The tournament had ended and Francis had won, and Rock and Ana had gloated. But there was a feeling of resignation in the air now that the excitement was over. A winner had been chosen, no more opportunity for anyone to take the prize.
And for Riker, no more excuses to hold off on telling his mate he’d already mated her.
“I’m ready,” she said, coming out with her bag, which he took from her, slinging it over his shoulder.
Her face was so familiar now that he couldn’t imagine there being a day when he didn’t see it. Softly rounded shape with a pointed chin, sharp, pretty eyes, full mouth.
She raised an eyebrow. “You’re staring.”
“I know,” he said. “I just can’t believe how lucky I am.”
“You know, with how hard you fought this, I can’t believe how mushy you are.”
“It’s like a slingshot,” Riker said. “The harder you pull it back, the faster it shoots forward. Once I commit, that’s it.”
She gave him a hesitant smile, and he felt the nerves inside him triple.
He was this huge bear who didn’t fear anything in the world… except her leaving him.
“So where are we going?” she asked, following him outside into the sunshine.
Lots of the participants were in groups, talking about the brawl and relaxing. But for Riker, this week had never been about the brawl. For him, it was all about Ana.
She headed toward his truck, but he shook his head and took a turn to the back of the cabin, where he’d parked a bike just for her, with some custom touches he’d snuck away to finish.
When she rounded the corner and saw him by the bike, putting her stuff in the storage, she stopped, mouth gaping.
When she’d composed herself, she came forward. She was wearing a light-pink hoodie, and her arms were wrapped tightly against herself as she got close to the bike. She circled around it, lips pursed.
“Is this for me?” she asked.
“Yes,” he said.
“Oh, Riker, you shouldn’t have.”
“Why not?” he asked, rubbing his neck. “I mean, even if you left, I figured it would give you something to remember me by.”
He waited for her to reassure him she wasn’t leaving and felt a rock form in his stomach as she gave him a weak smile but didn’t say anything.
She walked forward. “It’s the fire and ice bike I loved,” she said.
“Yes,” he said. “But look, I put your name in the fire.”
Her first name was done in script, blending in amongst the beautiful red and orange. And he’d added a few other touches here and there. A small bear claw at the front, a little medical symbol at the back. None of it interfered with the design, but someone looking closer could find each little touch.
She looked up at him with watery eyes and ran to give him a hug. “It’s beautiful. You’re so talented.” She gave him a play punch in the arm. “Who would think such a big, bad bear would do such beautiful work?” She left him go to inspect the paint again. “You know, you could make so much doing this where I live.”
He frowned. “I like the mountains. It’s quiet.”
And then they were at an impasse again. Each trying hard not to say what they wanted in case the other person wanted something different.
“It’s beautiful, but I’ve only ridden a few times. I’m not sure I’m ready for my own bike,” she said.
“Perfect time to learn,” he said. “I’ll drive it on the way there, and you can drive it back.”
She listened to him as he explained the gas and brake and how to turn and then got on behind him, buckling up her helmet. When her small hands clasped around his waist, he felt totally complete.
He didn’t ever want her to let go.
They took off down the hill, and she gasped and then laughed as they pulled onto the canyon road leading into the town. Past the bar and the restaurant on the fringes and into the actual heart of the town, where there were a few small, older houses, some little businesses that had shut down until tourist season, and a lot of beautiful old roads and sitting areas and mini parks.
They drove on through town and up a road on the other side, winding through tall trees until his other cabin came into view. The one she hadn’t seen yet.
It was a beautiful old place, despite the fact that he’d grown up there and it held a lot of bad memories. That was probably why he spent so much time at the shop. So he didn’t have to think about it.
The cabin was raised above the ground on a huge deck supported by log columns, and it was several stories of beautiful, local wood. The interior was luxurious, filled with handmade and imported furniture.
If his dad hated the lot he’d been handed in life, he was at least going to use his money to make his digs as luxurious as possible.
Not that it had made life any better for Riker or his brothers.
He parked the bike and helped Ana off and was pleased as she looked around in wonder.
“Now this is what I call a cabin,” she said, taking off her helmet, her red hair adorably mussed. She followed him up the steps to the main deck, and he got out his keys to unlock the door. “This is like somewhere a billionaire would go on vacation. To get away from it all.”
“Well, Ryland doesn’t really visit, and he’s arguably a billionaire. I haven’t asked him, though. Don’t really care about money.”
“Interesting,” she said. But she seemed more engrossed in stepping into the large front room and looking around at the furnishings. “It’s beautiful.”
“This is my real home,” he said. “Where I stay when the Brawl isn’t running.”
“But it’s so quiet,” she said, walking toward the sliding glass back doors and looking out at the deck and the wildlife. “Doesn’t it get lonely?”
He was hoping it wouldn’t anymore.
“When was this built?” she said. “It’s so gorgeous and ageless.”
“I don’t know,” he said. “I grew up here, though.”
She whipped around to face him, expression dropping. “Oh, I’m sorry, Riker.”
“That’s okay,” he said, walking with her toward the back and opening the glass doors. “There are good memories as well as bad.” They stepped out onto the deck. “And I’m hoping for more in the future as well.”
She gave him a curious look and then saw the table he’d set up for them. Candles waiting to be lit, two sets of dining ware, one at either side of the table. There were lights out here, but it wouldn’t be dark for some time. You could hear the birds in the distance, hear the tall trees rustle all around you, feel totally alone and totally one with nature at the same time.
He was hoping to show her the best part of the mountain. Perhaps, without his bad memories, she could be happy here.
“Wow,” she said. “We’re eating here?”
“Yes,” Riker said, pulling out her chair to help her get seated.
Then he went inside, pulled the food out of the oven where it had been warming, and slid it onto a silver tray and covered it to carry it out.
He set it down on the table, uncovered it, and began serving her carrots and mashed potatoes.
She sighed. “Mmm. That smells amazing.”
“Just wait for the main course,” he said, bringing out another covered tray. This one held raw steaks, which he held under her nose.
“Um, no offense, but I don’t eat raw meat. Maybe that’s how bears do it—”
“No,” he said, laughing. “That’s not how bears do it.” He walked to his grill and got it ready for cooking. “This is how bears do it. I’m not the best at everything, but you don’t get any respect up here unless you can cook a mean steak.”
She giggled. “All right, then. Impress me.”
He went to work, carefully placing the steaks on the grill, asking her how she liked hers cooked, and making sure it went perfectly. Upstairs, he had the bedroom ready for when they made love.
But the ring box in his pocket was practically burning, and
he was always aware that no matter how perfect the dinner or the rest of the night was, she could still refuse him, ruining everything.
He was carrying his heart in that damn box, and if she said no, he wasn’t sure what he would do.
He turned over a steak and tried to stay calm.
Riker was so nervous Ana was positive something was up. And she was nervous, too, despite the obvious beauty up here and the amazing gift he’d given her.
She’d been speechless over the gift of the bike. In her opinion, it was one of the most gorgeous in his shop, and she’d been blown away by his thoughtfulness in adding little touches. Somehow, he’d found some time to sneak over to his shop and add what he could, and it felt like her bike.
Well, their bike because it felt like a perfect representation of their love. Two opposites intertwining and complementing one another.
Certainly, she’d melted a little of the ice in him, and he’d kept the fire in her from burning too high. Together, they were just right. Yet she hadn’t been able to shake her doubts about leaving. She kept feeling she really should think about all of this away from the beautiful mountain and Riker’s persuasive eyes.
After all, only a week ago, she hadn’t even known shifters existed. Now not only did she know, but she was thinking about marrying one.
Mating.
Whatever they talked about. Whatever that mysterious insistence in Riker’s eyes was.
He was nervous as he finished the steaks and brought them over, but he didn’t need to be. Hers was delicious. She wasn’t sure how he’d brought so much flavor out of the meat with a simple grill on a deck.
“Family secret,” he said, as if reading her mind.
He was looking comfortable in light-blue flannel that complimented his gray eyes and fit wonderfully on his broad, muscled shoulders.
Everything about him was so capable, so wonderful. Any woman would be lucky to just say yes to him and walk into his life. Any woman who hadn’t been broken by someone walking out on her after she’d given up everything.
But Riker wouldn’t do that to her. She knew it, yet…
“What are you thinking?” he asked.
“What are you thinking?” she shot back, not wanting to go first. When he just stared at her, she let out a sigh. “I guess we’re both thinking the same thing. That we can’t put it off any longer. Tomorrow is the last day.”
“Yeah, the canyon opens,” he said. “What are you thinking?”
She was about to open her mouth, still unsure what to say, when he got up out of his seat.
“Wait.”
“What?” she asked.
But then he was kneeling in front of her, looking so big even on his knees, his handsome faced focused and nervous. He pulled a small black velvet box out of his jeans and held it out to her, opening it up.
A small gold ring, intricately carved with antique details, held a bright, beautiful ruby that had to be an insanely valuable stone.
“Oh my goodness,” she said, taking the box to get a closer look. “It’s gorgeous.” It was too much after the bike. So thoughtful, so valuable. This man was truly one in a million.
“You like it?” he asked.
She nodded. “Where did it come from?”
“There’s an antique shop in town, and they carry some jewelry,” he said. “That’s the nicest one in the shop. I’ve been scoping it out the past few days. You know, just in case. And the ruby was just perfect for you.” He took her hand, and her heart started jumping madly. “But I’ve decided. I have to go all in with you. I want you to be my mate, Ana. I want you to stay here with me. That’s why I brought you. It’s a beautiful home. I know we’ll be happy. I’ll treasure you forever. Always protect you. Never let you want for anything.” He took the ring out of the box and extended it toward her hand, waiting. “I love you. Marry me.”
She froze, staring down at the ring. Once it was on, it would be over. This place, this town, would be hers to share with him. She would be making a decision for the rest of her life based on knowing someone one week. Based on what could just be a rebound in the mountains.
Wasn’t it possible that sometimes something wonderful could happen with the weirdest timing and still be beautiful?
But if it was beautiful, then couldn’t it wait?
She gently pushed the ring back to him, hating the way his face tightened as she did so. “I’m sorry. I have to think about it.”
“But tomorrow—”
She took his hand. “Riker. It’s all been so fast. This is your home, but for me, it’s back in the city. With all the things I left. Things I want to get back before I lose them again.”
“But you’re happy here with me,” he said.
“I know,” she said. “But I need to know I’m making this decision with my head, not just my heart.”
He stood, pulling away from her to storm across the deck and put his hand on the railing, forcing himself to calm down. “So you’re going home, then.”
She nodded, then realized he wasn’t facing her. “Yes.”
“Are you coming back?”
“I don’t know,” she said. “I would like to think so. This has been the happiest week of my life. But I’m just not sure I should promise to always stay in the mountains with you.”
“I get it,” he said. “This life isn’t good enough for you. I’m not good enough for you.”
She stood and walked over to him with folded arms. “Don’t make this a pity party. You could come back with me just as well.”
“I own a town,” he said gruffly. “Do you understand the responsibility that entails?”
“You don’t have to,” she said. “You decide what you want in life, Riker. Get someone else to manage it.” She looked around them. “I mean, dammit, this is the house you grew up in. The house you were abused in. Is this really where you want to raise kids?”
He whirled around. “This is my home,” he said. “You knew the mountains were my home. You knew I had responsibilities.”
“And you knew my home wasn’t here and I just got out of a relationship. Neither of us made any promises,” she shot back.
They stared at each other for a long moment. Then Riker’s shoulders fell. “So you’re leaving.”
“Yes,” she said. “I have to leave to know if I should come back.”
“How will I protect you if you’re gone?”
“My world isn’t like yours, Riker,” she said, closing the distance between them and putting her hand on his arm. “There aren’t rampaging bears waiting to claim me. If you come with me, if you join me in my world, I want it to be for yourself, because you could have a chance to be happy out there with your talent. Not because you have to protect me.”
“It’s more complicated than that,” he said. “There’s something I have to tell you. Something I was afraid to mention just in case you weren’t going to stay.”
“What is it?” she asked, feeling a cloud of uneasiness gather somewhere in her stomach region. When he was quiet and stern, she felt the cloud thunder. “What aren’t you telling me?” Her voice was raised, and she tried to calm herself. “Dammit, Riker. You tell me now.”
She hadn’t been tricked again. She hadn’t been lied to again. Someone hadn’t been keeping secrets again. It all felt like that moment when she looked at Corey’s phone and realized all her trust was for nothing.
“Don’t look at me like that,” he said. “Like you’re terrified.”
“I am,” she said. “I didn’t think you could keep things from me, and the look on your face is scaring me.”
“I love you,” he said. “And I never meant to hurt you, but something happened a few days ago. I didn’t mean for it to happen. It just did. I know it messes everything up for us, but I just—”
“Do you mean what I think you mean?” she asked.
He looked confused, then nodded slowly. “I think so.”
“So you knew how I felt. How it was the last thing I would have wanted
, after what I’ve been through, and you still let it happen?”
He nodded slowly.
“When?” she shouted, hurt lashing through her like a thousand whips. Of course, he’d cheated, too. Of course he’d turn out like Corey. No matter how much a man said he loved you, he couldn’t control himself that way.
“I don’t—”
“Wait,” she said. “That day with the wolf fight. When you changed.”
He nodded slowly, and she wanted to scream, remembering how he’d disappeared after the fight and then been so distant when he’d come back. Had he gone to the bar with Rock, seen Ros? Were there other women in the town?
A hailstorm of anger was whipping up her insides, but she fought it back. It didn’t matter who it was with. It wasn’t about the other woman. It was about nearly being tricked again.
“If I had said yes to you, if I had agreed to mate you, would you even have told me?” she asked.
“I don’t know,” he said. “I didn’t want to lose you.”
“Then you shouldn’t have done it!” she said.
“I couldn’t resist,” he said. “And it wasn’t all my fault. I tried to keep it from happening, but then you had to go and—”
She put up a hand. “Don’t you dare. Don’t you dare blame me like Corey did.”
“What does Corey have to do with—”
“No,” she said. “I don’t want to talk about this. Take me home.”
“It doesn’t have to be ruined,” he said. “One mistake between us doesn’t have to change our future.”
“I was already leaving, Riker. And now I know why that was the right fucking decision.”
His arms hung at his sides, and he looked defeated, stung. She got onto the motorcycle and tested it out.
“No,” he said, stepping forward. “Not without me.”
“I’ll be fine,” she said. “I’m tired of men thinking they can walk all over my needs simply because they think I need them. You destroyed our relationship, Riker. Now just stay away from me.”
He still ran after her, a helpless look on his face as she pulled out, testing the gas and brakes. She was a bit shaky, but it was a very straightforward route, and she had her helmet.
Sheltered by the Bear (Trapped in Bear Canyon Book 1) Page 16
