by Morgan Rae
Holly shook her head, her heart sinking. “I don’t know.” She’d come this far, she’d found the medallion, but now, she had no idea how to harness its power and reverse the effect. Or if she could reverse it at all. Maybe it only worked before he turned into a bear…maybe it was too little, too late, and now he was lost to her. The thought was almost more than she could take and Holly held on to the talisman as she took a step towards Jacob.
She stopped when Brent snagged her arm. “That ain’t Jacob,” he told her. “That’s his Beast. The same one that’s been caged up inside of him all this time. He might not be so nice.”
“I can handle him,” Holly said firmly, even when she saw the reluctance in Brent’s eyes. “Trust me.”
He couldn’t argue with that. Brent took a step back and then said, “I’m right behind you.” She saw the golden flash in his eyes, ready to protect his Alpha’s mate, even if that meant protecting her from his Alpha.
Jacob’s bear was huffing, head hanging, and pacing with heavy steps. Holly could see a limp on one of his legs and it made her stomach twist up, knowing that he was hurt and there was nothing she could do about that, not unless he let her get close.
“Jacob…” Holly whispered as she stepped closer.
The animal turned on her and growled.
Holly lifted her palms up towards him, a small peace treaty. “It’s just me,” she murmured, keeping her movements slow and deliberate so not to spook him. “Holly.” He panted wetly, dark eyes flashing gold. Carefully, Holly drew her long red hair back to reveal the scar on the side of her throat, his bite mark forever on her skin. “I’m your mate,” she said, firmly now. “You know me, baby.”
The bear grunted and hung its head suddenly, as though it were ashamed. It stepped backwards, into the shadowy recesses of the cave as though it meant to disappear completely, away from Holly.
She knew those eyes. The weight of guilt and fear in them. Now, it was as though there was no one else here but Holly and Jacob, trapped in the burly form of a bear. Gently, Holly lowered herself to her knees and sat down. He would have to come to her now.
“You don’t have to hide,” she said and then added, “You can’t hide from me. I know you. And I love you. I love all of you, even the parts you aren’t proud of. Unconditionally. Maybe we’ve never been normal or like everyone else, but I don’t want normal. I want you. I want this baby. I want our family.”
His grunts and growls stopped, replaced by the soft beat of his breath. He was listening.
Maybe, before she came to Red Moon Ranch, Holly would have trembled with fear to be this close to a hulking, full-grown black bear that could take her head off with one clean swipe of his paw. Instead, she felt nothing but calm in her heart, and strength, as though all of her fear and anxiety had belonged to another woman, or in another life, perhaps. “I’m not scared of you,” she said and then, as though to prove it, extended her hand, reaching out to him. “Come out where I can see you.”
A moment passed. Holly heard the waves crashing below, and a gull cried out in the distance. Finally, the bear let out a huff, and a grunt, and then, slowly, ambled out from the shadows of the cave. In the pool of sunlight, she could see his shaggy black fur, his soft brown muzzle, and his round ears flattened back. Where before he had seemed capable of tearing the cave down stone by stone, now he seemed gentle, tamed. He sniffed her hand once and then took a step closer. Holly gasped when she felt the large animal nuzzle the side of her face and breathe in her hair…just like Jacob. Holly felt her eyes burn and she closed them, a few stray tears escaping as she clung to his neck and buried her face in his fur.
“I love you,” she whispered. The bear let out a small noise deep in his throat, as though he were trying to form the words to return to her.
Please, God, she prayed to herself. Bring my husband back to me.
Then Holly felt it, like a weight off her chest.
No. A literal weight off her chest.
She glanced down and her breath caught when she saw the talisman on the ground. The string was frayed as though it had simply snapped and fallen off her neck. She turned the star around and saw that the gem in the middle had somehow cracked, a hairline split running straight through it. When Holly brushed her thumb against the gem, it fell apart under her finger, small iridescent shards sprinkling the stone floor.
The bear jerked away from her suddenly. He shook his large head and paced, growling, barking, as though he was in pain. “Jacob!” Holly called out. Worry suddenly cinched around her heart, and she started to run to him, but Brent caught her by the arms and held her back.
“Wait, darling,” he said. “Just wait.”
Holly watched as the bear tossed himself back and forth, blindly, and her heart hammered in her chest, terrified that he’d pace straight off the ledge. Then, finally, he collapsed, heaving.
Bones snapped. His form shrunk. His black fur receded to a wild mane on his head, trickling down his chest. He was bruised, bleeding, but he was Jacob, human, and Holly felt tears sting again as hot relief thudded in her chest.
“Jacob!” she cried out and ran to him as soon as Brent released her. He was already trying to pry himself off the ground when she dropped and wrapped her arms around him, pulling him into a tight hug. Too tight—he groaned, and she loosened her hold and let out a short laugh. He curled up around her and held her to him, their foreheads touching.
“I love you too,” he murmured when he could finally catch his breath.
She stroked his hair back from his face. “You came back to me.”
“All thanks to you,” he said. “Thank God I married a teacher.”
Holly let out a small laugh at that, nuzzling against him. She felt the rough scruff on his chin as she nuzzled in, loving his warmth, all Jacob. “Let’s go home,” she murmured.
He nodded, though they were far both too spent to move from their spot and they lingered in each other’s arms a moment longer as the waves settled to a low gurgle below.
Chapter 74
Getting back up the side of the cliff proved even more harrowing than going down, especially since Jacob could barely put his weight on his bad leg and kept slipping. Brent remained under him to keep him moving forward and Holly scrambled up ahead of them to help pull the two up once they’d made it to the top.
Trish and Cayden were right where Holly had left them, sitting over the edge of the cliff. When Miranda failed to come out of the cave, Cayden kept his head down, staring at the ocean below. Holly noticed and gave Jacob a nudge, who nodded and limped over to the young man.
“Is she gone?” Cayden asked without looking up.
Jacob crouched down to be level with the boy, though it clearly hurt to do so—Holly saw him wince. “Yes,” he said somberly. “We fought. She slipped off the edge.”
Cayden said nothing, but his jaw tightened. Holly kept her distance, but to her, it looked like he was trying to keep his composure.
“This fight ends here,” Jacob continued, keeping his voice firm. “My clan doesn’t want a war. We don’t want to struggle over territory. We just want to live our lives quietly as a family.”
“Easy for you to say,” Cayden finally spat, his words barbed.
Holly crouched down beside Jacob then and reached out to put her hand on Cayden’s shoulder. “You’re not a bad person, Cayden,” she said. “No one is happy about how this ended. You have a place at the ranch if you want it.”
She glanced at Jacob—right?—and he turning back to Cayden and nodded. “So long as you’re willing to start fresh.”
Cayden kept his eyes locked on the waves below. “You need to go,” he hissed. “Now.”
Jacob pushed himself up and Holly, reluctantly, followed beside him. Jacob leaned against her as he limped to the truck.
“It’s done,” Jacob said heavily. “It’s over.”
Holly squeezed his arm reassuringly, but she wasn’t sure it was over. There was Cayden. Brent. Trish. All the dust still ha
d to settle. But for now, she had Jacob, alive and human, and she had their baby. And with her Alpha man beside her and new life stirring inside of her, they could conquer any challenge that came their way.
“Boss!” Trish hopped beside them and began to plead with Jacob. “I would like to stay here for tonight. Please. Maybe longer. Just to make sure he’s okay.”
“Is that okay with Cayden?” Jacob grunted.
Trish’s head bobbed rapidly as she nodded.
“Alright,” he said. “Keys’re in the truck. Your mom isn’t gonna like it.”
“Thank you.” Trish pressed a small kiss to the side of her face before bouncing off to be with Cayden.
“They’re a strange match,” Holly said absently as she unlocked the Buggy and helped Jacob into the passenger seat.
“I’ve seen stranger,” he said and the corners of his eyes crinkled, amused, as he gave her a pointed look.
She smiled. Couldn’t argue with that.
Brent tumbled into the backseat and collapsed. “I need a beer,” he groaned. “Or twenty. And a new hat.”
Holly started up the car. Jacob was also winding down, his body completely exhausted by his Beast, and he slumped against the door.
“I met your father,” Holly said as they drove.
“Tell me all about it,” Jacob mumbled against the window before promptly falling asleep.
Chapter 75
There was little more dangerous than carrying an open beer through Red Moon Ranch. Lilah, the newest honeypot with soft blond hair and skin not yet damaged by the harsh Californian sun, learned this the hard way. Despite having been on the ranch for almost a week now, she still refused to walk in anything but heels and they jabbed little divots into the soft ground as she walked, balancing the Black Horn beer precariously on a platter.
“Aw, darling, you shouldn’t have,” Brent said as he swiped the beer from her.
“I didn’t,” she said, though she smiled. “It’s not for you, Mr. Brent.”
“Well, maybe I can ask for something later.” He winked at her.
Cassidy turned up beside him and scoffed. “You ain’t James Bond, Brent. Leave the pretty girl alone so she can do her job.” And she whapped him over the back of the head. Then she took the beer from his hands and lifted it to her lips.
“I’m afraid it’s not for you either, ma’am,” Lilah said quickly, before she could take a single swallow.
Cassidy shot the young girl a look and then said, “Well, ain’t you a tease.”
With that, she set the beer back down on the platter.
Lilah pursed her lips, amused, and swiveled her hips as she walked away.
It wasn’t long before her beer was swept up again. The blond-headed boy took it from the tray as though he simply expected everything belonged to him. Before Lilah could open her mouth, however, she heard the shout, “Cayden! No!”
Chastised like a dog, he scowled and dropped the beer heavily back on the platter.
“Not while we’re babysitting!” The bear-girl came up to him, a small bundle tucked in her arms.
“The baby can have one too,” he protested.
The young woman shrugged. “I’d really appreciate it if you helped me. I’ll make it worth it.” They exchanged wicked smiles before the two dashed off.
The path once more clear, beer yet unharmed, Lilah soldiered on. She could see the end in sight, the porch to matron Mama Mae’s house so close now.
Her heel clung to an especially soft patch of ground, pulling her back, and she squeaked as she nearly fell backwards, beer teetering. Strong hands caught her, and the beer, and she blinked up at her savior. He wore a thick beard and unkempt hair, all streaked with silver, and he had a wild edge that frightened her, but kind eyes that crinkled around the edges.
“Thank you, Mr. Westmore,” she whispered, embarrassed.
“Those shoes will kill you,” he growled, his voice raspy, like he hadn’t used it in a while. The old man righted her and handed her drink back to her.
Lilah brushed herself off and moved to the porch. She could see him fully now, Jacob Westmore, in all his glory. Dressed casually in worn denim pants and a plaid shirt, loose enough at the top that a smattering of dark curls could poke through. Strong, all man, with a dangerous edge of Beast that glowed in his eyes from time to time—he was the epitome of an Alpha.
Lilah took in a deep breath, composing herself, and then held her head high with purpose and crossed the threshold onto the porch—
“I’ve got it.” Before she could get hardly two feet onto the porch, Holly had somehow appeared out of nowhere. She smiled easily at the stunned honeypot as she gingerly plucked the bottle of Black Horn beer from her tray.
“I can…do that for you,” Lilah fumbled.
Again, that soft smile, eyebrows knit almost sympathetically. “You’re new, aren’t you?”
“Yes, ma’am.”
“You’re very sweet. Thank you, dear. But nothing touches my husband’s lips that doesn’t come through me first.”
The honeypot stood there briefly, mouth agape, but then dropped her eyes respectfully to the Alpha’s mate, muttered an apology, and scattered.
Chapter 76
Holly watched with amusement as the girl scurried off, then turned to make her way back to the table. She’d learn her place soon enough. Holly stepped behind Jacob, wrapped her arm around his chest and then held his beer out for him. He took it, pleased, and tilted his head back to say, “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.” He gave her a small kiss before Holly unwound herself from him and moved to her place beside him at the round porch table. Her eyes caught Cassidy’s in the distance, who smirked at her and gave her a wink of approval. Satisfied, Holly simply settled in beside her man.
“I just can’t believe it,” Alice was saying, apparently midthought.
“Can’t believe what?” Holly asked and glanced at Jacob as he took a swallow from his beer bottle. What had he told Alice while she was gone…?
“This place,” Alice said, gesturing to it dramatically. “It’s like some kind of dream ranch.” Holly’s nerves settled back into her skin. Ever since Alice had stepped off the plane yesterday to pay Holly a visit and see the new addition, she hadn’t been able to stop taking about the ranch.
“Been in the family for generations,” Jacob said.
“It’s something else, right?” Holly said, falling into easy girl talk with her best friend. “I think I fell in love with the ranch before I fell for Jacob.”
Alice broke into laughter and Holly couldn’t help but join in, even when Jacob shot her that dark You’re in trouble, missy look. The look that usually landed her over his knees with a blushing bottom.
“Is that right?” he said, amused.
Holly shrugged coyly. She liked pushing his buttons, but she didn’t want to get into too much trouble. She knew just how talented he was at making it impossible for her to sit still.
The sound of screeching broke through her thoughts. “Holly, I think Jane wants you.” Trish appeared behind Holly suddenly, holding a squirming bundle in her arms.
“Oooh, let me see her,” Holly cooed, easing the baby into her arms. Jane, tiny, pink, with her daddy’s dark eyes and Holly’s inquisitive stare, settled down into her mother’s arms, blinking big eyes back up at her. “What’s wrong, princess?” Holly asked as she cupped the baby’s face, brushing away tiny tears, soothing her.
Jacob leaned over, gave an animal growl, and nibbled her tiny toes. Jane suddenly burst into shrieks of laughter, little legs kicking. Just when Holly thought she couldn’t fit any more love inside of her, her heart swelled another size.
“I think she’s just tired,” Holly said, glancing up at Trish. “Maybe put her down if you can, when you get a chance.”
“Sure. I’ve got her crib all set up in my room.”
“God, she’s so precious,” Alice cooed, reaching out to touch the soft hair on top of her head. “I could just eat her up
.”
Jane, who was used to large crowds of people and her big, affectionate clan and family, kept her big eyes trained on her mother. Holly leaned down and pressed a kiss to her soft head as Jane’s eyes grew heavy. “I love you,” she murmured.
Jacob, too, leaned over to kiss his girl goodnight. “I love you, acorn.”
Trish scooped little Jane back up in her arms and murmured, “C’mon, little cub,” as she carried her off.
Jacob lifted his eyebrows to Holly and nodded in Trish’s direction. “What’s that about?”
“Trish said she’d babysit Jane tonight.”
“Pro bono?”
Holly shrugged. “Someone’s got to put that girl through college. Elmswood isn’t cheap.”
“You guys working on another yet?” Alice asked, ever nosey.
Holly shrugged, but her smile gave her away. “We’re not…not working in it.”
“So, the sex is pretty mind-blowing, huh?”
“Alice!” Holly laughed, hand over her mouth.
But then her eyes caught on Jacob and her laughter quieted and died. He was looking straight at her, light grin playing on his lips, when he said simply, “Best I’ve ever had.”
Holly felt a warm, crimson blush crawl up her neck and bloom in her cheeks. She hoped the dying sunlight might hide it, but then she saw that look in Jacob’s eyes, animal and predatory. For half a second, she feared he might launch himself at her, pin her down to the porch, and put a second child in her right then and there. She squeezed her thighs together and felt her panties already grow damp. She feared she might let him.
“That’s a good man,” Alice said, breaking Holly out of her daze. “You know, to this day, Brad still swears his best sex was some floozy he went to prom with. Love that man to pieces, but sometimes he can be so thick. Like, hello, wife here.”
“Alice,” Holly said, squeezing her friend’s hand, “I hate to do this, but I’m exhausted from teaching all day…I have to hit the sack.”
“Fine,” Alice sighed. “Abandon me. I get it.”
