An Heiress For The Bear (Sarkozy Brothers 2)

by Meredith Clarke

  Lukas glanced at his cousin, noting the fear and grief already lining his face. He'd already begun to grieve the loss of Marko. Lukas sighed. "She's unhurt, yes. But I told her the truth about us. Chances are, come morning, she's as good as gone."

  Marek was shaking his head. "Trust me, brother. Whatever happens, just fight for her. Someone I know once told me to figure out if Carson was worth fighting for. I have a feeling Kat is worth it too."

  Lukas stared at Marek's face, the dark hair, the strong features. He looked like a goddamned wrestler, but the man had a heart of gold. Lukas rubbed his face, pressed his fingers to his eyes.

  He'd driven Kat straight to the Sarkozy Hotel suite, having no idea that Carson and Marek had made up barely an hour before. He couldn't believe that he'd left his staff vulnerable to an attack by James King. Maria's boyfriend had upped the ante with this threat.

  He sighed. It wasn't the time to be thinking about getting Kat to testify that King had attacked her. Tomorrow.

  Right now, he looked at Marek. "What's the update?"

  Marek brought him up to speed, but nothing significant had developed, apart from the fact that half a dozen families had gone to ground already. They still needed to get themselves sorted.

  "Does Delta Corps need us?"

  Marek grunted during a second shot for Lukas. "Probably. But that can wait until tomorrow."

  Lukas nodded and took the glass, sipping slowly this time.

  Kat in danger had frightened him more than he'd ever thought possible.

  Maybe it was for the best if she did leave.

  At least then she'd be safe.

  29. KAT

  KAT OPENED HER EYES AND swallowed. Her throat almost refused the action.

  She sat upright so suddenly that she felt like she was going to pass out again. But when the memories of last night's attack came flooding back, the only thing that stood out in stark focus was the claws on Lukas's bear-like hands.

  He'd been telling her the truth.

  The room door opened, and Alana poked her head inside, her eyebrows raised to find Kat awake. "Good. You're up," she said as she entered and shut the door behind her.

  "What time is it?" asked Kat.

  "Just on seven." Alana stopped at the foot of the bed and studied Kat's face. "I knew I'd seen you somewhere before. Probably why I never liked you in the first place."

  "What are you taking about?" Kat asked as she pushed herself into a sitting position and shoved her hair out of her face.

  "Katriona Brandon, granddaughter of Constantine Brandon."

  Kat scowled. "So what about it?"

  Alana folded her arms. "What are you up to? Is it some type of scam?"

  "What the hell are you on about, Alana? It's too early in the morning for this shit."

  "Your anonymous donor? You trying to scam your grandfather's estate by giving his money to us? I doubt your donor is legit."

  Kat threw the blankets off her legs and pushed herself to her feet. Someone had removed her torn dress, and she blinked at her body, encased in the singlet and shorts she usually wore to sleep.

  She focused on Alana. "It's really none of you business, but for the record, it's not my grandfather's money I'm donating, it's mine."

  Alana laughed. "I saw the first transfer. Where would you get money like that?" she scoffed.

  "I'm a Brandon, in case you didn't realize it. And virtually the old man's sole heir. I have more money than I'd ever know what to do with."

  Alana's lips formed a thin, angry line as Kat's financial status sank in. She stared at Kat for a moment, then turned on her heel, heading to the door. On the threshold, she looked over her shoulder. "Lukas doesn't appreciate lies. He won't be happy to know you lied about your identity." With that, she closed the door and left Kat to fume all by herself.

  Kat was furious, but she forced herself to brush her teeth, shower, and encase herself in the hotel's oversized robes. She was about to lift the phone to call the front desk and request help with obtaining clothing when the door opened and Carson tiptoed inside.

  "I thought you were awake. The Ice Bitch just marched out of the suite like she had a hot poker up her ass." Carson grinned. "What did you say to her?"

  Kat sighed and sank onto the mattress. "Just that I have enough money to buy and sell the Sarkozys ten times over."

  Carson snorted and sat beside her. "More than ten times, woman." They laughed for a few moments, then her friend looked at her. "How you feeling?"

  Giving a limp shrug, Kat said, "Sore, but I'll live. And I need clothing."

  Carson jumped to her feet. "I brought some of your stuff for you. They're in the closet."

  "Thanks. And please tell me that you stripped me of my clothes and got me into my pajamas?"

  Carson giggled. "Yup. Unfortunately, it was me. Lukas paced and drank brandy and then had to be threatened with his grandfather's name before he went to bed. But I don't think he slept much. He's been mooching around for an hour now."

  "So you know about the shifter thing?" Kat asked abruptly. She got to her feet and rummaged in the closet for something to wear.

  "Yup."

  "That why you left Marek?" Kat turned back to look at Carson as she pulled on tights and a long cable-knit sweater.

  "Yup."

  "And yet you still went back to him?"

  "Yup."

  "Got anything else for me beside yup?"

  Carson laughed. "It took me a while, but I dealt with it. I love Marek for who he is and how he makes me feel. His species is only part of who he is."

  When she caressed her slightly rounded stomach, Kat's eyes widened. "He knocked you up?"

  "Yup."

  Kat waved a hand at Carson's stomach and sighed. "You're going to have bear babies?"

  "I'm going to have Marek's babies. That's all that matters."

  Kat stiffened. "Wait a minute. Just hold the phone." She stared from Carson's pregnant belly to her face. "I thought the Sarkozy men can't have babies. Something about curses."

  Carson nodded. "I love being the anomaly."

  Heading for the door, Kat said, "I'm going home. I need to think about this."

  "Don't take too long thinking. Things are hitting the fan big time."

  Pausing with her hand on the doorknob, Kat glanced over her shoulder at Carson. "What things?"

  "One of the Sarkozy cousins has been kidnapped. This isn't the first time one of their family has been taken, and they're all ripped up about it. They're terrified for their families. Everyone's been told to stay safe and to go to safe houses if possible. Marek wants to take me to Klamath, and I can't say no. I have to think about the baby."

  Kat wasn't sure what to say in response to Carson's monologue.

  Instead, she nodded, understanding her friend's warning to stay safe. But the problem was that Kat was no longer safe.

  Not since she'd realized how in love with Lukas Sarkozy she was.

  And how in love with a bear shifter she was.

  30. LUKAS

  LUKAS WAS WALKING OUT OF the private lounge when Kat sailed past him, almost knocking him off his bone-tired feet.

  "Kat?" he asked as she flung the door open.

  "I need to think," she said softly, hurrying down the corridor toward the bank of elevators.

  "I understand that, but it's a little dangerous right now."

  "Yeah, I heard." She stabbed the elevator call button.

  "I'll come with you. Just to make sure you're safe," he said carefully, hoping she wouldn't bite his head off."

  She didn't.

  The silence as they waited for the elevator was thick enough to cut with a knife. Lukas blew his breath out through his mouth. "Marek said Alana visited. And left in a fury."

  Kat crossed her arms across her chest. Tilting her head she met his eyes, glaring at him. "What? Didn't she come running to you with the truth?"

  Lukas frowned, shaking his head. "Truth?"

  The elevator arrived and as they stepp
ed inside Kat huffed, shifting her gaze from his face to the brightly lit row of numbers on the panel above the doors. "I don't plan on giving her the satisfaction then." She cleared her throat then shifted to face him, holding her hand out. "Katriona Brandon-Carter, granddaughter of Constantine Brandon."

  Her eyes flashed as she glared at him. Daring him to do ... what?Lukas scowled, glaring at her outstretched hand. Kat's spine was stiff, her expression strained. She was throwing this information into his face, as if the knowledge that her family connections would push him away.

  Then Lukas let out a short laugh. "You are the donor." He relished the rush of relief that washed over him.

  Kat lifted her chin. "You have a problem with that?"Lukas pursed his lips, shaking his head. "Of course not. Why would I?"

  Kat inhaled harshly. "Alana seemed to think my omission would be unforgivable."

  Lukas let out a snort. "Glass houses?" He raised an eyebrow. "Besides. My omission tops yours, hands down."

  Kat gave him a hesitant glance, but when the elevator doors opened she lurched forward and strode out into the lobby, straight past the front desk. Lukas followed in her wake, worried, afraid to stop her, afraid to leave her alone.

  They exited the front doors, the doorman opening them with a tentative smile. Neither paid him any attention as Kat hurried toward the street and Lukas followed.

  They were almost at the curb when a black SUV pulled up in front of them, tires skidding, engine rumbling. The back door swung open so fast that Kat would have been hit in the face had she not stepped back in time.

  Lukas stared in horror as a man was shoved out of the back seat. He tumbled over and hit the sidewalk hard.

  Lukas didn't pay attention to the vehicle or check for plates. He knew none of that would be worth the effort because the Legion never left a trace of their presence.

  But this time they had left something behind.

  Aleks.

  31. KAT

  DESPITE HER SHOCK, KAT HELPED Lukas get Aleks back inside. Both Marek and Lukas were big in size and stature, and Aleks looked like he should be too. Only he was thin, emaciated almost, and his face was gaunt, cheeks hollowed, dark circles under his eyes.

  She'd seen the horror on Lukas's face as she took in the condition of his cousin, and her heart had broken for him. She'd barely had time to process the fact that Lukas didn't mind her being loaded. And then it had all seemed irrelevant when the man had been tossed at their feet.

  Now she remained at his side while they struggled to hold onto Aleks as Lukas banged on the door to their hotel suite. Marek thrust the door open, and Kat had to blink back tears at the expression on his face as he saw his brother supported between her and Lukas.

  Marek moved forward, and Kat stepped aside, allowing the men to take their brother inside. Although she felt extraneous, she didn't want to leave, and ended up keeping Carson company while the men tended to Aleks.

  It felt like hours had gone by when the two men finally left the bedroom where they'd taken Aleks. Marek rubbed his neck while Lukas ran a hand over his face.

  He came to her, and the pain in his eyes made her want to cry. Such strong men, and yet family meant so much to them that it was ripping them apart to see Aleks in such a condition.

  Lukas took Kat's hand and drew her to her feet. "I'm sorry you had to see that."

  Kat ignored his words. "I'm glad he's back alive. How is he?"

  Lukas looked at Marek. "He's been through a lot. But we'll try to help him heal." He took a breath and looked up at the ceiling for a second. Then he met her gaze. "I won't blame you for wanting time to think. We're a bit of a zoo right now."

  "That's an understatement," Kat said, grinning as Lukas did a double take at her response.

  "I don't want you to feel pressured." Then he sighed. "In fact, maybe it's for the best if you... if you decide against... us."

  The silence in the room was suffocating, and Kat glared at Lukas.

  But Carson spoke, cutting her off. "What the hell is it with you Sarkozy men trying to push away a woman when she finally agrees to be with you?"

  Lukas and Kat looked at Carson.

  Carson glared back while Marek shrugged, looking amused. "I think it's time we gave these two some privacy, mama bear." Marek got to his feet and held a hand out to Carson. At first, it looked like she wasn't going to take it, but in the end, she huffed and got to her feet, stalking off to the private lounge on her own. Marek followed her, a wide grin on his face.

  When they were alone, Lukas turned to Kat and stared at her face.

  She lifted her hand and placed it against his cheek. "Things have been happening insanely fast for us. You've turned my life upside down in so many ways, but in spite of it all, I still can't imagine life without you."

  Lukas shook his head. "We're dangerous."

  "Pfft. From what I know, bears are cuddly." She slid her arms around his waist and lay her head on his chest.

  "The Legion is dangerous. You'll be in harm's way."

  "From what I know, bears are protective creatures."

  Lukas shifted back and Kat glanced up at his face. His eyes were wide and filled with love and desire as he glanced at her lips.

  Fire shot through her body, pooling at her core.

  She sighed. "All you have to do is look at me and I'm melting for you. How can I possibly leave you now?"

  Lukas shook his head and kissed her. This was no passionate, heady kiss. This was tender and sweet, filled with promise and hope.

  "You are mine, woman," he whispered against her lips.

  "And you are mine, bear."

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  Other Books From Meredith Clarke

  Highland Brothers

  A set of broody artistic bears who are searching for their mates.

  The Write Bear

  The Steel Bear

  Bear Exposure

  Bear Strokes

  Bear Treble

  Rogue Bear Series

  Military bears set on keeping promises and finding the courage to love again.

  Ranger Bear

  Delta Bear

  Beret Bear

  The Salem Shifters Series

  A witch and a bear must uncover a dangerous murder plot that threatens their beloved town and home.

  Luck of the Bear

  Bearly Lucky

  Lucky be a Bear

  Also

  Bearing the Storm

  When a polar bear shifter meets his mate sparks fly in the Alaskan wilderness

  Roped By The Bear

  A cowboy bear shifter meets a ranch princess, but what happens when her family forbids their romance?

  For Bear or For Worse

  Billionaire love story, Cole Maddox must find his mate before the clan falls apart.

  The Sarkozy Brothers

  A Siren for the Bear

  An Heiress for the Bear

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  About the Author – Meredith Clarke

  Meredith Clarke likes long walks in the trees and drinking sangria. Yeah for real. Like Edward Sparkly Cullen style. She writes alpha male yet cuddly characters and the hot women that love them. Open a book or two, eat a s'more, and cuddle up with the men of Meredith Clarke.

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