Runaway Bear

by Alana Sapphire

I turn to meet her incredulous stare. “You heard me.”

  “Okay, I don’t know what your problem is. You’ve been a colossal jerk to me since I came back, and I have no idea why.”

  “Whatever.”

  “I don’t, Zax. What’s going on?”

  I tilt my head to the side, observing her. She actually seems clueless. “You really don’t know, do you?”

  “Of course not.”

  “You left.”

  “What?”

  “That night. You didn’t stay.”

  Her eyes squint in confusion. “But… that’s your deal. Out before the sun, right?”

  My bear makes an appearance and I let out an angry growl that shakes the walls. “I made no such deal with you!”

  “Zax…” She approaches with tentative steps, and I move around the desk, crowding her against it. “Did… did you want me to? Stay, I mean.”

  “What do you think?”

  “One night, Zax. That’s what we agreed to. You gave me what I asked for. I played by your rules.”

  “Fuck my rules. I wanted you, and you left.”

  She scoffs in disbelief. “Yeah, right.”

  “What the fuck does that mean?”

  “I’m not exactly your type.”

  My type? I don’t have one, but if I did, Callie is most definitely it. I rake my gaze over her body, my dick straining against my zipper. I can’t wait to get my hands on her soft flesh.

  “I don’t know what the fuck you’re talking about.”

  “You don’t have to do that.”

  “Do what?”

  “Men like you don’t want girls like me.”

  “You don’t know shit about what I want.”

  I move forward, forcing her to step back so she’s almost sitting on the desk. Grabbing her thighs, I pick her up and put her there.

  “Zax!” She gasps.

  Leaning in, I trail my nose along her neck, taking a deep breath and letting her scent fill my senses. God, I missed it. She shivers, a low moan coming from her lips. I pull her forward, nestling my dick against her pussy. Even through my jeans I can feel her heat.

  “I want you, Callie Masters.”

  “Zax….”

  This time, my name comes out on a soft breath. I need to hear her scream it while I’m driving my dick deep inside her. She clutches at the front of my shirt, pulling me closer and wiggling her hips, trying to soothe the ache in her pussy. The ache for me. With a frustrated growl, I take her lips. She whimpers, instantly opening for me. Jesus, the woman tastes like a million jars of honey. Sweet. So sweet. And mine.

  “You’re mine, Callie. Fucking mine!”

  She moans, sliding her fingers through my hair. I press mine into her thighs, loving the feeling of her soft body against the hardness of mine. She slips her tongue between my lips, making my bear let out an internal roar. I need to have her. Now.

  “Yo, Zax!”

  I tear my lips from Callie’s, my bear’s eyes glaring at Scott as he appears in the doorway. My teeth and muzzle extend, and the roar I let out sends him retreating in fear.

  “Sorry, man. Didn’t know you had company.”

  I turn back to the woman in my arms, the fascination on her features making her impossibly more beautiful. Reaching up, she gently touches my muzzle.

  “I’ve never seen you shift before.”

  I calm myself, pushing the bear into submission and returning to human form.

  “Some other time, sweetness. The man has plans for you tonight.”

  I lean in to taste her lips once more, but she pushes at my chest.

  “I… I should go.”

  “You’re coming home with me.”

  “Zax, I can’t.”

  “Wasn’t a request. I’m taking you to my bed. Then, I’m going to do all the things I’ve wanted to do to you for the last five years, starting with eating that sweet pussy until you come all over my lips.”

  She shudders, but shakes her head, pushing at my chest.

  “I can’t.”

  “Why not?”

  “I just can’t.”

  She grabs her keys and hightails it out of the office, running away from me just like she did all those years ago.

  ***Callie***

  Holy hell. What the fuck was that? Here I was, thinking of Zax as just a gigantic asshole, when he’s been mad at me all this time for leaving. But… if he wanted me to stay, why didn’t he say something? Well, I guess I really didn’t give him a chance. He rolled over and went to sleep, so I assumed that was the end. See ya later, Callie. Don’t let the door hit you on the way out. How was I to know? You idiot! It worked. You could have had him all this time, and you ran away like a damn fool. No. That’s not it. He said he wanted me. He just wants to fuck me. That’s what he does, fucks and fixes cars. Hell, that should be his motto. There’s not a settling bone in that man’s body, and he would most definitely not settle with me. He’s one of those werebears who’s true to his nature—the animal side of him. I won’t get tangled with a man who doesn’t know the meaning of the word monogamous. Forget it, Callie. You have other things to worry about. As if on cue, my phone rings. Not wanting to deal with those other things, I reject the call and drop the phone on the table, nervously running my fingers through my hair.

  “Are you okay, Callie?”

  “Huh?” I turn to my mom. “Yeah, I’m fine.”

  “What’s wrong with your leg?”

  I look down, and Zax’s greasy hand is printed on my thigh. Shit. I try to move it out of her view. It brings me back to the garage, sitting on his desk, him between my thighs, his hard… I clear my throat.

  “Oh, looks like they must have gotten some grease in the car.”

  I could never fool my mom, and I don’t know why I even tried. She places her hands on her hips, drawing her brows together. She may be human, but she’s just as protective of her cub as any mama bear.

  “Did that boy put his hands on you?”

  “Mom, it’s not what you think.”

  “Oh?” She takes a seat, but is still on guard. “Explain it to me then.”

  “Mom…” I whine, slapping my palm over my eyes in embarrassment.

  “Zax Knight is the same man he was when you left here, Callie. Don’t get involved with him.”

  I remove my hand, staring hopelessly at her.

  “Oh, dear. Don’t tell me… Is he…?”

  “I think so.”

  “No, Callie. He either is, or he isn’t.”

  “He is.” I look to the ceiling, desperately trying to blink back the tears welling in my eyes.

  “How long have you known?”

  “Since I was sixteen.”

  “I knew you had a thing for him, but I thought it was just a school girl crush… something you’d grow out of.”

  “You knew?”

  “Of course, sweetheart. A mother always knows.”

  “It doesn’t matter.” I shake my head. “He doesn’t feel the same.”

  She cups my cheek, giving me a small smile. “That’s your human half talking, dear. If he’s truly yours, there’s nothing to worry about. I think I understand now.”

  “Understand what?”

  “Why Zax is the way he is.”

  “Why?”

  “He’s searching for something. He just doesn’t realize he’s already found it.”

  ***

  “How’s it going?”

  “Good,” Lionel answers as he takes the glass of lemonade I brought him. “I’ll be done in a few days.”

  “Great. Looks good. From here at least.” I shield my eyes from the sun, looking up at the job he’s doing on the roof.

  “You can always come up, take a closer look.”

  I turn my head toward him, and he’s giving me what is probably his most seductive smile. He’s cute, half werebear like me, but he’s no Zax.

  “Oh, no. I’ll stay right here. On the ground. Where it’s safe.”

  “Don’t worry. I’ll t
ake care of you.”

  He reaches out to touch my arm, but the screech of tires interrupts him. I twist my head in the direction of the sound, and see Zax’s truck racing up the driveway. It stops, kicking up a storm of dust, out of which comes a huge black bear, barreling toward us. He roars, baring his teeth.

  “Oh, shit.” I step in front of Lionel, motioning for him to get inside. “Get in the house. Now!”

  I hold my position, hoping I can stop him before he does any damage.

  “Zax, stop!” I shout.

  He skids to a halt, rising up on his hind legs and letting out a mighty roar. I stare up at him, half afraid he’s going to stomp me. The other half of me is in wonder at the sheer beauty of the animal. When he lands on all fours, he huffs, clacking his teeth together.

  “Zax…” I approach him carefully, hand outstretched. “It’s okay.”

  I place my hand on the side of his muzzle, gently petting it with my thumb. He leans in to my palm, moaning. All anger is gone. In its wake, is a seemingly vulnerable four-hundred-pound bear. He moves closer, rubbing his face on my stomach. I wrap my arms around his neck, a feeling washing over me that confirms I’m right where I should be.

  “I’m here,” I croon. “I’m here.”

  “Callie.” I turn to find my mother standing next to me, holding a blanket. “He’ll need this when he changes back.”

  She hands it to me and then she’s gone.

  “Can you change back for me, Zax?”

  The big bear shakes his head, burrowing closer.

  “Please.”

  He steps away, and I watch his claws dig into the dirt, his body shaking with effort. Apparently the bear doesn’t want to leave me. My chest swells with emotion. He knows. If only the man did, too. Slowly, human features begin to emerge, until Zax is kneeling in front of me. He stands, towering over me like a giant. My eyes travel down his chest, stopping at his dick, hard and veiny. With a gulp, I stare at it as it kind of stares back at me. Fuck. I’m pulled from my trance when he takes the blanket from my fingers and wraps it around his waist.

  “We should talk,” he says.

  “Yeah.” I lick my dry lips. “We should.”

  I lead him inside, running into Lionel waiting in the living room. Shit. I forgot all about him. Zax growls behind me.

  “Lionel, it’s okay. You can go back to work now.”

  He nods, carefully eying Zax as he leaves. I take Zax’s hand, leading him to the couch.

  “He’s a carpenter. I’m doing some repairs on the house.”

  “He was hitting on you. Almost touched you.”

  “I’m a woman, Zax. That happens all the time.”

  “Not anymore.”

  “Oh, really? And why is that?”

  “You’re mine.”

  “And what exactly does that mean? You’re going to give up all the other women? I get to stay the night?”

  “Callie—”

  “No, Zax. I can’t live like that. When I said I’m not your type, it had nothing to do with my looks. I meant the settling down type. I need a mate, not a steady fuck buddy.”

  He takes a calming breath. “That’s not what I came here for.”

  “Then why?”

  “I came to ask you out.”

  “Out?” I ask incredulously. “Like on a date?”

  “Yes.”

  “In public?”

  “Of course.”

  I tilt my head to the side, observing him. Zax Knight doesn’t do dates. He doesn’t do being seen in public with any woman.

  “Please, Callie.” He takes my hand. “I haven’t been able to stop thinking about you since that night. I know this is different. I know you’re different. I don’t want to lose you again. We don’t want to lose you.”

  “Oh, Zax…” I cup his cheek, and as he leans in to my palm just like his bear did, I spot my mom watching from the doorway. She nods then walks away. “Okay.”

  “Okay?” he asks, voice filled with hope. “You’ll let me take you out?”

  “Yes. Pick me up tomorrow at eight.”

  ***Zax***

  What the fuck did I get myself into?

  I don’t know shit about dating! Where am I even going to take her? Fuck. I can’t screw this up. If she was a full bear, I’d throw her over my shoulder and take her back to our den. But she’s not. Human women want the dating thing. Right? Even half human ones? Fuck.

  “What’s got you thinking so hard, man?”

  Scott. Maybe he can help. “You date, right?”

  “Sometimes.” He chuckles. “We don’t all have your animal appeal.”

  “Shut up. Where would you take a woman on a date? One you actually like?” He raises a brow but doesn’t answer. “Well?”

  “Do you want me to shut up or do you want an answer?”

  “Fuck you,” I growl. I don’t even know why I bothered.

  “Callie?” he asks.

  “Yes. You got a problem with that?” He says one wrong word, I’ll rip his throat out, friend or not.

  “Of course not.”

  “Good.”

  “I just figured it was her after that day she called here… then after you almost ripped my head off when I interrupted you in the office.”

  “I would have, too. You’re fucking lucky I didn’t.”

  “What happened? Obviously you knew her before she left.”

  “I did,” I answer, reflecting on that fateful night.

  “Shit. She wasn’t one of your one-nighters, was she? I didn’t figure Callie for the type—”

  “She’s not!” I growl.

  “Okay, man. What happened then?”

  Sighing, I reel in my anger. “Just a misunderstanding. One I need to clear up. She’s giving me a chance to do that, and I can’t fuck it up, Scott. What do I do?”

  “Cook for her.”

  “What?”

  “You can cook, can’t you? Make her dinner. Chicks love that shit.”

  “Are you shitting me?”

  “No, I swear. Works every time.”

  “Okay.” I nod. “Thanks.”

  “I’m happy for you, Zax. It’s about time you found a mate… stopped being the town whore.”

  I grab at him but he laughs and walks back to the car he was working on. Town whore. Shit. No wonder Callie ran far and fast. Well, no more. As of today, a new Zax Knight resides in Fall Valley—the one woman man.

  ***

  I’ve knocked twice and no one has answered. She changed her mind. No. I’m not giving her that option. I raise my fist to knock again, but the door swings open before I can.

  “Mrs. Masters.” I nod to the woman giving me the evil eye.

  “Callie will be down in a minute. Come in.”

  “Thank you.”

  I stand in the entryway, unable to remember a time when I was ever this nervous. Mrs. Masters glances down at the flowers I’m holding before meeting my gaze again.

  “Don’t hurt my baby girl,” she warns.

  “I won’t, ma’am. I promise.”

  “I’m holding you to that promise, because if you do, you’ll answer to me.”

  “Yes, ma’am.”

  She may be human, but she loves her daughter, and I don’t doubt she could do serious harm if she needed to. The scent of my beautiful Callie gets stronger, and I look to the top of the stairs. She rests her hand on the bannister, her eyes meeting mine. My heart falls into the pit of my stomach. Gorgeous, sexy Callie.

  Mine.

  She takes a deep breath, her lips parting as she releases it. For once, my reaction to her is not immediately sexual. I want… we want to take her home… take care of her. I want to go to bed each night with her in my arms, her taste on my lips, and wake up each morning with the same. She’s it. She’s the one. I see that as clearly now as I have ever seen anything. Those love chemical things? Looks like she gave me a big helping that night five years ago.

  As she descends the stairs, I stand a little straighter. I have to sh
ow her I can be the mate she needs. Tonight is only the beginning. Callie Masters will be mine.

  “Hi.”

  “Callie.” I extend the roses to her. “These are for you.”

  “Thank you. They’re beautiful.” She hands them to her mother, then gives me a tentative smile. “Ready?”

  “I sure am.”

  I take her hand, needing to be physically connected to her. I release it long enough to open her door and help her into the truck, but it’s in mine again as soon as I’m sitting next to her.

  “Are you hungry? I hope you don’t mind, but I made us dinner.”

  “We’re going back to your place?”

  “Yes.”

  “Oh.”

  Her head falls and she tries to free her hand from my hold. I grip her fingers tighter.

  “I’m not hiding you, Callie. We want you to ourselves… in our space.”

  “Okay.” She still doesn’t look up.

  “I just need to make a stop and get something first.”

  “Mm-hmm.”

  I drive into the middle of town and park on the street with the most foot traffic. It will be a little bit of a walk to get to the liquor store, but it will prove my point. When I open her door and reach for her hand, she looks around curiously.

  “What are you doing, Zax?”

  “Showing off my woman.”

  “Your—?”

  She doesn’t finish her sentence, because I grab her waist and lift her out of the truck.

  “Zax!” She smacks my shoulder. “Put me down!”

  As soon as I place her on her feet, I take her hand and lead her down the street. The more people we pass, the closer she inches toward me. Eventually, she’s glued to my side and clinging to my arm. I smile at the whispers as we move along. By morning, everyone in Fall Valley will know she’s mine. When we enter the liquor store, she turns to me.

  “You didn’t have to do that.”

  I cup her face with both hands, holding her stare. “I told you, I’m not hiding you. Just trust me, Callie.”

  “Okay,” she agrees unwillingly.

  Don’t worry, baby. By the end of the night, you’ll see that I’m serious.

  I find the bottle of wine I need, and we move toward the cashier. Before we get there, Laurie steps out in front of us. She knows the rules, so I think nothing of it. However, it seems she’s forgotten an important one—don’t talk to me in public.