Bearly Sweet(9)
Author: Loni Ree
“My parents are going to love you. I’m pretty sure my mother already does.” He hugs me close to his body, and hunger cuts through me, making it hard to concentrate on his explanation. “But you need to realize that they won’t be around as much once we’re mated. While our family is close, bears like to keep things within their family unit.”
I’m confused, to say the least. “Huh?”
“My parents won’t stick their noses in our business like human in-laws do. We’re taught to be independent from an early age. While my family is way closer than most bear shifter families, they won’t interfere as much now that I’ve found my mate.” It’s shocking to hear this because I’ve noticed how close Thorne is to his family.
“They’re going to stop coming around because of me?” I hope our relationship isn’t placing a wedge between Thorne and his family.
“Not at all,” he reassures me. “They just want us to have time together before they interfere.”
“If you’re sure.” I couldn’t imagine losing the close bond I have with my sisters.
“I’m positive you’re the best thing that’s ever happened to me.” My heart melts at the look of love shining from his honey-hued eyes.
I’m starting to run out of questions, and it’s getting hard to remember what he’s already told me. A question pops into my mind and I ask him. “Do have tons of extended family?”
“Our family is very diverse. My dad’s brother married a polar bear from Glacier Pass. Since polar bear DNA is stronger than grizzly DNA, there’s a greater chance of having polar bear cubs. My aunt and uncle ended up with three polar bear cubs and one grizzly cub.”
“Oh, man. I’m never going to keep all this straight.” My mind is whirling from his closeness and what I’m learning.
When Thorne covers my lips with his, I realize the rest of my questions can wait. As his tongue traces my inner upper lip, I melt against his body.
When things move a little past PG rated, my cautious side reminds me that we’re in a room made of windows. A rumble moves up Thorne’s throat as I pull back slightly to ask, “Can anyone see us?”
“No. We have complete privacy out here. There isn’t another soul for miles around,” he whispers against the side of my neck before wrapping his strong arms around my body. I melt against his hard muscles while my inner hussy cheers me on. The temperature in the cool room suddenly skyrockets as I feel my blood pound in my veins. “You’re my mate. One day, I’m going to bite right here.” He runs his nose around the area at the base of my neck where my shoulder and collarbone meet. “And make you mine forever. Once that happens, I’ll never let you go.” His teeth gently close over the spot, sending electricity singing through my blood. “My bear wanted me to mark you the first day we met, but I made the asshole wait. Once I let him off his leash, it will be a long time before he comes up for air.” That sounds great to me.
I take a deep breath and tell myself to throw caution to the wind. “Why are you stalling? Make me yours forever.” I’m not even concerned that I just gave the bear shifter permission to keep me. Hello, twilight zone, your new resident is here.
“Once I seal our bond, our hearts will be tied together forever. The equivalent of a human wedding ceremony, except bears don’t do divorce.” His words send a tiny bit of fear and a whole lot of happiness soaring through me.
“I want to be your mate more than anything in the world.” I give him the words plain as day.
Thorne gently bites the back of my neck, completely blowing my mind and sending my thoughts scattering. “Just a nibble to hold my bear over until we get to the main event.” My handsome shifter lifts my chin so I’m staring into his molten honey eyes. His warm hand rubs small circles at the base of my spine, causing my words to stall in my dry throat. I nod my head yes since it’s the only gesture I’m able to make while his gaze holds me captive. I should be a little freaked out that he’s about the bite me hard, but my love for him is overriding my fear. “Make sure you’re in this with me for life.” Thorne gives me one last chance to back out, but it was too late for me the second we met. The smoking hot bear shifter stole my heart at first sight. “Once I make you mine, my bear won’t let you go even if I could. I’ll love you and protect you forever, and that means never letting you out of my sight.”
“I’ve never been surer about anything in my life, Bossy Bear.” It’s the truth. All my worries evaporated when I told Thorne to make me his.
He wraps his massive hand around mine and lifts it to his mouth for a kiss. “Thank God.” When he pulls back, I grumble my complaint.
“Before I make you mine, I want you to meet my bear.” He steps back and starts pulling off his clothes. “I have to be naked to shift or I’ll shred my clothes,” he explains.
My mouth goes dry as I stare at his naked, muscular body. Before I’m able to look my fill, his body stretches and contorts until Thorne disappears and I find myself face-to-face with a huge freaking bear. He’s stunning, I think as I reach out to run my hand through his silky fur. His dark brown eyes meet mine, and I sense Thorne’s presence in the bear form. “You’re so handsome,” I croon as he rubs his furry body against my side. “My handsome mate.”
The bear gives a little growl before Thorne shifts back to his human form. A stunning, muscular, to-die-for human.
Before I’m able to look my fill, Thorne pulls me close to his naked body. His massive erection presses against my tummy, causing me to groan. He kisses me and slides his tongue along the seam of my lips. I part my lips and draw his tongue into my mouth as fireworks explode behind my closed eyelids.
My bear shifter’s kiss turns aggressive as he tastes every inch of my mouth. I barely notice when he nibbles on my bottom lip. “I’d like to finish this in my bedroom.” Thorne lifts me into his arms, “I had this entire house built to make you happy. I had no idea who my mate was when I designed it, but I knew I’d find you one day.” My heart melts at his words. “You’re even more stunning than any fantasy my mind could’ve come up with.”
He rushes through the house and straight up the stairs. After kicking the bedroom door closed, Thorne sets me on my feet. “I’ve dreamed of this forever.”
“Me too.” I need him to hurry things along before I explode.
My mate senses my need and steps back to let me get a good look at his naked body. Wow. The muscles on his chest seem to have muscles. Thorne is built like a freaking tank. I’d be scared if he hadn’t just promised to love and protect me forever.