A Mate For The Bear: BBW Paranormal Alpha Shifter Romance (Bear Brides Book 4)

by Natalie Kristen

  The males groaned as the women began to titter and chatter non-stop around the kitchen. Brad and Cole helped with the cooking as well. Tony was put on babysitting duty, and Daren and Rita squealed and laughed as they took turns trying to poke their little fingers into his mouth. When Tony snapped his teeth and growled at them, Daren growled back and shifted into a little bear cub. Tony guffawed and tickled him, and between fits of laughter, Daren shifted back to human form. Rita clambered over her brother and raised her arms to Tony, begging to be picked up.

  Dalton decided to go help his brother out, and was about to swing little Rita into his arms when Tony stopped him. “I got this,” Tony said. “I'm great with the kids!”

  “I can help,” Dalton said.

  “I'm not the one you should be helping.” Tony gave his elder brother a meaningful look. “You should be helping her. She's not really your housekeeper, and you're not really her boss, are you?”

  “I...”

  “Go,” Tony urged. “Go whip up your specialty. Impress her!”

  “You know I can't cook to save my life. And my specialty is buttered toast!” Dalton protested.

  “And it's the best buttered toast I've ever tasted,” Tony replied with a grin. “When I eat it, it always gives me a warm, fuzzy feeling. That's the feeling you want to create. You want to get her warm, fuzzy...and frisky!”

  Dalton glared at his brother and glanced over his shoulder to see if Joyce had overheard, but the girls were too busy talking about shoes as they tossed ingredients into a pot on the stove.

  Brad and Cole heard though and they obviously approved of the plan. His cousins stopped their chopping and dicing to give him the thumbs-up. Brad grabbed a loaf of bread and tossed it at him. “Do your magic, Dalton!”

  “Shoo!” Tony waved him off. “Rita doesn't want you. She only has eyes for me. Right, baby girl?” he cooed and blew a raspberry on her tummy.

  There was nothing to do but go with the flow. Dalton wasn't a whiz in the kitchen like his cousins, but he liked helping out in the kitchen and contributing his limited culinary expertise towards the meal they were putting together.

  Dalton knew full well what he could and couldn't do. He couldn't cook, period. Whenever he tried to whip up a fancy new dish, it always came out wrong. It would be too bland, too hard, too burnt. In other words, his dish was just...inedible. But his brother and cousins always scraped the dish clean and swallowed every last morsel. Their loyalty and bravery were commendable. It took a stout heart and a strong stomach to eat his disastrous creations without flinching or fainting.

  Dalton finally decided not to inflict any more pain and agony on his faithful family. He would hang up his apron for good. But Tony and Brad had stumbled to his house after a drunken night out with the boys and had woken up on his living room couch with the mother of all hangovers. Dalton had made the two youngsters sit down at his kitchen table and placed a big, strong pot of tea and a stack of buttered toast in front of them. Dalton had never seen a plate of toast disappear so fast before. Tony and Brad gamely declared his buttered toast to be the best in the world, and before long, the whole clan was clamoring for Dalton's famous buttered toast.

  Taking a deep breath, Dalton grabbed the butter from the fridge and went to work on his signature dish. His hand shook a little as he buttered each slice of bread with care and precision. Cole and Brad saw the tension on his face, and exchanged a look. Brad leaned forward and said in a low voice, “She'll love it. I know she will. We've been eating your buttered toast for years, and we love it. It's true. Ask Tony.”

  Dalton turned to see Tony grinning and nodding enthusiastically. His busybody brother was keeping track of their conversation while babysitting the cubs. Brad's cubs were all over him. Daren was perched on his shoulder in bear form and Rita was busy gnawing on his finger. Dalton chuckled. “I never thought I'd say this, but you'll make a great dad, Tony.”

  Tony looked thoughtful and glanced at Terri, who was giggling and whispering to Joyce. “Hmm, maybe I should put my cub-making plan into action,” he said, catching Daren deftly in his palm as the growling little furball tumbled from his shoulder.

  “You do that,” Cole encouraged. “The clan could do with more cubs and new members.”

  Dalton turned back to his task. “I don't know if Joyce will want to eat this plain, boring toast.” He scrunched up his nose. “You guys are different. You will eat anything I cook—because you're family.”

  “Joyce...is family too,” Cole said softly.

  “Yeah, Lisha was thrilled when Tony called. She was so excited to meet your mate,” Brad laughed. “We all are. She's great!”

  Dalton placed the bread in the toaster oven and stole a look at Joyce. She was bending over to remove the roast from the oven, and the sight of her round, delectable ass made the blood rush from his head to his groin. His eyes trailed down her nape to the bountiful curves on her body. Her hips were wide and full, just right for grabbing as he pounded into her…

  Dalton bit down a growl.

  What the hell was he doing? Just for a moment, he had let his control slip, and immediately both his mind and his bear had run wild. His beast wanted to mount that lush, human female and claim her, mark her hard. The man wanted to take her to bed and enjoy her, savor her, pleasure her for hours.

  Dalton shook his head and forced his hungry gaze away from Joyce. His raging bear and maddening erection was making it extremely difficult to do anything. He could hardly think or see straight. When he stared at the butter, all he could think about was how soft and smooth her body would feel beneath his...

  “Dalton,” Cole hissed. “Your toast is getting burnt!”

  Dalton cursed and dragged the smoking bread out of the oven. He scowled at the blackened edges and swore under his breath. Joyce turned to him with a surprised look and put down her ladle. When she started to walk towards him, Dalton gulped and tried to toss the burnt toast into the bin before she could see it.

  “Wait,” Joyce said. “You're not throwing out perfectly good food, are you?” She clucked her tongue. “All you have to do is cut away the edges. Here.” She took the plate from him before he could protest and in a few seconds, she'd trimmed away the burnt bits and rearranged the golden slices neatly on the plate.

  “They smell heavenly,” she beamed, taking a whiff. “May I?'

  “Oh. Of course.” Dalton sucked in a breath and held it as she took a small slice and bit into it.

  “Mmmm.” Joyce closed her eyes and sighed. “This toast is perfect, Dalton. Buttery, crispy, and just one mouthful gives you a feeling of...home. I have just eaten a slice of heaven!”

  Brad nudged Dalton. “I told you, didn't I?”

  “My brother's buttered toast is da bomb!” Tony boasted. “You can't get it anywhere else. He only makes it for us!”

  Dalton exhaled the breath he had been holding and gave Joyce a lopsided smile. “I'm glad you like it.”

  “Like it? I love it!” Joyce exclaimed before turning back to the stove. “Dinner's almost ready. Your toast will complement the roast and the stew perfectly!”

  “Add our potato gratin, and the meal is complete!” Cole and Brad crowed.

  “Eh, people, I think I need a little help here...” Tony raised his hand and waved frantically. Rita was grunting and scrunching up her little face as she squirmed in Tony's arms. “I haven't mastered the art of changing a poop diaper.”

  Lisha went over and picked Rita up immediately. “I got this. Ooh! You definitely need a fresh diaper, princess!” Rita squealed delightedly as her mother carried her out.

  The dining table began to fill up with trays and plates of sizzling food, and everyone took their places around the table. Dalton pulled out a chair for Joyce and sat next to her. She smelled absolutely delicious. The smell of cooking mingled with her sweet, feminine scent made her utterly irresistible.

  He had to touch her, pull her closer before his bear went mad. Dalton cu
rled his arm around her waist and felt her soft, warm body under his fingers. Joyce blushed and smiled shyly at him. His bear growled and pressed up against his skin, wanting to feel all her soft, luscious curves. Dalton pulled her closer to him and sighed. It felt so right to have her by his side, in his arms.

  Everyone tucked into the scrumptious dinner with gusto. His family made it a point to include Joyce in their conversation. They engaged her and asked her questions in a gentle, light-hearted way, trying to know more about her.

  Joyce was forthcoming and honest in her answers, and she told them about her past, her life, and why she had to work as a stripper at Candybar. Dalton heard Tony snarl something extremely rude about her ex-husband under his breath. Terri elbowed him, but he looked unapologetic.

  Cole leaned forward and spoke to Joyce, “You are now under the protection of the Nightfire Clan. Dalton has taken care of your debt. The Crimson Wolves won't be coming after you any more. They won't dare touch you. You are working for our Beta, which means you are working for us. You are part of the clan, Joyce. Part of the family.”

  Joyce looked down and took a moment to compose herself. “I...I don't...” She swallowed and continued, “All of you have been so good to me. The Nightfire bears saved me that night at Candybar. Dalton took me into his home, and gave me a job, shelter, security. And now, you...you've welcomed me into your clan. I don't know how I can thank you enough. How can I ever...repay you?”

  “By giving Dalton some cubs...ouch!” Tony glared round the table. “Who just kicked me? What did I say?”

  Dalton kicked his brother again. Tony scowled and wagged a finger at Brad. Brad immediately put up his hands in a not-me gesture and stuck out his tongue at him.

  “I know it's you!” Tony accused. “You just kicked me again.”

  “Prove it!” Brad challenged.

  Terri and Lisha simply rolled their eyes at their mates and muttered simultaneously, “Boys.”

  Dalton glanced at Joyce but she didn't seem to have heard Tony's comment. But his brother had hit the nail on the head. Dalton could absolutely see Joyce as the mother of his cubs. She might be in his house now, but she had yet to see this place as her home.

  To her, he was just her employer, her benefactor.

  But she hadn't resisted when he put his arm around her waist and held her close. In fact, he felt her melting against him, her body soft and yielding.

  Did she...want him?

  He had to find out—tonight.

  Dalton groaned inwardly. His family was always welcome in his house, and he always enjoyed their boisterous family dinners. But right now, he just couldn't wait for dinner to end.

  He wanted to be alone with Joyce.

  He wanted her all to himself. And he wanted her the whole night.

  CHAPTER SEVEN

  Joyce put all the plates in the dishwasher and started to wipe down the kitchen counter. Dinner with Dalton's family had been wonderful. They were all so warm and welcoming, and she'd enjoyed playing with Brad and Lisha's twins after dinner. Lisha was right. Those cubs were strong. They clambered all over her and hung upside down from her arms. Like all babies, they wanted to touch and taste everything. When they tried to eat her hair, Brad and Lisha stopped them and gently pried them away. Thwarted, the twins burst into tears but they were soon giggling and laughing again when Cole and Dalton threw them into the air. Those daredevil cubs squealed with excitement as they plunged from gravity-defying heights into their uncles' huge hands.

  Before they left, Cole and Abby told Joyce to call them if she needed anything. They were the Alpha pair of the Nightfire clan, and they already saw her as part of the clan. Lisha, Terri and Abby had insisted that Joyce join them for their next shopping trip. The three women were like best friends and sisters, and she rather envied their bond. They were making an effort to include her, but Joyce wasn't sure she really belonged in their circle. She was Dalton's housekeeper, not his...mate, or wife. She wasn't even his girlfriend.

  Joyce knew that a guy like Dalton would have no trouble getting a girlfriend. He might be single now, but it was just a matter of time before he brought a girl home. Joyce winced. The thought was oddly painful. She had no right to feel possessive and jealous, but she did.

  She gasped when Dalton came up behind her and plucked the cloth from her hand. “You're been rubbing and wiping the same spot for some time now. I see no stain on the counter.” Dalton turned her round to face him. “What's on your mind, Joyce?”

  She shook her head. “I...” I was just driving myself crazy imagining you with another woman. “Nothing.”

  “You look unhappy,” he said, curling a finger under her chin. “What is it? Are you not happy working here? Do you feel that...”

  “No!” She started. “I am happy here. Really I am. You've helped me so much, Dalton.”

  “Something's troubling you. I can tell.” Dalton frowned. “Don't be afraid to tell me anything, Joyce. Nothing you say can shock me or scare me. Do I look like a man who scares easily?” He huffed and pretended to look insulted.

  Joyce let out a small laugh. “No. You look like a man...” With a gulp, she swallowed the rest of her words.

  “What?” Dalton demanded. “Just say whatever you want to say.”

  Joyce squeezed her eyes shut and said in a strangled voice, “You look like a man who can have any woman he wants. I don't know why you're even on that dating site. You're rich, handsome, smart...” She threw up her hands. “You might be single now, but you'll find someone soon. And I...I know I'm just your housekeeper, but...” Joyce took a shuddering breath and continued in a whisper, “I don't know if I can bear it.”

  “Joyce.” Dalton tilted her face up to him. “You are not just my housekeeper. You are my mate.”

  It took a moment for his words to register. “What?”

  “You are my mate, Joyce. The woman meant for me. I've been searching for you. And I found you, through that dating site. That's why I was on that dating site. To find my mate. To find...you.”

  Joyce blinked up at him, her breath coming in short, sharp bursts. “What are you saying, Dalton?” she whispered.

  “I want you, Joyce. Only you.” He captured her face in both hands and ran his thumb lightly over her cheek and lips.

  Joyce found herself panting as he leaned in. She could see that his eyes were dark with desire, and she was fully aware of the heat and power in his strong, masculine body. He towered over her, moving inexorably closer to her, caging her in.

  Breathlessly, she pressed her palms against his solid chest and felt his heat sear through her skin. He was all rock hard muscle, a powerful wall of predatory strength and lust. Joyce could feel her pulse racing as she wound her arms slowly, seductively round his neck. They were still standing in the middle of the kitchen, but everything seemed to fall away as she stepped closer to him. This man in front of her, this tall, handsome, kind stranger...was no stranger. He was her friend before he became her boss.

  “Dalton...” she whispered, tracing his handsome features with her fingertips. “DJ.”

  “That's me,” he smiled. “One and the same. You know me. You've been chatting with me for months now. I've never lied to you, Joyce. Everything I told you is true. I am DJ, your friend, your...mate.” He paused before quirking a lopsided smile. “I loved you the moment you sent me that first message.”

  “My first message...oh!” Her eyes widened. “The one that was peppered with expletives.”

  “And a few very creative suggestions on what I could do with myself if I was looking for an easy fuck, because you've had it up to here with bad days and bad men.”

  “Gawd!” Joyce buried her face in her hands. “That was the rudest, crudest message ever!”

  “And you sent it to me!” Dalton beamed proudly.

  “You actually replied to my message, and so politely too,” Joyce said, slapping her forehead. “You are unbelievable, DJ!”

  Dalt
on grinned. “So are you, JD.”

  Joyce reached up to cup his face in both hands. She stared deeply into his eyes for a long while. Dalton didn't hide his emotions from her. He let her see his love and longing for her. His heated gaze never left her face as he pulled her flush against him.

  Joyce's heart pounded as she tilted her head up. There was no mistaking his raw desire and hunger but he made no move to kiss her. He was waiting, waiting for her to say yes to him. He wanted her, but more than that, he wanted her to want him back.

  Raising her lips to his, Joyce whispered, “You...are my friend, DJ, but I want us to be more than friends. I want you, Dalton.”

  CHAPTER EIGHT

  Dalton didn't wait. He couldn't wait any longer. At her words, he claimed her mouth in a scorching, hungry kiss. Her lips were soft and yielding, parting immediately for him. Dalton didn't want to stop kissing her. She was sweet, hot and utterly intoxicating. Her curves pressed up against him, and he could scent the moisture between her legs. She was aroused and wet, and she wanted him.

  “Joyce,” he growled against her mouth. His hand moved to cup her heavy breast in his palm. He could feel her pebbled nipple stabbing against her bra, and he groaned as he thumbed that hard nub through the maddening layers of fabric between them.

  With her back against the kitchen wall, Dalton locked her wrists on either side of her head and kissed her endlessly, not coming up for air. He pushed his tongue into her mouth and tasted her thoroughly, licking her lips, her teeth, her tongue. He kneaded her bountiful breasts, feeling her nipples pebble and press into his palms.

  “Dalton...” she panted, arching her back for more.

  Dalton trailed his lips down her neck, nipping and sucking. Running his hands down her waist and generous hips, he felt her soft, creamy thighs and groaned when she parted her legs for him.