She wanted this man more than she had wanted anything in her life. At the moment, nothing else mattered. Not her career, not the money she had desperately worked to acquire so as not to be poor ever in her life, not living up to the expectation of being a tough attorney and businesswoman. None of that mattered. Everything revolved around him. Her sanity depended on him only. Her mouth watered as she thought of his moist, voluptuous lips on her skin, kissing and teasing until he reached her feminine parts. She felt in control being this close to him, on top of him, feeling the growing bulge in his pants.
It was strange that suddenly she had all this power. And she had felt so silly the past three days, hoping he would come back to her. She could only hope that changing her attitude towards him would keep them together. Was that what she wanted? For them to be together? Deep in her heart, she knew it was true and she wanted him by her side, but her brain refused to accept this. She was beginning to trust him, and that Alpha male attitude he had only lured her in even more.
CHAPTER EIGHT
Having her that night was on another level. They were even more in tune with the other’s feelings and desires. The way they seemed to know what pleased the other was new to both of them. She felt he was keeping something from her, and he knew he had to tell her very soon. The need to claim his mate was something he struggled with like never before in his life. Before he met her the second time, he had been proud of himself. He had managed to tame the ferocious animal inside. It only took his whole life, but he did it. And now the animal was controlling him. He knew his bear had the best of intentions and wanted to make him happy, but biting her was a primitive way of wooing a female. Changing her into a shifter without her permission was out of the question. The human part of him knew that, but the bear part couldn’t be persuaded. She had to know what she was getting herself into, or she would never trust him again. He had to confess what she meant to him and ask her if she wanted this type of life.
They had fallen into the most peaceful, endorphin-induced sleep only to be woken up by Adam’s terrified screams and blank expression. He panted and his heart was threatening to burst out of his chest.
“Do you want to talk about your nightmare?” she said still nuzzling his neck.
After what seemed like a long time, Adam whispered in her ear: “I have to confess something, but I need you to promise to hear me out.”
She nodded.
“It’s the same nightmare I keep having for the past seven years or so. I see your deep-blue eyes and I wake up like this. That’s because we’ve met before. I mean, I’ve seen you before. You were in my restaurant more than seven years ago. You looked different back then. I remember you were very skinny, but you were so fiery and determined to help your client. That guy was so angry with you I wanted to break his neck. Instead, I sent you some chocolate cake and that made him calm down and almost gave you an orgasm.”
“Wait, what? Your restaurant? What’s the name of the place?”
“European Mix.”
“I can’t believe you. I can’t believe this! So that’s why your brother was there!” she shouted.
He grabbed her shoulders. “You promised,” he reminded her.
She calmed a bit and he continued.
“I kept my distance because back then I had other priorities, I didn’t trust my gut and I ended up making the worst mistake of my life, losing you. I didn’t believe a skinny girl like you could give me what I was looking for back then, so I just convinced myself to let it go,” he sighed.
“I don’t know what to say.”
“Say you’ll accept me in spite of my bad choices. I’m not going anywhere this time.”
“So you didn’t even have the guts to come talk to me? Why? I don’t get it.”
“Being intimate with someone is very important to me. If I think I can’t be myself and I have to hold back with a woman, just for the simple reason of not wanting to hurt her, I don’t pursue it. I’ve been burnt many times. I can’t say I’ve had much luck with women.”
“You haven’t had luck with women? Have you looked in the mirror? You’re so hot chicks must certainly worship the ground you step on.”
“I don’t want to think about other women now that I have you here. Are you willing to give me a chance? I’m not really interested in other women.” He didn’t even want to acknowledge how long it had been since he had touched one. He’d just drowned himself in work to forget about it. His bear grew even more restless and angry as before, but somehow they had managed to strengthen the connection between them, and he recognized her this time. His bear helped guide him through all of it.
Anna didn’t know what hit her. What did he mean about being intimate?
His confession only made her want to comfort him. Her kiss was soul-deep and soothing. She had so many things to tell him but didn’t know how, so she hoped the kiss would take that burden off her shoulders. She caressed his cheeks, his hair, and she finally couldn’t stand the buzzing noise she kept hearing. His bear was furious and wanted to roar his rage. Adam kept the leash very tight.
“What’s that noise? Can you hear it?”
He knew it was time for her to find out.
“If you don’t stop touching me like that I won’t be able to stop this time.”
“What do you mean?”
“Do you want me to be honest with you? This is scary and I can only hope what I’ve given you so far will be enough to keep you here after you hear what I have to say.”
“Are you terminal?” she was now ready to scream at how twisted fate was with her.
“No, far from it. I’m as healthy as it gets. I… my kind… We don’t get sick. I’m only half human. The other part of me is an animal.”
“Do you mean you are a killer?”
“No, baby. I’m more than you can ever imagine. I’m a shifter.”
“A shifter? Wait. Isn’t that only a myth?”
His bear disapproved. The animal took things literally. It couldn’t tell the difference between a joke and something serious.
“We are as real as possible. Hidden, but real.”
“Show me. I have to see you. What animal?”
“Are you sure?”
“Yes.”
“I can’t do it here. My animal can’t stand being in closed places, and even in the wild he isn’t very tame. I’m afraid you will get hurt.”
“I don’t understand how this is possible. I want to know what I’ve gotten myself into.”
“Well, it’s a long story and, to be honest, for some reason he is very anxious and angry now. I don’t know what’s wrong with him. I think it’s about claiming you.”
“Claiming me? What’s that supposed to be?”
“Don’t freak out. It’s one of our ancient unwritten rules that we only have a fated mate. I know it’s true, I’ve seen it happen with others of my kind. They are crazed when it comes to their mates, they are overprotective of them and fight other males. I thought I was better; I’ve lived in the city all my life so I said that only happens to those who live in small communities. I was and still am quite disconnected from my animal because of my upbringing and the way my family lived. The animal recognizes their mate and is restless and angry until it claims their mate. From the moment the two meet, a link forms between them which helps them feel and understand each other better. The claiming ritual is the piece that cements the link, uniting them, turning the mate in the process.”
“What do you mean turning? Into what?”
“Becoming like me.”
“What animal are we talking about, Adam?
“A bear.”
“And where does that leave me? What would I be? A woman, a bear?”
“You would be a shifter too. My mate. We can change at will. I will be honest. If you accept to be mine and we do this, you’re stuck with me. Not forever, because we don’t get to live that long, but definitely more than a human lifespan. And I swear to make it at least as exciting as it has been in
the past few days if you’ll have me.”
“Are you doing what I think you’re doing?”
“What exactly are you thinking?”
She giggled. “Are you proposing to me?”
“Are you saying yes?”
“I don’t know.”
CHAPTER NINE
They were taking their relationship to the next step, not the one people usually expect, meeting the parents or friends, but the fantasy one. Adam was a shifter, he could change into a bear. Anna wasn’t really convinced of that actually being true, but since she had sworn to herself to trust him and not check his police record, she was doing this. She hoped it was true because she was really falling for the guy next to her in the car. They had taken his SUV, the Pathfinder. The name seemed appropriate for this situation. They were finding each other’s path into the other’s life.
Adam opened the car door and got out, his hand lingering on it for a few seconds before closing it. He was really doing this. He was really nervous to show that part of himself he hadn’t shown to any woman. He was also terrified that in spite of how easily she had accepted the news, she would panic now and reject him. He hoped she was strong enough to go through with the mating process as well. Actually he knew she was strong enough, but the fact that she had trouble trusting men only made him doubt.
They both knew it was a lot to take in, but he trusted her and she seemed to trust him too. That didn’t mean she wasn’t still very unpredictable, capable of hurting him beyond recovery. He was at her mercy. The male in him hated this position, but he had to adapt if he wanted his mate to accept him and approve of their future together.
He closed his door and heard her door close at the same time. He couldn’t help thinking how independent and tough she looked. He had seen her in her dark moments, but he was even more impressed by his mate.
He hadn’t seen her all day, and his bear had been so anxious it almost made him shift and head for the forest to run his frustration off.
Static energy had been present all throughout the day. It had been a cloudy, yet hot day that only promised violent summer storms and heavy downpour. This part of town wasn’t inhabited. It was on the outskirts of the city and it offered the best view of the mountain in the background. It consisted mainly of curiously pristine forests that stretched for hundreds of miles up to the mountain. It was a protected area. Many animals roamed the thick woods and it was shifter territory. Bear territory, to be more precise.
This place was special for Adam and his brother. They had spent many years in the community which inhabited the higher parts of the mountain after their mother mysteriously disappeared when they were five. Their mother’s death had been a blow for their human father who had struggled to accept his wife’s disappearance and take care of two young cubs who grew more aggressive with each passing day. They couldn’t control their animals due to how young they were, and since they had felt their mother’s death through their heightened connection, it was even worse. Their father decided to send them to martial arts lessons and they somehow learned to let off some steam that way. They had always been very private, but a few years after their mother’s death, early into their teenage years, they rebelled and they often disappeared from home. They challenged authority at every step and wanted freedom. One night freedom found them roaming that forest. Authority came at them like a sobering cold shower. They crossed into the territory of a very tough bear shifter who owned a complex of chalets up in the mountains. He taught them to behave in the most aggressive way they had seen and that had put them on the right track. Even now, thinking about that time and this forest, gave the twins the chills. They were all on good terms now and met from time to time, but the respect and feelings were still there.
Looking up at the threatening darkness around the trees felt like coming home, especially now that his mate was there with him. His bear called to him to shift. To show his mate what a strong male she had by her side. To stamp his scent on her, claiming her body and heart. He drew in a deep breath, refreshing his memory with all the scents the forest had to offer, offering his bear a chance to cool off. The calm was yet to come. He felt like he would never be calm again, that this frustration he felt would stay with him forever.
They started walking in silence hand in hand. He had taken her hand as soon as they got out of the car and she allowed it. She didn’t know where he was taking her, though. She was grateful to have been inspired to wear a tee, jacket, jeans and trainers as the air was chillier there than in the city, and the misty humidity was taming her wavy hair into defined curls now.
She looked around her at the intimidating trees shooting up from the ground. She felt protected by the contact with his hand, that being the only thing guiding her in the darkness. She also felt uneasy as she had to watch her every step. She had to look more at her feet. Twisting tree roots made their way out of the ground everywhere, and she was envious of his confidence. Did he really know the way that well, or could he see in the dark?
He put his free hand on a tree and stopped. “I can smell your fear. I get that you don’t know what to expect, but I won’t hurt you. You’ve been alone with me until now, no?”
She nodded. She didn’t know what to say or why she felt so anxious. For so many reasons she didn’t care to acknowledge.
He cupped her cheeks and kissed her, silently promising everything he wanted to give her. Love. Safety. His life. His body. His attention. His everything. Everything he had guarded with his life until now.
She moaned and he released her, licking his lips.
“Mmm, you taste like chocolate.”
“I was nervous so I had some,” she smiled shyly. “Where are you taking me anyway?”
“You’ll see.”
Adam radiated confidence even if he didn’t feel like that at all. He wanted to get far from the road, and a ten-minute walk to the north would take them right to a clearing. They weren’t going up, the elevation didn’t change as they walked, making the trek more pleasant.
Startled by an owl hooting, Anna jumped, gasped as if someone or rather something touched her, and used her other hand to cover her now erratic-beating-heart. Adam put his right hand on her back, pulling her closer to him.
“It was only a bird. Calm down. Just a few more steps and we’re there.”
She seemed happy with the answer and looked in front of her. Only a few feet away, like he had said, was a clearing and the shore of a lake. The moonlight reflected in the dark waters and the mist was still quite thick, but the wind made it look like puffy clouds swaying above the surface.
Dancing mist. She had never seen anything like that. The lake looked like a natural barrier, banning people from going up the mountains guarding it majestically in the background.
Anna took a few steps in the direction of the lake, with the clear intention of touching the water. “Wow! This is incredible!” she said without looking behind at Adam. She went to the edge of the shore, carefully crouched and dipped her right hand in the water. It was freezing cold, yet refreshing. She did the same with the other hand. Although she lived at the foot of a mountain, she never went there. There was no time for that.
She turned around to tell Adam to try it but she was alone. He was nowhere in sight.
She got up and walked towards the tree line “Adam? Adam?” she panicked. “It’s not funny. It really …”
As she advanced in that direction, she saw two light orbs. An animal’s eyes. She froze. It was looking right at her. It was on four legs by the position of the eyes. Was it a wolf?
This wasn’t how she had envisioned her death.
Being spotted, the animal decided to leave the safety of the forest. Leaves and branches moved, and in a moment she saw the massive bear she was so terrified of. She didn’t know what to do. Should she run? Should she just remain there, glued to the ground? Should she scream? She just accepted her death, cursing Adam for playing this trick on her and leaving her there in the forest.
; Adam. Where was he? She couldn’t remember why she was there. What the purpose of their trip was.
Despite its threatening, imposing presence, the bear didn’t look angry. On the contrary, it didn’t roar or snarl or whatever sound bears even made. It was now a few feet in front of her and it wasn’t moving. That was when it hit her. It wasn’t trying to scare or eat her. She really wanted to believe that, but how could she when it was clear that a wild animal that size wasn’t just dropping by to say hi?
Her hands were now covering her mouth and she was perplexed. The bear was taller than her even on all fours, and it was simply staring at her. It moved, and she took a step back. She thought it was coming at her, but instead the bear lowered its head and sat down on its stomach.
What was the animal doing? Was it preparing to launch itself at her, or was that a submissive position? She didn’t know. The silence of the forest was pierced by a soft sound that was followed by others. It sounded like a call. She couldn’t understand where it was coming from. She didn’t dare look around, afraid the bear would take advantage of her distraction and attack her. It lifted its head, carefully lifting its awe-inspiring body off the ground. She took a step back again. It started walking her way, not taking its eyes off her. Those deep-lake-green eyes looked familiar. As she picked her brain, an image of Adam staring into her eyes while fucking her flashed before her eyes.
“Adam?” she whispered.
The bear’s head moved up and down. It was nodding. It stopped in front of her, and her hand moved without her will. It touched the bear’s head and the animal looked like it was enjoying the caress. It nuzzled the back of her hand and licked the water off it. All her anger disintegrated at the sight of the majestic animal bowing to her.
Shifting Impulse: A BBW Bear-Shifter Romance (Complete Edition - Books 1-3) Page 7
