by V. Vaughn
"Yeah," I gulp dramatically. "I saw a couple running through the woods, and I was so scared I didn't know what to do. That's why I climbed the tree."
The guy scans me with his gaze and has to notice I changed out of my flannel shirt and jeans into running clothes. I chuckle as I reach for my ear buds that I wrapped around my neck to keep them safe while I was climbing. "That'll teach me to run in strange woods."
The guy nods. "Right. I think you'd better come with me."
My pulse quickens because I don't think he's offering me guide services out of the forest, but I pretend he is anyway. "Thanks." I make a show of looking around like I'm lost. "I parked down the road from where I met you, and I'm not sure how to get back to my car."
The guy hmpfs and grabs my arm. "Sure, sweetheart. Right this way."
He tugs me along roughly. "Hey!" I try to yank my arm back as I continue to play dumb. "What's going on?"
"That's what I'd like to know." He moves quickly, and I stumble. But he doesn't slow down, so I have to scramble to keep up. It's not an act either. The guy has about a foot on me heightwise, which is impressive since I'm a tall girl. He doesn't seem to care that bushes and tree branches are in my way as he drags me along by his side. My mind is racing with ideas of how I'm going to get out of this, because wherever he's planning on taking me, I don't think it's somewhere I want to go.
A thorny branch digs into my arm, drawing blood, and my flight instinct kicks into overdrive. I have to get away, and while the odds of me being able to aren't great, this might be my only chance. I grab my knife and lunge forward to stick my foot in between the warrior’s legs to trip him. But the guy is built like a century-old oak tree and doesn't budge. Instead, I'm the one who goes down, and the knife flies out of my hand. "Shit!" I cry out as I scrape my hands and knees on the rough ground, and I move quickly to reach for my weapon.
The guy grabs it faster than lightning before I can, and he holds the knife in the palm of his hand as I gaze up at him wondering if I'm about to die. "Jesus," he mumbles and shoves the weapon in the waistband at the front of his pants as I hop up to my feet prepared to make a run for it. He dips down and grabs me around my waist to scoop me up like a sack of potatoes and throw me over his shoulder.
If he thinks I'm going to let him carry me— "Put me down!" I yell as I pound on his back, helpless to do anything else, although the thought of pulling his hair out crosses my mind because I'm desperate. A hard slap stings my bottom. "Ouch! What the—ugh!" The next slap is even harder and brings tears to my eyes. I'm basically fighting with the Incredible Hulk here, and I realize I'm not going to win the battle. It's clear this guy wants me alive, though, and since I'd like to be able to walk when he releases me, it'd be smart for me to stop hitting him.
As blood rushes to my face from my head hanging upside down, the humiliation of my situation fills me with anger. I let it happen because I plan to hold on to my rage for when I can make another attempt to get away. I bounce on the guy's shoulder like a rag doll as he moves swiftly through the woods, and I cringe at how quickly I ended up so powerless. It's like I never trained for something like this at all, and I recall Link telling me no matter how hard I worked I'd never be a match for a werebear. Like a fool I didn't believe him. I thought a weapon would even the playing field. And now I don't even have that.
I inhale a long breath and blow it out. I've been knocked down and put in an impossible situation before. The one thing I must do is get over myself and think about what to do. I may have made a major error in judgement and gotten caught, but I have no intention of being trapped. I ask, "Where the hell are you taking me?"
The warrior doesn't answer me as he plows through the woods, and it occurs to me that this might not be as bad as I fear. I'm getting closer to the inner workings of the Le Roux clan after all. Chances are good I'm about to meet the warrior leader, and that's going to provide me with excellent intel on how the warriors work. Hell, maybe I'll even get to meet the alpha of the clan, Brady Le Roux. If I explain to him about my weird attraction to Max that has made me act like a groupie, he'll know I'm half werebear like his wife was when they met. I smile, because that's definitely my ticket, even if it didn't get me out of this mess to start with. I just need to keep up the act of being a lovesick girl who can't think past her true-mate bond, because there's a good chance Brady Le Roux will believe it. Huh. Maybe I'm not such a fool after all.
Five
Madison
The leather passenger seat of Trent's Jeep is hot from baking in the sun, and the heat seeps through my jeans to my legs as I buckle in. We're going to his family home where I'm about to meet his parents and then watch him shift into a bear. I'm not sure which is making me more nervous.
After he pulls out of the parking spot he reaches for my hand. "Your fingers are ice cold, Madison." He looks at me with concern. "You're nervous."
“What if they don't like me?"
"Not even a consideration. First, you're wonderful. And second, you're my true mate, so they're going to be thrilled to meet you." He winks at me as he slows for stop sign. "Besides, my mother is dying for grandchildren. My sister will be thrilled the focus will now be on us to create them."
Trent and I discussed that once we graduate from college I'd be ready to have children, and I'm happy to tell his mother that if it'll get me on her good side. "Really?"
"Yes." He lifts my hand and kisses the back of it. "Relax, darling. The scariest thing about today is going to be me shifting."
"Yeah. About that." I recall the way he let his bear slip out during our first time fooling around. "You're in complete control of your bear, right?"
"Absolutely. I wouldn't show you if I wasn't."
I take a deep breath and blow it out. "Okay." I imagine what it might look like when he shifts and wonder about the odd noises I'm going to hear. Things that I'll do some day… It hits me that I'm not really worried about meeting his parents, because I know most people like me. I don't think Trent's bear is what I'm nervous about, either. I think what's really stressing me out is the fact I'm going to have to experience something incredibly painful to become a werebear, and even though I'm all for being Trent's true mate and becoming a shifter, I'm super scared about what the change is going to be like.
After we get out of town, Trent pulls onto a side road that enters into a neighborhood. A small landscaped island greets us with a sign that reads Welcome to Meadowlands, and as we drive slowly, I notice large homes with perfectly maintained lawns. While they're not exactly replicas of each other, the styles are similar enough that I think this area was built up as a development. We pull into the driveway of a blue house, and, it's obvious by the size of the home that my mate comes from money, which is news to me. It’s a pleasant surprise, even though doesn’t matter, because I'd still be with him if he lived in a run-down shack. I smile, imagining how happy it would make my mother to know that I can be a teacher and not struggle to have nice things.
The thought makes me miss her, and my heart fills with a familiar ache. I lost the only real family I had, and I still miss her as acutely as if her death was yesterday. Trent shuts off the car and turns to me. "My god, you look like you're going to be sick. I wish you weren't so scared."
I shake my head. "I'm not. I was just thinking about my mother. She'd be so happy I found you."
He takes my hands. "I'm so sorry, Madison. It must be hard to have her gone."
"It is." I take a deep breath and blink back the tears that have filled my eyes. "But I have a new family now." I lean in and kiss him lightly. "And I plan to treasure it."
The front door of Trent's house opens before we get to it, and his mother lets out a cry of delight as she claps her hands together. "Madison! Oh, my goodness, Trent didn't tell me how pretty you are." She steps out to grab my hand, and I notice her colorful floral dress that makes me believe she's someone with a zest for life. "I'm Olivia, but everyone calls me Livy." She pulls me into the house and through a foyer that wou
ld echo with its three-story ceiling if not for the bright area rugs protecting the pale hardwood floor.
"I hope you like lemonade," she says as we walk into a kitchen filled with natural daylight. The open-concept living space is white with a rainbow of colors splashed around in the form of floral accents as if we're in a watercolor painting. This woman exudes joy, and I get why Trent said she'd love me. I think she loves everyone. "I had Dora make us some fresh squeezed and it's di-vine!"
"I'd love some," I answer while she fills glasses set out beside the pitcher of juice as if she knew I'd say yes. I glance around. "This is such a beautiful kitchen. Did you decorate it yourself?"
Livy hands me my glass with a smile. "Thank you. I did. I just love color." She chuckles as she glances down at her floral-print dress that matches the kitchen. "Every single one of them apparently."
"Thank you," I say as I take my drink. "I think it's wonderful. Your home is happy."
"You are such a dear," she says as Trent hugs her from behind, and I notice they have the same blue eyes, although her hair is blonder with the help of a salon.
"Hi, Mom. I'm here too."
She turns and lets him kiss her cheek as she giggles and then slaps at his chest. "Well, of course you are." She turns to me and winks. "How else would Madison have gotten here?"
Trent is still behind her where she can't see him roll his eyes, and I smile. He was right, meeting his family was nothing to worry about. One of the French doors which lead to the backyard opens, and a man walks in. He's wearing khakis and a pink golf shirt I suspect Livy picked out for him. He looks like an older version of his son, who is dressed similarly. He smiles at me and holds out his hand as he approaches. "Madison, I'm John." His warm hand engulfs mine. "It's a pleasure to meet the woman who's going to make me a grandfather."
"John!" cries Livy. "Don't scare the poor girl. At least not until she's got some alcohol in her. I haven't even broken out the wine yet."
He waves his hand in dismissal as he walks over to the fridge. "Look who's making assumptions. Maybe she prefers beer. Want one?” He asks me as he pulls out a green bottle of beer and holds it up.
"No, thank you." I smile at Livy. "I'm a wine drinker too."
"Son?" Trent's father holds up a bottle.
Trent takes the beer, and Livy says, "I suppose you're wondering why I didn't offer you wine yet, Madison. Trent says you've never seen him shift, and I thought your first time seeing such a thing should be done stone-cold sober." She smiles as she reaches out to touch my arm. "With someone who can answer your questions and make you feel safe. I hope that someone can be me."
I smile back at her. The woman could not make me feel more welcome in her family, and I say, "I'd like that."
"Excellent," says John. He slaps a hand on Trent’s shoulder. "No time like the present. Ready to put on a show?"
Trent looks at me. "Darling, are you ready?"
I straighten up a little taller, but I'm not steeling myself for something scary. I'm truly fascinated by what I'm about to witness. "I am."
John leads the way to the backyard, and Livy places herself next to me as Trent begins to take off his clothes. "The very first thing you need to know," she says, "is werebear aren't the least bit modest." She waves her hands as she talks, and it makes me love her more. "Goodness knows you're probably going to feel like you see more naked bodies than clothed ones. Especially if you have boys. They sure like to strut."
I laugh as I recall the way Trent is usually without a shirt and how he flexes for me out of the blue as if a look from me is a command to preen. But even though Livy just told me they're not shy, I can't help the blush that comes to my cheeks when I see my boyfriend standing nude before me. He flexes his chest as he winks at me, and my cheeks heat up even more. I focus on Livy's words.
"Trent's going to shift now," She grabs my hand and squeezes my fingers as if she's afraid I might run.
"I feel like a specimen." Trent grins at me. "But my bear can't wait to show off for you. Ready?"
I nod and hold my breath. The first thing I notice is the way his chin juts out as his nose flattens to create a snout. Hair sprouts from his body, and he grows taller as his torso widens. Within seconds, his front arms become legs, and they thud when hitting the ground. The whole metamorphosis happens in less than five seconds, and I wish I could replay it in slow motion to catch more.
I let out my breath of air as I stare at the large bear before me. "You can touch him," Livy says. She reaches out and rustles the fur on Trent's head. "Isn't he cute?"
Trent lets out a low growl that makes me inhale sharply even though I know it was probably his bear's version of a groan at having him mother call him cute. I lift a shaky hand to touch him too, and he dips his head and then pushes against my palm like a dog who wants you to keep petting him might do. His fur reminds me of what a husky's feels like. It's slightly coarse in texture but not unpleasant to touch, and the musky odor I associate with Trent is more powerful. Other than his size, Trent doesn't scare me. I ask, "Can I see your teeth?"
He opens his mouth wide, and I let out a small gasp when I see the size of his canines on the top and the bottom. I take a step back as I imagine him sinking them into my shoulder, and I place my hand on the tender skin at the base of my neck. "You're going to bite me with those?"
"I know it seems scary, dear," says Livy, "but thousands of us do it regularly. It actually feels good."
John says, "Show her your paws, son."
My mate lowers himself to a sitting position and holds out a paw for me. I reach gingerly to touch the hand-like appendage that is larger than my head, with dangerously-sharp looking claws sticking out. The pads are rough as I move my finger over them, and I take the whole thing in both my hands. "This is pretty incredible." I shake my head and gaze into Trent's eyes. They're now brown with flecks of the blue he usually has, and I have the sudden urge to hug him. Love gushes out of my heart, and I move in closer to wrap my arm around his neck and nuzzle into him. "You're beautiful," I whisper.
He wraps a leg around me and his large paw gently presses against my back to hug me too. A low rumble, like purring, comes from his chest, and tears spring to my eyes. I step back and let him see how much I'm affected. "I think it's safe to say I love your bear as much as I love you, Trent."
"Awww," says Livy.
"Huh," John says. He smiles broadly as he lifts his beer to his mouth for a sip.
Trent shifts back to human form as Livy says, "I'll go get that wine now. And Trent—" she pauses to give him a mom glare. "Get dressed completely. You know I require clothes at the dinner table."
John and Livy go inside, and I wait for my boyfriend to finish dressing. He asks, "Are you still afraid of my bear?"
"A little," I admit. "Mostly because he's so big and dangerous looking. I think that will go away when I'm able to be that large too. But—" I shudder a little when I think about his teeth. "I'm sorry. I'm still struggling with the idea you're going to plunge those huge fangs into me. Are you sure I can't have drugs?"
Trent is dressed now, and he takes me by the arms. "I have a plan. You're going to be in the midst of an orgasm. Like my mother said, it feels really good. It'll be all the drug you need."
“Ugh!” I put my hands on my hips as I glare at him. "Before my body begins to rip itself apart from the inside out. The lure of great sex? Ha! It might work for you, but it's not doing much for me."
He frowns. "I'm sorry. If I could make the change for you I would."
I blow out a whoosh of air and scowl as I trace the logo on his shirt with my finger. "I know, and I'm being a baby about it."
Trent pulls me tight against his chest, and the rush of emotions I felt earlier when I hugged his bear come back. I would do anything for this man. Not only do I get a true mate who I'll love this much forever, but I'm going to have children and a mother-in-law who couldn't be sweeter. It's like a dream come true, and I'm absolutely sure I want it. "I love you, Trent."
/> He takes my face in his hands and kisses me with a fierceness that makes me think his bear is hovering near the surface and then says, "I love you too, Madison."
His mother pops her head out the door. "I'll call Marion Robichaux and make an appointment for you to get our alpha's approval. Don't you worry, Madison. She's going to love you as much as I do. Now get in here and help me drink this wine."
I look up at Trent in shock. "She was eavesdropping?"
He chuckles. "No modesty and no privacy.”
Trent opens the door for me, and I’m greeted by Livy who has a big smile and a glass of wine for me.
I smile back as my heart warms with the way she’s already accepted me as part of her family. And I know this is exactly where I’m supposed to be.
Six
Audrey
After my father lets out a roar that shakes the ground he shifts to human form, and I keep my head bowed in respect as I await his wrath for what I did to Max.
He takes a deep breath and lets it out slowly, probably to calm himself so he doesn't kill me. "One day," he begins, "you will be the alpha of the Robichaux clan."
Here we go. I'm about to get the guilt trip. The thing is, I won't become an alpha for about thirty more years, so his words are lost on me. First my grandmother has to die or step down to let my mother take over, and then I have to wait until Mom is ready to do the same. I've got plenty of time to get my act together.
My father pauses and lets out a heavy sigh. "I don't know why I bother wasting my breath. Tell me, Audrey, what were you thinking?"
I could use my standby answer saying I didn't think, but that's a copout I've used for years. When I was younger, I really didn't know why I did things. But now I'm fully aware of why I led Max over the falls, and perhaps it would be refreshing for my father to hear the truth for a change. I look into his eyes and speak clearly. "I wanted to scare Max. Prove I'm just as much an alpha as he is. And," if I'm going to be truthful I might as well tell him everything, "I'm pissed that I'm not the clear choice of true mates for him, and I decided to show him why I should be."
