Page 31 of The Bear's Fated Mate
She leaned her forehead against his. “Thank you. And thanks for helping me deal with the unwanted guests.”
Annoyance shot across his face, but he kept his bear under control. “Believe me, I get how frustrating it is to have someone dictate matters involving your private life.”
Inside, her wolf bumped against her, squirming with worry. What if there’s someone he’s supposed to be with? Someone not us.
Lara calmed her inner beast the best she could even as she scrambled for the strength to put words to her worry. “Someone out there demanding you get hitched?”
He laid his hands on her hips and made a face. “I told you this was my first official mating fever. I’d planned to avoid it this year as well, but due to some manipulation by my gramps, my brothers and I all agreed we’d let nature run its course.” He held up a hand and placed a finger over her lips before she could ask a question. “Don’t worry, you’re not going to end up stuck with me. That was one good realization we had after James hooked up with Kaylee. Yes, my bear likes you, but there’s no fear of us ending up mated without both our human sides agreeing we want to go all in.”
Lara was speechless, her brain looping a million miles an hour. It was confirmation of what Kaylee had told her in passing, but to know that Alex had deliberately sought her out for sex knowing the end result would not be permanent—
The bit of hope that had been building over the past days snuffed out with a whimper.
It had been a fool’s dream anyway, but they’d been getting along so well Lara had begun to hope that maybe there was a chance for more.
Alex had been honest and up-front the entire time. He’d said it was a one-shot deal, and she’d accepted that going in. And thingshadchanged between them. They were no longer adversaries but were now working together. That part was good.
Inside, her wolf made a noise remarkably like a heart shredding in two.Not enough. Friends is not enough. Want my mate.
I know, baby. I know.
Then Lara pulled herself together because that’s what she always did. She’d celebrate the relationship they’d built. The chance to be with him for the next few days was the crumb she would accept and enjoy with everything in her.
She dragged her palms against the scruff on his chin and focused on the bit gnawing at her that she could verbalize. “If you plan to eviscerate your grandfather at any time, I’m available to help.”
His laughter rang loud and clear through the luxurious suite. “He’s a bastard, but we like him breathing. It’s hard to hate the old man when he’s positive he’s being charming.”
“Just saying, if you decide to get vengeance, I have your back.”
Alex rubbed his nose alongside hers, his smile brightening the air around them with clear amusement. “Bloodthirsty vixen. I like that about you. I promise we’ll work together, now with your pack, and down the road to give Gramps a hard time.” He caught her wrist and slowly pulled her hand down his body, her palm sliding over ripped abdominal muscles and heading south. “Also, I promise nothing I do is everhalf-cocked.”
The thick length under her hand was perfect proof. “Proper protocol usually requires shaking hands on the deal.”
Alex growled before pressing his fingers around hers in encouragement. “Let me help you with that.”
* * *
Four hours later,their cooperative initiative hit a snag.
After checking out, they had gotten into their own vehicles and driven back to Yellowknife. Lara had followed Alex back to his apartment where they took a short interlude to deal with the mating fever that had bloomed fiery hot during their brief time in separate vehicles. A.k.a. Alex pouncing on her the instant they got through the door. The heated session had left his living room furniture tipped over, an area rug bunched up under the dining room table, and a full body outline of her sweaty naked torso imprinted on the living room window.
Alex and the mating fever did not skip an opportunity. Lara was rather impressed.
Then they’d both shifted and gone exploring for a couple of hours. Her wolf had been delighted to move uninhibitedly through his territory. In his massive bear form, Alex had seemed utterly relaxed as they strolled beside the river and lazed in the afternoon sunshine. She’d curled up beside him and rested her chin on his paws, his warm breath rolling over her as he stared back at her.
Gentle. So very gentle as he playfully attempted to bat at her while she danced around him, far too agile to be caught.
It had been wonderful to play together as wolf and bear, and it eased a little of the pain still tearing at her heart.
Between the sex and the time in their animal forms, Lara had hoped it would be enough to keep him somewhat in control as she drove them to the pack house, and he seemed calm enough as she pulled into the parking space.
But by the time they got out of the car and she joined him on the sidewalk leading to the main entrance, Alex’s eyes were fully bear.
It didn’t help that a crowd had gathered on the front porch. Unfamiliar faces for the most part—and a rather handsome lot to be honest. But being confronted by six alpha male wolves didn’t help Alex keep his temper in control.
Lara slipped her fingers into his, tugging to stop their forward motion. “How are you doing?” she asked quietly.
“Fantastic.” The word was as close to a growl as could escape a human throat.
