Tyra nodded slowly grabbing her hands as they flew too close to Tyra’s face during the explanation. “Okaaay. So when you met him the first time your heart danced and you got feelings?”
Relieved Tyra hadn’t called her crazy, Camilla laughed. “Yeah, weird huh?”
Tyra pursed her lips. “Ryan said you only met the man once and doesn’t know much personal stuff about him. How do you know anything about him?”
Camilla’s cheeks warmed as she lowered her eyelids. Memories of conversations with her mother’s brother in Miami surfaced. God she’d been pathetic. “My uncle had access to a lot of stuff and I asked him to search for information on Tag a couple of times.” She peeked a look at Tyra.
“Stalker!”
Relieved by the smile her friend wore, Camilla laughed and swatted Tyra with her pillow. “I never stalked him. I just needed to know what was going on his life and mostly that he was safe.” She added that last bit in a whisper, realizing in a weird way, maybe she had stalked Tag.
“Wow, I knew you had a crush on the guy but I didn’t know it was like that. Does he know you want more than sex?” Tyra asked.
Camilla’s face warmed. This morning when she and Tag brushed against each other in passing, her skin burned and her heart skipped a beat. Blistering heat flared in her belly and shot between her legs when she looked at him. Even now, her body throbbed in anticipation of seeing him again. Sex was definitely on her agenda but Tyra knew her well enough to know she needed more. How much more to settle the butterflies in her stomach? She wasn’t sure.
She cleared her throat. “No. But I let him know I was interested.”
Tyra shot up from the bed and stared at her. “You? Ms. Shy to the world? You made the first move?”
Camilla’s face flamed as she removed her glasses, cleaned and replaced them. “I know, right? But I can’t explain why I feel so comfortable with him. It’s natural to touch him, to want to kiss and hold him.” More like I have to touch him.
“Have the two of you been together before? I mean since the first time?” Tyra’s brow furrowed.
Camilla shook her head, understanding Tyra’s confusion. Hell, she had been confused for the past few years over her baseless attraction to a stranger. Attraction was too tame a word, more like a fire that needed quenching.
“No. I swear, when I saw him on the bus was the second time I ever laid eyes on the man. In the flesh, that is. Dreams don’t count.”
“Wow… I don’t know what to say.” Tyra looked down at all the clothes on the bed. “Wear a pair of jeans and a tank top. He’s not the fussy, dressy type.”
Thankful Tyra didn’t think less of her, Camilla pulled on a pair of snug-fitting blue jeans and a rust-colored short sleeve spandex top. When she finished, Tyra stood behind her and curled her hair.
“He’s a big guy,” Tyra said in an even tone.
Camilla bit her lip. “Yeah, I like how much taller than me he is. I can wear heels and still not tower over him.”
“Has he ever been married?”
“No. And no kids either. He has a farm and as far as I know that’s what he does for a living.”
Tyra’s brow rose.
“The farm’s really nice,” Camilla rushed to add.
“Um hmm,” Tyra said. “Just how far do you plan to go with all of this?”
Camilla’s chest hurt, really hurt like she’d stop breathing at the idea of not seeing Tag. “I don’t know, we’ll just take it one second at a time, I guess.”
“Sex? Sleepover? Shopping for rings?”
I wish. Camilla forced a laugh. Tag wasn’t the ring type. After she got whatever bug out of her system, the only thing she wanted was some type of life. Maybe she’d meet someone in grad school, fall in love, marry, and have kids... a normal life. First she needed to exorcise this man from her life.
“No, not that I’m planning on anyway.”
“So why do you want to talk with him so bad?” Tyra paused from curling Camilla’s hair and bent forward to look her in the face. “You’re not going to tell him how you feel are you? Without knowing how he feels first?”
Camilla had planned on sharing something along those lines, even now, getting dressed she wasn’t exactly sure what she would say to Tag. But she wouldn’t lie to him. That seemed dirty, wrong. If he asked a straight question and if she answered, it would be the truth.
“Like I said, we’ll talk and let things play out. I have a lot of questions about his family, his work, I want to know everything about him.”
Tyra shook her head. “That’s scary. I’m your friend, so I’ll be honest with you. If a guy wanted all of that information on the first date, I’d make the sign of the cross and run. Slow down. What’s the rush? Get to know him over time. He lives close enough that you can see each other whenever you want. Don’t veg out on information overload this first time.”
Since Tyra dated more than Camilla, she had a point. “Okay. What do we talk about, then?”
Tyra smiled brightly. “The first date is all about chemistry. Is he feeling you the same as you feel him? Is there enough positive energy to take it to another level or do you remain pen-less pals forever?”
Camilla snorted. “Funny.” Tyra always lightened the mood and Camilla appreciated her dry wit. “There’s plenty of chemistry.”
Tyra smiled. “Yeah, you want to jump his bones, I get that but what about him? Both of you guys need to be on the same page.”
Camilla recalled the way he looked at her this morning when she walked into the kitchen for breakfast. His eyes had widened and she’d swear there had been a sparkle in the depths of his brown eyes.
“That’ll be something we can discuss… over dinner… when he can’t get any relief for the boner he’ll have.” She winked at Tyra.
“Oooo, you’re evil and that’s why I love you! Make him work hard for your yes,” Tyra said.
“That’s the plan.” She stopped laughing and met Tyra’s gaze in the mirror. “I’ve been drugged, kidnapped, my mom was out of her mind with worry, my cousin is in the hospital and my best friends were sad with guilt… and all I can think of is him. What’s wrong with me?”
Tyra wrapped her arms around Camilla and held her close for a few seconds. “Nothing, the doctor said you’re good, whatever they gave you passed through your system. So it’s not the incident that’s got you feeling all gooey inside.” She kissed Camilla’s cheek and continued curling her hair. “So you must be in love. Or horny. Or a combination of both.” Tyra shrugged.
Camilla stood, exchanged her glasses for her contacts. Blinking fast she spoke from her heart. “Hell, if this is love, I don’t like it. Do you know it was hard for me to leave him at the hospital?” she whispered then looked at the closed bedroom door.
“You were upset over Ryan.”
Camilla shook her head slowly and returned to sit in front of Tyra. “That was a part of it, a really small part. Leaving Tag, walking out the room was so hard my chest hurt. I’ve never experienced anything like it. That’s why I pestered you to call him. I needed to hear his voice, needed some connection.” She met Tyra’s gaze and lowered her eyes, embarrassed. I’m not crazy.
“I didn’t know that. Honey, you sure you want to go through this date? It might be harder after spending time with him.”
Thankful her friend didn’t make light of her feelings or think she’d come unhinged, she nodded. “I can’t NOT see him. Does that make sense?”
“Not really but whatever you need or decide, I’ve got your back. Just be careful. I don’t get any vibes that he’d hurt your physically, it’s your heart and mind I’m concerned about. You don’t hold back when you give and I hope he appreciates the woman you are, how lucky he is that you chose him,” Tyra said as she continued styling Camilla’s hair.
“Thanks, that means a lot to me,” Camilla said, her throat choked with tears.
“Hey. No crying, you’ll mess up that makeup and he’ll be here soon. Do you want him to see you w
ith raccoon eyes?” Tyra said wiping away her own tears with the back of her hand.
“Love you,” Camilla said, lifting her fist in the air.
“Backatcha,” Tyra said as she fist-bumped with Camilla.
Tyra’s phone alerted her about a text message. She read it and smiled. “Your date is downstairs waiting for you.” She backed up as Camilla stood. “I’m not going to lie and say I understand what you’re going through, because I don’t. What I do know is you’re an incredible woman and if Tag is the man you want, go after him with everything you have so that you have no regrets later.”
Amazed, Camilla looked at Tyra then quickly hugged her. “That’s it. No regrets wondering “What if?” Thanks, love you.” Determined to see this through, she grabbed her purse on her way out the room.
Chapter 15
Tag leaned against the fender of his Rover waiting for Camilla. Grizzle growled, hungry and antsy again. Tag needed to run later tonight. He needed to eat and shouldn’t have waited as long as he had. But Jackson from BMP had stopped by Ryan’s room. The man didn’t try to hide his interest in Ryan’s condition which made Tag rethink his position on the BMP and introduce the two.
When Jackson started asking Ryan questions about the attack, dread filled Tag. Not once had he thought Ryan had been attacked by a bear or because of him. Both now seemed possible. Tag recalled a bear scent at the park but never thought of the bear as the attacker. There had been no claw or teeth marks. He waited to hear what Jackson had to say.
Ryan still couldn’t remember what happened that night so the conversation didn’t last long. Tag walked Jackson out the room and down the hall so they could talk.
“A dual-natured attacked him?” Tag asked unable to believe that happened in a public place where anyone could’ve seen.
Jackson’s dark blue eyes met his gaze. Slightly shorter than Tag and almost as wide, the sandy-haired man pursed his lips. “I’m not a 100% sure but I think so. We have a rogue on the loose and he’s been victimizing duals and humans. The problem is he infects the humans.”
“What? How?” Tag hadn’t heard anything along these lines and with his friend attacked, he needed to learn more.
“Not sure about that either and it’s damn frustrating. So far, we’ve got 10 humans isolated and are watching them closely. They don’t all make it. It’s like their bodies are trapped between changing and have no idea what to do,” he said in a somber tone.
None of that made sense. People didn’t remain in limbo. Male bears had the innate ability to turn humans but most didn’t because with each turn the bear gave away a part of himself that he could never recapture. The few who did turn humans reserved that for their mates. How could this bear affect so many humans and survive? “Sounds like a fucking vampire or something out of a horror movie.”
Jackson’ brow rose. “Yes but this is real and you’ll need to help your friend if he’s been infected.”
“How?” Ryan already agreed to recuperate at his place, what else would he need to do?
“For one thing, he’s healing fast. Faster than a human who went through the trauma he experienced. With all the damage to his internal organs, he should be dead, which is a signature move from the perp. He tries to kill them as if he knows they won’t die. We’ve tried to find clues but he rarely leaves a scent yet he manages to infect them.” Jackson shook his head.
“How do I help Ryan?” Tag asked so Jackson would answer specifically.
“If he starts to change, bring him over if he stalls. Otherwise we’ll take him to isolation and watch to see which way he goes.”
“Crazy or bear?” Tag wanted to be sure he understood correctly.
Jackson shrugged. “Yes. If he’s infected and I believe he is, have him check out as soon as possible. I’ve scrubbed his blood work but they can keep poking into him. The changes in his cells and blood will raise flags. If he needs more medical care, contact me and I’ll have him taken to one of our medical facilities.”
Tag’s brow rose as he took Jackson’s card. Humans were never allowed in those places under any circumstances. For Jackson to make that offer he had to be sure Ryan would turn.
“There are lots of people who use the park, younger, easier prey - why Ryan?” Tag asked the question that lay beneath his growing anger.
Jackson stared at him for a few seconds then released a breath. “Rudy Rivera never worked alone, he had partners around the world. The person who took his place remains in the shadows and we aren’t sure who he or she is. Same as this one, they don’t leave scents behind but to work or live in the mountain, they are either bear or wolf. Alpha Chase assures me it is not a wolf or rebels.”
Tag thought about it and realized Jackson was right. There were a few large dual-natured cats, tigers and lions spread over the state but wolves were the majority, followed closely by bears. And wolves were born not made. Bears held that distinct privilege.
“Ryan was attacked because of me?”
“You tell me? When I questioned you about Rivera you had nothing to say; is it possible that someone targeted your friend because of something you did a few years ago? That is something only you know.” Jackson locked gazes with him then walked off.
During the drive from the hospital, Tag had reeled from the consequences of that encounter with Jackson. He vowed to find the person responsible for attacking Ryan and put an end to this bullshit.
The front door opened. Camilla walked out and stole his next breath. Long, thick hair caressed her face and bounced against her shoulders with each swagger of her hips. Golden sunlight danced off her arms and kissed her cheeks. She radiated warmth, humor and purpose as her long strides brought her close to him. His greeting died as she wrapped her arms around his neck leaned forward and kissed him.
The moment their lips met, every fucking thought in his mind fled. Soft lips captured and enslaved him. Hesitant her tongue touched his, and his world tilted. He wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close. Unrestrained emotions ripped through him then flowed on a loop in a matter of seconds. He didn't know whether he was coming or going from one moment to the next. Red-hotlust seized him as he gripped her perfectly formed ass, which turned to frustration as he heard the small sounds escaping her throat. Jealousy reared its head as he squashed the thought of another coming between them.
Grizzle grunted. “Mate, take mate now.” The demands grew louder and louder in Tag’s mind.
She broke for air but he couldn’t release her. Instead he widened his stance and pulled her between his legs, close enough that his cock gave its own introduction.
Her hands cradled his cheeks as she tiptoed and pressed her lips against his, offering soft, playful kisses. The scent of her arousal tied them together in a loose bow. His dick hardened to the point of pain in response to her aggressiveness. With ragged breaths, he reveled in the heady emotions she evoked.
Tag licked her neck.
She giggled and kissed his neck.
Damn, she smelled better than all of his favorite foods.
“Mine,” Grizzle roared.
“What?”
“Mate, our mate. Take.”
“Whoa, wait.”
“No, mate,” Grizzle demanded.
“Hi Tag,” she murmured against his lips.
He placed his arms beneath her ass and lifted her so they were now eye level. “Kiss me,” he demanded, desperately needing more of her sweet elixir. Capturing her mouth, his world spun to dizzy heights and their location, people, hunger… everything vanished. For someone who never forgot anything he saw or heard, the silence was indeed a blessing.
“Mate, mate, mate, mate, mate,” Grizzle chanted. The word raced through Tag’s mind on a loop as his beast urged him to take what belonged to them.
Tag refused to rush. He took his time kissing, exploring, savoring her unique taste and imprinting it in his soul forever. He ached to devour her. The craving for her started as a small ember but each taste, touch and sound she made was an a
ccelerant feeding the flames of his need. Now he burned like an out-of-control inferno for her.
“Tag.”
He slanted his mouth over hers, sealing their lips together and pressed her hips against his hard cock.
“Tag,” she said louder near his ear and pushed against his shoulder.
Her voice penetrated the lust-driven fog in his brain. “What?”
She removed his hand from the inside of her pants, removed her legs from around his waist and stepped back. Cool air brushed against his heated skin as he opened his eyes.
Two guys stood on the sidewalk watching.
Grizzle roared and Tag fought to keep the beast leashed from attacking the men. He had taken a step in their direction; the guys turned and strode down the street.
Tyra and Jewel stared wide-eyed from the porch. Well, Tyra smiled and gave him a thumbs up as she and Jewel strolled to their car.
Tag looked at Camilla, unsure what to say or how to explain his actions. “Ready to go?”
Inhaling, she straightened and took a step back. He didn’t bother rearranging his package, there was no place for it to go. After she slid in the front seat, he closed the door, tugged on his tee-shirt and then slid in on the other side.
Inside, he leaned toward her and kissed her briefly again. “Buckle up,” he said and drove toward the restaurant. She fiddled with the radio and found his favorite jazz station. The drive to eat was in companionable silence.
“Grizzle want mate,” he whined.
“Wait, we have time. She’s hungry, we must feed mate first.”
Bear with Me (Bear Mountain Patrol Series Book 1) Page 10
