“Human,” Gage supplied. “Marie is full human.”
“I’d like to speak with you, Gage. In private,” Lincoln said tersely.
Gage wiped his mouth and put down his napkin. “Anything you want to say to me, you can say it in front of Marie. She’s been living in Sweet Hollow, which is a shifter town. So she knows all about shifters.”
Lincoln snorted. “The shifters in Sweet Hollow are mostly small domesticated animals. They’re not like us.”
“Badgers aren’t domesticated,” Marie said calmly.
“Excuse me?” Lincoln’s bushy brows shot up.
Marie raised her coffee up at him. “You heard me. Badgers are fierce and aggressive, and there are quite a number of badger shifters in Sweet Hollow.”
Lincoln narrowed his eyes. “That may be the case, Miss Marie. But Bear Ridge isn’t like the other towns. We don’t have a mix of different shifters and humans in this town. Every resident in Bear Ridge is a bear shifter. And it’s best to keep it this way. So...you can stay for a few days and have a nice visit, but you’ll have to leave soon.”
“She’s not leaving, Lincoln,” Gage growled. “She is staying here with me.”
“Look, Gage, I don’t want to have to do this, but...”
Someone harrumphed loudly and interjected, “You should take that stick out of your ass, Sheriff!”
Gage stifled a chuckle when he heard Cherrie’s strident voice.
Cherrie was sitting at the other end of the restaurant with a group of ladies, and they were all looking over at Gage and Lincoln with curious, concerned expressions. In fact, everyone in the restaurant was now staring at them. Even the waitstaff had stopped what they were doing to listen in on their gruff exchange.
“Leave that nice young lady alone, Lincoln. Stop being such a grumpy old bear!” Cherrie called out.
Some of her friends tittered while others shot Marie sympathetic glances.
Two men stood up from their table and Gage groaned inwardly. Huck and Ray Smith were brothers and even though they were around Gage’s age, they weren’t quick to embrace change. They liked keeping the status quo and they were very vocal in their dislike and distrust of humans.
He knew that the Smith brothers had stood up to support the Sheriff.
“Humans aren’t welcome in Bear Ridge,” Huck declared, folding his arms.
“Yeah, we’ve always been a bear town. And that’s the way we like it,” Ray said.
“The Sheriff is right,” Huck went on, lifting his chin. “The human has to leave. She can’t stay here.”
Cherrie tsked and turned to the Smith brothers. “You boys should learn to be more open-minded.”
“Some people have such open minds that all their brains have fallen out,” Ray retorted.
When his brother elbowed him sharply, Ray coughed and amended quickly, “We don’t mean you of course, Cherrie. You’re the smartest, prettiest she-bear around here.”
“Flattery will get you nowhere, boys,” Cherrie said, wagging a finger at them. “I’m an experienced, seasoned sixty-year-old, not an impressionable twenty-year-old. And this isn’t about me.” She clinked her spoon against her glass and declared, “Let’s have a vote. I vote to have humans in Bear Ridge!”
The rest of the patrons began to murmur.
Some raised their cups and said, “Aye, aye.”
But others looked skeptical and wary, eyeing Gage and Marie unhappily.
“Do you really want to cause division and dissension in the town?” Lincoln leaned in and said to Gage. “Because this issue will divide the town right down the middle. You know that.”
The Sheriff straightened up and muttered, “I will do whatever is necessary to safeguard the town, Gage. So do the right thing and things won’t have to get ugly.”
Gage’s claws stabbed out and he rose from his chair but Marie put out a hand to stop him. “Please,” she pleaded.
Giving Marie one last look, Lincoln walked out of the restaurant and Huck and Ray sat back down slowly. The patrons went back to their meals, throwing occasional glances at Gage.
Cherrie came over and patted Marie on the shoulder. “The Sheriff is a good man, but he’s set in his ways. Don’t mind him. I’m Cherrie, by the way.”
Marie took her hand and shook it warmly. “I’m Marie. Thank you, Cherrie, for speaking up for me.”
“I always speak my mind,” Cherrie said with a wink and went back to her table.
Marie sipped her coffee and looked out the window with a troubled expression.
Gage covered her hand with his and said, “Don’t worry, Marie. They’re just overreacting. Everything’s fine.”
She nodded but didn’t look convinced.
“I don’t want to cause any trouble...”
“Why would you cause any trouble?” Gage said, squeezing her hand. “You’re not a dangerous criminal. You’re an honest, law-abiding citizen. Lincoln may be the Sheriff, but he can’t do anything to you if you didn’t break the law. He can’t arrest you or force you out of Bear Ridge.”
Marie blew out a slow breath. “I know quite a bit about small town life. If the townspeople turn against you, they can make your life really difficult and unpleasant. I don’t want you to offend your friends and neighbors because of me...”
“I won’t offend them. But I won’t let anyone bully, intimidate or harass you either. You’re staying here with me. This is none of their business, and they know that. I will never endanger you or my town. Trust me, Marie.”
She stared into his eyes for a long while. Finally, she smiled and laced her fingers through his. “I do,” she whispered.
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
Marie had been in Bear Ridge for about two weeks now and she found that many of the townsfolk were actually pretty friendly towards her.
Only a handful of residents regarded her with suspicion and turned away when they saw her.
But Jana told her not to worry about them.
“They’ll come round,” Jana had cheerily assured her. “They just need some time.”
Jana had asked Marie to go shopping with her today, and Marie had readily agreed. The two of them went to the newest and largest shopping mall in Bear Ridge and popped into almost every shop. By the end of the day, Jana had her arms full of shopping bags, while Marie had gotten herself a lovely pair of shoes at a great discount.
“Let’s surprise Gage at his shop!” Jana suggested.
Gage was pleasantly surprised when they dropped in on him at his hardware store. He grinned at them and said, “You two look like you had loads of fun today.”
“Yeah, we did. I wanted to do some last minute shopping,” Jana said.
Gage nodded. “You’re leaving in two days’ time.”
“You’re going back to the city,” Marie said softly. “I’ll miss you, Jana.”
“You can come visit me.” Jana slung an arm around Marie’s shoulder. “But I’m sure my brother will be keeping you busy here in Bear Ridge.” She waggled her brows at Gage.
“Oh yeah, I almost forgot to tell you,” Jana went on with a giggle. “I’ll be at Donna’s place tonight. We’re having a slumber party. It’s like we’re teenagers again!”
Gage laughed. “Okay. Have fun, and say hi to Donna for me.”
Jana checked her phone and said, “Oh, Donna just asked me to get our favorite snacks for tonight. I’ll be off now!” She headed for the door, still busily tapping on her phone. “See ya!”
With that, she was gone.
A few customers walked into the store and Marie watched Gage help them with their selection and purchases. After they left, Gage glanced at the clock and said, “I’m closing up now. Give me a minute.”
As Gage locked up, he asked Marie, “Would you like to try that new Italian restaurant...”
“Actually...I would like to cook for you tonight,” Marie said shyly.
Gage beamed. “That sounds great!”
They were home in no time, and Marie realized with a start that she alrea
dy regarded Gage’s house as her home. She loved living with Gage, and the more she got to know Gage, the more she liked him.
But...she felt bad that she had taken over Gage’s bedroom. She had repeatedly told Gage that she could take the couch but he refused to hear of it.
She didn’t want Gage sleeping on the couch in his own home. He should be in his very comfortable king-sized bed.
While Marie bustled around the kitchen, Gage offered to help but Marie waved him away. “Go,” she said, shooing him out of the kitchen. “Go take a shower and just relax. I’ll get everything ready.”
“But...”
“Go.”
“Yes, M’am.” Gage grinned and sauntered off.
Marie allowed herself to ogle his tall, brawny frame as he walked out of the kitchen. Gage was sinfully sexy, with his rugged good looks and muscular physique. He was also strong and protective, and he was fiercely loyal to his family.
Marie sighed.
Gage was everything she wanted in a mate.
But...she shouldn’t indulge in dreams and fantasies. Gage and his family had been so kind to her. She wished she could do more for them to express her profound gratitude.
Marie threw the ingredients into the pot and began to cook. Well, she would start by preparing a lovely meal for Gage.
When they settled down to eat, Marie watched Gage nervously as he took his first bite. “Mmmm...perfect!” he declared as he chewed and swallowed.
Dinner was perfect. They had soup, garlic bread and lamb chops with herbs, and they talked, ate and laughed together. The food was great, but the company was even better.
After dinner, they settled down to watch some TV.
It felt so comfortable, so...normal.
Marie wished that she was living this life, for real. All she ever wanted was a normal life with her partner, her life mate. She wanted so badly to have a real, loving family.
Marie glanced up at Gage and blushed.
She couldn’t deny her own feelings any longer.
She had fallen in love with Gage. And she had fallen hard. Her heart already belonged to him, but...could she stay here with him? She didn’t want him to have to choose between her and the town he loved.
Sighing, she leaned closer to him and Gage wrapped his arms around her.
Marie closed her eyes as Gage caressed her tenderly. He stroked down her arms and rested his hand on her waist.
Gently, Gage tilted her face up with a finger under her chin.
She gasped when she saw his eyes glowing with raw, feral hunger and desire.
Her lips parted and Gage let out a low growl.
Before she could react, he grabbed her and captured her mouth in a bruising, demanding, passionate kiss.
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
The kiss seemed to spark an inferno in her. Marie could feel a sizzling bolt of pure lust hurtle through her body. Moisture pooled between her legs as she moaned softly against Gage’s sexy mouth.
Gage kissed her hungrily, his hands moving down her curves. When he cupped her breasts, Marie arched her back and whimpered.
“Gage,” she said breathlessly, wanting him to take more.
She gasped when he thumbed her hard, aching nipples through her bra.
All rational thought fled from her mind when Gage pushed her t-shirt and bra up and drew her breast into his mouth.
He suckled her furiously, using his teeth and tongue to tease her puckered nipples. He kept flicking his tongue over her erect, sensitive peaks, making her writhe and groan with need.
Marie raised her arms to let Gage pull her t-shirt and bra over her head. He held her half naked body and stroked his calloused hands reverently over her bare breasts and stomach.
Gage began to unbutton her jeans and when he slid his hand into the waistband of her panties and cupped her wet pussy, Marie rubbed herself wantonly against him.
Gage stared into her eyes as he slid a finger into her.
Marie threw back her head and closed her eyes. “More,” she whispered.
Without warning, Gage reared up and tossed her over his broad shoulder. He took the stairs three at a time and charged into his bedroom.
At the foot of the bed, he paused, giving her the chance to voice her objection.
Marie had no objection at all. None.
Instead, she squirmed and rubbed her body against his. She was getting so wet, and she wanted to feel every inch of Gage’s hard, solid body.
Gage laid her on the bed and began to tug her jeans down her hips.
As she pushed herself up on her elbows, she looked up and saw Gage’s eyes burning with primal hunger. His nostrils flared and she suddenly realized that he could scent her arousal.
Gage’s muscles bulged and he seemed to grow even bigger. His claws sliced out as he loomed over her.
Marie panted as she watched Gage. She knew that his bear was so close to the surface but she wasn’t scared at all. Seeing Gage with his beast just beneath his skin thrilled and aroused her.
This was Gage. All of this was Gage. His bear was a part of him, and she loved all of him.
Snarling, Gage shredded her panties with his claws.
Marie lay back on the mattress, completely bare and naked for him.
Sighing, she raised her arms up over her head in complete surrender. She trusted Gage and she was surrendering her body and pleasure to him.
She knew he would take care of her.
And she wanted him to make her his.
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
Gage didn’t want to wait a second longer and he didn’t want to leash his bear. His mate was in his bed and she wanted him.
He sheathed his claws and stared at his mate spread out on his bed like a feast for him.
Gage wanted to pleasure his beautiful mate the whole night. Marie was his to taste, savor and pleasure. He wanted to hear her sweet cries of ecstasy as he made her come again and again.
“You are so beautiful, Marie,” he growled.
Marie whimpered when he laved his tongue down her luscious body.
As he suckled her, he pushed two fingers into her hot, tight body. Moving his mouth lower, he kept fucking her with his fingers while he sucked on her swollen clit.
Marie bucked off the mattress when he flicked his tongue around her engorged nub. She was so responsive, so damn sexy.
Growling, Gage pulled out of her and licked her sticky juices off his fingers. His eyes closed in bliss at the taste of his mate.
He needed more.
Pressing his mouth to her pussy, he lapped hungrily at her honey, tasting her thoroughly.
His mate was so sweet, so fucking delicious.
Marie cried out in pleasure as he thrust his tongue in and out of her.
Her body began to tremble as she fisted the sheets. Gage kept fucking her with his tongue until she came violently against his mouth.
Her honey squirted onto his tongue, and Gage lapped up every drop of her sweet juices. Growling with satisfaction, he kissed his way up her quivering body.
Marie shivered as she wrapped her arms around him. Gage held her lovingly and kissed her, letting her taste herself on his lips.
Marie let out a moan as Gage deepened the kiss. She was the most beautiful female Gage had ever seen. She was so tiny, but so strong and brave.
Gage knew that he would never, ever have enough of her. He would always want her, always.
He continued touching her, stroking her, letting his lips and tongue roam all over her body.
He would take his time exploring and savoring his wonderful, incredibly sexy mate. His bear was eager to claim and mark her, but Gage wanted to give Marie as much pleasure as he could.
He was going to pleasure her out of her mind.
As Marie reached for him and began fumbling with his belt, Gage saw the impatience and frustration on her face.
“Why are you still wearing clothes?” she hissed, tugging frantically at his shirt. “Why aren’t you naked? I want you, Gage. I want you
now.”
Gage smirked and caught both her wrists in one hand.
“Easy now,” Gage drawled. “You have me. I’m all yours, Marie.”
CHAPTER NINETEEN
Marie felt her breath hitch at his words. She didn’t realize just how much she wanted him. She wanted him to be hers. Forever.
She didn’t want any other female to touch him.
He is mine!
Marie gasped at that possessive, firm voice in her head.
She blinked and frowned. Gage didn’t belong to her. He was a single, available and every eligible bachelor.
Marie watched Gage shed his clothes and she trailed her eyes appreciatively down his ripped, rock hard body.
He was gorgeous, and she couldn’t wait to sink her teeth and nails into him. She wanted to rub herself all over him so that he would wear her scent, and she wanted to bite him to leave her mark on him. She wanted to do everything she could to warn other females away from her man.
Marie startled when she heard a low growl. Her eyes widened further when she realized that the growl was coming from her.
“What am I doing?” she mumbled, shaking her head. She was acting like a possessive, territorial female in heat. She had lived in a small shifter town so she knew that shifters were really possessive over their mates, but...she wasn’t a shifter, and Gage wasn’t her mate.
Was he?
Marie heard herself growl again. That pouty, persistent voice in her head insisted that Gage belonged to her and her alone.
For once, Marie decided to listen to her instincts and her heart. She wanted Gage and it was clear that he was deeply attracted to her. He was strong, sexy and caring, and he was single. And more importantly, he was right here, in her arms.
No man had ever made her feel this way before. She had never been so powerfully and fiercely attracted to any man. Until now.
Gage was making her body and heart throb with aching desire and longing.
She wanted more. She wanted to feel everything with Gage.
She felt safe with him, and she just knew that he would always protect her. If she fell, he would be right there to catch her.
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