Page 14 of Bear It All
“What she is, is priceless. Elements are rare, and should be protected and treasured, not threatened. You have brought shame to your people, Bianca Harrington. Now, I am here to make sure you pay the price.” His voice was melodic and threatening. The hairs on my arm stood on edge.
“Your Highness. Thank you for meeting with us,”I muttered as Mikhail tucked me closer to his side.
“My Nettie speaks highly of you, and once I heard what this one has done, intervention was necessary. I will take care of her from here,” he said, grabbing Bianca’s wrist.
“What do you think you’re doing? Get off of me. My parents will hear about this. You can’t just take me!” Bianca was shrieking, all composure gone.
Eldon looked down at her drolly before replying in a booming voice.“If her worthless parents have an issue with this, tell them to call upon the Fae King, if they dare.”
“Thank you, sir,” Mikhail replied. With a nod of acknowledgment, Eldon locked Bianca to his chest as his golden wings stretched out. Before we could say goodbye, he shot off into the air, taking her with him.
Suddenly, the two of us were alone in the forest, and the energy from our connection overflowed between us.
“Follow me, Little Storm. My bear is anxious for a proper introduction.” Taking his hand, I blindly followed Misha as he led us through the dense trees. When we arrived at the lake where Bianca had last targeted me, I was slightly unsure.
Before I could ask what was going on, my mouth went dry as Misha quickly stripped out of his shirt and pants. Standing naked in front of me in all his muscular glory, heat bloomed within me. Mikhail approached me, circling me with teasing touches and near caresses before stepping away. I watched,mesmerized, as he shifted, his image blurring and contorting as a giant polar bear stood where Mikhail had been. The animal made a chuffing sound before approaching me, rubbing against me. I couldn’t help the laugh that went through me as I slowly ran my hands over the giant bear.
I could feel his approval and contentment at my touch. He gave my shirt a gentle nip before going to sit at the water’s edge. I frowned, confused at the move. In his bear form, we were still connected, but the emotions were broader, less defined. Protection and care were the strongest emotions. He looked back at the water, then to me, and his intent became clear; he was my guardian, nothing and no one would get to me again.
If I wanted to go for a swim, he would stand there and protect me. I would never have to worry about getting cornered alone again. Warmth and love suffused me, and I ran over, throwing my arms around Misha’s bear. Having that large, wild beast at my side was incredible. I couldn’t believe it was real, that he was mine.
Nudging me toward the water, the message was clear.
Play, exercise, use your powers. You are safe.
I quickly stripped down and dove in, marveling at the new feeling of freedom and security. After nearly half an hour of swimming around, I turned to the shore to check on Mikhail, but my furry guardianwas nowhere to be found. I scanned the shore for his presence, and a glimpse of white hair swimming toward me caught my eye.
Mikhail had shifted back into his human form and was making his way over to me. I treaded water, eyeing his long arms and smooth strokes as he met me in the deeper water. Once he was close enough, my mate grabbed me, and I instantly wrapped my limbs around him. Our bodies were slick from the water, goose bumps breaking out where the air touched my skin. I felt weightless, anchored to the earth by Mikhail.
Soft touches and gentle caresses turned urgent as he squeezed me closer, kissing me as if he were on his last breath. My fingers scraped through his hair and down his back, an animalistic urge to mate and mark him growing stronger within me. Mikhail deftly maneuvered us until he was sliding inside me, his thick cock slowly pressing against my insides as my walls clenched around him.
He pulled my legs around his waist until he was fully seated inside of me, no space between us. The sounds of our frantic mating merged with the music of nature and night. Just like the other times we had come together, it was wild and untamed, brutal and relentless, and I fucking loved it. I needed that man more than I had ever thought was possible, and I trusted him with everything I was, everything that was precious to me.
I knew he would keep his word, that it would mortally wound him to disappoint me. His love, hisneed to protect and provide, radiated through him and into me. I was no longer alone, and I never would be again.
“Mine. My mate, my love,” Misha groaned in my ear. I clutched him tighter to me, tears leaking out of my eyes from pleasure and emotion.
“I love you, Misha. My mate,” I whispered back, and saw his eyes light up at my acknowledgment.
His teeth found their spot in my neck, and as soon as they broke the skin, I came on a loud yell. My body convulsed and clenched around Mikhail, and I was afraid I wouldn’t be able to make it back to shore. It wasn’t something I had to worry about as he practically dragged me out of the water, dried me off, and dressed me like I was a rag doll. Sated and tired, I felt him lift me into his arms, and I fell asleep as he once again carried me back to the castle.
Epilogue
Mikhail
The semester came to an end, and I was excited to bring Freya home with me. My parents were beyond eager to meet her, unsatisfied with the regular video calls they had already had with her. Shortly after Eldon took care of Bianca, Freya received a letter from her mother, assuring her she was safe and happy to hear about our mating. I knew my girl missed her dearly.
As promised, my clan had gone above and beyond to set up a safe haven for any Elements seeking a home and protection. Small cottages on large swaths of land were built within the perimeter of our territory. Alma, Freya’s mother, was the first arrival. She had been there for over a week at that point, getting her space set up and contacting other Elements to coordinate their arrivals.
Both my mother and Alma swore me to secrecy, wanting to see Freya’s face in person for the first time in months rather than over a phone. So, while my mate bustled about, packing and unpacking the same bag, my bear huffed in frustration. He didn’tlike lying, and he didn’t like the idea of having to share Freya’s attention with so many people.
Halloween had proven to be a pivotal night for several of the students, but nothing could top the night we had—the night we became true mates. Since that moment, we had only grown stronger. No longer forced to hide in the shadows, to repress her powers, Freya was flourishing. We were connected through our mating link, and it was a gift to feel her thrive.
One of the biggest reasons I couldn’t wait to get her home was the freedom it would provide us. At Bartholomew, we could go out at times, revel in our power, and play. But we still had to be careful, aware of our surroundings. On clan lands, the sky was the limit. I couldn’t wait for Freya to unleash, to see the absolute magnificence of her untethered strength.
Father had sent a private plane, and Freya’s wide-eyed expression when we boarded made the whole trip. Once we were up in the air, I showed her the cabin with a bed. There, we made use of several hours of our flight.
Freya eventually fell asleep. I tucked her into my side, enjoying having her so close. I was going to propose that week, in front of her family and mine. She would meet her new family, and they would get to meet their new alphas. I was excited to show off my mate, and I knew she would be a ruthless but fair ruler.
