by V. Vaughn
I lift my water to take a swallow as I tamp down very real fear, and with as much fierceness of my own as I can muster, I say, "I'd be honored."
Eight
Max
The scent of coconut makes me smile, and I hear waves crashing on Venice Beach in my dream as I hold Audrey Le Roux in my arms and kiss her. It feels so real as the heat of her body makes mine tingle with desire. Pressure builds all the way to my balls, and my dick hardens as I move my hands down over her breasts. A soft mewl makes me open my eyes, and I realize there's a woman sleeping next to me. Audrey. I slide my hand under her shirt to graze my thumb over her nipple, and it hardens to a nub under my touch. She may be asleep, but she wants me too. I nibble on her ear to wake her.
She lets out a soft moan and turns to face me. Opening her eyes, she smiles through a sleepy gaze of recognition. "How are you feeling?"
I give her a smirk and thrust my groin against her. "Pretty damn good."
She wraps her hand around my cock, and I tremble when she grips me tight. "Feels like you’re having a hard time."
I chuckle, and my bear kicks me when I ask, "Are you sure you want to do this?"
"Shut up and touch me," she says before her mouth meets mine.
I do as she asks and tug her tank top over her head, and I sigh when I see those luscious boobs of hers. They're big and soft in my hand as I squeeze gently, and when I swirl my finger around her nipple, she makes the most delicious little noise that travels through me, igniting my desire into something searing hot. I lean in to tease her with my tongue, and she scrapes her nails along my scalp as she revels in the pleasure. I could stay here for a while, but my bear is too impatient and demands I taste what he really wants.
My legs are stiff, but I'm not in much pain as I move down her body. Not enough to stop, that's for sure, because the heady scent of her musk has me acting like a fool. A small voice in my head is telling me that Mr. Le Roux will not be pleased. He warned us not to fool around, and the fierceness of his alpha should scare me. But it would take more than my niggling conscience to make me turn back now.
Audrey arches up for me as I kiss my way down her soft stomach. I pause to spread her thighs and inhale deeply before moving in. Lapping at her folds turns me on as much as it does her, because the way she squirms under me as uncontrolled moans come from her makes more than my bear happy. My alpha side loves that she's able to let go with me. I suckle her while slowly going deeper with my tongue until I find her clit. My fingers dig softly into the flesh of her shapely hips as I do my best to drive my mate crazy.
Her moans get louder, and when her thighs tense up and tremble around my head, it's my cue to take her a level higher. I slide two fingers into her slippery channel and pump them in and out. When I find the rough patch of her g-spot, I add more pressure to it. It sends her over the edge, and she cries out as she falls. I don't stop what I'm doing as she rides her wave, and my bear wants to know why we're not getting some too.
I let him have his way and move up her body. She grabs my cock. Sweet Jesus.
She whispers, "Max, take me all the way."
"I will, baby," I say as I help her guide me inside of her. I let out a groan when I thrust in deep, and the pleasure is so great I hold still for a moment to savor it. Audrey's impatient and thrusts her hips up as if she's trying to make me move. I take the hint and slide back out slowly. I want to make this last, to feel every single inch of her along my shaft and hold on to the bliss I've been dreaming about. But my bear is having none of that plan, so I let him take control. I drive deep, over and over into the softness of my mate as she wraps herself around me and enjoys the frantic ride while I take what I need.
This woman is so responsive, and even though I'm close to my orgasm, I feel Audrey tense up with an approaching climax of her own. I want her to come first, so I reach down between us to rub her clit as I continue pumping. Her cries are mixed in with my groans as I hold on. The pressure of my need keeps increasing, and the more I hold on the more intense my orgasm is going to be. The moment she comes I'm rewarded with her walls spasming and tightening around my dick. White hot ecstasy is coursing through my veins as Audrey quakes beneath me, and I tense up while I bask in her aftershocks. So close. My nerve endings fire all at once as my climax explodes out of me, and I let out a roar with the primal act of my bear releasing seed into my true mate.
Audrey pants beneath me and holds me tight when I lower myself onto her body. Once I catch my breath, I roll to the side with her wrapped in my arms and let out a sigh of contentment. She kisses me, and our skin is slippery with sweat as the scent of us settles around me like a familiar memory.
We lie together in silence for a while. Audrey's head is on my chest, and I twirl a strand of her hair around my finger as I bask in my love for her. She lifts up on an elbow to gaze down at me. "Max, I'm sorry I almost killed you. If I'd known there was a shallow section in the river, I'd have warned you about it."
"I know." There was a lot I’d planned to say to her about that, but any anger I had can't seem to find its way into the afterglow of the sex we just had. Especially since my bear has no intention of letting our true mate leave this bed. I chuckle and then tease, "Thanks for saving the life you almost took, though."
She rolls her eyes and climbs out of the bed before she untangles the sheets to grab her clothes.
"Hey," I reach my hand out to her. "Where are you going?"
She steps into her shorts and says, "I was just coming by to check on you, but my powers were so depleted I fell asleep. You caught me at a weak moment." Audrey tugs her shirt over her head and pulls out her hair so that it falls over her shoulders, making me want to brush it away and kiss her silky skin. "This shouldn't have happened."
"Really." I lick my lips as I drop my gaze to her crotch and offer a lecherous smile as I recall her sweet nectar and the noises she made. "I plan on it happening again." I roll over onto my chest to get closer to her. "And again, and again. Hell—"
"Max. No." She takes a step back so I can't reach her. "This was just sex. Now that my bear is relieved, it won't be happening again until you get rid of Josie. Got it?"
I don't get it, and I hate even more that a twinge of desire for Josie comes to me at the mention of her name. A low growl comes from me as I reprimand my bear for daring to go there.
Audrey puts a hand on her hip in a way that makes me imagine her scolding our children one day. "I'm serious. I'm not one of those stupid girls who thinks sex and love go hand in hand."
I let out a snort of laughter. "You made that perfectly clear the first night we were together. But this is different, and you know it. Try and tell me your bear isn't imagining the white picket fence and swing set right now."
"I—" She huffs in exasperation, letting me know I'm was right on the mark. She tilts her chin up. "I'm glad you're feeling better."
Audrey walks over to the door to let herself out, and I say, "If you get lonely tonight you know where to find me." I laugh when she slams the door harder than necessary. She may think she can stay away, but we both know her bear won't let it happen. I lift my arms up to cross them behind my head as I recall how easily I made her come.
Nine
Madison
My palm is sweaty when Trent takes my hand and we walk toward the front door of the Robichaux mansion. His mother didn't waste any time and got us an appointment with their clan alpha for permission to bond. It's not required of regular clan mates, but because I'm a human who is also going to change into a werebear with the process, it's a big deal. And I'm nervous as hell that Marion Robichaux won't find me worthy of Trent or her clan.
I take a deep breath as I gaze at the old, white Colonial-style home with its large columns and the shine of the dark-stained wood porch. I thought Trent's home was nice, but this place has to be worth ten times more. To get here we drove up a long driveway where I saw rolling lawns with formal gardens, a fountain with marble benches, and a gazebo near a small pond. While beau
tifully maintained, the landscaping appears to have been in place for decades, maybe even a century, making me think the Robichaux are old money. When a man in a suit answers the door, I imagine what it would be like to reside over such a home, having a cook, butler, driver, and gardener to order around.
"Right this way," says the man, and Trent and I are led to a room that, at first glance, appears to be the classic study. I can practically smell pipe tobacco and whiskey. Dark wood floors and crown molding accent burgundy damask wallpaper. There are two chestnut-brown leather sofas and a pair of overstuffed chairs with ornamental brass tacks. But when we step into the room, I notice it's not completely masculine. The oil paintings on the walls are of flowery landscapes, and two wing chairs are upholstered in a feminine floral fabric. The Oriental rug is woven in soft tones as well. "Mrs. Robichaux will be with you shortly," the man says before he retreats.
I look at Trent with wide eyes, and he winks at me. I whisper, "I feel like I'm meeting royalty."
"You are."
China rattles on a tray as a woman enters the room carrying a tea service. She sets it down on the coffee table.
"Good afternoon," says an older woman as she enters. Her presence immediately fills the room.
"Mrs. Robichaux," Trent says as he bows his head. "Thank you so much for meeting with us."
I quickly bow my head to the woman, too, even though she's not my alpha yet. I don't want to give her any reason to think I won't be a respectful member of her clan.
"My pleasure," she says. "Madison." I look up to meet her gaze. Her aqua eyes are vivid and set in a face lined with age. She holds out her hand. "How nice to meet you."
Her grip is firm but not uncomfortable when we shake. "The pleasure is all mine, ma'am. You have such a beautiful home. I'm honored to have been invited here."
Mrs. Robichaux's stern appearance softens when she offers me a smile, and I think she's happy I have manners. "Thank you, dear. Have a seat."
We all settle ourselves as the woman who carried in the tea begins to pour it for us. Once we have our drinks, Mrs. Robichaux dismisses her, and she takes a sip of her tea before setting it down. "Madison, I understand you're at the university as a transfer majoring in English. A junior, correct?"
While I'm not sure what I will do when I get my degree beyond being Trent's mate, I think Mrs. Robichaux appreciates a strong woman with goals, so I say, "Yes, ma'am, that is correct. I plan to teach when I graduate."
She nods. "We always need more teachers. Especially ones who are young and idealistic." She points to the plate of cookies. "Try one. Louise's recipe is excellent."
My stomach is jittery with nerves and I have no appetite, but I take a treat and bite into it. The buttery sweetness practically melts on my tongue, and I let out a small noise of pleasure. After I swallow it I say, "That is delicious."
"Yes," Mrs. Robichaux agrees. She studies me for a moment before speaking again. "Your family. What do you plan to do about them if you become a werebear?"
I have a feeling she knows about my lack of immediate family and probably more about my distant relatives than I do, but I answer truthfully as if she doesn't. "I don't know who my biological father is, and I lost my mother two years ago. I don’t have any siblings, and my stepfather has faded out of my life. Beyond him, there really isn't anyone I keep in touch with. I see no reason why any of them would ever become an issue if I were allowed to join your clan."
"I see." She looks at Trent and asks, "You've explained what changing is like to Madison?"
"I have," he says, and he reaches over to take my hand. "It's a great sacrifice she's willing to make for us to be together. I couldn't be more proud of her bravery."
When Trent looks at me without an ounce of shame over the lovesick expression on his face or the adoration in his eyes, warmth floods my heart, and I'm sure I look just as starstruck when I smile back at him.
"True-mate love." Mrs. Robichaux sighs and lifts her teacup for a sip. "I fear I'm becoming a romantic in my old age. Now Madison, what do you know about clan life?"
I give her a condensed version of the details Trent has given me about being a werebear and then say, "I also know that what we are is a secret to be kept no matter what, and I'd never do anything to endanger the clan. But most importantly, I understand that you are my ruler and this isn't a democracy. I must do what you say."
Mrs. Robichaux gives me a smile, but it's not a warm one. "You won't have a choice, dear. You have free will until I decide you don't."
I jerk a little to sit taller with my surprise, and Trent squeezes my fingers as I wonder why he didn't tell me she could control my life when he mentioned that the alpha can communicate telepathically with everyone in the clan. I imagine the woman who brought us our tea as her slave for a brief moment and say, "I'm not sure I understand the implications of that, Mrs. Robichaux."
"As your alpha I can give you an order, and no matter what you'd like to do, you won't be able to disobey me. It's in place for your safety."
"Oh." Relieved that it sounds like she does it in extreme situations, I relax my shoulders. I'm going to need Trent to explain how that works further when we're alone, because the idea doesn't sit easy with me. It strikes me that while werebear seem so normal on the outside, I’m definitely entering a foreign world with rules I’m going to have to get used to.
Mrs. Robichaux says, "I've arranged for Lucy to oversee the change. It will happen Saturday, and I expect you to arrive at noon." She looks at me. "Lucy is my daughter. If you are having any doubts, now is the time to say so."
This is really happening. Saturday is two days away, and it occurs to me my time as a human is almost over. I've imagined many aspects of what my new life will be like, but until now it’s been fantasies, hopes, and dreams. I look down at my hands and try to picture what my bear paws will look like, and I recall how large Trent was as a bear. I'm a bit awestruck imagining that I'm going to be almost as huge. It makes me wonder what I'll miss most about being human. I fear it's going to be my ignorance. Trent has explained my senses will become as acute as his and I'll have a lot more information about the world around me. But what is more concerning is the underground world of werebear and the dangers that exist for the species.
I'm aware nobody has spoken for a while when Mrs. Robichaux says, "Your hesitation is concerning, Madison."
"I'm sorry." This woman isn't going to let me brush off my fears, and considering the magnitude of the decision I'm making for the rest of my life, I shouldn't be too polite to ask for more information. Especially since Trent wasn’t exactly forthcoming with the control my alpha can have over me. I say, "I'm worried that I don't fully understand the role enemies could play in my life."
She raises her eyebrows, and I wonder if she's surprised that I dared to address my concern or if it’s because I've gotten this far without full knowledge of the danger. "They are a real threat you cannot take lightly," she says. "As soon as you recover from your change, you will be required to learn how to fight, and you must be prepared to do so at any time."
At first, fear fills me as I imagine having to fight alongside Trent if attacked. Or in war? I’d love to think I’m being dramatic, but the events of the past few days have made me unsure about what to expect. I want clarification before I freak out, and I ask, "That way you can order me to battle if necessary?"
"I could, but that's not what I mean. The Eradicators play dirty, and one never knows when or where they'll attack. They kill, kidnap, and do all the things you've probably heard gangs do. But they do it undercover. While our territory appears to be a happy, low-crime place to live, be aware of what you can't see. And trust no human. Ever."
I think about the friends I've made at school and try to imagine one of them being something evil hiding behind a friendly college-student persona. Being suspicious of humans is going to make it hard to get close to anyone. I suppose I'll have plenty of werebear to take their place, though, and it does explain the camaraderie Trent
and his frat buddies have. Fortunately, the one person I'd have a hard time distancing myself from is Josie, even if she’s acting weird lately. But as a half werebear who just found her true mate, she's bound to be safe, and I smile imagining us as moms with kid playdates someday.
"Thank you for your explanation, Mrs. Robichaux," I say. I turn to look at Trent. His eyes are clouded with concern, and I think he’s worried I'm about to change my mind. I put him at ease. "Now I'm sure I want to become a werebear, a Robichaux, and Trent's mate."
"Very well then," says Mrs. Robichaux. She stands up, indicating the meeting is over, and holds out her hand. This time her grip is stronger, and I have to refrain from wincing from the pain. Her voice changes to something deeper that makes her words sound like a warning. "Welcome to the Robichaux clan, Madison. I'm sure you'll make me proud."
Even though her actions should scare me, I'm not afraid. And it's definitely weird that I'm actually excited. I had always thought finding my biological father was what would ease that nagging feeling of wanting something I couldn't quite identify, but now I know it's becoming who I was meant to be. I might bounce a little on my toes when I say, "Thank you so much, Mrs. Robichaux. I won't let you down." And I'm definitely a little over the top when I add, "I'm prepared to pledge my life for you”—I glance at Trent—”and for the good of the clan."
I might not be as dramatic as I think. Because Mrs. Robichaux replies with, "I'm sure you will."
Ten
Audrey
I let out a heavy sigh, and my box spring creaks when I throw myself on my bed. While my bear is very satisfied with what I did last night, sex with Max was so not a good idea. Instead of taking the edge off, all I've done is make myself want more. It's a good thing I'm an alpha because I wouldn't have had the strength to leave Max's bed otherwise. Or to keep from returning to it the numerous times I woke up wanting him last night.
