Bear's Temptation

by Fay Walsh

  “Oh yeah. Those. Yeah, he’s practically evil, but we don’t have to worry about him anymore,” Lisa said.

  “Well good. I’m glad that you’re doing better. So you work with Darren then?”

  “That’s right. He offered me a job, and I took it. I can’t say I’ve looked back since,” she said.

  “Well good! If anything, we should try to catch up more. Come inside the kitchen, we can talk from there. I’m actually working on preparing food, but yeah, I’m with the shifters, and it’s been amazing,” Alana said.

  “Good. I’m glad that you’re doing better. I was a little worried about you,” Lisa replied.

  Darren watched as the two women went into the room, but Darren heard one thing from Lisa that made him blush.

  “Yeah, Darren is amazing. She’s definitely a good person,” he heard her say.

  “Aww, that’s so sweet of her,” Travis said, teasing Darren.

  “I mean, she did catch my heart. It’s very rare for me to feel this way about anyone, let alone a woman,” Darren said, blushing in response.

  “I noticed, my friend. I know that you’re not the most open when it comes to love and affection, but it seems like you’re getting better with that, and I’m proud of you,” Darren said.

  “Yeah. It’s strange to feel this way about anyone. I’ve always kind of done my own thing, always been happier on my own, but I feel a lot better just being near her. I don’t feel as scared and as hopeless anymore. Most of all, I feel relieved around her. A strange sense of comfort,” Darren admitted.

  “Yeah, I can tell. I mean, you seem like you’re figuring things out for yourself for once. You definitely needed to meet her, that’s for sure,” Travis pointed out.

  Darren mulled on that feeling, those words, and everything about it.

  “I’m going to be honest with you, Travis, if I hadn’t met Lisa when I did, I don’t know what the fuck I’d be doing. Honestly, I probably would still be in a dark place, still mulling over Tina,” Darren said.

  “Oh yeah. You never told me who that was? Was it a former lover?” Darren inquired.

  “No. A younger sibling. She was someone I protected for a long time and… While I did have a lot of struggles with coming to terms with the fact that I was moving on, I’m so fucking glad that I did. I don’t feel as constricted by the feelings that I have anymore. Instead, I feel super alive, and I feel well when I think about it. I feel like… I’m doing the right thing whenever I’m with Lisa. Everything feels right, and I guess that’s what love is. I don’t understand it completely. I don’t think I ever will fully get a good grasp on this, but I’m glad that… I’m just so glad that I have someone worth living for, worth being around because I feel better than ever,” Darren said.

  “I know, Darren. You’re stronger than I could ever be. I’m happy that you’re making the decision to change yourself for the better. And look, she already gets along with the clan super well. I’m glad that you’ve brought her, and it seems like you’ve changed for the better too,” he said to Darren.

  Darren nodded. “Yeah. The business investments have been through the roof. And it seems that Alana has helped with the ranch too.”

  “Gosh, if it weren’t for her I think I would be super behind on everything. She’s a lifesaver. And I do love her. We plan on getting married soon. Do you… do you want to marry Lisa?” Travis asked.

  Darren paused. He never thought about marriage. He always thought that would be something for other people, and not for him.

  “I do want to, but not yet. I don’t think I’m ready to plan a wedding yet. I want to make sure that I’m in the right headspace when I do,” he said.

  “Hey, no pressure. It happens when it happens, Darren. Trust me, I didn’t expect it to happen either, but I know that you’re doing way better. I think she’s good for you. And I think you’ll finally get out of the rut of being that coldhearted guy that you think you are,” Travis teased.

  Darren scoffed. “Nah. I’m still going to probably be like that for a bit,” he said.

  “Whatever you say, my friend. Anyways, I think dinner will be ready in a few, so let’s get the table ready,” he told Darren.

  Darren nodded, getting up and heading towards the table. Together, they got the place ready for the other shifters, and when they all gathered, Lisa was next to Darren, holding his hand. Travis and Alana were there, and it felt like they were an entire family. Lisa seemed to be grinning from ear to ear, and Darren felt glad about that. He was happy that she felt as if she belonged, for that was something that worried him, that’s for sure. He didn’t know what would happen next, nor did he care to figure it out, but he was just happy.

  The dinner went better than Darren expected. Everyone was happier than ever, and Darren felt like he was actually seeing progress within the clan. He noticed that Billy and Benjamin were being less annoying, and Sven said more than two words at dinner. He also noticed that Travis seemed happier, and Darren was much brighter as a result.

  When it was over, Darren took Lisa home, and Darren couldn’t help but feel that connection, the happiness that he wanted to feel, and the excitement that he had grown with time. When they got there, he looked at her, taking her hands in his.

  “Thanks for inviting me over. That was so fun!” she said.

  “You think so,” he asked her.

  “Yeah. I’m serious about that,” he told her.

  She then started to give him a kiss, and he kissed her back, holding her tightly.

  “I know that I don’t really have a good idea of what will happen next, nor do I care to figure it out, but I’m happier. I want to make you happy, Darren, and I want to be that guiding force in your life,” she said.

  “I want to be happier too Lisa. I’m so glad that you’re here with me, and that you’re safe and sound. I’m happy to have you by my side, and while I have no fucking clue what is next for either of us, I’m just happy to have you in my life, to be there for you whenever you need it, and it’s just nice. I don’t care if we don’t know what the future may hold for us, I’m just happy to have you, he said.

  “I am too.”

  The Extended Epilogue

  I am very happy that you finished reading my book!

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  A Note from Fay Walsh

  Thank you for reading Bonded to the Bear. I hope that you enjoyed Roan and Harmony’s story. Roan was certainly one of my favorite alphas to write.

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  Preview of my Next Book

  Chapter 1

  Billy stood there, laughing with Darren and Travis.

  “It sounds like you are definitely fitting in with the clan, Lisa,” Travis said.

  “Yeah well, it’s the first time I’ve felt so welcomed. And after Darren got his head out of his ass, he became quite cute and nice,” Lisa laughed.

  “I’m glad. You seem much happier too, Darren,” Billy said.

  “I guess. I mean, I think I am,” he said.

  “Oh quit being so modest. You and I both know you’re much happier now,” Travis teased.

  Darren nodded. “I mean, I guess I
am,” he replied.

  Everyone was laughing, and Billy couldn't help but feel his eyes linger on Lisa. She was talking animatedly with Alana who was the alpha’s girl, and in Billy’s heart, he felt a tad bit jealous when he thought about it. He wished he could find someone like her. Lisa looked up, staring at Billy for a second.

  “What’s up?” she asked.

  “Nothing. Sorry,” he said.

  “Oh, it’s fine. I was just wondering why you kept staring at me.”

  “I’m just happy that Darren finally found a girl. You and I both know he’s complete trash with women,” he said.

  Alana laughed and Lisa rolled her eyes.

  “Yeah, I guess he is. But I guess it proves that anyone can find the person that they need so long as they look for them,” she pointed out.

  “You have a point. Maybe even little Billy here will find someone,” Alana teased.

  Billy blushed, feeling a bit on the spot as they uttered those words.

  “Doubt it, but thanks,” he said.

  “Oh come on. don’t be like that. We both know that you want that,” Alana said.

  Billy shook his head. “I guess. I feel almost like sometimes it’s better to not worry about it,” Billy said.

  On the surface, Billy kept a smile on his face, but in his heart, he felt like there was something missing. Two of the shifters in the clan already had mates, and he felt like he was going to be left behind eventually.

  “You’re right. Don’t worry about it, it’ll come to you,” Alana said with a smile.

  Billy nodded, in agreement with those words. He couldn’t help but agree to that.

  The dinner was how it normally went, but Billy kept looking around, feeling almost… jealous in a sense. He wished he could be like them, having mates who were satisfied with their life. He felt like everyone was happier and more relaxed.

  Benjamin was over prowling about outside after dinner, and Sven quickly left the room. Only Billy, Darren, and Travis remained in the room.

  “So what are you two planning on doing after you finally move in?” Travis asked.

  “We will think about marriage and possibly having children. Don't want to do that yet,” Darren said.

  “I don’t blame you. It’s hard.”

  “Yeah, it’s the same for us. I just got a new gig writing for a company, so I’m fixed on that,” Alana said.

  They all talked animatedly, and Billy was sitting there listening. He felt almost left out when it came to all of them talking about what they were doing with their lives.

  Something about this made Billy feel jealous, and this feeling that was raging within him bothered him. He couldn’t help but feel agitated by the way things were going. He only wished that he could meet his mate, just like them.

  But then again, maybe it was because of the fact that he was scared to go through the process of finding a mate.

  “So it seems like you’re the next Billy,” Darren teased.

  “W-what do you mean?” he asked.

  “Finding a mate. I mean, it’s not like you’ll find one just sitting here, you know,” Travis said.

  “You’re right. I dunno, I feel like it will never happen, but I shouldn't think that way. Being cheerful about relationships and not being upset over the small issues is important,” Billy said.

  Billy felt his heart lurch. He wanted to be loved by someone, even if it was just some nobody. He wished it was easier to confront at times, easier to understand, but Billy still had a lot of concerns. However, he didn’t want to make everyone worried.

  “I may get out. Seems like Sven and Benjamin ran off, and it’s obvious that you guys want to spend time with your mates,” Billy said.

  He felt like he was a fifth wheel or a seventh wheel in this case, and it was stifling. Travis nodded.

  “Fair enough. I want to spend time with Alana anyways.”

  “Yeah, Lisa planned to drag me to a movie,” Darren muttered.

  “Oh come on, you wanted to see it more than me. don’t play it off like that,” she said with a tease.

  “Oh, I know. You know how I am,” Darren said.

  They were all giggling and talking, and this raging feeling returned to Billy. He walked out and drove over to a bar in town. There wasn’t normally anyone there who interested him, but getting a drink would help in his mood.

  He walked in with his trademark grin as he spoke.

  “Hey, James I’m-”

  As he looked at the bar, he immediately felt his heart skip a beat. In front of him was the cutest girl, with brown hair kept in a pony, fluffy and soft in texture, with big brown eyes, and a pearly white smile with a little overbite. He noticed her frame, slim and lean. She was flat as a board, and it made the crop top that she had on way cuter. Her black shirt and denim shorts revealed her figured in all the right places. He couldn't help but admire the way that she looked, and for a second, he felt his body unable to move.

  “You know, staring is going to cost you, sweetie,” the girl chirped.

  Billy finally came back to reality, blushing as he looked at the beautiful woman.

  “S-sorry about that,” he said.

  “Nah it’s fine. Bet you were looking for James huh?” she asked.

  “Yeah. Surprised he isn’t working,” Billy said.

  “Yeah, James has a kid now, so he basically asked me to take over the night shift. I’m not complaining, it’s easy money when the guys aren’t being stupid,” she said.

  Her little southern drawl was cute, and for a minute, Billy felt his heart race as he looked at her. He wanted to hit things off. She was so perfect, and she was definitely his type.

  “Now, are you going to sit down, or are you going to keep ogling me like some animal at the zoo?”

  Billy blushed but quickly sat down.

  “S-sorry about that. I’ll have a beer,” he said.

  “Really? Just a beer? Come on. I’ll make you something nice if you want me to,” she teased.

  Billy never did mixed drinks, but he was about to put it all on the line for this strange bartender.

  “Alright, hit me. Show me your craziest drink,” he said.

  She smiled, going back to the bar and mixing a few drinks together. Billy wondered how good this new bartender was. He just liked the company that James provided. He was good to talk to, and it was nice to have a friend outside of the clan. She raced back, putting a purple cocktail in front of him.

  “Try it. You won’t regret it,” she spoke.

  Billy closed his eyes, taking a chance, and he soon downed the drink. A mixture of blue raspberry and strawberry hit him. But what shocked him was he couldn't taste the alcohol.

  “What did you even put in here?” he asked.

  “A lot of things. That one is a two per visit limit because of how strong it is. It’s a special that James was so impressed with, he hired me right on the spot,” she said with a teasing smile.

  Billy nodded, sipping on the contents and smacking his lips in excitement.

  “I’ll be damned, this is good,” he said.

  “Yeah. Bartending is a passion of mine. I mean, it gets me out of the house, and I love to be away from there,” she said.

  “You’re telling me. It’s so awkward at my place now,” he said.

  “Why? Your roommate has a girlfriend or something?”

  “Well sort of,” Billy replied.

  “Yeah, mine’s just… my house feels weird. I don't like living there. I love going on adventures. Walks through parks, nature trails, all of that is something I love. Just getting out and feeling the breeze,” she said.

  “Yeah, same here. By the way, what’s your name?” he asked.

  “Wow, took you long enough,” she teased.

  “I didn’t want to intrude,” Billy said, his face flushing.

  “Name’s Nikki, sweetie. Yours?”

  “Billy. I like going by Billy” he said to her.

  “Well then, it's a pleasure to meet you Billy. I’m gla
d I could at least be kind of interesting in this dingy old bar,” she said.

  “You’re certainly the most interesting of them all,” he said.

  “Well, I’m flattered. Anyways, any interests you have?”

  “Well, I like my work. I’m a mechanic. I know my way around cars,” he said.