Page 7 of My Forever Bear

Focusing back on my phone, the line starts to ring.

“Hello?”

I’ve never been happier to hear my sister’s voice. “Syd. It’s me.”

“Oh, thank god! I was about to send a search party. What the hell happened?”

“Well… I got lost,” I admit timidly. “I was on my way back, and I had those killer blisters I showed you, and I don’t know what happened. Some guy showed up and rescued me before it got dark. I’m at his place now.”

“Some guy? In the middle of the woods! Wren, are you okay? Do I need to call the police? Is he a serial killer?”

I chuckle. “No, Syd. I’m fine. His name is Kiernan, he seems like a decent guy. I’m staying here tonight and I’ll get him to drive me to my car in the morning.”

“Drop me your location. That way, if youdodisappear, I’ll know where to send the search party.”

“Ha. Ha. Very funny. I’ll talk to you in the morning, sis. I love you.”

She sighs. “Love you, too, Wren. Be safe and please call me in the morning?”

After confirming I’ll call her tomorrow, I hang up and drop her my location on Google Maps. Sighing, I glance down at my feet. My socks and boots are mysteriously absent; fresh bandages cover my toes and heels.Kiernan.The big, burly man took the time to clean and bandage the blisters on my feet.Swoon.

I’m starting to think Kiernan isn’t justsome guy. My body reacts when he’s near; his presence alone is like a clear sky after a summer rainstorm.

It doesn’t hurt that he’s freaking gorgeous, probably the most gorgeous man I’ve ever seen. But I don't know anything about him.

Somehow, he still feels likehome.

Agroan spills from my lips, the heat of the shower water beating down on my sore muscles. “Fuck, that feels good.” The tension leaves my body as my thoughts wander to Kiernan and the grizzly bear I saw in the woods.His bear.Kiernanisthe bear. They have the same whiskey-brown eyes and dark brown hair. Logically, it makes sense. I should be afraid of this strange man, instead I’m drawn to him and his bear.

I’ve heard rumors of shifters existing, but I’ve never actually met one before. The whole thing is fascinating, being able to shift into a wild animal at a whim. Mind reeling, I have so many questions for him and he seems open to answering them. When did he first shift? Are there other shifters like him?

Wrapping my fingers around the smooth handle, I turn the water off. Reaching for a towel as I step out of the shower stall.

Holy crap!This is the biggest towel I’ve ever seen. It wraps around my body twice with some left over. Makes sense. I mean, Kiernan is a big guy.

He’s left some clothes and a hairbrush on the counter. Once I’m dry, I pull his t-shirt over my head; I’m instantly engulfed in his intoxicating woodsy scent. He smells like crisp fresh air and warm cedar.Yum.

The t-shirt comes to rest at the middle of my thighs, so it’s more like a dress. I’ve never seen a man as large as Kiernan. He has to be well over six feet tall. Everything about him is massive and thickly muscled; from his broad chest and boulder shoulders to his enormous feet. I wonder if he’s proportionateeverywhere?Is his cock massive, too? Will it hurt? Will it even fit? My pussy clenches at the thought.

My heart flutters remembering the way he caged me in against the kitchen counter earlier, towering over my five-foot-seven frame. Such heat and possessiveness in those dark eyes. I'd wanted to climb him like a tree right then and there. Why am I so drawn to him?

Shaking my head, I pull myself from my lustful thoughts. “Get a grip, girl.Stop thinking with your vagina,” I reprimand, my giggle filling the steamy bathroom air.

I finish getting dressed in the sweatpants and thick wool socks Kiernan left for me. Tying the sweatpants as tight as I can and rolling the legs up at the bottom. Not the most attractive, but I’m clean and warm. I run the brush through my towel-dried hair and quickly braid it down my back. My stomach rumbles. Huh, I didn’t realize I was so hungry.

Once I’m dressed, I wander to the kitchen in search of Kiernan. The scent of savory spices wafts through the air, causing saliva to pool in my mouth.

Standing in the doorway, I weigh my options. I can grab my boots, make a run for the front door and take my chances in the cold all night. Hoping I stumble my way back to my car in the dark.

Or, I can stay here, with this strange, giant man. The cabin is warm and cozy. Whatever he’s cooking smells divine. Plus, I'll have a place to get some sleep before starting out again in the morning.

Kiernan hasn’t done anything to show he’s dangerous. On the contrary, he’s been nothing but hospitable and kind. My gut screams for me to trust him and stay the night.

“Something smells delicious,” I say as I approach him. His back is to me; his muscles flex beneath the fabric of his dark green t-shirt while he stirs a large black pot on the stovetop.Damn.I should not be lusting after this man I met a few hours ago.

“I hope you’re not picky. We’re having venison stew and homemade bread tonight. Is that okay?”

“Sounds great. I’m starving after being in the woods all day. Umm, can I do anything to help?” My voice comes out higher pitched than normal. I cough, trying to clear the nerves from my system, my face heating.Fuck, why am I so nervous? Can he tell I’m nervous?

---