Complete Bear Creek and Bear Bluff Box Sets: Including brand new exclusive book Best Man Bear

by Harmony Raines

  Drying her hands, she made her way to the kitchen, almost missing the knock on the door. Frowning, she went to open it, wondering who would be calling. No one called here, not any more. Perhaps it was her boss—maybe he needed her to open up in the morning—but usually he phoned. Pulling the door open, she was stunned to see Eirik in jeans and a shirt. Behind him stood his mom with a covered dish.

  “Eirik, Mrs. McCormac.” There really wasn’t anything else she could think of to say.

  “Hi, Drew,” Mrs. McCormac said, “Eirik said he had asked you out, but you didn’t want to leave your dad alone. So I thought I would come over and keep him company while you two kids go out.”

  “We’re not kids, Mom,” Eirik said, but winked at Drew. “My mom really wanted some company and I wasn’t good enough.”

  “That’s not true,” Mrs. McCormac said. Behind Drew, her dad appeared. “Ah, here’s your father, he will back me up on this, won’t you, Vic?”

  “Marjorie, a nice surprise, what can we do for you? Hi, Eirik.”

  “Evening, Mr. Stanton,” Eirik said politely. Drew hid a smile; it was as if they were school kids waiting for permission to go out on a date.

  “I wondered if you would mind my company tonight instead of Drew’s. Only Eirik would like to take Drew out,” Mrs. McCormac added quietly. “I hope you don’t mind. Eirik doesn’t go out much, so I thought he needed a push.”

  “I understand. Come on in. We were just about to put some dinner on.”

  “Well, I made a casserole.” She lifted the lid and the smell made Drew’s mouth water. Her dad obviously felt the same way.

  “That smells like heaven. Drew, you go and get changed and head out with Eirik.”

  “Are you sure, Dad?”

  “Absolutely. Go, it’s time you had some fun.” Then he said to Mrs. McCormac, “Kids these days. They don’t know how to have fun if it doesn’t involve a smartphone or some other electrical gadget.”

  And just like that, Drew was left standing looking at Eirik, her heart fluttering in her chest.

  Chapter Nine - Eirik

  “I’m sorry. She insisted,” Eirik said with a crooked smile.

  “Because you don’t get out much?” Drew teased

  He grinned. “She’s right. I haven’t been out with a woman for months.”

  “Then I am honoured to be the one to break your dry run.”

  “Go and get changed and we’ll go out and leave them to talk. Did you know they used to work together?”

  “No. My dad never said, but then he had no reason to.”

  “It seems they used to share lunch occasionally and talk about books.”

  “Books? My dad hasn’t read a book for years.”

  “The classics, apparently. Anyway, let’s go.” He ushered her up the stairs.

  Then he waited. He was tempted to go and see how his mom was getting on, but decided he would leave them alone. He wanted to take Drew out and if he wasn’t careful, he knew it would be too easy to settle down and stay in instead. His mom’s casserole was the best he had ever tasted and he was hungry. As if in agreement, his stomach gave an earth-shattering rumble. He only hoped Drew wasn’t like most women: if she took an hour to get ready, he would begin to waste away. He had made up his mind to take her out of Bear Bluff to a restaurant that served the best steak for miles. Well, a bear needed good meat to keep his energy up.

  But after ten minutes, she appeared, looking radiant. Although her hair was still brushed forward to hide the bruise over her eye. With that thought, his conscience rattled him. What if Drew’s dad was violent? He was leaving his mom here with a man he hardly knew. A ripple of laughter came from the kitchen. And he pushed his fears to one side. But as he looked up at Drew, he saw her stop and stare at the door.

  “You OK, Drew?”

  “Y...yes. It’s just ... I haven’t heard him laugh since...”

  He walked forward and put his arm on her elbow, his thumb brushing against the tender soft skin there; she turned and looked at him. “Let’s leave them alone. I bet they are both pleased to have someone to talk to other than their kids.”

  “Thank you, Eirik; it was sweet of you to ask your mom to come over.”

  “Not my idea. My mom practically dragged me out of the house.”

  “So you are taking me out to please her?”

  “Don’t twist my words, Drew. I am taking you out for purely selfish reasons.”

  But he didn’t tell her what they were. Not yet.

  Chapter Ten - Drew

  “You look beautiful, incidentally,” he said as he held the car door open for her.

  “Thank you,” she said, glad he couldn’t see her blushing furiously. No man, apart from her dad, had ever complimented her over anything.

  “I thought we would leave Bear Bluff for a couple of hours. Is that OK with you?”

  “Sure. I guess it’s one way to stop people seeing us.”

  “I’m not ashamed to be out with you, Drew, if that’s what you meant.”

  “No,” she quickly replied, but that was pretty much what she was saying.

  “I just thought it would be good to leave the place behind. As much as I like living here, I would love to travel some, too.”

  “Where would you go, if you had the choice?”

  “You mean if I wasn’t tied to the council?”

  “Yes. If you had no responsibilities and could go where you wanted.”

  “Hmm. Well, I always wanted to see the ocean.”

  “You’ve never seen the ocean?”

  “Not in real life. My dad was always stuck in Bear Bluff, and we never went on vacation. He had this fear that his bear would take control and he would expose himself and the rest of us to the public.”

  “Didn’t he have full control of the change?”

  “I never saw him lose control. But now I know that he mated with another bear ... you know. I think maybe it controlled him more than he controlled it. For most of us, our human consciousness is in complete control.”

  “I wouldn’t always say complete control.”

  “I suppose there are times when my bear rolls in something I would rather not have to smell,” he said lightly. “But on the whole, you can stop yourself doing things that you know are questionable.”

  “Like biting someone’s head off.”

  “Exactly. Your moral compass is still firmly fixed in the human world. Right?”

  “Yes. Although there are times when the compulsion to do something you know you shouldn’t is tough.”

  “I can’t imagine you losing control. You always seem so sure of yourself.”

  She burst out laughing. “That is the opposite of how I see myself. I have no control over my life.”

  “So what would you change?”

  “Oh. I don't know. My job, for one.”

  “I thought you liked working there.”

  “It’s good, steady money and my boss is great. But it’s not what I want to do for the rest of my life.”

  “It won’t be. When you settle down with your mate and have cubs, you’ll give it up surely?”

  “OK. First of all, just because a woman finds her mate, it does not mean she has to give up her job. And secondly ... I have no plans to find my mate.”

  He turned and looked at her, his eyes scrutinising her face. “Why?” was all he asked when he eventually spoke.

  “Look at my dad.”

  “And?”

  “What do you mean and?”

  “Which part of me looking at your dad, would tell me why you don’t want a mate? Is it because you have to care for him? Or because you don’t want to end up a wreck if you find your soul mate and they die?”

  “Both.” Her voice was thin and weak.

  “You’re scared?”

  “Aren’t you? Your mom is in the same situation.”

  “But she hasn’t given up on life. What about you and your dad? Don’t you have each other? If your mom or dad had not decided to stay wit
h their mate, you would never have been born, and that would have been a travesty.”

  They had pulled into the parking lot of the restaurant. He switched off the engine and turned to look at her. “Drew, don’t hide from the woman you are meant to be.”

  “And what kind of woman is that? Because at the moment I don’t feel like much.”

  He lifted his hand and stroked her hair, his thumb brushing her cheek. “That’s not how I see you, Drew. To me, you are brave. Picking up when your mom died and getting on with it. Looking after your dad.”

  “I didn’t do anything special.”

  “If I remember correctly, you always sold yourself short at school.”

  “I didn’t know you even noticed me at school.”

  “Oh, I noticed. I just didn’t ever feel comfortable making a pass at you. When we’re not mates. It just seemed ... unchivalrous.” She laughed and he slumped back in his seat. “I sound more like Ben every day. I swear, that guy is from the Middle Ages.”

  “Listen, Eirik, I’m starving, can we drop this and just enjoy this evening?”

  “Yes. I’m sorry, I think I’m being too forward. Since we met up again I can’t deny that you make feel different from anyone else I’ve ever met.”

  “But we’re not mates,” she stated firmly, although she might just have hoped he felt differently, that she had missed the signs that they were true mates. There was no way she could deny she had feelings for him.

  “No, we are not mates,” he agreed.” I only want you to see how special you are.”

  “Well, this special person needs food. So, steak is good here?” she asked lightly, looking out of the window to hide her confusion.

  Thankfully, he let it go, got out of the car, and came around to help her out. His warm hand holding hers sending tingles through her body. As she got to her feet, she stumbled forward and he caught her. She honestly hadn’t done it on purpose, but she had to admit the press of her body against his was electrifying. To such an extent that she pulled herself back away from him as if she had received a shock.

  He didn’t react. Whether he was pretending not to have felt anything, or whether he actually hadn’t, she didn’t know. But if they were going to get through this evening with no awkwardness, she had to ignore it too. Still when he took her hand and led her into the restaurant, she wondered if her appetite would return. Because, at the moment, her hunger was replaced by butterflies filling her stomach.

  Inside, they were seated in a quiet corner; the look the waiter gave them made it plain he thought they were here for a romantic meal. Neither of them corrected him. As they ordered, the easiness between them returned and she could almost believe they were more than just friends.

  “You were right, this is good,” Drew said as she took her first bite of her tender steak.

  “I bought my mom here a couple of weeks ago.”

  “How is she?”

  “Thinking of learning to drive,” he said with a hint of disapproval.

  “And what’s wrong with that?”

  “She tried to learn before. I vividly remember being in the car with her and thinking we were going to die.”

  She giggled. “I always thought your mom was like superwoman and could do anything.”

  “Then driving is her Achilles heel.” He took a drink and then said, “I only hope she doesn’t expect me to teach her.”

  “My dad taught me to drive. He’s very patient. Maybe I’ll ask him to teach your mom.”

  “Are you saying I’m not very patient?”

  “I don’t think I know you well enough to make that judgement.”

  “Then I hope we can both spare the time to change that. This is the most relaxed I’ve felt for months.”

  Inwardly she glowed; outwardly, she kept her eyes fixed firmly on her plate. She put every bit of her concentration into cutting up her meat, putting it in her mouth, and chewing it. Swallowing was the difficult bit because her throat had constricted in her desire for him. Damn, if this was how lust felt, she never wanted to find out what it was like to be joined by the mating bond. Her sympathy for her father grew. And she promised herself to avoid finding her mate at all costs. Instead, she could have some fun with Eirik, perhaps.

  If she wasn’t wrong, he had an itch that needed a scratch. And perhaps in his capable hands, she could learn to satisfy this craving she was starting to have for him. Taking a sip of her soda, she had decided not to drink alcohol; she needed a clear head. Drew mused over what it would be like to be with a man. Was Eirik experienced? She knew he would look after her and make everything alright. He had grown up into the type of guy any girl would want. Kind, considerate, and caring. Not to mention handsome, toned, and very, very fit.

  Chapter Eleven - Eirik

  Was it his imagination or did she glow? Watching her as she ate, seeing the way the colour rose in her cheeks, made him want her more than he had ever wanted a woman in his whole life. Why couldn’t she be his mate? Instead, he had to fight with his conscience. Did he really want to sleep with her, have sex with her, and then move on when his mate turned up?

  The question was right there in the tightness of his pants. Yes, he most certainly did.

  Their conversation lapsed; he figured she was having similar thoughts. Damn, he wanted to reach across the table and hold her hand. No. He wanted to reach across the table, pull her to him, and fuck her right here and now.

  He shifted uncomfortably in his seat. In truth, he should go to the bathroom and splash cold water on his face and the rest of him. Was it hot in here, or were those the flames of desire licking at his stomach and spreading heat through his body?

  Coughing, he looked up at her and smiled. “Some night, huh?”

  “I’ve enjoyed it.”

  “Really?” He thought he had probably frightened her off. “You can probably tell I’m not used to taking women out.”

  “Who aren’t your mother?”

  “Yes. Who aren’t my mother.”

  She smiled and his heart flipped; his pants also grew tighter, if that was possible. He didn’t know how he was ever going to leave the table to take her home. He was fit to burst out of his pants any moment now.

  “Another drink?” he asked.

  “No. I don’t think I shouldn’t be too long. I’m worried my dad might be boring your mom, or breaking down in tears. I’d hate for him to fall off the wagon.”

  “She’s good at listening to people and their problems. She listens to me enough. Especially about my work.”

  “And how is work?” Drew asked.

  “Slow. But I’m learning to enjoy it. The only problem I have is that I have to run everything by Stuart before I make changes.”

  “And you would like a bit more responsibility?”

  He drained his soda, wishing he had ordered a beer instead, but he was driving and didn’t want to risk his licence. If he was driving, he operated under a no-drink rule. “I never thought about it. But yes. Funny, I thought I hated responsibility, now I want to be my own man. Make my own mark on the Clan.”

  “And you’ve told Stuart this?”

  “God, no!”

  “Why not? This is your role, you should be able to make decisions.”

  He chuckled. “It’s because every time I speak to him and sit on the council I feel like a child. These men have been running the Clan for as long as I can remember. It feels wrong for me to be there.”

  “I don’t think you have anything to worry about. They need some new blood on the council. Just think how grateful Freyja will be, to find you there to help her when her time comes. It’s better that you learn the ropes now.”

  “You make it sound so easy,” he said. “And so plausible. But I doubt Stuart will go for it.”

  “Why don’t you ask him?” She grinned mischievously. “Or do you want me to come with you and hold your hand?”

  He couldn’t help himself, this time he did actually reach across and take her hand. Turning it over, he stroked her
palm with his thumb. “I think if you held my hand, I could do anything.”

  She burst out laughing. “That is the corniest chat-up line I have ever heard.”

  Pulling his hand away, he sat back in his chair. “I’m sorry, I misjudged the moment. Shall I get the bill?”

  Chapter Twelve - Drew

  Cursing herself, she waited for the waitress to bring the bill. Why hadn’t she simply let him hold her hand? Because she wanted more. And that scared her.

  Now they sat in silence, their easy friendship seemingly in tatters. It was no good, despite how much she wanted to spend time with him; she would have to say no. Or open herself up to those deep desires that lay inside of both of them.

  “Here, I’ll pay my half,” she said opening her purse.

  “No, it’s my treat.”

  “I can’t; it’s not like this is a date,” she said. Why did she insist on making things worse between them?

  “Listen, Drew, I invited you here. Let it be my treat, please.”

  When he said it like that, she knew it would be churlish of her to refuse. And she didn’t want to offend him. “OK. Thank you,” she said closing her purse. “My treat next time.”

  “That would be great. I was beginning to think there wouldn’t be a next time.”

  “I’m sorry. I overreacted.”

  “Apology accepted, now let’s get home and see what our parents have been up to.”

  He came around and pulled her chair out for her, so that she could get up. Then he held her arm, and she let him, leaning ever so slightly against him as they went outside. A cool autumn chill was in the air and she shivered. Instinctively he wrapped his arm around her and pulled her close. She closed her eyes and allowed herself to imagine what it would be like if he was her man. Then she pulled herself together and told herself there was no point heading for heartache. He wasn’t her mate, he was someone else’s, and this was just going to end badly if she let herself feel deeply for him.