self-defense. Maybe you should get your wife to buy you a collar with a name tag. So I know it’s you.” She laughed at his expression. “I appreciate what you are saying. But I can take care of myself, and I promise not to use the pepper spray unless I am nose to nose with a dangerous animal.”
Dylan smiled, and she found herself liking him more and more, despite her promise to herself not to let people in. Not until she actually knew them, and what their agenda was, and since she had only started working for Dylan two days ago, she was trying to reserve judgment. Difficult when everyone liked him, and he liked to see the best in everyone.
If anything, he gave her hope. That even if he found out, he would give her a chance to prove herself. If the truth did come out, would the townsfolk of Bear Bluff give her a chance to start again, and only judge her on her present deeds? Or were they like other small towns, where gossip branded you for life?
“Now, unless I want my boss to fire me, I need to start work.” Turning her attention back to the sheet of paper in her hand, she studied it before putting it on a pile ready for filing.
“Conscientious. I like that.” He stood up. “You look like you need coffee.”
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