Tempting The Bear: Paranormal Bear Shifter Romance (Gray Bears Book 4)

by Natalie Kristen

  She would never forget what Jackson and his family had done for her and Jeremy. She would spend the rest of her life repaying them.

  Harper pushed herself up and walked over to Jackson. He turned and gave her a sheepish smile. “Hey, you're up. We didn't want to wake you. Jeremy and I were just doing a spot of stargazing.”

  Her breath caught as she looked up into his kind, loving eyes. “Thank you, Jackson,” she whispered.

  He tut-tutted at her. “Don't thank me. Just be happy. That's all the thanks I want and need.”

  “No one has ever been so good to me,” she said. “You...are an angel, Jackson. You came when I needed you...”

  “And I won't ever leave,” he said firmly.

  She smiled and cupped the side of his handsome face with one hand. “It's almost like I wished you into my life,” she mused. “I made a wish, and...”

  “Wait.” Jackson frowned. “You made a wish?”

  She looked away, blushing furiously. “Yeah. It's...nothing. It's just a silly little wish.”

  “What did you wish for, Harper?” Jackson asked.

  She fidgeted under his intense, searing gaze. “I...I wished that I could meet my true love, a man who truly loved me and my son, and we could live happily ever after as a family.” She laughed nervously. “Now you'll think I'm flighty and frivolous...”

  “I don't think that at all,” Jackson said. “Harper...you...you made the wish...” He took a deep breath and when he looked at her again, his green eyes were shining with profound joy and amazement.

  “I found you,” he whispered. “I finally found you.”

  “You did,” she said. “You found me in that dark place, and you saved me.”

  Jackson held Jeremy in one arm and pulled her to his side with the other. Harper leaned against him and slid her arm around his waist.

  Together, they stood at the window and watched the stars twinkle and wink above them.

  Harper sighed and rested her head on Jackson's powerful shoulder. This was a beautiful moment. It felt so nice and so right to stand with Jackson and Jeremy and face the world together.

  If only it wasn't just a moment.

  But she would take strength and courage from this moment and rebuild her life. She would build a good, happy life for herself and her son.

  Harper gazed up at Jackson's strong, handsome profile. Before she could stop herself, she leaned in and kissed him softly on the lips.

  Jackson started, and his arm tightened around her waist. He didn't release her. Instead he pressed her closer and returned her kiss.

  His kiss was deep and passionate, and Harper felt herself melting against him. She moaned and shuddered with pleasure as their tongues tangled and they tasted each other hungrily.

  The kiss seemed to go on forever. And yet an eternity wasn't enough. Harper wanted more. She wanted this moment, this kiss to never end.

  Finally, she gasped and came up for air. Her whole body was tingling and trembling, and she saw her own burning lust mirrored in Jackson's glowing eyes.

  “I...”

  “You should rest,” he said, his voice low and ragged. “I'll tuck Jeremy in.”

  Jackson put the sleeping baby gently back in his cot and helped Harper into bed. He pulled the covers up over her shoulders and said, “Sleep well, Harper.”

  Then he went to his side of the bed and lay there without moving.

  CHAPTER THIRTEEN

  Harper cleared the tables and stacked the plates and cups onto the tray. There were just a couple of guests still having their breakfast at Broomstick Hall, the in-house restaurant on the ground floor of Broomstick Inn. Harper poured coffee and tea for them, before heading to the kitchen with her towering tray.

  “Sit down and eat, Harper,” Ne-ma said, putting a plate of pancakes on the counter.

  “I'll wash all these up first...”

  “No, no, the dirty dishes can wait. Your stomach can't. I heard it growl just now.”

  “That wasn't me.”

  “Hmph! There's just the two of us here. And it definitely wasn't me.” Ne-ma planted her hands on her hips. “Eat.”

  “Yes, Ne-ma.”

  Harper took the plate and began to shovel the pancakes into her mouth. “Slow down. The breakfast crowd is gone. There's not much to do now.”

  “I'll help prepare lunch,” Harper said, chewing and swallowing in a hurry. “Alisa can come in later. She needs to rest.”

  Ne-ma canted her head, then nodded. “That's a good idea. I'll call Alisa and let her know she can come in for the dinner shift.”

  Harper finished up her breakfast as Ne-ma spoke to Alisa over the phone. She could hear Alisa protesting that she felt well enough to work the lunch shift but Ne-ma was adamant. “Morning sickness can last throughout the day. I want you to have sufficient rest so you and Tristan can have a cute, chubby little cub.”

  With that, Ne-ma won the argument. Alisa wouldn't jeopardize her pregnancy. She was about four weeks pregnant now, and the whole family was thrilled to bits at the news. “Another great-grandcub!” Gramma and Ne-ma had hollered proudly.

  Alisa felt dizzy and threw up a lot in the mornings, so Gramma and Ne-ma insisted that she stay home till the afternoon. They checked on her frequently and would drive to her house to bring her soup and warm, nourishing meals.

  Harper helped out in Broomstick Inn in the morning and afternoon until Alisa came in. Gramma and Ne-ma would take turns to babysit Jeremy while she worked at the inn. They loved spending time with the little boy and they sometimes quibbled over whose turn it was to babysit Jeremy.

  Jeremy wasn't at home this morning though. Gramma had called to tell Harper that Winston had dropped by and they were taking Jeremy to the park. Winston Knight was the Sheriff of Shadow Point, and a lion shifter. Aidan had introduced Harper to his boss, and Harper found Winston to be a very responsible, respectable gentleman. She had asked him if he would be willing to be Jeremy's godfather, and Winston had said yes immediately.

  Harper went out and wiped down all the tables. She arranged the cutlery and made sure the place looked neat and welcoming. The guests at the inn were friendly, and the restaurant usually had quite a sizable crowd of walk-in customers as well. The construction crew of Gray's Domain usually came for lunch, and Harper found herself smiling at the thought that she would see Jackson during lunchtime.

  “Hello! We're here!” Gramma called out as she barreled through the door.

  “Gramma, let me take your coat.” Harper hurried to her. She turned and grinned at Winston as he came through the door. “Hello Winston!”

  “Hi Harper. Say hi to your Mom, Jeremy,” Winston said to the lion cub perched on his shoulder.

  Harper laughed when her son gave a little growl. “You had fun with your Godpa, didn't you?” The little cub leaped into her arms and licked her cheek.

  “He's a fast learner,” Winston said, rubbing Jeremy's head. “He can shift back and forth now, but I think he prefers to be in his lion form. All cubs do. He's six weeks old now, but as a human baby, he can't even crawl around. But in lion form, he can strut and run and even climb. He's an intrepid little explorer!”

  “We had to chase him all over the park,” Gramma huffed. “He wouldn't come when I called him. He only goes to his Godpa!”

  “Can I get you a cup of coffee?” Harper asked Winston.

  “Thanks, but I have to get back to the station. I took the day off, but one of my deputies just called me. It's nothing major, but I feel better if I pop in and have a look.”

  As Winston headed for the door, Jeremy jumped out of her arms and ran after Winston. He clawed at Winston's trousers and snarled.

  Winston crouched and ruffled Jeremy's golden fur. “Hey, buddy, I have to go now. But I'll see you this weekend, okay. You stay with your mom and great-grandmas, and be a good lion. You take good care of the ladies now.” Jeremy made a soft mewing sound as his godfather winked at him and left.

  “He's really close to his Godpa,�
� Gramma remarked. “But I think he likes Jackson more.”

  Harper chuckled. “Yes! He likes Jackson best. He only wants Jackson to tuck him in at night. Jackson's been reading to him and he won't fall asleep unless he hears Jackson's voice.”

  “Ah, my grandson, now a papa bear himself,” Gramma sighed happily.

  Ne-ma came bustling out of the kitchen, demanding, “Where's my good little great-grandcub?”

  “Jeremy's not such a good little great-grandcub today. He made me run all over the park. My legs are killing me now,” Gramma grumbled as Ne-ma picked Jeremy up and rubbed noses with him.

  “Are you hungry? You must be starving, my little darling. Shifting is hard work. I'll get you a nice, hot meal.” Ne-ma ignored Gramma and ambled off with Jeremy on her shoulder. “And it's such a windy day today...”

  “Hey, I'm starving too,” Gramma groused, hurrying after them.

  Harper poked her head through the kitchen door and saw Gramma and Ne-ma at the kitchen counter, chattering non-stop as they prepared sandwiches together. They sneaked bits of ham and sausage to Jeremy when they thought the other wasn't looking.

  Jeremy pounced on the ham like the hungry cat he was. He still refused to shift back to human form. He was enjoying his freedom and mobility too much.

  Harper smiled and went to start on her other chores around the inn. There was still so much cleaning and vacuuming to do.

  CHAPTER FOURTEEN

  Jackson finished reading “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” and peered down at the sleeping baby. He pulled the baby blanket up over Jeremy's tummy and stroked his chubby cheek. Jeremy was growing so fast. At six weeks, he was an active, sturdy baby, and his lion had emerged. Winston was a wonderful godfather. Jackson had always liked the Sheriff, but now his respect for the man grew tenfold.

  As Jackson was putting away the book, Harper came in to kiss her son goodnight. They had just moved Jeremy to his own little nursery. Gramma, Ne-ma and Elle had worked their magic once again, and this time they got it right. The animals frolicking across the walls and ceiling had the right colors and patterns on their coats. They had even painted the words “Jeremy's Room” in bright, cheerful colors across the wall.

  To Jackson's surprise, Harper hadn't asked for an extra bed in Jeremy's room. Instead, she'd bought a baby monitor and placed it in the room. She was going to continue sleeping in his room, in his bed, with him.

  Having her so near every night was both bliss and torture for him. He didn't want to hurt her or frighten her. But his hunger for her was driving him out of his mind.

  He wanted to take her and claim her, mark her as his.

  Harper whispered to her son and kissed his forehead. Jeremy was a happy, lively baby but he usually slept through the night. He was such a joy to be around and Jackson couldn't imagine not having the little boy in his life.

  Flicking off the light, they left the room quietly and pulled the door shut. Smiling, Harper took his hand and tugged him to their bedroom. She locked the door and came to him.

  “Jackson,” she whispered, sliding her arms around his neck. “I want you. Tonight.”

  He inhaled sharply, his burning gaze never leaving her face.

  “Harper...”

  “We have been sleeping together, but not really sleeping together,” she said. “I know you think I'm not ready. But I am. I'm ready. I don't want to hold back anymore. Not with you.”

  Jackson held his breath as she moved her hands up his arms and traced her fingers over his chest. Very slowly, she unbuttoned his shirt and pushed his shirt over his shoulders. She licked her lips as she stared at his tanned, ripped torso.

  Jackson captured her face with both hands and growled, “Harper...I want you...I don't think I can hold back...”

  “Then don't,” she whispered.

  Her eyes fluttered shut as Jackson's mouth closed over hers. He kissed her and stripped her at the same time. He couldn't wait any longer. His claws sliced her blouse and bra to shreds. She gasped as he tore her skirt and panties from her hips and tumbled her onto the bed.

  Jackson kissed down her soft, smooth body. She was so tiny, but her breasts were full and heavy. She was still breastfeeding Jeremy, and Jackson saw a drop of milk ooze from her nipple.

  Gently, he licked the drop away and she panted. “More...take more...”

  Jackson slipped the dark nipple past his lips and suckled her. He tasted the sweet, creamy milk on his tongue and he sucked harder. Harper sighed as Jackson drained some of the milk from her breast. The pressure from her hard, engorged breast was causing her discomfort, and the relief she felt was immense and immediate.

  Jackson lapped at her wet nipple and licked his way down her body. He could scent her need and arousal. He had scented it every night, but he had restrained his bear and his lust by sheer iron will.

  Jackson spread her legs and explored her pink, wet folds with his tongue. She writhed and ground against his mouth. When he slid his tongue into her pussy, her entire body shuddered as she moaned, “Yes...yes, Jackson...”

  Fucking her steadily with his tongue, Jackson caressed her hips, her buttocks, and fingered her clit. Harper cried out and came suddenly. Her body quivered with pleasure and she blinked hard.

  Pushing herself up, she reached for Jackson and hissed, “I need you...inside me, now!”

  CHAPTER FIFTEEN

  Harper looked into Jackson's eyes and saw the burning, primal lust and desire. Her breath hitched as he pushed his hands under her knees to spread her wide for him.

  “So beautiful,” he growled. “You are so beautiful, Harper.”

  Her eyelids fluttered as she felt him slide slowly into her. Jackson was big, and he filled her completely. His cock rubbed against her walls, stimulating her and making her even wetter.

  She wrapped her legs around his hips and urged him deeper into her. Jackson growled and moved very slowly and gently in and out of her. She could see his veins throbbing at the side of his neck and temples. He was resisting the urge to thrust, and was forcing himself to take her slowly, carefully.

  “I won't break,” she said, arching her back. “More, Jackson. Deeper, harder...”

  “Tell me if it gets painful for you,” he gritted out.

  “No pain, Jackson. Only pleasure,” she whispered. “And I want more. I need more, Jackson.”

  He began to move his hips, stroking rhythmically in and out of her body. Harper pulled him down to her and kissed him. She raked her fingers through his soft, blond hair and down his back.

  Jackson's biceps flexed as he raised himself above her and stared down at her with fierce, feral hunger. She could see his bear so close to the surface. His muscles bulged and throbbed, and she saw the glint of claws and fangs.

  Harper ran her fingers greedily down Jackson's undulating, muscular back. She loved how he felt in her arms, and she loved every solid, hard inch of him. She wanted him to be hers. She had already given him her heart. And tonight, she could finally surrender her body and her pleasure to him.

  She threw her head back as she felt the first flickers of her orgasm. The pleasure intensified as Jackson pounded into her, roaring his claim.

  He grabbed her and his teeth clamped hard on her shoulder. She felt his hot seed shoot deep into her body. With a cry of ecstasy, she plunged into a swirling, heady vortex of explosive, shattering pleasure.

  Jackson held her tight, murmuring into her hair as he continued sliding in and out of her, letting her milk every last drop of him.

  Harper heard herself sob as Jackson kissed her eyelids, nose and cheeks. Her body felt limp, warm and sated, but her heart felt like it was going to explode.

  “Shh,” Jackson said, cuddling her. “You're amazing, Harper. So amazing and perfect.”

  She took another shuddering breath and whispered, “Thank you, Jackson...for everything...”

  “Ah.” He tsked at her. “I said...”

  “I know, I know. I won't say thank you any more.” She laughed and re
sted her head on his chest.

  “That's better.” He chucked her under the chin. “I love hearing you laugh.”

  She sighed deeply and said, “You've been taking such good care of me and Jeremy. But...we can't stay here forever. I...”

  “Why not?” he frowned. “You are my mate. And Jeremy is my cub.”

  “Y-your...cub? But he's a lion and you...”

  “Doesn't matter. He's my cub.” Jackson sat up and stared at her. “Unless...you don't want him to be mine.”

  “No, no…”

  “Would you let him take my name?” Jackson asked solemnly. “Jeremy Gray.”

  Harper pressed a hand to her mouth. “You...you'd give him your name?” she stuttered at last.

  “My name, my heart and my life belong to you and Jeremy.”

  “Oh Jackson!” Harper bowed her head. “I don't know what to say...”

  “Say yes.”

  “Oh...yes!” Her eyes were shimmering as she threw her arms around him. “Yes, yes and yes!”

  Jackson hugged her hard and kissed her. “Mine,” he said fiercely. “You and Jeremy are mine. I love you both so much.”

  “I love you too, Jackson. I think...”She let out a girlish giggle and blushed. “I really think that my wish has come true!”

  CHAPTER SIXTEEN

  Harper pushed the stroller and walked towards the park. She had just finished her shift at Broomstick Inn. Alisa said that she was feeling much better today and insisted on coming in to prepare lunch for the guests. Gramma and Ne-ma told Harper to take the rest of the afternoon off and spend time with her son.

  It was late afternoon, almost evening now and the breeze was cool and calming. Harper sat down at the park bench and carried Jeremy out of his stroller. She perched him on her hip and strolled down the winding little lane, pointing out the flowers, insects and birds to him.

  Jeremy looked confused when a butterfly landed on his nose. His eyes crossed and he moved his arms up and down, mimicking the fluttering movement of the butterfly's wings.