by Lily Thorn
He caught her by the wrist, but she gave no sign that she felt his grip. Cade’s stomach churned as he wrapped his arms around her.
Another rock loomed in front of them. Without the use of his arms, Cade couldn’t avoid it, but he could shield her body with his. He grunted as his ribs smashed against stone. They needed to get out of here. Launching off the stream bed, Cade kicked up toward the surface. As their heads broke into the air, he willed her to breathe. Her head lolled. Cade felt his heart drop as he pulled her toward the bank. She had to be okay. She had to be.
Heaving her onto the shore, he laid her on her back. Water gushed out of her waders as he lowered his ear over her mouth and nose. He heard nothing, and was about to put his hands over her chest when she let out a mighty cough. She sat up, hacking, then gulped in air. After a few shaking breaths, she swung around to stare at him. Her dark amber eyes were the most startling thing he’d ever seen. Cade held his breath. She was so close to him. He wondered if she’d thank him with a kiss.
Twisting, she looked back toward the stream. “My camera!” she cried.
“I’ll get it,” Cade said. Suppressing a grin, he waded out into the chilly water.
He grabbed the camera, looping the strap around his wrist so he wouldn’t drop it. From the bank, the woman watched him, biting her lip.
“Here you go.” He placed the camera in her hands. Her hair was wet and disheveled, an angry knot was forming on the side of her head, and most of her was covered in rubber. How did she still manage to be so irresistibly beautiful?
The girl groaned. “No, no!”
“What is it?” He crouched beside her.
“The lens.” She showed it to him. Cracks spread from one side like a spider web.
She sat back with a sigh. “At least it wasn’t an L lens.”
Since Cade had no idea what that meant, he just made a sympathetic noise.
The woman turned the camera around, intent on the back display. “It still works. And the pictures came out okay. I guess that’s what matters.”
Cade glanced over her shoulder. On the tiny screen, he saw the rushing stream and the peak of Mount Bliss, but they seemed heightened somehow, larger than life.
“You took those?” he asked. The words sounded stupid as they left his mouth. Of course she had. He had seen her click the shutter.
“Yeah,” she said offhandedly, as if making photographic masterpieces was an everyday occurrence. For her, maybe it was.
“You know those are good, right? Like, incredible?”
“I hope so.” She turned the camera off.
“Do you work for a newspaper or something?”
“I wish. I’m freelance. Though I guess you could also say I’m unemployed.” She sighed again, putting her head between her knees. “I need someone to buy these photos.”
Cade wished he had money. He’d buy her pictures. And a new lens, too.
The woman looked up at him sharply. “You’re naked.”
“It took you that long to notice?” He laughed. “I was about to go skinny dipping. I’m sorry, I didn’t think anyone would be out here.”
“Me neither,” she murmured, shivering slightly. “Thanks for saving me, by the way.”
“Don’t mention it.” He looked at the puddle that was forming around her. “Do you want help getting those waders off? Or do you want to slosh down the mountain?”
“Get me out of these. The water’s still freezing.” She swiveled, giving him access to the belt at her waist.
Cade unfastened it. “Maybe you should get some in your own size, and stop borrowing your boyfriend’s.”
“They’re my father’s.” She wrinkled her nose. “I don’t have a boyfriend.”
Infinite relief flooded through him as she wriggled out of the rubber. Her soaking clothes stuck to her skin.
She looked at him, eyebrows drawn. “Where are your clothes?”
“They’re around here somewhere…” He waved a hand in the vicinity of the woods.
“Did you forget where you put them?”
“I might have, in all this excitement. I did hide them. I didn’t want bears or bobcats to get them.”
“Bears?” She sat bolt upright. “There are bears on this mountain?”
“There might be some grizzlies.” He watched her reaction carefully. No matter how much his animal wanted her, it wouldn’t work out if she was terrified of bears.
She leaned over, looking up and down the stream. “Do you think there are any around here? Where would be the best place to find them? Oh, I wish I’d brought my telephoto lens.”
He laughed. “You want to track down a grizzly?”
“It was my dad’s dream to shoot a grizzly in the wild.”
Cade flinched.
She rolled her eyes. “I mean with a camera, you know. Not a gun. He took pictures of so much wildlife over the years, but he could never catch a grizzly in his own backyard. He’s not here anymore, so…” Her voice broke. “I want to get one for him. One perfect grizzly picture.”
“We could probably find you a bear,” Cade said. In fact, he could guarantee it.
“You could?” Her eyes shone. “That would be amazing.”
“Come back any time,” he said. “I’ll take you on one of the trails where we sometimes see them.” Maybe he could coax Ethan into posing for her.
“You’re here a lot?”
“My family owns this mountain, and the ski lodge down there.” For now. Cade’s stomach twisted. He hoped she would come back soon.
“I guess I’m trespassing, then.” Redness crept into her cheeks. “Sorry about that. I usually try to find the landowner and ask permission before a shoot, but the light was so lovely.”
“It’s fine,” Cade said. “Just warn me the next time you want to take photos, and I can make sure you don’t fall in any streams.”
She smiled. “I’m Tess, by the way.” She held out a hand.
“Cade,” he said as he took it. Her hand was so small in his, so delicate and wonderful. As he touched her skin, an electric spark seemed to pass between them. He looked into her amber eyes, wondering if she had felt it.
Tess pulled her hand away, fumbling in one of her pockets. “Forgot to put the lens cap on,” she said, producing a wet circle of plastic and popping it on her lens. “I don’t think it could get any more damaged, but you never know.”
Cade wished he could have held her hand longer, but he didn’t want to scare her. He had to rein in both his bear and himself, it seemed. But her smell was so intoxicating, a mix of larkspur and wild meadow grasses—he wanted nothing more than to run his hands over her skin, press himself to her. It would be fine if they were both shifters. Two bears wouldn’t mind giving in to their animals.
She’s not an animal, he told his beast sternly. So don’t get any ideas.
He had another problem, one growing larger between his legs. Jumping up, he strode away as quickly as he could without being too suspicious.
“Where are you going?” she asked.
“To get my clothes,” he called. “I’ll be back in a second!”
As he headed for the trees, he could feel her eyes on him. He wished she wouldn’t stare at his retreating ass. It was only making his problem worse.
Chapter Three
CADE WAITED UNTIL he had entered the woods, then broke into a run. He didn’t want to leave Tess alone for too long, and he wasn’t sure how many places he’d need to search for a cache of clothes. Though he was good about washing and replacing what he used, his brothers knew his best hiding places and weren’t afraid to take what they needed.
He wouldn’t have minded, but they hadn’t remembered to return the clothes to where they’d gotten them even once.
Coming to a huge oak with a sprawling root system, Cade knelt at its base. Trying not to throw up too much dirt, he dug under the roots. The task would have been much easier with claws, but he didn’t want to risk it.
His fingers hit what he was loo
king for. Cade exhaled as he removed a bulging plastic bag. Shaking off the dirt, he uncovered the clothes inside. Quickly, he pulled on the faded pair of jeans. He had never been happier that his parents insisted they keep these caches around.
“You hid that really well.”
He whirled to find Tess behind him, camera strap over her shoulder and sodden waders in her arms.
“Your clothes, I mean,” she continued. “Do you lose them often?”
“Often enough.” If only she knew.
He threw on the white t-shirt, curling his lip as he realized how tight it was. Was this one of Sawyer’s old shirts? It would barely fit any of them now. The shirt was tight against his skin, and his biceps threatened to tear the sleeves with his every movement.
Cade sighed. He appreciated that someone had finally decided to help replenish the cache, but couldn’t they have thrown in a bear-sized shirt? He must look ridiculous.
Tess was waiting for him to finish getting dressed, and she was looking everywhere but at him. He grimaced. Yeah, he must look absurd. He bundled the plastic bag under his arm. At least he could change soon.
“Would you like to swing by the lodge?” he asked. “I can offer you a hot shower, and the use of our dryers. That way you won’t be quite so… damp.”
She flushed. “That would be nice. Thanks.”
“That’s the least I can offer, after our stream tried to drown you.” He gestured toward her waders. “Let me carry those for you.”
“Really?” She handed them over happily. “They’re harder to carry now that they’re so slippery.”
“I think I can handle it.” He slung them over one shoulder, unconcerned about the mud that splattered his shirt. It wasn’t like anyone would be wearing it again anytime soon. “This way.” He motioned her onto a path, and they began walking.
“So your family owns a ski lodge,” she said, “and this entire mountain?”
“Yeah,” he said, trying not to let his sorrow seep into his words. “It’s pretty great.”
“Pretty great?” She stared at him. “Your family owns a mountain, and that’s all you have to say about it?”
Cade shrugged. He needed to get her onto another topic. Any other topic.
“If my family owned a mountain, I’d tell everyone. I’d print out flyers and staple them to signposts. And I don’t even like mountains that much.”
“What?” He looked at her in horror. “How could you not like mountains? Are you from the desert or something?”
Tess shrugged. “I’m from here. I guess I’ve had enough of mountains.”
Cade eyed her, wary. Who could ever have enough of mountains? “And what would you rather see?”
“The Serengeti. The Kalahari. Rhinos and leopards and elephants.”
“Oh, so are grizzlies not good enough for you anymore?” he joked.
“I still want to take a picture of one, if you can find one for me.” She smiled. “But I want to see the places my dad saw. He was so good at snapping big game pictures that he practically lived in Africa for a few years.” Tess looked at the ground. “I wish he were still here. He could give me some tips.”
“Tips on taking photos? I don’t think you need them.”
“That’s very nice of you to—”
“Now, tips on keeping your balance?” Cade interrupted. “Those you desperately need.”
“How dare you!” But then she laughed, a sound that warmed him to the core.
“Sorry,” he said. “I couldn’t help it.” He brushed back a low-hanging pine branch. “Here’s the lodge.”
She stopped dead in her tracks, mouth agape.
Cade paused beside her, pleased. Sometimes he forgot how truly grand the lodge was. It was always nice to be reminded through another’s eyes.
He had brought them around to the front. Bearview lay on a flat section of the mountainside. The main building was an octagon, a cupola perched on top of the slanting roof. Two wings branched out on either side, wraparound porches on both levels. The lodge was constructed of cedar, the wood warm and inviting. Overlooking it all, on the highest point atop the cupola, a trout weathervane turned with the breeze.
Cade drank the sight in. Somehow, Bearview Lodge made the mountain even more beautiful, adding warmth and humanity to the timeless peak. He couldn’t imagine the landscape without it.
He swallowed, his throat dry. Soon, he might have to.
“Do you want to go in?” Cade asked.
“Just a minute.” Tess raised her camera, taking a quick shot. “I might not be able to edit out the crack from the lens, but I still want a photo. This place is gorgeous.”
He led her up the winding drive, delighted that she found Bearview worthy of a photograph. Tess stared at the lodge, awed.
“This is really incredible,” she said. “I can see what you mean. If I lived here, I might not want to leave the mountains either.”
Cade held one of the heavy double doors open for her, scanning the lobby. He hoped none of his family members would be around, not after he had just stalked out of a meeting. Fortunately, it was still empty.
“This way,” he said. “You can get cleaned up in my room.”
He escorted her up the stairs, then into the north wing of the building. His room was at the end of a long hall. Sometimes, when demand was at its peak, he and his brothers all had to relinquish their rooms and squeeze into one of the old cabins on the property. But Cade never minded. He would live in one of those cramped cabins forever if he got to keep Bearview and Mount Bliss.
Cade opened the door to his room. He had expected Tess to dash to the shower, but instead she stood in the entryway, studying his living space. Cade found himself slightly unnerved. It was almost as if he was now taking a test he hadn’t prepared for.
He looked over his room, hoping nothing would give her offense. At least he had cleaned recently, so the space was immaculate. His bed dominated the room, a bear roaming through the mountains on the quilt his grandmother had made him. The sheets were neat and perfectly smooth. Cade had learned that trick over a few seasons of housekeeping when he was a teenager.
On the far wall stood a bookshelf filled with volumes on the edible plants of Wyoming, wildlife of the mountains, fishing guides, and woodworking manuals. Beside it sat a small desk with absolutely nothing on its surface.
Tess seemed to approve. She walked in, setting her camera on his desk.
“The bathroom’s in here.” He opened the door and flicked on a light. “If you want to chuck your clothes on this towel here, I can go dry them for you.”
“Thanks, Cade.” She slipped into the bathroom. “I really appreciate it.”
“Just yell when you’re behind the shower curtain,” he said, “and I can get your clothes.”
Cade heard the tap being turned, and the rush of water.
“All right,” she called. “I’ve hidden my nakedness.”
He opened the door just enough to grab her clothes. “I’ll be back soon.” Cade closed the door behind him. It took all his willpower to restrain his bear. The beast wanted him to stride inside, throw back the shower curtain and claim her.
Shaking his head, Cade tried to dislodge the daydream. He doubted she would appreciate that. They were strangers, after all. Still, it was hard to resist the thought when his bear made it seem like such a good idea.
Cade could hardly believe his luck. Just a few feet away, there was a wet, gorgeous woman, separated from him by a door and a few millimeters of plastic. He had never met anyone who had riled up the grizzly inside him so much. All he wanted was to step inside the shower with her, soap up his hands, and run them up and down her luscious body…
“Stop it,” he whispered. Forcing himself to leave the room, he trotted down the hall and down two flights of stairs to the basement. Quickly, he tossed her clothes into one of the empty dryers. Then he sank to the floor, leaning against the machine and trying to think of nothing but its warm rumble. It didn’t matter that his be
ar liked her—he doubted she would like his bear. It wasn’t as if he could tell her about the beast. She would just think he was crazy. And he would have to let her think that, rather than prove her wrong and leave her terrified.
Cade closed his eyes. His father had been unimaginably fortunate to find his mother. How many women would willingly love and trust a man who could turn into a grizzly bear? Cade could be facing a long, lonely life.
The buzz of the dryer made him jump. How long had he been sitting here? Retrieving her clothes, he climbed back up the stairs. The warmth of the dryer enhanced their scent, and he breathed in her smell with every step. By the time he reached the landing, his bear was resolute—she was the one. His fated mate.
Cade stumbled outside his door. He didn’t even believe in fate.
Slowly, attempting to compose himself, he took in a cleansing breath. He’d have to ignore the silly beast. Maybe his grizzly was just trying to distract him from the potential loss of Bearview. That, or it was going mad. The woman in his shower was just another woman, not his fated mate.
Turning the knob, Cade stepped into his room. The shower was still running. Keeping an iron grip on his bear, he set her clothes on the bed. He also needed to change, as his outfit looked ridiculous. Reaching into his closet, he rummaged until he found a clean shirt and a nice worn pair of jeans.
Cade shucked his tight clothes. Inside the bathroom, the tap squealed as Tess shut the water off. Cade heard the rustle of the shower curtain. He tried not to think about what she looked like as she reached for the towel, damp and naked…
What was happening to him? He needed to figure out some way to get his bear in line. Cade was just sliding a belt through his jeans when the bathroom door opened.
She looked like a goddess, standing there in just a towel, damp hair cascading over her collarbones. Cade stared at her. Her fresh, clean scent threatened to overwhelm him.
He could feel himself growing excited again. Cade had never been happier to be wearing pants. But should he be? Why else would she be in his room in just a towel unless she wanted him to get undressed?
“Are my clothes out here?” she asked.
