Bearfoot and Pregnant: BBW Paranormal Shape Shifter Romance (Paranormal Dating Agency Book 10)

by Taiden, Milly

  Cassie had only strength to nod and remain on all fours, wobbly at that. Talen carefully lifted her into his arms. “Let me take you home. There you can rest and the clan healer will come.”

  She was fine with that. As long as a bed and pillow were under her, she didn’t care. Maybe soup would be a better choice for lunch. She should ask Talen what he smelled in the hot dogs so she’ll never eat another one again.

  Talen approached a cabin blended in with the trees. If she hadn’t been looking for it, she might have missed it. The front looked like a charming, romantic get-a-way type of place. It seemed a little small, but it was only Talen living there, right?

  He carried her over the threshold and into a quaint sitting room with rustic lodge-like furniture. The side tables appeared handcrafted with exquisite details of bears in different scenes.

  They passed through another framed opening into a nice-sized kitchen with a granite-like center island. She could cook anything in here. Food sounded good at that point. But so did sleep. Talen shouldered open a door and stepped into a dark room.

  Instantly her senses where filled with him. It smelled so wonderful. A heat warmed her core like the night she and Talen had been together at Alyx’s castle and back at Tally’s old apartment. Would they again? She wanted that so much.

  Sure, she could deny it, but he had really dug himself into her mind, body, and soul. Even if she weren’t pregnant, she could admit to herself now that she’d never gone a day without thinking about him and wondering what could have been.

  “Here you go, love.” He laid her on a soft bed, took off her boots, and pulled the plush flannel comforter to her neck. This was heaven. Talen kissed her on the forehead. “Rest, my mate. I will be at the clan headquarters for a while. If you feel the need to get out, follow the trail on the side of the house. It will lead you to me.”

  Cassie rolled onto her side and inhaled his sweet scent from the pillow and was asleep before she released the breath.

  Talen opened the door of his office to angry shouts. Dylan stood toe-to-toe with the father of one of the boys who attacked him and Dylan a few days ago. “Rydorn! I’m here now. State your business.” Talen gave a nod to Dylan and he left the room.

  The father shrank under the gaze of their leader. At least his son didn’t cower. And what was the man afraid of? Talen had never raised a hand or his voice at any of his people. That wasn’t the way of the clan.

  “Rydorn, what’s the problem? We have already discussed your son’s death. I’m very sorry for the incident, but the vids clearly show the attack.”

  Rage lit the man’s eyes, his bear peeking out momentarily. “I want someone to pay for the wrong done to my child.”

  “Fine. Then you tell me who is going to pay for the wrong done to me by your son and his friends? Not only the building’s, but there’s also my personal wounds serious enough to require a healing sleep.”

  The man’s face paled. “I did not know you required the healing sleep. Regardless, someone is responsible for my child’s murder.”

  Talen didn’t understand what this man wanted. “Who is tasked with the duty of raising children in our clan, Rydorn? Is it not the parents? What do you want me to do?”

  “He was so young.” Tears reddened the father’s eyes. “His death should not have happened.”

  “If you want someone to blame, then find Paxten.” Talen didn’t have time for more bullshit from his brother.

  “I will.” The man spun around and stomped out the door. Talen plopped into his chair and rubbed his hands over his face. He was so tired of this. The only thing he wanted was to snuggle under the covers with his mate and practice making another cub. He was half hard in a second. Dylan knocked and popped his head in.

  “Talen, the warrior king from Galaxa, Vander Kasval, is waiting for you in the conference room.”

  Shit. He’d forgotten about his meeting to finalize plans to build the king’s natural site home. Thank the powers Cassie decided to come with him when she did. “Dylan, would you please have the doctor go to my house to examine my pregnant mate?”

  Dylan almost jumped back in surprise. “When did this all come about? Congratulations. I didn’t even know you had been able to bring her back or that Cassie was pregnant.”

  “It all happened quite suddenly. I’ll explain all after my meeting.” He headed toward the conference room, trying to get his head into business mode from mating fantasy.

  An uncomfortable churn twisted his stomach. He had the feeling something bad was coming to a head. Something very bad.

  TWENTY-SEVEN

  Cassie opened her eyes. She wasn’t sure where she was. Her brain registered Tal’s scent and she remembered she was in his bedroom, in his bed. The perfect place to be.

  She also sensed she was in a large space. The air felt different than in a normal house. Not to mention that it was can’t-see-your-hand-in-front-of-your-face dark. She reached out for a nightstand and maybe a lamp. After twisting the knob, her whereabouts came into view. Sorta.

  The light was dim, but she thought she was in a cave. The walls and ceiling were smooth and rounded, light gray in color. Not a corner in any part of the room. She must be dreaming. She distinctly remembered the front of the house and kitchen.

  Noise on the other side of the door drew her attention. Sounded like dishes and silverware clanging. She got out of bed and peeked out the door. A woman around her age stood at the kitchen’s island with a bowl of the most delicious smelling food in front of her. Man, was she starving. She’d make introductions while eating.

  “Hi, my name is Cassie. Are you going to eat that?” Maybe a bit abrupt, but her stomach and the baby were growling. She slid onto a stool, not taking her eyes from the bowl.

  The laugh from the lady was soothing and had a tinkle to it. “I made it for you. I figured by now you’d need to eat if you were resting. And the clan leader never lacks for food for anyone.” She scooted the bowl toward Cassie.

  “I was sent to see you. You must be Cassie. The new mate. There were rumors he met someone, but this is the first anyone has seen of you. You’re not from here.”

  “No, I’m from―” Cassie’s mind darted to the conversation in the castle hallway the morning she left. The man said Talen was already mated. She said “new mate.” Did this make the lady the old mate? Holy shit. Was this his wife? It was true? Her heart was crushed. Shit, what should she say to the wife of the man who was the father of her child? Nothing, that’s what.

  She kept her eyes on her bowl, ignoring the awkward silence. Talen. She needed to find him and demand he take her back. Better yet, she could go without him. The remote for the travel worm hole thingy was easy to operate and on the edge of the counter. She just needed to remember how to get to the location. It was on a well-worn path, that much she remembered.

  The woman watched her expectantly, probably waiting for an explanation of who she was and why she was in her and Talen’s home. Cassie cleared her throat. “I’m sorry. You must have me confused with someone else. Do you by chance know where the place you travel to different locations is?” She grabbed the control and scooted toward the door.

  His wife frowned and wrinkles appeared between her drawn brows. “I don’t understand. Are you going someplace?”

  “Yes, home.”

  “Isn’t this your home, here with us?”

  “Us?” Cassie scoffed. “No, I don’t do the polygamy thing.”

  “I’m sorry. I don’t know that word.”

  “Just tell me how to get to the launch pad or whatever you call it, and I’ll be out of your hair.”

  The woman looked a little miffed at her directness. Cassie didn’t care; she didn’t plan on seeing this woman ever again. “The path on the side of the house takes you to the leader’s offices as well as the portal. They are next to each other. But you shouldn’t go—”

  Cassie waved a hand on her way to the door. “Got it. Thank you. Sorry if I caused your marriage any trouble.”
The door closed on her last words as she ran toward the path, away from the heartache and lies.

  Why did life pick her to dump on? What had she done to deserve so much distress? Did she piss off the gods in her former life? Echoes from Talen’s wife chased her through the forest, but she was crying too hard to understand any words.

  Up ahead, she saw a building where the path came out of the trees. To the side of the building was a park like setting with benches focused around a central area. Perhaps that was the place.

  A man stepped out from behind a tree in front of her. “Well, who do we have here?”

  Another voice came behind her. “Yeah, that’s her. I can’t believe she’s stupid enough to come here.” He looked familiar. “I told you Talen didn’t want a weak human for a mate. A quick fuck is all you—“ His nose lifted into the air. A slimy grin spread across his face. “Well, boys, I’m going to be an uncle. Isn’t that exciting?”

  Uncle? “Paxten?” The male froze at hearing his name from her mouth. One of the men grabbed her arms and pulled them behind her back. “What the hell? Let go of me, jerk.”

  “Hold her right there, Rydorn.” Paxten sauntered up to her and ran a finger down her cheek to the base of her neck. He wrapped two fingers around her collar and ripped the shirt away, tearing the shoulder to reveal claw marks. “And there is the proof. You are his mate. He’s claimed you already.”

  She stopped struggling. “What do you mean he’s claimed me?”

  “His mark is clear as day. Which means he will do anything to keep you safe. And with a cub to protect, he’d even give up his life.” His eyes twinkled with eerie madness. “Change of plans, boys. Instead of waiting for my brother to come out here, we are just going to keep her as a bargaining tool.”

  With her arms pulled behind her, her chest was thrust out. Paxten licked his lips. “I see what my brother likes about you, even if you are a stinking, worthless human.” He slid his hands over her breasts and squeezed them between his fingers, hard.

  Cassie cried out in pain. “Get your hands off me, you son of a bitch.” Her knee came up, firmly ensconcing itself between his legs. Paxten doubled over, yet managed to get an upper cut punch to her jaw. Her world spun.

  Her eyes wouldn’t focus and her legs had no strength, dragging the guy holding onto her to the ground. The cool leaves and pine needles felt good pressed against her burning jaw. But that didn’t last long before she was jerked to her feet by her shirt.

  Anger and embarrassment fueled Paxten’s rage. She saw it in his eyes. Heat rolled off his red face. She tried to smile, not sure if her swelling cheek allowed it. “Talen will rip you a new asshole as soon as he finds out about this.”

  Even if Talen wanted her as a second wife, he still wanted her, and he wouldn’t let anyone hurt her.

  She was dragged closer to him, nose to nose. “He’s not going to find out because you won’t be around to tell him.” Paxten lifted his hand in front of her face, and fingers transformed into long claws. He raked them across her stomach. She felt flesh scrape away in deep gouges.

  Just before passing out, she heard a growl from the direction of the house. Great, the wife had joined the party.

  TWENTY-EIGHT

  Unease crawled up Talen’s back, but he tried to ignore it to finish his meeting with Vander Kasval.

  “I must say, Talen, your ideas are unique. And I especially like the hidden caverns for stockpiles. Those will come in very handy. When can you begin?”

  “I can have my men start surveying in a few days.”

  “That would be perfect. I’ll wait to hear from you at my command center. I must return to Galaxa now. I have been away longer than I feel comfortable with.”

  Talen gestured toward the door. “Absolutely, let me escort you to the portal.” As soon as they walked outside, the scent of blood reached both men. Each froze, eyes narrowed, noses into the wind. Talen recognized the smell immediately. “CASSIE!”

  From the path came a battle roar from one seriously pissed off bear. As he ran forward, he thought now there would be two.

  Sliding to a stop at the forest path entrance, Talen saw bears and men fighting. Seemed four were against a smaller one. The biggest of group had an opening and swatted the littlest bear into the trees lining the path.

  Talen recognized his brother immediately. Leaping off two feet, Talen launched at Paxten, landing four claw tipped paws on his back. Talen tore into his sibling with vengeance, both rolling across the ground. Talen transformed back to bipedal. “Paxten, shift. I want to talk to you.” Paxten lumbered forward with a growl. “I said shift, now!”

  Unable to defy the alpha command, his brother began to shift. He fought it with everything he had. “No!” A furious, panting Paxten sat on the ground, staring up at him. A maniacal laugh erupted from his sibling. When had Paxten gone over the edge? Talen had so much going on after their parents passed, he never had time for family.

  Around him, sounds of battle raged. He wondered why the other men weren’t attacking him as well. A quick glance answered his question as Kasval struck down the last man standing. Where was Cassie? Her blood soaked the air. Too much blood.

  “Well, Talen, my brother, it seems we finally get to have that talk you’ve been wanting for so long. I’m glad you can spare a moment of your time for me.”

  Guilt slammed into Talen. “You know my responsibilities as the leader, Paxten. I had hopes that you would assist me with them.”

  Nerve-grating laughter escaped Paxten. “Assist you, brother? And actually do work while so many would do it for me, some if forced. Then throw away all the willing, and not so willing, women flashing their pussies, wanting the honor of a piece of this.” He grabbed himself. “You are truly delusional.”

  Talen shook his head. “I’m sorry I failed you, little brother. You are my responsibility since our parents are gone—”

  Paxten jumped to his feet. “Don’t give me your haughty speech on how you care for your people. I got so tired of hearing Dad say that.” His brother tore handfuls of hair from his head, releasing blood into the air, exciting his animal. “That’s the main reason I got rid of him and Mom. All the lies, all the deceit.”

  Shock hit him square in the chest. He took a step back. “What do you mean, got rid of him, Paxten? What did you do?”

  Giggles came from his brother’s mouth. “I didn’t do anything, big brother. Those boulders were totally accidental.” His hand covered his laughter.

  Kasval came up behind Paxten and held him. “What do you wish to do with this murderer, Leader of the Arctos? It would be my honor to rid the planet of such filth.”

  Talen walked up to his restrained sibling. “Paxten, I’m truly sorry for failing you.” He let out a deep sigh. “Thank you, Vander, for your offering. You are probably correct in suggesting we do that. But I love my brother, despite everything. I don’t believe he really understands what he’s done.

  “He will stay in a holding room until the council and I decide what must be done according to our laws and traditions. That is the right thing to do.” He signaled to several men standing back along the path.

  “Dylan, you and some men take Paxten to the cells. Then get the rest of the bodies taken care of.”

  The king tipped his head toward Talen. “I will see myself to the portal. You have further business to take care of.” He glanced into the woods closer to the path entrance.

  Talen didn’t understand what he meant. Then a cool wind swept away the stink of hate and stench of death leaving a fresh trail of blood. Cassie’s blood. His mind twirled into panic. Where was Cassie? He smelled her but didn’t see her. He believed she wasn’t here, not seeing her when he arrived at the scene.

  Movement among the trees caught his eye. He raced head long through the forest, barely watching where he was going, his eyes fixed on a prone, bloody body.

  He fell to his knees by her side, lifting her limp hand to his lips. “Don’t leave me, Cassie. I will follow you and my c
hild wherever you go this day.” The doctor leaning over her looked up at him.

  “She will be fine, Talen. She has lost much blood, but the child within is very strong, as is his bear. They will heal their mother and protect her from infection.”

  A tear escaped Talen’s eye. “Thank you. Are you all right? I saw my brother knock you into the woods.”

  “Yes, he tried to keep me from getting to your mate, keep her from healing. But everything seems fine with the young one. Size and weight are in the large normal range. Looks to be another big boy like his father.”

  He grinned a huge smile. “A boy. My son.”

  The doctor frowned. “Talen, it seems your mate is under the impression I am your mate, if I understood her actions correctly. Granted, I was making food for her in your kitchen, but that is normal for single males. Have you discussed our ways and ways of the bears with her?”

  With a sigh, he laid Cassie’s hand on her stomach and lifted her into his arms. “There is a long story attached to our mating, but when she is safely in my den again, we will have a long talk.”

  TWENTY- NINE

  Cassie woke to a light pain shooting across her stomach, nothing serious. Felt like a strain or pulled muscle. Talen’s smell instantly filled her senses. Her heart tripped with happiness, then crashed with the onslaught of recent memories.

  “I smell your distress, love, and it hurts me. What do you fear?”

  She opened her eyes to the most handsome man she had ever seen. “Talen, what’s happened? Where am I?” She began to sit up.

  He gently pushed her shoulders back to the mattress. “You are where you belong. In our den. Our home. You’ve been in healing sleep for a day. You must continue to rest.”

  Pain dug further into her heart. “I can’t be here while your wife is too. I can’t believe you’d lie to me like that. What does your clan think of you cheating on your wife?” She shook her head. “Never mind. You’re all probably into some freaky multiple wives club.”