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

by Harmony Raines

  She looked down at the diamond engagement ring he had given her, with her new wedding ring nestled next to it. Holding them up, she watched the sun sparkling on them. The snow had cleared and the weather had settled down, the days warm and the nights cold. Perfect for snuggling up with your mate.

  “Yes, please. Home. Only a week ago I was running away from my home and everything in it. Now I have a new one, and a new man.”

  He came to stand behind her, wrapping his arms around her. “Aren’t you glad your new man is a freak like you?”

  She leaned her head back, resting it on his shoulder, tilting it so that she could kiss him. He kissed her back, his hand going around her exposed neck and then slipping down to cup her breasts. Against her, his cock hardened. She couldn’t help pressing herself back onto him, moving her bottom to brush against his tortured member.

  He groaned. “Come on, let’s go, or I will be ripping your wedding dress from your body. And fucking you right here.”

  “Don’t even think about it. I am keeping this dress forever.” She stepped away from him and, glad that her clothes didn’t tear or disappear when she changed into her panther, she let the big cat take hold of her. The air shimmered all around her and then she was on all four paws. With a leap, she began hurtling down the mountain, with her big bear close behind her.

  In her head, she was laughing, joy at the world she lived in. A little earlier, Stuart had taken her aside and told her the whole Ollie thing was of no concern any more. It turned out he had been stabbed in a fight, and blamed her when the hospital called the police about it being gang related. Stuart said he had received a caution for wasting police time, since she could prove she was not with him, and he had been told quite firmly to stay away from Willow. The promise was repeated that if he ever came to Bear Bluff, he would not walk out of there in one piece.

  It had made her decide to stop looking for her parents. While she was still fresh in Ollie’s mind, she would be better staying here in Bear Bluff. She felt safe here, which was why they had decided to postpone their honeymoon. They would take it in the summer months, spending their time exploring the mountains, bear and panther, living off the land for two whole weeks.

  At the usual place they once more became human. Holding her dress up, they made the final descent to the town. Trent had left his car at the bottom of the trail. It now had an assortment of cans and balloons tied to it. She laughed, even though Trent scowled, especially when they drove off with a cacophony of noise behind them.

  However, by the time they reached the house, he had other things on his mind. As soon as the car stopped, he climbed out and opened her door, and then he lifted her into his arms. At first, she protested, but he wanted to do this the traditional way. Only pausing to open the door, he kissed her and carried her over the threshold.

  “This is it, the start of our married life.” He kissed her, and when they parted, she rested her head on his shoulder.

  “I never thought I could be this happy. The support of your friends getting everything ready for today has been amazing. I love my dress, I loved the reception, and I especially love you.”

  He laughed. “You know what I’d like now?”

  “Tell me?” She had an idea, but wanted him to tell her. But his reply was not what she had expected.

  “I want it to snow.”

  “Oh, not exactly what I thought you’d say. I thought it would involve sex.”

  “It does,” he said, his eyes twinkling as he walked towards the stairs. “If it snowed, I mean a real lot of snow, then you would have to spend the next week here with me.”

  “That would be incredible, cut off from everyone. And let’s face it; it wouldn’t be the first time I’ve been stranded with a bear.”

  “Oh, honey, he would go crazy, having you here at my demand for a whole week. But I guess I’ll have to make do with our wedding night for now.” As he carried her to their bedroom, outside, the snow did begin to fall. Maybe Trent would get this wish; although he didn’t want to be greedy, one dream had already come true. And she was the one in his arms right now.

  The End

  Home Or Her Bear

  Bear shifter Melanie, has not lived in Bear Creek long, she moved there with her brother, Kian so that they could find a better life. But they have been welcomed by the local community and her brother is already happy settled down with his bride, Alli, who Melanie adores.

  So when Melanie discovers who her mate is, she doesn't want to face up to her new future, no matter how hard it is to deny. She has found a home in Bear Creek and doesn't want to leave.

  But when Taylor, a Bear Bluff bear, rescues her, when he car crashes in the snow, she can no longer deny what is between them. But when he clashes with her brother, things get more complicated.

  She only hopes she can find a way to work out how to choose - it's either her home, or her bear. But whichever choice she makes, can ever truly be happy?

  Chapter One – Melanie

  Melanie watched the truck drive past the store window. She was altering a dress to be ready for a Bear Bluff wedding on Saturday, but as usual, when she heard the big truck driving down the road, she had to try to catch a glimpse of the driver. She had no idea of his name, or anything else about him for that matter.

  Except for one thing. He was her mate.

  “Everything OK, Melanie?” Alli asked.

  “Yes,” Melanie answered, feeling guilty, although of what she wasn’t sure. “I was just checking the weather. It’s icy out there. I don’t want you slipping over. Not when the baby is so close to being born.”

  Alli rubbed her swollen belly with the palm of her hand. “I wish the baby would arrive. I am fed up of this waiting.”

  “Not as fed up as Kian. He’s like a bear with a sore head.” Melanie laughed at her own joke, and soon Alli joined her. “There, that might get the baby moving. A good laugh always helps.”

  “Kian is as impatient as me, if not more. He is so broody.”

  “Now he’s settled financially, he’s going to want a big family, you know.”

  Alli went and put the kettle on to make some tea. “What about you, Melanie? It would be great if you found your mate and settled down. That way our cubs can run and play together.”

  Melanie quickly went back to her work. “No chance of that.” She wistfully looked up, imagining the truck driving by and having to stop. For some reason the driver would have to come into the store and she would be there; their eyes would meet and he would realise who she was.

  “Daydreaming again?” Alli asked, handing her a cup of tea. “You know if there’s anything you want to talk about, I am here for you, Melanie.”

  Melanie looked up at her sister-in-law and smiled. She couldn’t have wished for a better mate for her brother, Kian. “Thanks, Alli. But I’m content with the way things are.”

  “That’s a cryptic answer,” Alli said. But she didn’t pry and Melanie loved her for it.

  “I am going to get this finished, and then we can go home together. The way the weather is settling in, I doubt we are going to get any more clients today.”

  “Good idea. I can think of nothing better than sitting at home next to a great roaring fire.”

  “Apart from a new baby.”

  “Apart from a new baby,” Alli agreed, kicking her shoes off and rubbing her feet. “Thanks for picking up the slack here.” Bear Brides was Alli’s store, which catered to most of the brides in Bear Creek and Bear Bluff. However, she had taken Melanie on as a seamstress, and now had offered her the chance of being a partner in the store. It helped, of course, that Melanie’s brother had turned out to be Alli’s mate.

  “No problem, Alli. You know how much I love Bear Brides.” She turned her attention to the dress on her lap and tried to concentrate, but she still kept imagining the dream sequence where the truck stopped and she finally met her mate face to face.

  “Maybe one day soon, I might be altering a dress for you, Melanie,” Alli said
, casting a glance around all the beautiful dresses hung up in the store, waiting for a bride to choose one for her special day.

  Melanie blushed, hating to keep her secret from Alli, but her brother and sister-in-law had enough to deal with. “Maybe, but let’s get that baby of yours into this world before we think about me. Someone should tell it yesterday was supposed to be its birthday.”

  “It’ll come when it’s ready,” Alli said, drinking her tea and looking thoughtfully at Melanie.

  Melanie simply got on with her work, trying to get it finished so that she could get Alli home. She knew how much Kian worried, and how he hadn’t wanted Alli to come out today. But Alli wanted to make sure everything was OK at the store, and Melanie knew she also wanted to keep busy. With her maternity bags packed weeks ago, there was nothing else she could do to prepare for the birth. The house was also spotless; Alli had cleaned it from top to bottom several times, having embraced the nesting stage completely. While Kian had gone into, well, “den mode,” fixing things that didn’t need fixing. And generally keeping busy whilst checking on Alli incessantly. They were driving each other crazy.

  “OK,” Melanie said, packing her needle and thread away. I think I’m done. How does it look?”

  “Perfect. You have the nimblest fingers, Melanie.” Alli admired the finished dress while she drank the rest of her tea. Then she said, “Let’s go. You’re right; no one is going to come in today. The clouds look as though they are going to dump a few feet of snow on us. I think I would rather be home.”

  Alli got to her feet, rubbing her back, and then waddled to the kitchen to wash the cups up while Melanie swept the floor and tidied up. Then the two women made their way outside, where the first snowflakes were beginning to fall.

  “We need to get home fast. If we’re not careful, the roads will become impassable,” Alli said.

  “Surely not that quickly? It’s only just starting,” Melanie replied as they walked to the car. She held Alli’s arm, making sure her sister-in-law stayed on her feet.

  “Yes, that quick. I bet Kian is up at the house thinking of organising a rescue party.”

  “What if you go into labour tonight and we can’t get you to the hospital?” Melanie asked worriedly.

  “Hot water and towels—you will be on midwife duty!”

  “I couldn’t.”

  “Don’t worry; your brother has delivered enough animals to know what to do.”

  “He hasn’t had to deliver his own baby, though, do you know how panicked he’ll be?”

  They had reached the car, and Melanie unlocked it and helped Alli in. “Don’t worry,” Alli said, “I think this baby likes being in the warm too much. I don’t think it’s going to come anytime soon.”

  “I hope you’re right,” Melanie said, sliding into her own seat and switching the ignition on. The car turned over and then sparked into life. Melanie waited for the wipers to get rid of the slushy snow that had already settled on the windscreen, and then pulled out on to the deserted street.

  As they drove through Bear Creek, it became obvious that everyone who didn’t need to be out was inside staying warm. She couldn’t blame them, and as the snow came down in thicker flurries, she looked anxiously at Alli and hoped everything would be OK.

  Reaching the edge of town, she turned onto the road which ran along the side of the mountain. The snow was thicker here, and her tires skidded on some of the bends. Melanie slowed to a crawl, her heart rate increasing as her anxiety grew. But she didn’t want to go back to town; she wanted to get Alli home.

  Then, out of nowhere, a car came toward them. It skidded in the road, and Melanie swerved to avoid it, overcompensating as she hit a drift of snow.

  “Melanie!” Alli cried, but it was too late; the car went off the road, sliding into a ditch that took the melting water off the mountain. It was dry, but deep, and they hit the bottom with a sickening crunch.

  Chapter Two – Taylor

  “I will see you in the morning, Taylor,” Trent said. “I don’t think this snow will amount to much, it’s more over Bear Creek than here. The mountain seems to have kept it off us, so if you go first thing, you should make the delivery to Cougar Ridge.”

  “Sure. I’ll be here.” Taylor locked the cab of his truck and then threw the keys to Trent. “I’m going to go up the mountain. The snow is too inviting. I want to run off the kinks in my back from being sat in the truck all day. See you tomorrow.”

  “Don’t be late,” Trent called.

  With that, Taylor headed out along the road that led up into the mountains. He had a compulsion to run until his lungs felt like they were going to burst. An excitement had grown in him all day, he wasn’t sure why. All he knew was it had something to do with Bear Creek, the town on the other side of the mountain. For the last couple of weeks, every time he drove through there on the way home from a delivery, he had this prickling sensation on the back of his neck.

  He had never felt it before, and the idea was growing in his mind that it was his mate calling him. Yet this felt so preposterous, he had not shared it with anyone. They would all think he was crazy. After all, as far as he was aware, when you met your mate, you knew it. The feeling hit you square between the eyes and made you sit up and take notice.

  A tingling. That just wasn’t the same thing at all. But he was determined to go over to Bear Creek and have a sniff around to try to work out what the problem was.

  Far enough from Bear Bluff that he would not be seen, he allowed his bear to take over. It didn’t take much persuading; it had been getting a little restless the last few days too, one more sign that their mate was close by. He flexed his paws as the first flakes of snow fell onto his snout. Then he took a run up the hill, picturing the route he would take in his mind. It was a seriously arduous climb, but it was a shorter route, bringing him down on the outskirts of Bear Creek; there he would change and walk the rest of the way in his human form. Shifters were not common knowledge, even in Bear Bluff and Bear Creek.

  He only hoped the snow wasn’t too bad. Or else he might be stuck there. Something he couldn’t risk—if he were late for work tomorrow, Trent would go crazy. That delivery to Cougar Ridge was important; he knew they would be short of supplies if the snow came early. Looking up, he tried to work out what the weather was likely to do; his bear instincts told him they were in for a few inches of snow, but that might be all, and his bear told him it was worth the risk to find their mate.

  So he pushed on, his short legs straining to climb up over large boulders, his muscles powering him up higher and higher. The snow became deeper, but he knew if he could carry on for a few more minutes, he would be able to climb through the steep pass and then go down the other side of the mountain.

  Flicking the snow from his snout, he charged through the pass and out the other side, to run headlong down the mountain towards Bear Creek. The relations between the towns used to be fairly hostile, but since the marriage of the Bear Bluff chief’s daughter, Freyja, to Will, who hailed from Bear Creek, things had become friendlier. He knew he would be welcome, which was good, because he aimed on heading for the local shifter bar to try to figure out what was going on with his senses.

  Down he ran, sliding on the ice and snow as he went, feeling his spirits rise. Maybe today would be the day he met his mate! He chuckled to himself. How many times had he thought that? Every day for the last ten years. He knew he was young and might have to wait decades to find the one. However, the tingle along his neck reminded him something had changed, and the further down the mountain he went, the stronger the sensation was. Until he felt as though his destiny was drawing him to it.

  Now he was sure: somewhere below him was his mate. He just had to find her.

  Chapter Three – Melanie

  Melanie woke up shivering despite her hot bear blood; she put it down to shock. It was so cold, and the world around her was white. She sat up, feeling the seat belt pull across her shoulder. Slowly the memory of what happened came back t
o her and she sat bolt upright, jarring her neck. “Alli!”

  Alli was slumped forward, her seat belt tight around her swollen stomach. Putting a hand on her shoulder to stop her falling forward any more, Melanie unclicked Alli’s seat belt and eased her back. She groaned, but didn’t open her eyes. Panic filled Melanie’s chest. What if she had caused fatal damage to either Alli or the baby?

  A sob escaped her. What was she supposed to do? She reached for her purse, but when she took her cell out, she saw there was no reception. Looking up, she noted the car was slowly disappearing under a covering of snow and she could barely see the outside world. First thing she had to do was open the door and see if she could find help. Or should she stay with Alli, try to wake her?

  Melanie felt panic building up inside her. She wanted to cry, to run away and get someone else to deal with this. She wanted Kian. Kian would know what to do.

  “Kian isn’t here,” she told herself firmly.

  Taking a deep breath, she tried to open her door. It was jammed. Holding the handle down, she tried again, but it would not budge. Leaning over Alli, she tried her door too. It moved, but not much; all she gained was a blast of cold air and a sprinkling of snow inside the car. Great.

  “Alli. Alli, wake up.” Melanie patted her cheek, stroking her hand, feeling how cold she was. “Alli. Come on, I need you to wake up.”

  Alli stirred, moaning a little, and then was quiet again. Melanie looked around the car, her eyes resting on a blanket used for picnics in warm weather; that would do. She levered herself out of her seat and reached in the back for it. Her fingers closed around the fabric and grabbed hold of it, pulling it to her. Opening the blanket up, she placed it around Alli, trying to make her warmer, more comfortable.

  Then she turned her attention back to an escape route. The window might be her only option. But she needed the ignition to be on for the electric window to work. She turned the key in the ignition without starting up the engine. Then she pressed the button to lower the window. It began its slow descent, which worried Melanie, because it usually went down fast. Please go down; please go down, she repeated to herself.