Page 28 of Having the Bear's Baby

“She sounds like an incredible woman. Was she a medicine woman?” she asked.

“Yes, of sorts. Nothing official, but there were not many ailments she couldn’t treat. Most of the clan went to her at some point or other, wanting cures or potions.”

“I would’ve liked to have met her,” Emma said. “The way you talk, I take it she has passed on?”

“Yes, several years ago now. My mother carries on a lot of the traditions,” he replied. “But she became a matriarch when she mated with my father, so she doesn’t have much time to dedicate to it.” He wondered if his mother would continue with his grandmother’s tradition once Emma was matriarch. When he persuaded her to take her place as his fated mate.

After dinner, they lit a fire out back. The night was beautiful and warm. It was as if every star in the heavens was shining just for them. The air was crisp and clear. His bear could smell the rich loam of summer strongly. He could even smell the river that rushed and crashed down in the gorge below as it made its way to cascade tumultuously into the lake at the head of the valley.

They talked and laughed for a while, sitting shoulder to shoulder and gazing into the flames. “Would you like to see my bear self?” he asked after a while.

She stiffened next to him, and a waft of her fear and trepidation filled his nostrils. “I don’t know,” she said.

“I promise he won’t hurt you,” Liam assured her quickly. “I can feel him inside wanting to come out and meet you.”

“Really?” she asked. “He’d like to meet me?”

“Of course,” laughed Liam. “I’ve been trying to stop myself shifting ever since I met you. My bear side is curious about you. He wants to say hello.”

“Wow, well, okay then,” she said shyly. “I’d love to meet him.”

Liam was so pleased. He undressed and shifted in front of her, watching her face for her reaction. He wanted her to accept him in both his forms. He was pleased to see only wonder in her eyes as he showed her his animal side.

“Hello, Liam the bear,” she said. “I’m very pleased to meet you.” She stood and held out a hesitant hand. She was clearly not sure of the protocol here.

He stepped forward, lowering his head so she could stroke his face. A smile curved the edges of her perfect cupid bow lips. “You are magnificent,” she whispered.

He moved his head even closer so he could take in the intoxicating scent of her, causing her to laugh. He stood very still as she walked around him, running her hands through his fur. “This is so incredible,” she said. “Thank you for showing me this side of you.”

He licked her hand in response, making her giggle. She tasted like salt and tantalizing pheromones. His bear loved her.

When she was done looking him over, he shifted back into his human self. They spent the rest of the night talking about how he perceived the world when he was a bear. She wanted to know everything.

ELEVEN

EMMA

The day started crisp and clear. The sky was a perfect azure from edge to edge. It was the kind of day where it felt good to be alive.

They had set out early to go on a hike. Liam had packed a picnic and carried it all in a backpack as he walked ahead of her. They didn’t appear to be following a trail, but Liam seemed to know exactly where he was going.

Occasionally, he would stop and point out wildlife she had no idea was there. A deer one time, a skunk another. There was even a coyote that they passed not five yards away. It sat happily grooming itself in the sun, oblivious to their passing. The world came alive when she was out with Liam. He instinctively knew what to look out for and what to avoid as they made a small detour one time to pass a snake.

As they progressed down the hill, the going got steeper and more precarious. Several times, he had to stop and help her over the rocks. The sight that greeted her, however, made it all worthwhile.

The land opened into a wide, clear mountain lake. The river tumbled into it at one end in a cascade of waterfalls from the gorge above. The lake beneath churned with fury at the sheer volume of water entering it. As the water spread, it calmed until it got to the point where Liam and Emma stood, where it lapped gently at their feet.

The light playing through the spray formed rainbows around the waterfall, making it look like a magical wonderland. “This is incredible,” she told him. “It’s like a piece of heaven right here on Earth.”

“I knew you’d like it,” he said. “It’s my special place. I discovered it a few years ago. I’ve never seen anyone else here.”

Emma gasped. “It’s like your very own secret lake. How romantic.”

That made Liam laugh, a low rumble that brought out his bear side. “It’s our secret lake now,” he said.

She liked the sound of that.

“Come on,” he said. “There’s a perfect picnic spot over here.”

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